Make My Heart Malt
by Gia Stevens
A sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…
Dessa should have been mine… until my brother kissed her first.
Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother. So, when I receive a wedding invitation with his name embossed on the front, it feels like a fastball to the heart. But it turns out, my unrequited crush isn’t the blushing bride after all.
Now’s my only chance to make amends for my past mistakes and give her the kiss I’ve desperately been holding onto. Unfortunately, she thwarts my efforts with each drink she throws at me.
When we find ourselves locked in a storage room, we’re forced to hash out the real reason I left town—and it wasn’t for baseball. Turns out, there’s a fine line between anger and passion and it doesn’t take long for her to scream my name.
Even after hitting third base, she still hates me. However, I’m determined to prove I’m not the man who ghosted her all those years ago. This time I’m not walking away.
My last game ended in a devastating miss—costing us the world championship, but this is one game I refuse to lose.
Because when it comes to Dessa… I’m playing for keeps.
Make My Heart Malt is an unrequited crush, former best friend turned enemies, sports romance. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud one minute and swoon the next in this steamy standalone romcom. The Brews and Flings series is a spin-off of the Harbor Highlands series. You’ll see a lot of familiar characters but also new ones. Each book in the Brews and Flings series is set in the same world, and delivers a guaranteed happily ever after.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Gia Stevens' Make My Heart Malt is a delightful addition to the contemporary romance genre, offering readers a captivating blend of humor, tension, and heartfelt emotion. This standalone novel, part of the Brews and Flings series, skillfully navigates the complex dynamics of unrequited love, friendship, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of a sports romance.
The story centers around the protagonist, whose long-standing infatuation with his former best friend, Dessa, is reignited when he discovers she is not the one marrying his brother. This revelation sets the stage for a compelling narrative that explores themes of missed opportunities, personal growth, and the transformative power of love. The protagonist's journey is marked by a desire to rectify past mistakes and prove his worth, both to himself and to Dessa.
One of the novel's standout features is its character development. Stevens excels at crafting multi-dimensional characters who are both relatable and engaging. The protagonist is portrayed with a depth that allows readers to empathize with his internal struggles and root for his redemption. His evolution from a man burdened by regret to one determined to seize his second chance is both believable and inspiring.
Dessa, on the other hand, is a strong, independent character who is not easily swayed by the protagonist's attempts at reconciliation. Her initial resistance and the subsequent thawing of her defenses are depicted with nuance, making her a compelling counterpart to the protagonist. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their interactions are laced with a tension that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
The novel's hate-to-lovers trope is executed with finesse, providing a satisfying balance of conflict and resolution. Stevens masterfully captures the fine line between anger and passion, creating moments that are both humorous and heartwarming. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding an element of levity that enhances the overall reading experience.
In terms of thematic exploration, Make My Heart Malt delves into the idea of second chances and the courage it takes to confront one's past. The protagonist's journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the importance of taking risks in the pursuit of happiness. This theme is further reinforced by the sports metaphor woven throughout the narrative, emphasizing the notion that life, much like a game, requires perseverance and determination.
The novel also benefits from its well-crafted setting, which serves as a vibrant backdrop for the unfolding drama. The sports element adds an additional layer of excitement, appealing to fans of the genre while also providing a unique context for the characters' interactions. Stevens' attention to detail in depicting the world of sports enhances the authenticity of the story, making it a compelling read for both romance enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike.
Comparatively, Make My Heart Malt shares thematic similarities with other popular works in the romance genre, such as Sally Thorne's The Hating Game and Christina Lauren's The Unhoneymooners. Like these novels, Stevens' work combines humor, romance, and personal growth, resulting in a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. However, Stevens distinguishes herself with her unique voice and the seamless integration of sports elements, setting her novel apart in a crowded field.
Overall, Make My Heart Malt is a delightful read that offers a perfect blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth. Gia Stevens has crafted a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking, with characters that linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of sports romance or simply enjoy a well-told love story, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain.
In conclusion, Make My Heart Malt is a testament to Gia Stevens' talent as a romantic comedy author. Her ability to weave together humor, tension, and heartfelt emotion results in a story that is both entertaining and impactful. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and exploration of universal themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.
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