The Tip-Off by Rebecca Jenshak

The Tip-Off by Rebecca Jenshak

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ah Zeke, I have been waiting and waiting for your story and man were you worth the wait. This quiet, strong, commanding man who has been in the background of the first 2 stories in the series, makes his debut in bold fashion. Taking his story and running it to its full potential hitting all the mystery and backstory we were looking for from him.

Zeke aka Z, is a good friend to you if you’re lucky enough to get on his good side. He is loyal, forgiving, noble and more. Living in the “white house” with his basketball family has been everything he’s looked for and needed. And now with the NBA draft looming he has to stay focused. Too bad the best bud to his best bud’s girl is causing all kinds of distractions in his life. Gabby is incredible and she doesn’t even know it. She can be all sorts of dangerous in his life, if he lets her in.

Gabby loves living the college life so far. After her accident she never imagined she could rejoin society and flourish like she has been so far. Being with Blair and all her friends definitely makes it easier but she is trying to come out of her shell. She has made herself a bucket list of things to do before she starts her senior year of college. She wants to feel like a normal college student vs someone that has navigated college courses online while they hid from the world in their childhood bedroom.

Zeke notices Gabby from their first interaction, and it isn’t because of the scars she tries desperately to hide from everyone. She is vivacious, commanding, confident and of course beautiful. He finds himself drawn to her but being awkward himself he doesn’t know quite what else to do. When his friends decide to throw a prom for Gabby and Katrina, who didn’t get to go to their own proms, he goes as Gabby’s date. He does it as a favor but finds he isn’t having a bad time.

Gabby isn’t ready for anyone’s pity, let alone from the hottest guy on the basketball team. She is supremely attracted to Zeke but he isn’t giving her any signs past the friend zone. She decides to make the best of her time with the guys and hangs out with Zeke and Nathan while the rest of the gang is on vacation. She and Zeke grow closer but she doesn’t think anything will bump her out of the friend zone she seems to be stuck in.

Gabby and Zeke make a perfect couple in that she has hidden from the world in her room and he has hidden in plain sight for years. Gabby brings herself back into the world in grand fashion but she hides herself still by being boisterous and going into scenarios that might not be the best choice. Zeke hides by not engaging with people as much as he should but he stays focused on his dreams thinking he can’t have both in his life without sacrifice.

Together they navigate this new normal where they come out of their shells together and pull strength from each other. The way they relate to their lives and lives together by making new music play lists is a sweet way to relate to each other. While it took me a little to get used to Zeke having such a “voice”, since he was so quiet and in the background so far, I loved his story, history and future.

The Tip Off is the 3rd book in the Smart Jocks series and it has been a great ride so far. Looking forward to more stories coming from the group, and to catch up on previous couples (maybe a wedding or 4 hint hint). One of my favorite lines is " smells like sweaty balls and sadness" I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectation. 5 stars for the latest entry in Valley basketball world, Zeke and Gabby left me with all the feels, as I knew they would.



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