On Merit alone by Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz

 

My goodnessssss, this bookkkkk

Miss Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz, I love you forever.

Let's dive in.

When my friend recommended the book to me with a scene from the book this scene;

“I missed you,” he said simply. When I didn’t respond he added, “And you were avoiding me. Any reason why?”

“I didn’t think you wanted to see me,” I said.

Pulling back he looked at me like I was crazy. “What gave you that impression? The part where I showed up at your house specifically to see you? Or the part when I specifically told you I would be there for you? Your pick.”

If he could see a blush on my warm skin, I know he’d be staring at it now. Ducking my head I mumbled, “The part when you kissed me. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that.”

He blinked at me, his eyes scouring my face trying to determine if I was serious. The scrutiny just made me recede further.

Ira tsked. “Sweetheart. Typically when someone kisses you it’s because they like you and want to see more of you, not less.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he shut me up by leaning very close to my mouth. My eyes shut on instinct, my mouth chasing his touch, but he didn’t close the small remaining distance between us. He just spoke. “And in our case, when I kiss you Merit, it’s because I want to see every part of you. Over and over until I have you memorized.”

My entire body heated with awareness. Curious and anticipatory. “Are you going to kiss me now?”

“No,” he said. I couldn’t help deflating a little at the rejection. Ira laughed. “Not because I don’t want to, Mer. But when I kiss you, you seem to disappear. And since I’m trying to keep you, it’s sort of a conflict of interest.”

Oh iraaaaaaaaaa 

I was intrigueddd, but then I started reading it and realized it was a slow burn, like the slowest of the slow burn, but it didn't deter me. Why? Cause I was hooked!

Merit is a strong willed, talented as hell, resilient and determined basketball star, she's a BADASS and independent (this is me trying not to call her a recluse) but Ira king came in and brought her out of her shell, he did so at her pace, courting her at her pace so she'd not go back to her shell. Oh sweet sweet Merit.

When he said this; “So, to my team, to the world, and to the Denver Dynamite, Rob Manzinni in particular,” he said. I held my breath at the sound of that name. “Whether it be for an official NBA team or playing in a rec league, I’ve decided that I’ll be taking my next season to wherever Merit Jones goes. And for the rest of my days as a player, I will not compete in a city that she isn’t also.”

I screameddddd, cause ohmigoshhhhhhhhhhh 

Their love is everything healthy and mature, they faced conflicts head on without shying away from it

And also,I liked how they faced issues randomly, there wasn't a third act break up and it was wonderful.

The author highlighted the issues women in sports face and the difference in treatment between male and female athletes.

This book is easily getting a four star rating from me

Loved ittt.