Review: Match Pointe by Indigo Bloome

The competitive world of men's tennis provides the backdrop for Australian author Indigo Bloome's glitzy and, at times, uncomfortably erotic romance, Match Pointe. Eloise Lawrence is a twenty-two year old Australian ballerina living in London. An orphan who has survived on scholarships and a determination to succeed, Eloise is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of her career. When she is approached by the charismatic (and manipulative) sports agent Caesar with a shocking, yet enticing, offer to dance as an inspiration to the top ranking men's tennis players for two years, she feels that she has little choice but to say yes. Eloise soon finds herself playing a deadly cat and mouse game with Stephan Nordstrom the current ranking number one, who like to control all areas of his life, particularly his women ...

I am having a lot of difficulty forming a strong opinion about Match Pointe. Certainly, it is an interesting glimpse into the dark side of sexual politics--what happens when someone with a desire to control meets another with a desire to submit--and how easily such a relationship can veer off into dangerous territory. There are also some very imaginative and surprising erotic scenes, including one that involves a mummy and some very serious bondage. (I think that the author may very well have a great sense of humour.) 

The fantastic setting, the glitzy world of the wealthy where every whim and desire can be catered for and where people scheme to get what they want, however, gives the novel a bit of a Jackie Collins-style edge, which I did not find quite so enjoyable. (I did, however, think that the scheming Caesar got what he deserved when he discovered the real identity of Eloise, the girl he had been using to inspire the players, though it was pleasing to see how he redeems himself.) Giving the plot a different twist is the honest and likeable love interest Noah, who may just be the knight in shining armour that Eloise so desperately needs.

Ultimately, I suppose, it feels like erotic fiction, wrapped inside a soap opera shenanigans.

This is probably going to be enjoyed by readers who are looking for a bit of erotically charged escapism.

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