mer_carson's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
angieinbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, I'm not going to spend a lot of time with this review because I read this a couple of weeks ago, and it was fine. Nothing really wow'd me and nothing really derailed the experience either. See? Fine. Just fine.
I will say that I am growing tired of the lack of relationship build up in sapphic romance novels. I understand the power of attraction and I'm not suggesting consenting adults wait any particular time period before they have sex, but what I like about romance is, well, the romance. I like the build up, the tension. I like having to scream at my characters to "kiss already!" and this book didn't have any of that. And given how forbidden the relationship between the main characters is in the context and rules of the tennis world in which they're both a part, I think it would have benefited from taking that part of their relationship much slower than they do. But this is definitely my preference and I'm rarely in any kind of majority opinion.
I will say that I am growing tired of the lack of relationship build up in sapphic romance novels. I understand the power of attraction and I'm not suggesting consenting adults wait any particular time period before they have sex, but what I like about romance is, well, the romance. I like the build up, the tension. I like having to scream at my characters to "kiss already!" and this book didn't have any of that. And given how forbidden the relationship between the main characters is in the context and rules of the tennis world in which they're both a part, I think it would have benefited from taking that part of their relationship much slower than they do. But this is definitely my preference and I'm rarely in any kind of majority opinion.
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
patricia71's review against another edition
3.0
I just didn’t feel it. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Viva and Gabriela. It was a surprise for me when they got together so soon. There was no buildup. And than the relationship ended abruptly as well. I liked the part when they were not together but missing each other. I felt it then. And I had tears in my eyes cause I felt Viva wrist pain when she played and when she had to retire from the singles. So that part was good. And than after thinking and thinking, but saying that she couldn’t, she decided on the spot to stop playing doubles as well for her relationship. Great off course but also so abrupt, and for me unbelievable. So 3 stars for the second book by Cheyenne Blue. Gave the first one 2,5 stars so not sure if she is my kind of writer. Will try another one and decide than.
jureader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
judeinthestars's review against another edition
5.0
Great sports romance with star-crossed lovers and a happy ending. Very nicely written, great MCs with deep personalities, very good secondary characters. Also it’s lesbians playing tennis in Australia. What else could I ask for?
elvang's review against another edition
5.0
What makes a top flight athlete? Focus,talent, competitive drive and of course, lots of ego. Viva knows she is reaching the end of her tennis career but is unable to ignore the siren call of one last chance to shine in front of her hometown fans. Problem is, she has told Gabriela that she is retiring. Gabriela is an official with the International Tennis Federation. It would be career suicide for this committed umpire to be seen fraternizing with an active player.
I love a well written, well paced sports romance and Cheyenne Blue delivers with Code of Conduct. I appreciated the portrayal of today’s intense, pressure-filled tournaments and the demands placed on premier players by media and their fans. I also enjoyed a peek into the nomadic lives of tennis umpires. It takes a special kind of person to be able to deflect insults while remaining professional and detached during a match. The strength of character we admire in athletes like Viva should count double for officials. It’s easy to fall in love with Gabriela. She’s intelligent, attractive, focused on her career and disciplined in her personal life. For all her mental toughness on the tennis court, Viva struggles to keep her emotions in check when she is around Gabriela. Together as a couple, these two are dynamic and sexy as hell.
I like how Blue incorporates the Australian Outback into her novels. In Code of Conduct scenes set in Viva’s family pub in Waggs Pocket offset the frenetic world of professional sport. It works so well giving both women time away from prying eyes and the opportunity to move past old grievances.The outback code of conduct for drivers on long stretches of desert highways, a code respected by Viva is the catalyst which places these two women in the same space setting up their future together. The code of conduct Gabriela must adhere to in tennis is one that Viva struggles to accept or respect. I loved that sweet irony.
This may be my favourite Cheyenne Blue novel to date. A pleasure to read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpress.com/2018/07/09/code-of-conduct-by-cheyenne-blue
I love a well written, well paced sports romance and Cheyenne Blue delivers with Code of Conduct. I appreciated the portrayal of today’s intense, pressure-filled tournaments and the demands placed on premier players by media and their fans. I also enjoyed a peek into the nomadic lives of tennis umpires. It takes a special kind of person to be able to deflect insults while remaining professional and detached during a match. The strength of character we admire in athletes like Viva should count double for officials. It’s easy to fall in love with Gabriela. She’s intelligent, attractive, focused on her career and disciplined in her personal life. For all her mental toughness on the tennis court, Viva struggles to keep her emotions in check when she is around Gabriela. Together as a couple, these two are dynamic and sexy as hell.
I like how Blue incorporates the Australian Outback into her novels. In Code of Conduct scenes set in Viva’s family pub in Waggs Pocket offset the frenetic world of professional sport. It works so well giving both women time away from prying eyes and the opportunity to move past old grievances.The outback code of conduct for drivers on long stretches of desert highways, a code respected by Viva is the catalyst which places these two women in the same space setting up their future together. The code of conduct Gabriela must adhere to in tennis is one that Viva struggles to accept or respect. I loved that sweet irony.
This may be my favourite Cheyenne Blue novel to date. A pleasure to read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpress.com/2018/07/09/code-of-conduct-by-cheyenne-blue
yulniverse's review against another edition
4.0
Great mix of romance and sports. Really enjoyed the tennis part of the story though it was not the main draw for me (at first). There's no annoying villain or unnecessary angst. Just well-written and likeable characters (i looove the Jones family) and a nice slow(?) burn romance.
mjsam's review against another edition
3.0
ARC received from YLVA in return for an honest review.
The only other book of Blue’s I’ve tried was a DNF, but this had such good reviews I decided to give it a shot. It was ok, but I wasn’t blown away. This book focuses on Viva, who is a tennis player, and Gabriela, who is a tennis umpire. The two know each other through the tour, but end up spending time together after Gabriela’s car breaks down and she’s forced to go home with Viva. Viva is still holding a grudge over a call that lost her a previous title and things don’t run smooth at first, mostly because Viva is acting like a spoiled child. As they start to warm to each other Gabriella warns Viva that they can’t socialise in any way due to their different tennis roles, but they are drawn to each other anyway.
This is where the wheels came off for me. Even though Gabriela spells out VERY CLEARLY why the two should not be friends and cannot consort with each other, and Viva agrees and states she will retire, she backtracks and completely torpedoes both their plan and potentially Gabriela’s career, because she can’t let go of her own sinking career. Essentially, she’s a selfish git. She’s also the only one who pays a price for this, as SHE is never sanctioned. I couldn’t get past that. Were I Gabriella, I’d have never looked back. She totally deserved better.
There’s a lot of tennis in this book, so if you don’t like tennis, or are just not overly fond of sports books, probably not the book for you. I liked Gabriela, and the insights into the tour (especially umpiring, since that’s not an aspect I knew much about) but I couldn’t stand Viva and her ‘sacrifice’ was too little and far too late for me. 3 stars.
The only other book of Blue’s I’ve tried was a DNF, but this had such good reviews I decided to give it a shot. It was ok, but I wasn’t blown away. This book focuses on Viva, who is a tennis player, and Gabriela, who is a tennis umpire. The two know each other through the tour, but end up spending time together after Gabriela’s car breaks down and she’s forced to go home with Viva. Viva is still holding a grudge over a call that lost her a previous title and things don’t run smooth at first, mostly because Viva is acting like a spoiled child. As they start to warm to each other Gabriella warns Viva that they can’t socialise in any way due to their different tennis roles, but they are drawn to each other anyway.
This is where the wheels came off for me. Even though Gabriela spells out VERY CLEARLY why the two should not be friends and cannot consort with each other, and Viva agrees and states she will retire, she backtracks and completely torpedoes both their plan and potentially Gabriela’s career, because she can’t let go of her own sinking career. Essentially, she’s a selfish git. She’s also the only one who pays a price for this, as SHE is never sanctioned. I couldn’t get past that. Were I Gabriella, I’d have never looked back. She totally deserved better.
There’s a lot of tennis in this book, so if you don’t like tennis, or are just not overly fond of sports books, probably not the book for you. I liked Gabriela, and the insights into the tour (especially umpiring, since that’s not an aspect I knew much about) but I couldn’t stand Viva and her ‘sacrifice’ was too little and far too late for me. 3 stars.
lsnack's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator was excellent. I love the Australian voice. The story was captivating. Gabriela and Viva’s relationship was up and down. I felt sorry for both of them at different points. Their careers were important to them. The tennis matches really had me going as well. I can see others characters growing from this book.