The Open Era by Edward Schmit: My Book Review

Check out my book review of The Open Era by Edward Schmit to see what I think of his debut novel about two rival tennis players!

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Open Era Summary:

Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school and it’s never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal, with headlines to prove it.

Unprepared for this new spotlight, Austin’s anxiety disorder hits a breaking point, and he trips and falls at practice. Right next to the very attractive, very talented, and probably straight Diego Cruz, ranked second in the world.

The two professional rivals start a friendship off the court. But between their flirty banter, mixed signals, and looming showdown, Austin is thrown further off his game by Diego.

With the eyes of the world on Austin, the weight of history on his shoulders, and Diego across the net, he must decide whether love means nothing or if it means everything as he battles for the trophy during an electric two weeks at the US Open.

The Open Era: My Review

I’m a big sports romance lover, but I cannot say that I’ve read many tennis romance books, so I eagerly grabbed this one and found myself devouring it in a day.

As someone who’s been to the US Open, this book had me reminiscing of the weekend I spent in New York City attending the matches and watching the intensity of tennis first-hand. Edward brought that same intensity to the pages so that you felt like you were there, right along with Austin and Diego, only from the player’s perspective.

I would describe this book best as a story about pro tennis players that examines the intensity of the game and the mental and social pressures that come along with sports at this elite level.

Austin is truly the star of the show. He’s a twenty-year-old who becomes the face of the Open, after successfully winning the qualifying events and now competing in the tournament. But he’s the face more because he’s the first openly gay tennis player to compete in a Grand Slam tournament not because of his skill as a player much to his frustration. During the week of play, we learn about his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, his relationship with his coach and family and his budding attraction to the number two player on the circuit, Diego, who keeps asking him to hang out. But while Austin is keeping his panic attacks a secret from the public, Diego is also keeping a secret of his own.

Austin and Diego are equally compelling characters as is their emerging attraction and friendship and I think this book shines in making you care about both of these men. It was beautiful to see how each was able to go public with their truths by the end of the story.

I do however, think this is slightly mislabeled as a romance as I’m not sure I would say that there is your standard happily ever after and I’m not sure if there is even a happily for now as the book ends on what feels almost like a cliffhanger. So many storylines felt unfinished! Will we get a second book to explore the themes that were shared or are we left to imagine what we think happens next for both Austin and Diego?

I think Edward is going to be great, new, fresh voice in this genre, but I would have loved more depth to the characters’ backstories and their relationship and the story overall. It’s like if Heated Rivalry ended after their first summer playing against each other and that was it.

I feel like these two have so much more to give us readers than just the three or four nights they hung out. And what about Austin’s mental health journey, his relationship with his coach, his lingering feelings about his dad, his future in the sport? I feel like his coach was hiding a lot more from his time on the circuit as well. I need more answers 😊!! It almost felt like I read half a book and am now waiting for the other half in a book to come.

So while I felt like the book left a lot hanging, it was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked. And if you love tennis or books that feature mental illness then I think you will enjoy this book as well.

*I received an advance reader copy all opinions are my own.

Related Book Lists:

• Best Sports Romance Books
• Best Romance Books Featuring Mental Illness
• Best MM Romance Books

Pin This: