This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Alissa Deann for Readers' Favorite
The End Game: In Love and Basketball There’s Always an End Game by Michael Scott Clifton is a well-written novel about Chris Cooper, a basketball coach who has just moved to Mayfield, Texas. He is struggling with the weight of his tragic past, like the loss of his father and a failed marriage. Planning a fresh start in Texas, he starts a new job as the boys' basketball coach and science teacher, but faces resistance from Rocco Rawlings, an athletic director who believes that football is the main deal and looks down on basketball for fear of losing his career. Chris remains resilient despite the challenges he faces as he tries to organize his team and is ready to make basketball stand out among other sports in Texas. His feelings for Jennie—his landlady with a troubled past just like his—begin to grow, and at each other's side, they experience healing and plan to start a life together. He reflects on how perseverance and love transformed his life and those around him.
This book is not just about sports; it is an inspiring narrative that shows how we can overcome the challenges we face and find purpose. At first, I thought it would be like most sports stories, where the weak team gradually improves and starts winning, but that wasn't the case here; Clifton used the sports plot to explore themes of redemption and human connection. It was great seeing Chris's basketball team unite and form stronger bonds as they faced more resistance from Rawlings. The characters, especially Chris and Jennie, were very relatable and well-developed. Their relationship added warmth and moments of reflection to the book. Clifton's writing style is worth praising: very detailed, full of emotions, lively, and engaging. I love how he was able to show the power of teamwork, not just on the court, but in the family and community, and the impact of a mentor. I recommend The End Game by Michael Scott Clifton to readers who enjoy sports romance novels, especially those about basketball.
