Off court fix
Cathryn Carter2023

Sidelined by injury and haunted by her brother’s fatal battle with addiction, Maxine Draper is determined to prove to the world—and her demanding father—she’s still a seasoned, professional athlete and not only a beauty queen. But when a dream photoshoot reflects the nightmare she now lives, Maxine finds comfort in an older, handsome stranger who allows her to escape reality and be someone else-–for just one night.

Crosby King is anything but royalty. A Hamptons native, he spent his youth’s summers mowing sprawling lawns and trimming hydrangea bushes, daydreaming about living a life of importance. As an adult, Crosby finds his calling as a professional tennis chair umpire, which presents him with many opportunities, none of which more lucrative—or thrilling-–than illegally fixing matches for a gambling ring.

When Maxine plays in a match Crosby presides over, sparks of attraction and attitude fly. Unable to leave things on court, Maxine and Crosby give into temptation, beginning a relationship of stolen moments, subtle touches, and serious chemistry. When Crosby’s past collides with Maxine’s present, it’s clear the ethical line they crossed is damaging beyond reputations and careers, and the fix is not as simple as it seems.

Titre original : Off court fix (2023)