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Break Point
Lesbian Historical Romance -- Germany’s Meike von Bismarck is rich, famous, and the top-ranked amateur female tennis player in the world. She seems to have it all, but the Nazis want more. Can Meike deliver the victories Adolf Hitler requires on court while keeping her soul intact off it?
Brash American Helen Wheeler has reached the upper echelons of women’s tennis, but her fiery temper and headline-grabbing social life have prevented her from being accepted by the genteel sport’s fans. When a shadowy government agent presents Helen with compromising photographs of her with Meike von Bismarck, her one-time doubles partner and former lover, will Helen allow her career to be derailed by an inevitable morals charge or will she agree to spy on the woman she once loved?
Brash American Helen Wheeler has reached the upper echelons of women’s tennis, but her fiery temper and headline-grabbing social life have prevented her from being accepted by the genteel sport’s fans. When a shadowy government agent presents Helen with compromising photographs of her with Meike von Bismarck, her one-time doubles partner and former lover, will Helen allow her career to be derailed by an inevitable morals charge or will she agree to spy on the woman she once loved?
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
4 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Yolanda Wallace
18Ìýbooks95ÌýfollowersYolanda Wallace is not a professional writer, but she plays one in her spare time. She has writÂten seven novÂels, and her short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies. She and her partner live in beautiful coastal Georgia, where they are parents to four children of the four-legged variety â€� a boxer and three cats.
Yolanda Wallace also writes under the pen name Mason Dixon.
Yolanda Wallace also writes under the pen name Mason Dixon.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 21, 2017
brilliant writing on a difficult topic because of the era,couldn't have ask for a better finish also,the author did excellent in blending sports,love,war and history in such a way that i could not stop reading..too good,possibly one of the best books that i've read so far...please people get this book asap when it's available...it's really fantastic and has a really good ending that is gonna be loved...recommended
November 4, 2015
3.5 stars
The book, Break Point, is a historical romance set in the two years before the official start of WWII. The story follows the lives of two female amateur tennis players and the struggles they must face in this unsettled time. If you are a sports fan book will definitely appeal to you.
Mieke von Bismark is the number one female tennis player in the world. She doesn’t need to turn pro, she is German royalty. She is a countess and a fierce competitor. Winning is her top priority on the court and nothing else matters more. Mieke’s life is altered when she becomes noticed by the furor, Adolf Hitler. In Hitler’s mind, her wins on the court, are a testament to her superior Aryan breeding. The problem for Mieke is that she is a lesbian in a time that that could land you in a concentration camp. The Nazi’s have spoken and she is forced to win in order to keep her life.
Helen Wheeler is other protagonist to this story. She is the number two female tennis player. She is on the precipice of turning pro, the only thing she needs to do is sign the contract. That is until Agent Lanier of the FBI shows up at her door. The FBI needs more information as to why a tennis player is meeting with Hitler. They force Helen into finding out why, using the past as their leverage. Helen and Meike used to be partners on the court and off.
I thought this book was a well written tale. I enjoyed to sports influence to a history romance novel. I thought both characters were interesting, and I enjoyed seeing their perspective of life in the late 1930’s. Sports based novels tend to give too much info on the game. Yolanda Wallace did a good job of not making the book too much about the actual sport, and its nuances. I will say the love story was good, but it didn’t ring my bell. If you had a strong past with a former lover, who suddenly broke up with you, I feel like the tension would be stronger. I just didn’t feel any true romance based emotions between these two characters. Overall, this a good quality read.
ARC Received from Netgalley
The book, Break Point, is a historical romance set in the two years before the official start of WWII. The story follows the lives of two female amateur tennis players and the struggles they must face in this unsettled time. If you are a sports fan book will definitely appeal to you.
Mieke von Bismark is the number one female tennis player in the world. She doesn’t need to turn pro, she is German royalty. She is a countess and a fierce competitor. Winning is her top priority on the court and nothing else matters more. Mieke’s life is altered when she becomes noticed by the furor, Adolf Hitler. In Hitler’s mind, her wins on the court, are a testament to her superior Aryan breeding. The problem for Mieke is that she is a lesbian in a time that that could land you in a concentration camp. The Nazi’s have spoken and she is forced to win in order to keep her life.
Helen Wheeler is other protagonist to this story. She is the number two female tennis player. She is on the precipice of turning pro, the only thing she needs to do is sign the contract. That is until Agent Lanier of the FBI shows up at her door. The FBI needs more information as to why a tennis player is meeting with Hitler. They force Helen into finding out why, using the past as their leverage. Helen and Meike used to be partners on the court and off.
I thought this book was a well written tale. I enjoyed to sports influence to a history romance novel. I thought both characters were interesting, and I enjoyed seeing their perspective of life in the late 1930’s. Sports based novels tend to give too much info on the game. Yolanda Wallace did a good job of not making the book too much about the actual sport, and its nuances. I will say the love story was good, but it didn’t ring my bell. If you had a strong past with a former lover, who suddenly broke up with you, I feel like the tension would be stronger. I just didn’t feel any true romance based emotions between these two characters. Overall, this a good quality read.
ARC Received from Netgalley
October 6, 2015
I've enjoyed reading the Lucky Loser, so when Break Point comes out and comes with an angsty plot line, I just can't resist to get a copy.
The story took place in the 1930's just right before the brink of the second world war, and centers around the German top tennis player Meike and her top American contender Helen. Meike and Helen has known each other from the tennis circle and were briefly involved. Each left the relationship for a different reason and with a different perception despite how they feel about each other. Imagine reading rest of the story, when love, betrayal, war, patriotism and playing for your life all got throw into the mix - you get a book that you can't put down.
Reading the book kind of reminds me of the 1936 Olympics and the histories and politics of it. For a book that writes about that period, I think this one has done a great job in portraying the fear of living under Nazism, while having characters you can still relate to. I absolutely loved Meike's courage and her loyalty to those she cared about. I had hoped to have more glimpse of Meike and Helen's life together, but I guess all in all, I'm still very happy with the ending. I'm going to put this book on my re-read shelf.
** review copy received from NetGalley
The story took place in the 1930's just right before the brink of the second world war, and centers around the German top tennis player Meike and her top American contender Helen. Meike and Helen has known each other from the tennis circle and were briefly involved. Each left the relationship for a different reason and with a different perception despite how they feel about each other. Imagine reading rest of the story, when love, betrayal, war, patriotism and playing for your life all got throw into the mix - you get a book that you can't put down.
Reading the book kind of reminds me of the 1936 Olympics and the histories and politics of it. For a book that writes about that period, I think this one has done a great job in portraying the fear of living under Nazism, while having characters you can still relate to. I absolutely loved Meike's courage and her loyalty to those she cared about. I had hoped to have more glimpse of Meike and Helen's life together, but I guess all in all, I'm still very happy with the ending. I'm going to put this book on my re-read shelf.
** review copy received from NetGalley
October 17, 2015
Sports-themed lesfic is not my usual reading choice, mainly because I've always felt that sports action is much better watched than read. But this is book is set in pre-WWII Nazi Germany, a turbulent historical period that always lends itself to good storytelling.
Helen (American) and Meike (German) are amateur tennis players who meet regularly on and off court, in major tournaments around the world, and in bed. Meike's desire to concentrate on her singles career makes her dump Helen as both a doubles partner (for strategic reasons since Helen is a major rival) and lover. Meanwhile, Hitler wants to use Meike, who is physically a perfect model of the German aristocrat, for propaganda in furtherance of his dream of Aryan supremacy. Helen, on the other hand, sees herself being forcibly recruited by the US government to spy on Meike.
The main characters, Helen and Meike are inspired by a couple of real tennis greats of that era, and the 'greatest tennis game ever' played. The author's attempt to fictionalize the characters and the events that transpired are moderately successful, though sometimes believability was stretched too thin for comfort. Those times, it felt like the author was trying to place the characters in certain situations in order to fit the narrative, but the set-ups were not always believable or logical. E.g. I also found it strange that Helen has an agent representing her but no coach. As for the romantic aspect, I can't really say that there was much development, as
I was almost ready to write this off by the 60% mark but what totally saved it for me is the final third act, which saw some furious action and lots of drama on and off court. And of course, the greatest game ever played. In summary, totally get this if you're a lesfic fan who likes some intrigue, some danger, some loving, and some awesome tennis!
4 stars
P.S. YA fans might also like the book. For some reason, probably because of the way they're written, both of the leads appeared to me as YA rather than the twenty-somethings they're supposed to be.
ARC Received from Netgalley
Helen (American) and Meike (German) are amateur tennis players who meet regularly on and off court, in major tournaments around the world, and in bed. Meike's desire to concentrate on her singles career makes her dump Helen as both a doubles partner (for strategic reasons since Helen is a major rival) and lover. Meanwhile, Hitler wants to use Meike, who is physically a perfect model of the German aristocrat, for propaganda in furtherance of his dream of Aryan supremacy. Helen, on the other hand, sees herself being forcibly recruited by the US government to spy on Meike.
The main characters, Helen and Meike are inspired by a couple of real tennis greats of that era, and the 'greatest tennis game ever' played. The author's attempt to fictionalize the characters and the events that transpired are moderately successful, though sometimes believability was stretched too thin for comfort. Those times, it felt like the author was trying to place the characters in certain situations in order to fit the narrative, but the set-ups were not always believable or logical. E.g. I also found it strange that Helen has an agent representing her but no coach. As for the romantic aspect, I can't really say that there was much development, as
I was almost ready to write this off by the 60% mark but what totally saved it for me is the final third act, which saw some furious action and lots of drama on and off court. And of course, the greatest game ever played. In summary, totally get this if you're a lesfic fan who likes some intrigue, some danger, some loving, and some awesome tennis!
4 stars
P.S. YA fans might also like the book. For some reason, probably because of the way they're written, both of the leads appeared to me as YA rather than the twenty-somethings they're supposed to be.
ARC Received from Netgalley
November 11, 2015
Set in the late 1930s just before WWII. Meike is a champion tennis star. Unfortunately, she has also been targeted by Hitler to become a Nazi supporter and a face for Nazi sports. Under threats and near constant guard she resists.
Helen is the American equal to Meike. She has accepted the assignment to spy, especially on Meike as the two were loves once upon a time. Now they are together in Germany. Will Meike be able to hold out against the Nazi's? Will Helen's betrayal be the final thing that breaks her?
This book was hard and heavy but good. It is so full of suspense, gads I nearly bit my fingernails to the quick! The characters are so easy to care about. The near constant anxiety as I worried endlessly for Meike's life was almost too intense. It was interesting to see Helen grow and so painful to see what Meike was put through but when they were together it was such a relief! In the end it all worked out the way it was suppose to but darn if Ms Wallace didn't make me work for it!
Helen is the American equal to Meike. She has accepted the assignment to spy, especially on Meike as the two were loves once upon a time. Now they are together in Germany. Will Meike be able to hold out against the Nazi's? Will Helen's betrayal be the final thing that breaks her?
This book was hard and heavy but good. It is so full of suspense, gads I nearly bit my fingernails to the quick! The characters are so easy to care about. The near constant anxiety as I worried endlessly for Meike's life was almost too intense. It was interesting to see Helen grow and so painful to see what Meike was put through but when they were together it was such a relief! In the end it all worked out the way it was suppose to but darn if Ms Wallace didn't make me work for it!
April 10, 2022
Aligning history and sports was such a good idea for this book. It gives a different sort of insight as to that period in time, how historical figures used people to get the best of situations. Because yes, there were a lot of mind games going on during that period.
My anxiety though... 🤯🤯🤯 Through the roof: how is Meike supposed to get out of this tricky situation with Hitler's minion? How is Meike going to forgive Helen for that treachery? How will they end up together with Meike's hands literally tied behind her back?
I don't remember a book sucking me in this deep this year like this one did.
Highly recommended
My anxiety though... 🤯🤯🤯 Through the roof: how is Meike supposed to get out of this tricky situation with Hitler's minion? How is Meike going to forgive Helen for that treachery? How will they end up together with Meike's hands literally tied behind her back?
I don't remember a book sucking me in this deep this year like this one did.
Highly recommended
September 7, 2018
It started out quite slowly and I was not sure if I would really enjoy it as much as some others by this author. However, it really picked up and had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. The writing really allowed the reader to feel as if they were right there with the characters.
Read
April 8, 2020I really like this book. It was set around the war which I didn't realise, to begin with. The story was good and the characters were well rounded. Gave an insight into how some people coped during the war.
July 18, 2017
Good book. Takes the reader back to 1938 and the struggles of two women in the tennis scene. One German.
October 14, 2015
This is an honest review thanks for NetGalley
Wow... I don't know what my favorite part was, the romance, the two main characters, the tennis or the amazing action. World War II has always fascinated me, and to read about it from the view of Meike, the tennis player Hitler was trying to place in his propaganda was amazing. I loved everything about Meike, she was a strong main character, who even though she was being forced to concede she never folded her values. The little defiances made me realize how strong and brave she was, and made me love the book even more. There is only one sex scene, but the book didn't need it. Sometimes lesbian romance books are too dull if there isn't any love scenes but this one short one is perfect for this novel. I love Yolanda Wallace and I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in a fantastic lesbian novel.
Wow... I don't know what my favorite part was, the romance, the two main characters, the tennis or the amazing action. World War II has always fascinated me, and to read about it from the view of Meike, the tennis player Hitler was trying to place in his propaganda was amazing. I loved everything about Meike, she was a strong main character, who even though she was being forced to concede she never folded her values. The little defiances made me realize how strong and brave she was, and made me love the book even more. There is only one sex scene, but the book didn't need it. Sometimes lesbian romance books are too dull if there isn't any love scenes but this one short one is perfect for this novel. I love Yolanda Wallace and I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in a fantastic lesbian novel.
February 22, 2016
Covering three genres - GLBT writing, historical fiction, and sports/tennis fiction - I was hoping for a healthy dose of the tennis fiction. However, the focus here was on the historical fiction side of things, which was interesting, but not exactly what I was after. Still, this is a good book that I think many people would like, and it certainly was informative and gave some interesting insights into the buildup to WWII and Nazi Germany. I'm glad I picked this up.
October 16, 2015
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