Bench Player

4.5 stars — Well, this book was a lot more emotionally impactful than I was expecting. Not that I don’t expect any emotion, but I also don’t expect to have a bawling episode. But I’m also tired. When I started reading the book, I wasn’t sure what to think about Connor. He’s this reticent, reserved character that just got out of a life-changing stint in prison. It was a little dark, and just got to me. I can’t even imagine what that kind of life is like, especially when you didn’t break the law knowingly. I loved that he didn’t make excuses for himself, but he also didn’t dwell on his mistake too much. He just tried as best he could to deal with the ramifications, and adjust to being free again. And while he continued to be a man of few words, someone who kept to himself, we as the readers got to see more of who he was, and man did I connect with his heart. I appreciated all of the things he learned, and how he grew as the book went on. I appreciated the frank look at his fears and anxiety. And I loved the glimpses we got of his humour, and just heart in general. Similarly, I wasn’t sure what to think of Allison. It’s actually been awhile since I read Team Player, so I’d forgotten my impressions of her. So in some ways it was like coming into this book fresh without any preconceptions. And she’s so…focused and driven and closed off at times. But just like with Connor, we get to see inside, see who she *really* is and see why she is the way she is. I really felt for her. I loved all that we learned about what her childhood was like, and how that shaped her. I LOVED her love of baseball. I LOVED watching her with her grandpa. And I loved that she could be so sassy, but also with a lot of heart. What she went through with her job stressed *me* out. I loved that they each brought out the best in one another. That through their building connection with one another we got to see different sides to them. And their chemistry was fantastic. I loved that their relationship developed in sort of this weird way. I loved that Connor was so certain, and kept pushing Allison to open her eyes to what she knew deep down. They were just fabulous together. And as with book one, I adored the side characters. From the other players on the team to Biff, they all just brought another level of colour to the story. I sincerely hope there is more to come in this series, because I’m greedy like that. I think they just bring so much to the table — from heart and depth to humour.

The new General Manager of the Charleston Thrashers is a total ass. He's more concerned about focus groups and the bottom line than baseball. He tries to sack Allison Whyte, the head of PR, after a bad season (because obviously it's the PR that's to blame) and in a desperate attempt to save her job Allison volunteers to rehab the public image of former baseball legend Connor Whitman who has just been released from prison after serving two years for insider trading. She just won't tell Connor that the GM won't give him a place on the team no matter how good the PR. Connor Whitman just wants to train and get back on the team. he doesn't want to see anyone or talk to anyone. But when the scary Allison puts her mind to something no man on earth can dissuade her. First off, I love sports romances and the cover was super sexy with a slight Charlie Hunnam vibe so I jumped at the chance to get an ARC and I wasn't disappointed. But this wasn't just a cookie-cutter enemies to lovers sports romance, I really enjoyed the interactions between Allison and her grandfather, Biff, himself a former baseball player. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between Connor and his team mates, and the sparky interactions between Connor and Allison. The plot felt more grown-up, which is suited to Connor's more mature age (34), sure there's still the obligatory 'big scene' but it felt more realistic than many others I have read. After I finished this I checked and I had also read the first book in the series, not only that, I made similar comments. Apparently Julianna Keyes is a lifelong baseball fan and it shows. I'm fascinated to know who could be the next player to find romance ... I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.