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Taylor Page has never wanted anything but a career in major league baseball. Through talent and guts, she’s finally landed a position as Assistant General Manager of the Philadelphia Patriots. But she wants the ultimate prize—General Manager. The only problem is that most men in baseball still don’t take a woman exec seriously, especially a thirty-year old blonde with no on-field experience. She needs to do something big to convince her bosses she has what it takes to run a team.

Veteran Pittsburgh outfielder Ryan Locke’s career is in jeopardy when a suddenly unreliable throwing arm comes on top of rehab from a major injury. He’s had a solid run but he’s not a star with a mega-contract. A single parent with a troubled daughter and an alcoholic mother to provide for, retirement is out of the question. Ryan’s best hope is for a trade to an American League team as a designated hitter, allowing him several more years of play.

When Taylor needs to find a replacement for an injured first baseman, she comes up with an innovative but risky idea: convince her boss to make a trade for Ryan Locke, and then convince the still talented slugger to play first base for the Patriots. With Ryan dead-set against that plan and both their careers on the line, neither Taylor nor Ryan can afford the explosive physical attraction between them. But despite Taylor’s best efforts to resist Ryan’s campaign of seduction, she’s not sure she’s got to willpower to keep from playing along.

357 pages, ebook

First published May 7, 2013

22 people are currently reading
536 people want to read

About the author

V.K. Sykes

18 books574 followers
V.K. Sykes is really two people - Vanessa Kelly and Randy Sykes, a husband and wife team who write USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance. The second book in their Philadelphia Patriots Series of sports romances won the Kindle Book Review Best Indie Books of 2012 Contest, in the romance category. Vanessa also writes award-winning, Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra under her own name. Her first novel, Mastering the Marquess, hit the shelves in April 2009, and she was subsequently named by Booklist as one of the "new stars of historical romance." In February, V.K. will debut a new contemporary romance series called Seashell Bay, published by Grand Central.

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5 stars
192 (34%)
4 stars
235 (42%)
3 stars
107 (19%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 28, 2013
Firstly, Thank you to Ms Sykes for sending me her book to read and review.

I really enjoyed this, the fourth book in V.K Sykes' Philadelphia Patriots,series. I haven't read any of the previous books, and this was a completely new area for me, as far as reading about baseball went. I personally struggled with the baseball terminology, but that was only me, due to the fact I know absolutely nothing about the game, other than it's played with a bat and ball!! So don't let that comment in any way put you off reading this great story.!

Ryan Locke is struggling with his job as outfielder for the Pittsburgh Hornets, although he's the last one who would admit it publicly. Taylor Page, is the up and coming Assistant GM for the Philadelphia Patriots, and she has her eye on Ryan, in more ways than one.

Taylor and Ryan have that instant "something" going on, right from their first face to face, but any relationship needs to be on the hush hush. Taylor is Ryan's Boss and the last thing she wants is to lose her job, Ryan on the other hand, would be only too happy for everyone to know they are together. This brings me to the part where I wanted to choke both of our lovers!! Taylor for being so one eyed about (admittedly, she has spent her whole life obtaining,)her job, and Ryan for being such a (his words) dope. I felt like screaming at both of them (while choking them!) Why don't you just open your eyes and see what's right in front of you!!!

This was a great story, good characters, and Devon just sealed the deal, what, with her planning nights together for the couple, secret engagements, and babies, shes one fourteen year old to be weary of!! The only disappointment was, it finished too soon!! I thought I had at least another chapter to go!

A good four stars, and now I need to go read the three previous books. Even though this is a series book, it is completely a stand alone, I didn;t feel at ny time I had missed anything by not having read the others in the series.



Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,140 reviews323 followers
Read
August 3, 2013
Taylor Page’s focus is on her career in baseball, until she meets baseball player Ryan Locke.

Taylor Page is the new assistant general manager for the Philadelphia Patriots. She is a statistical wiz and determined to make her mark in the field. Taylor makes a controversial suggestion to her boss. She thinks they should hire Ryan Locke to fill in for an injured player who is out for the season. The only problem is Locke is an outfielder, and she is suggesting they play him at first base. Taylor is an attractive, sassy woman who loves everything about baseball. She is a woman working in a field dominated by men. She has to constantly prove herself and work harder than her male counterparts.

Ryan Locke is a veteran baseball player who is slowing down due to his age and some injuries. He still loves baseball and has the fire in his gut, but the Hornets want to trade him. Ryan is struggling with a few issues in his life, including being a single father to a teenage daughter. I loved Ryan he is a good guy and a great dad. He is the perfect combination of stubborn, alpha male, with a sensitive side. Ryan never complains and always tries to do his best.

From the moment Taylor and Ryan look at each other sparks fly. They are attracted to one another, but Taylor is management and knows she can’t be involved with Ryan. Taylor and Ryan are forced to make some hard decisions in their life. They are hard working career driven people and they have to decide if they can change their goals and still be happy.

Curveball is a delightful, entertaining story. It’s the fourth book in V. K. Sykes’ baseball series and can be read as a standalone. Some of the characters from the other books make an appearance in this story. Curveball has it all, baseball, romance, sizzling chemistry and a hot alpha male.

Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
Profile Image for Lisa.
923 reviews26 followers
July 17, 2013
This book is a mix of romance and baseball. If you like those two thing you might like them together. Taylor Page grew up with a love of baseball. Her dad was a minor league scout that she adored and when he was killed when she was a young teen she was devastated. Now an adult she's really close to her dream job as the General Manager of the Philadelphia Patriots. She's a brand new Assistant GM right now and thinks that getting Ryan Locke on the team will be the thing to get her closer to that goal. Outfielder Ryan Locke is struggling a bit with his arm. He's having trouble on the field with throwing and he's hoping to get traded to an American League as designated hitter at least if he can't stay where he is now. He's not a young man anymore at 33 but hopes to eek out some more time still before retirement. Taylor gets him traded to the Philadelphia Patriots though instead and he's asked to learn 1st base . Things get complicated when Taylor and Ryan find themselves attracted to each other after Taylor actually gets a chance to get to know Ryan. Taylor is kind of his boss in a way so she's nervous about how it might look if they are together. The relationship is like a roller coaster with tons of ups and downs. Throw in Ryan's 13 year old troubled daughter and there is a lot of things going on.
I enjoyed the angst between Taylor and Ryan when it was there. Both struggled with decisions about their personal lives and professional lives as they were both tangled together.When they came together though it was crazy sexy! This is book 4 in the Philadelphia Patriots series. While i have never read the previous books in the series i feel you can walk right into the series and start reading here if you want. I didn't feel like i lost anything by starting with book four.
Profile Image for Melody  May (What I'm Reading).
1,488 reviews24 followers
July 27, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading


Yesterday, I finally finished Curveball by V.K. Sykes. I need to say that I enjoyed this story, but I think y'all need to know I'm not a fan of baseball. Never have been, and my husband has told me that it's because I don't understand the game. He might be right on that account. However, I don't see myself learning to understanding the game anytime soon. Yet, I still enjoyed Taylor and Ryan's story.

In the story we have Taylor Paige who loves the game. Seriously, loves baseball, so much so that she ends up as an assistant to the general manager, her dream job. Now she needs to prove herself to the GM that she can do her job, even if she really doesn't have field experience. She gets a brilliant idea (or crazy one depending on who you talk to) to make a trade that could be deem ludicrous.

Ryan Locke is a ballplayer who has been playing in the outfield for sometime, but something isn't right. Now he can't make throws like he use, but is still pretty good at bat. He's hoping for a trade to an AL (American League), so he can just become a DH (designated hitter). Unfortunately, Ryan doesn't get his wish, but ends up playing first base for the Patriots, thanks to Taylor.

I must say I did enjoyed Taylor and Ryan's story. They both love baseball, so much that they have made it their lives one way or another. Taylor is a strong independent person, but at the same time she has her vulnerabilities. Her vulnerabilities lie with her family not being happy with her choice of profession and being in a profession where she is in a minority. Not too many women in the world of baseball. However, she perseveres. Ryan, has a mental block and like most guys can't admit he has a problem and needs help.

So, throughout the story, we see Taylor trying to help Ryan and encourage him seek a professional help. Of course, Ryan has this fear of having the label with getting the help he needs, which jeopardizes his career. Plus, I did like Taylor and Ryan's relationship, which jeopardizes Taylor's career.

Overall, a pretty good read, even if I'm not a baseball fan. So, if you love baseball and hot players, you might like Curveball.

Copy provided by author
Profile Image for Michelle.
79 reviews30 followers
July 30, 2013
I should probably start this review by stating that I am not in fact a sports fan, however, this did not actually spoil my enjoyment of the book so you shouldn't really let that put you off in any way if you, like me, have not the first clue about sports. That being said there were occasions I googled things, mainly so I could have the right image in my head as I read. Taylor and Ryan are great characters both individually and throughout their interactions in the book. In fact, all the characters, no matter how big a role they played were great in their own way, I either loved them or hated them but I definitely always had an opinion of them. For the most part, I hated Taylor's family, whilst understanding why she felt she had to put up with them. Ryan's daughter also came across very well, a slightly troubled girl with amazing depth that in some ways catapulted me straight back to my own teen years. Although the book is definitely not YA the portrayal of the teenage angst was really well done and totally relate-able even if (like me) you haven't actually been a teen for a while. Ryan is do dedicated to his job and family that I just wanted thing to go right for him it never seemed to happen though, I was sitting thinking right okay let things go okay now he's had enough but in actual fact there was never more thrown at him that would seem unrealistic, its just that I really wanted him to be given a break. Taylor is also a likeable character, even working in a very male-dominated world she remains down to earth and humble, she doesn't use her gender to get her things but also doesn't really come across as one of the guys. She has her own identity and although she is flawed and has some confidence issues you do see growth throughout the book for her. The story overall flowed really well, it didn't leave you hanging nor did it get to halfway and felt like it had concluded to the extent you knew something had to happen to break up the monotony, everything that happened fit well into the story, there weren't pages of random fillers, however the story did have twists I certainly didn't see coming. This was a good engaging story suitable not only for sports fans but also anyone who is a fan of a good will-they-won't-they romance book.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,185 reviews
July 12, 2016
Assistant GM Taylor Page is chasing the ultimate prize--General Manager of the Philadelphia Patriots. But most men in baseball still don't take a woman executive seriously, especially a thirty-year old blonde with no on-field experience. Fighting an injury, veteran outfielder Ryan Locke's career is teetering on the brink. As a single parent with a troubled daughter, retirement is out of the question. Ryan's best hope is for a trade to a team as a designated hitter, allowing him several more years of play. When Taylor needs a replacement for an injured first baseman, she comes up with an innovative but risky plan to trade a reluctant Ryan into the position.

The trade is not even in the realm of what he wants nor what he envisions would be good for his or Devon's future. A very rocky relationship between Taylor and Ryan. She wants to talk with him without letting him know what her plans are for a trade. Their chemistry is amazing and Ryan is hurt when he believes her actions to be a ruse to get him on her team. I enjoyed reading more about the relationship between Ryan and Devon and Ryan and Taylor than all the many pages about the game. I realize that some was necessary because of Ryan's issues. I enjoyed the book. There were many pages of the baseball games. This was my first read by this author.
Profile Image for Michelle Bowman  / We Love Kink .com.
468 reviews23 followers
July 12, 2013
The Philadelphia Patriots have their backs proverbially against the wall when their normal first sacker, Jared, has a car accident. It’s like a pulling a rabbit out the hat trick to find someone to replace him but Taylor is up for the task.

Taylor is the assistant general manager for the Philadelphia Patriots, but she has hopes and desire to make it to being the general manager. She sees this, an opportunity to really make something of herself and get what she desires. She an idea on who can be a fill in… But will Ryan Locke be up for the task? Will she be able to persuade the team to trade up for him?

Ryan wreaks havoc on Taylor senses in more than one fashion.

The story is starts out slow but things quickly pick up pace. The book was an enjoyable and sweet contemporary romance.

I should also note that I have heard of this dual authors, Vanessa Kelly and Randy Sykes, a husband and wife team but haven’t picked up any of their books before this one. I found it easy to get into reading this book, so it seemed like a single.

So, a batter up this was four scored hitter for me.

**a free copy of this book was provided for an honest review**
for more reviews visit welovekink (dot) com
Profile Image for Kel (Faerie-bookworm).
773 reviews61 followers
March 16, 2016
Title: Curveball
Author: V.K. Sykes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook
Pages: 357
Rating: 4

Setting: Philadelphia

Main Characters: Taylor and Ryan

Supporting Characters: Dembinski, Devon

Summary: Taylor has finally landed her dream job, Assistant General Manager for the Patriots, with an even bigger dream of becoming The General Manager for the team. In pursuit of a first baseman Taylor meets her fancrush, Ryan, in the hopes that he will be willing to play first base even though he never has in his life. Sparks fly and things get rocky when Ryan can’t seem to throw the ball to save his life and Taylor could lose her job and the man she is falling for.

Thoughts: Good story, strong character development and very sweet ending. I’m enjoying this series even though I wouldn’t really call it a series since characters from other books make appearances but not much if anything is continued in any way. This one actually threw me for a loop because one of the players was in an accident months ago but was not mentioned in the prior book which is a little frustrating but in no way detracts from the story.
Profile Image for Christina Montminy.
2,149 reviews22 followers
January 11, 2014
I enjoyed this book a lot, would've liked to know what happens to Ryan's career though. The authors of this series hit a home run....I think that this book is my second favorite to Hardball. Ryan & Taylor take one hell of a long time to finally realize though that they belong together. They are both stubborn & hard headed people. Taylor gets Ryan traded to her team & makes him learn a whole new position on the field but doesn't tell him it was her idea to get his trade. Office politics get involved as well as hurt feelings when it comes out & then trouble for Ryan (both personal & professional) that put him in a spot that he's not sure he'll be returning from. This triumph over tragedy story is great, even the little back story of Taylor's mom & brother was interesting. I would definitely recommend this book & series to friends, it will be one that I go back to read again later on down the road.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
89 reviews
August 14, 2013
I received a copy of the book from the author for review. Thanks for giving me a copy.

This is the first book I have read in the series and I will definitely be reading the others! The book can be read as a stand alone.

Taylor and Ryan have an unusual relationship as she is his boss. The risks of workplace romance have impacts on their jobs but they are able to solve them. I liked the fact that Taylor was a strong character who is not willing to give up her career. They both eventually realize that it is possible to have a fulfilling career and relationship.

I have read other series that include professional atheletes and really enjoy them. This book is now included in that list.


Profile Image for Kate.
211 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2016
Taylor and Ryan were cute. This story had the taboo of the boss-employee relationship, which I generally enjoy, and I liked the addition of Ryan's daughter. No story is complete without a few character flaws, but some are more relate-able than others. I found both Taylor and Ryan to be on the right side of that line. Ryan's struggles to come to terms with what I guess is the athlete's equivalent of writer's block and to figure out the best path to take with his daughter tugged at my heart. Taylor's desire to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field and her internal struggle with her role in turning Ryan's career upside down had me conflicted right along side her. And their scenes together were steamy.
378 reviews13 followers
November 2, 2013
3.5 stars rounded up

Surprisingly good romance book that allows for an interesting perspective behind the scenes of the business of baseball. It allows the reader to get into the heads of management, players and their family, and how baseball affects their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the story and the romance. I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, which is why I rounded up not down. I do think I will look into other books from this series (Philadelphia Patriots). If you like romance and baseball, I suggest giving this book and series a shot.
263 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2013
I thought about giving this one another chance as it was hit or miss with the other books in the series. I have to say that there was no real dramatic episode in the book it was an easy read but really drawn out with too much inner dialogue with the characters themselves. it did kind of leaving you hanging as to what will really happen to Ryan with his status with the team. For an almost 800 page book I was really hoping there was going to be some kind of suspense but really there was nothing and even though for the most part I liked it I did find myself skimming over pages.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,277 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2013
I really wanted to give this at least a 4 star rating, but I can't and that saddens me. The book was good, the plot great, but it was so slow paced...and it didn't pick up until about 60% through the book. I LOVED Devon's character in this, and I wish we could have seen a little more of her but I know that wouldn't be possible.
I am iffy about reading another of these...just because they seem to get slower paced as they go, but we will see.
Profile Image for Downward dog.
1,941 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2013
Enjoyable read about a baseball player, Ryan and Taylor, an assistant general manager for the baseball team. They are attracted to each other but both have issues they are dealing with. Ryan is a great guy. He is an honest, hard working ball player dealing with getting older in a young sport and a teenage daughter. Taylor is a down to earth smart women trying to make it in a male dominated world.
Profile Image for Rachel.
655 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2013
This is the fourth book in this baseball series, but can be read as a stand alone.

If your a fan of sports books, or if you just want a well written book, then this is the book to fill either wish. It is both full of sport and fun to read, with hot chemistry between the two main characters.

This book was offered by the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,351 reviews102 followers
December 14, 2013
I loved the first 3 books in the Philadelphia Patriots series. This one just didn't capture me from the get go unlike the other 3. It's a good story and I really like the author but this book seemed to be missing that something special that I look for to draw me in. Is a nice way to was up the series though so I still recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Sarah.
560 reviews
July 10, 2014
After a disappointing book 3, Curveball is back up to the same standards as the first two books in this series. It seemed like there was a little more baseball terminology I wasn't familiar with in this one (definitely not a baseball fan) but the chemistry and crazy back-and-forth relationship between Taylor and Ryan more than made up for it!
Profile Image for Crystal.
715 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2015
I loved this book and I'm not even a big fan of baseball. The characters all seemed like real people you would run into on the street or in Ryan's case playing on TV. The story had good challenges that had to be faced, especially the troubles so many parents face raising teenagers. Great romance that builds between Ryan and Taylor. This was just an all-around great story to read.
Profile Image for Crazychriss889.
1,477 reviews10 followers
September 28, 2015
hell, yeah!!

first one for me in this series and it's awesome!!

The book is long, like really long and that's just so cool because it never gets boring!!

a must-read!

The characters are awesome!! And the writing style is pretty good! (yeah at times, I was craving for some real conversation but hey! that's okay!)
Profile Image for Kristin.
56 reviews
April 14, 2015
Not my favorite. The first 60% of the book dragged on with a ton of internal overthinking for both characters. It was more frustrating than entertaining/informative. Then when things finally start to click & work, the story was over. Pretty disappointed since I liked the previous 3 books.
6 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2013
3.5 stars. It was well written but it dragged on at times.
Profile Image for Maria.
109 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2013
I've loved this serious from the first book and this one definitely does not disappoint, I loved the characters Taylor and Ryan. Great read.

Highly recommended
Profile Image for Alyssa.
235 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2013
Favorite one of the series! I love baseball so this book was great!
79 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2013
I probably would have given this one a 5 if it hadn't ended so abruptly. Otherwise this was a great read!
Profile Image for Christine.
1,747 reviews
February 27, 2014
Good book

Liked the story. Have read the series. Liked the character's. Wanted to know what would happen. Will read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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