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Long Ball Boys #1

The Prospect

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One more summer.

That’s all 21-year-old Bree McTavish has left until she’ll finally have enough money to get out of her seaside hometown where the only thing more famous than the rolling sand dunes dotting the shoreline are the Silver Lake Sluggers. Every June, the nation’s top college baseball players descend on her tiny Michigan town to chase their big-time dreams in front of fans and Major League scouts. And every August, they leave behind a trail of broken hearts and mysterious stains in the bedrooms of the boarding house where Bree works as a cook to hone her skills for culinary school.

Bree hates summer. Hates baseball. Hates this tiny town.

If only she could hate him.

One more chance.

Jax Tanner knows this is it—one last season of summer ball before his dreams of being a Major League draft pick dry up and scatter in the wind like the dunes of Silver Lake. Once a Top 20 prospect, he’s now a wait-and-see thanks to a shoulder injury. If he doesn’t literally hit a homerun—lots of them—the only baseball in his future might be the community rec team sponsored by his family’s hardware chain. But baseball isn’t Jax’s only unfinished business in Silver Lake. There’s also her. Bree McTavish. The sexy-as-hell girl who cooks for the team has bunted his every attempt at finding her sweet spot again after a hot night on the beach two years ago. He has no idea what scared her off, but he’s not leaving until he finds out.

It’s time for a new game plan.

And Jax has never met a change-up he couldn’t knock out of the park.

One hot prospect

When a grand-slam of a secret is revealed, Bree realizes the only person she can fully trust is Jax. But when new opportunities arise, old fears intrude again. Can she learn to love the game, or will she lose her one hot prospect for true love when the Long Ball Boys pack up and leave with summer’s end?

Audiobook

First published December 1, 2017

17 people are currently reading
685 people want to read

About the author

Lyssa Kay Adams

14 books5,969 followers
Lyssa Kay Adams is the pen name of an award-winning journalist who gave up the world of telling true stories to pen emotional romances. She’s also a diehard Detroit Tigers fan who will occasionally cheer for the Red Sox because her husband is from Boston.

Lyssa lives in Michigan with her family and an anxiety-ridden Maltese who steals food and buries it around the house and who will undoubtedly be a character in a future book.

Things Lyssa loves: Baseball pants, mashed potatoes, and that little clicking sound that scissors make on the cutting table at fabric stores.

Things she doesn’t love: Mean people, melting ice cream cones, and finding food in her underwear drawer.

Keep up with Lyssa on Twitter at @LyssaKayAdams. Please note: She mostly tweets about baseball pants and mashed potatoes.

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5 stars
65 (13%)
4 stars
133 (28%)
3 stars
192 (41%)
2 stars
64 (13%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,906 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2020
2.5 stars.

Some of the usual YA/NA angst was annoying, but I believed the inner turmoil of the h. It's unclear as to whether or not the H was celibate during their two year separation (he said that he hadn't had a girlfriend since before he and the h had their connection), but I'm choosing to believe he was. Overall, this was a sweet and enjoyable read. I skipped the intimate scenes and appreciated the non-manho H and lack of OP drama.
Profile Image for Brianna - Four Paws and a Book.
954 reviews717 followers
September 20, 2023
There's not a lot of times where I literally call the couple toxic for each other. This is one of those times... Not for one second did I buy that these two people were good for each other.

And the smut was cringe...
Profile Image for Elisa (The Overflowing Bookshelf).
441 reviews14 followers
March 18, 2021
A super cute sports romance with some steam to satisfy an notch for a good romcom! Plus it’s Lyssa Kay Adams so you know it’s gonna be an awesome read!!
Profile Image for Shannon .
2,381 reviews160 followers
April 29, 2024
The Prospect
Long Ball Boys, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: Wanted a quick read.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/26/24 - 4/27/24
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Laurie West and Ryan West

The Characters:

Bree McTavish:
Jax Turner:
Bree’s BFF, Mrs C, Other players in the house

The Story:
I’ve never read anything from this author other than the Bromance Books and I was not disappointed with this out of series book. I am sad it seems this series won’t have more books but I’m just holding on for more from Ms Adams in general.
Profile Image for The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey).
661 reviews36 followers
April 15, 2023
4.5 Stars

My only complaint was that I wish this was longer! The middle chunk could have used more instead of rushing the timeline of the summer months.

Loved it!
Profile Image for Preet.
3,383 reviews233 followers
August 17, 2019
I absolutely loved the story! I found it moving, steamy, and swoonworthy! It's a great introduction and set up to the series and I can't wait to read more of it! Also this was my first taste of Alyssa Kay Adam's writing, and it makes me want to devour everything else she's published to date right now!
Profile Image for Shannon.
8,330 reviews424 followers
December 21, 2023
An early Lyssa Kay Adams book? Yes please! This was a fun second chance small town sports romance between an aspiring professional baseball player and the baseball hating girl he hooked up with two years ago. While this definitely wasn't my fav Lyssa Kay Adams book it was still an entertaining read and good on audio. Recommended for hard core fans looking for a quick read!
Profile Image for Tito.
128 reviews
July 23, 2024
I threw this short audiobook on for a drive and it was somewhat more entertaining than I expected it to be. There was more depth to it with parental abandonment issues, homelessness, etc. It was an easy listen with a few spicy scenes, but their chemistry was lacking something -- but I've been noticing this with college romance. I don't think it's for me!
Profile Image for Dasha.
1,570 reviews21 followers
May 1, 2022
Meh

Del montón. Esperaba otra cosa de esta escritora pero, está claro, que este libro tiene otro estilo. Tiene la mayoría de los clichés de este subgénero y, particularmente de la Romántica New Adult contemporánea. Mucho drama, malentendidos que se podrían haber evitado hablando, etc.
Es, además, una novela corta.

He escuchado el audiolibro. El narrador bien pero la narradora parecía estar congestionada y me ponía nerviosa cuando le tocaba narrar a ella.
Profile Image for Natasha B.
427 reviews6 followers
November 27, 2023
2.5 stars 🙈

I love The Bromance Bookclub series, but sadly, this book was too short and made me feel nothing. Such a shame.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
3,015 reviews165 followers
September 30, 2020
Even though Bree, an aspiring chef, has a huge crush on Jax, an aspiring major league baseball player, she's been warned not to fall for "prospects" because nothing is more important to them than playing ball. Could Jax be different?

I'm not usually a fan of short stories but there was something about the realistically flawed characters and the writing style that drew me in. I thought it was touching, romantic, and definitely steamy! And who doesn't need a sweet, happy ending right now?

Location: Silver Lake, Michigan
Profile Image for Megann Bird.
43 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2020
Short, cute, and just absolute adorableness. Yep, that's right! I feel biased now because I love Lyssa Kay Adams' writing style. I don't think there is anything she'd write that I would not thoroughly enjoy. I feel like this novella was the perfect length.

Would I have taken a longer book because I loved these characters? YES.

Am I satisfied with how the novella came together with the characters? YES

Profile Image for Nicole Roth.
99 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2020
I really enjoyed the love story between Bree and Jax. They had realistic hang-ups and sizzling chemistry. This was a sweet romance with a lot of heart!
Profile Image for Esther (esther.reads).
282 reviews67 followers
May 28, 2022
baseball is Romance.

Honestly this book surprised the heck out of me. It was so tender and emotional and beautiful. I’m mad no one is reading this. I need more from Lyssa!!!
Profile Image for J.M. Spade.
Author 4 books71 followers
October 15, 2020
What's your favorite thing to do while listening to audiobooks?⁠

I love listening to audiobooks when I drive and when I sew. Something about them just keeps me calm as my ADHD brain focuses. And since I love the Bromance Book Club series, I had to listen to the 3 other books @lyssakayadams has out!⁠

Sticking with the baseball theme, this short novel/novella focuses on Bree and Jax. After a brief encounter/relationship two years ago, they haven't been able to stop thinking about each other... and when Jax finds his damsel in distress, he knows it's his change to rescue her... but will his baseball prospects ruin his chance at finally winning her heart?⁠

You'll have to read to find out, of course. I found the story sweet and predictable, which doesn't bother me. When I read a romance, I expect to know how things end up - who doesn't want a happy ending? - and it's more about reading the journey to the end that keeps me hooked. I wish it had more steam, but that's just me and my mood. Great side characters... Not nearly as much humor as the Bromance club, but definitely a good listen!⁠

I loved the duel narrators! When I'm listening to a book, I like that I don't have to try and remember which character is speaking - that I can just zone out and listen and automatically know.⁠

Thank you @Brilliancepublishing for sending me this and allowing me to give my honest opinion.⁠

#LyssaKayAdams #TheProspect #SportsBook #BrillianceAudio #AudiobookReview #AudiobookReviews #ILoveAudiobooks #ListenToABook #ReadingSports #BookReview #BookRecommendation #AudiobookRecommendation #ReadThis #Novella #SweetRomance #RomanceReader #ReadingRomance #RomanceBook #RomanceNovella #FavoriteAuthor #BookNerd #ILoveBaseball #BooksAboutBaseball #BooksAboutRomance #BromanceBookClub #UndercoverBromance #Bromance
Profile Image for czai.
378 reviews57 followers
June 3, 2025
wow. i didn't like that..

it was kinda okay for me. i didnt care much about both of them throughout which is disappointing. i like baseball and i like all the baseball references. that was fun. but aside from not really getting into both main characters, idk why but the men on Jax's life just feels too unnatural. dont get me wrong, it's nice for them to have good intentions and give good advice but also, it felt so unnatural, forced. and the way they went on with their advice felt a little bit uncalled for or maybe rushed... given that this is very, VERY short. the people on Bree's life... i hated.. aside from the woman she worked for... her best friend and her friend's mother... i didnt like them. i get it, good intentions... but terrible treatment? idk how to go around that but i get friends defending you but the way it was done felt... terrible? the way Lexxie (i'm on audio, sorry if i'm writing it wrong) talked to Jax felt like an uncalled for attack and gaslighting? idk. and when the chaos finally came down, DAMN the miscommunication right there is CRAZY. and the climax? the grandgesture? had me pulling my hair (well not literally as i was in my commute from work). i was unamused with the fact that he had to delay answering the call and make up with her. i get it, it's to show that she's his "priority" but you know.. can't she understand the situation? is she still gonna be dramatic over that?

HUGE FCKNG SIGH but i am not amused with this one.

i listened to this because i enjoyed her Bromance Book Club series and i'm kinda hoping to read more but of course there isnt... and i saw this on Everand...

glad i got those off my chest. im sorry if you liked this book.. this is just me...
Profile Image for Linda Hutchinson.
1,782 reviews65 followers
July 3, 2021
The Prospect by Lyssa Kay Adams, (who wrote the Bromance book club series), is a heartfelt look at Bree who has lived her life by being abandoned and homeless until she meets Jax, a baseball phenomenon who falls hard for her. They are both close to reaching their life goals which will put distance between them. Will love win or they chose something else? A sweet story with a solid message. This romance fiction was a good break from the heavy reads. I’m a big fan of @lyssakayadams and I appreciate the free book. My thoughts and review are my own and without bias. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ romance stars #baseball #minorleagues #homeless #love #romancefiction #lifechoices #lyssakayadams #theprospect
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. #reading #books #bookstagram #book #read #bookworm #booklover #bookish #bibliophile #SRG #booksofinstagram #booklovers #bookish #lindaleereads2021 #mmdbookclub #idratherbereading #readinglife #mmdsummerreading #summerreadingguide @modernmrsdarcy #mmdchallenge #july
Profile Image for Heather Button.
1,747 reviews18 followers
January 27, 2025
I saw Lyssa Kay Adams and was sold. I love the Romance Book Club series so this was a no brainer to pick up.

21 year old Bree is desperate to get out of her Northern Michigan hometown. She's got no place to live after her dad kicked her out after she graduated and has no money for a place... Yet. She's got big dreams to be a chef though, which is why she works in the kitchen at a hotel where all the best college baseball players visit for the summer to get recruited. If only she could get over the one who caught her eye. For his part, Jax isn't thrilled about camp this summer but is intrigued to see Bree again and get her to give him another chance. He doesn't know how deep her troubles lie though.

This was ok. It definitely wasn't close to the Bromance Book Club series I couldn't get enough of.

⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Maritza Valle.
491 reviews8 followers
August 21, 2022
Let me start by saying ANSWER THE DAMN PHONE.


Okay. Now that that’s out: It may be vacation brain causing me to give this book an extra star- but this was a cute, shirt little book along the lines of the usual BBC / LKA story, but this time set with younger characters who, tbh, didn’t like…. Have friends? Or…lives? Really? And there were some absolutely unbelievable moments (not the good way, moments where like you can’t believe things).

But there was also sincerity, an amazing set of tender conversations between a father and son, and a rando little demon dog.

So for a beach read/candy, I adored it. Ask me again when I’m in a worse mood.
Profile Image for Beth Presley.
328 reviews16 followers
December 21, 2022
I never knew this series was a thing, so I was pleasantly surprised to have another LKA world to dive into! I'm usually not a fan of novellas/shorter books like this, but I was invested from start to finish.

The concept was cute, the characters were unique and lovable, the steam was on-par with her other novels, and the storyline kept you wanting more.

Bree was so incredible strong and stubborn, and you were rooting for her from day one. Watching her struggle in secret while still making her career dreams come true was amazing, and seeing her character growth by the end was fantastic.

Jax was a wonderful heart throb full of life, personality, angst, troubles, ambitions, and deep, deep love for Bree. They may have had a very rocky start to their relationship, but watching them grow, communicate, compromise, and help each other reach their goals was truly lovely.

I would love to see this series keep going, but it's been a few years since it was released. Not sure if there are others on the horizon, but if there are, I'm ready for them!
Profile Image for Sarah (Inkmates Read).
817 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2024
Cute but not as good as LKA’s other Bromance stuff. (I could see this series going somewhere, obviously there’s potential with other teammates and Lexi etc but it doesn’t look like that’s the plan.)

It’s short, so it was hard to get a feel for any of the characters including (and most importantly) the main characters. It’s a dual POV which is fun, but we don’t get much substance from either of them. The third act drama is mostly just annoying. I know they’re young, but I’m unimpressed by the ‘I don’t know how to trust people’ element that becomes a characters entire personality.

Love a baseball romance but I would’ve liked more baseball.
Profile Image for Janine.
1,114 reviews10 followers
January 31, 2025
I went into this kinda blind, but I enjoyed it. Lyssa Kay Adams does a great job conveying the thoughts and emotions of both Jax and Bree. There's a lot that they have to deal with with regards to where they are in their lives, and how a relationship would affect them. And I appreciated how their future wasn't portrayed as perfect, but that they would have to work to make their future work.

I enjoyed Jax and Bree's interactions. And I loved how Bree found that she was loved and accepted for who she was by those she didn't think actually "saw" her.

A really great, quick read...
Profile Image for Mom Seeks Smut.
429 reviews30 followers
June 27, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this story. My only complaint is it was too short. I really REALLY hope Lyssa continues with this series.

The story was heartbreaking and uplifting. I loved both the hero and heroine and rooted for them from day one. They both had life circumstances that had prevented them from continuing their relationship at the time but this second chance just proves how good they are for each other.
Profile Image for Georgie | g_loves_books.
253 reviews43 followers
January 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A cute quick read!

"One more chance."

Bree has been warned time and time again not to fall for "prospects", especially Jax, an aspiring major league baseball player.
In this novella, we follow Bree and Jax admit to themselves and each other that hat night two years ago really did mean something...

Is love more important than your dream?

What you'll find in The Prospect:
Baseball Sports Romance
Second Chance
Small Town
1,704 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2024
3.5 stars
Jax and Bree are fun, entertaining, relatable, intriguing, interesting, complex characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I love that we got an epilogue but wanted it to be further in their HEA than it was, given the issues each had throughout the course of the story.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrators.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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