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Cadence Cougars #2
No Trick Plays
Nathaniel Miller has a problem. He has a few problems, but only one of them is teetering toward him in a gaudy red dress and too-tall heels. In all his years as a catcher for the Cadence Cougars, this is the first time he's had a stalker. Luckily, Miller has a tried-and-true plan for getting rid of women who get too attached. He just has to find someone who can be his fake date without wanting "more". Something easier said than done, in his experience.
Charlotte Haden has spent the last six years pretending she doesn't have a crush on Nathaniel Miller. It wasn't that hard when they lived three hours apart and never saw each other. Now she's back in Cadence, and it seems like the Universe is pushing her and Miller together. Seriously, someone needs to stop Miller from wearing those tiny running shorts that short-circuit her brain. Those shorts are solely responsible for Charlotte opening her big mouth and volunteering to be Miller's fake date to the Charity "Player Auction".
Will they be able to maintain their fake relationship when real feelings get involved?
Charlotte Haden has spent the last six years pretending she doesn't have a crush on Nathaniel Miller. It wasn't that hard when they lived three hours apart and never saw each other. Now she's back in Cadence, and it seems like the Universe is pushing her and Miller together. Seriously, someone needs to stop Miller from wearing those tiny running shorts that short-circuit her brain. Those shorts are solely responsible for Charlotte opening her big mouth and volunteering to be Miller's fake date to the Charity "Player Auction".
Will they be able to maintain their fake relationship when real feelings get involved?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 30, 2023
I thought I loved Hey, Batter Batter… but this one was SOOOO good. Lottie and Miller are my new favorites.
Suzanna freaking knocked this out of the park (pun intended). The way she can get you to fall in love with not only the main characters, but also the side characters is unreal. I need this series to never end.
Let’s talk about the banter because holy crap. I’m a sucker for some good banter and this was toooo good. I have dubbed Meghan Quinn the Queen of Banter for a long time, but Suzanna is coming for her title.
The spice was fantastic. It wasn’t overdone or vanilla. There was just the right amount of spice to keep the steam up and even though this is technically a slow(ish) burn, it didn’t feel drawn out.
Catch me crying for the foreseeable future because these characters aren’t real and I just want to be in the mini-fam.
10/5 stars for this awesome book. 🫶🏼🙌🏼
Suzanna freaking knocked this out of the park (pun intended). The way she can get you to fall in love with not only the main characters, but also the side characters is unreal. I need this series to never end.
Let’s talk about the banter because holy crap. I’m a sucker for some good banter and this was toooo good. I have dubbed Meghan Quinn the Queen of Banter for a long time, but Suzanna is coming for her title.
The spice was fantastic. It wasn’t overdone or vanilla. There was just the right amount of spice to keep the steam up and even though this is technically a slow(ish) burn, it didn’t feel drawn out.
Catch me crying for the foreseeable future because these characters aren’t real and I just want to be in the mini-fam.
10/5 stars for this awesome book. 🫶🏼🙌🏼
August 15, 2023
I finished my beta read of No Trick Plays & I absolutely love this group of characters! It was so fun to see more of Ellie & King from Hey Batter Batter but it was also fun to see the teasers for the next book in the series 👀
It starts off as a bit of a slow burn but the spice is hotttt with Miller’s dirty talk! The dugout scene?! It’s going to live rent free in my brain now.
It starts off as a bit of a slow burn but the spice is hotttt with Miller’s dirty talk! The dugout scene?! It’s going to live rent free in my brain now.
October 2, 2023
Miller was a character I just adored in HEY BATTER BATTER thr first book, so when his was the second book I was in. I love fake dating, and even when it's between friends. Little do Miller and Lottie know that they both have had feelings for each other through the years. When Miller gets a crazy stalker and Lottie moves back to cadence, it seems right to get into a fake relationship. I loved wishing lottie find her home again and her happiness . Miller is such a rule follower, and now, with Lottie, he wants to break all the rules. The smut in this is top tier. I love a baby and a great dugout scene. Lol Suzanna does such a great job with having you fall in love not just with the main couple but all the side characters. What a great book!
October 28, 2023
4.5 stars.
I loved this! This was steamier than book 1 imo!
Miller is known as a rule follower and not one to be in a committed relationship. He’s never liked attachments, and keeps women at a distance. That is until Charlotte comes back into town. They start fake dating to help get a stalker off of Miller’s back. The rest is freaking history.
I absolutely loved them together!! Honestly none of it seemed fake, and I ate it up. This was also so HOT. The baseball dugout scene. Enough said.
I love when a girl can change the opinions/actions of a playboy because they fall SO hard.
I loved this! This was steamier than book 1 imo!
Miller is known as a rule follower and not one to be in a committed relationship. He’s never liked attachments, and keeps women at a distance. That is until Charlotte comes back into town. They start fake dating to help get a stalker off of Miller’s back. The rest is freaking history.
I absolutely loved them together!! Honestly none of it seemed fake, and I ate it up. This was also so HOT. The baseball dugout scene. Enough said.
I love when a girl can change the opinions/actions of a playboy because they fall SO hard.
September 20, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh.
First… ARC reading is a fucking honor. ARC reading an incredible book? I’m ecstatic.
No Trick Plays by S. Manship is so delectably good. It’s dirty and funny and so cute with just a dash of serious. It very much gave me romcom vibes. It made me want to take up watching professional baseball.
The entire book made me laugh, the banter was is cute. The characters are all likable. Except for one horrendous crazy person 😒
Such. A. Good. Book.
First… ARC reading is a fucking honor. ARC reading an incredible book? I’m ecstatic.
No Trick Plays by S. Manship is so delectably good. It’s dirty and funny and so cute with just a dash of serious. It very much gave me romcom vibes. It made me want to take up watching professional baseball.
The entire book made me laugh, the banter was is cute. The characters are all likable. Except for one horrendous crazy person 😒
Such. A. Good. Book.
September 29, 2023
I absolutely ate this shit uppppp. Suzanna does it again, Honestly kinda liked this one more than the first on!!! (Sorry not sorry) I loved the dynamic of the main characters. The playful banter and fake dating was perfect! The tension building up to the spicy parts *chefs kiss* please please give me more also pls leave your last bit bc I’m LAUghing!!!
September 23, 2023
4.5⭐️ I loved this SO much!!! Sorry to King and Ellie because Miller and Lottie are it for me 🫠
Miller is the catcher for the Cadence Cougars baseball team and meets Lottie when she’s trying to interview a player on the another team. The player turns her down and she gets to interview Miller instead. Years later, Lottie’s sister is Miller’s bestie and they’ve been in each other’s circles without getting too close. When Miller’s ex-fling turns into a bit of a stalker, him and Lottie create a fake dating ploy to steer her off but it quickly starts to feel a little too real.
This was fake dating perfection. Add a little bit of “it’s always been you” vibes, a bit of “let’s bang once to get it out of our systems”, and a dirty talking golden retriever MMC (with a 🍆 piercing 🫣) and I was all over it 😂
One of my favorite things about sports romances is the team dynamic and the Cougars are absolutely hilarious, they made the story so much more entertaining. Lottie’s sister Nell is also a big fave - her and Lottie are twins but so completely opposite, they’re so much fun. Loved seeing Ellie and King again too (and Elliot… I NEED to see more of him and Grady 👀
Their story just felt so real and their chemistry flowed so easily. The mutual pining, chefs kiss 🤌🏼 the stalker aspect was such a great addition too, it almost added a bit of suspense since we had no clue what that crazy Ruby was gonna do 😂
Tropes:
Fake dating
Pro baseball
Best friend’s sister
Meddling friends
It’s always been you
Miller is the catcher for the Cadence Cougars baseball team and meets Lottie when she’s trying to interview a player on the another team. The player turns her down and she gets to interview Miller instead. Years later, Lottie’s sister is Miller’s bestie and they’ve been in each other’s circles without getting too close. When Miller’s ex-fling turns into a bit of a stalker, him and Lottie create a fake dating ploy to steer her off but it quickly starts to feel a little too real.
This was fake dating perfection. Add a little bit of “it’s always been you” vibes, a bit of “let’s bang once to get it out of our systems”, and a dirty talking golden retriever MMC (with a 🍆 piercing 🫣) and I was all over it 😂
One of my favorite things about sports romances is the team dynamic and the Cougars are absolutely hilarious, they made the story so much more entertaining. Lottie’s sister Nell is also a big fave - her and Lottie are twins but so completely opposite, they’re so much fun. Loved seeing Ellie and King again too (and Elliot… I NEED to see more of him and Grady 👀
Their story just felt so real and their chemistry flowed so easily. The mutual pining, chefs kiss 🤌🏼 the stalker aspect was such a great addition too, it almost added a bit of suspense since we had no clue what that crazy Ruby was gonna do 😂
Tropes:
Fake dating
Pro baseball
Best friend’s sister
Meddling friends
It’s always been you
December 23, 2023
I really enjoyed “Hey Batter Batter.” I’ve read so many books it’s rare when I’m able to recall details like the names of the main characters. But every so often a book comes along where the friend group is just so good that you remember the names and quirks of the group, the Cadence Cougars series offers that kind of book.
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope. That being said, I really loved how S. Manship went about writing this one. There may be a little behind the scenes string pulling, but these two are meant to be.
When Charlotte is moving back to town she runs into Miller at the coffee shop. She’s always had a crush on the baseball catcher, who’s also her twin sister’s best friend. But it gets more complicated. At the coffee shop she runs into her ex fiance and his NEW fiance-her ex best friend. Yeah, it’s both complicated and embarrassing. Lucky for Charlotte, Miller comes to the rescue and introduces himself as her boyfriend. Take that. After chatting Miller realizes having a fake girlfriend could also help him out. He’s been trying to avoid Ruby, a girl he hooked up with and didn’t get the very clear memo that he wasn’t looking for anything serious. So much so she just keeps showing up and “running into” Miller. Fake dating turns into real feelings. These two are both so cute together and have some serious chemistry.
Sometimes when books include a stalker it’s cringy and straight crazy. This stalker was written so well. Like does the author have experience with this because it was almost too good? Ruby would show up at the same places Miller would be with his friends, but only approach him when he was alone. For a nice guy like Miller it’s definitely uncomfortable but like, he’s not in danger and being a public figure sometimes welcomes this behavior. She slowly becomes more unhinged(but in a totally realistic way).
When thinking about this book, there is literally nothing I would change. There was no third act break up. The characters had an appropriate and realistic conversation to navigate their relationship. The friend group was so well rounded. Everyone had a distinct personality and felt fully formed. 5 Stars. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the release of the 3rd book in this series.
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope. That being said, I really loved how S. Manship went about writing this one. There may be a little behind the scenes string pulling, but these two are meant to be.
When Charlotte is moving back to town she runs into Miller at the coffee shop. She’s always had a crush on the baseball catcher, who’s also her twin sister’s best friend. But it gets more complicated. At the coffee shop she runs into her ex fiance and his NEW fiance-her ex best friend. Yeah, it’s both complicated and embarrassing. Lucky for Charlotte, Miller comes to the rescue and introduces himself as her boyfriend. Take that. After chatting Miller realizes having a fake girlfriend could also help him out. He’s been trying to avoid Ruby, a girl he hooked up with and didn’t get the very clear memo that he wasn’t looking for anything serious. So much so she just keeps showing up and “running into” Miller. Fake dating turns into real feelings. These two are both so cute together and have some serious chemistry.
Sometimes when books include a stalker it’s cringy and straight crazy. This stalker was written so well. Like does the author have experience with this because it was almost too good? Ruby would show up at the same places Miller would be with his friends, but only approach him when he was alone. For a nice guy like Miller it’s definitely uncomfortable but like, he’s not in danger and being a public figure sometimes welcomes this behavior. She slowly becomes more unhinged(but in a totally realistic way).
When thinking about this book, there is literally nothing I would change. There was no third act break up. The characters had an appropriate and realistic conversation to navigate their relationship. The friend group was so well rounded. Everyone had a distinct personality and felt fully formed. 5 Stars. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the release of the 3rd book in this series.
September 21, 2023
This was PERFECT. I loved Hey Batter Batter so much and this was such an amazing follow up! It was FUNNY and so so sexy and heartfelt and warm and fuzzy with a little bit of a high stakes element??? It was SO GOOD. Lottie and Miller were perfect. Their friends, their MINI-FAM, were perfect. I love this little universe so much it makes me so happy.
There is quite honestly nothing I love more than fake dating, and the fact that Miller and Lottie were low key in love with each other but convinced it would NEVER work out and they were obviously never going to confess their feelings for each other?? SO GOOD. Because then they were all of a sudden spending so much time together fake dating?? And making sure it looked SUPER REAL. And THEN they were doing all the sexy things that people so in relationships along with the cute everyday things??!! I loved them. So. Much.
They were both SO SOFT. They were so sweet with each other. And I LOVED watching them grow together, individually and as a couple.
I follow Suzanna on instgram/tiktok and she is honestly hilarious. And I can see that in her writing and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I loved both Miller and Lottie’s inner monologues because they were so funny! Every time they knew they were acting silly and called themselves out, in their heads, was perfection.
Thank you SO MUCH to Suzanna Manship for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I will and cannot wait to read everything she ever writes!
There is quite honestly nothing I love more than fake dating, and the fact that Miller and Lottie were low key in love with each other but convinced it would NEVER work out and they were obviously never going to confess their feelings for each other?? SO GOOD. Because then they were all of a sudden spending so much time together fake dating?? And making sure it looked SUPER REAL. And THEN they were doing all the sexy things that people so in relationships along with the cute everyday things??!! I loved them. So. Much.
They were both SO SOFT. They were so sweet with each other. And I LOVED watching them grow together, individually and as a couple.
I follow Suzanna on instgram/tiktok and she is honestly hilarious. And I can see that in her writing and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I loved both Miller and Lottie’s inner monologues because they were so funny! Every time they knew they were acting silly and called themselves out, in their heads, was perfection.
Thank you SO MUCH to Suzanna Manship for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I will and cannot wait to read everything she ever writes!
September 29, 2023
No Trick Plays is so cute with a side of hot steamy goodness. We met Nathaniel Miller in ‘HEY BATTER BATTER’ (which I absolutely adore, it’s such a cute ass book!). It’s his turn, this guy is focused, follows rules, doesn’t date, but a potential stalker is freaking him out a bit. His publicist twin sis is someone that’s always been off limits, but she may be the one to deter the stalker who thinks they belong together. Charlotte aka Lottie, has always crushed on Miller, but knows that can never happen, but when she is needed for this fake relationship, she’s game!!!
I love these two, love seeing them fall hard for each other. Miller is a great character, so funny without knowing it, so easy to fall in love with. A fantastic cast of supporting characters, love seeing King & Ellie from the first book spread throughout this one.
You don’t have to read ‘HEY BATTER BATTER’ to enjoy this one but I highly recommend it, bc it makes NO TRICK PLAYS so much more enjoyable.
I love these two, love seeing them fall hard for each other. Miller is a great character, so funny without knowing it, so easy to fall in love with. A fantastic cast of supporting characters, love seeing King & Ellie from the first book spread throughout this one.
You don’t have to read ‘HEY BATTER BATTER’ to enjoy this one but I highly recommend it, bc it makes NO TRICK PLAYS so much more enjoyable.
September 26, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book. I didn’t have words when I finished this, it’s so freaking good. Miller is one of my favorite MMC’s EVER. I loved the it’s always been you vibes from the first moment he met Lottie.
Lottie has been in love with Miller from that very first moment, but has never acted on it as he is her sisters best friend and they live 3 hours apart. That is until Lottie moves home. And of course the first person she runs into is Miller.
What I was not expecting in this is the extent Miller’s stalker goes to. Fake dating has become one of my favorite tropes and this is just perfect because they both say it’s fake, but has it ever really been fake?!
These two have my heart forever and I love them so much🫶🏼 Their story is definitely one to read and I will forever read Suzanna’s books!!!!
Lottie has been in love with Miller from that very first moment, but has never acted on it as he is her sisters best friend and they live 3 hours apart. That is until Lottie moves home. And of course the first person she runs into is Miller.
What I was not expecting in this is the extent Miller’s stalker goes to. Fake dating has become one of my favorite tropes and this is just perfect because they both say it’s fake, but has it ever really been fake?!
These two have my heart forever and I love them so much🫶🏼 Their story is definitely one to read and I will forever read Suzanna’s books!!!!
July 6, 2024
Nathaniel Miller is right up there on the book boyfriend category. He is a sweetheart with a foul mouth and I’m totally here for it! I was constantly giggling through out this book, Suz’s writing style is pure gold! The character relationship developments through this book were great, not only did we get Lottie and Miller, but Hoax and Scott, the start of Grady and Elliot, and of course more of Ellie and Sam. Miller’s relationship with Nell is very endearing and the nicknames in this book…I’m just obsessed. I love Lottie, she’s so sweet and so very clearly loves Miller from the beginning. Miller is relatable…his anxiety is well written and the way Lottie could completely handle it at the end of the book was perfect! All in all, loved it, highly recommend!!!
September 16, 2023
Miller doesn’t date. He specifically has 3 rules in place & when they get broken he leaves. So what happens when he starts fake dating his best friends sister? I absolutely loved this book. I’ve been looking forward to it since I read Hey, Batter Batter & this one did not disappoint. I love how the characters are so relatable & don’t even get me started on the jokes. I laughed so much reading this book. I could not get enough of Miller & Lottie!
That dugout scene is going to live rent free in my head 😩🥵🔥
If you love:
⚾️ fake dating
⚾️friends to lovers
⚾️best friends sister
⚾️dirty talking mmc
Then this book is for you!
5/5 stars ⭐️
That dugout scene is going to live rent free in my head 😩🥵🔥
If you love:
⚾️ fake dating
⚾️friends to lovers
⚾️best friends sister
⚾️dirty talking mmc
Then this book is for you!
5/5 stars ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
Another home run for the Cadence Cougars! Miller matured so much as a character in this book and I loved it. He starts off as a playboy that refuses to have anything close to a relationship, but I think that's because he's been in love with Charlotte all along. These two try so hard to resist each other, but fate can't be changed and they finally give in to each other and it was magical. I love a dirty talking MMC and Miller was top tier! I also loved the camaraderie and found family that this group of teammates has and how much they genuinely care for each other. With a little bit of suspense thrown in - looking at you, Ruby - this story kept me on edge all the way to the end.
September 25, 2023
4.5!! I love them! It's just a very slow brun.
♡fake dating
♡ baseball player
♡best friend sister
♡ falling for each other
♡ horrible with nicknames
♡ both points of view
The ending was very sweet! I have been more of their story. I love that the sister thinks she should get all the current of them falling for each other! I want more of all of their love stories! I love how they both second guessed how they felt about each other! They always would say something about "fake dating" and "she's my fake girlfriend or boyfriend"
♡fake dating
♡ baseball player
♡best friend sister
♡ falling for each other
♡ horrible with nicknames
♡ both points of view
The ending was very sweet! I have been more of their story. I love that the sister thinks she should get all the current of them falling for each other! I want more of all of their love stories! I love how they both second guessed how they felt about each other! They always would say something about "fake dating" and "she's my fake girlfriend or boyfriend"
September 29, 2023
I received a copy of the this book as an ARC from the author.
There’s something about this book that made it hard to put down the minute I picked it up! This is a MF romance with fake dating with no third act break up. Miller and Lottie were characters that you immediately fall in love with. I felt like I highlighted half the book because the banter between them was so good! You don’t need to understand baseball to enjoy this baseball romance.
TW one the characters has a stalker.
This was a fun read and I’ll be sharing this book with plenty of friends!
There’s something about this book that made it hard to put down the minute I picked it up! This is a MF romance with fake dating with no third act break up. Miller and Lottie were characters that you immediately fall in love with. I felt like I highlighted half the book because the banter between them was so good! You don’t need to understand baseball to enjoy this baseball romance.
TW one the characters has a stalker.
This was a fun read and I’ll be sharing this book with plenty of friends!
October 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I definitely enjoyed the first in the Cougars series more. This is a fake dating romance but definitely idiots to lovers lol. The fake dating is because Miller has a stalker, and she is really creepy. I think the fake dating went on a little too long.
Baseball romance
Fake dating
Best friend’s sister
⚾️
I definitely enjoyed the first in the Cougars series more. This is a fake dating romance but definitely idiots to lovers lol. The fake dating is because Miller has a stalker, and she is really creepy. I think the fake dating went on a little too long.
Baseball romance
Fake dating
Best friend’s sister
⚾️
January 4, 2025
Wow, this was such a fun “fake” dating (because let’s be real, that was never fake) reas - both for the Lottie and Miller relationship but also for the whole mini-fam and the dynamics between all of them. I love that they’re all idiots in love, calling each other out but blind to their own romantic interests.
April 21, 2024
Pierced MMC. Sarcasm & banter. Delicious spice. Do I even need to go on???
I don’t usually love slower burns but this was definitely worth it 😍 I’m so disgustingly in love with Miller & “his Lottie”! I loved their story and SO did not want it to end!
I don’t usually love slower burns but this was definitely worth it 😍 I’m so disgustingly in love with Miller & “his Lottie”! I loved their story and SO did not want it to end!
September 17, 2023
Absolutely loved the characters in this book!! Such great writing. Perfect mix of plot and smut ugh I loved it so much
September 29, 2023
Miller…need I say more 🥵
Miller & Lottie are everything!! Fake dating. Baseball romance. Best friends sister and that dug out scene. All of my favorite things!
Miller & Lottie are everything!! Fake dating. Baseball romance. Best friends sister and that dug out scene. All of my favorite things!
October 6, 2023
Omg. You don't understand how much I loved this book. It has me laughing so hard all the way thru . Love it . I recommend everyone reads it .
I received an advance reader copy
I received an advance reader copy
October 11, 2023
S. Manship hit it out of the park (again) with this one. Another five star read from her with engaging characters, swoon-worthy storyline and spice!
February 4, 2024
My favorite baseball read ever!
The banter and spice in this book are both top notch! I cannot wait to find out what will happen next in Cadence! Love love love!
The banter and spice in this book are both top notch! I cannot wait to find out what will happen next in Cadence! Love love love!
December 28, 2024
Ebook. KU. 4.5. I really loved this by the end and desperately need to read Grady and Elliots book next.
July 8, 2024
I just love Miller and Lottie.
I'm a sucker for fake dating, dirty talking MMC, and meddling side characters. This book delivered in every way possible!
I'm a sucker for fake dating, dirty talking MMC, and meddling side characters. This book delivered in every way possible!
October 19, 2023
Help! I’m in a puddle on the floor and I literally can’t get up! 🫠 This is book 2 in the Cadence Cougars series and it was HOT!!! 🔥
Miller is the catcher for the Cadence Cougars baseball team. He had an ex-fling who has turned stalker and Miller doesn’t know how to get rid of her. Miller comes up with the great idea to fake date his best friend’s twin sister, Lottie. What can go wrong, when you have two people who both have harbored feelings for one another and they decide to fake date? I’ll tell you. One funny, sweet, and sexy book!
The tension, banter, text messages, friend group, and smut! Just WOW! I don’t usually blush when reading spicy scenes, but I was BLUSHING! 🤭
The second shower scene! 🚿
The dugout! ⚾️
Did I mention the mouth on the MMC & piercing?! 🍆🥵
Tropes:
- Baseball Romance
- Fake Dating
- Best Friend’s Sister
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
- It’s Always Been You
Miller is the catcher for the Cadence Cougars baseball team. He had an ex-fling who has turned stalker and Miller doesn’t know how to get rid of her. Miller comes up with the great idea to fake date his best friend’s twin sister, Lottie. What can go wrong, when you have two people who both have harbored feelings for one another and they decide to fake date? I’ll tell you. One funny, sweet, and sexy book!
The tension, banter, text messages, friend group, and smut! Just WOW! I don’t usually blush when reading spicy scenes, but I was BLUSHING! 🤭
The second shower scene! 🚿
The dugout! ⚾️
Did I mention the mouth on the MMC & piercing?! 🍆🥵
Tropes:
- Baseball Romance
- Fake Dating
- Best Friend’s Sister
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
- It’s Always Been You
January 1, 2024
There hasn’t been a single sentence written by this author that I haven’t loved. Every time I finish, I say I’ve just read the best book they’ve written. This time is no different.
Not only are the mechanics perfect, but the entire thing is fantastic. The characters are relatable and well-developed, the story has all of the detail and action you could ever want, the jokes and the sweetness bring balance and intrigue, and the satellite characters breathe even more life into the story and world. There’s a sense of realism that a lot of books are lacking, which lends to the feeling that the characters are simply people in your life telling you their story. You love it right next to them as you turn the pages.
The angst is low, the love is so good, and the natural inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters is so easy and seamless that I really think this author could teach a master class on it. I know a TON of writers in the queer literature scene who could definitely take notes. Not many authors can get it all right, but this one does. There’s literally NOTHING to complain about, except that either (or both, since I’m not picky and very greedy) MC should be delivered to my address to be mine forever, but that isn’t a service provided.
And, since I forgot to mention the damn mouth on that man…keep yourself hydrated and the fan going.🥵 It’s a recurring theme in this series that these men use their words just as much as their bodies, and we are NOT mad at it. We are grateful and extremely jealous of fictional characters living the dream.
Oh, and I STILL NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH HE HEARD. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN AND YOU ARE NOT OFF THE HOOK.
5/5, because they won’t let me give any more stars. This one is going in the #1 spot on my Best Of 2023 list.
**Full disclosure, I was a Beta reader and received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and hold no bias. I wouldn’t do that to the author or y’all, so that’s that. It brings me the biggest amount of joy to be able to gush over this book, because nothing is better than reading a book so good it changes you a little and then getting to tell everyone else so it changes them, too.**
Not only are the mechanics perfect, but the entire thing is fantastic. The characters are relatable and well-developed, the story has all of the detail and action you could ever want, the jokes and the sweetness bring balance and intrigue, and the satellite characters breathe even more life into the story and world. There’s a sense of realism that a lot of books are lacking, which lends to the feeling that the characters are simply people in your life telling you their story. You love it right next to them as you turn the pages.
The angst is low, the love is so good, and the natural inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters is so easy and seamless that I really think this author could teach a master class on it. I know a TON of writers in the queer literature scene who could definitely take notes. Not many authors can get it all right, but this one does. There’s literally NOTHING to complain about, except that either (or both, since I’m not picky and very greedy) MC should be delivered to my address to be mine forever, but that isn’t a service provided.
And, since I forgot to mention the damn mouth on that man…keep yourself hydrated and the fan going.🥵 It’s a recurring theme in this series that these men use their words just as much as their bodies, and we are NOT mad at it. We are grateful and extremely jealous of fictional characters living the dream.
Oh, and I STILL NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH HE HEARD. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN AND YOU ARE NOT OFF THE HOOK.
5/5, because they won’t let me give any more stars. This one is going in the #1 spot on my Best Of 2023 list.
**Full disclosure, I was a Beta reader and received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and hold no bias. I wouldn’t do that to the author or y’all, so that’s that. It brings me the biggest amount of joy to be able to gush over this book, because nothing is better than reading a book so good it changes you a little and then getting to tell everyone else so it changes them, too.**
December 15, 2023
Another fun book to read in this series! There was fake dating and great banter. This story and these characters felt more fully completed than Hey, Batter Batter. The spicy was great also. Love the dugout scene.
Hey, Batter Batter: 3.75/5
No Trick Plays: 4/5
Thank you Suzanna Manship for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Hey, Batter Batter: 3.75/5
No Trick Plays: 4/5
Thank you Suzanna Manship for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 3, 2024
This was such a good book, highly recommend
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