What happens when you fall hard and fast but have no idea that she is your neighbor? The one he’s heard through the wall but never met. The neighbor he can’t stand...
Hendrix James is the newest addition to the Denver Bandits baseball team. He was adjusting just fine after his trade. His teammates were great, he found a killer apartment and he met a girl he really likes. The only problem? His loud neighbor is disrupting his life, all day, every day with her wild habits between the sheets. Poppy Byrne is ready for a change in her career. She’s owned her own business working as an adult phone operator since college. Launching her career as an audiobook narrator is her next big dream. Focused on her goals she’s all but given up on men entirely. When she finally meets someone worth her time fate throws her an unexpected curve ball.
Hey! I'm Lo. As an avid reader I love contemporary romance with a side of humor. That's what you'll find in my books. I live for quirky characters that make you fall in love with them and equally intriguing secondary characters.
I sat down to write my first book because I was dying for more sports romance after devouring everything out there.
If I am not writing, you can find me watching my kids play sports, hiking with my girlfriends, or on vacation to a new place.
Such a phenomenal debut, I’m FLOORED!! 😍 I really couldn't put it down, I read it in less than a day.
📖 All on the Line 📝 Lo Everett 🗓️ 08/22/2023 ⚾️ sports romance 📱 read on kindle 📚 book 1 • Denver Bandits Baseball series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
💭 overall thoughts: Very obsessed with the concept and it totally delivered!
(They’re neighbors - she’s a s*x phone operator - he hears her through the wall - they meet and starting falling for each other and don’t know they’re neighbors)
⚾️☎️ MCs: Loved Poppy’s attitude, how she wasn’t ashamed of her career path and stood up for herself, even with her family. Hendrix is a secret softy, but a bit impulsive on the temper (thanks to past relationship trauma).
📖 story:
“Maybe it’s that we have both had our trust broken by someone we cared about. We are both a bit guarded and that links us somehow. Our flaws recognize each other.”
This really sums up their romance - both coming in with baggage from previous relationships, but their undeniable chemistry has them unable to stay apart.
🤍side characters: All the little teasers to the next book (Delilah + Cruz) were perfection. I couldn’t wait to see how their love story played out too!
tropes + topics: 🏠 neighbours ⚾️ pro baseball player ☎️ phone s*x operator 😍 instant connection 🫶🏼 found family ❌ no 3rd act breakup 💞 dual 1st person pov
✨ books with similar vibes: ♡ Oar than Friends by Lulu Moore (insta-connection, forced proximity, sports) ♡ Tempting the Player by Rebecca Jenshak (insta-connection, sports, forced proximity, hidden identity)
4.5! How is this her debut novel?? It is SO GOOD. A pro baseball player, Hendrix, and strong FMC, Poppy’s organic, natural, and love the banter relationship was great. I also enjoyed how Lo had the friendships of Delilah and Poppy then Cruz and Hendrix? It was a natural and steamy baseball. Also his nana? Probably my favorite!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
Delusional FMC on a high horse the author is oblivious to
If I could go one day without coming across an FMC written by an author who is completely oblivious to how obnoxious the character is, I would be so happy. Today is not that day.
I don’t know a single freaking person who wouldn’t have jumped to the exact same conclusion that the MMC does.
Should he have reacted so strongly? Maybe not, but he does have baggage that’s impacting that reaction, but like with most books where the author puts the problematic FMC on a pedestal, he’s not allowed to let his baggage affect her, but she is allowed hers to impact him as much as she wants and feel morally superior about it (when she definitely shouldn’t). Both characters have trauma informing their shitty reactions, which is fine, but when the author clearly only condones one of the character’s trauma response, it’s messed up and perpetuates really harmful relationship standards.
The FMC is absolutely delusional to believe that the MMC was not going to come to the conclusion he did and react based on that. The statistical likelihood that he would have assumed the truth or thought there was another possible reason, is just so infinitesimal that it’s practically non-existent. She should realize this, especially after all this happened immediately after he opened up to her about his trust issues. Of course she’s entitled to her traumatic reaction to, but literally no one stops her and goes, “dude, you’re being irrational.” Of course that happens to the MMC though, people telling him he’s in the wrong, despite the fact that his assumptions were perfectly rational, though he could have MAYBE handled it a bit better.
Why is this such a prominent pattern in romance books lately? I get that an MMC who loves the FMC even with her baggage is hot, but good god these FMCs just end up being incredibly toxic and entitled and it is not a good look.
Sooooooo…. At first when I finished this book I was fully invested and ready to give it at least 4 stars but a few things definitely ticked me off.
That’s not to say that this book is not amazing for being the authors debut novel, but I feel like the plot didn’t actually have a timeline and everything felt very wiggly. Like she was just making it up as she went. The two main characters instantly start liking each other which for me was a new aspect of a romance book but I honestly didn’t hate it 🫣
What I don’t understand is why there are 14 chapters (plus the epilogue) after they make up that consist of quite literally nothing. Yeah sure, Poppy confronts her parents but did that need 14 chapters of build up??? I mean they literally didn’t say “I love you” til the very last chapter. So what was all that in between even for? Don’t they both constantly talk about how instant their connection was??
ALSO! Some justice for our MMC please?!? His trauma was completely blowed over and didn’t even seem to be taken seriously. On the other hand, our FMC couldn’t possibly be in the wrong because her trauma was just too much to bear. Now I get it, her trauma was something I feel a lot of people can relate to, but that should not negate another persons issues as if theirs are less important. Poppy pissed me off at times because of that. I’m all here for confidence and feeling good in your own skin, but when that starts to turn into putting yourself above everyone else it becomes an issue. I mean did she even remotely see herself in the wrong during that argument or really comprehend his side of the story??
⚾️Hendrix James
By far one of my favorite book boyfriends!! He accepted his faults, apologized first, and was so loving to Poppy it was heart melting to read. He truly is a beautiful boyfriend to Poppy and honestly I just read this book for him. ❤️❤️ But I swear to god every chapter was just him complaining about Kylie. I’m telling you now the only time he doesn’t mention his ex is when he’s legitimately having sex with Poppy. And I feel like most of his book was just focusing on the build up for Cruz and Delilah’s book. BUT HIM IN HIS BASEBALL PANTS AND CAP?!? 🥵☺️
🌸Poppy
Umm… yeah she was a mix for me… I loved her at times for her confidence but felt she could be a little delulu at times. Like she needed a reality check, but either way I love how she embraces her sexuality and how everything does work out for her in the end. And when we do meet her parents I understand a little bit more why she is the way she is. Again I love her humor and her relationship with Lilah. I’m just curious though, if Hendrix is best friends with Cruz that means he’s been on the Denver team for a while, and if he knew Cruz knew Delilah and constantly went to her coffee shop… wouldn’t he have run into Poppy sooner?? Idk the timelines just aren’t matching up for me. Really the only thing that pissed me off with her was that she also mentions her ex every single chapter. LIKE WE GET IT YOU GUYS BOTH HAVE TRAUMA. Jeez, save some moping for the rest of us 🙄🙄
Anyway yeah, pretty good book. The only reason I started this series was because I had gone to a baseball game and just was suddenly craving a smutty sports romance book. So here we are.
I will say, I’m disappointed with the number of typos, spelling errors, and grammar mistakes I came across. I know it’s her debut novel, but reading the reviews for her future books in this series apparently it doesn’t get better. I’m sorry, but where was her grammarly app?? I mean did the editor even remotely look through this book?
I really thought I was going to love this one, but it just didn't hit for me. A big part was the insta attraction into relationship. There was no tension, no build up. The miscommunication and then zero groveling after (that apology was not groveling) Then all is forgiven and they are happy at 70%.....book could have ended there because nothing really happens after. There was also so much focus on Lilah and Cruz that I don't even need to read their book 🤷♀️
ARC read Debut novel but you would never think it!! The relationship between Hendrix and Poppy had me unable to put this book down. Hendrix a professional baseball player, falls for fiery redhead Poppy a strong independent woman with a questionable career!! Who doesn't love a good bit of romance with alot of added spice. Definitely put this on your must read list!! I am invested and can not wait to hear what is in store for the rest of the crew.
All on the Line was so good it's hard to believe it's Lo Everett's debut book!. I just couldn't put it down! The relationships in the book were so strong and memorable. I loved Hendrix and Poppy's relationship, their chemistry was amazing and oh so steamy yet sweet and genuine. I also enjoyed the strong friendship between Poppy and Delilah as well as Hendrix and Cruz. The family dynamics that both Poppy and Hendrix had with their families were very relatable. I loved their relationship, I only wish there were more, I need more of this great couple of Poppy and Hendrix!
Debut Novel for Lo Everett and she did an amazing job! This is a super fun and pretty fast read. My favorite things about this book are that’s it’s a baseball romance and it is OFFICIALLY my first Baseball Sport Romance read!! I need more because yes a girl likes her baseball pants!! The humor was hilarious!! The jokes are so funny and so many times I found myself laughing out loud. Hendrix is a professional baseball player being haunted by his next door neighbors afternoon antics. From the sounds of it, she likes to get it on and is also very creative. Hendrix’s home game nap routine keeps getting interrupted by all the noise next door and is causing him to lose focus during games.
Poppy is a super funny, flirty, gorgeous girl with a very unconventional job, one that has helped her gain her independence from her parents and pays her bills but one that not everyone understands. She’s a spicy phone operator! She’s on the verge of switching jobs and following her dreams of becoming an audiobook narrator when her and Hendrix meet. The banter between them is great, Hendrix’s Nana is AMAZING and had me laughing so hard! The side story of Poppy’s BFF had me hooked as well so I can’t wait for her book as well! The love story is about each of the characters, Poppy and Hendrix breaking through their last trauma whether with an ex and/or parents to be able to make it together.
Poppy’s drama with her parents hit so close to home that I completely felt her anxiety and understood her fears when it came to among decisions in life. The role Hendrix plays in that is so good and I completely fell in love with him for it.
Tropes:
☕️ Sport Romance (Baseball) ☕️ Neighbors To Lovers ☕️ Found Family ☕️ No 3rd Act Break-Up
Favorite Quote:
⚾️ “You are my Virginia bluebell. Poppy, you are strong, resilient, and so beautiful that sometimes I can’t believe you’re real. You are my safe haven, the place I come to recharge.
Oh my god! I love this so much! This is not my first Lo book but this BLEW ME AWAY! I loved Poppy and Hendrix so much! The premise was so good! Pro baseball player x phone sex operator/aspiring audiobook narrator?!! Sign me up!
The spice was perfect! Lo can really write a good spicy scene! The conflict built so perfectly I just was waiting and waiting for things to drop and when they did the resolution was so good! Yes there was an initial bit of “oh my gosh how could he?” But this was so realistic and then the communication and just overall adult-ness of their relationship was so lovely! I just was swooning over this whole book! Janet was so perfect, the rest of the friend group was so amazing I cannot wait to get into their stories too!!
I listened to the audio book and first of all Savannah Thomas is Poppy, she was made for this role! She plays both her part and her Hendrix parts perfectly! Bravo! Scott Rose brings Hendrix to live perfectly and had me blushing OFTEN! Thank you Lo for sending me this audiobook! You’re the best! 🩷🩷🩷
So this book has been one of my most highly anticipated books for a few months now. Since the first teaser I saw Lo post I knew I HAD to read it!
Poppy and Hendrix are the dream team!! I absolutely love everything about them as a couple. They are the cutest and the banter between them is everything. Seeing how Hendrix opens up to Poppy about how his ex hurt him and broke his trust was the sweetest thing. I love how Hendrix loves his nana, Janet, to the absolute fullest. I love everything about Janet! I love the sweet, the crazy, and just her overall personality. I cannot wait to read about Delilah and Cruz.
I cannot believe this is Lo’s debut novel! I knew it would be incredible but this went above and beyond my expectations. Please add this to your tbr!
I loved this book, but I am biased because I read Lo's books out of order and I already knew I loved Hendrix and Poppy! I was so excited to finally catch up on the Denver Bandits series and was not disappointed with All on the Line. These books are fun, keep me giggling, pack a punch with some emotional trauma, and are SO HOT. I love them and I love Lo Everett!!
The best part of this book, though, has to be Hen's Nana. I loved her whole vibe and the part she played in this story. Plus, the friendship Poppy had with Delilah paired with knowing what is coming in the future had me squirming. I did really love this story and its hard to believe it was a debut!
(I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.)
I was not prepared for the spice level of this book! Hendrix is an attractive, athletic baseball player. Poppy is a beautiful woman in the midst of a career switch. Both characters have moved on from difficult past relationships, and neither is prepared for the intense attraction that exists between them.
Throw in some good friends, a couple of staunchly dedicated family members, and a few mishaps…and you have a fun, fast-paced story. Though all of the characters experience some serious challenges, they manage to lean on one another and become stronger in the process.
You do not have to be a baseball lover to enjoy this story; but if the idea of “baseball pants” appeals to you, pick this one up immediately!
So sweet, and unexpectedly spicier than I though it was going to be even though it's a sports romance (seem to be a trend of spiciness). Being able to see the life trauma the main characters have gone through, some of which I have personally experienced in various ways. Having people jump to conclusions about you and who you are, the family not being who they should be for their own child. It's a grasping read and loved it every second.
I loved the two point of views (Poppy/Hendrix). Ive never read a baseball romance and I really liked it. Loved Janet (Hendrix’s Nana). Her wit and personality was fantastic. Would love to have a Nana like her! Loved how supportive Poppy’s friends were. Poppy is so very strong 💪🏻 on her own. Hendrix 🤌🏻🔥🫶🏻 Sports romance spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. The girl next door. Found family. Rom com.
I would have enjoyed this more if it didn't have so much fluff after they reconciled-- at about the 45% mark. Absolutely nothing of substance happens again until the 90% mark. I will try the next book in the series because it appears by the ratings it does get better.
It was an okay story, but the actual writing and editing was pretty poor. A lot of incomplete sentences or switching between past/present tense type of errors which tend to take me out of the story.
I was lucky to read an early copy of All on the Line. I enjoyed so much about this book! I’m a sucker for a sports romance and haven’t read too many baseball ones. Poppy is such a great FMC. She was strong and independent but not to her detriment. She was so comfortable being wholly herself, including being an adult phone operator and hopeful audiobook narrator. Hendrix is a new player on Denver Bandits baseball team. He’s made friendships, got a great new place, and getting used to the new city. His only problem is his neighbor and their loud, and inconveniently timed, sex life. You see where this is going, right? Hendrix and Poppy become acquainted through mutual friends and the chemistry is instant. They have to work through their issues together and figure out how to get their HEA.
The side characters were so great, the friends and Hendrix’s Nana. There were so many great things and I can’t wait to read the finished book!
for a debut novel, lo everett totally crushed this! i haven't read many baseball books, so i am so excited to add another one to my list, and i absolutely loved this one. • hendrix just moved to denver after being traded from LA. he's just tying to keep up with his pre-game routine when his next door neighbor gets up to something freaky and is making quite some noise. poppy is working her way into the world of audiobook narration (literally the dream) and on her way there, she has a business as a sex phone operator. • hendrix has been spending a lot of time with cruz and poppy's best friend is lilah, who's best friend vibe with cruz just might be more than 🤔... guess we'll need a book for those two to find out 😏 as soon as hendrix meets poppy, he knows she is something special. • when hendrix is out on road trips, he asks poppy to take care of his plants, when poppy gets his address... she realizes that this new guy she is crushing on lives right next door... and now she is absolutely panicked he has heard everryythillinggg coming from her side of the wall 😬 • highly recommend this read! hendrix and poppy both have a lot of internal struggles to work through and poppy has family issues that she is trying to handle. once they get behind some couple drama, they help each other grow and work through the insecurities and issues they're struggling with. also you're really gonna love nana, she's the best 😉
I had the pleasure of beta reading for one of my bookish friends, Lo’s debut novel All On The Line 🖤
Neighbors and friends to lovers. Found family.
Poppy is an aspiring audiobook narrator, moonlighting as a spicy phone call operator. Hendrix is her star baseball player neighbor with a strict game day routine who can hear EVERYTHING through his bedroom wall. When Poppy and Hendrix meet through their besties, Lilah and Cruz, sparks fly and I mean full on, fireworks fly. But when both of their past relationship insecurities come into play, (Hendrix being used and Poppy being judged for her employment while chasing her dreams) they have to figure out how to move past it together.
My thoughts: •I love the inside jokes between Poppy and Hendrix. Specifically referring to Ironman. I also just love that Poppy tells silly jokes. •Nana is an icon.
I was selected to be a beta reader for this novel. I was shocked that this is Lo’s debut novel and cannot wait to read more. I was hooked from the prologue 🤌🏼 it was such a great tease and opening to the book. It provided so much backstory, while not overwhelming the reader. I love that this is a duel perspective from Hendrix and Poppy. Poppy’s crude humor is amazing because who doesn’t love dirty jokes?! Totally my kind of kindred spirit. I love the dynamic from each of the main characters and how you get their inner monologue while also seeing the bigger picture of their struggles.
Fave quote: “That is not the anatomy I was hoping to see.”
I beta read this debut novel and Poopy and Hendrix still live rent free in my mind. Their chemistry was perfection, the banter was amazing and I need the novel for their best friends love story! I love when you fall in love with more than one couple in a book and it leaves you begging for more. Poppy is getting ready to branch out when it comes to work and change careers to feel more fulfilled (you go girl!) and Hendrix is living it up as a pro baseball player. These two don’t spend much time fighting their feelings or their attraction. But when Hendrix finds out who Poppy is, will he let her explain?
All on the Line by Lo Everett is the first book in the Denver Bandits series.
Hendrix James, the new outfielder for the Denver Bandits, thrives on his pre-game ritual. Unfortunately for him, his new neighbor has a very busy “love” life, and very THIN walls. Despite his loud neighbor, he’s adjusting to his new life in Denver. Thanks to his teammate Cruz, he’s introduced to the best coffee in town and Poppy Byrne. Poppy is fiercely independent and has sworn off dating, but when she meets Hendrix, she can’t help but feel drawn to him. The chemistry is undeniable between these two, but Poppy has been holding back an important detail about her life, she’s an adult phone operator. When Poppy realizes that Hendrix is her new neighbor, she has no idea how he’ll react when she tells him her secret.
I had such a good time reading this book. Poppy and Hendrix were such a fun couple and I enjoyed every minute of them. I loved the whole concept of Hendrix losing sleep over his neighbor’s loud “extracurricular” activities and having no idea that it is Poppy talking to her clients. Hendrix and Poppy both had their share of trauma and baggage and I like the way that it was explored through the book, allowing them to grow as characters and learning how to trust each other. The supporting characters in this book were some of my favorite. A feisty grandmother in Nana Janet and a supportive sister in Mia gave this book such a cozy feel, like a hug. The brief glances we got of Poppy’s best friend Lilah and Cruz make me so excited for the upcoming book, All or Nothing.
You know I love a good book boyfriend and Hendrix has joined my list of hot book boyfriends. He’s not just a baseball player, he’s a total cinnamon roll. He loves his Nana and his sister so fiercely and I love that he doesn’t hide that fact at all. He is protective of Poppy and stands up for her when she needs it most. He radiates heat, especially when he has Poppy all alone, in person and on FaceTime. Consider me a Hendrix James fan.
I love a baseball romance, but more often than not, I find myself saying, “That’s not how baseball works.” I didn’t have that thought at all when reading this book, which I can appreciate. It’s such a little thing, but I loved that the baseball realism kept me completely engrossed in the book.
If you love baseball, neighbors to lovers, found family, and a grandma who tells dirty jokes, do yourself a favor and read All on the Line.
All on the Line by Lo Everett has a cover which is funny: a guy who wants to sleep, but apparently can’t, because his neighbour is on the phone, probably making a lot of noice, that’s the feeling you get. It is a Denver Bandits novel (something to do with baseball).
This book is the story of Hendrix and Poppy, who unbeknowst to eachother, are neighbours. Hen is a professional baseball player and meets a very nice girl, Poppy. She has an unusual job and both have had bad experiences when it comes to love. When they meet and get to know eachother, secrets come to life, and that’s where things are getting out of control.
What came as a nice surprise when I started reading the book, was there is a dual POV. This writing style is one of my favorites, because this way you get more information. The book reads so fine, the writing is flowing and you keep on reading. There are some spicy scenes in this book, but that’s not overdone.
I love both Hen and Poppy. They are such nice and normal characters and you can relate to them. Poppy is independent, strong, goes her own way no matter what, and is a humorous woman. She knows where she is going. I was amazed at what she does for a living and somehow that made me smile a lot. Hen (a bit weird name, but then again, what’s in a name) is not a person you expect him to be, as a baseball player: he has his own insecurities and I hated when I read what had happened to him in the past. Lo Everett has done such a good job if you feel this as a reader.
The family relations Poppy has with her family are a total contradiction with the relation Hen has with his family, in particular with his grandmother. She is such a nice and totally different person than expected. The scenes with her in this book are fantastic and very funny. The other characters, Poppy’s friend and Hen’s teammates, are likeable as well. There is a sidestory with some of them and I guess we will read about them in the next novel.
All on the line is a debut novel, and a very good one. I have not read many sports novels, but this one was nice, I even learned something of baseball reading it. The book has surprised me, in a good way.
If you like a sweet, and a bit spicy story, with humor, romance and nice characters, with a flowing writing style, this is the book for you.
“You are my Virginia bluebell. Poppy, you are strong, resilient, and so beautiful that sometimes I can’t believe you’re real. You are my safe haven, the place I come to recharge. I love you.”
✔️baseball romance ✔️unintentional hidden identity ✔️neighbors to lovers ✔️found family ✔️no 3rd act breakup (technically)
I really enjoyed reading this book. Overall it is a cute love story with some spice, and once they really get together, they are the sweetest couple. The baseball aspect of the book wasn’t just thrown in as a prop/filler, you can tell that the author actually knows and enjoys the sport because it is incorporated seamlessly. Poppy and Hendrix both have a lot of baggage from their pasts that cloud their judgment and affect their relationship, and while there isn’t a third act breakup in the the traditional sense, once Hendrix finds out Poppy is his neighbor he breaks things off with her before they have the chance to really start (it was during their first actual date).
Hendrix thrives on routine (including his nap on game days) and cannot stand his neighbor. She is constantly being intimate, loudly, and there is no insulation/sound dampening in the walls between their homes. Things are finally looking up for him — he got traded to a new team that he loves, made new friends, and he met a woman (Poppy) who he is ready to try dating again with. He had a terrible breakup that destroyed all of his trust, but something about Poppy makes him want to try. Imagine his surprise when she tells him that she is his neighbor. He immediately breaks things off without hearing her out because he thought she was cheating when they agreed to be exclusive, however she was just working — she is a phone s*x operator and while she isn’t ashamed of her job at all she is selective about who she tells because of the judgement that often comes along with it. This leads to a multi-week separation, but eventually Hendrix comes to his senses, apologizes, and hears her out and she gives him another chance (and he doesn’t waste it).
This story has such as great found family, and Hendrix’s grandma and sister are both fun characters as well. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series and seeing how the relationships within the friend group work out.
This was an incredible debut novel. I was lucky enough to get an ARC as part of Lo's street team emails. This was a really fun process that I hope to be a part of again.
I want to absolutely love sports romances, because I enjoy other sports-related stories, but I don't know, I haven't been able to find one that totally hits for me. Hendrix and Poppy were great characters in their own right. They had great banter and chemistry and I really enjoyed the characters together. I liked the idea that famous baseball players would meet real people.
I really enjoyed how confident Poppy was with her sexuality and career choices, and even when it became a conflict, she stood by her choices and never made excuses.
Hendrix was an interesting take on the typical jock, like the cooking and the strong female relationships/role models, but he still maintained some machoism and overprotective vibes which don't appeal to me in male characters, but I know that stuff works for others....so do you!
My biggest issue with the story was the pace of the actual romance. I'm sure there will be some eye rolls, buuuut....both of these characters had some major baggage and trust issues, but they start feeling each other up and hooking up like 30% into the book! It just didn't make sense to me that they would jump into something that quickly given all the inner monologue turmoil going on with both.
The book touts no 3rd act breakup, but that's a bit of a technicality. Overall, the spicy stuff started super early in the book, in addition to any "conflict" so it was basically just a smut free for all, which again I know others will enjoy....so again, do you! I think I'm just in an insane chemistry slow-burn build up mood right now, and I need a little more angst than this gave me.
My absolute favorite part of the book however was the side character storylines! This was the most side character development I've seen since Tessa Bailey's IHOS and HL&S. I can't wait to read All or Nothing and see the genesis and development of Cruz and Delilah ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the opportunity to ARC read and review a new baseball romance called All on the Line by Lo Everett!
This book follows along Poppy and Hendrix, a professional baseball player, as they fall in love. Both of them were burned in the past by previous relationships and had rocky family issues, and this was the story of them growing stronger separately but also working through these things together.
Poppy is a fearless and feisty main character who is confident in herself, but struggles to trust anyone after a failed relationship and lack of supportive parents. Despite her unrelenting confidence, she still struggles with self-doubt, especially when she meets Hendrix and starts falling for him.
Hendrix is a sweet and caring person despite his parents leaving him and his sister when they were very young. His grandmother subsequently raised them, and taught them to be supportive and respectful of everyone. She also wanted to ensure that they were not judgmental of anybody for any reason. He had his trust broken by a previous relationship as well, and didn't want to risk his heart being broken again.
Despite being a sports romance, it's a story about family, being confident in yourself, and realizing that you don't need to weather the storm by yourself. Friends and family (including found family!!), are so important, especially when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
I enjoyed the storyline and characters, but felt like this was a little choppy at times. There were some parts that felt very repetitive, and other parts felt like they were a little unrealistic. It was a fast read with quite a bit of spice, but it felt like the spice became a filler, especially towards the end. That's why I rated it 4/5 stars. Overall, it was a cute story with some very humorous moments, and some very important reminders to always be yourself and to open your heart to let people in.
This was a book I just couldn’t put down. I am a huge fan of sports romances so it was right up my alley.
There was so much great banter! From start to finish I loved Poppy and Hendrix together. He definitely has a moment where he messes up, but once realizes his mistake, he dished out some GREAT groveling.
I freaking loved Poppy as a FMC. She’s someone who embraced her job as a spicy adult phone operator as a way to eventually reach her dreams of being an audiobook narrator. She created her own company and flourished. She’s so close to finally closing down the hotline and starting her new career. When she meets a Hendrix she wants to try to get to know him. She has emotional damage from her previous relationship concerning her job and is hesitant to tell Hendrix what she does for a living.
Hendrix is a professional baseball player for the Denver Bandits. He and his sister were raised by their grandma and he loves them more than anything. He has trust issues from his ex but he can’t stop himself from wanting to get to know Poppy.
The spice in this book almost made pass out from the HEAT! 😮💨🔥
The side characters were the highlight of this book! Hendrix’s granny was freaking HILARIOUS. I need her to be my best friend so she can invite me to girl’s nights. 🤣
I adored all of the Bandit players and I am so dang invested in reading Lilah and Cruz’s story next!
If you love baseball romances full of banter and spice, go add 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐨 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭, to your TBR today!
This was the first baseball romance I’ve ever read, and it did not disappoint!
This story follows Poppy, a self-employed, confident girl whose job tends to make people look down on her. Her job isn’t what people would call “normal”, yet it pays the bills, and she’s been doing it for years. It isn’t her dream, though. She wants to be an audiobook narrator, so she’s been saving up money to get her own recording space.
Poppy meets Hendrix one day at their mutual friend’s coffee shop. He is a new member of the Denver Bandits and incredibly good-looking. Hendrix is a nice guy, he loves his Nana and sister and would do anything for them, and his past relationship has made him skeptical of trusting anyone. Hendrix is immediately smitten with Poppy. He thinks she’s beautiful, and he likes the confidence she exudes.
Hendrix mentions to his friends that he really needs someone to water his plants while he’s gone at away games, and they immediately suggest Poppy.
Over the next several days, Poppy and Hendrix get to know each other well while he’s on the road by texting and facetiming. It isn’t until the Hendrix is almost home that Poppy realizes that he lives next door to her, and he can hear everything that goes on in her apartment. She is terrified that he’ll not want to continue their relationship when he finds out what she does for a living. When he gets home, she waits until the middle of their date to tell him, and he has a pretty unsavory reaction. He’s usually level-headed, but he flies off the handle.
His immediate reaction, coupled with the pain of his past, causes a huge riff in their relationship. Both of them are extremely sad and mad at each other, but even in the short time they’ve known each other, they know that their relationship is special and that they’ll do anything to fix it.
Hendrix and Poppy are such a cute couple! Poppy brings out Hendrix’s playful side and helps him to not take life too seriously and Hendrix makes Poppy feel like the most beautiful person in the world, and she never doubts that he’s thinking of her. This was a great first book in the series!