The Player

by Carina Rose

From Carina Rose comes this fun and swoony sports romance. What happens when a hotshot baseball player can't seem to keep his name out of the tabloids? His team assigns him a gorgeous PR rep to keep him in check. Too bad she's the team owner's granddaughter and completely off-limits... or is she?Get ready to meet Jimmy Hall and Sommer Bennet in The Player! More to come!

Genres: Sports Romance, Workplace Romance

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2024

Reviews

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️

What to Expect:
- Sports Romance
- PR/Social Media Rep x Pro Baseball Pitcher
- Workplace Romance
- He Falls First
- Secret Romance
- Feisty FMC
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- Reverse Age Gap

The Player was such a fun read! I adored this story! This was my first time reading a book by Carina Rose, and it certainly won't be the last. I love finding 'new to me' authors and new sports romance stories to add to my list of favorites.

Jimmy Hall, 24, is a star professional pitcher for the Utah Hawks baseball team. Sommer Bennett, 27, is the organization's public relations/social media manager. Jimmy is a ladies' man who can't seem to keep his name out of the headlines. He finds himself in a sticky social media situation, so the team owner decides he needs some help cleaning up his image. Enter Sommer Bennett. She knows the game and is working to one day become the team's general manager. As the owner's granddaughter, Sommer is off-limits. Working with Jimmy is not something she wants to do, and Jimmy doesn't feel he needs someone to watch his every move, but the decision has been made. One thing they can't deny is their attraction to each other.

I loved Jimmy and Sommer together and was completely invested in their relationship. They had amazing chemistry. Sommer definitely made Jimmy work for it, but he was up for the task. I enjoyed their banter and witnessing their relationship grow throughout the story. Forbidden romance and secret relationships are two of my favorite things in romance stories, and Carina Rose did these tropes justice. The Player is an entertaining story with great characters, spice, humor, drama, and a well-deserved happy ending.

Thanks to Carina Rose and Wordsmith Publicity for the eARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Aimee Crant-oksa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carina Rose does a sports romance right! The Player had everything you could want and more. It had moments to make you laugh, smile and just feel love. Jimmy and Sommer gave me all the feels throughout their story.
Jimmy is a professional baseball player with a reputation with the ladies. But there is so much more to him.
Sommer is tasked with improving his PR image. Her family owns the team, and she hopes to become GM one day. Her first challenge is Jimmy.
Jimmy is smitten with her from the start. Sommer is not and until he consumes her thoughts.
These two have great banter, chemistry and were a whole lotta fun. Jimmy will make you swoon, especially when you see him with Ariel, his best friend's daughter. He also is going to be your next book boyfriend.
There are a lot more layers to him than you first think. You will love the journey to finding about Jimmy.
A definite hit from Carina Rose!
The Player is a sports romance, workplace romance, secret romance and he falls first book.

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

💙he falls first
⚾️ Baseball Romance
💙workplace romance
⚾️ PR media x star pitcher
💙secret romance
⚾️dual pov

Gahhhhh i absolutely adored this book. I previously read THE SCOUT , which is Jimmy’s Dad, Cash’s story. So when I saw this second generation book I jumped on the train. It is a standalone story, however it does give you more insight into Jimmy’s character. This is the story of Sommer n Jimmy.

The MMC, Jimmy, is the star pitcher for the Hawks. He is a bit of a wild child.. cocky , arrogant, and a magnet for attention. That attention has now gotten him into some hot water with his team…. Enter Sommer.

The FMC, was raised by her grandparents after her mom signed away her rights..Her grandfather is the owner of the Hawks and Sommer works in the Pr department. When Jimmy lands in trouble, her grandfather asks her to work with him, clean up the image and his persona.

I absolutely gobbled up this story. Sommer and Jimmy had this attraction to each other and just couldn’t stop the pull. They both felt there was a lot of obstacles and hoops to be together but when you finally find that person that you’re willing to go through that for you know it’s worth the fight. I’m glad they got there HEA. Thank you to wordsmith for allowing me as advance copy.

[Stacie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Carina Rose comes this fun and swoony sports romance.

Jimmy

Another headline. What else was new?

You’d think reporters could focus on the important things in the world. But they loved to write about me, Jimmy Hall, the best pitcher in the league . . . especially when I got caught screwing up.

Thanks to the incriminating pictures from my last trip to Vegas, the team’s general manager assigned me a branding expert. I was ready to tell him I was fine on my own, but then my expert walked in, and I practically forgot my own name.

Sommer Bennett had curves in all the right places and lips that could make a man stupid. Too bad she couldn’t stand me. Even worse, she was the owner’s granddaughter, making her off-limits.

Or was she?

Sommer

When Granddad said he had a job for me, I couldn’t have been more excited. I pictured myself as the vice president of player relations or next in line to take over the Hawks. Instead, he wanted me to babysit the most arrogant player on the team: Jimmy Hall.

It didn’t matter that the man was drop-dead gorgeous or had the most strikeouts in the league. He was a PR nightmare—and now my nightmare. I’d graduated top of my class and have a master’s in business, yet I still needed to prove myself. Jimmy Hall would not be the reason I didn’t get the title I deserved. I just couldn’t fall for his charm.

Some things are easier said than done.less


Loved Sommer and Jimmy's story! If you love a swoony sports romance, this is a must-read! I was hooked within the first few pages of their story. Lots of chemistry and banter between these two. I absolutely adored Sommer's grandfather! This book had all the feels! Highly recommend.

[Joyffree]

He needed a social overhaul. Or so his team manager and owners thought. They didnt think this out. Because his new "babysitter" was sexy as sin and totally off-limits.

She needed to prove herself to her grandpa. Babysitting a spoilt baseball star wasn't her ideal job but she was determined to shine.
What she didnt count on was the real Jimmy.

I knew what was coming and knew we would get our HEA
I, however, did not foresee the moments that would make me smile or laugh.
The light scenes of angst that had me holding my breath
The smexy that burned hotter than the sun
Their chemistry, these two were so great together
The pacing was pitch-perfect leading to a natural feel

I knew Rose didnt stand a chance after the scene where Uncle Yimmy came to play...
Heart melt
She was trying to impress, to prove herself when all along she was shining so bright
And her BFF's... They had me rolling

A solid smexy heart-warming romance that will leave you with a smile

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carina Rose surely knows how to create swooney characters. And let me tell you Jimmy just may be my favorite! A man that knows what he wants and won’t quit til he has it.

We had met a younger version of him in the previous book, The Scout. His father Cash was the MMC and also a Major League Baseball player.

Well Jimmy, is all grown up now and the star pitcher for the Hawks. He recently got in to some heat on social media and was given a PR person to clean him up. This PR person happens to be Sommer Bennett, the granddaughter of the owner of the team.

The chemistry between the two was magnetic and completely undeniable! As things heat up, will Sommer be able to resist this hot as hell player? She surely can try but Jimmy’s persistence is like no other!

This story was fantastic!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the Author did  it again, she made me love her Characters. Jimmy was destined to be a Major League Baseball player just like his Dad but he is better and the sky is the limit. He was known as the playboy but when he meets his New PR, Sommer she changes everything. Sommer vowed to never date a player but Jimmy is making it hard to say No. Misunderstanding happen and the feelings they have for each other is tested. Will they be able to get over the hurdles to find their HEA. I love Jimmy. 

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and emotional love story. I couldn’t get enough of Sommer and Jimmy. I absolutely devoured this book because Jimmy Hall is SWOONY! Gosh, he’s just book boyfriend perfection.

Jimmy Hall is having the time of his life….hes playing baseball on the Hawks, he’s loving being one of the best pitchers out there. But maybe Jimmy is having too much fun…and his social media shows it. In comes, Sommer Bennett, granddaughter to the owner of the Hawks. Sommer has a job and falling in love isn’t it. Or is it?

This book is full of laugh out loud moments, some spicy moments and a whole bunch of emotional moments that make you truly see who Jimmy Hall is. Not everything is as it seems. There’s a lot of depth to him and Sommer is finding that all out.

Highly recommended.

ARC Team review.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable secret relationship read. Jimmy is a professional baseball player and he is good. But he is getting in trouble off the mound. In comes Sommer, Sommer is not happy that she has to babysit Jimmy. By changing his social media presence and pushing him to behave she’s hopefully steering him in the right direction. What she really wants to be doing is running this team. Her grandfather has basically raised her to eventually take it over. What happens when the chemistry gets to intense for these two to act on it?! What happens when feelings start getting in the way?! This was a fun read with a great story and intense characters. Characters who told a heck of a story. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Karie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This author brought the heat with this one. Jimmy is all grown up and ALL man. Jimmy and Sommer are going to light your kindles on fire with all of their steamy banter. Jimmy knew from the moment he laid eyes on Sommer she was different. Sommer instantly knew Jimmy would be trouble. He turned out to be the best kind.
I loved every minute of this book and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carina Rose has definitely allowed her steamier side to shine once more in The Player and I was here for every delicious moment. This is Jimmy Hall's story, the son of Cash who was featured in The Scout, which is also very highly recommended! He's clearly a chip off the old block with charm for days, a body that is unforgettable and a pitching arm that is unmatched. He's cocksure until he meets his new PR 'handler' of sorts in one Sommer Bennett. I could tell something would be brewing from the moment both laid eyes on the other with the fact that she is his team owner's granddaughter a bit of a wrench thrown in. But Jimmy's confidence is all this couple needs to find that happily ever after neither saw coming despite Sommer's protests never to get involved with a ball player again. But I mean, seriously, from the author's description of this hottie, there is no way Sommer even stood a chance!

This book is just so cute. With enough shmexy combined with tender moments to make me swoon and sigh. Jimmy is a great guy who is loyal to his friends and teammates and the best Uncle Yimmy to his best friend's daughter. Resisting him became harder and harder for Sommer and rightfully so. Especially since her stellar PR ways showed the world he wasn't the playboy everyone including her assumed.

Rose perfectly paced the time needed to encourage Jimmy and Sommer to start a secret affair and with the way Sommer, in particular, glowed after sharing more than a few nights with Jimmy, there was no turning back. The added angst of Jimmy's future with the Utah Hawks and Sommer getting antsy concerning her proving herself to her beloved grandfather was just enough to keep everyone on their proverbial toes.

With great secondary characters in Sommer's girl posse and Jimmy's brother from another mother in Remington, not to mention Jimmy's supportive parents and Sommer's feisty grandmother, I'd say these two have all they need in order to keep moving towards a truly perfect life together. The grand gesture toward the end was super sweet and the extra dialogue was the very best kind of bonus.

When looking for an easy read with plenty of heart and soul, look no further than Carina Rose. I love how she mixes up her style, never writing the same story twice, and continues to pay attention to what the reader will always want and that is a heartfelt romance.

4 big stars!

[Cheryl O'Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Jimmy Hall, son of Cash Jameson the pro baseball player turned scout is all grown up and playing pro baseball himself. The star pitcher for the Hawks finds himself with PR issues which result in him being given a PR person whose sole aim is to help clean up his image whilst keeping him out of trouble. Enter Sommer Bennett, she’s the granddaughter of the Hawks owner.

Sommer’s working her way towards a promotion when she’s tasked with cleaning up Jimmy’s reputation. Upon meeting one another it’s clear there’s chemistry between them. Jimmy’s a confident man, he knows what he wants and won’t stop until he gets it…, and he wants Sommer. However Sommers past experience with a pro baseball player left her vowing never to get involved with one again, but when it comes to Jimmy he’s no quitter and try as she may, there’s no resisting the man, his persistent ways finally get him the girl. The pair decide to keep their blossoming relationship a secret in the beginning, not wanting to put Jimmy’s future with the Hawks on the line, nor risk Sommer’s chance of a promotion.

When some surprising news regarding his spot on the team reaches Jimmy's ears, he’s not a happy chappy and takes it out on Sommer just as she drops the ‘L’ word too. Is it all over for the couple before it’s really had the chance to begin, or are they in it for the homerun?

I absolutely adored Jimmy and Sommer, their chemistry was undeniable and the banter between them was on point. Theirs was a cute, funny and thoroughly entertaining story with just the perfect amount of spice, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Don’t miss out, grab your copy of The Player today, I can’t recommend it enough.

𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Carina Rose gives us another reason to like men in tights, I mean sports, with her newest story, The Player. This is a great he falls first, reformed playboy story.

Sommer is the no-nonsense granddaughter to the Hawk’s baseball team. Working in the home office, she’s working hard to make a name for herself through her work ethic and knowledge of the game, not her last name. She’s an up-and-comer and hot on the heels of a promotion when her grandfather does the unthinkable. Her newest assignment is to babysit and reform the image of their bad boy pitcher, Jimmy Hall.

Jimmy is the best there is, literally, and his stats tell the story. Sadly, the paparazzi’s pictures also tell a story, and that one is NSFW, or the families this baseball club likes to fill their ballpark seats. Despite being a future hall of fame pitcher, if Jimmy doesn’t clean up his act, he’s gone. Now he’s stuck with a babysitter, aka a social media manager. He and Sommer must work together to recreate his social media to reflect the kind of pitcher who appeals to the team and their fans.

Jimmy and Sommer were two different kinds of the same. They’re both passionate, dedicated, and completely sold out to the Hawks. Sparks flew from their first meeting and continued to grow into a flame. I loved seeing the different sides of Jimmy; the family man, the uncle, the friend, and although it took a bit too long for me, I was happy to see Sommer jump on the wagon. I really enjoyed the other characters in the story, especially Grandma and Ariel. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet new story by Carina Rose.

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carina Rose gives us another reason to like men in tights, I mean sports, with her newest story, The Player. This is a great he falls first, reformed playboy story.

Sommer is the no-nonsense granddaughter to the Hawk’s baseball team. Working in the home office, she’s working hard to make a name for herself through her work ethic and knowledge of the game, not her last name. She’s an up-and-comer and hot on the heels of a promotion when her grandfather does the unthinkable. Her newest assignment is to babysit and reform the image of their bad boy pitcher, Jimmy Hall.

Jimmy is the best there is, literally, and his stats tell the story. Sadly, the paparazzi’s pictures also tell a story, and that one is NSFW, or the families this baseball club likes to fill their ballpark seats. Despite being a future hall of fame pitcher, if Jimmy doesn’t clean up his act, he’s gone. Now he’s stuck with a babysitter, aka a social media manager. He and Sommer must work together to recreate his social media to reflect the kind of pitcher who appeals to the team and their fans.

Jimmy and Sommer were two different kinds of the same. They’re both passionate, dedicated, and completely sold out to the Hawks. Sparks flew from their first meeting and continued to grow into a flame. I loved seeing the different sides of Jimmy; the family man, the uncle, the friend, and although it took a bit too long for me, I was happy to see Sommer jump on the wagon. I really enjoyed the other characters in the story, especially Grandma and Ariel. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet new story by Carina Rose.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is book 2 in a series but it also can easily stand alone. The first book is The Scout and it stars the MMC, Jimmy's parents and he is 14 in that book. In this book he is 24 and his dad is his manager and his mom one of his best friends. He is now a star baseball player and lets just say he had a bit of a wild vacation.

Sommer was raised by her grandparents and they own their own baseball team. At 27 she hopes to be GM one day. But unfortunately after Jimmy has a wild vacation, he becomes her job. Yes there is a slight age gap reverse here but it is very slight and never really an issue. What is, is the fact they both are very attracted but in a bit of an unofficial forbidden relationship.

This story was absolutely awesome. I seriously couldn't flip the pages fast enough. I loved Jimmy and Sommer so much. They are so much fun. They flirt and she gives him a tough time and he just flirts back. I loved Jimmy so much, much more than I did even in The Scout.

Sommer is an awesome character as well. She definitely had Jimmy's number from day one and they are just so much fun together. The chemistry, the sex scenes and the flirtatiousness were just great. I also loved Sommers grandparents, especially her grandmother and it was so great to see Jimmy's parents again and he has a sister.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and flirty, workplace, sports romance that comes with a cinnamon roll of a hero in Jimmy Hall who had an air of a bad boy about him, something that had gotten him into trouble in Las Vegas resulting in his baseball team giving him a babysitter. Now Jimmy was none too happy about this until he got his first look at Sommer Bennett, and he fell hard and fast for her.

Jimmy will be a familiar character to readers after his parents featured in The Scout and I was hoping we’d hear more from him. His was a relatively lighthearted romance with a sprinkling of angst since his heart’s desire Sommer was technically his boss bringing a touch of the forbidden about their being together. Something that bothered Sommer more than it did Jimmy who knew how he felt and didn’t care who knew it. The dialogue between them was teasing and flirty and their chemistry sizzling. With a good flow to the story and some fabulous secondary characters in Sommer’s girl posse I was more than happy with this book but where The Player hit a home run for me was with the hero. Jimmy was just so sweet especially with his ‘niece’ Ariel and every time she said ‘uncle Yimmy’ I swear I felt my ovaries clench. He’s definitely a hero you will be happy to lose your heart to!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Player, and I'm still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that was this sports romance. The protagonist, a skilled player with a reputation for being ruthless on the field, is a fascinating and complex character. As the story unfolds, we see glimpses of their vulnerability and the emotional depth that lies beneath their tough exterior.

The author's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their journey. The plot is well-paced, with a mix of intense moments and lighthearted scenes that keep the reader engaged. The themes of trust, loyalty, and the power of love are woven throughout the story, adding depth and emotional resonance.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there are some areas where it falls short. At times, the pacing can feel a bit uneven, and some of the supporting characters could have been fleshed out more. Additionally, the resolution of the conflict could have been more satisfying.

Overall, The Player is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of sports romance and those who enjoy stories with complex characters. With some refinement, this book has the potential to be truly exceptional.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Hall is 24 and the star pitcher for the Hawks, a professional baseball team and the best in the league. He can't seem to keep his name out of the media and has a way with the ladies. The team decides he needs a PR rep to clean up his image and keep him out of trouble.

Sommer Bennett is a branding expert and the granddaughter of the team owner. Her goal is to one day be the GM and take over the team. She knows baseball, stats and anything else you need to know and was raised by her grandfather and brought up in the business. This PR gig is not something she wanted to do and wasn't crazy about Jimmy when she first met him, but it's a job she was given.

To say Jimmy didn't think she was gorgeous was an understatement and he had to rethink this "babysitting" PR stuff. The more Sommer was around Jimmy she started seeing another side of him and just maybe not everything she read was true. They have chemistry!

4.5 stars
Loved the story! Loved the time he spent with his teammate/best friend's 3 yr old daughter, Ariel babysitting and how she loved her Uncle Yimmy. The bantering was great. Really liked the bonus epilogue

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy Hall, is a professional baseball player, a star pitcher for the team. He is a ladies man. Although there is more to him, thats what most see at first glance. Jimmy seems to be smitten with Sommer right off the bat.

The news reporters / newspaper team always seem to report on Jimmy especially when he is messing up. He does plenty wrong, and always has the press on him to show how he is messing up it seems.

Sommer Bennet, is in PR and in charge of improving the players images. Her first task is working on Jimmy Hall's image. Her family owns the baseball team, and she wants to become the teams general manager one day. Sommer doesn't want to admit that she has feelings for Jimmy. She tries to keep him at bay.

Will Sommer be able to improve Jimmy's baseball image everyone has of him? Will the team be able to survive Jimmy's news reports on what he's done wrong/who he has done things with?

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Elizabeth Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Hall and Sommer Bennett are both on the path of absolute success, him being an Amazing Pitcher for the Utah Hawks and her being her Grandfather’s right hand woman when it comes to running The Hawks. What neither of them expects is being thrown together for other reasons.
Sommer thinks Jimmy is more than just a player on the field but as she spends time with him she sees the man he truly is.
Jimmy is a phenomenal pitcher and is living the life of a professional athlete but when he is assigned a PR rep he never knew what hits him when Sommer walks through the door.
Sommer & Jimmy’s chemistry is undeniable but sometimes you can’t help the pull and you will take the chance of finding a way to be together even though there will be obstacles along the way.
If you need a book that will not only give you characters that you can cheer on but also give you a smile when you know HEA is right around the corner.

[Donna ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Hall from The Scout is all grown up now and he his definitely his father's son. I enjoyed seeing if Jimmy followed in his father's footsteps.

Being a professional ball player definitely garners him attention but the Hawks feel he needs to rebrand from a ladies man to a more wholesome look.

Enter Sommer Bennett his new personal media relations liaison. She had Jimmy's head turning in a heartbeat. But Sommer is all business not wanting to cross the lines between work and play.

Her goal is to keep him in the friend-zone but that is more challenging than she thought. I loved Jimmy's determination to find little ways to get under her skin.

These two had chemistry, were fun to read and definitely had me routing for them to figure things out. If you're looking for a he falls first sports romance
look no further and if you haven't met Cash Jameson be sure to pick up your copy of The Scout.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy is a star when it comes to his ability to throw the baseball on the field, but it is what he is doing off the field that has drawn the ire of team management. He has now been assigned to work with the team’s public relations to show there is more to his reputation but once he meets Sommer, he wants much more than a professional relationship.

Rose shares a special relationship with her grandparents as they were there for her when others were not. Handling the PR for her grandfather’s team is the first step to managing the team so she does not want to make any mistakes and the biggest mistake might just be getting personally involved with Jimmy.

Both Jimmy and Rose find themselves dealing with both the expectations they have of themselves as well as the expectations that others have for them. Even though that causes some challenges to overcome the love and chemistry between them is too special to deny.

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love me a good sports romance and Carina Rose delivered all around with The Player.

I liked the dynamic between Jimmy and Sommer from the start. Yes, there was this simmering attraction but there was so much more to them than that. And as they spent time together those hidden parts of them came to the light. With every new facet of each other's lives that they gleaned insight into, the more they fell.

I liked seeing Jimmy have to work for it. Prove his intent and feelings were real. And Sommer had to let down her walls and let him in. Throw a little touch of the forbidden and a few heaps of jealousy into the mix and it was a recipe for going all in.

While I would've liked a tad more of them out in the open, Sommer and Jimmy's 'office' romance was equal parts sexy and swoony. These two were so well matched and meant to be and when they got out of their own way it was oh so sweet to witness.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carina has once again brought her A game and delivered a wonderfully written sports romance. I knew as soon as I started that Jimmy Hall and Sommer Bennett were going to pull me into their world!
Jimmy Hall is known in the baseball circuit as a fabulous player on and off the field. The ladies love him, and the men admire him. Unfortunately, his reputation soon starts to precede him and puts the league owners in a precarious position. Enter Sommer Bennett, PR guru and granddaughter to the owner of the team that Jimmy plays for.
Let's say that Sommer is not to be duped or won over by a pretty face or sweet lines, she is there to clean up Jimmy's business. What happens when your heart wants the player, but your mind knows it is a terrible idea. Get ready for Jimmy to show world the man he truly is and not the one the tabloids and gossips portray!! This couple is sassy, smart, sweet, sexy and have such wonderful banter and chemistry!!
~~Michele McMullen~~

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Player is the latest sports romance from Carina Rose and if you love sports romances look no further than bad boy baseball player Jimmy Hall and PR rep and team owner’s granddaughter Sommer Bennett’s story. From the moment I picked this book up I was drawn in and I struggled to put this book down when real life got in the way so I urge you all to one click this gem of a read.
Jimmy needs to clean up his act and the team have put Sommer on the case. She should be off limits for many reasons but from the moment Jimmy meets her he is smitten but she has plans and Jimmy is not part of them…..until she spends time with him.
The Player ticked all my boxes, I fell hard and fast for Jimmy, I adored Sommer but it was the banter and watching Jimmy with his best friend’s daughter Ariel that took this book to another level. A great read that I highly recommend.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review The Player by Carina Rose

Having read and enjoyed numerous books by carina Rose I was excited to read The Player which is Jimmy Hall and Sommer Bennett’s story.

Jimmy, a pitcher for the Utah Hawks seems to have an issue with his image, so Sommer is charged with getting him on the straight and narrow and to keep him out of the tabloids. The only issue for Jimmy is that Sommer cannot stand him, and as the granddaughter of the owner of the team, is also off-limits which frustrates him.

However, there is chemistry between these two and despite themselves, they cross the line. The banter between them was witty and I found myself smiling on numerous occasions. The secondary characters were just as engaging (I just loved Sommer’s grandfather) and added to the story.

I enjoyed their journey as their relationship progressed and it was entertaining to watch it play out.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy is a young but talented pitcher for the Hawks professional baseball team. Sommer is the granddaughter of the owner, working her way up through the business, when she is assigned to babysit Jimmy and make sure his PR is all positive. As they spent more time together and get to know each other, they cannot help but to act on the attraction while keeping it secret. But when a series of misunderstandings happens, can they trust each other again and move past what everyone else might think of their relationship?

The two main characters are fun and flirty and both very driven. But they support each other in what they are trying to achieve professionally. I really love Jimmy’s interaction with his best friend’s toddler daughter - so cute.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Jimmy Hall is an amazing baseball player. But he is in a lot of news as of late. After his latest vacation in Vegas, the owner oh his baseball team and his GM decided that he needed a PR person to handle his social media and put out any fires. Enter Sommer Bennett. Granddaughter of the owner. Totally off limits. He was instantly attracted to her but she was completely professional. She wanted a promotion but instead got to be a babysitter.

Jimmy slowly won Sommer over. With his charming personality and his way with kids. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a baseball romance then you’re going to love it.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this right after reading "The Scout" (which is the MMC's dad's book) and man, Jimmy lived up to his dad!
This book is about Jimmy (MMC) who is a baseball player ...emphasis on the PLAYER. Sommer is the granddaughter of the team owner and trying to earn her stripes to take over one day. When she's tasked with helping Jimmy clean up his playboy image the two collide in sparks and sweetness. Jimmy is such a sweetheart and I want one of him for myself. But of course, like his dad, he flies off the handle without letting Sommer explain when he catches her in a lie of omission. That kind of ticked me off, but anyway. This romance is sweet, spicy and full of cute moments.
You don't have to read THE SCOUT first, but I think it made the book better if you did --- so pick yo The Scout then grab The Player!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Carina Rose story, and I gotta say, I loved it.
Sommer, is a top of her class graduate and ready to put her degree to use. But being the team owner’s granddaughter doesn’t open any doors, in fact, it makes it harder for her.
Jimmy, is the epitome of fun guy player, always catching the media eye and rarely for anything good.
So Sommer gets to babysit him to clean up his messes.
Sommer has her work cut out for her to start with, add in his charm and the undeniable attraction and she may just be in a bit of ‘trouble’ 😉.
With awesome banter, beautiful sweet and swoony moments 🫠, angst, steam, humour, emotion, wonderful characters, a heartwarming story and a perfect HEA - a definite 5 stars.

Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity.