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New York Saints #4
Playing Hard
HIS GAME NEVER FAILS…
Baseball fanatic Oliver Shields has had his eye on the ball since he was a kid. Playing for the New York Saints is a dream come true, and making the play-offs is a reason to celebrate years of dedicated field work and batting practice. The season isn't over yet, but meeting gorgeous Amelia Graham seems like a bonus grand slam—until one night of partying threatens to take Oliver out of the game for good…
UNTIL SHE THROWS HIM A CURVEBALL…
All work and no play has always been Amelia's motto, earning her a coveted job on Wall Street job and the professional clout she's always longed for. Oliver is a real player—in more ways than one—and a distraction she doesn't need, especially given her dating record. When flirtation turns to attraction so fierce neither one of them can say good-bye, will Oliver and Amelia step up to the plate—and give love a chance?
Baseball fanatic Oliver Shields has had his eye on the ball since he was a kid. Playing for the New York Saints is a dream come true, and making the play-offs is a reason to celebrate years of dedicated field work and batting practice. The season isn't over yet, but meeting gorgeous Amelia Graham seems like a bonus grand slam—until one night of partying threatens to take Oliver out of the game for good…
UNTIL SHE THROWS HIM A CURVEBALL…
All work and no play has always been Amelia's motto, earning her a coveted job on Wall Street job and the professional clout she's always longed for. Oliver is a real player—in more ways than one—and a distraction she doesn't need, especially given her dating record. When flirtation turns to attraction so fierce neither one of them can say good-bye, will Oliver and Amelia step up to the plate—and give love a chance?
316 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
22 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Scott
18 books163 followersMelanie Scott is an unrepentant bookworm. Luckily she grew up in a family that fed her a properly varied diet of books and these days is surrounded by people who are understanding of her story addiction. When not wrestling one of her own stories to the ground, she can generally be found reading someone else’s. Her other distractions include yarn, cat butlering, dark chocolate and fabric. She lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her website is www.mjscott.net.
You can find her on:
Or Facebook: www.facebook.com/writermelaniescott
Or Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mel_writes
Or Instagram: www.instagram.com/melwrites
She also writes romantic fantasy and urban fantasy as M.J. Scott. www.mjscott.net.
Sadly she is not the Melanie Scott who authors stuff about the Marvel Universe (because that sounds fun!), or journals. Sometimes that Melanie's books get added to her profile by folks...but she didn't write them.
You can find her on:
Or Facebook: www.facebook.com/writermelaniescott
Or Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mel_writes
Or Instagram: www.instagram.com/melwrites
She also writes romantic fantasy and urban fantasy as M.J. Scott. www.mjscott.net.
Sadly she is not the Melanie Scott who authors stuff about the Marvel Universe (because that sounds fun!), or journals. Sometimes that Melanie's books get added to her profile by folks...but she didn't write them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 6, 2016
4.5 - "Whatever you want." Stars!
Playing Hard is the fourth book in Melanie Scott’s New York Saints series, and in my opinion, to say each book goes from strength to strength would be an understatement.
I love that in this book we have moved on from the new management team, meeting the women they were due their Happily Ever Afters with, which is what the first three books focused on, we have now moved onto the single members of the team.
Oliver Shields has been present in the previous three books as one of the long standing members, being with the Saints since he was seventeen and fresh out of school. This is a guy that lives, eats and breathes baseball. He is also the guy that knows he cannot play forever, and is hoping for at least a few more good years before having to make those sorts of life decisions.
"Sometimes dreams have to change."
Fate, has other ideas though, and a car wreck that gives him a potentially career ending injury, puts him and Amelia Graham in the same orbit. Although Amelia is a little caught in the middle, in that the guy vying for Ollie’s position on the team, not-to-mention being a total tool about it, is none other than her pseudo little brother. Finn Castro is to put it bluntly a total piece of work, and in falling for Ollie, once he finds out they are an item puts Amelia right at the top of his shit list.
"I was starting to think you were the thing I always wanted."
This is a story with several elements going on in that, Ollie and Amelia are building a relationship around outside detrimental factors, and past issues, some of which make them both very wary of the speed of the depth of their feelings for each other.
You also have the issue of Amelia’s split loyalties, which to be honest as the book progressed seemed to be more and more, misplaced. The Castro family as a whole do not come away from this book in a very good light, which is something to bear in mind for the next book in the series. You also have the situation with Ollie and Finn Castro, and the impact that it has on the Saints as a team, and I think Melanie worked all of these plot-points together really well.
"I want to be with you. But I can’t stay for you."
I struggle massively with excess familial drama, and although Finn and his sister Emma were starting to grate in the last 20% of the book, it was played out well enough and was dealt with in a way that the drama felt necessary and not overplayed, and although Oliver and Amelia’s story has now been told, Finn’s career was left very much hanging in the balance at the end of Playing Hard.
Which takes us nicely to the next book in the series, Playing Fast. This is Finn’s book, and after reading of his attitude and exploits in this book, I am interested in seeing where Melanie takes his story, as the guy has got a lot to prove after his actions so far. No release date as yet, but hopefully it won’t be too long to wait.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Playing Hard is the fourth book in Melanie Scott’s New York Saints series, and in my opinion, to say each book goes from strength to strength would be an understatement.
I love that in this book we have moved on from the new management team, meeting the women they were due their Happily Ever Afters with, which is what the first three books focused on, we have now moved onto the single members of the team.
Oliver Shields has been present in the previous three books as one of the long standing members, being with the Saints since he was seventeen and fresh out of school. This is a guy that lives, eats and breathes baseball. He is also the guy that knows he cannot play forever, and is hoping for at least a few more good years before having to make those sorts of life decisions.
"Sometimes dreams have to change."
Fate, has other ideas though, and a car wreck that gives him a potentially career ending injury, puts him and Amelia Graham in the same orbit. Although Amelia is a little caught in the middle, in that the guy vying for Ollie’s position on the team, not-to-mention being a total tool about it, is none other than her pseudo little brother. Finn Castro is to put it bluntly a total piece of work, and in falling for Ollie, once he finds out they are an item puts Amelia right at the top of his shit list.
"I was starting to think you were the thing I always wanted."
This is a story with several elements going on in that, Ollie and Amelia are building a relationship around outside detrimental factors, and past issues, some of which make them both very wary of the speed of the depth of their feelings for each other.
You also have the issue of Amelia’s split loyalties, which to be honest as the book progressed seemed to be more and more, misplaced. The Castro family as a whole do not come away from this book in a very good light, which is something to bear in mind for the next book in the series. You also have the situation with Ollie and Finn Castro, and the impact that it has on the Saints as a team, and I think Melanie worked all of these plot-points together really well.
"I want to be with you. But I can’t stay for you."
I struggle massively with excess familial drama, and although Finn and his sister Emma were starting to grate in the last 20% of the book, it was played out well enough and was dealt with in a way that the drama felt necessary and not overplayed, and although Oliver and Amelia’s story has now been told, Finn’s career was left very much hanging in the balance at the end of Playing Hard.
Which takes us nicely to the next book in the series, Playing Fast. This is Finn’s book, and after reading of his attitude and exploits in this book, I am interested in seeing where Melanie takes his story, as the guy has got a lot to prove after his actions so far. No release date as yet, but hopefully it won’t be too long to wait.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 5, 2016
Playing Hard is the forth book in Melanie Scott's New York Saints series. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it won't be my last. Each book can be read as a standalone.
1st baseman Oliver Shields has played with the New York Saints for 15 years when he was drafted right out of high school at 17. Oliver eats, sleeps, and dreams baseball. And although he knows that he can't play the game that he loves forever, he would like the chance for a few more good years before he has to hang up his glove forever. And under the new Saints management, this season is a very promising one. The Saints have FINALLY made it to the post season and the team is all celebrating together when FATE gives Oliver a visit.
While tasked with driving a drunk teammate (and making sure he gets home), Oliver is in a car accident that leaves him with a potentially career-ending injury.
Amelia Graham knows that she isn't responsible for her pseudo-brother's, Finn Castro, poor behavior at the Saints' party or the accident that happened when a teammate was taking him home. But when Finn doesn't feel the need to check on Oliver in the hospital, Amelia goes to see how his teammate it doing. Come to find out, Oliver is the man that she had a flirting-session with at the party. The two begin a relationship around 'Words with Friends' and spend more and more time with each other learning each other's dreams and that life can be more than just baseball.
But as Oliver and Amelia get closer and closer, loyalties are tested and not everyone is destined to walk away a winner.
Here was the problem I had with this book, and the reason I gave it a below 4 star review: the Castros. All of them, but Finn and Em especially. I thought they were HORRIBLE people. I don't think I've disliked a group of secondary characters as much as these people. I thought they were elitist, cruel and manipulative. Ugh. And the problem is that Finn is the next book in this series and I have absolutely have NO interest in his story. To me, nothing he nor his sister, Em, can do to make me like them. I think they treated Amelia like a servant and/or a waste of space. I mean, Oliver has a career-ending injury and the whole Castro family acts as though he got a little boo-boo. These people were unreal to me...
Other than those jerk-offs, I LOVED the just about everything else in this book. I thought Amelia and Oliver were perfect for each other and really liked the way their relationship progressed throughout the book.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
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Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AlyseNovakBlog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
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1st baseman Oliver Shields has played with the New York Saints for 15 years when he was drafted right out of high school at 17. Oliver eats, sleeps, and dreams baseball. And although he knows that he can't play the game that he loves forever, he would like the chance for a few more good years before he has to hang up his glove forever. And under the new Saints management, this season is a very promising one. The Saints have FINALLY made it to the post season and the team is all celebrating together when FATE gives Oliver a visit.
While tasked with driving a drunk teammate (and making sure he gets home), Oliver is in a car accident that leaves him with a potentially career-ending injury.
Amelia Graham knows that she isn't responsible for her pseudo-brother's, Finn Castro, poor behavior at the Saints' party or the accident that happened when a teammate was taking him home. But when Finn doesn't feel the need to check on Oliver in the hospital, Amelia goes to see how his teammate it doing. Come to find out, Oliver is the man that she had a flirting-session with at the party. The two begin a relationship around 'Words with Friends' and spend more and more time with each other learning each other's dreams and that life can be more than just baseball.
But as Oliver and Amelia get closer and closer, loyalties are tested and not everyone is destined to walk away a winner.
Here was the problem I had with this book, and the reason I gave it a below 4 star review: the Castros. All of them, but Finn and Em especially. I thought they were HORRIBLE people. I don't think I've disliked a group of secondary characters as much as these people. I thought they were elitist, cruel and manipulative. Ugh. And the problem is that Finn is the next book in this series and I have absolutely have NO interest in his story. To me, nothing he nor his sister, Em, can do to make me like them. I think they treated Amelia like a servant and/or a waste of space. I mean, Oliver has a career-ending injury and the whole Castro family acts as though he got a little boo-boo. These people were unreal to me...
Other than those jerk-offs, I LOVED the just about everything else in this book. I thought Amelia and Oliver were perfect for each other and really liked the way their relationship progressed throughout the book.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME
Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AlyseNovakBlog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/alyseypoo21
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AlyseNovak
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/alyseypoo21
January 28, 2016
I love sports romance novels and Ms. Scott's New York Saints series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It's sexy, fun and of course it includes my favorite sport baseball!
Finally it's Oliver's turn to find his happily ever after. We first meet Ollie in book one where although he is the first baseman of the team he is also the ex and good friend of Maggie. At first I wasn't sure what to think about him because he had a reputation of a player off the field and he loved the game but after reading this book there is definitely more to him and I'm so glad Scott showed that.
Maggie asks Ollie to give his new teammate Finn a ride home from a party that they were having for the team when they were in a car accident. Oliver was hurt more then Finn so Finn has taken over his first base duties. Basically these two cant stand one another. Finn wants Oliver's position.
Enter Amelia ... She has been in NY for a while and her best friend asks her to look out for her little brother (Finn). But as Amelia and Oliver start to get closer it seems like her "family" is taking Finns side even if he is in the wrong and it's starting to hurt her new relationship with Oliver. Amelia doesn't want to hurt anyone but it's time to do what she wants and stepping up to the plate to go for what she has always wanted.
I really liked these two main characters. Amelia was so sweet and genuine it kind of felt like she was taken advantage of most of the time by the people she was closest too. Even though Ollie was hurt for the whole book you could see how determined he was for his career and the woman who was beginning to mean so much to him. I just thought these two were a great match.
I loved that Scott brought in the previous characters and not just a glimpse here and there. They ended up being a part of the whole book while Amelia and Oliver were figuring out what they meant to each other.
I would have loved to see more baseball in this book but I was happy with the storyline overall. I'm happy to know this isn't the end of this series and Scott will give us Finns book later on this year. I'm hoping he can redeem himself from all the crap he did in this book. I just can't wait to read more of this series!
Finally it's Oliver's turn to find his happily ever after. We first meet Ollie in book one where although he is the first baseman of the team he is also the ex and good friend of Maggie. At first I wasn't sure what to think about him because he had a reputation of a player off the field and he loved the game but after reading this book there is definitely more to him and I'm so glad Scott showed that.
Maggie asks Ollie to give his new teammate Finn a ride home from a party that they were having for the team when they were in a car accident. Oliver was hurt more then Finn so Finn has taken over his first base duties. Basically these two cant stand one another. Finn wants Oliver's position.
Enter Amelia ... She has been in NY for a while and her best friend asks her to look out for her little brother (Finn). But as Amelia and Oliver start to get closer it seems like her "family" is taking Finns side even if he is in the wrong and it's starting to hurt her new relationship with Oliver. Amelia doesn't want to hurt anyone but it's time to do what she wants and stepping up to the plate to go for what she has always wanted.
I really liked these two main characters. Amelia was so sweet and genuine it kind of felt like she was taken advantage of most of the time by the people she was closest too. Even though Ollie was hurt for the whole book you could see how determined he was for his career and the woman who was beginning to mean so much to him. I just thought these two were a great match.
I loved that Scott brought in the previous characters and not just a glimpse here and there. They ended up being a part of the whole book while Amelia and Oliver were figuring out what they meant to each other.
I would have loved to see more baseball in this book but I was happy with the storyline overall. I'm happy to know this isn't the end of this series and Scott will give us Finns book later on this year. I'm hoping he can redeem himself from all the crap he did in this book. I just can't wait to read more of this series!
November 25, 2017
Awwww this was such a sweet story and relatively low drama which I'm always a fan of. I never wanted it to end!!!
Even though Playing Hard is a baseball romance, it reminded me a lot of Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen (hockey), and I love that book.
I'm not sure whether or not I'll read the next book though because the hero in it was a total ass to Amelia in this and never truly apologized for how he treated her...
Even though Playing Hard is a baseball romance, it reminded me a lot of Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen (hockey), and I love that book.
I'm not sure whether or not I'll read the next book though because the hero in it was a total ass to Amelia in this and never truly apologized for how he treated her...
February 18, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Reviewer's note: I've read this series by author Melanie Scott since the beginning and I've enjoyed each and every one. Ms. Scott lives in Australia so at times her wording and references are a bit "off" for American characters and from the first book, I made the decision that I could let this really bother me or I could let it go and enjoy a really fun story about America's favorite past time...baseball. So, while some reviewers might downgrade this story because of these issues, I choose to applaud this author for taking on an American sport, with American characters and celebrate that this author loves baseball as much as I do.
The New York Saints have spent the last 3 years rebuilding and hopes are high for a winning season and a trip to the World Series and no one wants that more than first baseman Oliver Shields who has been with the team since he was 17 years old. Playing for the same team for 15 years is quite the anomaly in today's sporting world, but Oliver wouldn't have it any other way and despite there's a hot shot young 1st baseman wanting his place, the kid will have to earn it because Oliver has no plans to roll over and give it to him. I have always liked Oliver in this series and even felt a bit sorry for him when he realized the girl he once loved wasn't interested in rekindling what they once had and in fact was falling in love with one of the team's new owners. So, watching him become so enthralled with a woman was entertaining and fun. Watching that woman fall for him when she had sworn off athletes and when she finds out that Oliver is the man who her pseudo-brother doesn't like makes things really interesting.
Amelia Graham really impressed me in this book; she was smart, sassy and she spoke her mind most of the time. Yes, she had a bit of a problem confronting the family that stepped in when her mother was ill and she needed help, but for the most part Amelia was not a shrinking violet and she was especially good at calling Oliver out when he was acting like a jerk. I admired her for that and the fact that she wasn't impressed by him being a member of a MLB team or what he could give her; she just enjoyed his company.
Together these two were fun to watch; they fell into a relationship pretty quickly but it was evident from the start there was chemistry between them. I enjoyed the moments they spent getting to know one another and the fact that Amelia wanted to spend time with Oliver even knowing her friend didn't approve.
There was a lot going on in this book and both Oliver and Amelia had some big decisions to make throughout and while at times things were difficult, I applauded them for the adult way they handled those situations and the fact that Amelia made decisions that were best for her and her career.
Playing Hard was a complex story with multiple layers and in between them all two people met, spent quality time together and fell in love and while there was quite a bit of baseball infused into this story the relationship was front and center making it an excellent romance.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Reviewer's note: I've read this series by author Melanie Scott since the beginning and I've enjoyed each and every one. Ms. Scott lives in Australia so at times her wording and references are a bit "off" for American characters and from the first book, I made the decision that I could let this really bother me or I could let it go and enjoy a really fun story about America's favorite past time...baseball. So, while some reviewers might downgrade this story because of these issues, I choose to applaud this author for taking on an American sport, with American characters and celebrate that this author loves baseball as much as I do.
The New York Saints have spent the last 3 years rebuilding and hopes are high for a winning season and a trip to the World Series and no one wants that more than first baseman Oliver Shields who has been with the team since he was 17 years old. Playing for the same team for 15 years is quite the anomaly in today's sporting world, but Oliver wouldn't have it any other way and despite there's a hot shot young 1st baseman wanting his place, the kid will have to earn it because Oliver has no plans to roll over and give it to him. I have always liked Oliver in this series and even felt a bit sorry for him when he realized the girl he once loved wasn't interested in rekindling what they once had and in fact was falling in love with one of the team's new owners. So, watching him become so enthralled with a woman was entertaining and fun. Watching that woman fall for him when she had sworn off athletes and when she finds out that Oliver is the man who her pseudo-brother doesn't like makes things really interesting.
Amelia Graham really impressed me in this book; she was smart, sassy and she spoke her mind most of the time. Yes, she had a bit of a problem confronting the family that stepped in when her mother was ill and she needed help, but for the most part Amelia was not a shrinking violet and she was especially good at calling Oliver out when he was acting like a jerk. I admired her for that and the fact that she wasn't impressed by him being a member of a MLB team or what he could give her; she just enjoyed his company.
Together these two were fun to watch; they fell into a relationship pretty quickly but it was evident from the start there was chemistry between them. I enjoyed the moments they spent getting to know one another and the fact that Amelia wanted to spend time with Oliver even knowing her friend didn't approve.
There was a lot going on in this book and both Oliver and Amelia had some big decisions to make throughout and while at times things were difficult, I applauded them for the adult way they handled those situations and the fact that Amelia made decisions that were best for her and her career.
Playing Hard was a complex story with multiple layers and in between them all two people met, spent quality time together and fell in love and while there was quite a bit of baseball infused into this story the relationship was front and center making it an excellent romance.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 2, 2016
4 stars
Playing Hard was a great read.
The storyline was entertaining and held my interest from start to finish, loved Oliver and Amelia together. They shared a great connection and had amazing chemistry.
The secondary characters added to the storyline and even though Finn and his sister Emma tested my patience they played a role in peaking my interest to keep the pages turning.
I loved catching up with the previous characters and the epilogue left me feeling happy and very satisfied Amelia and Oliver were true partners in life.
I've enjoyed all the books in the New York Saints series and I'm really looking forward to the next book called Playing Fast, it's Finn's story. Can't wait to see this guy meet his match ;)
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Playing Hard was a great read.
The storyline was entertaining and held my interest from start to finish, loved Oliver and Amelia together. They shared a great connection and had amazing chemistry.
The secondary characters added to the storyline and even though Finn and his sister Emma tested my patience they played a role in peaking my interest to keep the pages turning.
I loved catching up with the previous characters and the epilogue left me feeling happy and very satisfied Amelia and Oliver were true partners in life.
I've enjoyed all the books in the New York Saints series and I'm really looking forward to the next book called Playing Fast, it's Finn's story. Can't wait to see this guy meet his match ;)
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the advance copy.
February 9, 2016
3.75 stars rounded up
I started Melanie Scott's series about the owners of New York Saints baseball team last year -- and I was pretty excited when I heard that Scott got a contract for three more books, this time about the players. Playing Hard is the fourth book in the series, but the first featuring one of the Saint's players. And of course it MUST started with Oliver Shields!! Oliver has been around since the very first book, being a good friend of the heroine of that one, Maggie Jameson. So you could say that I've been waiting for his book for a while now.
I felt rather bad for Ollie, because in this book he didn't really have the chance to show his talent on the diamonds. Ollie was injured after involving in a car accident when he drove Finn Castro, one of the junior players home. So Ollie spent the whole book recuperating basically. However, it also gave him the time to meet and to begin a relationship with Amelia Graham, Finn's honorary sister.
I really loved both Ollie and Amelia. When they were together, clearly sparks flew all over the place. I mean, these two flirt using gummy bears and Words with Friends!! I loved Ollie's tenacity to pursue the chance of relationship with Amelia. I loved his love for baseball. I loved him period. I also loved Amelia ... I mean she was an economist! She was smart (she wore glasses -- I love women or men with glasses *laugh*)
The only weakness that Amelia had was when it came to the Castro family, including Finn and his sister, Em, who was also Amelia's best friend. Even though Amelia was able to stand up for herself in the end but it still frustrated the hell out of me.
You see, the Castro pretty much 'adopted' Amelia because her mother was busy working. Em was Amelia's best friend for over two decades. While Finn had done something that saved the life of Amelia's mother. So it was quite understandable that Amelia felt that she had to be loyal, had to support the Castro, especially Finn.
UNFORTUNATELY, FINN WAS A JACKASS!! He was really grating on my nerves!! He was rude and he practically trying to sabotage Amelia's early relationship with Oliver. He was trying to take Ollie's job, and he didn't have any respect of his seniors. I wanted to kick Finn over the cliff, no matter what he did for Amelia's mom. And Em ... his sister. My god, what kind of a friend was she?! There was one scene near the end where she hurt Amelia's feeling and I totally wanted to bitch slap her. Yes, what a bitch!!
Anyway, so yes, I loved the books for both Ollie and Amelia but the part with Finn and Em just drove me bonkers. Those Castro siblings tarnished this love story for me. Still, I look forward to reading the next book. Interestingly the next book is actually about Finn. So maybe he could redeem himself there? I would love his woman to give him a kick in the gonads first, of course.
I started Melanie Scott's series about the owners of New York Saints baseball team last year -- and I was pretty excited when I heard that Scott got a contract for three more books, this time about the players. Playing Hard is the fourth book in the series, but the first featuring one of the Saint's players. And of course it MUST started with Oliver Shields!! Oliver has been around since the very first book, being a good friend of the heroine of that one, Maggie Jameson. So you could say that I've been waiting for his book for a while now.
I felt rather bad for Ollie, because in this book he didn't really have the chance to show his talent on the diamonds. Ollie was injured after involving in a car accident when he drove Finn Castro, one of the junior players home. So Ollie spent the whole book recuperating basically. However, it also gave him the time to meet and to begin a relationship with Amelia Graham, Finn's honorary sister.
I really loved both Ollie and Amelia. When they were together, clearly sparks flew all over the place. I mean, these two flirt using gummy bears and Words with Friends!! I loved Ollie's tenacity to pursue the chance of relationship with Amelia. I loved his love for baseball. I loved him period. I also loved Amelia ... I mean she was an economist! She was smart (she wore glasses -- I love women or men with glasses *laugh*)
The only weakness that Amelia had was when it came to the Castro family, including Finn and his sister, Em, who was also Amelia's best friend. Even though Amelia was able to stand up for herself in the end but it still frustrated the hell out of me.
You see, the Castro pretty much 'adopted' Amelia because her mother was busy working. Em was Amelia's best friend for over two decades. While Finn had done something that saved the life of Amelia's mother. So it was quite understandable that Amelia felt that she had to be loyal, had to support the Castro, especially Finn.
UNFORTUNATELY, FINN WAS A JACKASS!! He was really grating on my nerves!! He was rude and he practically trying to sabotage Amelia's early relationship with Oliver. He was trying to take Ollie's job, and he didn't have any respect of his seniors. I wanted to kick Finn over the cliff, no matter what he did for Amelia's mom. And Em ... his sister. My god, what kind of a friend was she?! There was one scene near the end where she hurt Amelia's feeling and I totally wanted to bitch slap her. Yes, what a bitch!!
Anyway, so yes, I loved the books for both Ollie and Amelia but the part with Finn and Em just drove me bonkers. Those Castro siblings tarnished this love story for me. Still, I look forward to reading the next book. Interestingly the next book is actually about Finn. So maybe he could redeem himself there? I would love his woman to give him a kick in the gonads first, of course.
May 1, 2016
**My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is another great book in the series and could be read as a stand a lone quite easily.
We have met Oliver (Ollie) Shields in previous books and i couldn't wait ti hear how he would get his HEA and Ameila is the perfect match.
I loved Amelia and was sad by the way that Finn treated her during this time period especially as they are like brother and sister, so i guess it was easier for him to last out.
Although i know nothing about baseball, you really don't need to as all of the drama takes place away from the field yet you still know that they are professional athletes.
I really cannot wait to see how Finn's book turns out.
This is another great book in the series and could be read as a stand a lone quite easily.
We have met Oliver (Ollie) Shields in previous books and i couldn't wait ti hear how he would get his HEA and Ameila is the perfect match.
I loved Amelia and was sad by the way that Finn treated her during this time period especially as they are like brother and sister, so i guess it was easier for him to last out.
Although i know nothing about baseball, you really don't need to as all of the drama takes place away from the field yet you still know that they are professional athletes.
I really cannot wait to see how Finn's book turns out.
February 15, 2016
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia is a Wall Street economist and Oliver is a fifteen-year MLB veteran. When the two are suddenly thrust into each other’s lives via an accident involving a mutual acquaintance, they strike up a spicy instalove romance that quickly becomes complicated when Amelia has to decide where her loyalties lie; the sexy first baseman and known player or the lifelong friend gunning for Oliver’s job. But when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself to Amelia, the choice might be taken out of her hands entirely.
While the characters of Amelia and Oliver are likeable enough, there really isn’t enough character or story development to make much of an impression. Coupled with the author’s lack of research/understanding of both baseball mechanics and analogies, it makes for a tough read for sports romance readers that are actual baseball fans. The story is sweet yet predictable, however fans of the series or those looking for light, easy reads will likely enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary print advance copy of the book through the publisher and normally I would not review based on an advanced copy, however given that this is an imprint of one of the big five publishing houses and had reached the printed stage I feel the need to comment on the editing of the book. I am truly shocked that a book released by a major publisher could be as poorly edited as this one seems to be. The author is not an American, which is not a problem in itself, however there seems to have been little research done on the game of baseball, and there are obvious differences in dialect.
I am a hardcore baseball fan, so when the author suggests that a poorly playing first baseman would be sent to the outfield as punishment I had to laugh out loud. That’s not how that works. That’s not how any of that works! There are also mixed metaphors that really stand out and well as clunky verbiage that completely changes the meanings of sentences.
Some examples:
This is the fourth book in the series and I have not read any of the other three, and to be honest, I have no plans to. Perhaps in the future I may try a different series by this author.
Amelia is a Wall Street economist and Oliver is a fifteen-year MLB veteran. When the two are suddenly thrust into each other’s lives via an accident involving a mutual acquaintance, they strike up a spicy instalove romance that quickly becomes complicated when Amelia has to decide where her loyalties lie; the sexy first baseman and known player or the lifelong friend gunning for Oliver’s job. But when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself to Amelia, the choice might be taken out of her hands entirely.
While the characters of Amelia and Oliver are likeable enough, there really isn’t enough character or story development to make much of an impression. Coupled with the author’s lack of research/understanding of both baseball mechanics and analogies, it makes for a tough read for sports romance readers that are actual baseball fans. The story is sweet yet predictable, however fans of the series or those looking for light, easy reads will likely enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary print advance copy of the book through the publisher and normally I would not review based on an advanced copy, however given that this is an imprint of one of the big five publishing houses and had reached the printed stage I feel the need to comment on the editing of the book. I am truly shocked that a book released by a major publisher could be as poorly edited as this one seems to be. The author is not an American, which is not a problem in itself, however there seems to have been little research done on the game of baseball, and there are obvious differences in dialect.
I am a hardcore baseball fan, so when the author suggests that a poorly playing first baseman would be sent to the outfield as punishment I had to laugh out loud. That’s not how that works. That’s not how any of that works! There are also mixed metaphors that really stand out and well as clunky verbiage that completely changes the meanings of sentences.
Some examples:
“How about you? Have you gotten to go anywhere exciting?”
“Most of the 52 states, Canada. I did go to Paris one week.”
"...to use a baseball analogy, it's like my shot at the Big League. So I can either step up to the plate or stay on the sidelines."
"He's just going to keep fucking up. He's already put himself in hospital and Oliver. Not to mention Paul's hand and Sam's ribs."
This is the fourth book in the series and I have not read any of the other three, and to be honest, I have no plans to. Perhaps in the future I may try a different series by this author.
January 28, 2016
Playing Hard was the first Melanie Scott book I have read, but it won't be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style, and the characters were well written. It's not often you get an economist heroine stealing the heart of a professional baseball player. Oliver and Amelia were people I would love to be friends with. Emma needs to open her eyes a little, and Finn needs to grow up, so hopefully you'll get to see that in the next books of the series. Now to go back and read the previous stories.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
July 7, 2016
I enjoyed this book. Oliver and Amelia are great characters. Plus it was great getting to see characters from the previous books. I read it pretty quickly since it was so good. Ready for Finn's story, hope he can redeem himself.
August 11, 2017
My introduction to Melanie Scott was “Devil In Denim” followed by “Angel In Armani” and by the time I got to “Lawless In Leather”, I was literally stitched, tied and sewed with her stunning stories and humorous writings!!!
Following the New York Saints owned by the said Devil, Angel and Lawless alpha males, comes “Playing Hard” as the romance and love transcends from the owners to the players on the field. Melanie Scott and her titles just conjure images of passion and danger, love and lust, sassy and kick-ass heroines and sexy and alpha heroes.
Oliver Shields breathes and lives baseball and with the team making the play-offs for the first time ever, he can feel his dream being fulfilled a little closer. But then fate steps in the form of an accident removing him from the play-offs and maybe baseball itself. And destiny brings him face to face with Amelia Graham and he is at the cross roads of his future.
Coveting a hot shot job on Wall Street, Amelia Graham is successful, independent and fulfilling life, far away from her painful past. Friendly ties lands her in the middle of the successful and sexy baseball players, and her attraction to Oliver give her hope for a relationship and love that she wants more than anything.
Two different people bound by love, a romance hinging on friendships being severed, and a future that can be torn apart by distance, Oliver and Amelia have a lot to fight for with the support of their family and friends. And the constant presence of Alex and Maggie, Sara and Lucas and Mal and Raina only add spice making Playing Hard” hard to resist and not fall in love with her Melanie’s characters even more so.
Melanie Scott and her titles just conjure images of passion and danger, love and lust, sassy and kick-ass heroines and sexy and alpha heroes. Another wonderful, heartwarming and emotional love story from Melanie Scott…love her books!!!!!
Received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
Following the New York Saints owned by the said Devil, Angel and Lawless alpha males, comes “Playing Hard” as the romance and love transcends from the owners to the players on the field. Melanie Scott and her titles just conjure images of passion and danger, love and lust, sassy and kick-ass heroines and sexy and alpha heroes.
Oliver Shields breathes and lives baseball and with the team making the play-offs for the first time ever, he can feel his dream being fulfilled a little closer. But then fate steps in the form of an accident removing him from the play-offs and maybe baseball itself. And destiny brings him face to face with Amelia Graham and he is at the cross roads of his future.
Coveting a hot shot job on Wall Street, Amelia Graham is successful, independent and fulfilling life, far away from her painful past. Friendly ties lands her in the middle of the successful and sexy baseball players, and her attraction to Oliver give her hope for a relationship and love that she wants more than anything.
Two different people bound by love, a romance hinging on friendships being severed, and a future that can be torn apart by distance, Oliver and Amelia have a lot to fight for with the support of their family and friends. And the constant presence of Alex and Maggie, Sara and Lucas and Mal and Raina only add spice making Playing Hard” hard to resist and not fall in love with her Melanie’s characters even more so.
Melanie Scott and her titles just conjure images of passion and danger, love and lust, sassy and kick-ass heroines and sexy and alpha heroes. Another wonderful, heartwarming and emotional love story from Melanie Scott…love her books!!!!!
Received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
November 20, 2017
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I am so glad that Scott continued the New York Saints books after she finished with the three owners. Oliver and Amelia end up in this adorably sweet relationship. He's recovering from a pretty bad accident and surgery, watching his beloved team move on to the play offs without him. She's doing everything in her power to get to a place where she can explore the world, while also trying to be loyal to the family friends that helped her through a pretty terrible time.
I loved watching the two of them together. They were adorable and fit so well together. What I didn't like was the complete unredeem-ableness of Finn. I'm sure that Scott has a plan for him, but at this point, I don't know that I'd read it until he makes amends for what he's done and how he's behaved.
I am so glad that Scott continued the New York Saints books after she finished with the three owners. Oliver and Amelia end up in this adorably sweet relationship. He's recovering from a pretty bad accident and surgery, watching his beloved team move on to the play offs without him. She's doing everything in her power to get to a place where she can explore the world, while also trying to be loyal to the family friends that helped her through a pretty terrible time.
I loved watching the two of them together. They were adorable and fit so well together. What I didn't like was the complete unredeem-ableness of Finn. I'm sure that Scott has a plan for him, but at this point, I don't know that I'd read it until he makes amends for what he's done and how he's behaved.
April 30, 2020
Here you have a story that starts with a baseball star recovering from a car accident so he must watch his team from home while they make a run in the playoffs. Oliver who plays for the Saints meets Amelia Graham and they begin something or you believe they do until you find out her brother Finn Castro has taken over for Oliver while he has been injured. He has also something to do with causing the injury to Oliver but does not care. His whole family does not care and comes off as jerks to be nice, except for Amelia who you can’t believe comes from that family.
Anyway, the story overall is good and still would be good without all of that family drama. I still think it is worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Anyway, the story overall is good and still would be good without all of that family drama. I still think it is worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
April 28, 2018
This is the fourth book in the series it has a great storyline it was super entertaining and gripped me from start to finish, I absolutely loved Oliver and Amelia. They have such a great connection wicked hot chemistry.
I also thought that the secondary characters added to the storyline in such a great way. They both Finn and his sister Emma proper tested my patience but they also played an important role in keeping my interest to flick them pages over and over again.
I also thought that the secondary characters added to the storyline in such a great way. They both Finn and his sister Emma proper tested my patience but they also played an important role in keeping my interest to flick them pages over and over again.
June 7, 2025
This series is so hookable.
This author must be deep into baseball as she writes about it so well. She must also have a great sense of humour because the banter is brilliant. The characters are well rounded with room to grow as each book progresses. This story is about the injuries that have to be over come, and how there is a fine line to whether you still have a career or not. A very good read.
This author must be deep into baseball as she writes about it so well. She must also have a great sense of humour because the banter is brilliant. The characters are well rounded with room to grow as each book progresses. This story is about the injuries that have to be over come, and how there is a fine line to whether you still have a career or not. A very good read.
September 20, 2018
Really enjoyed this one!! The whole series is great, i just love Ollie!!! #1 Saints Fan!!!!!
January 1, 2019
Enjoyable sports contemporary. A little bit of angst.
August 29, 2021
really really appealed to me!
February 2, 2016
Let me start out by saying I would have preferred a different, more original book cover. Seriously, yet another close-up, headless, shirtless, six pack ab endowed, could be a Mr. Universe contender, hero graces the cover. This NetGalley reviewer always prefers class over skin on her romantic reads. Any one else out there agree? Click "like" for my review if you do. It would be nice to know I'm not the only one out there who suffers from "visual ab fatigue book cover syndrome". Frankly, don't you at times feel a little insulted authors think you need a mostly naked guy to get you excited about their latest literary endeavor? (lol) No, I'm not a prude, but I'm also not that shallow minded. Just a romantic at heart who often shakes her head in frustration over such things. Who knows, maybe they got a discount because the head was accidentally left out of the picture. (lol)
With that part serious/mostly joking comment off my chest (pardon the pun), on to my review....Having really enjoyed Book 2 of this series, this reviewer was pleased to have the opportunity to review Book 4, Playing Hard, as well. Though the writing flowed and I certainly enjoyed the main couple’s chemistry/relationship, which quickly developed over a matter of just three weeks, there was a major damper to this story…and it was called Finn. Couldn’t help but think of the mantra “Marcia…Marcia…Marcia. Why does it always have to be about Marcia?” from a certain 70’s sitcom TV show. In this case, you’ll simply have to substitute Finn’s name. He was the younger brother-like figure to Amelia, the heroine. I find myself wondering why so much of the story revolved around this self-absorbed, immature, ungrateful, jerk. Even more frustrating was no reason was given why everyone catered to him and seemed to make it their life’s mission to keep him safe and happy, usually at the expense of their own happiness. Sure, it was interwoven cleverly in this tale, but I’m still scratching my head wondering what was so special about him. He seemed to be mouthy and hateful to everyone, especially the main couple. It must run in the family because more than once Finn’s sisters were quick to show their true colors if Amelia wasn’t 100% on board with dropping what she was doing and run to check on Finn.
Overall, I enjoyed this mostly predictable read, but not nearly as much as Book 2, which I absolutely loved! It certainly helped that I really liked the main couple and wanted them to have a HEA. With the exception of Finn, there was a great cast of reoccurring sub-characters that I enjoyed meeting again, as well. I'm already making plans to read the entire series. Yes, likely even Finn's, because I really need to satisfy my curiousity about what is up with that guy! (lol)
If you like a sports-based romance, you might want to consider this one. Finn and headless man book cover aside, this reviewer found it very entertaining.
Title: Playing Hard, Series: New York Saints, Book 4, Author: Melanie Scott, Pages: 320, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating, steamy scenes, no love triangle.
Book 1 – The Devil in Denim, 8/26/14, Pages: 342 (Maggie & Alex)
Book 2 – Angel in Armani, 12/30/14, Pages: 352 (Sara & Lucas)
Book 3 – Lawless in Leather, 5/5/15, Pages: 320 (Raina & Malachi)
Book 4 – Playing Hard, 2/2/16, Pages: 320 (Oliver & Amelia)
Book 5 – Playing Fast, 8/30/16, (Finn & Eva)
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any relationship between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
Here's my review of Book 2:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
With that part serious/mostly joking comment off my chest (pardon the pun), on to my review....Having really enjoyed Book 2 of this series, this reviewer was pleased to have the opportunity to review Book 4, Playing Hard, as well. Though the writing flowed and I certainly enjoyed the main couple’s chemistry/relationship, which quickly developed over a matter of just three weeks, there was a major damper to this story…and it was called Finn. Couldn’t help but think of the mantra “Marcia…Marcia…Marcia. Why does it always have to be about Marcia?” from a certain 70’s sitcom TV show. In this case, you’ll simply have to substitute Finn’s name. He was the younger brother-like figure to Amelia, the heroine. I find myself wondering why so much of the story revolved around this self-absorbed, immature, ungrateful, jerk. Even more frustrating was no reason was given why everyone catered to him and seemed to make it their life’s mission to keep him safe and happy, usually at the expense of their own happiness. Sure, it was interwoven cleverly in this tale, but I’m still scratching my head wondering what was so special about him. He seemed to be mouthy and hateful to everyone, especially the main couple. It must run in the family because more than once Finn’s sisters were quick to show their true colors if Amelia wasn’t 100% on board with dropping what she was doing and run to check on Finn.
Overall, I enjoyed this mostly predictable read, but not nearly as much as Book 2, which I absolutely loved! It certainly helped that I really liked the main couple and wanted them to have a HEA. With the exception of Finn, there was a great cast of reoccurring sub-characters that I enjoyed meeting again, as well. I'm already making plans to read the entire series. Yes, likely even Finn's, because I really need to satisfy my curiousity about what is up with that guy! (lol)
If you like a sports-based romance, you might want to consider this one. Finn and headless man book cover aside, this reviewer found it very entertaining.
Title: Playing Hard, Series: New York Saints, Book 4, Author: Melanie Scott, Pages: 320, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating, steamy scenes, no love triangle.
Book 1 – The Devil in Denim, 8/26/14, Pages: 342 (Maggie & Alex)
Book 2 – Angel in Armani, 12/30/14, Pages: 352 (Sara & Lucas)
Book 3 – Lawless in Leather, 5/5/15, Pages: 320 (Raina & Malachi)
Book 4 – Playing Hard, 2/2/16, Pages: 320 (Oliver & Amelia)
Book 5 – Playing Fast, 8/30/16, (Finn & Eva)
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any relationship between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
Here's my review of Book 2:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 1, 2016
ARC received for an honest review
I have loved the New York Saints series by Ms Scott, and I was more than happy to find out there were more books to come after the stories of the three owners were told.
Playing Hard is the first story about the players of the New York Saints.
We first met first baseman Oliver Shields in the first book, and now it is time for him to find his HEA.
Amelia - Millie - is the friend of one of the newbie players, the guy after Ollie's job.
Oliver and Amelia could not be more different, and you wouldn't expect the finance nerd to catch the player's eyes in a world of groupies and supermodels.
But that was what made them perfect for each other. Their relationship was not an easy one - especially for Millie - but I loved being taken on the journey with them.
I loved that we got more of Alex, Lucas and Mal and their ladies from the first 3 books. I love the banter between them all.
But gah, there were some characters that I really didn't like at all. Finn (Millie's friend) is a spoilt little brat who needs to grow the hell up. I just wanted to high five him in the face with my Kindle for the way he treated Millie. And Finn's sister/Millie's best friend Emma needs to open her eyes and take a good hard look around!
I am really looking forward to more in this series - the next book being Finn's. Let's hope the Ms Scott can redeem him in my eyes!
I love a sports romance, and Ms Scott has quickly become a must read for me. And the good thing about baseball teams - players get traded, retire etc all the time, so there is always new blood so she can keep on writing these fantastic stories!
I have loved the New York Saints series by Ms Scott, and I was more than happy to find out there were more books to come after the stories of the three owners were told.
Playing Hard is the first story about the players of the New York Saints.
We first met first baseman Oliver Shields in the first book, and now it is time for him to find his HEA.
Amelia - Millie - is the friend of one of the newbie players, the guy after Ollie's job.
Oliver and Amelia could not be more different, and you wouldn't expect the finance nerd to catch the player's eyes in a world of groupies and supermodels.
But that was what made them perfect for each other. Their relationship was not an easy one - especially for Millie - but I loved being taken on the journey with them.
I loved that we got more of Alex, Lucas and Mal and their ladies from the first 3 books. I love the banter between them all.
But gah, there were some characters that I really didn't like at all. Finn (Millie's friend) is a spoilt little brat who needs to grow the hell up. I just wanted to high five him in the face with my Kindle for the way he treated Millie. And Finn's sister/Millie's best friend Emma needs to open her eyes and take a good hard look around!
I am really looking forward to more in this series - the next book being Finn's. Let's hope the Ms Scott can redeem him in my eyes!
I love a sports romance, and Ms Scott has quickly become a must read for me. And the good thing about baseball teams - players get traded, retire etc all the time, so there is always new blood so she can keep on writing these fantastic stories!
February 3, 2016
My Review:
I was so excited when I saw this book on my review site. I loved the first three books in the New York Saints series and had no idea that the series would be moving past the initial trilogy about the three owners of the team. YES!! It is...and there's another one after this, too. I love that.
And, yes, this one is about Oliver. Oliver is Maggie's best friend (she was the heroine in book #1 of the series.) Once upon a time they dated and he always kind of thought they would end up together, but then she fell for the new owner of the baseball team and he was out. That all happened in a previous book, but I've always had a soft spot for Ollie. He's just such a nice guy. In this book he meets, Amelia....but it's not as easy as all that.
See when Amelia met Oliver, she was at the Saints party with her pseudo-brother, Finn. Finn is the backup 1st baseman. He's backup to Oliver. Finn has just been traded to the team. He's young, brash, and cocky...and all about taking Oliver's spot as the starter...and he's not afraid to let Oliver know it. Through a series of circumstances, the two end up in a car wreck. Finn has a concussion, but Oliver is in much more serious condition...a totally messed up catching hand and a screwed up ankle. He's out of baseball for the season, maybe for life.
And it's after this life changing that Oliver and Amelia really start to connect, but Finn's having enough issues. She doesn't want to throw this relationship in his face on top of everything else.
I loved this story. Oliver is in such a rotten place right now. For the first time in the 15 years since he's played for the Saints, they are in the playoffs and he's missing it. It's not a good time, but Amelia ends up being his distraction and so much more. I love that they played Friends with Words at first to pass the time. I loved how she could cheer him up and read his moods, even his grumpy ones even though they don't know each other all that well.
Amelia is an extremely stressed economist that works at a high-pressured job on Wall Street, but she MAKES time to be with Oliver. For the first time in her career, she leaves work a tiny bit earlier. She's still climbing the ladder at her job whereas Oliver is facing possible retirement. They are at very different places, but they still managed to make it work. I love how Maggie played into all that too...just brilliant.
I always enjoy sports romances because they are simply fun entertainment. This whole series falls under that heading. I've loved every book in the series so far and can't wait to read more. Each book tells the story of a new couple, so while the other couples make appearances, it's very easy to read each book as it's own stand-alone. You don't have to read the entire series, but after reading one, I bet you'll want to. And all the covers are scrumptious!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I was so excited when I saw this book on my review site. I loved the first three books in the New York Saints series and had no idea that the series would be moving past the initial trilogy about the three owners of the team. YES!! It is...and there's another one after this, too. I love that.
And, yes, this one is about Oliver. Oliver is Maggie's best friend (she was the heroine in book #1 of the series.) Once upon a time they dated and he always kind of thought they would end up together, but then she fell for the new owner of the baseball team and he was out. That all happened in a previous book, but I've always had a soft spot for Ollie. He's just such a nice guy. In this book he meets, Amelia....but it's not as easy as all that.
See when Amelia met Oliver, she was at the Saints party with her pseudo-brother, Finn. Finn is the backup 1st baseman. He's backup to Oliver. Finn has just been traded to the team. He's young, brash, and cocky...and all about taking Oliver's spot as the starter...and he's not afraid to let Oliver know it. Through a series of circumstances, the two end up in a car wreck. Finn has a concussion, but Oliver is in much more serious condition...a totally messed up catching hand and a screwed up ankle. He's out of baseball for the season, maybe for life.
And it's after this life changing that Oliver and Amelia really start to connect, but Finn's having enough issues. She doesn't want to throw this relationship in his face on top of everything else.
I loved this story. Oliver is in such a rotten place right now. For the first time in the 15 years since he's played for the Saints, they are in the playoffs and he's missing it. It's not a good time, but Amelia ends up being his distraction and so much more. I love that they played Friends with Words at first to pass the time. I loved how she could cheer him up and read his moods, even his grumpy ones even though they don't know each other all that well.
Amelia is an extremely stressed economist that works at a high-pressured job on Wall Street, but she MAKES time to be with Oliver. For the first time in her career, she leaves work a tiny bit earlier. She's still climbing the ladder at her job whereas Oliver is facing possible retirement. They are at very different places, but they still managed to make it work. I love how Maggie played into all that too...just brilliant.
I always enjoy sports romances because they are simply fun entertainment. This whole series falls under that heading. I've loved every book in the series so far and can't wait to read more. Each book tells the story of a new couple, so while the other couples make appearances, it's very easy to read each book as it's own stand-alone. You don't have to read the entire series, but after reading one, I bet you'll want to. And all the covers are scrumptious!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
For as long as she can remember Amelia Graham has always had one goal in mind, to find success on Wall Street, and she made the decision long ago that she would do whatever it took to find success at the top in her chosen field, even if it meant dedicating herself to her work 24-7. Putting so much of herself into her work has left her with a very dull social life and very few dates, and while having someone to share her successes with sounds good at her loneliest moments, the idea of giving up work time to date someone sounds an awful lot like a distraction that she can't really afford. When she attends a Saints party to show support for her friend, she finds herself talking to a very handsome and very enticing baseball player who leaves her questioning that pesky no distractions rule she has in place...
Oliver Shields lives and breaths everything baseball, and can't imagine doing anything else with his life, the very idea of permanently leaving the field is completely unsettling to him. He knows his age is soon going to become a factor, and he is going to eventually have to face the fact that there will come a time soon when he needs to retire. But he's just not ready to face that fact just yet, he feels like he still has a few more good years of ball playing left in him, but the man vying for his spot thinks otherwise and is doing all he can to move Oliver right out of his starting spot on the team, and it has caused a huge rift between them. Just when Oliver thinks things between them can't get any worse, he finds out the beautiful woman he just met just so happens to be a close friend of his team mate, and he is willing to do all he can to keep Oliver from dating his friend. Oliver isn't quite ready to let her go though, there is something about her that has him thinking maybe she is supposed to be a part of this ever looming future hanging over his head... and for once he really likes the idea of it!
This was my first experience with Ms. Scott's work and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, so much so, I plan to revisit the series very soon and acquaint myself with more of the Saints! Oliver and Amelia's story grabbed my attention right from the start, and had me flying right through the pages on a quest to find their happily ever after, and along the way I found myself smiling like a fool and blushing a few times too! I feel like these two were truly a match made in literary heaven, the chemistry between them was evident from the beginning and the driven natures they shared definitely created a unbreakable bond between them... watching them find their HEA was truly a literary treat for me!! I highly recommend you meet these two, they are destined to leave you with a happy heart and a smile on your face!!
ARC requested through NetGalley and kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
Oliver Shields lives and breaths everything baseball, and can't imagine doing anything else with his life, the very idea of permanently leaving the field is completely unsettling to him. He knows his age is soon going to become a factor, and he is going to eventually have to face the fact that there will come a time soon when he needs to retire. But he's just not ready to face that fact just yet, he feels like he still has a few more good years of ball playing left in him, but the man vying for his spot thinks otherwise and is doing all he can to move Oliver right out of his starting spot on the team, and it has caused a huge rift between them. Just when Oliver thinks things between them can't get any worse, he finds out the beautiful woman he just met just so happens to be a close friend of his team mate, and he is willing to do all he can to keep Oliver from dating his friend. Oliver isn't quite ready to let her go though, there is something about her that has him thinking maybe she is supposed to be a part of this ever looming future hanging over his head... and for once he really likes the idea of it!
This was my first experience with Ms. Scott's work and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, so much so, I plan to revisit the series very soon and acquaint myself with more of the Saints! Oliver and Amelia's story grabbed my attention right from the start, and had me flying right through the pages on a quest to find their happily ever after, and along the way I found myself smiling like a fool and blushing a few times too! I feel like these two were truly a match made in literary heaven, the chemistry between them was evident from the beginning and the driven natures they shared definitely created a unbreakable bond between them... watching them find their HEA was truly a literary treat for me!! I highly recommend you meet these two, they are destined to leave you with a happy heart and a smile on your face!!
ARC requested through NetGalley and kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
September 15, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author. But I don’t think it will be the last. Amelia’s best friend asked her to keep an eye out for her brother Finn. Amelia grew up with Em and Finn so she considers them family and Finn her brother. Because the New York Saints finally made it to the American League Division for the first time in years, the owners throw a party. So when Finn asks her to attend, Amelia is happy to say yes. While at the party, she meets Ollie. Ollie has been the 1st baseman for the New York Saints for 15 years. He is ecstatic that is finally going to the playoffs. Amelia and Ollie meet at the bar and spend time together. Ollie is very interested in Amelia. But when he finds out she is here with a “friend”, Finn no less he is not thrilled. Finn tries to trash Ollie in front of Amelia; telling her he likes to sleep around. Needless to say there is no love lost between these two. Finn is a spoiled brat. He is gunning for Ollie’s position on the team. He has the attitude that he deserves it just because and not because he has to work for it. After Finn abandons Amelia at the party she decides to go home. Because of this decision she feels responsible for what happens next. Ollie is roped in taking a drunken Finn home. On the way home they are involved in a car accident. While Finn was spared, Ollie wasn’t so fortunate. He sustains a potential career ending accident. Amelia feels sort of responsible. If she hadn’t left the party, she could have driven Finn home and then Ollie would not have been injured. Since Finn refuses to visit Ollie in the hospital, Amelia feels compelled to visit him. After being released from the hospital, Ollie becomes bored. So they begin a relationship around the game “Words with Friends”. The more time they spend together, the greater their feelings become. But Amelia is torn between what she feels is her family (Finn, Em) and her own desires. Finn and Em are horrible to Amelia when they find out she is involved with Ollie. But there comes a time when she realizes she deserves happiness, even if it disappoints her family. Overall the story was good. It flowed easily. I did not feel it was bogged down with a lot of inner dialogue. The intimate scenes where not over the top, but just right. The only thing I would have liked is a better epilogue. I felt like there needed to be more. It did not give me that satisfied feeling at the end. Look forward to Finn’s story next. Hopefully he matures somewhat.
April 13, 2016
COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY FOR HONEST REVIEW
3.5 stars
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the story for the most part. A good sports romance is one of my favorite reads. Ollie and Amelia meet at party for the Saints baseball team celebrating making the playoffs. Ollie is a first baseman. Amelia is an economist. She is there by way of her psuedo brother, Finn. Finn is an absolute pain. He hates Oliver just because he has the position that Finn wants to play. His behavior is over the top. Oliver is injured when he is helping escort Finn home. the injury is possibly career ending. Finn feel no remorse. Amelia feels she needs to make an effort in his behalf. The entire story takes place over a few weeks. So we get a case of insta love, that really doesn't feel that way because of all the things that go on. I liked both characters for the most part. Oliver was just a good guy. Amelia had to grow a little. She was always trying to please others and going beyond. She was the most selfless person in the book. Finn and his family did a lot for her and expected her to be there for their every need. Finn and his sister, who was supposed to be the BFF, were brats. I loved the Amelia toward the end when she stood up for herself and her dreams. She went for what she wanted. overall I liked the book. The chracter development was decent and the plot was good. The next book will be about Finn. I wonder how the author will get us to like him!.
3.5 stars
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the story for the most part. A good sports romance is one of my favorite reads. Ollie and Amelia meet at party for the Saints baseball team celebrating making the playoffs. Ollie is a first baseman. Amelia is an economist. She is there by way of her psuedo brother, Finn. Finn is an absolute pain. He hates Oliver just because he has the position that Finn wants to play. His behavior is over the top. Oliver is injured when he is helping escort Finn home. the injury is possibly career ending. Finn feel no remorse. Amelia feels she needs to make an effort in his behalf. The entire story takes place over a few weeks. So we get a case of insta love, that really doesn't feel that way because of all the things that go on. I liked both characters for the most part. Oliver was just a good guy. Amelia had to grow a little. She was always trying to please others and going beyond. She was the most selfless person in the book. Finn and his family did a lot for her and expected her to be there for their every need. Finn and his sister, who was supposed to be the BFF, were brats. I loved the Amelia toward the end when she stood up for herself and her dreams. She went for what she wanted. overall I liked the book. The chracter development was decent and the plot was good. The next book will be about Finn. I wonder how the author will get us to like him!.
February 8, 2016
I believe this is part of a series, however, this is the first book I have read from Melanie Scott and I didn't feel that I missed out from not reading the previous books so I would say that this could comfortably be read as a S/A.
I have to say that I found the writing style quite difficult to follow at first. For the first 10% of the book, there were a lot of names thrown in the hat, a lot of baseball speak and everything felt a little frantic. However, from about 10% onwards, the story seemed to find its groove and it flowed much more smoothly.
I really liked the lead characters, Oliver and Milly. They were solid well rounded characters and it was nice to read about characters where there was no game playing. This could be considered an insta love story as their relationship moves fast quickly, however, given the short timescales, it didn't feel insta love to me. I felt we were given a gradual build up where we were able to see their connection develop and grow.
I possibly would have liked a bit more to the ending as it just seemed to end quite quickly. However, overall, this was a quick enjoyable sports read. There was minimal angst and plenty of steam.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the Publisher, St Martins Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that I found the writing style quite difficult to follow at first. For the first 10% of the book, there were a lot of names thrown in the hat, a lot of baseball speak and everything felt a little frantic. However, from about 10% onwards, the story seemed to find its groove and it flowed much more smoothly.
I really liked the lead characters, Oliver and Milly. They were solid well rounded characters and it was nice to read about characters where there was no game playing. This could be considered an insta love story as their relationship moves fast quickly, however, given the short timescales, it didn't feel insta love to me. I felt we were given a gradual build up where we were able to see their connection develop and grow.
I possibly would have liked a bit more to the ending as it just seemed to end quite quickly. However, overall, this was a quick enjoyable sports read. There was minimal angst and plenty of steam.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the Publisher, St Martins Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2016
Awesome read. So glad to see this series continue. Now that we have the stories of the owners who turned the Saints team around, we get a look at some of the players.
First up, Oliver Shields. Veteran first baseman for the Saints. He's proud of his hard work and dedication and feels that this year is finally the year the team will make it to the series and he can't wait to get there! He just has to put up with the new guy, Finn Castro, on the team who wants his first base spot. Everything is going well until one night he's in the wrong place at the wrong time and a car accident has him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Amelia Graham can't believe she is sitting in the middle of a Saints party. If she wasn't trying to keep an eye on her best friends brother she would never be in the middle of all this. Finn isn't making this easy either. His cocky attitude and poor decision making is sure to land him in trouble. Again! The only good thing to come out of this evening is the very fun and promising conversation she had with Oliver Shields.
Will they have a chance to explore this amazing attraction before everything blows up?? I recommend you grab a copy of this one and find out. It's a great read.
First up, Oliver Shields. Veteran first baseman for the Saints. He's proud of his hard work and dedication and feels that this year is finally the year the team will make it to the series and he can't wait to get there! He just has to put up with the new guy, Finn Castro, on the team who wants his first base spot. Everything is going well until one night he's in the wrong place at the wrong time and a car accident has him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Amelia Graham can't believe she is sitting in the middle of a Saints party. If she wasn't trying to keep an eye on her best friends brother she would never be in the middle of all this. Finn isn't making this easy either. His cocky attitude and poor decision making is sure to land him in trouble. Again! The only good thing to come out of this evening is the very fun and promising conversation she had with Oliver Shields.
Will they have a chance to explore this amazing attraction before everything blows up?? I recommend you grab a copy of this one and find out. It's a great read.
January 24, 2016
I wasn't sure how I felt about Ollie. He's one of those characters you want to love because he may be famous but he's still always there for Maggie, and he's always been nice to Sara and Raina. He may be getting to old to play baseball but until the time comes, he's giving it his all.
Amelia has been in New York for a while now, and with Finn being here well things are still interesting. Finn is the Saints newest addition from the Cubs. He was traded cheap and is after Oliver's job as first baseman. However Finn is like a brother to Amelia, he's a huge pain in the ass when she meets a guy at a party and falls for him a little bit. Only to realize that he's Finn's enemy and rival. When an accident occurs taking Oliver out of the playoffs, Amelia feels horrible for what happened and tries to cheer him up. It only brings them closer as they realize there is more to each other than what they thought.
With the stress of not knowing how his baseball career will play out, Finn and his family making it difficult for Amelia to be happy, and some other secrets thrown into the mix; these two are in for one wild ride that is full of up and downs. By the end I was absolutely in love with Oliver.
Amelia has been in New York for a while now, and with Finn being here well things are still interesting. Finn is the Saints newest addition from the Cubs. He was traded cheap and is after Oliver's job as first baseman. However Finn is like a brother to Amelia, he's a huge pain in the ass when she meets a guy at a party and falls for him a little bit. Only to realize that he's Finn's enemy and rival. When an accident occurs taking Oliver out of the playoffs, Amelia feels horrible for what happened and tries to cheer him up. It only brings them closer as they realize there is more to each other than what they thought.
With the stress of not knowing how his baseball career will play out, Finn and his family making it difficult for Amelia to be happy, and some other secrets thrown into the mix; these two are in for one wild ride that is full of up and downs. By the end I was absolutely in love with Oliver.
January 23, 2016
I believe this is my first book by Melanie Scott and when I chose to review it I didn't know at the time that it was part of a series. It became obvious whose stories had already been told and I told myself that if I liked the book enough I'd definitely want to check those out that came before this one.
Well, I definitely liked the book enough, as well as those characters for those books, and I really liked Oliver and Amelia.
Who I did not like was Emma and if there's a book about her eventually she's got some 'splainin to do. Talk about a girl with her head in the sand. Even Finn, who was an ass, was much better, and definitely redeemable than his sister. And since the next book is apparently about Finn, I'm good with this. :)
Some of the things I loved about the book was the compromise at the end, the fact that the team has hardships, and that even though not everything is happy, the characters are still happy and you can say they always will be. Even though the relationship only lasted a few weeks between the start of the book and the end, I can definitely see a future where these two are concerned.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am happily adding the ones preceding to my tbr pile.
**Copy received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Well, I definitely liked the book enough, as well as those characters for those books, and I really liked Oliver and Amelia.
Who I did not like was Emma and if there's a book about her eventually she's got some 'splainin to do. Talk about a girl with her head in the sand. Even Finn, who was an ass, was much better, and definitely redeemable than his sister. And since the next book is apparently about Finn, I'm good with this. :)
Some of the things I loved about the book was the compromise at the end, the fact that the team has hardships, and that even though not everything is happy, the characters are still happy and you can say they always will be. Even though the relationship only lasted a few weeks between the start of the book and the end, I can definitely see a future where these two are concerned.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am happily adding the ones preceding to my tbr pile.
**Copy received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
October 21, 2016
What a way to be introduced to an author!
Playing Hard is a refreshing take on the sexiness that is a sports romance.
Oliver is a smart guy. He's been in professional baseball since he turned 17, but he is no dumb jock. Nope, Oliver is well spoken, respectful, hard working, and has a mixture of confidence and humility that makes panties drop. Even in his darkest moments, I still loved this character. I especially loved how he treated Mellie - with respect and honesty.
Mellie is a freaking sweetheart. Her life has not been peaches and cream, but she is not afraid to work hard to attain her dreams. I love that. I hated how much effort she put into to two people that (while I'm sure they cared about her) used her and, on occasion, verbally abused her. she apologized often and only offered vague replies when she would talk about her job. As if it had been ingrained in her that it was boring and no one cared. But Oliver did. *SWOON* How many times have you gotten super-duper excited about something and talk a mile a minute only to stop and apologize for being passionate? Go on, count. I'll wait... Well, that's Mellie. And it was sad.
Playing Hard is not just for sports-romance readers, it is for all romance readers.
Playing Hard is a refreshing take on the sexiness that is a sports romance.
Oliver is a smart guy. He's been in professional baseball since he turned 17, but he is no dumb jock. Nope, Oliver is well spoken, respectful, hard working, and has a mixture of confidence and humility that makes panties drop. Even in his darkest moments, I still loved this character. I especially loved how he treated Mellie - with respect and honesty.
Mellie is a freaking sweetheart. Her life has not been peaches and cream, but she is not afraid to work hard to attain her dreams. I love that. I hated how much effort she put into to two people that (while I'm sure they cared about her) used her and, on occasion, verbally abused her. she apologized often and only offered vague replies when she would talk about her job. As if it had been ingrained in her that it was boring and no one cared. But Oliver did. *SWOON* How many times have you gotten super-duper excited about something and talk a mile a minute only to stop and apologize for being passionate? Go on, count. I'll wait... Well, that's Mellie. And it was sad.
Playing Hard is not just for sports-romance readers, it is for all romance readers.
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