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The Diamond Brides #8
Center Stage
A hot contemporary baseball romance by USA Today bestselling author Mindy Klasky. Even good girls break the rules…sometimes! Actress Lindsey Ormond has always followed the be nice, keep quiet, and never, ever get involved with a bad boy. But her good behavior has yielded lousy results—she’s been left at the altar for the second time in two years. Raleigh Rockets center fielder Ryan Green keeps life simple—play ball, have fun, and keep an eye on his recently widowed father. When Ryan attends Lindsey's disaster of a wedding, another sizzling task hits his to-do help Lindsey learn how to break the rules. Before long, Ryan is showing Lindsey just how much fun she's been missing—in the bedroom and beyond. But Lindsey's brother Zach is part of the Rockets' management team, and he disapproves of their new relationship. And Zach just offered Ryan's father the job of a lifetime. When the conflict moves center stage, will Ryan choose Lindsey? Or will his obligations to the Rockets and his father send Lindsey back to her stifled life alone? The Diamond Brides Baseball Each volume can be read on its own, and the series can be read in any order. Perfect Pitch (DJ Thomas and Samantha Winger) Catching Hell (Zach Ormond and Anna Benson) Reaching First (Tyler Brock and Emily Holt) Second Thoughts (Nick Durban and Jamie Martin) Third Degree (Josh Cantor and Ashley Harris) Stopping Short (Drew Marshall and Jessica Barnes) From Left Field (Adam Sartain and Haley Thurman) Center Stage (Ryan Green and Lindsey Ormond) Always Right (Kyle Norton and Amanda Carter) Fiction > Romance > Sports Romance Fiction > Romance > Baseball Romance Fiction > Romance > Athlete Romance Fiction > Romance > Hot Romance Fiction > Romance > Sexy Romance Fiction > Romance > Spicy Romance Fiction > Romance > Contemporary Romance Fiction > Romance > Hot Contemporary Romance Fiction > Sports Similar Bella Andre Kate Angell Jaci Burton Carly Phillips Jill Shalvis 032917
190 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2014
3 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Klasky
112 books541 followersMindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 23, 2014
Although rather brief, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, after reading all the books in the series, I have decided this one is my favorite. Things happen quickly and issues are resolved fast, but that is the nature of a short book, and this book is not very long. I wish it could have gone on longer, but most of the books in the series are short and are meant to be read quickly. In this story, Lindsey Ormond has been left a second time at the altar by another scared guy. Ryan Green, of the Raleigh Rockets, attended the wedding because he is good friends with Lindsey’s brother Zach, part of the Rockets management team. Every team member knows Lindsey is off limits to them, but Ryan and Lindsey hit it off wonderfully after Lindsey second botched wedding. This is their story—and the story of how Zach and everyone else came to accept them as a couple. I enjoyed watching the chemistry between Lindsey and Ryan develop and how their relationship grew and flourished. I did find it confusing to watch just how quickly Zach dropped his anger and frustration at seeing the couple together but figured the author had to quickly get over this or hold up the story. I like the fact that the story was short and definitely sweet, and could almost be read in one sitting. Still, despite the brevity, the author managed to pack a big punch into the tale. I think any reader who enjoys a good romance will like this one. I know I did. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
June 5, 2015
Lindsey has been left at the alter, again. Instead of finding comfort, as usual, in her overprotective brother Zach, she turns to one of his fellow teammates Ryan, who has made it his responsibility to watch her get home safely after her almost wedding.
The premise of the book was inviting, the dialogue was interesting enough, and the writing was good. However, the brevity of the book was rather disappointing. I wished the relationship had taken longer to develop. As is, it was hard for me to gain any excitement about the characters finally getting together. Considering what the heroine had been through, I think there should’ve been more between the first “I need to try to get over what’s happened” kiss vs. the real deal. I understand it’s a novella, but I needed more in order to connect to her and root for her to finally have her happily ever after. Also, the conflict itself was too brief. They weren’t apart long enough for me to start wishing for the reconnection. It seemed to happen too quickly; just like the acceptance of the overprotective brother. Overall, I was not disappointed in the book. It has great potential, but was missing something for my personal taste. I think this would’ve been much better if it had been written as a novel. The situation the bride was in, and her past, was too critical to be written as a novella.
The premise of the book was inviting, the dialogue was interesting enough, and the writing was good. However, the brevity of the book was rather disappointing. I wished the relationship had taken longer to develop. As is, it was hard for me to gain any excitement about the characters finally getting together. Considering what the heroine had been through, I think there should’ve been more between the first “I need to try to get over what’s happened” kiss vs. the real deal. I understand it’s a novella, but I needed more in order to connect to her and root for her to finally have her happily ever after. Also, the conflict itself was too brief. They weren’t apart long enough for me to start wishing for the reconnection. It seemed to happen too quickly; just like the acceptance of the overprotective brother. Overall, I was not disappointed in the book. It has great potential, but was missing something for my personal taste. I think this would’ve been much better if it had been written as a novel. The situation the bride was in, and her past, was too critical to be written as a novella.
October 14, 2014
When Ryan Green attends the wedding of Lindsey Ormond, sister to fellow Raleigh Rockets, Zach, he never anticipated that he would end the evening babysitting the jilted bride. And since Libdsey was jilted by a different groom two years ago, this was a particularly emotional time for her. Although she swears she will be fine, when she leaves the reception area for her family's cabin, Ryan feels the need to follow her and make sure she is safe. Once there, he convinces Lindsey to try for some fun "bad girl" tricks and they set off to toilet paper the dastardly groom's house. But his plan works all too well and he is soon caught up in a romantic relationship with Lindsey, one he has to keep secret from brother Zach. This is the 8th book in the Diamond Brides series and as with the others, provides an enjoyable romance, some twists and turns and a touch of naughty sex. Some of the characters cameo in different books of this series, but each book functions well as a stand alone romance novel. I am looking forward to the next Diamond Brides story. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2014
Center Stage is a contemporary romance that was quick and fun to read, though not terribly original. The book starts out at a wedding, with the main male character Ryan at his best friend's sister's (the main female character Lindsey) wedding, and we learn that Ryan is hardly the commitment type. Lindsey's fiance leaves her at the alter and Ryan, out of concern for his friend's sister, takes it upon himself to watch over Lindsey. Romance develops, complete with some steamy scenes, though other than a few genital descriptions, nothing 'R' rated. It was fun to see how good girl Lindsey forced herself out of her comfort zone, not only in the aspect of dating, but with her life and career plans in general.
This book is part of a series, but having not read any of the previous books, I'm not sure if it's important to read them in order. I get the impression that some back story that is mentioned in this book is what previous books' plots were, but I didn't feel as though I was missing out on any vital pieces of information.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is part of a series, but having not read any of the previous books, I'm not sure if it's important to read them in order. I get the impression that some back story that is mentioned in this book is what previous books' plots were, but I didn't feel as though I was missing out on any vital pieces of information.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2014
So I was really enjoying this story until the end. Lindsey had just been left at the alter weeks earlier and she's already able to jump into a committed relationship with Ryan? It was just too unbelievable. I get that they've known each other for awhile, but it was still hard to buy.
My second issue is the conflict between Zach and Ryan. Zach, being the overprotective older brother, disapproves of Lindsey jumping into another relationship. Then all of a sudden he approves? After having a conversation with Ryan that we, the readers, weren't privy to? What would have resolved that was if we got to read about their conversation. What was said to change Zach's mind? But we're not shown this, and I found it disappointing.
I'm used to the rushed endings in this series, but in this case, it just ruined the book for me.
**A free copy was provided via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review**
My second issue is the conflict between Zach and Ryan. Zach, being the overprotective older brother, disapproves of Lindsey jumping into another relationship. Then all of a sudden he approves? After having a conversation with Ryan that we, the readers, weren't privy to? What would have resolved that was if we got to read about their conversation. What was said to change Zach's mind? But we're not shown this, and I found it disappointing.
I'm used to the rushed endings in this series, but in this case, it just ruined the book for me.
**A free copy was provided via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review**
October 31, 2014
I received this ebook for the purpose of a review. I finished it in one setting. It's a quick easy ready. Set in NC, you watch as a Lindsey deals with her 2nd time being left at the alter. Ryan is there to help her be the bad girl she's never been. I loved the story, even though I hated to see it end. I would have been happier if it'd lasted a few more chapters. The ending did feel a bit rushed but overall it's a very enjoyable quick read. I am eager to read more from this author and more in this series. While this is book #8 in the Diamond Brides series I did not feel lost. If you are looking a fun, fast, read then Center Stage is the perfect story for you! Fans of baseball romances will want to add this series to their reading list, I know I'm eager to find out more about the whole team.
November 11, 2014
I received this book from librarything in exchange for a fair & honest review.
It was a quick read - one evening after kids activities is all it took. I liked that and I felt inspired to keep reading until it all kind of fell apart.
The tension between Zach and Ryan was weird. Yes, I get the overprotective brother bit but yep, we can be friends until you are with my sister then we can't until you want to marry her then we can. Whiplash! Too quick are those feelings thrown about in my opinion.
And I liked the relationship until they stopped talking. Really? He gets hurt and no word from her? And he loves her so completely but messes up everything to protect his dad? Unless his dad is incapable of living alone and being responsible for himself, you would never do this.
So if you don't mind a frustrating read, by all means proceed. Just not believable at all.
It was a quick read - one evening after kids activities is all it took. I liked that and I felt inspired to keep reading until it all kind of fell apart.
The tension between Zach and Ryan was weird. Yes, I get the overprotective brother bit but yep, we can be friends until you are with my sister then we can't until you want to marry her then we can. Whiplash! Too quick are those feelings thrown about in my opinion.
And I liked the relationship until they stopped talking. Really? He gets hurt and no word from her? And he loves her so completely but messes up everything to protect his dad? Unless his dad is incapable of living alone and being responsible for himself, you would never do this.
So if you don't mind a frustrating read, by all means proceed. Just not believable at all.
November 1, 2014
What a fun read!
Lindsey Ormond is a good girl finally deciding to stretch her bad girl wings after being dumped for the second time at the altar on her wedding day and she finds the perfect person to help her do so in center fielder, Ryan Green, who just happens to follow her home from the wedding that never happened.
Ryan and Lindsey’s story is fun and warm and filled with entertaining experiences and dialogue for the reader to enjoy. Lindsey has career troubles to deal with while Ryan tries to find a way for his father to find purpose again. Lindsey’s brother causes a kink in their relationship for awhile but eventually the two end up in a happily ever after situation as they so deserve to!
Lindsey Ormond is a good girl finally deciding to stretch her bad girl wings after being dumped for the second time at the altar on her wedding day and she finds the perfect person to help her do so in center fielder, Ryan Green, who just happens to follow her home from the wedding that never happened.
Ryan and Lindsey’s story is fun and warm and filled with entertaining experiences and dialogue for the reader to enjoy. Lindsey has career troubles to deal with while Ryan tries to find a way for his father to find purpose again. Lindsey’s brother causes a kink in their relationship for awhile but eventually the two end up in a happily ever after situation as they so deserve to!
December 15, 2014
A left-at-the-alter aftermath romance where a young woman has to overcome her comfort zone to grasp life with both hands, and a man has to stand up and take responsibility for those he cares about. I found the friends-to-lovers theme made the rebound aspect of the relationship more palatable. And I appreciated that the hero had to stand up as a man to deal with a conflict that threatens both his emotionally wrought relationship with his father and his romantic relationship. While he does act something of an idiot, it is clearly because he is in deep and unfamiliar waters.
I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2015
Can the third time be the charm? Lindsey has been left at the altar twice now & she's not doing it again. Ryan is worried about Lindsey after watching her wedding get called off again, so being the friend he was to her brother & former teammate he follows her home to make sure she's okay. They embark on a growing experience for both of them. But brother gets in the way & causes a big problem for Ryan, he's lied to Lindsey & she can't accept that after everything that has happened. Can Ryan get her forgiveness?
October 20, 2014
Ooh, I enjoyed this one much better than the last installment! Loved the chemistry between Ryan & Lindsey & the way it blossomed from friendship. Such a fun book with Ryan helping Lindsey be rebellious. And there were times that I wanted to slap big brother Zach for his actions! All in all, a great installment of this series!! Very enjoyable!!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, however it doesn't influence my review.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, however it doesn't influence my review.
November 3, 2014
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Loved the rapport between Ryan and Lindsay. Just don't understand stand how he can start out being so wonderfully understanding and supportive and end up being such a wuss before he grows a pair once again. Lindsay you should have given him a bit more of a tough time before giving in. Should have made him work for it a bit more. But all in all a good read.
Loved the rapport between Ryan and Lindsay. Just don't understand stand how he can start out being so wonderfully understanding and supportive and end up being such a wuss before he grows a pair once again. Lindsay you should have given him a bit more of a tough time before giving in. Should have made him work for it a bit more. But all in all a good read.
March 29, 2015
Another Diamond Brides book. This one was okay. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other ones I have read. Center Stage is about the Rockets Center Fielder Ryan Greene and Zach Ormond's little sister Lindsey who is an aspiring actress.
It all starts after Lindsey is left at the altar again. Ryan sees how she is driving and decides to follow her to make sure she is okay. The story is not as great as the first couple of books. It was a very quick read.
It all starts after Lindsey is left at the altar again. Ryan sees how she is driving and decides to follow her to make sure she is okay. The story is not as great as the first couple of books. It was a very quick read.
February 19, 2015
Ryan and Lindsay. He's a baseball player and he's friends with her brother. She gets dumped at the alter for the second time in two years (hmm....maybe you better think about what the pattern might be!) She's always been a "good girl" and decided to be a "bad girl" with Ryan. Sex - hot! Ending was rushed and I didn't think he groveled enough to get her back.
For me, the most enjoyable part was the developing friendship between the two.
For me, the most enjoyable part was the developing friendship between the two.
November 9, 2014
This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. She really helped you get to know her characters so you truly cared whether they ended up together. I don't love quick, 'tie it all up in a pretty bow' endings but accepted it with this one. A fun, sweet read.
** thanks so much to librarything for an e-copy of this book for review.
** thanks so much to librarything for an e-copy of this book for review.
November 4, 2014
This was a quick, fun read. I loved how Lindsey was able to start letting go of the rules and start to go after what she wanted. Ryan supported her through this process. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read more in the series.
March 6, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. A quick but enjoyable read - love this series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews