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Hard Hitters #2
Screwball
Passion dominates the diamond in the second novel in this fun and flirty baseball romance series by the author of High Heat.
Paul Dudley, president of the Plainview Thrashers, is spinning out of control. Preserving his family’s baseball legacy in these tough times takes everything he’s got, and constant clashes with his father have left him struggling for authority over the team and even his own future. So when sports reporter Willow Bourne, a one-night-stand from a year ago, walks back into his life, he knows he can’t give into his feelings for her—no matter how strong they are.
Willow never expected to see Paul again, and she’s got her reasons for keeping her distance. Except the more time she spends around Paul, the harder it is to hide her secrets—or stop herself from falling head over heels.
As the sparks between them fly, Paul discovers what Willow has been concealing from him, leaving him with a difficult choice—keep the team his top priority or make his own legacy by following his heart…
Paul Dudley, president of the Plainview Thrashers, is spinning out of control. Preserving his family’s baseball legacy in these tough times takes everything he’s got, and constant clashes with his father have left him struggling for authority over the team and even his own future. So when sports reporter Willow Bourne, a one-night-stand from a year ago, walks back into his life, he knows he can’t give into his feelings for her—no matter how strong they are.
Willow never expected to see Paul again, and she’s got her reasons for keeping her distance. Except the more time she spends around Paul, the harder it is to hide her secrets—or stop herself from falling head over heels.
As the sparks between them fly, Paul discovers what Willow has been concealing from him, leaving him with a difficult choice—keep the team his top priority or make his own legacy by following his heart…
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
64 people want to read
About the author
Linda Morris
20 books54 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Linda Morris is a writer of contemporary romance. She writes stories with heart and heat, with a joke or two thrown in. Her book Melting the Millionaire’s Heart was an Amazon Top 100 Series Romance bestseller. Hard Hitters, her series about a fictional minor-league baseball team in southern Indiana, is available from Berkley. Her latest, a contemporary romance called Bump and Grind is, written under her alter ego Jessica Martyn. It's coming March 27, 2018.
When she’s not writing, working as a freelance editor and technical writer, or mommying, she’s doing yoga, reading, working in her flower garden, or baking delicious things she probably shouldn’t eat. She believes that there are two kinds of people: pie people and cake people, and she is definitely one of the former. Her years of Cubs fandom (and their 2016 World Series win!) prove lost causes aren’t always as lost as they seem. A beat-up old copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Ashes in the Wind was her gateway drug into the world of romance novels, and she’s never looked back.
Linda loves to hear from readers. Contact her via email at linda@lindamorrisbooks.com or via Facebook at facebook.com/lindamorrisbooks.
Linda Morris is a writer of contemporary romance. She writes stories with heart and heat, with a joke or two thrown in. Her book Melting the Millionaire’s Heart was an Amazon Top 100 Series Romance bestseller. Hard Hitters, her series about a fictional minor-league baseball team in southern Indiana, is available from Berkley. Her latest, a contemporary romance called Bump and Grind is, written under her alter ego Jessica Martyn. It's coming March 27, 2018.
When she’s not writing, working as a freelance editor and technical writer, or mommying, she’s doing yoga, reading, working in her flower garden, or baking delicious things she probably shouldn’t eat. She believes that there are two kinds of people: pie people and cake people, and she is definitely one of the former. Her years of Cubs fandom (and their 2016 World Series win!) prove lost causes aren’t always as lost as they seem. A beat-up old copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Ashes in the Wind was her gateway drug into the world of romance novels, and she’s never looked back.
Linda loves to hear from readers. Contact her via email at linda@lindamorrisbooks.com or via Facebook at facebook.com/lindamorrisbooks.
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September 9, 2015DNF @32%
I'm throwing in the towel and calling it a day. This isn't working for me for a lot of reason. I don't want to waste my precious time reading something that's just going to annoy me.
ARC provided by Intermix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm throwing in the towel and calling it a day. This isn't working for me for a lot of reason. I don't want to waste my precious time reading something that's just going to annoy me.
ARC provided by Intermix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
Paul wants to save his family’s legacy, a baseball franchise. But when the chance to save his true legacy arises, Paul must decide what is most important the team or a woman he let get away once and doesn't want it to happen again.
Willow had a one night stand with an unknown man, Paul…leading to a very unexpected surprise. Both Paul and Willow can’t seem to forget the unforgettable night. The couple are reunited a year later in a circumstance that could ruin Willow's chances with her new job. She wants to keep Paul at arm’s length but she has to share a secret she’s held since their one night stand.
It seems like this story is plagued with a series of really bad choices from both Paul and Willow.
Screwball was a cute romantic read. Easy, quick and entertaining, I give Screwball 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC copy of Screwball from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW - InterMix in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 15, 2015.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Willow had a one night stand with an unknown man, Paul…leading to a very unexpected surprise. Both Paul and Willow can’t seem to forget the unforgettable night. The couple are reunited a year later in a circumstance that could ruin Willow's chances with her new job. She wants to keep Paul at arm’s length but she has to share a secret she’s held since their one night stand.
It seems like this story is plagued with a series of really bad choices from both Paul and Willow.
Screwball was a cute romantic read. Easy, quick and entertaining, I give Screwball 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC copy of Screwball from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW - InterMix in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 15, 2015.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
September 8, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
3.5-.75 stars!!
“When you walked into my office a few weeks ago, I thought I was the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet. When most people let something good walk away from them, they don’t get a second chance.”
Screwball is a tale of second chances, paving your own path, and embarking on the impossible.
I jumped into this read blind not knowing that this was book two of a series. Nevertheless, it was easy to get into and I didn’t feel lost whatsoever reading it.
Willow Bourne’s life is in tatters. Getting out of a messy relationship and losing her job, she never imagines that just in one night, how drastically things can change for her.
That is, in the form of minor baseball President, Paul Dudley, of the Plainville Thrashers. Paul and Willow meet at a bar and indulge in one night of passionate escape with no lingering attachments.
But when alls said and done, and Willow discovers herself hindering a rather life-altering secret, what will she make of destiny’s twisted trick of fate?
And with chance bringing them back together and Willow finally picking up the pieces in her life, how will things turn out when Paul turns out to be her boss and key to making a go in sports journalism? Not to mention, how will he react to what she’s kept hidden from him?
As for Paul….keeping your family legacy alive and in good standing is one thing. Another is, preserving your family ties and re-evaluating what’s truly important to you and in life.
Paul is vehemently trying to keep the Plainview Thrashers above water. With the team stadium and facilities falling apart and a father who opposes everything that he does as acting president, Paul is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Now with the red-headed hottie from the bar back in his life, making him second guess his role on the team and where his loyalties really stand, what will Paul choose in the end? Will he relinquish control of his guard and follow his heart? Or will it consume him altogether?
All in all, a sweet sports romance!! I liked the plot, I liked the characters, although some themes seemed like many ploys I read in reads. I wouldn’t say that this book stands out from the rest of its kind, but, it was enjoyable to say none the least.
Another point I have to bring into light is the redundancy. While I did understand what each of the two main leads where up against, they constantly, well, Willow, repeatedly brought up her woes to the point where I was like, “yeah, you mentioned that already. No need to bring it up again.” It kind of made her seem like a wallower at times.
Otherwise, as a whole, a great second installment to the Hard Hitters series!! Now, I just have to go back, purchase, and back track to book one! I read the teaser of it at the end of Screwball and it looks promising! Can’t wait to see how Tom and Sarah got together!! *squeeeee!~
3.5-.75 stars!!
“When you walked into my office a few weeks ago, I thought I was the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet. When most people let something good walk away from them, they don’t get a second chance.”
Screwball is a tale of second chances, paving your own path, and embarking on the impossible.
I jumped into this read blind not knowing that this was book two of a series. Nevertheless, it was easy to get into and I didn’t feel lost whatsoever reading it.
Willow Bourne’s life is in tatters. Getting out of a messy relationship and losing her job, she never imagines that just in one night, how drastically things can change for her.
That is, in the form of minor baseball President, Paul Dudley, of the Plainville Thrashers. Paul and Willow meet at a bar and indulge in one night of passionate escape with no lingering attachments.
But when alls said and done, and Willow discovers herself hindering a rather life-altering secret, what will she make of destiny’s twisted trick of fate?
And with chance bringing them back together and Willow finally picking up the pieces in her life, how will things turn out when Paul turns out to be her boss and key to making a go in sports journalism? Not to mention, how will he react to what she’s kept hidden from him?
As for Paul….keeping your family legacy alive and in good standing is one thing. Another is, preserving your family ties and re-evaluating what’s truly important to you and in life.
Paul is vehemently trying to keep the Plainview Thrashers above water. With the team stadium and facilities falling apart and a father who opposes everything that he does as acting president, Paul is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Now with the red-headed hottie from the bar back in his life, making him second guess his role on the team and where his loyalties really stand, what will Paul choose in the end? Will he relinquish control of his guard and follow his heart? Or will it consume him altogether?
All in all, a sweet sports romance!! I liked the plot, I liked the characters, although some themes seemed like many ploys I read in reads. I wouldn’t say that this book stands out from the rest of its kind, but, it was enjoyable to say none the least.
Another point I have to bring into light is the redundancy. While I did understand what each of the two main leads where up against, they constantly, well, Willow, repeatedly brought up her woes to the point where I was like, “yeah, you mentioned that already. No need to bring it up again.” It kind of made her seem like a wallower at times.
Otherwise, as a whole, a great second installment to the Hard Hitters series!! Now, I just have to go back, purchase, and back track to book one! I read the teaser of it at the end of Screwball and it looks promising! Can’t wait to see how Tom and Sarah got together!! *squeeeee!~
July 29, 2015
Paul sometimes has to just go for it where his woman is concerned, “I would like nothing more than to be very, very nice to you.” His voice, low and rough, left no doubt about what he had in mind . “The trouble is, you won’t let me. Maybe it’s time for me to stop being nice.” Before she could ask what that meant, he stepped in and leaned down to take her mouth in a kiss." I liked this book both Paul and Willow both have issues and sometimes you need a shoulder to work them out I liked these two together.
July 30, 2015
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Berkley*
September 15, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 Stars
Sometimes it is very hard to write a review for a book that had some really good things about it but others just seemed overblown and unbelievable. I liked Screwball by Linda Morris quite a bit but as with the first book in this series I felt that the romance got lost a bit because of a character who seemed to be written in just to cause drama especially since his ridiculousness was just so over the top. I did love that this book was a one night stand that came back to bite a couple in the butt big time but that in doing so it also brought them together but not without some conflict and a whole lot of forgiveness on both sides. The thing is in my mind if I remove the character that I really hated, it would have been a great story but because of him this book lost points and to me that is really sad. Despite that issue I still enjoyed the journey of this couple and the fact that in the end they both got exactly what they wanted.
A one night stand might have left Willow Bourne pregnant and unable to find the father of her child but she's dusted herself off and is ready to get back to work if she can just convince the president of the Plainview Thrashers to grant her access to the ins and outs of the organization and the team itself but finding the father of her child sitting behind the desk is the last thing she expects and keeping her secret becomes her number one priority. Paul Dudley cannot believe his eyes when Willow walks through the door of his office but he thanks the lucky stars because he hasn't been able to get her off his mind since the one wicked night they shared together during spring training but Willow seems to have no interest in picking up where they left off and he's determined to change her mind.
I loved the complications of their previous relationship and while I didn't like that Willow wasn't upfront with Paul from the beginning I also understood that she had a job to do and she feared that in telling him she wouldn't be able to do it and do it without bias. There was an obvious connection between them and keeping it on the back burner was hard for them both but it also allowed them some time to get to know one another better and for Willow to discover that while Paul might be the president of the team his father holds all the strings and he loves playing puppet master. Paul finding out about his son and the hurt, anger and fallout from that led to some terse times but it also became apparent they wanted what was best for their son.
There was a whole lot of tension between these two for most of this story (and not all of it the good kind of tension) so I was a bit frustrated that the ending seemed rushed and a bit unrealistic considering the amount of time they'd actually spent together but it yet it still made me smile. All in all I did enjoy this book and with a certain character now somewhat out of the way I'm hoping that any future books in this series will rely on more than an overblown character for conflict and focus on real relationship issues instead.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Sometimes it is very hard to write a review for a book that had some really good things about it but others just seemed overblown and unbelievable. I liked Screwball by Linda Morris quite a bit but as with the first book in this series I felt that the romance got lost a bit because of a character who seemed to be written in just to cause drama especially since his ridiculousness was just so over the top. I did love that this book was a one night stand that came back to bite a couple in the butt big time but that in doing so it also brought them together but not without some conflict and a whole lot of forgiveness on both sides. The thing is in my mind if I remove the character that I really hated, it would have been a great story but because of him this book lost points and to me that is really sad. Despite that issue I still enjoyed the journey of this couple and the fact that in the end they both got exactly what they wanted.
A one night stand might have left Willow Bourne pregnant and unable to find the father of her child but she's dusted herself off and is ready to get back to work if she can just convince the president of the Plainview Thrashers to grant her access to the ins and outs of the organization and the team itself but finding the father of her child sitting behind the desk is the last thing she expects and keeping her secret becomes her number one priority. Paul Dudley cannot believe his eyes when Willow walks through the door of his office but he thanks the lucky stars because he hasn't been able to get her off his mind since the one wicked night they shared together during spring training but Willow seems to have no interest in picking up where they left off and he's determined to change her mind.
I loved the complications of their previous relationship and while I didn't like that Willow wasn't upfront with Paul from the beginning I also understood that she had a job to do and she feared that in telling him she wouldn't be able to do it and do it without bias. There was an obvious connection between them and keeping it on the back burner was hard for them both but it also allowed them some time to get to know one another better and for Willow to discover that while Paul might be the president of the team his father holds all the strings and he loves playing puppet master. Paul finding out about his son and the hurt, anger and fallout from that led to some terse times but it also became apparent they wanted what was best for their son.
There was a whole lot of tension between these two for most of this story (and not all of it the good kind of tension) so I was a bit frustrated that the ending seemed rushed and a bit unrealistic considering the amount of time they'd actually spent together but it yet it still made me smile. All in all I did enjoy this book and with a certain character now somewhat out of the way I'm hoping that any future books in this series will rely on more than an overblown character for conflict and focus on real relationship issues instead.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 12, 2015
ARC provided by PENGUIN GROUP via Netgalley. THANK YOU!
Paul keeps a tight lid on his career and an even tighter grip on his personal life, especially when it comes to his father. He's the President of the Thrashers, a minor league baseball team. He's single, hardworking, keeps his life in strict control, and has the legacy of the Thrasher's in his hands that's been passed down from his grandfather.
Willow is broke, has a child, she's single, and she's working as a blogger for a company where she can write about sports. She grew up with the love for sports, thanks to her father.
These two meet, have a sexy moment under the pier, and nothing will be the same as they know it when their worlds reconnect over a year later.
These two will need to learn to:
1. let their guards go
2. trust each other
3. admit their feelings
Can he break the tight fist hold his father has on him...or even break the mold of the legacy?
Can she break the stigma of her past boyfriends and learn to put herself out there one more time?
I really like baseball, so reading a book involving this sport was fun for me. I also enjoyed that we have a heroine who had a job, of a blogger for sports, that I've not had to chance to experience in a story before.
I liked that Willow didn't generally back done and could ask tough questions and stick to her guns. Even if it may hurt her heart and those she loved. Sometimes, you have to put yourself all out there- the good or the bad- to open the eyes of others. Willow was definitely a strong character and I loved all of her mommy times with Jack.
Paul, I liked him but many times he ticked me off. He had to learn to listen before he spoke or took actions first. He was such a great dad. I loved how he took to it naturally.
What I liked a lot about this book:
1. Alex. I really hope he and Kendra meet - but really I hope he's the next book.
2. The Alex and Willow moments and Paul's reactions.
3. I found humor in this story.
4. Willow, Paul and Jack family moments.
5. Kendra- Willow's friend. I loved her! She didn't let Willow put her in a bad spot and stuck to her guns. Most friends as side characters don't do that. She was a good person for Willow.
6. Kept me mostly interested.
7. Until the end, I felt like this story felt like it could be very plausible.
8. I liked how the couple read across the pages- they seemed real and mature.
Not a fan of:
1. How long Willow kept her secret and how it's discovered- though I knew that was going to be the way he found out.
2. The couple took a bit to get it finally right.
3. I didn't like the flowery words towards the end. It was TOO sweet for my liking- and I love the idea of sweet love but even that was too much for me.
Also reviewed at:
Paul keeps a tight lid on his career and an even tighter grip on his personal life, especially when it comes to his father. He's the President of the Thrashers, a minor league baseball team. He's single, hardworking, keeps his life in strict control, and has the legacy of the Thrasher's in his hands that's been passed down from his grandfather.
Willow is broke, has a child, she's single, and she's working as a blogger for a company where she can write about sports. She grew up with the love for sports, thanks to her father.
These two meet, have a sexy moment under the pier, and nothing will be the same as they know it when their worlds reconnect over a year later.
These two will need to learn to:
1. let their guards go
2. trust each other
3. admit their feelings
Can he break the tight fist hold his father has on him...or even break the mold of the legacy?
Can she break the stigma of her past boyfriends and learn to put herself out there one more time?
I really like baseball, so reading a book involving this sport was fun for me. I also enjoyed that we have a heroine who had a job, of a blogger for sports, that I've not had to chance to experience in a story before.
I liked that Willow didn't generally back done and could ask tough questions and stick to her guns. Even if it may hurt her heart and those she loved. Sometimes, you have to put yourself all out there- the good or the bad- to open the eyes of others. Willow was definitely a strong character and I loved all of her mommy times with Jack.
Paul, I liked him but many times he ticked me off. He had to learn to listen before he spoke or took actions first. He was such a great dad. I loved how he took to it naturally.
What I liked a lot about this book:
1. Alex. I really hope he and Kendra meet - but really I hope he's the next book.
2. The Alex and Willow moments and Paul's reactions.
3. I found humor in this story.
4. Willow, Paul and Jack family moments.
5. Kendra- Willow's friend. I loved her! She didn't let Willow put her in a bad spot and stuck to her guns. Most friends as side characters don't do that. She was a good person for Willow.
6. Kept me mostly interested.
7. Until the end, I felt like this story felt like it could be very plausible.
8. I liked how the couple read across the pages- they seemed real and mature.
Not a fan of:
1. How long Willow kept her secret and how it's discovered- though I knew that was going to be the way he found out.
2. The couple took a bit to get it finally right.
3. I didn't like the flowery words towards the end. It was TOO sweet for my liking- and I love the idea of sweet love but even that was too much for me.
Also reviewed at:
June 21, 2016
2.5 stars
Every once in a while I like to try new authors, especially when a cover catches my eye and I’m in the mood for a certain theme. In this case, I wanted a sports themed book and this looked pretty good (yes, only judging by the cover here). Sometimes I find winners this way, and sometimes I hit disappointment. That was the case with SCREWBALL, sadly.
The story starts off hitting all my feel good spots because it’s actually set in Tampa, Florida area. I happened to have lived there until a few years ago, so I was all for that. And it’s straight to the point in the opening of the book with a one night stand. So all good there. But the story, the decisions of the characters, and at times the writing that could’ve used some better editing, and this quickly fizzled out.
After their one night stand our heroine is left pregnant and not even knowing the name of her baby’s father. Yes, secret baby trope fans! Fast forward a year and she’s flying across the country to Plainview to interview the manager of struggling team. And he turns out to be none other than her baby’s father.
I did like Paul’s character, I think he was the one with a better head on his shoulders in this whole situation. He hasn’t stopped thinking about Willow since their one night in Florida, and he even tried finding her again by going to the same bar when he’s been in town with no luck. Now that she lands in his turf so to speak he has plans to rekindle the connection. Not knowing the big secret she’s hiding.
I found the writing a bit repetitive at times, or like we were going around in circles to get to a point. Then there’s the decisions especially Willow makes which are a bit immature and make no sense based on the position she finds herself in. And then after all their issues, there’s a quick and full of love HEA that I just didn’t fully buy. This may just be a case of it’s me not you.
Every once in a while I like to try new authors, especially when a cover catches my eye and I’m in the mood for a certain theme. In this case, I wanted a sports themed book and this looked pretty good (yes, only judging by the cover here). Sometimes I find winners this way, and sometimes I hit disappointment. That was the case with SCREWBALL, sadly.
The story starts off hitting all my feel good spots because it’s actually set in Tampa, Florida area. I happened to have lived there until a few years ago, so I was all for that. And it’s straight to the point in the opening of the book with a one night stand. So all good there. But the story, the decisions of the characters, and at times the writing that could’ve used some better editing, and this quickly fizzled out.
After their one night stand our heroine is left pregnant and not even knowing the name of her baby’s father. Yes, secret baby trope fans! Fast forward a year and she’s flying across the country to Plainview to interview the manager of struggling team. And he turns out to be none other than her baby’s father.
I did like Paul’s character, I think he was the one with a better head on his shoulders in this whole situation. He hasn’t stopped thinking about Willow since their one night in Florida, and he even tried finding her again by going to the same bar when he’s been in town with no luck. Now that she lands in his turf so to speak he has plans to rekindle the connection. Not knowing the big secret she’s hiding.
I found the writing a bit repetitive at times, or like we were going around in circles to get to a point. Then there’s the decisions especially Willow makes which are a bit immature and make no sense based on the position she finds herself in. And then after all their issues, there’s a quick and full of love HEA that I just didn’t fully buy. This may just be a case of it’s me not you.
July 31, 2015
SCREWBALL was a good example of the secret baby trope. Willow and Paul have a one-night stand in St. Petersburg one Spring. Willow finds herself pregnant, jobless and broke. She tried to find Paul to tell him about the baby but, without his last name, she didn't have any luck.
Willow has gotten a job blogging for a sports website and her first assignment is to write an in-depth profile of the Plainview Thrashers. When she arrives in Plainview and meets the team president, she learns that he is Paul Dudley - her Paul.
She doesn't know how to tell him that he is the father of her four-month-old son Jack and so neglects to mention that he is the father of her baby. Paul has enough problems without that. The ball club is owned by his father who has control of the finances and he is a real cheapskate. Paul has the job of running the team but doesn't have control of the money. He knows the team would draw better if he could put some money into the neglected stadium and field but he can't do anything with his father's micro-management.
Paul has had years of dealing with a father who put the baseball team ahead of family. He was a distant and neglectful parent who left his wife do the hands-on parenting. When she died of a heart attack when Paul was sixteen, his father had to fill in but had no idea how.
Paul and Willow have enough to deal with getting to know each other while deciding what do about their son without the bad tempered intrusions of Paul's father who has characterized Willow as a bimbo and a slut.
Willow tries to be fair but honest about the problems on the team in the profile she writes but she can't help but talk about the management problems caused by Paul's father. For Paul, who has been hiding the problems for years out of family loyalty, this honesty seems like a betrayal.
It takes time and work for Paul and Willow to find their way to a happy ending.
Willow has gotten a job blogging for a sports website and her first assignment is to write an in-depth profile of the Plainview Thrashers. When she arrives in Plainview and meets the team president, she learns that he is Paul Dudley - her Paul.
She doesn't know how to tell him that he is the father of her four-month-old son Jack and so neglects to mention that he is the father of her baby. Paul has enough problems without that. The ball club is owned by his father who has control of the finances and he is a real cheapskate. Paul has the job of running the team but doesn't have control of the money. He knows the team would draw better if he could put some money into the neglected stadium and field but he can't do anything with his father's micro-management.
Paul has had years of dealing with a father who put the baseball team ahead of family. He was a distant and neglectful parent who left his wife do the hands-on parenting. When she died of a heart attack when Paul was sixteen, his father had to fill in but had no idea how.
Paul and Willow have enough to deal with getting to know each other while deciding what do about their son without the bad tempered intrusions of Paul's father who has characterized Willow as a bimbo and a slut.
Willow tries to be fair but honest about the problems on the team in the profile she writes but she can't help but talk about the management problems caused by Paul's father. For Paul, who has been hiding the problems for years out of family loyalty, this honesty seems like a betrayal.
It takes time and work for Paul and Willow to find their way to a happy ending.
July 29, 2015
Willow was down on her luck. Losing a boyfriend who happened to be engaged and then loosing her job. When her friend Kendra takes her out to help make her feel better she meets Paul. The end up dancing and going for a walk on the beach where they end up having sex.
After their one night stand Willow finds out she is pregnant. Then the story jumps to 13 months later where Willow is invited to do interviews with the team Paul owns. Willow doesn't tell Paul about their son right away which leads to trust issues.
I enjoyed the story. I think it was done a little different then books I have read before that are like this and I liked the change up of the situation. This story has a lot of family drama mostly on Paul's side but then again that spills over from the first book.
The characters I enjoyed and I liked how Paul and Willow want each other but with them things don't happen right away. They didn't rush into a relationship or bed with one another. Through half the book Paul doesn't even know he has a son. When he finds out he doesn't take it well but I understood why since Willow wasn't very forthcoming.
While reading you can see these two characters have some trust issues with one another but for different reasons. I enjoyed Sarah was in this book but honestly I missed Tom!
The thing I had a problem with in this book was there was little to no baseball. For a baseball team owner and this being a baseball series I just expected more in that area. Hopefully the next book will be filled with it.
Overall I enjoyed reading it and the ending was done nicely. I like how it turned out. I am curious to see who the next book would be about since the first two book were about brother and sister.
After their one night stand Willow finds out she is pregnant. Then the story jumps to 13 months later where Willow is invited to do interviews with the team Paul owns. Willow doesn't tell Paul about their son right away which leads to trust issues.
I enjoyed the story. I think it was done a little different then books I have read before that are like this and I liked the change up of the situation. This story has a lot of family drama mostly on Paul's side but then again that spills over from the first book.
The characters I enjoyed and I liked how Paul and Willow want each other but with them things don't happen right away. They didn't rush into a relationship or bed with one another. Through half the book Paul doesn't even know he has a son. When he finds out he doesn't take it well but I understood why since Willow wasn't very forthcoming.
While reading you can see these two characters have some trust issues with one another but for different reasons. I enjoyed Sarah was in this book but honestly I missed Tom!
The thing I had a problem with in this book was there was little to no baseball. For a baseball team owner and this being a baseball series I just expected more in that area. Hopefully the next book will be filled with it.
Overall I enjoyed reading it and the ending was done nicely. I like how it turned out. I am curious to see who the next book would be about since the first two book were about brother and sister.
September 11, 2015
I was skeptical initially about another reporter-meets-sports-star romance because there are so many of them, but this one is told from a slightly different perspective with the hero, Paul being the owner of a local team.
Willow's latest assignment for the sports blog she works for has her covering a local Indiana baseball franchise, the Plainvew Thrashers. Little does she expect to be hit with a blast from her past. Paul and Willow have met previously a year ago when they had a one-night stand in Florida and neither has forgotten that encounter. In Willow’s case it was really hard because that brief union left her with a memento of their hot, passionate night. They went their separate ways after that and it looked like they’d never run into each other again. Then Willow gets this assignment which is a good career opportunity and a chance to make something good come of it for herself and her child. When they meet again, it’s as if all the stars aligned to make it happen. This brings up mixed feelings for Willow who wants to maintain professionalism and keep her private life to herself. She doesn’t even want to bring it up to Paul that he’s a dad. Paul on the other hand wants nothing more than to to have what he's been yearning for for the past year – to be with the girl that he let slip away.
Since they have to work on this article together and be on their best behaviour, they maneuver around each other rather awkwardly. Paul tries to get close but Willow tends to make excuses to push him away. She'd like nothing more than to throw herself into his arms but will Paul want the same thing once he finds out they share more than that one night? And as if things aren't complicated enough, there seems to be an interesting back story regarding the Plainview Thrashers and the team’s ownership which could propel the story in a far different direction. Will Paul be so amenable to the idea of them as a couple if she does her job right and exposes some unsavory details about the club?
Screwball was fun to read and I really enjoyed the setting. Like I said at the beginning, I felt it had a different tone since this time there’s no dealing with athletes’ egos (well, maybe the unruly team manager’s but he’s fun!). There's not a whole lot of angst –just two adults working out their problems and making compromises. Screwball is the second in the Hard Hitters series and since I’ve not read the first one, High Heat, I plan on correcting that soon!
Willow's latest assignment for the sports blog she works for has her covering a local Indiana baseball franchise, the Plainvew Thrashers. Little does she expect to be hit with a blast from her past. Paul and Willow have met previously a year ago when they had a one-night stand in Florida and neither has forgotten that encounter. In Willow’s case it was really hard because that brief union left her with a memento of their hot, passionate night. They went their separate ways after that and it looked like they’d never run into each other again. Then Willow gets this assignment which is a good career opportunity and a chance to make something good come of it for herself and her child. When they meet again, it’s as if all the stars aligned to make it happen. This brings up mixed feelings for Willow who wants to maintain professionalism and keep her private life to herself. She doesn’t even want to bring it up to Paul that he’s a dad. Paul on the other hand wants nothing more than to to have what he's been yearning for for the past year – to be with the girl that he let slip away.
Since they have to work on this article together and be on their best behaviour, they maneuver around each other rather awkwardly. Paul tries to get close but Willow tends to make excuses to push him away. She'd like nothing more than to throw herself into his arms but will Paul want the same thing once he finds out they share more than that one night? And as if things aren't complicated enough, there seems to be an interesting back story regarding the Plainview Thrashers and the team’s ownership which could propel the story in a far different direction. Will Paul be so amenable to the idea of them as a couple if she does her job right and exposes some unsavory details about the club?
Screwball was fun to read and I really enjoyed the setting. Like I said at the beginning, I felt it had a different tone since this time there’s no dealing with athletes’ egos (well, maybe the unruly team manager’s but he’s fun!). There's not a whole lot of angst –just two adults working out their problems and making compromises. Screwball is the second in the Hard Hitters series and since I’ve not read the first one, High Heat, I plan on correcting that soon!
September 25, 2015
Every once in a while I like to try new authors, especially when a cover catches my eye and I'm in the mood for a certain theme. In this case, I wanted a sports themed book and this looked pretty good (yes, only judging by the cover here). Sometimes I find winners this way, and sometimes I hit disappointment. That was the case with SCREWBALL, sadly.
The story starts off hitting all my feel good spots because it's actually set in Tampa, Florida area. I happened to have lived there until a few years ago, so I was all for that. And it's straight to the point in the opening of the book with a one night stand. So all good there. But the story, the decisions of the characters, and at times the writing that could've used some better editing, and this quickly fizzled out.
After their one night stand our heroine is left pregnant and not even knowing the name of her baby's father. Yes, secret baby trope fans! Fast forward a year and she's flying across the country to Plainview to interview the manager of struggling team. And he turns out to be none other than her baby's father.
I did like Paul's character, I think he was the one with a better head on his shoulders in this whole situation. He hasn't stopped thinking about Willow since their one night in Florida, and he even tried finding her again by going to the same bar when he's been in town with no luck. Now that she lands in his turf so to speak he has plans to rekindle the connection. Not knowing the big secret she's hiding.
I found the writing a bit repetitive at times, or like we were going around in circles to get to a point. Then there's the decisions especially Willow makes which are a bit immature and make no sense based on the position she finds herself in. And then after all their issues, there's a quick and full of love HEA that I just didn't fully buy. This may just be a case of it's me not you.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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September 30, 2015
Willow and Paul have a chance encounter at a bar when Willow's best friend convinces her to spend a night out with her at a local hot spot. What Willow doesn't expect is to meet Paul Dudley. He manages to catch her attention. After a brief conversation they click and Willow decides to let go, live a little and have that one night of pleasure. But, the result of that one night will be one that she will not be able to forget.
Paul Dudley finally meets the so called perfect woman. Unfortunately cupid is not playing fairly and the one night that they have together is all he realizes he is gonna get. At least until their paths cross around a year later. What he doesn't know is the small surprise that Willow has not told him about. Willow holds her cards close to her chest even after they are thrown back together and this time for more than one night. The problem is will she be able to share her largest secret with him, and if so will he be able to handle it?
At first the book started off as your typical romance. Boy and Girl meet, hook up, and things happen and then they move on. But, then the screwball takes its place in the story and the game changer happens. At this moment you then find yourself grabbing a hold of the book and not wanting to put it down.
Now, if you are looking for that all out alpha athlete, this book doesn't have it. But, if you are looking for the hot guy with a stand up reputation willing to do anything for the girl, then yep, this is the perfect book with the added sports backing to make it all that much better. The other thing that this book has going for it is the little unexpected quips that are thrown back and forth among the characters. This just adds that much more depth to it. Now, I will tell you that at first the book does seem to start off a bit slow, and yes in away it is a bit long, but in the grand scheme of things it works itself out and you will find yourself really enjoying the overall story.
Paul Dudley finally meets the so called perfect woman. Unfortunately cupid is not playing fairly and the one night that they have together is all he realizes he is gonna get. At least until their paths cross around a year later. What he doesn't know is the small surprise that Willow has not told him about. Willow holds her cards close to her chest even after they are thrown back together and this time for more than one night. The problem is will she be able to share her largest secret with him, and if so will he be able to handle it?
At first the book started off as your typical romance. Boy and Girl meet, hook up, and things happen and then they move on. But, then the screwball takes its place in the story and the game changer happens. At this moment you then find yourself grabbing a hold of the book and not wanting to put it down.
Now, if you are looking for that all out alpha athlete, this book doesn't have it. But, if you are looking for the hot guy with a stand up reputation willing to do anything for the girl, then yep, this is the perfect book with the added sports backing to make it all that much better. The other thing that this book has going for it is the little unexpected quips that are thrown back and forth among the characters. This just adds that much more depth to it. Now, I will tell you that at first the book does seem to start off a bit slow, and yes in away it is a bit long, but in the grand scheme of things it works itself out and you will find yourself really enjoying the overall story.
December 16, 2015
2 stars.
This book was all right. I don't know how to tell you about this book without spoiling it somewhat, but I'll try.
A year ago, Willow and Paul hooked up. Now, Willow is a sports blogger and has to do an interview on Paul, who she didn't know anything about (other than his intimate details) until she meets him officially. He is very controlled in his business life and personal life, and Willow has a secret. The two of them still have some chemistry, but her secret will rock Paul's world, and not in the way she did when they met the year before. Add to that a bunch of family drama, and there you go.
This story didn't stand out to me in any way. I didn't really love any of the characters, and this trope pretty much never makes sense to me. This is a baseball story, and I have to admit that I'm partial to other sports, but I didn't find that there was much about baseball in it. I liked the way Morris writes and the pacing of the story was fine, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters or caring about them. I honestly don't know why I kept reading, except that it is a quick read, and I was interested in what happened after Paul found out what Willow was hiding. Also, I hate the title of this book. I know, that's being picky, but I really don't like it.
With forgettable characters and a storyline that was just okay, Screwball shouldn't be at the top of your TBR this month.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
This book was all right. I don't know how to tell you about this book without spoiling it somewhat, but I'll try.
A year ago, Willow and Paul hooked up. Now, Willow is a sports blogger and has to do an interview on Paul, who she didn't know anything about (other than his intimate details) until she meets him officially. He is very controlled in his business life and personal life, and Willow has a secret. The two of them still have some chemistry, but her secret will rock Paul's world, and not in the way she did when they met the year before. Add to that a bunch of family drama, and there you go.
This story didn't stand out to me in any way. I didn't really love any of the characters, and this trope pretty much never makes sense to me. This is a baseball story, and I have to admit that I'm partial to other sports, but I didn't find that there was much about baseball in it. I liked the way Morris writes and the pacing of the story was fine, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters or caring about them. I honestly don't know why I kept reading, except that it is a quick read, and I was interested in what happened after Paul found out what Willow was hiding. Also, I hate the title of this book. I know, that's being picky, but I really don't like it.
With forgettable characters and a storyline that was just okay, Screwball shouldn't be at the top of your TBR this month.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
August 30, 2015
The hero and heroin meet in fiery ball of passion. After meeting things quickly escalated to night of passion that neither can forget. Memories of their night together linger long after they go their separate ways. They both try to reconnect for different reasons.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters after the beginning. Willow never expects to see Paul again. However when they are placed in each others paths again she does her best to keep her distance. I didn't agree with how long she kept her secret. After a certain amount of time I just couldn't agree with her reasoning.
When her secret comes to light will it ruin everything that her and Paul have built?
When Paul reconnects with Willow he is ready to start things where they ended on their passionate night under the pier. Only nothing is the same. The passionate woman that he remembers has been replaced with someone who is guarded and does everything in her power to keep him away.
Will he be able to break through her walls and bring back the Willow that he hasn't been able to get out of his head?
There where things that I did really like about the book. Paul's reaction to Willow's and Alex's friendship was funny. I also loved that Willow had a great friend in Kendra who always provided sound advice. I loved that Paul adapted to fatherhood so easily. It's like he was made for the role. I was even more impressed because Paul didn't have a good father to learn from.
It took way to long for Paul and Willow to get their relationship on a good path. Then once they did it happened so abruptly and so near the end of the story that I didn't have a chance to bask in their happiness.
Over all the story kept me interested.
3 Screwball stars!
**ARC was provided to Books Need TLC in exchange for an honest review**
I had a hard time connecting with the characters after the beginning. Willow never expects to see Paul again. However when they are placed in each others paths again she does her best to keep her distance. I didn't agree with how long she kept her secret. After a certain amount of time I just couldn't agree with her reasoning.
When her secret comes to light will it ruin everything that her and Paul have built?
When Paul reconnects with Willow he is ready to start things where they ended on their passionate night under the pier. Only nothing is the same. The passionate woman that he remembers has been replaced with someone who is guarded and does everything in her power to keep him away.
Will he be able to break through her walls and bring back the Willow that he hasn't been able to get out of his head?
There where things that I did really like about the book. Paul's reaction to Willow's and Alex's friendship was funny. I also loved that Willow had a great friend in Kendra who always provided sound advice. I loved that Paul adapted to fatherhood so easily. It's like he was made for the role. I was even more impressed because Paul didn't have a good father to learn from.
It took way to long for Paul and Willow to get their relationship on a good path. Then once they did it happened so abruptly and so near the end of the story that I didn't have a chance to bask in their happiness.
Over all the story kept me interested.
3 Screwball stars!
**ARC was provided to Books Need TLC in exchange for an honest review**
September 28, 2015
Willow Bourne and Paul Dudley have a history. A super-steamy, one night stand changes both of their lives forever. But, only one of them fully realizes that change until they meet by chance a year later. Both Paul and Willow are struggling with significant career issues and major life issues. I thought that their professional issues were believable and added depth and interest to the story. Those details also impacted their personal lives and decisions they made.
I liked Willow and Paul and was definitely invested to see what happened in their story. However, I have a limited amount of patience for problems that are created because characters refuse to communicate openly and honestly. There were times in this story that I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to grab both of these characters, shake them and yell, "Just tell him/her the truth! Talk about your issues. End this discomfort!" I wouldn't consider it angst, but it's definitely tension filled.
The times that Paul and Willow were together, sharing, getting to know one another and collaborating were really really good. I had butterflies and Paul said some of the sweetest things. (He's a really good man.) I wish there had been a few more of those times and less communication-induced confusion.
I liked the backdrop of the baseball setting. The scenes and scenarios were interesting and entertaining. I enjoyed the main characters and the supporting characters as well. If you're looking for a sports-themed, quick read, with interesting characters and some good tension, I can recommend Screwball.
An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. This book received a 3.5 rating on BFF Book Blog. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icon ratings for: butterflies, happily ever after, hero, supporting characters and tension.
I liked Willow and Paul and was definitely invested to see what happened in their story. However, I have a limited amount of patience for problems that are created because characters refuse to communicate openly and honestly. There were times in this story that I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to grab both of these characters, shake them and yell, "Just tell him/her the truth! Talk about your issues. End this discomfort!" I wouldn't consider it angst, but it's definitely tension filled.
The times that Paul and Willow were together, sharing, getting to know one another and collaborating were really really good. I had butterflies and Paul said some of the sweetest things. (He's a really good man.) I wish there had been a few more of those times and less communication-induced confusion.
I liked the backdrop of the baseball setting. The scenes and scenarios were interesting and entertaining. I enjoyed the main characters and the supporting characters as well. If you're looking for a sports-themed, quick read, with interesting characters and some good tension, I can recommend Screwball.
An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. This book received a 3.5 rating on BFF Book Blog. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icon ratings for: butterflies, happily ever after, hero, supporting characters and tension.
September 24, 2015
Wow. I loved this book from the beginning right up to the end. And honestly, I didn't want the book to end as I wasn't ready to let go of Paul and Willow. They are two very strong characters that seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and you couldn't help but want them to finally get the HEA they deserve.
Paul and Willow had one amazing night together that changed them both forever. Paul has never forgotten about Willow and even tried to find her to no avail. No one has ever gotten to him like she did and it kills him that he will never have that again.
Willow also tried to find Paul, but with no last name to go on, she didn't have any luck. Imagine her surprise when her new job lands her directly in his path. She feels the same pull towards him that she did a year ago; however, now her circumstances has changed.
Will Willow work up the courage to tell Paul about the changes in her life before it is too late? Will Paul ever land the woman of his dreams? When the secrets are exposed, will they stand a chance to get their HEA? In order to find out, go ahead and 1-click your copy today. I promise you will not be disappointed.
I loved Willow for the strong person that she was; however, at times I really wanted to strangle her! While I did understand where she was coming from, it killed me that she left Paul in the dark for so long. Paul, oh how wonderful he is. The man has the weight of the teams future on his shoulders, but the only thing he can think about is a future with Willow. I loved how these two made each other stronger and fit together perfectly. I truly enjoyed this story and I can't wait for the next one in the series. I hope it is about Alex and Megan, I would love to see those two end up together!
Paul and Willow had one amazing night together that changed them both forever. Paul has never forgotten about Willow and even tried to find her to no avail. No one has ever gotten to him like she did and it kills him that he will never have that again.
Willow also tried to find Paul, but with no last name to go on, she didn't have any luck. Imagine her surprise when her new job lands her directly in his path. She feels the same pull towards him that she did a year ago; however, now her circumstances has changed.
Will Willow work up the courage to tell Paul about the changes in her life before it is too late? Will Paul ever land the woman of his dreams? When the secrets are exposed, will they stand a chance to get their HEA? In order to find out, go ahead and 1-click your copy today. I promise you will not be disappointed.
I loved Willow for the strong person that she was; however, at times I really wanted to strangle her! While I did understand where she was coming from, it killed me that she left Paul in the dark for so long. Paul, oh how wonderful he is. The man has the weight of the teams future on his shoulders, but the only thing he can think about is a future with Willow. I loved how these two made each other stronger and fit together perfectly. I truly enjoyed this story and I can't wait for the next one in the series. I hope it is about Alex and Megan, I would love to see those two end up together!
September 9, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I'm sorry I tried very hard to read this book on several occasions but I just found the way that the heroine behaved hit too many buttons for me to continue.
Willow has a one-night stand with Paul, they never see each other again but she finds out she is pregnant and keeps the baby. Her whole life is (understandably) turned upside down and she struggles to make a life for herself and her son. She has to change her job from TV reporter and starts working for an internet blog. Her big break comes when she is assigned to shadow a small-town minor league baseball team (the Thrashers) and its Team President, Paul. Of course it's THAT Paul.
So far, so good. I thought Willow made some very dubious choices having a one-night stand (in public) with a man she picked up in a nightclub but I let that roll. Then, Willow decides she won't tell Paul they have a child. Before then she knew nothing more than his first name so she couldn't let him know - but now she can and she deliberately chooses not to. Not only that, she persuades her friend to pretend that the child is hers.
Then she and Paul appear to get hot and heavy at every opportunity despite her trying to keep things professional (which he sees, quite rightly IMO, as blowing hot and cold). She also blows hot and cold about whether to be nice to Paul (as the father of her child) when writing her piece on the team or whether to spice it up with all the in-fighting between Paul and his father.
At 37% I bailed out - sorry this one wasn't for me.
I'm sorry I tried very hard to read this book on several occasions but I just found the way that the heroine behaved hit too many buttons for me to continue.
Willow has a one-night stand with Paul, they never see each other again but she finds out she is pregnant and keeps the baby. Her whole life is (understandably) turned upside down and she struggles to make a life for herself and her son. She has to change her job from TV reporter and starts working for an internet blog. Her big break comes when she is assigned to shadow a small-town minor league baseball team (the Thrashers) and its Team President, Paul. Of course it's THAT Paul.
So far, so good. I thought Willow made some very dubious choices having a one-night stand (in public) with a man she picked up in a nightclub but I let that roll. Then, Willow decides she won't tell Paul they have a child. Before then she knew nothing more than his first name so she couldn't let him know - but now she can and she deliberately chooses not to. Not only that, she persuades her friend to pretend that the child is hers.
Then she and Paul appear to get hot and heavy at every opportunity despite her trying to keep things professional (which he sees, quite rightly IMO, as blowing hot and cold). She also blows hot and cold about whether to be nice to Paul (as the father of her child) when writing her piece on the team or whether to spice it up with all the in-fighting between Paul and his father.
At 37% I bailed out - sorry this one wasn't for me.
January 2, 2016
2 stars.
This book was all right. I don't know how to tell you about this book without spoiling it somewhat, but I'll try.
A year ago, Willow and Paul hooked up. Now, Willow is a sports blogger and has to do an interview on Paul, who she didn't know anything about (other than his intimate details) until she meets him officially. He is very controlled in his business life and personal life, and Willow has a secret. The two of them still have some chemistry, but her secret will rock Paul's world, and not in the way she did when they met the year before. Add to that a bunch of family drama, and there you go.
This story didn't stand out to me in any way. I didn't really love any of the characters, and this trope pretty much never makes sense to me. This is a baseball story, and I have to admit that I'm partial to other sports, but I didn't find that there was much about baseball in it. I liked the way Morris writes and the pacing of the story was fine, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters or caring about them. I honestly don't know why I kept reading, except that it is a quick read, and I was interested in what happened after Paul found out what Willow was hiding. Also, I hate the title of this book. I know, that's being picky, but I really don't like it.
With forgettable characters and a storyline that was just okay, Screwball shouldn't be at the top of your TBR this month.
This book was all right. I don't know how to tell you about this book without spoiling it somewhat, but I'll try.
A year ago, Willow and Paul hooked up. Now, Willow is a sports blogger and has to do an interview on Paul, who she didn't know anything about (other than his intimate details) until she meets him officially. He is very controlled in his business life and personal life, and Willow has a secret. The two of them still have some chemistry, but her secret will rock Paul's world, and not in the way she did when they met the year before. Add to that a bunch of family drama, and there you go.
This story didn't stand out to me in any way. I didn't really love any of the characters, and this trope pretty much never makes sense to me. This is a baseball story, and I have to admit that I'm partial to other sports, but I didn't find that there was much about baseball in it. I liked the way Morris writes and the pacing of the story was fine, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters or caring about them. I honestly don't know why I kept reading, except that it is a quick read, and I was interested in what happened after Paul found out what Willow was hiding. Also, I hate the title of this book. I know, that's being picky, but I really don't like it.
With forgettable characters and a storyline that was just okay, Screwball shouldn't be at the top of your TBR this month.
September 14, 2015
5 Fastballs
Screwball is a fast paced novel that reunites Paul and Willow a year after their one night stand. Willow’s assignment is to Blog about the decline of Minor League Baseball teams for the online Blog “Screwball.” Paul is the President of the Minor League Plainview Thrashers. Both Paul and Willow have wished that they had had a way to contact each other over the last year, but they only had each other's first names. Now fate has brought them together again to the surprise of each of them.
This is a wonderful story of learning to trust and forgiveness. The storyline is very complex with highly developed characters. When I started reading this story, I thought that it was the first of a series. As it turns out this is the second book of the Hard Hitters Series. This story read as a stand alone book. You can read it and not feel left in the dark wondering what you missed in book 1, although after reading this book and the preview of High Heat, I may have to read that book as well. As the summer is winding down and the baseball season is coming to an end this is the perfect book to read before the Postseason begins.
ARC provided by the Author, and distributed by Ink Slinger PR, in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club.
Screwball is a fast paced novel that reunites Paul and Willow a year after their one night stand. Willow’s assignment is to Blog about the decline of Minor League Baseball teams for the online Blog “Screwball.” Paul is the President of the Minor League Plainview Thrashers. Both Paul and Willow have wished that they had had a way to contact each other over the last year, but they only had each other's first names. Now fate has brought them together again to the surprise of each of them.
This is a wonderful story of learning to trust and forgiveness. The storyline is very complex with highly developed characters. When I started reading this story, I thought that it was the first of a series. As it turns out this is the second book of the Hard Hitters Series. This story read as a stand alone book. You can read it and not feel left in the dark wondering what you missed in book 1, although after reading this book and the preview of High Heat, I may have to read that book as well. As the summer is winding down and the baseball season is coming to an end this is the perfect book to read before the Postseason begins.
ARC provided by the Author, and distributed by Ink Slinger PR, in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club.
September 29, 2015
My rating: ★★★ 1/2
Have you ever done something so out of character that you cannot believe that you actually did it afterwards? That is exactly how Willow Bourne felt after an amazing one-night stand. Unfortunately for her, that one night stand has lasting repercussions when she ends up pregnant. When she runs into the one-night stand during a job interview, she has the choice of telling him the truth or shielding her son from the unknown.
Paul Dudley's life is in no better shape than Willow's. He is attempting to manage his family's legacy baseball team on a shoe-string budget with a controlling owner, his father. he often thought of Willow after that fateful night, but had no way of ever contacting her. When she appears in front of him, he see's it as kismet. But how will he feel when he finds out the truth?
If you are a fan of athletic romances, secret babies or found love's, Screwball is a great read for you. I enjoyed reading about Willow and Paul and was really hoping for them to find true love. There were a few sections of the book that dragged a bit, and it was difficult reading about how Paul's father treated his family and employees. While this is book two in the Hard Hitters Series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.
Have you ever done something so out of character that you cannot believe that you actually did it afterwards? That is exactly how Willow Bourne felt after an amazing one-night stand. Unfortunately for her, that one night stand has lasting repercussions when she ends up pregnant. When she runs into the one-night stand during a job interview, she has the choice of telling him the truth or shielding her son from the unknown.
Paul Dudley's life is in no better shape than Willow's. He is attempting to manage his family's legacy baseball team on a shoe-string budget with a controlling owner, his father. he often thought of Willow after that fateful night, but had no way of ever contacting her. When she appears in front of him, he see's it as kismet. But how will he feel when he finds out the truth?
If you are a fan of athletic romances, secret babies or found love's, Screwball is a great read for you. I enjoyed reading about Willow and Paul and was really hoping for them to find true love. There were a few sections of the book that dragged a bit, and it was difficult reading about how Paul's father treated his family and employees. While this is book two in the Hard Hitters Series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.
September 23, 2015
A one night stand turns into a lifetime commitment in this story when Willow meets Paul and has a one night stand with him. Since they never traded last names, when Willow finds out she is pregnant she is left with trying to find a needle in a haystack. Paul is at his desk one day when his assistant explains to him that they need PR help and there is a blogger on her way for an interview. When Willow walks into Paul's office he is shocked to see it is the woman he has not been able to forget since their one night of passion. Willow is shocked to see him and now needs to decide if, how, and when to tell him about their baby all along while trying not to lose her second chance job. Willow has not had it easy, but has come through strong. Paul has also not had it easy with his father who won't relinquish control of Paul's legacy. The interactions between Willow and Paul are very well written and you get invested in their story. It was great to read about the family struggles and the romantic struggles. Great read!
August 31, 2015
A chance meeting, a moonlit beach setting and an all-consuming night of passion is how Paul and Willow’s story begins. Neither expects to see the other again but they can’t seem to forget each other nor their passionate night, and Willow for a more important reason than you would think.
The story is written and flows well, however, there is a lot of back (and current) story going on. I found it somewhat hard to connect with the characters due to the focus not being on them for a great deal of the story, rather, the focus being on the side and backstories.
Having said that, Paul and Willow due reconnect but their reunion does not happen as fast or easily as we would hope. Although there is a happily ever after it doesn’t come until you are well into the story and once it does, the story takes on a very rapid pace.
Solid 3 stars for Screwball.
**Arc was provided in exchange for a solid review **
The story is written and flows well, however, there is a lot of back (and current) story going on. I found it somewhat hard to connect with the characters due to the focus not being on them for a great deal of the story, rather, the focus being on the side and backstories.
Having said that, Paul and Willow due reconnect but their reunion does not happen as fast or easily as we would hope. Although there is a happily ever after it doesn’t come until you are well into the story and once it does, the story takes on a very rapid pace.
Solid 3 stars for Screwball.
**Arc was provided in exchange for a solid review **
September 10, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by InterMix in exchange for an honest review.
There were times that the story felt choppy and Willow was blowing hot and cold for a good, long while when it come to Paul. No wonder the guy was confused. I did like Paul more than I did Willow, though I wish he dealt with his blind loyalty to his family heritage far earlier than he did. I will say, however, that how she handled her article was something a lot of unbiased reporters would have done as well. There's a difference between what's professional and what's personal and one should be able to do their job and do it well without having to compromise either aspect. This is already the second book in the series but I still dislike Walter Dudley and still think he's a jackass. Sorry. Well, not really. I'm giving Screw Ball 3.5 stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by InterMix in exchange for an honest review.
There were times that the story felt choppy and Willow was blowing hot and cold for a good, long while when it come to Paul. No wonder the guy was confused. I did like Paul more than I did Willow, though I wish he dealt with his blind loyalty to his family heritage far earlier than he did. I will say, however, that how she handled her article was something a lot of unbiased reporters would have done as well. There's a difference between what's professional and what's personal and one should be able to do their job and do it well without having to compromise either aspect. This is already the second book in the series but I still dislike Walter Dudley and still think he's a jackass. Sorry. Well, not really. I'm giving Screw Ball 3.5 stars. ♥
September 18, 2015
Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
After reading HIGH HEAT, I wasn't entirely sure I would continue the series. But I reminded myself of what I disliked in HIGH HEAT and felt that perhaps Paul and Willow could deliver more.
The idea of this story was far more intriguing to me than HIGH HEAT was. And honestly, for the most part, I was much more drawn to the story. Still hated father Dudley, and the fact that Paul doesn't further fight for women's presence in the office continued to annoy me.
Willow and Paul had great chemistry but decisions that they made, both pre-knowledge of full names and upon learning full identities, had me squinting my eyes. Some things that were decided simply weren't feasible nor were they always responsible decisions. I did enjoy Kendra's advice, and wished Willow followed it more.
After reading HIGH HEAT, I wasn't entirely sure I would continue the series. But I reminded myself of what I disliked in HIGH HEAT and felt that perhaps Paul and Willow could deliver more.
The idea of this story was far more intriguing to me than HIGH HEAT was. And honestly, for the most part, I was much more drawn to the story. Still hated father Dudley, and the fact that Paul doesn't further fight for women's presence in the office continued to annoy me.
Willow and Paul had great chemistry but decisions that they made, both pre-knowledge of full names and upon learning full identities, had me squinting my eyes. Some things that were decided simply weren't feasible nor were they always responsible decisions. I did enjoy Kendra's advice, and wished Willow followed it more.
January 16, 2016
Willow has been on a night out with her friend Kendra, she met a nice guy named Paul...one dreamy walk on the beach which lead to hot sex....and pregnancy. And no way of finding the father.
13 months later Willow is a new mom to baby Jack and she has a new job blogging for a sports website. Her first assignment is to visit Plainview, meet the baseball club president and write a profile on the Plainview Thrashers. When she arrives she's stunned when she learns that he's Paul.
She doesn't know how to tell him about his son so decides to keep silent until a more appropriate time, Paul seems to have enough trouble coping with his father and the club.
This was a good story. I liked Paul, he was great guy, he took his responsibilities seriously and Willow needed to trust a little more. A nice romance.
13 months later Willow is a new mom to baby Jack and she has a new job blogging for a sports website. Her first assignment is to visit Plainview, meet the baseball club president and write a profile on the Plainview Thrashers. When she arrives she's stunned when she learns that he's Paul.
She doesn't know how to tell him about his son so decides to keep silent until a more appropriate time, Paul seems to have enough trouble coping with his father and the club.
This was a good story. I liked Paul, he was great guy, he took his responsibilities seriously and Willow needed to trust a little more. A nice romance.
September 29, 2015
This is part two of a series, but its easy to get into.
So, Willow and Paul have a no strings attached one night stand. Sounds simple enough, except they meet again one year later and Paul is Willow's new boss. Well, she has to write a story about the baseball team he is present of. Also, the one night stand produced- you guessed it- a baby.
So, this a story about secrets, suspected betrayal, and second chances. There were some things that didn't set with me well, especially how certain situations were handled BUT that just made it better for character growth, because if they would have always done the right thing, they wouldn't have learned anything. Overall, I enjoyed it.
I give Screwball 3.5 stars.
So, Willow and Paul have a no strings attached one night stand. Sounds simple enough, except they meet again one year later and Paul is Willow's new boss. Well, she has to write a story about the baseball team he is present of. Also, the one night stand produced- you guessed it- a baby.
So, this a story about secrets, suspected betrayal, and second chances. There were some things that didn't set with me well, especially how certain situations were handled BUT that just made it better for character growth, because if they would have always done the right thing, they wouldn't have learned anything. Overall, I enjoyed it.
I give Screwball 3.5 stars.
September 4, 2015
An excellent read! Paul and Willow worked great together. The writing and the pace of the story was great.
After one spontaneous night Paul Dudley can't get Willow out of his head. Unfortunately he didn't know her last name or how to find her so he left West Palm Beach at the end of spring training. Never did he expect the sports blogger that walked through his office door to be her!! No matter how hard they, ignoring the sparks that fly between them is impossible. Paul knows though there is something she's not telling him, is he ready to find out what that is????
A very enjoyable book that I definitely recommend.
After one spontaneous night Paul Dudley can't get Willow out of his head. Unfortunately he didn't know her last name or how to find her so he left West Palm Beach at the end of spring training. Never did he expect the sports blogger that walked through his office door to be her!! No matter how hard they, ignoring the sparks that fly between them is impossible. Paul knows though there is something she's not telling him, is he ready to find out what that is????
A very enjoyable book that I definitely recommend.
September 21, 2015
I liked this romance. Linda Morris does a good job of establishing the sparks between Willow and Paul and it was easy to relate to a one-night stand gone awry. But when Paul does find out what's going on, even though his initial reaction makes for some tense times between him and Willow, it's also clear that he is not going to walk away from his responsibilities, or his attraction to Willow.
This was a very sweet and enjoyable read. I haven't read the previous book in this series, but after reading Screwball, I'm going to have to find a way to fit it into my schedule.
This was a very sweet and enjoyable read. I haven't read the previous book in this series, but after reading Screwball, I'm going to have to find a way to fit it into my schedule.
September 26, 2015
This is one of those books that you can’t really talk about without spoiling it…or you have to be super creative to do so and we all know I am not that. So I will say that I did enjoy this book a great deal. I loved all of the characters and found myself sympathizing with our hero, Paul, more often then not. I will not spoil this book for you so I will leave you with this. It’s good. I would recommend it as a 4 star read! Light and Easy
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