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The Game #1
The Game: Book One
A reporter. An athlete. A line they can not cross.
Reporter Katelyn Nelson wants nothing to do with dating a baseball player. Even a whiff of gossip making its way around baseball’s “good ole boy” circles would ruin her career and she won’t throw it all away for some cocky hotshot, no matter how much chemistry she might have with him.
But when Katey comes face to face with All-Star pitcher Ryan Finnegan in the clubhouse for the first time, she feels an instant spark, something she’s experienced with only one man before -- and that man is Finn.
Katey insists they keep their relationship professional; Finn has other ideas. After he pursues her with assurances no one will know, Katey cautiously lets her guard down and gives in to temptation. But when her boss assigns her to investigate a scandal that could rock the baseball world, Katey must choose between her budding relationship and the story of a lifetime.
This story unfolds over multiple short volumes meant to be read chronologically.
Reporter Katelyn Nelson wants nothing to do with dating a baseball player. Even a whiff of gossip making its way around baseball’s “good ole boy” circles would ruin her career and she won’t throw it all away for some cocky hotshot, no matter how much chemistry she might have with him.
But when Katey comes face to face with All-Star pitcher Ryan Finnegan in the clubhouse for the first time, she feels an instant spark, something she’s experienced with only one man before -- and that man is Finn.
Katey insists they keep their relationship professional; Finn has other ideas. After he pursues her with assurances no one will know, Katey cautiously lets her guard down and gives in to temptation. But when her boss assigns her to investigate a scandal that could rock the baseball world, Katey must choose between her budding relationship and the story of a lifetime.
This story unfolds over multiple short volumes meant to be read chronologically.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2014
52 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 19, 2016
3 stars for its exploration of feminist themes, which is rare in the romance genre.
I don't usually read self-published ebooks, mostly because their lack of editing irritates my perfectionist self and jerks me out of the story. However, I'm always on the hunt for feminist romance novels, and Kate recommended this one to me. She wasn't wrong about it being feminist: the MC, Katelyn, is one of the few female sports reporters working with the Stars baseball team, and she has to constantly think about how to hold her own as a woman in a man's world. I appreciated the realism of this. If you read the author's blurb, you find out that Anne Black was a sports reporter herself, so she knows what she's talking about.
What DID disappoint me was that this book doesn't satisfy romantically, erotically, or mentally. Finn is Katelyn's one that got away--but we don't really know why she likes him, other than that he's nice and the hottest guy she's ever seen. We don't know why Finn likes Katelyn either, except that he thinks she's a hot pool player. This lack of relationship development sometimes happens because authors want to get on to the sexytimes...but no, we don't get that either. Finn and Katelyn make out a few times and always get interrupted before it goes anywhere.
Since I wasn't distracted by romance or sex, Black's wavering with Katelyn's character was hard to ignore. Katelyn starts out as a strong woman and slowly descends into pettiness and silliness. Her big feminist reason why she couldn't get together with Finn was quickly swept aside. The couple's miscommunication trope was was fulfilled by Katelyn's deciding to shun Finn after hearing rumors about him (instead of just asking him about it). Where did our self-sufficient, dedicated MC go?
This "novel" is only 55 pages. It reads more like the first few chapters of a romance novel, and then it just...cuts off. I went into this book thinking it was the first in a series of two, according to Goodreads. So I was fine treating it as a teaser for the rest of a novel. However, the next book is also just as short. This prompted me to do some digging. There are actually six books in this series (Goodreads Librarians take note), all of them 50-60 pages each. The first book is free, and the rest are $2.99 a pop (unless you have Kindle Unlimited), which seems quite steep for only 50 pages. I wish the author had waited and published them all as one novel, because the first book certainly doesn't work as a standalone and I doubt the others will, either. Due to the aforementioned plot issues, the lack of editing, and the strange way of publishing (which seems impatient and gimmicky to me), I don't know if I'll be continuing this series. I do, however, appreciate Black's discussion of what it means to be a female in a male-dominated field and how that would affect one's heterosexual relationships, and only wish we had seen more of it.
I don't usually read self-published ebooks, mostly because their lack of editing irritates my perfectionist self and jerks me out of the story. However, I'm always on the hunt for feminist romance novels, and Kate recommended this one to me. She wasn't wrong about it being feminist: the MC, Katelyn, is one of the few female sports reporters working with the Stars baseball team, and she has to constantly think about how to hold her own as a woman in a man's world. I appreciated the realism of this. If you read the author's blurb, you find out that Anne Black was a sports reporter herself, so she knows what she's talking about.
What DID disappoint me was that this book doesn't satisfy romantically, erotically, or mentally. Finn is Katelyn's one that got away--but we don't really know why she likes him, other than that he's nice and the hottest guy she's ever seen. We don't know why Finn likes Katelyn either, except that he thinks she's a hot pool player. This lack of relationship development sometimes happens because authors want to get on to the sexytimes...but no, we don't get that either. Finn and Katelyn make out a few times and always get interrupted before it goes anywhere.
Since I wasn't distracted by romance or sex, Black's wavering with Katelyn's character was hard to ignore. Katelyn starts out as a strong woman and slowly descends into pettiness and silliness. Her big feminist reason why she couldn't get together with Finn was quickly swept aside. The couple's miscommunication trope was was fulfilled by Katelyn's deciding to shun Finn after hearing rumors about him (instead of just asking him about it). Where did our self-sufficient, dedicated MC go?
This "novel" is only 55 pages. It reads more like the first few chapters of a romance novel, and then it just...cuts off. I went into this book thinking it was the first in a series of two, according to Goodreads. So I was fine treating it as a teaser for the rest of a novel. However, the next book is also just as short. This prompted me to do some digging. There are actually six books in this series (Goodreads Librarians take note), all of them 50-60 pages each. The first book is free, and the rest are $2.99 a pop (unless you have Kindle Unlimited), which seems quite steep for only 50 pages. I wish the author had waited and published them all as one novel, because the first book certainly doesn't work as a standalone and I doubt the others will, either. Due to the aforementioned plot issues, the lack of editing, and the strange way of publishing (which seems impatient and gimmicky to me), I don't know if I'll be continuing this series. I do, however, appreciate Black's discussion of what it means to be a female in a male-dominated field and how that would affect one's heterosexual relationships, and only wish we had seen more of it.
November 12, 2025
Could Katey be any more annoying? I only finished this because it was short. The first half I actually enjoyed. But then when the author started name dropping brands and had the BS "let's not communicate" conflict I hated this. I will not be continuing this series.
February 7, 2018
Good reading
I enjoyed reading The Game: A Baseball Romance. However, I don't like cliff hangers. If it weren't for that I would happily have given it five stars
I enjoyed reading The Game: A Baseball Romance. However, I don't like cliff hangers. If it weren't for that I would happily have given it five stars
October 17, 2020
haha how mediocre!
May 12, 2015
Good beginning to a story
I have to admit that I liked the story but will not buy any more or finish the story. I am tired of buying short stories. If it goes to a box set that is priced right than I might finish the short series. The details and character depth was there but you are left with a cliffhanger.
Overview. Katlyn met a one fling guy (Finn) in college, than years later meets him again in the locker room after a baseball game. Finn doesn't recognize Katie at first since her hair is different and she has grown up beautiful. He wants a chance with her. Katlyn is a reporter for the Chicago "Stars" baseball team. They slowly build a bond, but katlyn knows it could kill her career. But Finn wants her and willing to try anything.
I have to admit that I liked the story but will not buy any more or finish the story. I am tired of buying short stories. If it goes to a box set that is priced right than I might finish the short series. The details and character depth was there but you are left with a cliffhanger.
Overview. Katlyn met a one fling guy (Finn) in college, than years later meets him again in the locker room after a baseball game. Finn doesn't recognize Katie at first since her hair is different and she has grown up beautiful. He wants a chance with her. Katlyn is a reporter for the Chicago "Stars" baseball team. They slowly build a bond, but katlyn knows it could kill her career. But Finn wants her and willing to try anything.
January 7, 2015
I very much enjoyed this series. It's a light-hearted story with lots of wit and humor. I usually read romance books, they help me to escape the stresses of everyday single mommy-hood. "The Game" is a nice quick read that will pull you into the story immediately and will leave you wanting to start the next book right away, just to find out what will happen next. An added benefit - while these books have plenty of chemistry and sexiness going on, reading them won't leave you blushing when you sneak in a few pages on your lunch break at work!!!!
January 12, 2016
Why was this book only 50 pages?!
I read this in just one sitting and absolutely loved it! First, let me offer up some praise for the author's development of Katelynn and how she is a strong woman and one who does not give everything up for Finn. As a feminist, I greatly appreciate stories like this! Moreover, I loved reading how Katelynn handled working in a male dominated industry (sports journalism). I hope the rest of the books in the series live up to this!
I read this in just one sitting and absolutely loved it! First, let me offer up some praise for the author's development of Katelynn and how she is a strong woman and one who does not give everything up for Finn. As a feminist, I greatly appreciate stories like this! Moreover, I loved reading how Katelynn handled working in a male dominated industry (sports journalism). I hope the rest of the books in the series live up to this!
January 13, 2015
it is really short for the book 1 and let us know some background of the book. A reporter and a rising pitcher, they did share something before they step in to their present role.
When the reporter being told to stay with the pitcher and do the investigating work. she did, because she is the reporter....
seems interesting
When the reporter being told to stay with the pitcher and do the investigating work. she did, because she is the reporter....
seems interesting
April 18, 2015
Surprisingly enjoyable!
I chose this rating because it was very short and there were more editing errors than I could tolerate. I did like Finns character and that is the reason I will continue on with the series. I hope the next book is equally engaging. If you like sport romances give this book a try.
I chose this rating because it was very short and there were more editing errors than I could tolerate. I did like Finns character and that is the reason I will continue on with the series. I hope the next book is equally engaging. If you like sport romances give this book a try.
April 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, there was a great story line i loved the way she told the story. she left me wanting to read more, that is why i am so excited to see what happens next. the author did a great job in telling the story. I believe that this series is going to a great and exciting
January 9, 2015
Perfect model for anyone who has been 26 out will be 26! Smart and fun, this is a great page turner. Anne Black is my new guilty pleasure!
January 12, 2015
Oh my
This really well written. Since this is a series with a major cliffhanger I cannot give a full review. I will say I'm hooked and ready for the next book.
This really well written. Since this is a series with a major cliffhanger I cannot give a full review. I will say I'm hooked and ready for the next book.
February 3, 2015
Loved the beginning book to this series! Fun little romance!
April 19, 2015
1. Well written but not enough to get me interested in paying $6 for an unknown-to-me author.
2. Just okay.
2. Just okay.
May 2, 2015
Short story.
Given that it's the first in the series, I'd say, it's got a strong hook.
Given that it's the first in the series, I'd say, it's got a strong hook.
May 4, 2015
Good but disappointed in the ending, even though I know there are more books.
May 6, 2015
star rating for entire 6 part story
May 11, 2015
Good
Katelyn is a reporter for the Chronicle. She met Ryan Finnegan Four years ago.See how things turn out now after all this time.
Katelyn is a reporter for the Chronicle. She met Ryan Finnegan Four years ago.See how things turn out now after all this time.
May 25, 2015
This definitely has my attention.
September 19, 2015
Love the Game
I found this book while searching for a story about baseball and so glad I did. I loved the entire story and can't wait to read the next one!
I found this book while searching for a story about baseball and so glad I did. I loved the entire story and can't wait to read the next one!
November 7, 2016
This says it all: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews