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Force Play
Professional baseball player Harmon "Hawk" Kiel was a rookie sensation with dazzling talent and an arrogant attitude to match. But he's hit his sophomore slump, and his natural talent seems to have deserted him, along with the confidence of his team and the media's approval. During the All Star Break he hits rock bottom, gets careless, and sensational pictures of him at gay clubs go viral. All at once he's outed, and out of a job.
When he’s dealt to the Loggerheads, a worse-than-terrible expansion team in Charleston, South Carolina, he can't imagine he'll get a warm reception—nor does he particularly want one. But it's the only chance at redemption he has.
There he meets Caleb Jackson, a former player who's part of the Loggerheads organization, someone who tries to be the friend Harmon so desperately needs. But Caleb has a secret too, one more gut-wrenching than anything Harmon can imagine. Together they try to put the past behind them, rediscover their love of the game—and maybe even find the love of their lives.
When he’s dealt to the Loggerheads, a worse-than-terrible expansion team in Charleston, South Carolina, he can't imagine he'll get a warm reception—nor does he particularly want one. But it's the only chance at redemption he has.
There he meets Caleb Jackson, a former player who's part of the Loggerheads organization, someone who tries to be the friend Harmon so desperately needs. But Caleb has a secret too, one more gut-wrenching than anything Harmon can imagine. Together they try to put the past behind them, rediscover their love of the game—and maybe even find the love of their lives.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2015
4 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Elle Brownlee
14 books24 followersElle Brownlee has always followed her creative, adventuring spirit.
Growing up she loved westerns and taking long hikes. On these explorations she'd craft miniature worlds with moss and rocks while making up stories about everything that happened there. This often included dashing cowboy heroes.
As an adult, not a lot has changed. She still loves westerns, long hikes, and allowing her imagination to roam. She’s so thankful to be able to share her work with a growing audience, and especially grateful to have you reading along.
Growing up she loved westerns and taking long hikes. On these explorations she'd craft miniature worlds with moss and rocks while making up stories about everything that happened there. This often included dashing cowboy heroes.
As an adult, not a lot has changed. She still loves westerns, long hikes, and allowing her imagination to roam. She’s so thankful to be able to share her work with a growing audience, and especially grateful to have you reading along.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 15, 2016
It's release day! :)
4.5 stars rounded up because BASEBALL!
Baseball fan? You are going to like Force Play. Baseball AND M/M romance fan? You are going to LOVE Force Play.
Harmon Kiel has already washed out of professional baseball in his second year. He was a top draft pick in his first year and given a very generous salary. His game is now off, his stats falling, his over bearing father disappointed. To add insult to injury, he is outed by cellphone pictures of him in a gay bar. His team just won't have him anymore so he is traded to the last ranking team in the league, the Loggerheads.
Calab Jackson is a sub-par catcher and self-appointed cheerleader for the Loggerheads. He is a good, decent man who wants his fellow players to succeed, even if it means he doesn't get to play. He takes an instant liking to Kiel, who he dubs "Heck" which replaces his "Hawk" nickname. He works at bringing Kiel into the family unit that is the Loggerheads organization and helps him perfect is new position as center-fielder (he was a career third baseman). He also sees Kiel's unhealthy view of being a gay man and works on showing him that it is something to be embraced and enjoyed.
Calab and Kiel start a slow-burn sexual relationship that quickly turns emotional for Calab. He takes baby steps with Kiel who has never had a relationship with a man, preferring dark ally blowjobs with no names exchanged.
I really enjoyed the way Caleb handled the skittish Kiel, basically treating him like a virgin and slowly awakening his passion. It was hot and sexy as hell! Kiel is quite a hard nut to crack, but Calab doesn't give up.
While I really did enjoy this story and absolutely loved all the baseball scenes, it was a bit disjointed at times. Kind of like the way you are reading and all of a sudden need to go back a few pages because something is "off" and you want to read what you missed. But you didn't miss anything. This happened several times for me. For example, Kiel is frustrated about his new position in center field and fighting it, but then, BOOM, he loves it and is excelling. The transition wasn't seamless and I felt we missed part of the story. They also jumped very quickly from a casual sexual relationship to "dating" as Calab calls it. Again, I didn't buy it and wondered if I missed something.
The good thing about those little quirks were that they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of this book. I read it in one sitting, staying up until 3AM because I just had to know what happened next. I don't do that very often, so it is a good gauge as to how much I like a book.
Great baseball action, hot sex and lovely emotions make this a highly recommended book. It was my first book by Elle Browlee and it most certainly won't be my last!
Advanced review copy of Force Play provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
4.5 stars rounded up because BASEBALL!
Baseball fan? You are going to like Force Play. Baseball AND M/M romance fan? You are going to LOVE Force Play.
Harmon Kiel has already washed out of professional baseball in his second year. He was a top draft pick in his first year and given a very generous salary. His game is now off, his stats falling, his over bearing father disappointed. To add insult to injury, he is outed by cellphone pictures of him in a gay bar. His team just won't have him anymore so he is traded to the last ranking team in the league, the Loggerheads.
Calab Jackson is a sub-par catcher and self-appointed cheerleader for the Loggerheads. He is a good, decent man who wants his fellow players to succeed, even if it means he doesn't get to play. He takes an instant liking to Kiel, who he dubs "Heck" which replaces his "Hawk" nickname. He works at bringing Kiel into the family unit that is the Loggerheads organization and helps him perfect is new position as center-fielder (he was a career third baseman). He also sees Kiel's unhealthy view of being a gay man and works on showing him that it is something to be embraced and enjoyed.
Calab and Kiel start a slow-burn sexual relationship that quickly turns emotional for Calab. He takes baby steps with Kiel who has never had a relationship with a man, preferring dark ally blowjobs with no names exchanged.
I really enjoyed the way Caleb handled the skittish Kiel, basically treating him like a virgin and slowly awakening his passion. It was hot and sexy as hell! Kiel is quite a hard nut to crack, but Calab doesn't give up.
While I really did enjoy this story and absolutely loved all the baseball scenes, it was a bit disjointed at times. Kind of like the way you are reading and all of a sudden need to go back a few pages because something is "off" and you want to read what you missed. But you didn't miss anything. This happened several times for me. For example, Kiel is frustrated about his new position in center field and fighting it, but then, BOOM, he loves it and is excelling. The transition wasn't seamless and I felt we missed part of the story. They also jumped very quickly from a casual sexual relationship to "dating" as Calab calls it. Again, I didn't buy it and wondered if I missed something.
The good thing about those little quirks were that they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of this book. I read it in one sitting, staying up until 3AM because I just had to know what happened next. I don't do that very often, so it is a good gauge as to how much I like a book.
Great baseball action, hot sex and lovely emotions make this a highly recommended book. It was my first book by Elle Browlee and it most certainly won't be my last!
Advanced review copy of Force Play provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
January 3, 2016
4 stars for the baseball, and 2-3 stars for the rest. I found myself looking forward to the baseball more than the budding relationship between Harmon and Caleb because the baseball felt more real - sorry.
November 9, 2015
I think this was not exactly the book for me. I certainly liked much of it, but sometimes I had trouble. My review is up on Boys In Our Books.
Read
February 16, 2016I'm just going to call this one. Time of death 8:42 pm @ 28%. I just couldn't connect with the writing. The baseball part of the story was good and the characters were likable but I just can't with the writing.
This is a book about baseball and jocks:
I really wanted to like this one and I tried but after that last scene I have no desire to keep reading.
This is a book about baseball and jocks:
I really wanted to like this one and I tried but after that last scene I have no desire to keep reading.
February 9, 2019
Ok
3.25 ⭐️
Re read
This one wasn’t as good for me on the re read. I enjoyed the second half which is where the rating comes from.
Harmon was a really prickly pear and an unlikeable character in the first half of the book. Yes he had reasons but that just seemed to be his normal state, so to me it was no wonder he had no friends, it was hard to empathise with him when his attitude was like this.
I liked Caleb, but didn’t really understand why he trying with Harmon. He just seemed liked a glutton for punishment.
Once Harmon got his head on right and started actually being a functioning member of the team, I started enjoying it more. The side characters are good, it I didn’t really get to know them fully, so sometimes when a name was mentioned I didn’t know who it was.
3.25 ⭐️
Re read
This one wasn’t as good for me on the re read. I enjoyed the second half which is where the rating comes from.
Harmon was a really prickly pear and an unlikeable character in the first half of the book. Yes he had reasons but that just seemed to be his normal state, so to me it was no wonder he had no friends, it was hard to empathise with him when his attitude was like this.
I liked Caleb, but didn’t really understand why he trying with Harmon. He just seemed liked a glutton for punishment.
Once Harmon got his head on right and started actually being a functioning member of the team, I started enjoying it more. The side characters are good, it I didn’t really get to know them fully, so sometimes when a name was mentioned I didn’t know who it was.
February 12, 2016
WOW. I absolutely loved this book. These two were absolutely amazing. I just wanted to hug them both, the whole time. This was such a sweet, emotional, heartbreaking but beautiful story. And, REALLY hot. So yeah... one of my favorite books of 2016 so far!
December 1, 2015
I’m not sure it would be possible to squeeze any more angst into a professional sports story. A failing career, parental rejection and public humiliation all serve to make Harmon Kiel a broken, vulnerable man at the start of this story.
This story has so many of the elements necessary for a great sports story: a tormented hero, an underdog team, a gruff but kindly mentor and a worthy love interest. At times it seems like a paint-by-numbers version of a sports story.
I loved Harmon by the end of the story. The spoilt, moody adolescent at the start of the book becomes stronger as he is tested. His journey is a difficult one but he definitely earns his stripes as a leading man by the end. He is such a brilliant character.
I’m still unsure about the chemistry between Caleb and Harmon. I’m not sure it’s a very even match. At the start, Harmon is too nasty and Caleb is too forgiving. I don’t like Harmon and I don’t respect Caleb. Things get better as the men get to know each other - at one point Caleb risks a whole lot to publically rescue Harmon, but this just wasn’t a favourite pairing.
This is a book for serious baseball lovers (or Americans at least). The author knows her baseball and I eventually had to give up trying to make cricket conversions in my head to help me understand. I’m sure baseball fans will love the details and the sports drama.
My final query is with Harmon’s relationship with his manager and his parents. I never really trusted Trent and I kept waiting for some kind of closure (reconciliation or rejection) between Harmon and his parents, but it felt like the subplot was just dropped after a while.
This was a good story - I enjoyed the characters and loved cheering for the underdogs.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
This story has so many of the elements necessary for a great sports story: a tormented hero, an underdog team, a gruff but kindly mentor and a worthy love interest. At times it seems like a paint-by-numbers version of a sports story.
I loved Harmon by the end of the story. The spoilt, moody adolescent at the start of the book becomes stronger as he is tested. His journey is a difficult one but he definitely earns his stripes as a leading man by the end. He is such a brilliant character.
I’m still unsure about the chemistry between Caleb and Harmon. I’m not sure it’s a very even match. At the start, Harmon is too nasty and Caleb is too forgiving. I don’t like Harmon and I don’t respect Caleb. Things get better as the men get to know each other - at one point Caleb risks a whole lot to publically rescue Harmon, but this just wasn’t a favourite pairing.
This is a book for serious baseball lovers (or Americans at least). The author knows her baseball and I eventually had to give up trying to make cricket conversions in my head to help me understand. I’m sure baseball fans will love the details and the sports drama.
My final query is with Harmon’s relationship with his manager and his parents. I never really trusted Trent and I kept waiting for some kind of closure (reconciliation or rejection) between Harmon and his parents, but it felt like the subplot was just dropped after a while.
This was a good story - I enjoyed the characters and loved cheering for the underdogs.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
November 16, 2015
4.5 stars...
November 12, 2015
So much baseball love!
Full review with beautiful fan art by Karrie Jax here http://openskyebookreviews.com/force-...
Full review with beautiful fan art by Karrie Jax here http://openskyebookreviews.com/force-...
July 24, 2021
DNF 60%
I gave this book more than a fair chance but honestly, I just don't care about baseball (or know anything about it..) which means a HUGE portion of this book was totally lost on me. I was here for the character development and romance and I didn't get enough of it to keep me going. I mean, Harmon was going through stuff for sure, but it wasn't enough to keep me invested.
Professional baseball player Harmon "Hawk" Kiel made a mess of things. First for being drafted to a prestige team and being unable to deliver. Then he was outed when he had too much fun and was too drunk to take his regular precautions. Being transferred to the worst team possible - Loggerheads - was a deserving punishment but since he has nothing without baseball he accepts.
It took time for Harmon to say it "out loud" but in this stage in life he doesn't even like baseball and the fact he can't play as well as he "should" makes it even harder for him, not to mention his new team has another role for him to play so naturally he isn't good at it, and though he might be starting to get better, his lack of connections in town, in his team or just ANY friends makes his life miserable. His only real light is Caleb Jackson who is a part of the Loggerheads organization. He doesn't play, he sort of helps the team on practice though it's obvious he USED to play but where I stopped we still don't get any explanation to what happened. It was truly sad being in Harmon's head. Not because of what he was saying more so of what he wasn't or didn't have - including family (since he was outed).
Caleb Jackson, or as the team calls him - Snacks - is a fun guy. He gets along with everyone, has a loving mother who cares for him dearly and generally speaking and without mentioning why he can't play, he is a positive guy living a rather happy life. When he meets Harmon all his little sensors fire to 'safe the little grumpy puppy who needs to be loved'. He was far more forgiving that I think most people would be with Harmon's attitude when he just got there. He wasn't just "grumpy" he was mean saying things to HURT the other person which was really shitty of him. But Caleb somehow thought he could safe the guy and put the right effort in (especially since he was also VERY attracted to him).
There is a progression to their relationship but it's slow and mostly from Caleb's side. As Harmon puts it, he might be "out" but he isn't "out-and-proud". He doesn't have a lot of experience and he doesn't feel comfortable in his own skin or with his desires. I kinda felt bad for both him and Caleb. Caleb was really patient with him. It was sweet of him, though I was still partial to it because of Harmon's attitude (even if it did change a bit where I stopped).
Besides that there is A LOT of baseball talk. Don't know anything about it as I'm not American and people in my country are rarely interested in this sport. I don't know what to say really. Harmon didn't feel like "Hero" material for me and neither did Caleb. There were things I wanted to be uncovered like Caleb's reasons for not playing and Harmon's family situation but 60% in we got too little of that and too much of what didn't really interested me so I decided to just let it go.
I think this is where I stop with Elle's booklist. I originally read 2 novellas I liked so I wanted to give her a try, but after reading 3 books (with 3 more to go) I feel there is something missing in her writing and story telling for me. There isn't anything "bad" I have to say, it's just personal taste and general interests.
More Reviews HERE
I gave this book more than a fair chance but honestly, I just don't care about baseball (or know anything about it..) which means a HUGE portion of this book was totally lost on me. I was here for the character development and romance and I didn't get enough of it to keep me going. I mean, Harmon was going through stuff for sure, but it wasn't enough to keep me invested.
Professional baseball player Harmon "Hawk" Kiel made a mess of things. First for being drafted to a prestige team and being unable to deliver. Then he was outed when he had too much fun and was too drunk to take his regular precautions. Being transferred to the worst team possible - Loggerheads - was a deserving punishment but since he has nothing without baseball he accepts.
It took time for Harmon to say it "out loud" but in this stage in life he doesn't even like baseball and the fact he can't play as well as he "should" makes it even harder for him, not to mention his new team has another role for him to play so naturally he isn't good at it, and though he might be starting to get better, his lack of connections in town, in his team or just ANY friends makes his life miserable. His only real light is Caleb Jackson who is a part of the Loggerheads organization. He doesn't play, he sort of helps the team on practice though it's obvious he USED to play but where I stopped we still don't get any explanation to what happened. It was truly sad being in Harmon's head. Not because of what he was saying more so of what he wasn't or didn't have - including family (since he was outed).
Caleb Jackson, or as the team calls him - Snacks - is a fun guy. He gets along with everyone, has a loving mother who cares for him dearly and generally speaking and without mentioning why he can't play, he is a positive guy living a rather happy life. When he meets Harmon all his little sensors fire to 'safe the little grumpy puppy who needs to be loved'. He was far more forgiving that I think most people would be with Harmon's attitude when he just got there. He wasn't just "grumpy" he was mean saying things to HURT the other person which was really shitty of him. But Caleb somehow thought he could safe the guy and put the right effort in (especially since he was also VERY attracted to him).
There is a progression to their relationship but it's slow and mostly from Caleb's side. As Harmon puts it, he might be "out" but he isn't "out-and-proud". He doesn't have a lot of experience and he doesn't feel comfortable in his own skin or with his desires. I kinda felt bad for both him and Caleb. Caleb was really patient with him. It was sweet of him, though I was still partial to it because of Harmon's attitude (even if it did change a bit where I stopped).
Besides that there is A LOT of baseball talk. Don't know anything about it as I'm not American and people in my country are rarely interested in this sport. I don't know what to say really. Harmon didn't feel like "Hero" material for me and neither did Caleb. There were things I wanted to be uncovered like Caleb's reasons for not playing and Harmon's family situation but 60% in we got too little of that and too much of what didn't really interested me so I decided to just let it go.
I think this is where I stop with Elle's booklist. I originally read 2 novellas I liked so I wanted to give her a try, but after reading 3 books (with 3 more to go) I feel there is something missing in her writing and story telling for me. There isn't anything "bad" I have to say, it's just personal taste and general interests.
More Reviews HERE
December 23, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I really love sports books, and wanted to love this one more, but I had a little trouble with the pacing and logic. There were moments I found jarring, and I had to backtrack to see what detail I must have missed (but didn’t) that would have smoothed it all out. This happened a few times and it distracted me. Also, I didn’t understand the switch of Harmon from third base to outfield. That is unlikely to happen in the Majors. Infielders trade places and outfielders trade places, but moving from the hot corner to the big grass seemed such a jump I found it unbelievable from a logic standpoint. Harmon’s response to the (giant, monumental, career-gambling) switch is rather subdued, even in his own thoughts, which troubled me. The dude needs counseling, I thought, more than once. Also, the whole discussion about team standings didn’t make much sense. Teams that have as good a record as the Loggerheads were purported to have at the end of the season are not “cellar dwellers.” That said, most readers are likely not as into baseball as I am, and will not have as strong an opinion as I do regarding these plot points.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I really love sports books, and wanted to love this one more, but I had a little trouble with the pacing and logic. There were moments I found jarring, and I had to backtrack to see what detail I must have missed (but didn’t) that would have smoothed it all out. This happened a few times and it distracted me. Also, I didn’t understand the switch of Harmon from third base to outfield. That is unlikely to happen in the Majors. Infielders trade places and outfielders trade places, but moving from the hot corner to the big grass seemed such a jump I found it unbelievable from a logic standpoint. Harmon’s response to the (giant, monumental, career-gambling) switch is rather subdued, even in his own thoughts, which troubled me. The dude needs counseling, I thought, more than once. Also, the whole discussion about team standings didn’t make much sense. Teams that have as good a record as the Loggerheads were purported to have at the end of the season are not “cellar dwellers.” That said, most readers are likely not as into baseball as I am, and will not have as strong an opinion as I do regarding these plot points.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
November 17, 2015
Baseball! Like, serious baseball. So in depth. Very well written. I can't get over how much detail there was to the baseball story, but it was still so very emotional & sexy too. Harmon and Caleb were just perfect together. And all the other team members were superb as well. Damn, I want someone to vault the bull pen fence onto the field for me and then ask me to stay for biscuits & eggs in the morning. Sigh. Such a great story!
November 19, 2015
3.25 stars
August 9, 2023
This book is actually one of my favorites. I found Caleb so endearing and I loved the patience he shows with Hawk. I love characters with backstories that make you ache -- and both Caleb and Hawk fit that criteria. Caleb's mom is awesome and I loved the found family aspect of this book. Plus, the baseball is awesome!
May 19, 2024
Fun and sweet story and a perfect start of baseball season read.
June 17, 2020
My Recommendation: This was a solid read. I liked the protagonists and the premise of the story. Everything about the story really just simmered, I didn't feel it ever boiled over into a love/sex fest or a crisis driven romance, but I enjoyed this one more than
Staggered Cove Rescue
, but nowhere near as much as
Two for Trust
.
My Response: Still chasing the high from Two for Trust , I've kept an eye out for additional books by Elle Brownlee. Plus, who doesn't love as MM sports romance?
This is the story of Hawk, a pro ball player who wakes up after a big bender and ending up in a gay bar with photos on all the media, and Caleb, a former pro ball player who has his own trauma, but does his best to be the support Hawk needs as he navigates living openly.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
My Response: Still chasing the high from Two for Trust , I've kept an eye out for additional books by Elle Brownlee. Plus, who doesn't love as MM sports romance?
This is the story of Hawk, a pro ball player who wakes up after a big bender and ending up in a gay bar with photos on all the media, and Caleb, a former pro ball player who has his own trauma, but does his best to be the support Hawk needs as he navigates living openly.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
February 8, 2021
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars and it needs much less cheesy cover.
I love baseball, I have ever since I was a little girl. I watch it voraciously every year and have gone to many games. As I have gotten older, I am more and more struck by how baseball (as well as most male sports) appears to have some sort of inherent, unspoken barrier against gay players. Nobody can tell me that across all the MLB rosters there aren't any gay folks - I simply don't believe it. What I do believe is that homophobia is pretty rampant in baseball in an organizational way.
My favorite team is somewhat forward thinking in that they have an LGBTQ day (and they even use the kiss cam during it - GASP!) and they also have a senior VP who is out. Which means that you can be more open in this team's home town than perhaps most places, but it doesn't seem to trickle down in any way, shape or form to the players, coaches, or managers. Are institutions shocked and outraged when, for example, Curt Schilling (yet again) proves to be blatantly homophobic and transphobic? Of course they are and by God, they're going to take steps to show him how upset they are! But what about when the guy was a player? Crickets.
Anyway, I wrote all of that as a preface because I found this book to be really important and engaging, far beyond just being a nice love story. The writer clearly understands baseball and so approaches the idea of an outed player with depth and complexity. There are a few things that ring false, such as the lack of reaction within Harmon's new team (I simply can't imagine that there wouldn't be teammates who would absolutely FREAK over his being gay and what their real reaction would be, up to and including demanding trades to elsewhere .... i.e. look at the Curt Schillings of the world); and the absolutely preposterous notion that new team has a gay bullpen catcher who, of course, becomes the love interest. In fact, the idea of two players/employees within the same team dynamic being a couple feels really problematic, regardless of the orientation aspect.
That being said, in a time when MLB allows players with lame-ass excuses to have virulently racist backgrounds and yet be welcomed by fans with open arms because the guy is premier closer material (although I can argue that point as well), it was really great to read a story like this, which tackled a humungous elephant in the room that calls itself baseball.
If I am simply looking at the story itself, regardless of these outside issues, it is well-written and enjoyable and very sweet. Overall, I would highly recommend it, and I applaud the author for tackling the topic vs glossing over it or just using it as a plot point.
I love baseball, I have ever since I was a little girl. I watch it voraciously every year and have gone to many games. As I have gotten older, I am more and more struck by how baseball (as well as most male sports) appears to have some sort of inherent, unspoken barrier against gay players. Nobody can tell me that across all the MLB rosters there aren't any gay folks - I simply don't believe it. What I do believe is that homophobia is pretty rampant in baseball in an organizational way.
My favorite team is somewhat forward thinking in that they have an LGBTQ day (and they even use the kiss cam during it - GASP!) and they also have a senior VP who is out. Which means that you can be more open in this team's home town than perhaps most places, but it doesn't seem to trickle down in any way, shape or form to the players, coaches, or managers. Are institutions shocked and outraged when, for example, Curt Schilling (yet again) proves to be blatantly homophobic and transphobic? Of course they are and by God, they're going to take steps to show him how upset they are! But what about when the guy was a player? Crickets.
Anyway, I wrote all of that as a preface because I found this book to be really important and engaging, far beyond just being a nice love story. The writer clearly understands baseball and so approaches the idea of an outed player with depth and complexity. There are a few things that ring false, such as the lack of reaction within Harmon's new team (I simply can't imagine that there wouldn't be teammates who would absolutely FREAK over his being gay and what their real reaction would be, up to and including demanding trades to elsewhere .... i.e. look at the Curt Schillings of the world); and the absolutely preposterous notion that new team has a gay bullpen catcher who, of course, becomes the love interest. In fact, the idea of two players/employees within the same team dynamic being a couple feels really problematic, regardless of the orientation aspect.
That being said, in a time when MLB allows players with lame-ass excuses to have virulently racist backgrounds and yet be welcomed by fans with open arms because the guy is premier closer material (although I can argue that point as well), it was really great to read a story like this, which tackled a humungous elephant in the room that calls itself baseball.
If I am simply looking at the story itself, regardless of these outside issues, it is well-written and enjoyable and very sweet. Overall, I would highly recommend it, and I applaud the author for tackling the topic vs glossing over it or just using it as a plot point.
November 3, 2016
If you are looking for the typical boy meets boy, falls in love and gets his HEA, then this is not the book for you. Force Play offers more layers and complexity and isn't the typical romance.
Harmon is in his second year as a major league baseball player and his life is coming apart at the seams. He never had the typical childhood. His father's own field of dreams died an ugly death, but he is determined to resurrect them with Harmon.
The family moved not in search of better jobs or a better school district. It was always about finding the best little league and later high school teams for Harmon. He never had a friend or learned to be a friend. Harmon is also hiding a bigger secret. He is gay and filled with self loathing.
The pressure becomes too much, and Harmon is caught on camera at a gay night club. He is traded to the lowest ranked team in the league, and his father doesn't return his phone calls. At first Harmon has trouble seeing anything good in his life. This gradually changes when he lets Caleb into his life.
Caleb is the bull pen catcher. He provides an valuable support to the pitchers and catchers. He has a laid back gentle manner, is good at reading the other team, and is even better at providing moral support to the team and friendship to Harmon.
The relationship between Harmon and Caleb develops slowly and seems more realistic because of it. Harmon is more prickly than a porcupine and it takes time for the trust to build and for him to feel comfortable with his feelings. He is a gay man but has little experience with physical touch. Fear of being caught meant hand or blowjobs in a dark back alley. He experiences so many firsts with Caleb.
Caleb too has a story to tell. His baseball dreams took a fatal hit at the beginning of his career, but you will have to read it find out the details. He is a good and patient man. Harmon is more the central focus in this book so Caleb's story is somewhat overshadowed.
Also, I would have loved an epilogue. Harmon has grown so much as a person, and he and Caleb are a solid couple. However, things felt a little unfinished.
Harmon is in his second year as a major league baseball player and his life is coming apart at the seams. He never had the typical childhood. His father's own field of dreams died an ugly death, but he is determined to resurrect them with Harmon.
The family moved not in search of better jobs or a better school district. It was always about finding the best little league and later high school teams for Harmon. He never had a friend or learned to be a friend. Harmon is also hiding a bigger secret. He is gay and filled with self loathing.
The pressure becomes too much, and Harmon is caught on camera at a gay night club. He is traded to the lowest ranked team in the league, and his father doesn't return his phone calls. At first Harmon has trouble seeing anything good in his life. This gradually changes when he lets Caleb into his life.
Caleb is the bull pen catcher. He provides an valuable support to the pitchers and catchers. He has a laid back gentle manner, is good at reading the other team, and is even better at providing moral support to the team and friendship to Harmon.
The relationship between Harmon and Caleb develops slowly and seems more realistic because of it. Harmon is more prickly than a porcupine and it takes time for the trust to build and for him to feel comfortable with his feelings. He is a gay man but has little experience with physical touch. Fear of being caught meant hand or blowjobs in a dark back alley. He experiences so many firsts with Caleb.
Caleb too has a story to tell. His baseball dreams took a fatal hit at the beginning of his career, but you will have to read it find out the details. He is a good and patient man. Harmon is more the central focus in this book so Caleb's story is somewhat overshadowed.
Also, I would have loved an epilogue. Harmon has grown so much as a person, and he and Caleb are a solid couple. However, things felt a little unfinished.
November 19, 2015
4 Heart Review by Amber
I always forget how much I truly love professional athlete stories. After reading Force Play, I am reminded and now I want to search my archive and reread as many sports stories as I find. Force Play was an unexpected treat. It was emotional and angsty but also incredibly touching and sweet. I loved watching these characters grow throughout the story.
Harmon Kiel is a professional baseball player with a pretty big secret. A drunken night out makes his secret very public. Outted and kicked off his team, Harmon has to navigate a new team all while being an out, gay professional athlete.
Caleb Jackson’s essentially Harmon’s new teams welcome wagon. Doing everything in his power to ease Harmon into his new team he’s unprepared for the immediate attraction.
Harmon is still very hurt about being traded due to his sexuality so he’s prickly and defensive on his new team. He doesn’t know who he can trust or confide in. To make matters worse he know his attraction to a teammate could cause him a lot more problems.
These two sniff around each other for a while. The flirting and the push/pull between Harmon and Caleb is adorable. Caleb totally won me over in this story. His patience, compassion, and understanding with Harmon melted me. I loved Caleb so much. You could feel his love for his team and his love for baseball in every interaction.
Like I mentioned before I really enjoyed this story. Anyone who loves to read about professional athletes finding love will enjoy this one.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I always forget how much I truly love professional athlete stories. After reading Force Play, I am reminded and now I want to search my archive and reread as many sports stories as I find. Force Play was an unexpected treat. It was emotional and angsty but also incredibly touching and sweet. I loved watching these characters grow throughout the story.
Harmon Kiel is a professional baseball player with a pretty big secret. A drunken night out makes his secret very public. Outted and kicked off his team, Harmon has to navigate a new team all while being an out, gay professional athlete.
Caleb Jackson’s essentially Harmon’s new teams welcome wagon. Doing everything in his power to ease Harmon into his new team he’s unprepared for the immediate attraction.
Harmon is still very hurt about being traded due to his sexuality so he’s prickly and defensive on his new team. He doesn’t know who he can trust or confide in. To make matters worse he know his attraction to a teammate could cause him a lot more problems.
These two sniff around each other for a while. The flirting and the push/pull between Harmon and Caleb is adorable. Caleb totally won me over in this story. His patience, compassion, and understanding with Harmon melted me. I loved Caleb so much. You could feel his love for his team and his love for baseball in every interaction.
Like I mentioned before I really enjoyed this story. Anyone who loves to read about professional athletes finding love will enjoy this one.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 14, 2015
Incongruities Abound
OK, the baseball inside-the-locker room and on-the-field stuff is terrific. Really good.
OK, the fact that there is a major league team in Charleston, South Carolina, is totally unbelievable and so bush league when the story goes to real major league parks in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego. But, someone likes Charleston, and it helps with the love story.
OK, I am not amused when a clearly contestable pick-off play at first base is blatantly set up by the first baseman and collaborated by a bigoted umpire in a book released in and supposed to take place in 2015--two years after instant replay was introduced by MLB.
OK, so I am sooooooooo tired of outed or closeted men never having had anything other than back-alley or men's room encounters in their lives in the 21st century--and never have looked at gay porn on the internet. Hello, Harmon? Those of use who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s got more action that that.
OK, I am sooooooo tired of seriously hot, masculine, personally and professionally wounded young men not opening up sooner to the reader, let alone lovers. Hello, Caleb?
OK, I forgive you because these two characters are completely enchanting and hot, and the story, while requiring a fact-checker occasionally, is eventually filled with as much sweetness, and sensuality, as it is with clichés. I will look for others by this author because of it.
OK, the baseball inside-the-locker room and on-the-field stuff is terrific. Really good.
OK, the fact that there is a major league team in Charleston, South Carolina, is totally unbelievable and so bush league when the story goes to real major league parks in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego. But, someone likes Charleston, and it helps with the love story.
OK, I am not amused when a clearly contestable pick-off play at first base is blatantly set up by the first baseman and collaborated by a bigoted umpire in a book released in and supposed to take place in 2015--two years after instant replay was introduced by MLB.
OK, so I am sooooooooo tired of outed or closeted men never having had anything other than back-alley or men's room encounters in their lives in the 21st century--and never have looked at gay porn on the internet. Hello, Harmon? Those of use who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s got more action that that.
OK, I am sooooooo tired of seriously hot, masculine, personally and professionally wounded young men not opening up sooner to the reader, let alone lovers. Hello, Caleb?
OK, I forgive you because these two characters are completely enchanting and hot, and the story, while requiring a fact-checker occasionally, is eventually filled with as much sweetness, and sensuality, as it is with clichés. I will look for others by this author because of it.
December 13, 2015
You know when you pick up a book and you really want to love it, well this was like that for me. I thought the characters were great, the story about LBGTQ finally finding a place in sports brilliant, and the evil fans and old team players right on queue. Even the amount of baseball lingo for a non baseball fan was just the right amount with out going over board and boring me to tears, like the real game does. What I did find, that this book had in common with the real life game was in fact, it did feel like it was dragging in places and was starting to bore me.
The very beginning was past paced and exciting, but once we got the Loggerheads and went from game to game and the build from friends to lovers started happening, we slowed. I understand we need character development and Harmon needed to come to terms with his newly outed life. And I did very much enjoy Caleb and Harmon together, dating, even the mother joining in.
Maybe because it seemed like this team was were all washed up, tale of woe, or brand new no one believes in me players end up. But found myself drifting and losing focus regularly while trying to finish this only 200 page book.
The very beginning was past paced and exciting, but once we got the Loggerheads and went from game to game and the build from friends to lovers started happening, we slowed. I understand we need character development and Harmon needed to come to terms with his newly outed life. And I did very much enjoy Caleb and Harmon together, dating, even the mother joining in.
Maybe because it seemed like this team was were all washed up, tale of woe, or brand new no one believes in me players end up. But found myself drifting and losing focus regularly while trying to finish this only 200 page book.
January 4, 2016
This book was pretty darn good and as this was my first book by this author I was pretty impressed. I really loved Caleb and Kiel and immediately felt a connection with both of them. In this book we had a slow burn type of love and was glad to finally see Kiel was able to let go and have a relationship. The book was not flawless but the writing made it a very easy read. I especially loved when Kiel finally spoke with his father. I won’t tell you what happened, you’ll just have to read the book yourself, but it was good.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
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May 6, 2021Baseball! Really great baseball! I love the discussion about the conversation from being an infield to an outfielder, and to a contact hitter, as well as the joys and woes of being a bullpen catcher.
February 16, 2016
It had its moments. It was charming. Snacks was a lovely partner but the story overall wasn't enough in terms of giving me all the romance and sex I would have liked especially considering how much baseball was in it. Geez. If you're not keen on baseball, skip this one or you'll be checking out for at least half of the book.
November 22, 2015
Not for me...
December 31, 2015
I liked this book, the baseball parts were really fun, and well written. The guys were a little distant, but being closeted would make it hard to just be out there all of a sudden. Good story.
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