Playing Catch

Men of Spring Baseball #2

by Rachelle Ayala

On the field and off the field, bartender Jeanine Jewell plays, collecting one-night stands like baseball cards. She doesn’t need a man, except to curl her toes and make her scream. She’s learned the hard way that love is about control and manipulation—and the last thing she can handle is letting herself be vulnerable, or having anyone discover her shameful secret.

Scoring women is easy for catcher Kirk Kennedy—they don’t call him “Catch and Release” for nothing. He never goes back for a repeat performance. Being traded to a new city is an opportunity for new adventures—until he runs into Jeanine and she refuses to go home with him.

Intrigued, Kirk is determined to catch the elusive blonde and keep her to himself. When he proposes a wingman-to-wingwoman, friends-without-benefits relationship, he’s surprised she accepts.

The no-benefits clause soon falls by the wayside when neither Jeanine or Kirk can resist their explosive chemistry. Despite the sparks between the sheets, they both refuse to acknowledge they’re anything more than friends.

Everything changes when Kirk discovers someone from his past is the one Jeanine is hiding from.

Trigger Warning: The heroine was sexually abused by her foster father and has flashbacks.

The Men of Spring Baseball Romances can be read standalone but are more fun when read together.
Book 1, Playing Without Rules
Book 2, Playing Catch
Book 3, Playing for the Save

Genres: Romance, Baseball

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.

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She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.

For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels

SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save

SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound

HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window

NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella

Reviews

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
 
This is my second time reading Rachelle Ayala’s work. Now when I compare this experience with my first I can say without a doubt that there is no comparison.  My first experience did not leave a lasting impression. However, Playing Catch will stay with me for a long time to come. It is not your typical love story. This story is gripping, emotional and engaging. I should warn you though it is not for the faint-hearted. If you are unable to deal with the topic of abuse, be it physical, emotional or sexual then this book is not for you.
 
Playing Catch tells the story of two damaged souls who paths became intertwined with love. Falling in love was never on their agenda.  However, love had other plans. It goes to show that love will find you no matter your circumstances and in the least unexpected place. You just have to be mentally and emotionally prepared to embrace it.
The protagonists, Kirk, and Jeanine both suffered issues of sexual addiction, trust, and love. They were both abused at the hands of the person whom they had placed their trust in. Their circumstances were different, but the end result was the same.  Despite their childhood being damaged, they both grew to become successful persons as far as their careers are concerned.  They both displayed an air of confidence, but beneath the masks lay two emotionally damaged and scarred individuals.  To dull the pain of their past, they indulged in the risky behaviour of having one night stands with unknown individuals. It was during one of their escapades that their paths crossed. Little did they know that this meeting would forever change their lives.
 
The characters were well developed. One can’t help but feel their pain and anguish. There is no way you can read this book and not feel everything that they have been through. I believed the author did a fantastic job of portraying the lives of both characters. Jeanine was my favourite of the two.  I enjoyed watching her rise from the ashes like a phoenix as she overcame the obstacles of her past.  I was glad to see them both come to the realization that they were not to be blamed for what happened in their past.  It was great to see them finally acknowledging they had a problem and taking the necessary steps needed. You can’t help but root for Jeanine and Kirk as you follow them on their journey of self-discovery, healing, and forgiveness.
 
The story was unique and well written. I was pulled in from the very first page. I had a difficult time putting this one down. It’s not easy explaining what this story did to me. One thing I can say is that after reading Playing Catch, you will never be the same. Be prepared to be bowled over. This story is just about love, it’s filled with pain, anger, anguish and tears. This story is filled with twists that blew my mind. I will not say what they are, as I don’t want to spoil the story. You will have to read the book to discover what I am referring to.
 
After such glowing remarks, you may be wondering why not five stars. Well, there was a particular aspect of the story that I could not come to terms with. I found it weird that they went away for therapy for sexual addiction at the same location and not only that, there were opportunities for them to have sex.  How would that help them to overcome their problems?  I would want to think that such a place would have better ways of monitoring their patients. I could be wrong, but that’s just my take on it.
 
I loved this book.  I can’t wait to see what next the author has in her repertoire. If you love romance that will take you on an emotional roller coaster, then I recommend that you get a copy of Playing Catch. Trust me, you will not regret it.

[Nancy Stopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love baseball so I was excited to read Playing Catch. A warning for those who are sensitive to triggers - this book deals with child and sexual abuse.

Jeanine and Kirk are both great characters. They both find themselves in a similar situations in their lives - no connections, no commitment sex. And in that way, they are perfect for each other. The characters are well developed and the backstory is well developed. The backstory is introduced over time and is effective in keeping the reader engaged throughout.

The only issue I had with how Kirk and Jeanine interacted once they had both started getting help. I felt it was counterindicated based on their histories and backgrounds and it gave me a bit of concern. But, as the story progressed and the crisis point reached, I saw where the author was headed and understood why that part of the story was included, it just rubbed me a bit the wrong way. But, in true romance novel fashion, Kirk and Jeanine find their way through their struggles and back to each other. And I really enjoyed the surprise that was waiting for Jeanine when she was ready!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Catch is a truly extraordinary story that fearlessly demonstrates the transforming power and the breathless wonder that love can bring to a life in need. Most of us know of the illusive thing called love, but I honestly don’t think we fully grasp just how potent it really is to a heart that has been mangled and shattered. Its true impact may never really be appreciated, but none of us can deny the healing and the joy that it can bring to a desperate, hurting soul. Each of us has the opportunity to grant a real-life miracle whenever we selflessly give love to another human being. Will you dare to be the difference between hope and despair in the life of another?

Jeanine Jewel is a self-made woman. She fought to put herself through school, pursue a career in business, and eventually co-own a thriving business with her best friend. In addition to her professional success, she is a beautiful woman who is fearless, loyal to a fault, and refuses to back down from anyone of anything. Her tenacity and honesty has earned her unending respect from her peers. One might think that she has it all. One would most definitely be wrong. Jeanine has learned to play the game of appearances to the level of a master. She knows how to twist and shade things to make them appear however she wants. You might consider her a magician of sorts. What she fiercely hides is something she can never bear to see the light of day. However, whenever she cross paths with another trickster of equal talent name Kirk Kennedy, both of their worlds are irrevocably upended. Can these two learn to carefully maneuver their meticulously laid minefields while they continue to play their safe games, or will they destroy the others defenses and learn that vulnerability can be a beautiful thing?

Jeanine and Kirk took my heart by storm, and I will never look at these beautiful characters the same way ever again. They delved into a very real and ugly facet of life, and they met it fearlessly head on. Once they began to live and listen with their heart, they found that what they always deeply desired was within their reach. They only had to open themselves to the possibility of becoming more then they have allowed themselves to become. No one could hold them back once they realized that they held they key to their own prison. True freedom can only be obtained by fighting for it with our entire being. Nothing less will ever be good enough.

I loved that Rachelle Ayala never shied away from writing about such a dark and devastating topic. She courageously pressed forward and poured her heart and soul into creating this precious masterpiece that will speak to the darkest parts of your being. While the subject matter is a bit harsh, it was handled with such amazing grace and tender love. Whatever you do, please don’t shy away from this spectacular work of art. It deserves to be read, experienced, and then used as a precious filter to view those around us in a whole new light.

[Angelica Berglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERS MAY BE FOUND IN THIS REVIEW

I dont know where to start about this book more than that this is not like any other love story I have ever read.This has not one, but two very heavy subjects even if both is about sex. I felt angry, sad, upset and discused when I read the book and I think that you cant read this book without feeling anything. It do get to you and I read this as an on nighter and well I couldnt sleep after due to images of what I read appearing in my head. This book really got to me and I am still thinking about it and how it effects me.

The book is very well written and you can feel how real it is. There is so many people who suffer from this things and this book really shows their lives and, I think, how they feel and still the book may make them feel better and give them new hope. It really shows that love is stong and can overcome the most horrible things if you just are willing to try and fight for it.

I can say that this book is not for the weak minded people who want a sweet story, it is much much more than that. This is a really heavy subject where love is a part of it, what keeps it together. No matter what I am gonna say will sound wrong right about now, because I really enjoyed reading the book and I am really really inlove with the book and the story even due to how horrible the events is, specially the child abuse. I am now talking about how the book is written and the story and how it is all linked together and makes the reader feel and cry. I am happy that there is different types of love stories and not the sweet once we normally read. We or maybe I should say I, need other kinds of stories too and this is what makes the scale even.

I really can recommend this book to other readers but I also need to warn about that it is graphic and will upset the reader in so many ways.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!

This book is heavy with some of the content including sexual abuse but it was just so emotionally powerful and amazing.

Jeanine Jewell is 29 and a part owner of "The Hot Corner" a local sports bar in Phoenix. She is committed to one night stands and never letting a man get close to her. She has her own personal "black book" of baseball cards in which she rates men on their performances in bed. Yet beneath it, she is really hurting and doesn't let anyone get close to her and reveal to them her past.

Kirk Kennedy is the new hot catcher for the Phoenix Rattlers and like Jeanine he is content with one night stands. Yet, he is very attracted to Jeanine and when she blows him off, he prepares himself for the battle but nothing prepares him for the changes he sees in himself.

Will Jeanine and Kirk be able to help each other with the issues they each have or will they only make matters worse for themselves?

Like I said above, I really loved this book. Jeanine is such a strong character on the outside but as you learn more about her you just feel so much for her and completely understand why she does what she does. I can't imagine having the life that she did, yet eventually she needs to decide if she is worth fighting for.

I also really liked Kirk. I know he is super cocky, but underneath you can really tell that he does have a heart of gold and really wants to help Jeanine.

I loved how this book revisited some old characters that I loved!!

[Terri Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachelle Ayala has outdone herself with this wonderfully written masterpiece which will take you to a dark side. Rachelle did not back down from the facts and hit them head on. A definite must read.
Jeanine Jewell is a very independent Small Business owner with her Best Friend and model gorgeous. Jeanine has a terrible secret that she has been hiding from everyone and thought she could handle everything on her own, she has never been so wrong. She is exists in a life that she thinks is acceptable. Kirk Kennedy is a professional baseball player who has a hidden past himself that he has never addressed. Jeanine and Kirk meet by chance and the adventure and journey for the two of them begins. Their rules are straight forward however as their flirting and teasing turns to a friendship they start to open up to each other. Kirk realizes that Jeanine has a horrible secret she has been hiding and urges Jeanine to get the help that she needs and in turn he is also seeking the help he needs.
As Jeanine and Kirk continue on their so to speak adventure trouble looms, Kirk turns out to be Jeanine’s true hero. When Jeanine and Kirk truly trust each other and open their hearts, they realize what love truly is to feel like.
You will find yourself just as in love with these two characters as I did. Your heart will be breaking, tears will be rolling and you realize this is reality.

[Mave · Rating 4 out of 5]

It 's a very sexy romance, funny,romantic, touching but also very strong. From the first pages it has caught my attention and I could not put it down. There are many twists, secrets, serious problems to be solved and some really touching scenes. The two protagonists are awesome and together they make a really explosive couple, the chemistry between them is magical.
Jeanine and Kirk had a very difficult past and want relationships to be just a night and on. They so avoid suffering again. Jeanine is a strong woman and stubborn, has only 21 years and is already the owner of her busisness. Kirk is a great baseball player. The evening which sees Jeanine, Kirk is immediately attracted to her and to her refusal knows that he must have her by force. But he's very honest with her, informs her that is not a type capable of committing. He remains very amazed when he discovers that she wants a little challenging relationship too. But when their hearts are touched, gradually they begin to open and the torments come out of their souls.
The most interesting aspect of this book was to see, page after page, change and evolve the two protagonists. Helping each other, they have tried to heal their wounds and tried to join in building a peaceful future.
It 's written wonderfully well, she has faced with tact and delicacy very hard and strong themes and wrote a very special novel.
For those who love romance it is a must read.

[Chantel Rhondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put down this serious story about love overcoming all.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this story. Jeanine and Kirk are two damaged adults with many problems - sex addiction, trust issues, and more. Even though they aren't your typical type of romance heroes, having nightly random hookups with strangers and no strings attached, they are both engaging, wonderful characters who I quickly found myself rooting for, hoping they could solve their issues and find their way to love. Jeanine is strong and tough. She hates being dependent on others, but is also smart enough to take help when it is offered. Kirk might be a playboy, but he's also loyal and caring. Not to mention hot ;-) They sexual chemistry between these two is sizzling!

As a warning, this is a serious story will deep issues. It's not so much meaningless fluff and light reading. There are flashbacks to Jeanine's past abuse and the book basically deals with her struggle to overcome her past and live a more "normal" life. Some parts were hard to read because of that, but the writing is excellent and the book is hard to put down. I intended to read it in bits and pieces over a week but ended up reading it in a few days because I wanted to know what happened.

A different type of book from this author, but excellently written and highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book of Ms. Rachelle Ayala yet for me

Kirk and Jeanine stories will blown you away. Playing Catch is the best book of Ms. Rachelle Ayala for me. It is next to my first favorite book of her Hidden Under Her Heart.

This book is so intense. It is twisted and so amazing. Will two broken souls healed the power of love? I read this book in a day. I cannot put it down. It deals with a topic that is unfortunately happening to our society especially with young girls. Reading this book especially Jeanine's story remind me of a situation while I worked in an orphanage.

The story feels so real to me. It gives me goosebumps. I was also scared. It reminds me of my situation when I was little. This book is an eye-opening. It is so good. Miss Rachelle Ayala did fantastic in this book. I am so glad that Kirk and Jeanine has a happy ending. These two deserved each other's love. Their desire is insatiable. It is also a beautiful book about friendship.

What a perfect book to deal with difficult situations in our community and family. This book deserves more than five-star rating to me. You will be amaze.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the faint hearted deals with child abuse. A very hard book to read in the beginning as the subject is hard hitting yet so fragile at the same time. Jeanine is walking through life in a hazy, she sleeps with whoever she wants but only once. She is really messed up, her life is falling apart and she can't stop it.
Kirk is the new hot catcher in town but he thinks that he is the answer to her problems, she doesn't want to go through but he won't give up with a fight.
He has started picking up signs about Jeanine past and his worst fears come true, he wants to help but he can't understand Jeanine and her feelings for the monster that destroyed her childhood.
How can they ever be together if there are too many secrets and can they both take a chance on each other?
Can you ever recover from something like this, I believe that you can if you have someone that loves you and will stand by your side no matter what.
I was lucky enough to get a copy from the author Rachelle always a pleasure to read your book even if this is so different from your normal work.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Catch: A Baseball Romance by Rachelle Ayala had me glued through all nine innings. I could not put it down it was so full of twist and turns, suspense, love, family, baseball and hot chemistry. The main characters Jeanine and Kirk are so hot and beautiful, but broken I found myself crying at times for both of them, they had rough childhoods. This is a must read, but beware there is sensitive subjects in the storyline. Rachelle Ayala is becoming one of my favorite authors, she can write a book that holds your attention from page one to the end.

I was one of the lucky ones to get an ARC of this great book, for my honest review.

[Kelley Kidder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Rachelle Ayala but this is by far my favorite of her books. Jeanine and Kirk are strong, multi-dimensional characters that are not typically found in romance. I connected with both characters early in the story and was hooked to see how they would reach their HEA. There were no quick and easy answers here. That made for a more satisfying read. Be warned, this is not one of Ayala's "sweet" books; this story contains gritty, hard-hitting subject matter (past sexual abuse). However, that only adds to the power of the story and the beauty of the romance.

[Sam Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book
Wow
I don't know why Rachelle Ayala is so determined to break my heart but this time, if I was a crier I would be in a corner somewhere bawling my eyes out.
NOTHING in this story was what it appeared on the surface.
Broken guy
Broken girl
Broken friends
Broken families
And yet, it was almost musical in it's mastery and fit a space in my heart that I hadn't even been aware existed

BRAVA!!!!

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A compelling story of Kirk Kennedy and Jeanine Jewellery and their struggles with life issues. I loved the way they handled their own problems but were there for each other in the end. Kirk and Jeanine have a story that will keep you turning pages through twist and turns but are lovable flawed characters with multiple layers. Sexy, addictive, perfectly balanced and well written.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book about surviving physical and sexual abuse as a child. The story was so well written I couldn't stop reading it. It takes you on a journey of two people who do not know how to love due to what they each endured as children and survived. Both are very strong independent people who do not realize what they have had to do to survive is costing them a love filled future.

[Kris Woltzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gripping and compelling story not for the faint of heart or those having trouble reading about child abuse..that being said it was a great book that brought light to a lot of adult issues that abusee deal with. Rachelle did an amazing job with this story line.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written, it deals with the after math of having an abused childhood. Show how with love can conquer all. The tale starts off with our main characters on their one night stand, (not with each other) how they meet by chance. How their friendship blooms to love and healing .

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Catch: Men Of Baseball, Book 2 bring together two catch & release players, Jeanine Jewel & Kirk Kennedy. Character's are complex with well detailed backgrounds. Supporting character's crossover from book one, which is peachy. Romance, humour & witty moments are intertwined into this narrative with a painful topic. Told in duo naration which is my favourite type of naration. Charley Ongel & Tor Thom voices complement each other and are able to capture all the intense moments of the narrative. Overall, writing is vivid, passionate, & dynamic as well as narrators are able to bring out the tenacious, cogent, and adept characters. Looking forward to listening to the next audiobook in this series.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I thought it was about the usual--a man and a woman who fell in love in spite of not wanting to. Well it was, in a way--but it was way more then that. The man, Kirk was a player with the nickname Catch and Release. Yes, he was a catcher in the baseball team he was on---but that nickname came from the fact that he would only have one night stands and NEVER see that woman again. Janine, part owner in a bar was also only into one night stands. They meet one night as they are leaving their respective "dates" in the hallway of the hotel. They end up talking and the similarities in their outlooks---well they supposedly remain friends after some hot and heavy almost sex in the ally way behind the bar Janine owns. Of course Kirk is finding it difficult to believe that a woman really didn't want him--and Janine is trying her darndest to convince him and herself of this fact. The chemistry was definitely there!

Then the story starts getting really interesting as it begins to delve into why Janine is the way she is. She has been trying to hide her background all her life. What happened to her as a child will break your heart. Kirk it turns out didn't have it much better---then there are the two men stalking Janine--then her "father" is released from prison.

Can these two get over their sex additions and learn to love and trust after a lifetime of hiding everything from everyone and even themselves? It gets rocky for a while there (just as you think maybe all will be well). There are a couple of twists at the end which you definitely will not expect. Come to think about it there are a couple of major twists throughout the book. This is definitely NOT your usual chick lit--but is so worth picking up and reading. I highly recommend it--for adults only.
Playing Catch: A Baseball Romance

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books by Rachelle Ayala and am never disappointed with these novels. I will say, though, that I was shocked at some of the content in the book. I did think it was all handled very well. Ayala does not shy away from tough issues. In Playing Catch, Ayala deals with both the foster care system to a small extent and sexual abuse on a larger level. Both are dealt with in a sensitive manner and, while you may want to turn a blind eye to these issues, society needs to acknowledge that they exist and help fix the problems creating the issues.

Jeanine and Kirk are very similar. What neither of them realize is they have a shared very important person in their pasts. Jeanine would like to never see this person again. Kirk, at one point in time, looked up to this person and had great respect for this person. When they find out this connection, will it make their relationship even harder?

I enjoyed the back story of professional baseball with Kirk as a player recently traded to Phoenix. I have always been a sports person so this story caught my attention immediately because of the baseball aspect of it. The story, the friction between Jeanine and Kirk, the friends they both have kept me reading until the end.

I strongly suggest picking up Ayala's Playing Catch.

[Sonya Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirk and Jeanine both have a very interesting view on sex. They're both exclusively into one night stands (or basically "a couple hour stands"). They enjoy their short time with another person and walk away, never to look back.

In fact, they meet in a hotel hallway while both sneaking out of other people's hotel rooms. But for some reason, they both keep thinking of the other, and it's more than chemistry. Are either of them willing to change their rules and let someone into their hearts? Can they move beyond friendship into something more?

This book is not your typical romance. It's not flowery and romantic, it's gritty and real. In fact, it may be too real for some because of lots of flashbacks of childhood sexual abuse. However, it is very well written and showcases what could be a very real struggle between two people.

This story has lots of twists and turns, along with several small mysteries thrown in. Even though some parts are difficult to read (because of the content), I literally didn't put it down once I started it!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this book because of it’s baseball links (I’m a bit of a fan) Kirk is the new player in town, wants to be a pro .. typical ‘love them and leave them’ type of guy.

Jeanine is a successful business woman and she doesn’t need a man to make her life complete .. a one night stand is sufficient for her.

When these two meet there is a definite chemistry but they think they can remain friends .. why are both so afraid of commitment? It transpires they have both had difficult upbringings and shy away from the truth.

Lots of twists, turns, tears and dismay is conjured up by reading this. It’s hard hitting, covers extremely delicate subjects but is dealt with in a way that makes the reader care about the main characters and continue reading to see if love can prevail.

Very well written, this is the first book I have read by Rachelle … please be warned though it does contain sensitive subjects (sex/child abuse) so if these are triggers or you find them difficult to read about then this is not the book for you.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings. Adult Subjects Amazing writing.

This is a sports romance but so much more.
Kirk Kennedy has a lifelong dream of playing pro ball. As much as he believes he is also professional league with the ladies, he will not let a relationship interfere with his larger dream.
His screwed up childhood is also a great reason to avoid personal, intimate relationships.

Jeanine Jewell is a product of the foster care system. The dark, seedy side of the system.
Abandoned by her mother at only a couple months old, she grew up doing whatever she could to survive. This takes an unspeakable emotional toll.
She barely has a friend in life and the one she is closest to has complicated troubles of her own.
She also happens to be Jeanine's business partner.

A very complicated and emotionally tumultuous novel that will pull you in and keep you turning pages. It will put you through an emotional ringer.
When you think things may get worked out, everything gets so much worse!

I did receive the book in exchange for my review and now I need to read more in this series!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few of Ms. Ayala’s books, and they’ve all been really good. This book, Playing Catch, was no exception. Baseball is one of my favorite past times, so I really liked this book. I’d even go as far as saying that this is my favorite book from Rachelle Ayala!

Kirk and Jeanine’s stories blew me away. This book is twisted, intense and amazing! I read this book on a 3 1/2 hour flight from Kansas City to Clearwater, Florida! It was that good! I didn’t want to put it down. As soon as our plane landed, the lady I was sitting by brought out her phone and purchased the book.

I will warn you, this book deals with Child & Sex abuse, which was a difficult thing for me to read about, but go with it, you will enjoy this book so much, I think! Kirk and Jeanine were in similar situations. They both wanted no commitment sex, no connections. I liked that the back story is introduced, but it’s introduced over time and not all at once, which is good. It kept the reader (ME) engaged through out the book.

[Laura Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, deeply moving, and romantic are the three phases that come to me when I think about Playing Catch. Even knowing that the heroine was involved in sexual abuse, I was still shocked at the depth of damage it can do to a person. In the beginning of the novel both Jeanine and Kirk come across as the total douche bag player out for only their own pleasures. Both think they are winning life until they meet each other and then their worlds come crashing down.

I really like Ayala's writing style. She manages to make a very sensitive subject approachable and reprehensible at the same time. Not many authors would be able to share the story of sexual abuse in a manner that doesn't come across as inappropriate.

Playing Catch centers around a minor league star catcher and a no-nonsense business owner. Both are intensive careers, but do not define the characters. I really liked how Jeanine worked hard to overcome her past. The one thing I didn't like was the ending. It felt rushed and glossed over.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Catch is a novel that kept my interest very well. I frequently found myself guessing what could happen next and wondering what happened in the past for the main and secondary characters.
 
The main characters, Kirk and Jeanine, kept making me think they were crazy due to trying to be each others wingman and wingwomen. From the reader stand point, their chemistry is obvious. I had a feeling that the wingman and wingwomen relationship would end badly. In a way, it does, but it brings them closer together and recognize their own jealousy.
 
There are many parts in the story that take place that I had not seen coming. Those moments surprised me and kept my interest the most. They move the story along well and create a connection between Kirk, Jeanine, and their pasts.
 
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[VernonandMissy Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Catch is the first book that I have read by Rachelle Ayala and I must say, it was a real page turner! I really liked the story line between Kirk and Jeanine. They are two people who doesn’t sound like they’d make a good match, but in reality, they make the perfect pair. They both have issues that bring them together, however, they end up healing each other in the process of a steamy love affair.

Kirk, a minor league baseball player and Jeanine, a bartender/business owner come together on the precipice of helping each other “score” with the opposite sex. Neither want to have more than one-night stands. However, this pact only brings them closer together. Neither one wants the other to actually “score”; they want each other for themselves. They both need healing from their sordid pasts, and they find healing with each other. This is a story about love, honor, family and healing. Once you start this passionate tale, you won’t put it down until you’ve finished.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Catch is a novel that kept my interest very well. I frequently found myself guessing what could happen next and wondering what happened in the past for the main and secondary characters.

The main characters, Kirk and Jeanine, kept making me think they were crazy due to trying to be each others wingman and wingwomen. From the reader stand point, their chemistry is obvious. I had a feeling that the wingman and wingwomen relationship would end badly. In a way, it does, but it brings them closer together and recognize their own jealousy.

There are many parts in the story that take place that I had not seen coming. Those moments surprised me and kept my interest the most. They move the story along well and create a connection between Kirk, Jeanine, and their pasts.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Julie Baswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanine shunned relationships and only had one-night-stands. Kirk was the same. With each of them being successful in their careers, they didn’t need anyone to complicate their lives. Even though they didn’t know each other, it was bound to happen. They accidentally meet in a hotel hallway, while each were sneaking away from their hookup of the night. The chemistry was instant. But was it strong enough to veer them off their chosen paths?

This is the third book I have read from this author, and it’s the best one yet. I love her style of writing. You easily get invested in the characters, and want to help them to get their problems out of the way in order to get on with their relationships. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanine, oh how I love her! She's got that spunk that you just love and want to be around. Yet Jeanine has hidden struggles. She refuses to let a man get close to her. Nothing more than a one night stand for her. Enter Kirk. Hot, hunky Kirk. Kirk has led his life the same way, no strings, nothing more than one night. But when he meets Jeanine, he wants to break his own rule. The chemistry between the two is amazing, and even though there is a lot of angst, there is so much more. Love, heat, and strong bonding. (I really love when a book makes me feel like the bond is truly strong.) This book stays with you for a long time. I absolutely loved it!