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Making the Cut
"Those green eyes bore down on me without mercy. The fact that he was strikingly handsome...only added insult to injury."
Tyler Phoenix was one of the top spring training baseball prospects pegged as a favorite to be rookie of the year. Then weeks of lackluster performance culminated in humiliation from three strikeouts in a row in a single game. After the game, he got a tap on the shoulder from the manager and the word that he was cut from the roster and being sent back down to the minors.
Luke Meyers was the pitcher who delivered the strikeouts. Staring down Tyler at the plate with his tall, lanky body, and piercing green eyes, he brought the young prospect to his knees, but it was all in a day's work for a pitcher in spring training's Grapefruit League.
Now it's a year later, and Tyler and Luke are thrown together in an airport hotel as refuge from a February blizzard shutting down flights to Florida out of New York City. Luke tries to break down the walls of animosity while Tyler clings tight to his still seething anger. The memories of one sizzling hot night in bed were meant to be left in New York, forgotten by the time the plane touched down on a runway in Orlando. The agreement to bury the secret worked perfectly until a surprise trade brought them back together on the same team.
Making the Cut is a 45,000 word standalone enemies to lovers romance. There are steamy scenes, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after ending.
Tyler Phoenix was one of the top spring training baseball prospects pegged as a favorite to be rookie of the year. Then weeks of lackluster performance culminated in humiliation from three strikeouts in a row in a single game. After the game, he got a tap on the shoulder from the manager and the word that he was cut from the roster and being sent back down to the minors.
Luke Meyers was the pitcher who delivered the strikeouts. Staring down Tyler at the plate with his tall, lanky body, and piercing green eyes, he brought the young prospect to his knees, but it was all in a day's work for a pitcher in spring training's Grapefruit League.
Now it's a year later, and Tyler and Luke are thrown together in an airport hotel as refuge from a February blizzard shutting down flights to Florida out of New York City. Luke tries to break down the walls of animosity while Tyler clings tight to his still seething anger. The memories of one sizzling hot night in bed were meant to be left in New York, forgotten by the time the plane touched down on a runway in Orlando. The agreement to bury the secret worked perfectly until a surprise trade brought them back together on the same team.
Making the Cut is a 45,000 word standalone enemies to lovers romance. There are steamy scenes, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after ending.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2017
11 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 15, 2017
This was enjoyable enough, but still disappointing. Though the MCs went on dates and had a bit of sex, there wasn't enough romance. They felt like friends or team mates with benefits, not a loving couple.
This was set over the 2-3 months or so that make up spring training. You can see the development of their friendship over the months, but it doesn't seem strong enough for love, and not once does anyone even hint at "I love you".
In addition to their developing relationship, both is trying to stay on the team and not be moved to the minor league or be dropped altogether. Only one of them makes it.
The ending was kind of disappointing as well. You know they want to be together, but it's not a true HEA, and barely a HFN.
This was set over the 2-3 months or so that make up spring training. You can see the development of their friendship over the months, but it doesn't seem strong enough for love, and not once does anyone even hint at "I love you".
In addition to their developing relationship, both is trying to stay on the team and not be moved to the minor league or be dropped altogether. Only one of them makes it.
The ending was kind of disappointing as well. You know they want to be together, but it's not a true HEA, and barely a HFN.
April 10, 2017
This wasn't bad, but it could have been a lot better. I never got why Tyler hated Luke so much at the beginning. Sure, Luke struck him out three times in one game, which was part of Tyler being sent back down to the minors, but that's all a part of baseball. It's just stupid to someone make Luke into a bad person because of it! Luke totally didn't deserve Tyler's attitude, it was more than just rivalry.
But then it got sweet, and Tyler was doing good, but in a rather abrupt turnaround, it's Luke playing like shit and not making the cut. (see, title coming into play there!) It just seemed to come out of left field (baseball reference, unintended, I swear!), and the ending felt very rushed. I also didn't really get how the guys went from just fucking to a relationship, it wasn't really detailed enough for me.
But then it got sweet, and Tyler was doing good, but in a rather abrupt turnaround, it's Luke playing like shit and not making the cut. (see, title coming into play there!) It just seemed to come out of left field (baseball reference, unintended, I swear!), and the ending felt very rushed. I also didn't really get how the guys went from just fucking to a relationship, it wasn't really detailed enough for me.
March 15, 2017
I had mixed feelings about this book.
Tyler was a really great character who I fell in love with. His first experience with spring training was demoralizing, and he really had to work hard to overcome the hurt and the feelings of inadequacy that being humiliated professionally be Luke caused.
Luke, however, was much less likable for me. He started out well, but the more that the book progressed, the less respect I had for him. He didn't seem to handle his money well (though that isn't an issue in the narrative), and though he liked baseball well enough, it wasn't his passion. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him actually find his true passion in this book. There was a hint that he might have it, but it was by no means certain.
Then, to top it all off, I was completely unsatisfied by the end of the story. I didn't feel like anything really got resolved - it didn't even feel much like a HFN ending, let alone a HEA. Hopefully this is just the first installment of Tyler and Luke's story and that the next book will continue on for them to find their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Tyler was a really great character who I fell in love with. His first experience with spring training was demoralizing, and he really had to work hard to overcome the hurt and the feelings of inadequacy that being humiliated professionally be Luke caused.
Luke, however, was much less likable for me. He started out well, but the more that the book progressed, the less respect I had for him. He didn't seem to handle his money well (though that isn't an issue in the narrative), and though he liked baseball well enough, it wasn't his passion. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him actually find his true passion in this book. There was a hint that he might have it, but it was by no means certain.
Then, to top it all off, I was completely unsatisfied by the end of the story. I didn't feel like anything really got resolved - it didn't even feel much like a HFN ending, let alone a HEA. Hopefully this is just the first installment of Tyler and Luke's story and that the next book will continue on for them to find their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 17, 2017
Really quick read and overall enjoyable.
The few problems I had with the book was in regards to pacing and editing errors. Not sure if it was edited - but there were a heap of typos I picked up along the way. Like really easy stuff to pick out.
Pacing wise; it went really slow at the beginning as the book dictated the one day in high detail. The fact that it was about 20% of the book when we left ONE DAY in the story line was major red flags for me.
If it was a timeskip book? That would be fine but as a linear timeline? It's not really good for pacing. The rest of the book went really fast as well. Honestly, towards the end of the book it was like "oh is that it?" because there was not enough detail and it moved so fast.
I didn't particular connect with Tyler or Luke but they were likeable personalities. My fault with this was in the details of no-name secondary characters. I don't particularly care for the people who ask for autographs you know? It didn't add anything to the storyline and it was a waste of word space.
Furthermore, "Tyler Phoenix sounds like a movie star name!" was really overdone. Please stop saying it.
Anyway, enjoyable problem-free and HFN ending baseball book.
The few problems I had with the book was in regards to pacing and editing errors. Not sure if it was edited - but there were a heap of typos I picked up along the way. Like really easy stuff to pick out.
Pacing wise; it went really slow at the beginning as the book dictated the one day in high detail. The fact that it was about 20% of the book when we left ONE DAY in the story line was major red flags for me.
If it was a timeskip book? That would be fine but as a linear timeline? It's not really good for pacing. The rest of the book went really fast as well. Honestly, towards the end of the book it was like "oh is that it?" because there was not enough detail and it moved so fast.
I didn't particular connect with Tyler or Luke but they were likeable personalities. My fault with this was in the details of no-name secondary characters. I don't particularly care for the people who ask for autographs you know? It didn't add anything to the storyline and it was a waste of word space.
Furthermore, "Tyler Phoenix sounds like a movie star name!" was really overdone. Please stop saying it.
Anyway, enjoyable problem-free and HFN ending baseball book.
March 17, 2017
A wonderful baseball HFN
A story by Declan Rhodes is a guaranteed emotional and entertaining read and this one absolutely fits the bill. This has all the emotional angst of an excellent romance novel.This author always brings an entertaining story and a one-click read for me. The setting is baseball, spring training and this is the story of a rookie and a major league pitcher; a balancing act with personal desires on one side and the desire to make it in baseball on the other. Tyler was a top prospect last year but his spring season was not productive ending with a dismal at bat against pitcher Luke Myers leading to Tyler being sent down to the minors. Tyler blames Luke for his unsuccessful rookie year although logically he knows that it wasn't really Luke's fault and he can't get Luke's green eyes out of his mind. Luke, on the other hand, wants to support and mentor Tyler. Perhaps he has an ulterior motive related to his attraction to the younger player.
The two men have a lot in common but some important differences. Tyler has a supportive family and is entirely focused on his career. Luke's parents left him with his grandparents when he was in junior high and he had no family support now, as an adult. Luke has lived the major league lifestyle and wants more in his life than baseball, travel and all that goes with it. Luke has a hunger for more, something different. Declan Rhodes brings us a satisfying HFN story. Admittedly, there are times where we are reminded that this is fiction and the baseball isn't entirely true to life but in this case, it was a point of awareness without significant distraction from the story. There were some loose threads that may or may not be picked up in a later story, e.g. the author traveling with the team. A strong 4+ read for me
A story by Declan Rhodes is a guaranteed emotional and entertaining read and this one absolutely fits the bill. This has all the emotional angst of an excellent romance novel.This author always brings an entertaining story and a one-click read for me. The setting is baseball, spring training and this is the story of a rookie and a major league pitcher; a balancing act with personal desires on one side and the desire to make it in baseball on the other. Tyler was a top prospect last year but his spring season was not productive ending with a dismal at bat against pitcher Luke Myers leading to Tyler being sent down to the minors. Tyler blames Luke for his unsuccessful rookie year although logically he knows that it wasn't really Luke's fault and he can't get Luke's green eyes out of his mind. Luke, on the other hand, wants to support and mentor Tyler. Perhaps he has an ulterior motive related to his attraction to the younger player.
The two men have a lot in common but some important differences. Tyler has a supportive family and is entirely focused on his career. Luke's parents left him with his grandparents when he was in junior high and he had no family support now, as an adult. Luke has lived the major league lifestyle and wants more in his life than baseball, travel and all that goes with it. Luke has a hunger for more, something different. Declan Rhodes brings us a satisfying HFN story. Admittedly, there are times where we are reminded that this is fiction and the baseball isn't entirely true to life but in this case, it was a point of awareness without significant distraction from the story. There were some loose threads that may or may not be picked up in a later story, e.g. the author traveling with the team. A strong 4+ read for me
March 19, 2017
I like Declan's books and again this short but sweet baseball themed romance is worth a read and he is certainly improving as a writer the more I read. This one is short but a full story (sort of) and you are taken on an emotional ride with Tyler and Luke as they battle their developing attraction with their professional relationship. The only downside with this one is that there is no real ending that satisfies and I hope this is because Declan isn't finished with these two yet......
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
March 24, 2017
Tyler and Luke are on rival sports teams. Tyler is sent back to the minors and blames Luke for it happening. Fast forward to a year later and circumstances put them in the same hotel during a snow storm. The hookup and move on only to end up on the same team. This is a nice baseball romance that just needed a bit more spice. The storyline was great with the right amount of sports talk and romance.
August 14, 2017
This is the first book that I read from author Declan Rhodes. I have to say, it was a good read. I thought that the story between Tyler and Luke was good and steady throughout the whole book. I liked the characters as they were written and thought the steamy scenes between them were well written. The book held my attention and kept me wanting more. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
March 16, 2017
This was a great Read that is enjoyable all around. Declan Rhodes has brought yet another beautiful novel. Two baseball players are brought together after a rocky meeting a year ago. Tyler was vying to make it to the majors, but his efforts in spring training fell short especially when he struck out under Luke, a new pitcher in the majors. Now he comes back to prove himself. On the way he gets caught in a blizzard at the New York airport. He checks in to a hotel and finds Luke there. Anger and bad feelings causes Tyler to put up a wall between them, but booze and attraction bring them to a scorching night of passion. Tyler wants to put that night behind him, but he gets traded to the team that Luke is on. It doesn't take them long to figure out there is something between them. Something that neither wants to ignore. It only takes 6 weeks for their lives to change both professionally and personally. I loved these two characters from the start. Another great feel good story with a HEA.❤️
March 19, 2017
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Tyler Phoenix bombed out of the tryouts for the Baseball spring training tryouts last year and was reverted to the minors. He holds a grudge on pitcher Luke Meyers as the cause. Luke Meyers and Tyler meet in a hotel bar after a snow storm left them stranded in New York City. They are attracted to each other and have a one night stand. They head of to Florida the next day, both at the tryouts and different teams until Tyler gets traded to Luke’s team. They go on a date and as their relationship grows Tyler is succeeding this year and Luke bombing out. Do Tyler and Luke get their HEA?
Tyler Phoenix bombed out of the tryouts for the Baseball spring training tryouts last year and was reverted to the minors. He holds a grudge on pitcher Luke Meyers as the cause. Luke Meyers and Tyler meet in a hotel bar after a snow storm left them stranded in New York City. They are attracted to each other and have a one night stand. They head of to Florida the next day, both at the tryouts and different teams until Tyler gets traded to Luke’s team. They go on a date and as their relationship grows Tyler is succeeding this year and Luke bombing out. Do Tyler and Luke get their HEA?
June 19, 2017
Ok
3 stars
It was just ok for me, I finished it because I love baseball books but it wasn't my favourite. I didn't feel the connection between the two MCs and other than physical attraction, I'm not really sure what kept them together
3 stars
It was just ok for me, I finished it because I love baseball books but it wasn't my favourite. I didn't feel the connection between the two MCs and other than physical attraction, I'm not really sure what kept them together
March 18, 2017
I received a copy for an honest review. This is an enjoyable read and sweet.
Tyler had a not so good spring training the year before and he still holds a grudge against Luke for striking him out. Luke is a major league pitcher. They end up on the same team during spring training and Luke is not giving his 110% and soon realizes that he is going to end up on the minor league instead of staying in the majors. Tyler makes the cut and gets a surprise opening day when Luke calls him.
I hated to see this story end I wanted more. I enjoyed the chemistry between the MC's.
Tyler had a not so good spring training the year before and he still holds a grudge against Luke for striking him out. Luke is a major league pitcher. They end up on the same team during spring training and Luke is not giving his 110% and soon realizes that he is going to end up on the minor league instead of staying in the majors. Tyler makes the cut and gets a surprise opening day when Luke calls him.
I hated to see this story end I wanted more. I enjoyed the chemistry between the MC's.
March 19, 2017
I generally love everything that Declan Rhodes gives us, but this book fell short of the excellent reads I've come to expect from this writer. It just didn't have the same emotional pull that his prior books in this series had.
The book is well written--I learned a lot about baseball spring training--but the main characters (Luke and Tyler) lacked that special "something" that Declan has always given us before. The secondary characters were good as always.
It's a quick read...but maybe too quick? This book felt like a rush to the finish line. I expected more but it wasn't there. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and found it to be not up to Declan Rhodes' normally stellar reads.
The book is well written--I learned a lot about baseball spring training--but the main characters (Luke and Tyler) lacked that special "something" that Declan has always given us before. The secondary characters were good as always.
It's a quick read...but maybe too quick? This book felt like a rush to the finish line. I expected more but it wasn't there. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and found it to be not up to Declan Rhodes' normally stellar reads.
March 21, 2017
Tyler and Luke are both baseball players - Tyler is a minor leaguer, while Luke is a seasoned MLB pitcher. Both come from different backgrounds, but both have a love of baseball. Luke is looking for more - he's lived the life of a pro ball player and is searching beyond the celebrity world. Tyler is trying to get his big break, and Luke would be an ideal mentor for him. Loved the development of their relationship. From friends and baseball colleagues to lovers. Good development with a great sport as their commonality. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 16, 2017
I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. I'm giving it a 3.5 star rating.
I enjoyed the story of Tyler and Luke. They had a tiny bit of history due to Luke striking Tyler out in spring training three times and being the final strike to for Tyler to receive that "tap" on his shoulder. Even though Tyler knew that was not the reason he was sent to the minors, he used it as a reason to not like Luke. But Luke had a way of rubbing you enough that you had no choice but to like him. Their romance happened fast and I do wish it was a bit longer and had more story for them. The way it ended left me high and dry but otherwise it was a sweet story of one's dream coming true finally.
I enjoyed the story of Tyler and Luke. They had a tiny bit of history due to Luke striking Tyler out in spring training three times and being the final strike to for Tyler to receive that "tap" on his shoulder. Even though Tyler knew that was not the reason he was sent to the minors, he used it as a reason to not like Luke. But Luke had a way of rubbing you enough that you had no choice but to like him. Their romance happened fast and I do wish it was a bit longer and had more story for them. The way it ended left me high and dry but otherwise it was a sweet story of one's dream coming true finally.
March 18, 2017
I've read a few books from this author and have enjoyed them all, but this one fell a bit flat for me. I like baseball and don't mind reading about it, but in this case, it seemed that baseball was the star of the show. I would've liked to have seen a bit more of the romance between Luke and Tyler. Their angst about spring training made perfect sense, but so much focus on that left the romance a bit dry for me. With the way this one ended, I'm hoping there's more to come for this couple with a bit more focus on the romance. Rhodes' writing does have a good flow that makes it easy for a reader to get engrossed in a story. I have enjoyed other books from Rhodes and will continue to check out his future works.
March 19, 2017
I've read several stories by this author, and I've liked them all. My only complaint about this one is that I wish it was longer. Good characters, good storyline...
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
March 19, 2017
I love baseball, so really wanted to enjoy this book. I didn't. I have been a long-time fan of minor league baseball, and there was almost nothing that resembled real life captured here. Very disappointing. Characters didn't seem believable in the least. Only redeeming quality is that it was mercifully short - probably the only reason I was able to finish.
March 15, 2017
Got from Hidden Gems Romance ARC Club, for a honest review.
Tyler and Lukes story had a nice steady pace through out. I loved the characters. Loved the light steamy spots between them. The two times Luke left the game as the team still played, was a little hard to believe. But the whole story kept you reading and wanting the story to continue. The author knows how to hold my attention till the end of the story. Another great book.
Thank you for letting me read another part of the series.
Tyler and Lukes story had a nice steady pace through out. I loved the characters. Loved the light steamy spots between them. The two times Luke left the game as the team still played, was a little hard to believe. But the whole story kept you reading and wanting the story to continue. The author knows how to hold my attention till the end of the story. Another great book.
Thank you for letting me read another part of the series.
March 18, 2017
Hey batter,batter swing
This book hits the romance out of the park. The characters, are hot and sweaty and full of fast balls. This book is a solid home run
This book hits the romance out of the park. The characters, are hot and sweaty and full of fast balls. This book is a solid home run
March 18, 2017
Too simple for me.
March 29, 2017
Contains typos that shouldn't have been missed.
April 10, 2017
This was a quick read. It felt slightly like a friends with benefits biographer than a romance book. There didn't seem to be a romantic connection between the couple. The book seemed to centre too much on the one night they had together before this year's spring training and their previous encounter. And then the rest of the book seemed lacking slightly. But I can't quite figure out why.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as previous baseball books by this author. I especially didn't like the ending as Luke and what he was doing wasn't fully explained. The book seemed like it had another couple of chapters left in it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as previous baseball books by this author. I especially didn't like the ending as Luke and what he was doing wasn't fully explained. The book seemed like it had another couple of chapters left in it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews