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Balls to the Walls (DSP) #5
High Balls
A Balls to the Wall Romance
Though only twenty-six, single father Theodore Walters lives with his head in the clouds and his feet firmly planted in reality. At the center of his life is Andy, his seven-year-old son, with whom he shares no DNA, though nobody—including his religious-fanatic in-laws—knows that, and Theodore will do anything to keep them from finding out. Theodore works hard to get his PhD and the tenure and salary that might follow to make a better life for Andy—but the head of his department thinks his dissertation on Jane Austen and romance novels is frivolous.
Theodore’s carefully planned life goes off the rails when he walks into a popular Laguna Beach bar and meets the bartender, “Snake” Erasmo, a pierced and tattooed biker who sends Theodore’s imagination—and libido—soaring. Snake has even more secrets than Theodore and couldn’t be a less “appropriate” match, but he might be the only guy with the skills to show Theodore that happily ever after is for real.
Though only twenty-six, single father Theodore Walters lives with his head in the clouds and his feet firmly planted in reality. At the center of his life is Andy, his seven-year-old son, with whom he shares no DNA, though nobody—including his religious-fanatic in-laws—knows that, and Theodore will do anything to keep them from finding out. Theodore works hard to get his PhD and the tenure and salary that might follow to make a better life for Andy—but the head of his department thinks his dissertation on Jane Austen and romance novels is frivolous.
Theodore’s carefully planned life goes off the rails when he walks into a popular Laguna Beach bar and meets the bartender, “Snake” Erasmo, a pierced and tattooed biker who sends Theodore’s imagination—and libido—soaring. Snake has even more secrets than Theodore and couldn’t be a less “appropriate” match, but he might be the only guy with the skills to show Theodore that happily ever after is for real.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2017
64 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,389 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 5, 2017
This book is very fairy taley. If you like fairy tales and updated fairy tales, you will probably like this book. (Translation: this book only works if you can willingly suspend your belief in quite antithetical circumstances).
But there are a couple of things I can’t let past...
- when your 7 year old son yells that he “never wants to see those people again”, any self respecting parent will drop what they are doing (unless they are driving the kid to emergency), sit down with the kid, and interrogate what is going on. (Unless you are setting the MC up as a neglectful villain).
- any reasonable person in the MC’s position would seek legal advice, as soon as he became aware of the risk. Especially as he has lawyers in his friendship circle.
The above two points are elements of the main plot - in other words, the plot is based on one MC being a neglectful parent who exerts absolutely woeful judgement.
-this book contains a sympathetic character engaging in poor legal practice. If you, dear reader, have any knowledge of legal practice, this will interfere with your willing suspension of disbelief.
Also, if you, dear reader, are a parent, ... well.... everything turns out okay, as it is a romance, but the kid isn’t anything like a real 7 year old, and the judgement issues.... I don’t know. Would a parent be okay reading a romance with some shit parenting going on?
But there are a couple of things I can’t let past...
- when your 7 year old son yells that he “never wants to see those people again”, any self respecting parent will drop what they are doing (unless they are driving the kid to emergency), sit down with the kid, and interrogate what is going on. (Unless you are setting the MC up as a neglectful villain).
- any reasonable person in the MC’s position would seek legal advice, as soon as he became aware of the risk. Especially as he has lawyers in his friendship circle.
The above two points are elements of the main plot - in other words, the plot is based on one MC being a neglectful parent who exerts absolutely woeful judgement.
-this book contains a sympathetic character engaging in poor legal practice. If you, dear reader, have any knowledge of legal practice, this will interfere with your willing suspension of disbelief.
Also, if you, dear reader, are a parent, ... well.... everything turns out okay, as it is a romance, but the kid isn’t anything like a real 7 year old, and the judgement issues.... I don’t know. Would a parent be okay reading a romance with some shit parenting going on?
December 13, 2020
Dnf.
Read this trope a million times. And I hate seven-year-olds reasoning and talking like adults.
Read this trope a million times. And I hate seven-year-olds reasoning and talking like adults.
May 8, 2018
I'm waffling between 2 and 3 stars here. I know, everyone seems to love this one, but the logic and legalities were just a fail for me here.
So, here's what gave me issues:
Snake was perfect. Too perfect, really. Too patient with Teddy's issues, especially with Teddy's drama llama hissy fit over "the truth", when he was lying to Shane, too. Then, at the end, he was able to swoop in and save everyone, Pretty Woman style.
Andy was adorable, but totally not a 7 year old child. He struggled with words he should have known, but then talked about being "respectable" and "responsible", and picked out his dad's date clothes.
So, here's what gave me issues:
Snake was perfect. Too perfect, really. Too patient with Teddy's issues, especially with Teddy's drama llama hissy fit over "the truth", when he was lying to Shane, too. Then, at the end, he was able to swoop in and save everyone, Pretty Woman style.
Andy was adorable, but totally not a 7 year old child. He struggled with words he should have known, but then talked about being "respectable" and "responsible", and picked out his dad's date clothes.
October 19, 2017
I've had a soft spot in my heart for this series for years and I was so happy to see that a new book was out! One that always stands out are the oddest couples and HIGH BALLS doesn't disappoint in that.Theodore is 26 and raising his young son alone after his wife died. The questions are many about when did he figure out he was gay, was it later in life since he has a kid? But he's also not have a whole lot of experience because a lot of his adult life had gone in a different path. And he wouldn't have it any other way. He loves Andy and will do anything to protect him and keep them together.
Then he meets Snake and he embodies everything Theo isn't. He's big, tattooed, has long hair, rides a Harley and works at a bar. With the direction his life needs to take, he can't be seen with someone who might be judged by his appearance. But he can't stay away.
I think my favorite part of this story was Andy! Yes, the kid. He's so adorable and has such an easy connection with Snake that I loved. While I found Theo and Snake to be cute as a couple, and they had chemistry, I don't think I was ever as invested in them.
HIGH BALLS is a bit more serious than the previous books in the series and I think I was missing some of that "fun" element. But Theo is in a serious position so it made sense for the story. It goes back to expectations.
Nonetheless, this was an entertaining read and it's certainly not going to keep me away from reading more in this series if Tara Lain writes it.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 4, 2017
Cover Love: 5 Meows
I can just see this young sweetie as Theodore.
I love this series and each book stands alone though there are recurring characters from book to book.
Theodore is raising his young son Andy alone. Andy goes once a month to his grandparents home for a visit but Andy hates it, coming home begging Theodore to not make him go again especially to the church, but Theodore is trying to do the right thing and keep peace with the in-laws.
Theodore is lonely but has sworn off men until Andy is grown. He doesn't want to be hurt or have Andy get attached and then the man leave so he chooses abstinence.
Theodore is studying for his Ph.D. for better pay and tenure while teaching. One day running late, he sees a man on a Harley and is taken in by is tattoos, hair, and body. One night stressed he stops in the Bay Bar and the hottie saves him from a pushy man.
Snake is not what he appears. Though he may be big, covered in tattoos he is also smart. He too has his secrets. When he sees the drunk hitting on the shy new man in his bar he comes to the rescue. He tells Theodore he wants a chance and will do what it takes.
I fell in love with both men. Theodore, sweet innocent and so hard working to keep Andy.
Snake, not what he seems, also hard working. And who doesn't love a knight in shining leather?
Andy the cute 7-year-old is just as much a key character as the two main men. He is sweet and funny and who doesn't love cute kids.
This story is perfect in every way, fast-paced, I couldn't put it down and stayed up late reading.
If you love tattoos, bartenders, secrets, young teachers, adorable kids and some sweet hot man-sex this is for you. Plus you get to see the guys from the other books as well.
I can just see this young sweetie as Theodore.
I love this series and each book stands alone though there are recurring characters from book to book.
Theodore is raising his young son Andy alone. Andy goes once a month to his grandparents home for a visit but Andy hates it, coming home begging Theodore to not make him go again especially to the church, but Theodore is trying to do the right thing and keep peace with the in-laws.
Theodore is lonely but has sworn off men until Andy is grown. He doesn't want to be hurt or have Andy get attached and then the man leave so he chooses abstinence.
Theodore is studying for his Ph.D. for better pay and tenure while teaching. One day running late, he sees a man on a Harley and is taken in by is tattoos, hair, and body. One night stressed he stops in the Bay Bar and the hottie saves him from a pushy man.
Snake is not what he appears. Though he may be big, covered in tattoos he is also smart. He too has his secrets. When he sees the drunk hitting on the shy new man in his bar he comes to the rescue. He tells Theodore he wants a chance and will do what it takes.
I fell in love with both men. Theodore, sweet innocent and so hard working to keep Andy.
Snake, not what he seems, also hard working. And who doesn't love a knight in shining leather?
Andy the cute 7-year-old is just as much a key character as the two main men. He is sweet and funny and who doesn't love cute kids.
This story is perfect in every way, fast-paced, I couldn't put it down and stayed up late reading.
If you love tattoos, bartenders, secrets, young teachers, adorable kids and some sweet hot man-sex this is for you. Plus you get to see the guys from the other books as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
4.5 Stars
Loved it! The characters were great and they showed another real life issue for many people. I enjoyed seeing the past MCs and how they are interwoven into the whole series not just their books.
Theodore (Teddy) is trying to do the right things for his son by trying to please everyone including his very religious in laws. What he needs is put on the back burner until he meets Snake and then things start to get interesting. How does a man keep denying what he needs for himself and his son even when the package comes wrapped up in a sexy, tattooed man.
Loved it! The characters were great and they showed another real life issue for many people. I enjoyed seeing the past MCs and how they are interwoven into the whole series not just their books.
Theodore (Teddy) is trying to do the right things for his son by trying to please everyone including his very religious in laws. What he needs is put on the back burner until he meets Snake and then things start to get interesting. How does a man keep denying what he needs for himself and his son even when the package comes wrapped up in a sexy, tattooed man.
September 26, 2017
3.5 stars
While I enjoyed this, it's not my favorite. The writing was good, though there were a few times I thought the language was a little juvenile. I also didn't like them keeping secrets. I understood why Theodore was hesitant, but I don't know why Snake wasn't more forthcoming about his various jobs.
Also while I loved Andy, some of the things he said you'd never hear a seven year old say.
*ARC provided by author
While I enjoyed this, it's not my favorite. The writing was good, though there were a few times I thought the language was a little juvenile. I also didn't like them keeping secrets. I understood why Theodore was hesitant, but I don't know why Snake wasn't more forthcoming about his various jobs.
Also while I loved Andy, some of the things he said you'd never hear a seven year old say.
*ARC provided by author
October 4, 2017
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2017/10/04/revi...
High Balls is the fifth book in the Balls to the Walls series by Tara Lain. I have really enjoyed reading the books in this series, but for me, this book wasn’t one of my favorites. I kept feeling like I’d read the book before. I know that the author has re-released some of the books in the series but I did check and this looks like the first time this book has been published. So the only thing I can figure is that I have been reading a lot of ARCs that have the same type of storyline and plot.
The main character who has super religious homophobic relatives that have some hold over the MC which keeps the MC from feeling free to be who he is and have the job, relationship, and family that he wants. Insert the other main character who is completely wrong to fit in with MC 1 and his situation and of course is simply irresistible to MC 1. But MC 2 has so many secrets that you can’t figure out why he is keeping them secret because they would make MC 1’s life so much easier. Throw in a twist that could ruin everything, and all of the secrets come out, and the good guys win over the religious homophobic family members.
So you have Theodore Walters who plays MC 1 and has a seven-year-old son, Andy. Playing the role of super religious homophobic family members are Andy’s grandparents who want to foist their church and their religious friends and their kids on poor Andy who doesn’t want anything to do with them. Playing the part of MC 2 is “Snake” Erasmo or Crystal Streams Erasmo which is his real name. Who we think is a bad boy bartender who has a surprisingly sweet side and a very protective side. I really like how he interacts with Andy and how he tries to protect Teddy as much as Teddy will let him.
Theodore spends all of his time trying to keep his in-laws happy so that they won’t try to take Andy away from him and the only way he can see to do that is to finish his Ph.D. and get tenure at the college that he works at. But the head of his department thinks his dissertation is frivolous. And Theodore sees all of his hard work going down the drain. He needs a pick me up and stops at a local Laguna Beach bar and meets the bartender Snake who sends his libido soaring. But Snake isn’t what he seems because he is so much more than just a bad boy tattooed and pierced biker who just happens to have a heart of gold. But if I told you what all of his secrets were, then it would spoil the surprise, so you’re just going to have to read the book to find out more about Snake. I will say that he is a hottie and has awesome chemistry with Theodore and his interactions with Andy make you want to go awe.
Overall, not a bad book and if everybody else weren’t writing the same type of storyline right now, I probably would have liked it more since I usually love Tara Lain’s books.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
High Balls is the fifth book in the Balls to the Walls series by Tara Lain. I have really enjoyed reading the books in this series, but for me, this book wasn’t one of my favorites. I kept feeling like I’d read the book before. I know that the author has re-released some of the books in the series but I did check and this looks like the first time this book has been published. So the only thing I can figure is that I have been reading a lot of ARCs that have the same type of storyline and plot.
The main character who has super religious homophobic relatives that have some hold over the MC which keeps the MC from feeling free to be who he is and have the job, relationship, and family that he wants. Insert the other main character who is completely wrong to fit in with MC 1 and his situation and of course is simply irresistible to MC 1. But MC 2 has so many secrets that you can’t figure out why he is keeping them secret because they would make MC 1’s life so much easier. Throw in a twist that could ruin everything, and all of the secrets come out, and the good guys win over the religious homophobic family members.
So you have Theodore Walters who plays MC 1 and has a seven-year-old son, Andy. Playing the role of super religious homophobic family members are Andy’s grandparents who want to foist their church and their religious friends and their kids on poor Andy who doesn’t want anything to do with them. Playing the part of MC 2 is “Snake” Erasmo or Crystal Streams Erasmo which is his real name. Who we think is a bad boy bartender who has a surprisingly sweet side and a very protective side. I really like how he interacts with Andy and how he tries to protect Teddy as much as Teddy will let him.
Theodore spends all of his time trying to keep his in-laws happy so that they won’t try to take Andy away from him and the only way he can see to do that is to finish his Ph.D. and get tenure at the college that he works at. But the head of his department thinks his dissertation is frivolous. And Theodore sees all of his hard work going down the drain. He needs a pick me up and stops at a local Laguna Beach bar and meets the bartender Snake who sends his libido soaring. But Snake isn’t what he seems because he is so much more than just a bad boy tattooed and pierced biker who just happens to have a heart of gold. But if I told you what all of his secrets were, then it would spoil the surprise, so you’re just going to have to read the book to find out more about Snake. I will say that he is a hottie and has awesome chemistry with Theodore and his interactions with Andy make you want to go awe.
Overall, not a bad book and if everybody else weren’t writing the same type of storyline right now, I probably would have liked it more since I usually love Tara Lain’s books.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
October 6, 2017
4.5 Stars for this sweet and tender odd-couple M/M romance
This is the fifth book in the Balls to the Wall series and reads fine as a standalone.
Theodore Walters is a widower and caregiver to his 7 year old “son” Andy. Few people in this world know he isn’t Andy’s biological father, but Theo married his BF when she got pregnant at the end of high school, and was a rock as she wilted and passed of cancer two years ago. Her loony parents, however, are wealthy religious bigots and can’t push Theo to finish his PhD dissertation defense fast enough so their grandson won’t have to live in the relative squalor of their two bedroom apartment. If they knew Andy wasn’t Theo’s son, they’d angle to adopt him outright, and Theo can’t bear the thought of losing his son.
While out on one of his rare child-free nights, Theo meets Snake Erasmo. Pierced, tattooed and glorious, Snake somehow finds nubile Theo attractive. Snake is not the type of person his in-laws, or the stodgy academics at his private religiously-affiliated college, will welcome as a partner to Theo–but the attraction is there. Snake assures Theo he cleans up well, and sleeves hide lots of tattoos, don’t they? Bowing to Theo’s need to keep things on the way-down-low, they take to eating in, and Snake and Andy hit it off immediately. Mostly, because Snake is a fantastic guy. But, he’s a guy who has unexplainable talents, for being a somewhat-drifter-turned-bartender. And Theo’s friends love Snake, but can’t figure out what he truly does for a living.
With the threat of his thesis being rejected, and the increasingly troubling interactions Theo’s having with Andy’s grandparents, he’s just not ready for what is shaping up to be a serious relationship. It’s a bit charming how Andy reaches out for Snake for help with his grandparents and to keep work-worn Theo happy, and how Snake lifts countless burdens from Theo’s shoulders. And the sex is off the chain. Theo LOVES that not all Snakes piercings are facial…
For me, I loved the tenderness, and interactions between Theo, Andy and Snake. It’s a fun juxtaposition, this strapping biker-ish guy and the curious child, but they make great co-conspirators. Snake loves his “Teddy Bear” and he’s set to prove it any way he can. And, he’s not afraid to go to Theo’s friends and ask for their help, either. All the boys of the Ball to the Walls books assist Theo or Snake as they ensure Theo’s thesis gets fair treatment, and Andy’s paternity is affirmed. It’s a feel-good romance with a sweet HEA to enjoy.
This is the fifth book in the Balls to the Wall series and reads fine as a standalone.
Theodore Walters is a widower and caregiver to his 7 year old “son” Andy. Few people in this world know he isn’t Andy’s biological father, but Theo married his BF when she got pregnant at the end of high school, and was a rock as she wilted and passed of cancer two years ago. Her loony parents, however, are wealthy religious bigots and can’t push Theo to finish his PhD dissertation defense fast enough so their grandson won’t have to live in the relative squalor of their two bedroom apartment. If they knew Andy wasn’t Theo’s son, they’d angle to adopt him outright, and Theo can’t bear the thought of losing his son.
While out on one of his rare child-free nights, Theo meets Snake Erasmo. Pierced, tattooed and glorious, Snake somehow finds nubile Theo attractive. Snake is not the type of person his in-laws, or the stodgy academics at his private religiously-affiliated college, will welcome as a partner to Theo–but the attraction is there. Snake assures Theo he cleans up well, and sleeves hide lots of tattoos, don’t they? Bowing to Theo’s need to keep things on the way-down-low, they take to eating in, and Snake and Andy hit it off immediately. Mostly, because Snake is a fantastic guy. But, he’s a guy who has unexplainable talents, for being a somewhat-drifter-turned-bartender. And Theo’s friends love Snake, but can’t figure out what he truly does for a living.
With the threat of his thesis being rejected, and the increasingly troubling interactions Theo’s having with Andy’s grandparents, he’s just not ready for what is shaping up to be a serious relationship. It’s a bit charming how Andy reaches out for Snake for help with his grandparents and to keep work-worn Theo happy, and how Snake lifts countless burdens from Theo’s shoulders. And the sex is off the chain. Theo LOVES that not all Snakes piercings are facial…
For me, I loved the tenderness, and interactions between Theo, Andy and Snake. It’s a fun juxtaposition, this strapping biker-ish guy and the curious child, but they make great co-conspirators. Snake loves his “Teddy Bear” and he’s set to prove it any way he can. And, he’s not afraid to go to Theo’s friends and ask for their help, either. All the boys of the Ball to the Walls books assist Theo or Snake as they ensure Theo’s thesis gets fair treatment, and Andy’s paternity is affirmed. It’s a feel-good romance with a sweet HEA to enjoy.
October 4, 2017
7.5 Stars. DO NOT Start unless you can read all in one sitting....
Loved this one!!! It really made me feel good and the ending was just perfect! Theodore and “Snake”. Both keep secrets and they are whoppers but not life shattering detrimental even though they think they are. This does brings in the all the perceptions of people and who we think they are based on how they look to the forfront of the mind. Spent the entire book trying to figure out who Snake really was, I guessed it but figured that was to obvious so kept trying to guess. Leaving you with the fact you can not judge a book lay it’s cover and stop trying to be someone you are not happy about being. Andy thrown in there was a delight!
Loved this one!!! It really made me feel good and the ending was just perfect! Theodore and “Snake”. Both keep secrets and they are whoppers but not life shattering detrimental even though they think they are. This does brings in the all the perceptions of people and who we think they are based on how they look to the forfront of the mind. Spent the entire book trying to figure out who Snake really was, I guessed it but figured that was to obvious so kept trying to guess. Leaving you with the fact you can not judge a book lay it’s cover and stop trying to be someone you are not happy about being. Andy thrown in there was a delight!
October 4, 2017
What a treat this book is! I loved the opposites attract story of Theodore (Teddy Bear) and Snake! Then add in Teddy's adorable, precocious 7 year old Andy and it doesn't get any better.
High Balls is a fun, romanctic, feel good story. The main characters are so well developed that you feel they are a part of your life. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.....and you don't want to miss out on this great read! Well done Tara Lain!!!
High Balls is a fun, romanctic, feel good story. The main characters are so well developed that you feel they are a part of your life. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.....and you don't want to miss out on this great read! Well done Tara Lain!!!
July 1, 2020
“In the end, people should be judged by their actions, since in the end, it was actions that defined everyone.” ~ Nicholas Sparks
Theodore Walters is an exceptional man. When his best friend becomes pregnant, he marries her and claims to be the father, even though he's not, to protect her from the wrath of her overly zealous Christian parents. When Theodore's wife dies, his son, Andy, becomes the center of his world; everything he does or doesn't do is for him. Theodore is constantly on guard for anything that will give them an excuse to take him away. Yet, once in a while, it would be nice to do something just for him. One day Theodore spots a big, tattooed man on a motorcycle. Theodore's libido comes alive. Even though he knows it's not possible, Theodore wishes he could be as free as that man looks.
Theodore's goal in life is to get his PhD in literature so he can become a tenured professor at his present college so he can make a better life for him and Andy and get his in-laws, who constantly criticize him, off his back. Theodore's competitor is an obnoxious man, Ted Rance, who is constantly belittling him and undermines Theodore's chances by sucking up to the chairman of the committee, playing golf with him, going to his church, etc. It makes Theodore furious, but he is too nice to say anything. Even if he did it would sound like “sour grapes”. Then Theodore stops in a bar for a drink where he is hit on by an obnoxious customer. The bartender comes to his rescue by telling the guy to stop bothering his boyfriend. The strategy works, but Theodore is startled by the bartender's method. After a brief but enlightening conversation, Theodore confirms that the bartender, Snake, is the man on the motorcycle, then discovers that Snake is gay and definitely interested.
After a few misunderstandings, Snake and Theodore start seeing each other. Things go well until they run into one of Theodore's colleagues, Sean. Theodore freaks out and tells Snake that he just can't take the chance of losing Andy, so he won't be able to see him anymore. Snake does not want to let him go, and suggests to have dates at his apartment. They get so comfortable together that Theodore begins bringing Andy with him; Andy is fascinated with Snake and rapidly grows attached to him. One night, Theodore has to be at an unplanned meeting. He needs a babysitter and no one is available; he asks Snake to stay with Andy at their house. Everything is fine, that is, until Andy's grandparents show up unannounced. Finding Snake there alone with Andy makes them furious and they promise retribution.
Tara is brilliant at writing books that take two men who are seemingly different in every way, and forming a viable middle ground in which they can thrive. Tara dismisses stereotypes and shows that what you see isn't always what you get. I think that she did an exceptionally good job doing so in Theodore and Snake's case. The story also reminded me not to judge people by their appearance only. Thanks, Tara, for a heartwarming, pleasurable story.
NOTE: The frist edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 13, 2017
Theodore and Snake are what a pair. From the beginning it looks like a opposites attract story from Tara but you are in a treat.
Tara loves to write men who are somewhat lost and looking for love. Theodore is trying to live his life while hanging on to his son, Andy, since he wife passed. Theodore married his best friend and stood by her while she was pregnant. Andy is not his son by blood but make no mistake Andy is Theodore's son. He is afraid if he cant provide for him, he will be taken away so he is student teaching and going for his PHD.
Theodore walks into a bar and meets Snake. Snake is the bartender and immediately sees Theodore and wants him. Theodore knows he needs to keep a low profile in school since it is a conservative one so Snake with his piercings and tattoos is not the man for him. Snake doesn't give up and they go out. The sparks fly right away and Theodore goes for it. He quickly regrets that decision because he doesn't want to jeopardize his job. So he steps back to get his life on track.
This is a never judge a book by it's cover story as well. Snake isn't your typical bad boy, he is sweet and caring towards Theodore and Andy. I love that Snake doesn't give up on him and they find themselves thrown together to help Andy. Of course Snake isn't what he seems and when Theodore finds out he isn't happy and feels betrayed. Of course things work out in the end but it is a ride you will want to read.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
Tara loves to write men who are somewhat lost and looking for love. Theodore is trying to live his life while hanging on to his son, Andy, since he wife passed. Theodore married his best friend and stood by her while she was pregnant. Andy is not his son by blood but make no mistake Andy is Theodore's son. He is afraid if he cant provide for him, he will be taken away so he is student teaching and going for his PHD.
Theodore walks into a bar and meets Snake. Snake is the bartender and immediately sees Theodore and wants him. Theodore knows he needs to keep a low profile in school since it is a conservative one so Snake with his piercings and tattoos is not the man for him. Snake doesn't give up and they go out. The sparks fly right away and Theodore goes for it. He quickly regrets that decision because he doesn't want to jeopardize his job. So he steps back to get his life on track.
This is a never judge a book by it's cover story as well. Snake isn't your typical bad boy, he is sweet and caring towards Theodore and Andy. I love that Snake doesn't give up on him and they find themselves thrown together to help Andy. Of course Snake isn't what he seems and when Theodore finds out he isn't happy and feels betrayed. Of course things work out in the end but it is a ride you will want to read.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
October 6, 2017
This book was hard to follow, there were so many disjointed sentences & thoughts. Also, everything happened in super warp speed, like instalove on steroids.
August 22, 2025
Overall a sweet little story.
I loved Andy most, but I guess Snake and Teddy were cue too lol.
But I had one major disconnect when reading this one, and its still bothering me. Normally I find a quote entertaining and want to remember it, but this time I desperately want to forget it. I don't even know what I'm meant to think??
The quote? "Okay, Theodore might be gay and look like a twelve-year-old porn star, but Jimothy redefined queen" I mean WTH???? What does a twelve year old porn star look like? Seriously squicked me.
So while I thought this was a solid 3 star for a light hearted sweet read I feel like dropping a star on that quote alone. It just really bothers me. Am I over thinking it?
Okay, Theodore might be gay and look like a twelve-year-old porn star, but Jimothy redefined queen
I loved Andy most, but I guess Snake and Teddy were cue too lol.
But I had one major disconnect when reading this one, and its still bothering me. Normally I find a quote entertaining and want to remember it, but this time I desperately want to forget it. I don't even know what I'm meant to think??
The quote? "Okay, Theodore might be gay and look like a twelve-year-old porn star, but Jimothy redefined queen" I mean WTH???? What does a twelve year old porn star look like? Seriously squicked me.
So while I thought this was a solid 3 star for a light hearted sweet read I feel like dropping a star on that quote alone. It just really bothers me. Am I over thinking it?
Okay, Theodore might be gay and look like a twelve-year-old porn star, but Jimothy redefined queen
October 16, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I really enjoy this series and this book was no different. I loved Theodore, Snake and Andy. I liked how involved in the book Andy was, most of the time children are just an after thought in a book but not in this one. Andy was upfront and center and he was also a great character. I loved the chemistry between Theodore and Snake. I honestly wanted the book to last longer. There as a little angst with the grandparents, and a little between Theodore and Snake because they were each hiding things from each other. Overall this was a fast, easy enjoyable read with some cameos from characters from previous books. I loved the ending with Snake and Andy.....so flipping cute! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I really enjoy this series and this book was no different. I loved Theodore, Snake and Andy. I liked how involved in the book Andy was, most of the time children are just an after thought in a book but not in this one. Andy was upfront and center and he was also a great character. I loved the chemistry between Theodore and Snake. I honestly wanted the book to last longer. There as a little angst with the grandparents, and a little between Theodore and Snake because they were each hiding things from each other. Overall this was a fast, easy enjoyable read with some cameos from characters from previous books. I loved the ending with Snake and Andy.....so flipping cute! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
October 6, 2017
This is the best of the series so far!
***
I continue to enjoy this series and this group of guys but High Balls is the best of the bunch so far. Once again, Lain delivers an engaging story with characters who charmed their way into my heart as well as touching on relevant issues such as prejudice against the LGBT community.
In Theodore, I found a guy I could relate to. Not only is he a dad focused on giving his son all he can - a son by choice, not blood - but he's also finishing up a dissertation on how classic lit - Austen specifically - impacts the modern romance genre. Austen? Romance? How academia and society judge romance readers?!? I hope someone is actually working on a dissertation like this. But I digress. Theodore has been working so hard at being a dad and student that he's let his personal life slide.
Enter Snake. On the surface, Snake is nothing that Theodore thinks he should be interested in. The long-haired, tattooed, Harley-riding bartender won't fit in Theodore's staid, conservative world. But there's so much more than meets the eye with Snake that Theodore gives him a chance even if his in-laws, their church, and the head of his department would never approve.
As I'm writing this, I realize High Balls offers a little nod to Pride & Prejudice itself. No wonder I loved it!
High Balls gave me what I'd felt I'd been missing in the previous installments of this series and that is the strong connection with the MCs. Theodore and Snake fit well as a couple and it was enjoyable to watch them face and work together through some issues.
Theodore's son, Andy, was a doll! So mature for a 7 year old but seeing as he had to deal with people saying mean things and bullying him over his dad, it made sense.
I also delighted in spending some time with the guys from the previous installments. I love that they're such a tight-knit group and always have each others' backs.
I'm not sure if this is it for the series or not but I look forward to reading any and everything from Lain!
*I received a complimentary copy of the book as part of the blog tour. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.*
***
I continue to enjoy this series and this group of guys but High Balls is the best of the bunch so far. Once again, Lain delivers an engaging story with characters who charmed their way into my heart as well as touching on relevant issues such as prejudice against the LGBT community.
In Theodore, I found a guy I could relate to. Not only is he a dad focused on giving his son all he can - a son by choice, not blood - but he's also finishing up a dissertation on how classic lit - Austen specifically - impacts the modern romance genre. Austen? Romance? How academia and society judge romance readers?!? I hope someone is actually working on a dissertation like this. But I digress. Theodore has been working so hard at being a dad and student that he's let his personal life slide.
Enter Snake. On the surface, Snake is nothing that Theodore thinks he should be interested in. The long-haired, tattooed, Harley-riding bartender won't fit in Theodore's staid, conservative world. But there's so much more than meets the eye with Snake that Theodore gives him a chance even if his in-laws, their church, and the head of his department would never approve.
As I'm writing this, I realize High Balls offers a little nod to Pride & Prejudice itself. No wonder I loved it!
High Balls gave me what I'd felt I'd been missing in the previous installments of this series and that is the strong connection with the MCs. Theodore and Snake fit well as a couple and it was enjoyable to watch them face and work together through some issues.
Theodore's son, Andy, was a doll! So mature for a 7 year old but seeing as he had to deal with people saying mean things and bullying him over his dad, it made sense.
I also delighted in spending some time with the guys from the previous installments. I love that they're such a tight-knit group and always have each others' backs.
I'm not sure if this is it for the series or not but I look forward to reading any and everything from Lain!
*I received a complimentary copy of the book as part of the blog tour. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.*
October 17, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is another sweet and swishy addition to the Laguna Beach series. This time, Theodore, a doctoral candidate at a conservative Christian university, finds himself fighting his attraction for Snake, a biker and bartender.
Theodore and Snake are one of my favourite couples in this series. They present as opposites but they have much more in common than Theodore ever imagined. The attraction is instant between these two but the romance is a wonderfully angst-free slow burn. I enjoyed Theodore as a dad and I loved Snake’s relationship with Andy. And for someone who doesn’t usually enjoy kids in romance novels, Andy is a great character in his own right.
The book geek in me absolutely loved Theodore’s thesis topic. Romantic fiction as literature is something I believe passionately in. (I’ve even had my own students undertake a feminist reading of contemporary Urban Fantasy fiction). I really enjoyed Theodore’s academic world but I’m always disturbed by the idea of Christian Universities in the US.
Once again, this story gets quite dark as Theodore’s Christian in-laws attempt to pull his son into their church and his religious department head attempts to destroy his career. As a Bible Belt survivor myself, I’ve struggled with the author’s portrayal of Christian fundamentalists throughout the series. Here, once again, the Christian characters are almost slapstick baddies. They are ignorant and too easy to dismiss as crazy and evil. I feel like the author continues to miss the subtle but insidiously toxic threat to a liberal and inclusive society from more mainstream Christian institutions. But maybe that reality is simply too dark for romantic fiction to consider in 2017.
It was great to catch up with Theodore’s group of friends (now all coupled up!) in Laguna Beach. Whenever the story got a bit dark, Theodore and Snake had good friends to rely on. While there are always heavy themes in these books, I always come away feeling like I’ve read something light and happy - and full of California sunshine!
This is another sweet and swishy addition to the Laguna Beach series. This time, Theodore, a doctoral candidate at a conservative Christian university, finds himself fighting his attraction for Snake, a biker and bartender.
Theodore and Snake are one of my favourite couples in this series. They present as opposites but they have much more in common than Theodore ever imagined. The attraction is instant between these two but the romance is a wonderfully angst-free slow burn. I enjoyed Theodore as a dad and I loved Snake’s relationship with Andy. And for someone who doesn’t usually enjoy kids in romance novels, Andy is a great character in his own right.
The book geek in me absolutely loved Theodore’s thesis topic. Romantic fiction as literature is something I believe passionately in. (I’ve even had my own students undertake a feminist reading of contemporary Urban Fantasy fiction). I really enjoyed Theodore’s academic world but I’m always disturbed by the idea of Christian Universities in the US.
Once again, this story gets quite dark as Theodore’s Christian in-laws attempt to pull his son into their church and his religious department head attempts to destroy his career. As a Bible Belt survivor myself, I’ve struggled with the author’s portrayal of Christian fundamentalists throughout the series. Here, once again, the Christian characters are almost slapstick baddies. They are ignorant and too easy to dismiss as crazy and evil. I feel like the author continues to miss the subtle but insidiously toxic threat to a liberal and inclusive society from more mainstream Christian institutions. But maybe that reality is simply too dark for romantic fiction to consider in 2017.
It was great to catch up with Theodore’s group of friends (now all coupled up!) in Laguna Beach. Whenever the story got a bit dark, Theodore and Snake had good friends to rely on. While there are always heavy themes in these books, I always come away feeling like I’ve read something light and happy - and full of California sunshine!
October 8, 2017
Reality seems to be the continuing thread throughout this series, along with amazing characters! As a romance reader, I expect... OK, demand a happy ever after, that is my right as a reader. I don't expect the road to happiness to be easy, because in real life... few things worth having are "easy"! Even though we found a few "over the top" situations as we read along in this series, we loved every minute of it and begged for more! But, I have strayed from my original thought... reality played a big part in each of these books, and this one was no exception. It doesn't take blood to make a family or be a mom or a dad... it just takes love and caring and support. Which, as we all know isn't always easy (reference to my earlier comment) but it sure is worth the effort!
Yes, both Snake (could Ms. Lain have given our Theo a more perfect partner? NOPE!!!) and Theo had secrets but their reasoning for keeping them was logical and as for Theo, perhaps his secret was the most terrifying thing he had to deal with in his life, short of his loss of his best friend and the mother of his son, our most precocious, Andy!!!
I must say, that having loved all the books in this series and as each character touched my heart in their own ways... this one stands out as my favorite to date! Of course, I have thought this for each of the previous books as I would finish them... so, Ms. Lain must know exactly how to push my "love" buttons!!! :D
Yes, both Snake (could Ms. Lain have given our Theo a more perfect partner? NOPE!!!) and Theo had secrets but their reasoning for keeping them was logical and as for Theo, perhaps his secret was the most terrifying thing he had to deal with in his life, short of his loss of his best friend and the mother of his son, our most precocious, Andy!!!
I must say, that having loved all the books in this series and as each character touched my heart in their own ways... this one stands out as my favorite to date! Of course, I have thought this for each of the previous books as I would finish them... so, Ms. Lain must know exactly how to push my "love" buttons!!! :D
October 11, 2017
m/m
Never judge a book by its cover. PHD candidate Theodore Walters should know this. His dissertation is actually a cause near and dear to my heart. Why doesn’t the romance genre get the respect it deserves? Theodore is a 26 year old gay single dad who looks like he is much younger than that. He will do whatever is necessary to keep his son even if it means kowtowing to the boys homophobic grandparents. But when he meets the tattooed, Harley riding bartender “Snake” Erasmo his careful world gets rocked off its axis. Can he have love, respect and most importantly raise his son without interference? With the help of his Laguna Beach friends he may just have a shot.
This book went straight to my heart and took up residence. I could identify so much with his fight to keep his son and still find love. I LOVED his dissertation topic and could go off on that for days. High Balls is a warm and sweet tale of learning what is important in life.
Never judge a book by its cover. PHD candidate Theodore Walters should know this. His dissertation is actually a cause near and dear to my heart. Why doesn’t the romance genre get the respect it deserves? Theodore is a 26 year old gay single dad who looks like he is much younger than that. He will do whatever is necessary to keep his son even if it means kowtowing to the boys homophobic grandparents. But when he meets the tattooed, Harley riding bartender “Snake” Erasmo his careful world gets rocked off its axis. Can he have love, respect and most importantly raise his son without interference? With the help of his Laguna Beach friends he may just have a shot.
This book went straight to my heart and took up residence. I could identify so much with his fight to keep his son and still find love. I LOVED his dissertation topic and could go off on that for days. High Balls is a warm and sweet tale of learning what is important in life.
October 5, 2017
I was so glad to see a new addition to this series! I’d enjoyed the series in it’s original form and liked re-visiting it upon it’s re-release. To find out there was another NEW one, too – awesome!
I think this is probably my second favorite book in the series. I really loved the juxtaposition of Snake and “Teddy” – two opposites that weren’t so opposite.
Theodore’s son is adorable and I loved how he and Snake bonded so well.
While I thought some of the hiding and secrets were a bit far-fetched and unnecessarily angsty – I liked that things resolved with little fuss.
If you’ve been enjoying this series, you’ll want to add this to your list – but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. If you’re new to the series or just like nerdy meets biker type romances – or single father romances – this is for you!
Highly recommended!
4.25 (rounded to 4.5) of 5 stars
I think this is probably my second favorite book in the series. I really loved the juxtaposition of Snake and “Teddy” – two opposites that weren’t so opposite.
Theodore’s son is adorable and I loved how he and Snake bonded so well.
While I thought some of the hiding and secrets were a bit far-fetched and unnecessarily angsty – I liked that things resolved with little fuss.
If you’ve been enjoying this series, you’ll want to add this to your list – but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. If you’re new to the series or just like nerdy meets biker type romances – or single father romances – this is for you!
Highly recommended!
4.25 (rounded to 4.5) of 5 stars
October 21, 2017
This one fit right in with the others in the series and the men from the previous books played a pretty decent role in this one. I love that! The dreamy unreality continue in this book where we have Theodore who is a single dad trying desperately to get his PhD in order to give his son a better life therefore keeping himself very busy and very lonely. Then we have Snake, the tattooed man of Teddy's dreams who turns out to be quite the mystery. Hated the grandparents, loved our boys and adored Snake. Very sweet romance with the smartest seven year old I've ever read about.
January 18, 2021
Ah-hah! I had read this before. Now the question is why didn't I notice that? smh
February 19, 2019
Cute, entertaining story.
December 8, 2017
High Balls is Book five in the Balls to the Wall series, and continues Lain’s love affair with Laguna, California and the gorgeous men who live there. While each book is a standalone, there are several crossover characters, as they all live and work in the same universe and are friends. For fans of this series who have been waiting for another book to drop (that would be me), it is a welcome addition and certainly fits right in with the feel and storyline of the other books in the series. As with the other books, this one tackles some pretty hefty issues, but it does so while staying positive and bringing a measure of forward-thinking which gives the story a lightness it might not have otherwise. Lain covers single parenthood and adoption issues, religious expression and family issues, even homophobia mixed with gender issues in the literary and academic pantheons. Whew. With all that—in spite of all that—we get a heartwarming story of a precocious seven-year-old boy, a dad working on his PhD, and barely holding it together, and a rake named Snake, who is not exactly what he seems. Together they make a family, and I totally enjoyed their journey to their own HEA.
Theodore Walters is working on his PhD. He’s so close he can taste it, with just his orals to go. All of his hopes are in passing this last test, and the boards conveying on him the honor of tenure and a salary increase at the small religious college he works at. When he was eighteen, he married his best friend, who had gotten herself pregnant. When she died, it left him with Andy, his son and the love of his life. Everything Teddy does is for Andy. He’s taken every precaution, he’s worked long hours at the college, sucked up to stuffy department heads, and lived the life of a monk so that he could make a better life for Andy. Basically, Teddy lives his life in a constant state of paranoia that things won’t work out with college, and that his in-laws will try to take his son away as a result. I will say that this character could be a little hit or miss for me. When he is Theodore, well, I didn’t like him much, and he could be a real ass. But when he becomes Teddy, and starts to accept his life and the changes made in it, well, he’s a great guy and a wonderful dad.
Snake isn’t what he seems. He’s been hiding who is and what he does for so long that it’s second nature now. But one look at the uptight, nervous guy who walked into his bar, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make this guy his. Discovering that the man has a son and ton of baggage doesn’t put Snake off; in fact, with his own issues he figures they are a pair. Snake has always longed for a family, having grown up in a dysfunctional environment, and he’s falling just as hard for Andy as he is for Andy’s dad, Theodore. He just wants Theodore to give him a chance. Yes, he has tats. Yes, he has piercings and long hair. But the outside doesn’t determine the inside, and Snake longs for Theodore to see him, not just his skin.
The road to HEA isn’t an easy one for these two, and they won’t get there without the help of some enterprising friends and a cheeky seven-year-old, but get there they do. This book was entertaining, it made me think, and it made me smile—all the things I can expect from a Tara Lain book.
And who couldn’t recommend a book after that? Hmmmm?! This is a great series, as are all Lain’s books based in Laguna, and I do recommend them. As long as Tara Lain continues writing about interesting, quirky, handsome men, then I will keep reading about them.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Theodore Walters is working on his PhD. He’s so close he can taste it, with just his orals to go. All of his hopes are in passing this last test, and the boards conveying on him the honor of tenure and a salary increase at the small religious college he works at. When he was eighteen, he married his best friend, who had gotten herself pregnant. When she died, it left him with Andy, his son and the love of his life. Everything Teddy does is for Andy. He’s taken every precaution, he’s worked long hours at the college, sucked up to stuffy department heads, and lived the life of a monk so that he could make a better life for Andy. Basically, Teddy lives his life in a constant state of paranoia that things won’t work out with college, and that his in-laws will try to take his son away as a result. I will say that this character could be a little hit or miss for me. When he is Theodore, well, I didn’t like him much, and he could be a real ass. But when he becomes Teddy, and starts to accept his life and the changes made in it, well, he’s a great guy and a wonderful dad.
Snake isn’t what he seems. He’s been hiding who is and what he does for so long that it’s second nature now. But one look at the uptight, nervous guy who walked into his bar, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make this guy his. Discovering that the man has a son and ton of baggage doesn’t put Snake off; in fact, with his own issues he figures they are a pair. Snake has always longed for a family, having grown up in a dysfunctional environment, and he’s falling just as hard for Andy as he is for Andy’s dad, Theodore. He just wants Theodore to give him a chance. Yes, he has tats. Yes, he has piercings and long hair. But the outside doesn’t determine the inside, and Snake longs for Theodore to see him, not just his skin.
Snake took some plates to the kitchen and started dishing up cookie dough ice cream. He looked back at the table, where Teddy and Andy laughed over the total boredom of baseball. Like somebody captured a moment from his dreams and crystalized it into reality. A family who ate together, laughed, shared their days, teased, solved problems. An entity as rare as a unicorn in Snake’s life. He blinked hard against the heat pressing behind his eyes.
The road to HEA isn’t an easy one for these two, and they won’t get there without the help of some enterprising friends and a cheeky seven-year-old, but get there they do. This book was entertaining, it made me think, and it made me smile—all the things I can expect from a Tara Lain book.
Andy shook his head and put a finger to his lips. “Dad, shh.” He handed the box to Snake. “Dad, Snake says he really likes being my dragon, but he wants to be your dragon too. So, uh, will you marry us?”
And who couldn’t recommend a book after that? Hmmmm?! This is a great series, as are all Lain’s books based in Laguna, and I do recommend them. As long as Tara Lain continues writing about interesting, quirky, handsome men, then I will keep reading about them.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
October 4, 2017
What Happens When a Snake and a Teddy Get Together?
It is difficult to believe that High Balls is the sixth in this line of books. It is a cute story, and though I admit that it isn’t my favorite of the series, I enjoyed watching Snake and Theodore coming together.
The storyline is a really good one. A man who stepped up and married his best friend when she got pregnant, and then to raise her child following her death, determined to do the very best he can for the boy, all while trying to hide this one astounding secret from the world. I was looking forward to seeing where this went.
It went right to Snake Erasmo, a sexy enigma of a bartender who turned into a puddle of want when he found Theodore. I enjoyed watching him throw his entire heart into the ring again and again, despite the secrets he was keeping – like how a bartender can suddenly just take all this time off work and seemingly not feel the effects financially.
The peripheral characters are interesting, to say the least. Andy is a very precocious seven year old who knows right from wrong and isn’t afraid to speak up, for the most part. His maternal grandparents, clearly being die hard holy rollers, created a great deal of emotion in me.
I also enjoyed the varying locations used throughout the book. Generally speaking, most books tend to gloss over locations to focus on characters, but in this case, I could easily picture the surroundings of each not-at-home scene, which creates greater depth to a book (at least for me).
Unfortunately, though, the total picture that was High Balls fell a bit short for me. While Theodore is a good man, the constant terror and angsting being conveyed repeatedly did not engender empathy after about the second chapter. For me, this detracted from the whole, because though I usually am a fan of angst, it went a touch too far. Your mileage may vary.
In the end, I’m rating this at three and a half stars. It really is a great premise, but my own personal take away wasn’t tops. I do recommend you give it a try, as well as the rest of the Balls to the Wall series. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
It is difficult to believe that High Balls is the sixth in this line of books. It is a cute story, and though I admit that it isn’t my favorite of the series, I enjoyed watching Snake and Theodore coming together.
The storyline is a really good one. A man who stepped up and married his best friend when she got pregnant, and then to raise her child following her death, determined to do the very best he can for the boy, all while trying to hide this one astounding secret from the world. I was looking forward to seeing where this went.
It went right to Snake Erasmo, a sexy enigma of a bartender who turned into a puddle of want when he found Theodore. I enjoyed watching him throw his entire heart into the ring again and again, despite the secrets he was keeping – like how a bartender can suddenly just take all this time off work and seemingly not feel the effects financially.
The peripheral characters are interesting, to say the least. Andy is a very precocious seven year old who knows right from wrong and isn’t afraid to speak up, for the most part. His maternal grandparents, clearly being die hard holy rollers, created a great deal of emotion in me.
I also enjoyed the varying locations used throughout the book. Generally speaking, most books tend to gloss over locations to focus on characters, but in this case, I could easily picture the surroundings of each not-at-home scene, which creates greater depth to a book (at least for me).
Unfortunately, though, the total picture that was High Balls fell a bit short for me. While Theodore is a good man, the constant terror and angsting being conveyed repeatedly did not engender empathy after about the second chapter. For me, this detracted from the whole, because though I usually am a fan of angst, it went a touch too far. Your mileage may vary.
In the end, I’m rating this at three and a half stars. It really is a great premise, but my own personal take away wasn’t tops. I do recommend you give it a try, as well as the rest of the Balls to the Wall series. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
September 30, 2019
High Balls is the fifth book in the, ‘Balls to the Walls’ series. It stars Theodore Walters, a doctoral student, TA, and father to seven-year-old Andy, and ‘Snake’ Erasmo, a bartender. This story is told in third person from Theodore and Snake’s povs.
October 28, 2017
High Balls is a sweet and angsty falling in love story of the bad boy bartender and a twinky nerdy college TA. It is a wonderful, easy read. It is book six in the Balls to the Walls series, and while the cast of characters from the other stories show up here, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend reading the series in order, I enjoyed the books that much. You meet the other characters, getting an in-depth look at how they arrived at their own happy ever after’s.
Theodore is gay, always known he was gay. So did his best friend Esther. But when Esther gets pregnant and dumped by her boyfriend, Theodore steps in to the daddy role, gladly. He’s not Andy’s biological dad and that’s a truth he has to keep hidden. It’s the lie that also sets up how he’s tried to live his life since the death of Esther. Doing nothing that would allow Esther’s ultra conservative parents from getting custody of Andy. But then he has a chance meeting with a tattooed bad boy bartender named Snake. And he dreams of having what his friends have, someone he and Andy can have a family with. Everything is so close, within his grasp, his PHD and tenured job, happiness with Snake and then it’s not.
Snake has a few dreams of his own. Theodore or Teddy as he calls him, fills all the check lists boxes for what he wants. And he couldn’t love Andy any more than Teddy does. But Snake has a few secrets of his own. When the time is right, hell reveal them, but kept secrets have a way of being exposed at the worst possible time. But Snake is ready to do anything he needs to, with the help of Teddy’s friends to help Teddy, Andy and give them the shot at a life together.
This is another of the author’s great location stories. It has all the elements that I love, romance, angst and splashes of humor. Andy as a seven-year-old, is a hoot with wisdom of a thirty-year-old at times. And, of course, there is the colorful cast of the guys from the previous books to liven things up. Over all, I loved this book.
Theodore is gay, always known he was gay. So did his best friend Esther. But when Esther gets pregnant and dumped by her boyfriend, Theodore steps in to the daddy role, gladly. He’s not Andy’s biological dad and that’s a truth he has to keep hidden. It’s the lie that also sets up how he’s tried to live his life since the death of Esther. Doing nothing that would allow Esther’s ultra conservative parents from getting custody of Andy. But then he has a chance meeting with a tattooed bad boy bartender named Snake. And he dreams of having what his friends have, someone he and Andy can have a family with. Everything is so close, within his grasp, his PHD and tenured job, happiness with Snake and then it’s not.
Snake has a few dreams of his own. Theodore or Teddy as he calls him, fills all the check lists boxes for what he wants. And he couldn’t love Andy any more than Teddy does. But Snake has a few secrets of his own. When the time is right, hell reveal them, but kept secrets have a way of being exposed at the worst possible time. But Snake is ready to do anything he needs to, with the help of Teddy’s friends to help Teddy, Andy and give them the shot at a life together.
This is another of the author’s great location stories. It has all the elements that I love, romance, angst and splashes of humor. Andy as a seven-year-old, is a hoot with wisdom of a thirty-year-old at times. And, of course, there is the colorful cast of the guys from the previous books to liven things up. Over all, I loved this book.
November 5, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
This was the first book I read in this series and I have to say that I enjoyed it. I’m not sure if I will go back and read the previous books, but for me this was a nice read.
I will say though that there were some parts that I didn’t believe, like Andy’s age, for example. He talked WAY older than he was and it kind of brought me out of the story a bit. I have an 8 year old and a 10 year old and I volunteer at school a lot, so I’m around a lot of kids and none of them talk the way Andy does. And the one word he does mess up is “pervert”? Come on now, this kid was asking Theodore what kind of guy Snake was and if he was conservative (yes he used conservative), then telling him what kind of clothes Theodore should wear for his date. He’s 7. SEVEN! No seven year old does that. Okay, I’ll stop ranting about Andy’s age.
Theodore was cool. I liked him, but I think he let his in-laws have way too much influence on his career and parenting. He’s Andy’s dad and if Theodore didn’t want Andy to go to his grandparent’s house, he can say no. Lie. Make up plans. Something. But, I will tell you this, if my kid ever came home and told me the stuff that happened the way Andy did? Nope. They wouldn’t ever see them again.
Snake was weird. Theodore and Snake’s first meet was nice, but Snake didn’t act like a Snake, if you know what I mean. Snake was super nice and romantic. He was a giant teddy bear that loved Andy to pieces. I wished we got inside his head a little more. I did HATE his secret, but then again how did… never mind. You have to read it to find out what I was going to say 😉 This was another part that I didn’t believe. I will say this though, the money? Theodore never questioned it? I would have. That would have been the first thing out of my mouth after everything got settled.
Overall, this was cute. I liked Theodore’s friends and I liked how Snake wouldn’t back down.
3.5 stars
This was the first book I read in this series and I have to say that I enjoyed it. I’m not sure if I will go back and read the previous books, but for me this was a nice read.
I will say though that there were some parts that I didn’t believe, like Andy’s age, for example. He talked WAY older than he was and it kind of brought me out of the story a bit. I have an 8 year old and a 10 year old and I volunteer at school a lot, so I’m around a lot of kids and none of them talk the way Andy does. And the one word he does mess up is “pervert”? Come on now, this kid was asking Theodore what kind of guy Snake was and if he was conservative (yes he used conservative), then telling him what kind of clothes Theodore should wear for his date. He’s 7. SEVEN! No seven year old does that. Okay, I’ll stop ranting about Andy’s age.
Theodore was cool. I liked him, but I think he let his in-laws have way too much influence on his career and parenting. He’s Andy’s dad and if Theodore didn’t want Andy to go to his grandparent’s house, he can say no. Lie. Make up plans. Something. But, I will tell you this, if my kid ever came home and told me the stuff that happened the way Andy did? Nope. They wouldn’t ever see them again.
Snake was weird. Theodore and Snake’s first meet was nice, but Snake didn’t act like a Snake, if you know what I mean. Snake was super nice and romantic. He was a giant teddy bear that loved Andy to pieces. I wished we got inside his head a little more. I did HATE his secret, but then again how did… never mind. You have to read it to find out what I was going to say 😉 This was another part that I didn’t believe. I will say this though, the money? Theodore never questioned it? I would have. That would have been the first thing out of my mouth after everything got settled.
Overall, this was cute. I liked Theodore’s friends and I liked how Snake wouldn’t back down.
December 26, 2017
This was the first book I read in this series and I have to say that I enjoyed it. I’m not sure if I will go back and read the previous books, but for me this was a nice read.
I will say though that there were some parts that I didn’t believe, like Andy’s age, for example. He talked WAY older than he was and it kind of brought me out of the story a bit. I have an 8 year old and a 10 year old and I volunteer at school a lot, so I’m around a lot of kids and none of them talk the way Andy does. And the one word he does mess up is “pervert”? Come on now, this kid was asking Theodore what kind of guy Snake was and if he was conservative (yes he used conservative), then telling him what kind of clothes Theodore should wear for his date. He’s 7. SEVEN! No seven year old does that. Okay, I’ll stop ranting about Andy’s age.
Theodore was cool. I liked him, but I think he let his in-laws have way too much influence on his career and parenting. He’s Andy’s dad and if Theodore didn’t want Andy to go to his grandparent’s house, he can say no. Lie. Make up plans. Something. But, I will tell you this, if my kid ever came home and told me the stuff that happened the way Andy did? Nope. They wouldn’t ever see them again.
Snake was weird. Theodore and Snake’s first meet was nice, but Snake didn’t act like a Snake, if you know what I mean. Snake was super nice and romantic. He was a giant teddy bear that loved Andy to pieces. I wished we got inside his head a little more. I did HATE his secret, but then again how did… never mind. You have to read it to find out what I was going to say ;) This was another part that I didn’t believe. I will say this though, the money? Theodore never questioned it? I would have. That would have been the first thing out of my mouth after everything got settled.
Overall, this was cute. I liked Theodore’s friends and I liked how Snake wouldn’t back down.
I will say though that there were some parts that I didn’t believe, like Andy’s age, for example. He talked WAY older than he was and it kind of brought me out of the story a bit. I have an 8 year old and a 10 year old and I volunteer at school a lot, so I’m around a lot of kids and none of them talk the way Andy does. And the one word he does mess up is “pervert”? Come on now, this kid was asking Theodore what kind of guy Snake was and if he was conservative (yes he used conservative), then telling him what kind of clothes Theodore should wear for his date. He’s 7. SEVEN! No seven year old does that. Okay, I’ll stop ranting about Andy’s age.
Theodore was cool. I liked him, but I think he let his in-laws have way too much influence on his career and parenting. He’s Andy’s dad and if Theodore didn’t want Andy to go to his grandparent’s house, he can say no. Lie. Make up plans. Something. But, I will tell you this, if my kid ever came home and told me the stuff that happened the way Andy did? Nope. They wouldn’t ever see them again.
Snake was weird. Theodore and Snake’s first meet was nice, but Snake didn’t act like a Snake, if you know what I mean. Snake was super nice and romantic. He was a giant teddy bear that loved Andy to pieces. I wished we got inside his head a little more. I did HATE his secret, but then again how did… never mind. You have to read it to find out what I was going to say ;) This was another part that I didn’t believe. I will say this though, the money? Theodore never questioned it? I would have. That would have been the first thing out of my mouth after everything got settled.
Overall, this was cute. I liked Theodore’s friends and I liked how Snake wouldn’t back down.
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