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Third Base
First base: kissing.
Second base: above the waist.
Third base: below the waist.
Home run: no explanation needed.
Every baseball player knows to keep their eye on the ball and swing for the fences. Each base counts, but a home run is the goal. No one wants to strike out. This is true both on and off the field.
Ellie Teller had been my best friend since we were born, and we had a plan—get out of the tiny Alabama town we’d grown up in and go to college…together. But even life’s best-laid plans could throw a powerful curveball. Rather than attend classes, I was now the starting pitcher for a Major League team.
While my game-day stats were impressive, my record with women was less desirable. I was the professional baseball player who hadn’t been able to make it past third base since the one and only night I’d played hardball with my best friend.
But when the bottom of the ninth came to a close on my career, I had to decide if our friendship was worth more than a few extra innings.
Second base: above the waist.
Third base: below the waist.
Home run: no explanation needed.
Every baseball player knows to keep their eye on the ball and swing for the fences. Each base counts, but a home run is the goal. No one wants to strike out. This is true both on and off the field.
Ellie Teller had been my best friend since we were born, and we had a plan—get out of the tiny Alabama town we’d grown up in and go to college…together. But even life’s best-laid plans could throw a powerful curveball. Rather than attend classes, I was now the starting pitcher for a Major League team.
While my game-day stats were impressive, my record with women was less desirable. I was the professional baseball player who hadn’t been able to make it past third base since the one and only night I’d played hardball with my best friend.
But when the bottom of the ninth came to a close on my career, I had to decide if our friendship was worth more than a few extra innings.
Unknown Binding
Published November 2, 2017
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Stella
55 books161 followersWhen two romance authors join forces...you know it's going to be STELLA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
October 21, 2017
This was a really different best friends to lovers story. It was slow building as we follow the friendship between Ellie and Coby while they navigate their way from teenagers to young adults.
Before we get to that though... Ellie and Coby have known each other their whole lives, since they were newborn babies. Their parents were friends and they lived in the same neighbourhood, attending the same schools. There is nothing they haven't shared with each other. All through high school they hung out together, neither of them dated other people and they didn't really have any other significant friendships with others. In fact most people just assumed they were dating.
Coby is a really talented baseball pitcher and when he gets drafted into the minor league his last year of high school Ellie is absolutely thrilled for him, more so that the team he will be playing for is close to her chosen college. They will still be able to maintain a close friendship. Ellie is his biggest supporter.
Their friendship is pretty much like a committed relationship but without the sex and intimacy. They love each other but are not in love with each other. They can read each other's moods and body language. No matter where they are or who are with, if one of them needs the other they will drop everything to be there. This does not go down well with anyone they may be currently dating.
When Coby's career really ramps up, he is away from home more and more. Ellie begins dating a really sweet guy, another baseball player, who is completely accepting of her close friendship with her best friend. Coby tries to date girls he meets during his time on the road, okay not date - one night stands, but he struggles to get past second base with any of them. There is always something that makes his body hold back and he is beginning to feel like he will never be able to go all the way with any woman, no matter how beautiful or attractive they are.
When things start to go wrong for Coby in his game, Ellie is the only one who understands what he is going through and helps him work through what could potentially threaten his baseball career. Over the past few years things have changed for them both, Ellie is still dating her boyfriend but is holding back on getting too serious for reasons she doesn't quite understand. It hasn't escaped her notice that Coby has grown from a boy into a man, a very handsome man at that.
The line between friendship and love is beginning to blur and jealousy has decided to join in the party too. It is all getting pretty confusing, especially when Coby is going through a really stressful and dark, emotional time in his life. Is his connection with Ellie the real reason why he can't seem to make it to third base? When will these two stop dancing around their attraction to each and see what everyone else has known all along?
A fantastic collaboration between Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls.
Before we get to that though... Ellie and Coby have known each other their whole lives, since they were newborn babies. Their parents were friends and they lived in the same neighbourhood, attending the same schools. There is nothing they haven't shared with each other. All through high school they hung out together, neither of them dated other people and they didn't really have any other significant friendships with others. In fact most people just assumed they were dating.
Coby is a really talented baseball pitcher and when he gets drafted into the minor league his last year of high school Ellie is absolutely thrilled for him, more so that the team he will be playing for is close to her chosen college. They will still be able to maintain a close friendship. Ellie is his biggest supporter.
Their friendship is pretty much like a committed relationship but without the sex and intimacy. They love each other but are not in love with each other. They can read each other's moods and body language. No matter where they are or who are with, if one of them needs the other they will drop everything to be there. This does not go down well with anyone they may be currently dating.
When Coby's career really ramps up, he is away from home more and more. Ellie begins dating a really sweet guy, another baseball player, who is completely accepting of her close friendship with her best friend. Coby tries to date girls he meets during his time on the road, okay not date - one night stands, but he struggles to get past second base with any of them. There is always something that makes his body hold back and he is beginning to feel like he will never be able to go all the way with any woman, no matter how beautiful or attractive they are.
When things start to go wrong for Coby in his game, Ellie is the only one who understands what he is going through and helps him work through what could potentially threaten his baseball career. Over the past few years things have changed for them both, Ellie is still dating her boyfriend but is holding back on getting too serious for reasons she doesn't quite understand. It hasn't escaped her notice that Coby has grown from a boy into a man, a very handsome man at that.
The line between friendship and love is beginning to blur and jealousy has decided to join in the party too. It is all getting pretty confusing, especially when Coby is going through a really stressful and dark, emotional time in his life. Is his connection with Ellie the real reason why he can't seem to make it to third base? When will these two stop dancing around their attraction to each and see what everyone else has known all along?
A fantastic collaboration between Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls.
November 2, 2017
This book is seriously right up there in my top list of favorite reads ever! What a treasure this book is and yes it was so good, I reread the last half again. Because I didn't want to miss a single nuance.
This is what happens when you put two extremely talented writers together and they'll give you the worst book hangover ever. Just sayin'
You read the blurb, I won't rehash. Nor will I tell you much about the plot line, no spoilers from me. But I will tell you that you will fall in love with these two, that you will watch them grow up together. The very best of friends, there being each others "go to" when anything happens. I mean anything.
You watch them struggle through their own emotions separately... and what happens when they share those. I love how she reads him like a book. I love how his protective instincts always kick in. I love how she lifts him up when he needs it and he accepts that.... in his own way. I just can't say enough about the book. I wanted to kick Nix at times, tell him to shut his trap, but I can't wait to see him get his!! He's a good guy, he is. He just doesn't know when to shut it.
This book will take you on the best ride ever. Make you fall in love again. If you have forgotten what love is, help you remember and embrace it. And dammit it made me sigh. No book has ever done that.
It's no secret I love Leddy Harper and I love Stephie Walls too. Hands done these two together are totally Stella (r) Patiently waiting for Nix.
I was graciously gifted a copy of this book by Leddy, to whom I will be forever grateful for this one.
And I'm thanking the universe that you two met.
This is what happens when you put two extremely talented writers together and they'll give you the worst book hangover ever. Just sayin'
You read the blurb, I won't rehash. Nor will I tell you much about the plot line, no spoilers from me. But I will tell you that you will fall in love with these two, that you will watch them grow up together. The very best of friends, there being each others "go to" when anything happens. I mean anything.
You watch them struggle through their own emotions separately... and what happens when they share those. I love how she reads him like a book. I love how his protective instincts always kick in. I love how she lifts him up when he needs it and he accepts that.... in his own way. I just can't say enough about the book. I wanted to kick Nix at times, tell him to shut his trap, but I can't wait to see him get his!! He's a good guy, he is. He just doesn't know when to shut it.
This book will take you on the best ride ever. Make you fall in love again. If you have forgotten what love is, help you remember and embrace it. And dammit it made me sigh. No book has ever done that.
It's no secret I love Leddy Harper and I love Stephie Walls too. Hands done these two together are totally Stella (r) Patiently waiting for Nix.
I was graciously gifted a copy of this book by Leddy, to whom I will be forever grateful for this one.
And I'm thanking the universe that you two met.
October 28, 2017
This was definitely not what I was expecting from a friend to lovers story. It focuses on the friendship of the main characters Coby and Ellie. The chemistry between Coby and Ellie is quite genuine and easy going and their attraction to one another is all about comfortability and not about feeling like they are being judged by one another, since they are so familiar with each other. It’s sweet and safe and what most, best friends usually feel for one another.
However when Coby’s career as a baseball pitcher starts to take him in another direction away from his best friend Ellie, that’s when the storyline gets interesting. No woman that Coby is attracted to rouses any passion in him. In the meantime Ellie is dating another baseball player and it might be getting serious. Your kept guessing if these two best friends will get together in the end or will they just do the same dance of friendship.
This story was sweet but nothing really grabbed at me to thoroughly give it the wow factor I was looking for, I wanted more passion and longing for one another but it just wasn’t there. I did find it a very slow read and hard to get into but overall it was a good story.
However when Coby’s career as a baseball pitcher starts to take him in another direction away from his best friend Ellie, that’s when the storyline gets interesting. No woman that Coby is attracted to rouses any passion in him. In the meantime Ellie is dating another baseball player and it might be getting serious. Your kept guessing if these two best friends will get together in the end or will they just do the same dance of friendship.
This story was sweet but nothing really grabbed at me to thoroughly give it the wow factor I was looking for, I wanted more passion and longing for one another but it just wasn’t there. I did find it a very slow read and hard to get into but overall it was a good story.
March 31, 2019
Rated 3.5 stars
October 31, 2017
Shortly into this story I just knew that half of this writing duo was going to put me through it. Then I find out that the other half of the duo is just as twisted and cruel as the other. Together as a whole they put me through it. In the end this story is straight up AMAZEBALLS!!!
This story is about friendship, love, loss, growing up, coming of age, following your dreams, and finding those dreams as well. Ellie and Coby have been friends FOREVER because their parents were friends. What do you do when your biggest support system takes a different road than the one you both thought you would travel together? Ellie and Coby's journeys together and apart are heart touching, frustrating, and overall beautiful. I loved every single minute that I spent with them. I enjoyed some of the side characters and I hated some of them. I laughed, cried, and got mad at characters, in the end I didn't want it to be over but as a standalone it had to close.
Provided as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
This specific video review: (To be posted later)
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk
This story is about friendship, love, loss, growing up, coming of age, following your dreams, and finding those dreams as well. Ellie and Coby have been friends FOREVER because their parents were friends. What do you do when your biggest support system takes a different road than the one you both thought you would travel together? Ellie and Coby's journeys together and apart are heart touching, frustrating, and overall beautiful. I loved every single minute that I spent with them. I enjoyed some of the side characters and I hated some of them. I laughed, cried, and got mad at characters, in the end I didn't want it to be over but as a standalone it had to close.
Provided as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
This specific video review: (To be posted later)
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk
November 3, 2017
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this book and chose to review it.
I found this book slightly strange. For most of the book I found the going slow and not relevant. I don't understand the need for all the history which played a such a small part in the overall story. I also found Coby a bit immature, which I know was the point, but it started to grate after a while. Gage was an incredible character and I wished for more of him, he was a breath of fresh air.
The development of Ellie and Coby's relationship was so slow and I'm still not overly convinced about it either... so much of this book didn't really make sense to me,
Sorry.
I found this book slightly strange. For most of the book I found the going slow and not relevant. I don't understand the need for all the history which played a such a small part in the overall story. I also found Coby a bit immature, which I know was the point, but it started to grate after a while. Gage was an incredible character and I wished for more of him, he was a breath of fresh air.
The development of Ellie and Coby's relationship was so slow and I'm still not overly convinced about it either... so much of this book didn't really make sense to me,
Sorry.
November 3, 2017
***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***
*ARC*
I really love a best friends turned lovers romance so I was excited to start Third Base by Stella. While I overall enjoyed it, I felt like Third Base dragged on at times and sadly that took away from what could have been an amazing book. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it but I didn’t love it like I had hoped.
Coby’s character was endearing, the nerdy athlete who never quite fit in, who’s world revolved around baseball and his best friend Ellie. I liked that his character had well character. His personality was unique and sweet and funny. I really liked him throughout the book.
Ellie I liked her, but I just never quite loved her. Maybe I just didn’t connect with her, maybe it was that she never faced things head on at times, avoidance was her to go and something else bothered me and I won’t spoil it for anyone but I think she needed to be more truthful about certain things.
I wish Third Base would have been a homerun for me but sadly, it wasn’t even a triple or a double. It felt like a single base hit. If you know anything about baseball, you will understand what I mean with those terms, but if not it fell short of what could be an amazing book and I wish it had been a book that I had loved.
*ARC*
I really love a best friends turned lovers romance so I was excited to start Third Base by Stella. While I overall enjoyed it, I felt like Third Base dragged on at times and sadly that took away from what could have been an amazing book. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it but I didn’t love it like I had hoped.
Coby’s character was endearing, the nerdy athlete who never quite fit in, who’s world revolved around baseball and his best friend Ellie. I liked that his character had well character. His personality was unique and sweet and funny. I really liked him throughout the book.
Ellie I liked her, but I just never quite loved her. Maybe I just didn’t connect with her, maybe it was that she never faced things head on at times, avoidance was her to go and something else bothered me and I won’t spoil it for anyone but I think she needed to be more truthful about certain things.
I wish Third Base would have been a homerun for me but sadly, it wasn’t even a triple or a double. It felt like a single base hit. If you know anything about baseball, you will understand what I mean with those terms, but if not it fell short of what could be an amazing book and I wish it had been a book that I had loved.
October 27, 2017
Third Base by Stella was an engaging yet unique friends to lovers romance. Stella is the alter ego of Stephie Walls and Leddy Harper and this is their debut novel. The story started off slow but as the book progressed it soon picked up and you were quickly sucked into the lives of Coby and Ellie.
These two have been friends since childhood and the book is based around that friendship. We are taken on a journey through their their lives from high-school to after college and the strength of their friendship is highlighted throughout the story. Coby and Ellie were friends first and throughout the years nothing and no-one was ever able to change that fact.
The story was original in that the romance aspect of this story did not start until about 80% in, yet I loved it. The characters were well-developed, the secondary characters were amazing, the story line well thought out and well written. I really enjoyed this novel and even though it had a slow start I was soon hooked until the end. This was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it.
**I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.**
These two have been friends since childhood and the book is based around that friendship. We are taken on a journey through their their lives from high-school to after college and the strength of their friendship is highlighted throughout the story. Coby and Ellie were friends first and throughout the years nothing and no-one was ever able to change that fact.
The story was original in that the romance aspect of this story did not start until about 80% in, yet I loved it. The characters were well-developed, the secondary characters were amazing, the story line well thought out and well written. I really enjoyed this novel and even though it had a slow start I was soon hooked until the end. This was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it.
**I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.**
November 4, 2017
I was drawn to this book because Colby is a baseball player and that's my jam. It's also a friends to lovers book which is my favorite troupe so it's a win for me all over. I enjoyed watching the journey of Colby and Ellie. It's incredible because they've been friends since birth essentially. Of course things don't go as planned because life pulls them in different directions testing their friendship. I could feel how important each other is to the other. I thought it was beautiful story that I highly recommend.
November 2, 2017
For me, this book was kind of a mixed bag. Definitely not how I thought it was going to go based on the blurb and cover. The story itself has a really great premise but it didn’t quite reach me. Friends to loves is always my jam. My favorite trope by far, probably because it’s my IRL love story.
Anyways, Coby and Ellie’s story starts off in the present and then takes us back to the past. We explore their entire college to mid-adult life to get a real sense of their co-dependent friendship. Their lives are completely ingrained with one another even when apart. To me, this section of their platonic relationship felt VERY long. I almost DNF’d twice. But I knew there had to be something good around the bend.
THE END....OMG I was crying and so freakin happy I stuck it out!!! I read romance to fill my heart space. Most of the book wasn’t doing it for me, but the end had me tipping over. Personally, I didn’t feel a romantic connection between Coby and Ellie. Their transition to lovers felt a little out out of left field. So the end wasn’t so much about the HEA that was magical but the writing 💞 The words just stole my breath.
🌟ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review🌟
Anyways, Coby and Ellie’s story starts off in the present and then takes us back to the past. We explore their entire college to mid-adult life to get a real sense of their co-dependent friendship. Their lives are completely ingrained with one another even when apart. To me, this section of their platonic relationship felt VERY long. I almost DNF’d twice. But I knew there had to be something good around the bend.
THE END....OMG I was crying and so freakin happy I stuck it out!!! I read romance to fill my heart space. Most of the book wasn’t doing it for me, but the end had me tipping over. Personally, I didn’t feel a romantic connection between Coby and Ellie. Their transition to lovers felt a little out out of left field. So the end wasn’t so much about the HEA that was magical but the writing 💞 The words just stole my breath.
🌟ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review🌟
February 12, 2018
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Third Base is the first book by Stella, the author duo of Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls. I haven't read anything by either of these authors before, so this was entirely new territory for me. I am a sucker for friends to lovers romance books though, so I had to give this one a shot. While I did finish this one and there were some things to like here, this one was a bit bizarre to me if I am honest. It was unlike any friends to lovers romance I have read before, but that wasn't really a good thing in my opinion.
Coby and Ellie have been best friends since they were kids. They had their lives planned out together, and no matter what came up they vowed to never let it change their friendship. Even when Coby was drafted and Ellie went off to college they found a way to put each other first. But while both of them tried to move forward with their lives, things just never quite fit with anyone else. So when Coby's career comes to an end, he begins to wonder if it is finally time to see if there might be more between them than friendship.
I honestly never doubted the friendship between these two. They were a pair and you could tell that they cared about each other like no one else in either of their lives. But as far as a romantic connection, at times I saw more and at times I didn't see it at all. My biggest issue with that was that Coby and Ellie didn't even see it. How could these two be so oblivious to their own feelings, yet the reader was expected to see it? Normally with a friends to lovers romance you see some angst and at least one of the characters pining for the other in a way beyond friends. But that wasn't the case here, hence why I said this one was a bit bizarre. It was just strange to me that both wouldn't have a clue how they really felt. I understand not knowing how the other felt, but if you wanted your best friend as more than just a friend, I would think you would have some inkling as to those feelings at some point. I also had a tough time feeling connected to these characters or invested in their relationship because of this.
The other thing that I really struggled with here was how slow this book was. It starts in the present, but quickly goes to the past where we see how they got to the point that things were at for the beginning of the story. There was so much time spent on these two as friends with nothing between them and there were other people involved for each of them...it was just tough to get through and I thought about putting this book down multiple times. There wasn't any cheating, but I really didn't care about the years they weren't together and others were in the picture, especially when we really weren't seeing any progression of Coby and Ellie's relationship or feelings for one another. It just felt like it was dragging and I was ready for these two to finally start getting somewhere.
Between how slow this one was and the fact that they didn't even realize their feelings, I just felt like this wasn't at all what I had hoped for. I wanted to feel the connection and chemistry between Coby and Ellie but I just never really believed it. I had high hopes for Third Base because of the trope and my love of sports romance stories, but this one just fell flat for me. If you think that this one might be a book you'd like, you might give it a shot. For me though, this isn't one I would recommend, and I am not sure that I would read more from this duo or either of the authors individually. This one was just a bit weird for me and didn't really seem to have much direction.
**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**
Third Base is the first book by Stella, the author duo of Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls. I haven't read anything by either of these authors before, so this was entirely new territory for me. I am a sucker for friends to lovers romance books though, so I had to give this one a shot. While I did finish this one and there were some things to like here, this one was a bit bizarre to me if I am honest. It was unlike any friends to lovers romance I have read before, but that wasn't really a good thing in my opinion.
Coby and Ellie have been best friends since they were kids. They had their lives planned out together, and no matter what came up they vowed to never let it change their friendship. Even when Coby was drafted and Ellie went off to college they found a way to put each other first. But while both of them tried to move forward with their lives, things just never quite fit with anyone else. So when Coby's career comes to an end, he begins to wonder if it is finally time to see if there might be more between them than friendship.
I honestly never doubted the friendship between these two. They were a pair and you could tell that they cared about each other like no one else in either of their lives. But as far as a romantic connection, at times I saw more and at times I didn't see it at all. My biggest issue with that was that Coby and Ellie didn't even see it. How could these two be so oblivious to their own feelings, yet the reader was expected to see it? Normally with a friends to lovers romance you see some angst and at least one of the characters pining for the other in a way beyond friends. But that wasn't the case here, hence why I said this one was a bit bizarre. It was just strange to me that both wouldn't have a clue how they really felt. I understand not knowing how the other felt, but if you wanted your best friend as more than just a friend, I would think you would have some inkling as to those feelings at some point. I also had a tough time feeling connected to these characters or invested in their relationship because of this.
The other thing that I really struggled with here was how slow this book was. It starts in the present, but quickly goes to the past where we see how they got to the point that things were at for the beginning of the story. There was so much time spent on these two as friends with nothing between them and there were other people involved for each of them...it was just tough to get through and I thought about putting this book down multiple times. There wasn't any cheating, but I really didn't care about the years they weren't together and others were in the picture, especially when we really weren't seeing any progression of Coby and Ellie's relationship or feelings for one another. It just felt like it was dragging and I was ready for these two to finally start getting somewhere.
Between how slow this one was and the fact that they didn't even realize their feelings, I just felt like this wasn't at all what I had hoped for. I wanted to feel the connection and chemistry between Coby and Ellie but I just never really believed it. I had high hopes for Third Base because of the trope and my love of sports romance stories, but this one just fell flat for me. If you think that this one might be a book you'd like, you might give it a shot. For me though, this isn't one I would recommend, and I am not sure that I would read more from this duo or either of the authors individually. This one was just a bit weird for me and didn't really seem to have much direction.
**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**
October 31, 2017
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Stephie Walls and Leddy Harper have combined forces to become Stella. The first book by this duo, Third Base, is a home run in so many ways.
Ellie and Coby have been best friends forever, practically since they left the womb. They share everything and are inseparable during their school years. They are so close in fact, that others assume that they are together. As their high school days come to an end and they prepare to move forward, together yet separate, they decide to be each other’s first.
After graduation, it seems that nothing has changed between them, even with having had sex. Ellie heads off to college and Coby to the major leagues. They are still close, but are just friends, albeit extremely close friends. Coby has a string of girls that come and go in his life and Ellie begins a serious relationship that lasts for a few years, but neither can seem to move forward intimately with their partners. They are holding back never passing third to score a run. Will they ever see what everyone else already knows?
These two are perfect for each other and are basically together, even when they are not. The devotion they have to each other is amazing. It is real and genuine, what most people strive to find. The book focuses more on the friendship first aspect of their love. It is truly a friends to lovers romance. The story develops slowly over time but is still intense and passionate.
The friendship between Ellie and Coby was great and I loved it, but I also felt that I needed more of the passion and connection beyond the friendship. They have been friends for a long time and I get that, but I wanted to have more of what happens after they move past that friendship.
The story was sweet and slowly developed. The writing was on point with what you expect from Stephie and Leddy, but I wanted more of the romance. Call me sucker but I’m in it for the passionate kisses and gentle caresses. Also, this book could have used a little more Gabe!! Please give him a book, a whole book about Gabe would make me extremely elated!! Four stars!
Stephie Walls and Leddy Harper have combined forces to become Stella. The first book by this duo, Third Base, is a home run in so many ways.
Ellie and Coby have been best friends forever, practically since they left the womb. They share everything and are inseparable during their school years. They are so close in fact, that others assume that they are together. As their high school days come to an end and they prepare to move forward, together yet separate, they decide to be each other’s first.
After graduation, it seems that nothing has changed between them, even with having had sex. Ellie heads off to college and Coby to the major leagues. They are still close, but are just friends, albeit extremely close friends. Coby has a string of girls that come and go in his life and Ellie begins a serious relationship that lasts for a few years, but neither can seem to move forward intimately with their partners. They are holding back never passing third to score a run. Will they ever see what everyone else already knows?
These two are perfect for each other and are basically together, even when they are not. The devotion they have to each other is amazing. It is real and genuine, what most people strive to find. The book focuses more on the friendship first aspect of their love. It is truly a friends to lovers romance. The story develops slowly over time but is still intense and passionate.
The friendship between Ellie and Coby was great and I loved it, but I also felt that I needed more of the passion and connection beyond the friendship. They have been friends for a long time and I get that, but I wanted to have more of what happens after they move past that friendship.
The story was sweet and slowly developed. The writing was on point with what you expect from Stephie and Leddy, but I wanted more of the romance. Call me sucker but I’m in it for the passionate kisses and gentle caresses. Also, this book could have used a little more Gabe!! Please give him a book, a whole book about Gabe would make me extremely elated!! Four stars!
November 7, 2017
Well... This was a premier that I will never forget... When two of your favorite authors join in to create this masterpiece i knew right away that it would be something to remember.
It can be scary because we love them separately and the doubts arouse if they could click both writings. Well let's just say that my fears were unfounded. These two ladies know what they are doing. Their writing is intense, magnificent, interesting and with lots if spicy stuff into the mix.
Third Base is the premier release by Stella and portraits the lifes of Coby and Ellie
These two are joined by the hip. They're best friends since birth and their bond keeps getting stronger by the minute. When Coby is chosen to be a part of a famous baseball team they feared that that bond will be broken. Time goes by and they remain best friends but one day...
The only word that could describe this book once I finished it was BREATHTAKING.
I loved this story so so much that I can't wait for another book from this two.
The plot is amazing, very well written, with ups and downs like we all love ot read. The way the story progressed left me wanting more and more each time. I wanted to see where all this would lead us. The interation between the characters is intense, heartfelt, pure and so real.
There is a fine line between friendship and love so we need to look at it closely or you'll miss it.
You girls just nailed it and I can't wonder what that brilliant mind of yours is creating next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It can be scary because we love them separately and the doubts arouse if they could click both writings. Well let's just say that my fears were unfounded. These two ladies know what they are doing. Their writing is intense, magnificent, interesting and with lots if spicy stuff into the mix.
Third Base is the premier release by Stella and portraits the lifes of Coby and Ellie
These two are joined by the hip. They're best friends since birth and their bond keeps getting stronger by the minute. When Coby is chosen to be a part of a famous baseball team they feared that that bond will be broken. Time goes by and they remain best friends but one day...
The only word that could describe this book once I finished it was BREATHTAKING.
I loved this story so so much that I can't wait for another book from this two.
The plot is amazing, very well written, with ups and downs like we all love ot read. The way the story progressed left me wanting more and more each time. I wanted to see where all this would lead us. The interation between the characters is intense, heartfelt, pure and so real.
There is a fine line between friendship and love so we need to look at it closely or you'll miss it.
You girls just nailed it and I can't wonder what that brilliant mind of yours is creating next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 30, 2017
This is possibly one of the sweetest books I
have read, if not, definitely in my top 5. The
basic premise is Coby and Ellie have known
each other from the cradle. This book takes
us on their journey of self discovery, all the
way from childhood to adult. The absolute star
of this book is Coby. Both him and Ellie are
nerds, for sure, but Coby has a vulnerability that
Ellie doesn't have and that just made me love
him more. Coby hits it big in the major leagues
and has trouble fitting in, and misses Ellie. Ellie
was his rock but she was also the person who
pulled Coby out of his very shy shell. We get to
see them together, and then when they have to
separate for college and real life.
This book could have been a 5 star read for me,
but you know how nit picky I am, I couldn't
quite give it. The downs were, this book was
just too long. I got lost towards the end be
cause it was too drawn out. Coby and Ellie
were both smart, and I wonder how DUMB
they could be when they didn't realize their
"more that friends" love for one another. I
mean come on, after everything they shared
and did together, they never thought "hey,
I am sleeping with my best friend and
loving it, maybe I think of him/her as
more than a BFF" hmmmm....makes me
wonder. If I hadn't been lost in the characters
that would have thrown me off.
Again, this book was just so sweet, and for
once my athlete hero was not a man whore.
He was the polar opposite. He was team Ellie
all the time, everyday, forever.
have read, if not, definitely in my top 5. The
basic premise is Coby and Ellie have known
each other from the cradle. This book takes
us on their journey of self discovery, all the
way from childhood to adult. The absolute star
of this book is Coby. Both him and Ellie are
nerds, for sure, but Coby has a vulnerability that
Ellie doesn't have and that just made me love
him more. Coby hits it big in the major leagues
and has trouble fitting in, and misses Ellie. Ellie
was his rock but she was also the person who
pulled Coby out of his very shy shell. We get to
see them together, and then when they have to
separate for college and real life.
This book could have been a 5 star read for me,
but you know how nit picky I am, I couldn't
quite give it. The downs were, this book was
just too long. I got lost towards the end be
cause it was too drawn out. Coby and Ellie
were both smart, and I wonder how DUMB
they could be when they didn't realize their
"more that friends" love for one another. I
mean come on, after everything they shared
and did together, they never thought "hey,
I am sleeping with my best friend and
loving it, maybe I think of him/her as
more than a BFF" hmmmm....makes me
wonder. If I hadn't been lost in the characters
that would have thrown me off.
Again, this book was just so sweet, and for
once my athlete hero was not a man whore.
He was the polar opposite. He was team Ellie
all the time, everyday, forever.
November 3, 2017
This is my first time reading either of the authors writing as Stella. I was drawn to the book because of the premise. I enjoy friends to lovers stories. This one was a bit odd for me. I am not a huge fan of YA, and a good chunk of the book is spent on Ellie and Coby as high school students, moving on to college. I understand that there history is important here as they are indeed the very best of friends. All the angst and unsure feelings in this age group just isn't my cup of tea. So going in now, knowing that, you may enjoy the book better.
We actually don't get to them thinking like adults until the last quarter of the book. Even then, they already know everything about each other. They live together and have for years yet neither one seems to think they may be in love with each other. Both characters profess to be socially awkward but it was painfully obvious to everyone else who knew them. A bit of a head scratcher for me.
I may try reading more by this duo just to see if the writing is different.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
We actually don't get to them thinking like adults until the last quarter of the book. Even then, they already know everything about each other. They live together and have for years yet neither one seems to think they may be in love with each other. Both characters profess to be socially awkward but it was painfully obvious to everyone else who knew them. A bit of a head scratcher for me.
I may try reading more by this duo just to see if the writing is different.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
November 2, 2017
3.5 Stars
This is a good friends-to-lovers romance. The blurb gives you a good idea what the book is about and the title is perfect.
I enjoyed Third Base and this was my first experience reading a book by the author duo that makes up Stella (Leddy Harper & Stephie Walls). I'll definitely pick up more books from them in the future. My only problem with it is Ellie & Coby spent way too much time not together. It made the book seem slow, because you were constantly waiting for them to finally get together. I absolutely loved Gage (my favorite character). I hope that the next story we get out of Stella is the story of his romance with Missy.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
This is a good friends-to-lovers romance. The blurb gives you a good idea what the book is about and the title is perfect.
I enjoyed Third Base and this was my first experience reading a book by the author duo that makes up Stella (Leddy Harper & Stephie Walls). I'll definitely pick up more books from them in the future. My only problem with it is Ellie & Coby spent way too much time not together. It made the book seem slow, because you were constantly waiting for them to finally get together. I absolutely loved Gage (my favorite character). I hope that the next story we get out of Stella is the story of his romance with Missy.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
November 3, 2017
Truly a perfect friend to lovers story, the kind of story every girl dreams of having. Coby and Ellie had been best friends since childhood and had been there for each other through it all. There was such a great amount of detail and insight into each of their lives both together and individually it created for a story that wasn't rushed but incredibly thought out. Watching this friendship blossom and then the good tension that arrived just created for a truly heartwarming story.
One of the BEST sports romance, friends to lovers story out there!
One of the BEST sports romance, friends to lovers story out there!
September 28, 2017
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Eep! Hands down one of the best, if not THE BEST friends to lovers book I've ever read! This new author duo have taken me on an incredible journey through life with all its ups and downs but one thing remained unshakable and that was this couples everlasting unwavering friendship. Totally swoonworthy! I freaking loved every single thing this story had to offer and I'm jumping up and down screaming "You have got to read this book!"
October 19, 2017
I tried with this book, but it just wasn’t for me.. it starts in the present, but then it’s just the past that is talked about throughout the book... to me they were together the entire time and they just didn’t acknowledge it.. it was a weird book and story.. not what I expect from friends to lovers
November 2, 2017
Third Base is a savory sweet slow burn that left me aching in all the right ways. Coby and Ellie were made for each other and have the kind of friendship that so many of us strive for. And Gage! Don't even get me started on Gage. These characters were so well developed and thought out, I wanted to pluck them off of the page and integrate them into my own life.
I am fans of both Leddy and Stephie individually, but the power of these two together is unparalleled. Fans of friends to lovers stories do NOT want to miss Third Base. This friends one tale I'll remember for a long time.
This book is seriously the perfect slow burn!
I am fans of both Leddy and Stephie individually, but the power of these two together is unparalleled. Fans of friends to lovers stories do NOT want to miss Third Base. This friends one tale I'll remember for a long time.
This book is seriously the perfect slow burn!
November 5, 2017
2.5 Stars
No sé que decir, fue medio malo 😐, demasiado cliche y drama barato. Solo lo leí porque lo gané en un Amazon giveaway 😓
No sé que decir, fue medio malo 😐, demasiado cliche y drama barato. Solo lo leí porque lo gané en un Amazon giveaway 😓
November 13, 2017
Third base is a really engaging fun read! I find myself rooting for Coby and Ellie in more ways than one. The comedic timing is on point in this book. I love the coaches remarks and the nicknames that get thrown around.
I love Coby. Reading how he navigates his career and dating is super fun. You’ll find yourself laughing and feeling his awkwardness at times. He is very honest and trustworthy. That tends to get him in sticky situations.
Ellie really tries to break out of her comfort zone. She branches out and makes new friends. I love the relationship that blooms between her and Ryan.
The unbreakable bond between Ellie and Coby gets tried many times, forcing them to make very tough decisions along the way. In the end they let down walls and see each other in a new light. Very swoon-worthy ending. Great job Stella <3
I love Coby. Reading how he navigates his career and dating is super fun. You’ll find yourself laughing and feeling his awkwardness at times. He is very honest and trustworthy. That tends to get him in sticky situations.
Ellie really tries to break out of her comfort zone. She branches out and makes new friends. I love the relationship that blooms between her and Ryan.
The unbreakable bond between Ellie and Coby gets tried many times, forcing them to make very tough decisions along the way. In the end they let down walls and see each other in a new light. Very swoon-worthy ending. Great job Stella <3
November 8, 2017
♡♡Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions ♡ ♡
I gave this book 4 stars!
This was a slow build up between two best friends from when they were young to when they become young adults. We see them as two young kids trying to navigate through high school, with their first kiss, not being virgins anymore, and going away for college. When Coby get noticed by scouts to play for MBL, he doesn't want to leave Ellie behind, same for her but she knows that know matter what her and Coby will with stand the test of time. Coby gets drafted to a team close to her school and purchases a house. She agrees to move in with him her sophomore year. Ellie starts dating a Adam. Over the next few years, Coby cant seem to move on to another girl, and is to chicken to make a move on Ellie because of Adam. When life throws Ellie and Coby a curve ball, can these two admit that they are more than friends or will they go their separate ways?
I love how these two writers brings us their A game with each story they write and I cant wait to read what these two writes next.
I gave this book 4 stars!
This was a slow build up between two best friends from when they were young to when they become young adults. We see them as two young kids trying to navigate through high school, with their first kiss, not being virgins anymore, and going away for college. When Coby get noticed by scouts to play for MBL, he doesn't want to leave Ellie behind, same for her but she knows that know matter what her and Coby will with stand the test of time. Coby gets drafted to a team close to her school and purchases a house. She agrees to move in with him her sophomore year. Ellie starts dating a Adam. Over the next few years, Coby cant seem to move on to another girl, and is to chicken to make a move on Ellie because of Adam. When life throws Ellie and Coby a curve ball, can these two admit that they are more than friends or will they go their separate ways?
I love how these two writers brings us their A game with each story they write and I cant wait to read what these two writes next.
January 5, 2025
3.5 stars
Whilst overall I rated this as 'I liked/really liked it' at 26% I almost gave up on what at times was quite a slow book. However after having put the book down for a while, I either returned to it in a different frame of mind or within a few pages the pace had started to pick up.
This is quite a different friends to lovers book as neither main character even has an inkling of their true feelings until almost the end of the book. At times this was almost more of a 'family saga' type read than a romance. For me the blurb hinted at a rom-com but whilst there is a lot of humour and plenty of witty banter it doesn't really fit that category either. In some ways the blurb doesn't do the book justice, but to include more information would provide spoilers and take away from the story.
Whilst a lot of the book is about getting to know, understand and engage with Ellie and Coby, I didn't feel a huge emotional connection to them. I can't pin down specifically why but I just didn't 'feel' this book. I think that this was partly because many of their internal thoughts and feelings were about other people/situations rather than each other.
Ellie and Coby are both very pleasant, likeable and believable characters. The story is well written and has some good plot twists. There are some excellent supporting characters, particularly Gage, who totally deserves a book of his own. For most of the book the pacing was good and I found it both easy to read and follow. I'm a little on the fence, it wasn't a bad book and I would certainly read more work by either author individually, or as 'Stella'.
Whilst overall I rated this as 'I liked/really liked it' at 26% I almost gave up on what at times was quite a slow book. However after having put the book down for a while, I either returned to it in a different frame of mind or within a few pages the pace had started to pick up.
This is quite a different friends to lovers book as neither main character even has an inkling of their true feelings until almost the end of the book. At times this was almost more of a 'family saga' type read than a romance. For me the blurb hinted at a rom-com but whilst there is a lot of humour and plenty of witty banter it doesn't really fit that category either. In some ways the blurb doesn't do the book justice, but to include more information would provide spoilers and take away from the story.
Whilst a lot of the book is about getting to know, understand and engage with Ellie and Coby, I didn't feel a huge emotional connection to them. I can't pin down specifically why but I just didn't 'feel' this book. I think that this was partly because many of their internal thoughts and feelings were about other people/situations rather than each other.
Ellie and Coby are both very pleasant, likeable and believable characters. The story is well written and has some good plot twists. There are some excellent supporting characters, particularly Gage, who totally deserves a book of his own. For most of the book the pacing was good and I found it both easy to read and follow. I'm a little on the fence, it wasn't a bad book and I would certainly read more work by either author individually, or as 'Stella'.
September 10, 2018
this was a love story that was just so perfectly written, that i paced myself reading. i didnt want to miss anything when it came to these characters. i have read and enjoyed books by both of these authors and i just knew that when they were to come together that the story would be one that will make my re-read list. and i wasn't wrong.
the characters were just so perfectly crafted, that this friends-to-lovers story was one that was truly believable. as a reader you are able to get emotionally connected to the characters. so you find yourself going through their ups and downs with them. the love that was built from their friendship was one that grabs your by the heart and doesn't let you go.
the characters were just so perfectly crafted, that this friends-to-lovers story was one that was truly believable. as a reader you are able to get emotionally connected to the characters. so you find yourself going through their ups and downs with them. the love that was built from their friendship was one that grabs your by the heart and doesn't let you go.
January 22, 2023
The storyline was very good, the romance done well. There were a few Wattpad-esq phrases (for example, orbs...) but they did not take anything away from the story. The plot twist was very predictable, in fact I guess it as soon as the girl was introduced and even second guessed my original thought because it was too obvious. But nonetheless, the story was captivating and I'm glad to have read it!
November 2, 2017
A true friends to lovers romance that is sweet and hearty…
Okay, so I’m really quite surprised by this book. I love Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls’ Bound duet did things to me that to this day I’m still recovering from. So, I kind of had built up some expectations and yada yada, but a word of warning— go in with an open mind. Third Base is such an unique and gorgeous story. It really is so different other plots that have the same tropes. It’s not an easy read, but it’s not dark… it’s this fantastical cocktail of angst and slow burn. I’m trying to explain without giving anything away because opening this book is like opening a present on Christmas morning that you didn’t even think you wanted, but you can’t help but love it. If that makes sense? Basically, it’s be-a-u-ti-ful!
So, plot wise there are some elements of this book that kind of resonate with the Bound duet, although for me Third Base is a book of two halves— one half has more of a coming of age feel and then it evolves to a friends to lovers romance. I actually really enjoyed this, even if it was a rather slow (and somewhat angsty) burn romance. This is definitely one of those books that you have to invest yourself in because the plot and character progression are very much interwoven and the romance builds at a relaxed pace. Again, I liked this. It really injected some freshness into the the friends to lovers trope. For me it was so good to read a book where the characters grow into themselves and they have lives outside of their relationship (man, this non-spoiler thing is difficult). It was also fantastic to have a plot that didn’t go at a million miles an hour. I felt like I was a part of a journey. Like Coby and Ellie were my friends and I was experience their story with them rather than seeing it from the outside. The emotions and the motions that these characters go through aren’t the easiest and this story could’ve felt like too much, but Ms. Harper’s and Ms. Wells’ writing was just bang on the money. They turned words into living and breathing sentiments. At times they felt like bullets ripping through my heart and others like rays of eternal sunshine.
Character wise…well, I need to say this—Third Base has one of THE best developed casts I’ve ever read. The secondary characters were great. I swear Gage… I just want him so much. There times where I actually preferred him to Coby. Especially when Coby was nothing but an immature twat. Basically I just wanted more of him. Anywho… when it came to Ellie and Coby I have to admit that there were moments where I struggled with them. Their actions were sometimes just so freaking stupid, but that is a part of their character progression and maturity throughout the story. Once they come into themselves I was in rapture over them. They weren’t the most romantic of characters, but their friendship is something that plays a big part in who they are. They truly are friends that genuinely care for one another. Coby is sweet and he isn’t the best people person. His social skills are lacking, but he knows it and in many ways he uses Ellie as a crutch. Saying that he still has this very much jock-ish attitude about him that actually balances him out. On the other hand Ellie is very much a nerd. She is all about the books and learning. Although they can’t fathom being far from each other they have different paths to follow. I loved that Ellie is strong enough to follow through with what she wants for herself and doesn’t allow her identity to be lost to male counterpart. I also liked that wasn’t just waiting around for Coby, but she was still true to herself when he needed her. She never fought the desire to help and care for Coby. I really liked that. It showed her strength.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I don’t know whether I’ll read it again, but it definitely offered a very different experience to the usual friends to lovers trope. Saying that, I am very much looking forward to more from this author duo, and I really do hope that there is more from them. I’d love it if Gage got his own book. He is just divine and I want more of him. Here’s to hoping!
Okay, so I’m really quite surprised by this book. I love Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls’ Bound duet did things to me that to this day I’m still recovering from. So, I kind of had built up some expectations and yada yada, but a word of warning— go in with an open mind. Third Base is such an unique and gorgeous story. It really is so different other plots that have the same tropes. It’s not an easy read, but it’s not dark… it’s this fantastical cocktail of angst and slow burn. I’m trying to explain without giving anything away because opening this book is like opening a present on Christmas morning that you didn’t even think you wanted, but you can’t help but love it. If that makes sense? Basically, it’s be-a-u-ti-ful!
So, plot wise there are some elements of this book that kind of resonate with the Bound duet, although for me Third Base is a book of two halves— one half has more of a coming of age feel and then it evolves to a friends to lovers romance. I actually really enjoyed this, even if it was a rather slow (and somewhat angsty) burn romance. This is definitely one of those books that you have to invest yourself in because the plot and character progression are very much interwoven and the romance builds at a relaxed pace. Again, I liked this. It really injected some freshness into the the friends to lovers trope. For me it was so good to read a book where the characters grow into themselves and they have lives outside of their relationship (man, this non-spoiler thing is difficult). It was also fantastic to have a plot that didn’t go at a million miles an hour. I felt like I was a part of a journey. Like Coby and Ellie were my friends and I was experience their story with them rather than seeing it from the outside. The emotions and the motions that these characters go through aren’t the easiest and this story could’ve felt like too much, but Ms. Harper’s and Ms. Wells’ writing was just bang on the money. They turned words into living and breathing sentiments. At times they felt like bullets ripping through my heart and others like rays of eternal sunshine.
Character wise…well, I need to say this—Third Base has one of THE best developed casts I’ve ever read. The secondary characters were great. I swear Gage… I just want him so much. There times where I actually preferred him to Coby. Especially when Coby was nothing but an immature twat. Basically I just wanted more of him. Anywho… when it came to Ellie and Coby I have to admit that there were moments where I struggled with them. Their actions were sometimes just so freaking stupid, but that is a part of their character progression and maturity throughout the story. Once they come into themselves I was in rapture over them. They weren’t the most romantic of characters, but their friendship is something that plays a big part in who they are. They truly are friends that genuinely care for one another. Coby is sweet and he isn’t the best people person. His social skills are lacking, but he knows it and in many ways he uses Ellie as a crutch. Saying that he still has this very much jock-ish attitude about him that actually balances him out. On the other hand Ellie is very much a nerd. She is all about the books and learning. Although they can’t fathom being far from each other they have different paths to follow. I loved that Ellie is strong enough to follow through with what she wants for herself and doesn’t allow her identity to be lost to male counterpart. I also liked that wasn’t just waiting around for Coby, but she was still true to herself when he needed her. She never fought the desire to help and care for Coby. I really liked that. It showed her strength.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I don’t know whether I’ll read it again, but it definitely offered a very different experience to the usual friends to lovers trope. Saying that, I am very much looking forward to more from this author duo, and I really do hope that there is more from them. I’d love it if Gage got his own book. He is just divine and I want more of him. Here’s to hoping!
October 27, 2017
I just finished this book and I am still enjoying and reminiscing. This was a beautiful book, excellently written by a new-to-me author. It was thoughtful, heartful, full of tender moments and funny moments, completely entertaining, and heartening. I don't usually find friends to lovers plots convincing, but this is the best one I have ever read. I fell for the characters and their love story.
Two friends who've known each other from birth, they were misfits in their school, Ellie was nerdy and Coby was a baseball jock. They didn't fit into any of the social groups in their school, so they were left alone to have lunch together. They are each other's support system. Coby's mother died in childbirth, so Ellie's mother helped raise Coby. Ellie's father is like a second father to Coby. They were neighbors, but were family in their hearts. Their houses were equally homes to them.
In Coby's case, you get the knowledge by his own musings, that he can't breathe if he doesn't have Ellie near. However, high school is at an end, and Ellie is of to college and Coby is being watched by scouts for professional baseball potential. Coby has social inadequacies, yet he is willing to face a life apart from Ellie because he knows she's happy to go to college and he wants to play baseball.
This book depicts Ellie and Coby's life as they transcur through college on Ellie's part and professional baseball on Coby's part. Since Coby was drafted to the team in Alabama, their home state, Coby was able to buy a house and have Ellie stay with him. Throughout the book, both indulge in dating separately; Ellie had a boyfriend for three years, and Coby dated during his baseball career. Even so, the reader can note that they belong together. They have a devotion, a togetherness, they live for each other, but they are dumb ones and don't realize it's love of another kind, not brotherly.
They go through a lot of problems, adversity and friends. Coby was never capable of getting to third base with other women, there was always a detail that put him off. The only successful instance at sex he had, had been with Ellie at eighteen, when they decided to rid each other of their virginity, before starting on their new adult adventures. Next day, it was back to normal and their usual best friend routine. ET phone home!
Coby has professional obstacles to face, while Ellie has boyfriend problems to face. An important character, Gage Nix, is instrumental in tieing the plot together. I hope he gets his own book because he was a great character, cocky, obnoxious, but with a hidden heart of gold.
The path of the story is slow, thoughtful, meandering. There are parts that I didn't know why they were included, but later made sense. Some dialogues are wicked funny, others were so full of devotion; the relation between Coby and Ellie is so intrinsic, so deep, so strong. The greatest gesture in this book is their special greeting. Since Ellie's initials is E.T., they do the Phone Home dialogue a lot and do the index fingers touching, like the ET alien little guy. Whenever they do this, it strengthens their hold, means everything is good with them.
A truly sweet book, only two sex scenes (thank you, author!!), and not one, but two epilogues!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Two friends who've known each other from birth, they were misfits in their school, Ellie was nerdy and Coby was a baseball jock. They didn't fit into any of the social groups in their school, so they were left alone to have lunch together. They are each other's support system. Coby's mother died in childbirth, so Ellie's mother helped raise Coby. Ellie's father is like a second father to Coby. They were neighbors, but were family in their hearts. Their houses were equally homes to them.
In Coby's case, you get the knowledge by his own musings, that he can't breathe if he doesn't have Ellie near. However, high school is at an end, and Ellie is of to college and Coby is being watched by scouts for professional baseball potential. Coby has social inadequacies, yet he is willing to face a life apart from Ellie because he knows she's happy to go to college and he wants to play baseball.
This book depicts Ellie and Coby's life as they transcur through college on Ellie's part and professional baseball on Coby's part. Since Coby was drafted to the team in Alabama, their home state, Coby was able to buy a house and have Ellie stay with him. Throughout the book, both indulge in dating separately; Ellie had a boyfriend for three years, and Coby dated during his baseball career. Even so, the reader can note that they belong together. They have a devotion, a togetherness, they live for each other, but they are dumb ones and don't realize it's love of another kind, not brotherly.
They go through a lot of problems, adversity and friends. Coby was never capable of getting to third base with other women, there was always a detail that put him off. The only successful instance at sex he had, had been with Ellie at eighteen, when they decided to rid each other of their virginity, before starting on their new adult adventures. Next day, it was back to normal and their usual best friend routine. ET phone home!
Coby has professional obstacles to face, while Ellie has boyfriend problems to face. An important character, Gage Nix, is instrumental in tieing the plot together. I hope he gets his own book because he was a great character, cocky, obnoxious, but with a hidden heart of gold.
The path of the story is slow, thoughtful, meandering. There are parts that I didn't know why they were included, but later made sense. Some dialogues are wicked funny, others were so full of devotion; the relation between Coby and Ellie is so intrinsic, so deep, so strong. The greatest gesture in this book is their special greeting. Since Ellie's initials is E.T., they do the Phone Home dialogue a lot and do the index fingers touching, like the ET alien little guy. Whenever they do this, it strengthens their hold, means everything is good with them.
A truly sweet book, only two sex scenes (thank you, author!!), and not one, but two epilogues!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2017
Recensione a cura di NoOne per Feel The Book
“Third Base” è una storia assolutamente diversa dai romance che sono abituata a leggere di solito. È la storia di una profonda amicizia, di un legame indissolubile, importante e vitale per Coby ed Ellie.
È un racconto dolce, quasi platonico, un fuoco che brucia piano, ma sempre lì presente e pronto a riscaldarli nel momento del bisogno, ma anche sempre pronto a divampare.
Coby ed Ellie sono veramente cresciuti insieme fin da quando erano in fasce, dopo la morte della madre di Coby. Hanno sempre affrontato e vissuto tutto insieme. Ogni momento che contava, ogni tappa significativa della loro vita (il primo bacio, la perdita della verginità, ecc…) sono ricordi di momenti che hanno condiviso e che poi come tali sono stati impacchettati e messi via, senza andare oltre. Anche il fatto di essere un po’ due nerd, durante il periodo della scuola, li ha uniti ancora di più, facendo affrontare loro le cose nell’ottica “noi due soli contro il mondo”.
In realtà, leggendo questa storia, ci si accorge che sono sempre stati l’uno al fianco dell’altra, ma mai veramente insieme. Capiscono quanto sia importante e profondo il loro rapporto, ma non comprendono tutte le ramificazioni di quello che provano, o non vogliono comprenderlo. Ci scherzano sopra, dicendo di essere soul-mate (compagni predestinati) e non capiscono quanto sia vero invece.
Se ne rendono benissimo conto però le persone che entrano nelle loro vite, ragazzi e ragazze che non sono mai così importanti da spingere Ellie e Coby a mettere al secondo posto la loro amicizia. Provano lo stesso a insinuarsi nella “bolla” che separa i nostri protagonisti dal resto del mondo, ma poi si rivelano essere solo dei ladri di tempo.
Coby mi è sembrato il più fragile e insicuro tra i due. Nonostante gli sia capitata l’occasione della sua vita – realizzare il sogno di diventare un giocatore professionista di baseball, con tutto quello che comporta, soldi, donne, attenzione dei media, ecc. ecc. – è lui quello che mostra in modo più evidente il bisogno di avere sempre al suo fianco Ellie, ed è sempre lei quella pronta a spronarlo, incitarlo o a renderlo sereno anche solo con la sua presenza silenziosa.
Questo libro è un po’ come il diario di un viaggio, che questi due ragazzi hanno dovuto compiere per crescere e per mettere da parte le loro paure, per riuscire poi a chiamare con il loro vero nome i sentimenti che provano.
Non è stato un percorso tutto rosa e fiori, anzi, a volte è stato davvero frustrante vedere quello che combinavano o come si comportavano.
Il punto di rottura di questi equilibri e delle consuetudini di Ellie e Coby è stato senz’altro Gage (e meno male!!!). Questo ragazzo esuberante, un po’ donnaiolo, ma dal fascino disarmante, ha dato un tocco di allegria e colore a questa storia. Lui ed Ellie si stuzzicano sempre e i loro scambi di battute mi hanno fatto morire dal ridere. Insomma Gage è una forza della natura e senza la sua presenza credo proprio che Coby ed Ellie sarebbero ancora lì, a girarsi intorno.
Mi piacerebbe rivedere Gage in un altro racconto dedicato a lui, anche se “Third Base” è un romanzo autoconclusivo.
Io la butto lì…
Editing recensione a cura di Aletheia per Feel The Book
“Third Base” è una storia assolutamente diversa dai romance che sono abituata a leggere di solito. È la storia di una profonda amicizia, di un legame indissolubile, importante e vitale per Coby ed Ellie.
È un racconto dolce, quasi platonico, un fuoco che brucia piano, ma sempre lì presente e pronto a riscaldarli nel momento del bisogno, ma anche sempre pronto a divampare.
Coby ed Ellie sono veramente cresciuti insieme fin da quando erano in fasce, dopo la morte della madre di Coby. Hanno sempre affrontato e vissuto tutto insieme. Ogni momento che contava, ogni tappa significativa della loro vita (il primo bacio, la perdita della verginità, ecc…) sono ricordi di momenti che hanno condiviso e che poi come tali sono stati impacchettati e messi via, senza andare oltre. Anche il fatto di essere un po’ due nerd, durante il periodo della scuola, li ha uniti ancora di più, facendo affrontare loro le cose nell’ottica “noi due soli contro il mondo”.
In realtà, leggendo questa storia, ci si accorge che sono sempre stati l’uno al fianco dell’altra, ma mai veramente insieme. Capiscono quanto sia importante e profondo il loro rapporto, ma non comprendono tutte le ramificazioni di quello che provano, o non vogliono comprenderlo. Ci scherzano sopra, dicendo di essere soul-mate (compagni predestinati) e non capiscono quanto sia vero invece.
Se ne rendono benissimo conto però le persone che entrano nelle loro vite, ragazzi e ragazze che non sono mai così importanti da spingere Ellie e Coby a mettere al secondo posto la loro amicizia. Provano lo stesso a insinuarsi nella “bolla” che separa i nostri protagonisti dal resto del mondo, ma poi si rivelano essere solo dei ladri di tempo.
Coby mi è sembrato il più fragile e insicuro tra i due. Nonostante gli sia capitata l’occasione della sua vita – realizzare il sogno di diventare un giocatore professionista di baseball, con tutto quello che comporta, soldi, donne, attenzione dei media, ecc. ecc. – è lui quello che mostra in modo più evidente il bisogno di avere sempre al suo fianco Ellie, ed è sempre lei quella pronta a spronarlo, incitarlo o a renderlo sereno anche solo con la sua presenza silenziosa.
Questo libro è un po’ come il diario di un viaggio, che questi due ragazzi hanno dovuto compiere per crescere e per mettere da parte le loro paure, per riuscire poi a chiamare con il loro vero nome i sentimenti che provano.
Non è stato un percorso tutto rosa e fiori, anzi, a volte è stato davvero frustrante vedere quello che combinavano o come si comportavano.
Il punto di rottura di questi equilibri e delle consuetudini di Ellie e Coby è stato senz’altro Gage (e meno male!!!). Questo ragazzo esuberante, un po’ donnaiolo, ma dal fascino disarmante, ha dato un tocco di allegria e colore a questa storia. Lui ed Ellie si stuzzicano sempre e i loro scambi di battute mi hanno fatto morire dal ridere. Insomma Gage è una forza della natura e senza la sua presenza credo proprio che Coby ed Ellie sarebbero ancora lì, a girarsi intorno.
Mi piacerebbe rivedere Gage in un altro racconto dedicato a lui, anche se “Third Base” è un romanzo autoconclusivo.
Io la butto lì…
Editing recensione a cura di Aletheia per Feel The Book
November 3, 2017
Stella is the author name of writing collaborators and authors in their own right Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls. Third Base is their first book as co-authors and I think they’ve done a fine job.
Third Base is a friends-to-lovers story featuring Coby Kyler and Ellie Teller. Their bonds of friendship were formed in babyhood and strengthened over the years. These two best friends, ignored for the most part by others their entire school life, made sure to stick together.
The story starts in the present day before going back in time several years to Coby and Ellie’s senior year in high school. Coby is a maverick on the baseball field. Beyond his own expectations, Coby is drafted to a professional baseball team as a pitcher. The story progresses to the present day and beyond as we journey with Coby and Ellie as they grow individually, grow apart and then grow together.
This book deals with several topics very well.
The transition from high school to college, and in Coby’s case, a professional sports team can be pitted with users and opportunists who are out for themselves. Who is friend and who is foe? And how can you tell the difference?
That there is life for those that were once high school nobodies, but you have to open yourself up to people and experiences. Even when they don’t pan out as you thought.
Professional sports may espouse big-heartedness but there is a bottom line. And that bottom line is a key driver. Forge your path at your own peril!
And even with a level of seriousness, humour and wittiness abounds. Coby is very self-deprecating about his failure with women and his general awkwardness. At times I was both cringing and laughing at his inadequacies. Many characters offer great one liners but the start of the comedy show is Coby’s teammate, Gage Nix. He is “on” a lot of the time. His banter and quick-wittedness (is that even a word?) is fun to read. I am glad to know Gage is getting his own book. He deserves it.
Having said all this, there were times when the book fell short for me. The overall pacing did not feel right to me. This book was not so much a slow-burn as it was plain slow at times. I questioned the need for so much detail at times, such as Coby’s injury woes. I even wrote myself at note at the 40% mark wondering what came next. I could not see the direction the book was taking. This is not a bad thing in itself but when coupled with a lack of anticipation, I did wonder if I was going to finish at all. Conversely, the time spent with Coby and Ellie once they realise their love for each other seemed to pass quickly. I do wish it hadn’t taken so long for them to become romantically involved.
Overall I did enjoy reading about Coby and Ellie. Their candour, their love for one another, the support they show each other as friends first and then as lovers makes you wish you have the luck to experience a relationship like theirs.
A solid 3.5 stars
Third Base is a friends-to-lovers story featuring Coby Kyler and Ellie Teller. Their bonds of friendship were formed in babyhood and strengthened over the years. These two best friends, ignored for the most part by others their entire school life, made sure to stick together.
The story starts in the present day before going back in time several years to Coby and Ellie’s senior year in high school. Coby is a maverick on the baseball field. Beyond his own expectations, Coby is drafted to a professional baseball team as a pitcher. The story progresses to the present day and beyond as we journey with Coby and Ellie as they grow individually, grow apart and then grow together.
This book deals with several topics very well.
The transition from high school to college, and in Coby’s case, a professional sports team can be pitted with users and opportunists who are out for themselves. Who is friend and who is foe? And how can you tell the difference?
That there is life for those that were once high school nobodies, but you have to open yourself up to people and experiences. Even when they don’t pan out as you thought.
Professional sports may espouse big-heartedness but there is a bottom line. And that bottom line is a key driver. Forge your path at your own peril!
And even with a level of seriousness, humour and wittiness abounds. Coby is very self-deprecating about his failure with women and his general awkwardness. At times I was both cringing and laughing at his inadequacies. Many characters offer great one liners but the start of the comedy show is Coby’s teammate, Gage Nix. He is “on” a lot of the time. His banter and quick-wittedness (is that even a word?) is fun to read. I am glad to know Gage is getting his own book. He deserves it.
Having said all this, there were times when the book fell short for me. The overall pacing did not feel right to me. This book was not so much a slow-burn as it was plain slow at times. I questioned the need for so much detail at times, such as Coby’s injury woes. I even wrote myself at note at the 40% mark wondering what came next. I could not see the direction the book was taking. This is not a bad thing in itself but when coupled with a lack of anticipation, I did wonder if I was going to finish at all. Conversely, the time spent with Coby and Ellie once they realise their love for each other seemed to pass quickly. I do wish it hadn’t taken so long for them to become romantically involved.
Overall I did enjoy reading about Coby and Ellie. Their candour, their love for one another, the support they show each other as friends first and then as lovers makes you wish you have the luck to experience a relationship like theirs.
A solid 3.5 stars
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