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Up #2
Batter Up
Professional Baseball Player.
That was my five-year-old self’s dream.
I was lucky enough to make that dream a reality. The catch? I had to leave my college life, my love, and my past in the dust to join the major leagues, but I never forgot her. I just couldn’t. Believe me, I tried.
Now I have been painfully awakened from my lifelong dream into my worst nightmare. And who is there with promises to get me back on the field?
The breathtakingly beautiful, feisty girl I left behind.
Will she help me recapture my dream?
The real question is… now that she’s here, how badly do I want it back?
That was my five-year-old self’s dream.
I was lucky enough to make that dream a reality. The catch? I had to leave my college life, my love, and my past in the dust to join the major leagues, but I never forgot her. I just couldn’t. Believe me, I tried.
Now I have been painfully awakened from my lifelong dream into my worst nightmare. And who is there with promises to get me back on the field?
The breathtakingly beautiful, feisty girl I left behind.
Will she help me recapture my dream?
The real question is… now that she’s here, how badly do I want it back?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2017
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Robin Leaf
10 books170 followersRobin Leaf lives in Texas with her husband and four kids (three human and one furry). When she’s not reading romance novel a day, she can be found watching Supernatural (and drooling over both Dean and Sam equally), playing ball with her furry child, or cleaning up dog hair.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 26, 2017
A young budding love disguised as "just friends." Insecurity, keeping a couple with obvious chemistry from taking that leap. It is sadly doomed to fall apart in the chasing of dreams. What happens when you achieve all your life goals? When you find yourself in life, having everything you worked for at your feet, then what? Well, one wrong move threatens to end it all, and that is the moment she returns, dangling the lifeline of his future, at the tips of her ever so skilled fingers.
I read, glued to the edge of my seat, hoping and begging them to get it right. I sat back fanning myself every time they got close. I laughed, and became emotionally involved with these well written characters. I was a lucky ARC reader, and my life was put on hold, because I couldn't put it down!
A MUST read!
I read, glued to the edge of my seat, hoping and begging them to get it right. I sat back fanning myself every time they got close. I laughed, and became emotionally involved with these well written characters. I was a lucky ARC reader, and my life was put on hold, because I couldn't put it down!
A MUST read!
March 11, 2020
Words cannot express how much in love this couple and their story. I was suffering from a massive book hangover and this book pulled me right in when others couldn't. I felt absolutely addicted to Etta and Nate. They are both so damn stupid about love and each other that you end up so totally engrossed in the book just to see if they can eventually figure love out.
I absolutely love that Etta is no shrinking violet and is driven, smart, and can stand up for herself. Then Nate is the perfect blend of charming, sweet, and caring that we all look for in a man. I promise that you will love these characters and watching their story unfold.
I absolutely love that Etta is no shrinking violet and is driven, smart, and can stand up for herself. Then Nate is the perfect blend of charming, sweet, and caring that we all look for in a man. I promise that you will love these characters and watching their story unfold.
December 24, 2018
Either this series is getting better or I am finally in a grove with this author. These two characters are just that, two mixed up, twisted up but genuinely good people. Okay maybe a little stubborn but pot meet kettle. Anyway I love these two even though I wanted to shake little Miss Etta up a time or two. He is injured and she's his physical therapist. . . at least that's what they are now. This author twists it up quite well giving us the full story of their past, recent future and future keeping the timeline and facts straight at the same time which isn't easy. This also is a second chance romance-that-never-happened-because. . . . for these two so finding out the goodies is necessary. It's a great read and I am so glad I stuck around, I could have missed this and that would be a shame. One of the reasons I enjoy trying so many new authors is because of gems like this.
September 17, 2019
Oh wow, this author hit this book out of the park! (Pun intended) I loved this story even more than the first, and that's saying something! I honestly couldn't put it down, I had to finish it as quickly as I could. A slow, slow burn with so much flirting and almosts, I was definitely feeling the characters torture. Diving right into the third book, can't get enough!
October 4, 2017
Batter up is Robin's second release. This stand alone novel was a fun read and I hope you enjoy it too. This is a very cute story that I found was full of heart and second chances. If you are in the market for a second chance romance, then check out this story. This story goes back in time as well as covering the present time. Robin did a great job of making it flow and fit together. It was a puzzle piece that needed each section at the right moment and she delivered.
Who doesn't want a baseball player. Nathaniel is at the top of his game. However when life comes crashing down, he will have to decide if he can get a second chance to bat. He has a heart that's been crushed and a soul that beats for only one person. When the chance comes for him to make a choice from the heart, he has to decide if he's up for the challenge.
Nathaniel, Nate, is the suave baseball player that captures hearts of women everywhere. That said, Robin made him wholesome with a strong heart, and real. The younger version of him in the story got me. He was hilarious in his internal dialogue, but he showed genuine concern, care, and awesomeness. How he was with Etta, just had me swooning from the beginning.
Etta is a fiery character that had you from the moment she spoke her first word. I found her relatable and genuine. I liked how her character grew from the past to the present, but Robin still left her with some insecurities to over come. This girl has a whole lot of heart too. She is selfless and compassionate, you can't help but be rooting for her in this story.
There are so many laughable moments, heart tugging ones, and just a lot of "oh no" that was said. You could see them grow from college age, to adults. How they take a second chance on things and put their hearts on the line.
There were so many second chances in this story. I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this read. I could not put this story down and thoroughly enjoyed all that Robin packed into it. What each overcame as individuals and a couple was heart-felt. This story was refreshing for me with the romance, heart, love, happiness, and all the moments in between. I could not put this story down.
Who doesn't want a baseball player. Nathaniel is at the top of his game. However when life comes crashing down, he will have to decide if he can get a second chance to bat. He has a heart that's been crushed and a soul that beats for only one person. When the chance comes for him to make a choice from the heart, he has to decide if he's up for the challenge.
Nathaniel, Nate, is the suave baseball player that captures hearts of women everywhere. That said, Robin made him wholesome with a strong heart, and real. The younger version of him in the story got me. He was hilarious in his internal dialogue, but he showed genuine concern, care, and awesomeness. How he was with Etta, just had me swooning from the beginning.
Etta is a fiery character that had you from the moment she spoke her first word. I found her relatable and genuine. I liked how her character grew from the past to the present, but Robin still left her with some insecurities to over come. This girl has a whole lot of heart too. She is selfless and compassionate, you can't help but be rooting for her in this story.
There are so many laughable moments, heart tugging ones, and just a lot of "oh no" that was said. You could see them grow from college age, to adults. How they take a second chance on things and put their hearts on the line.
There were so many second chances in this story. I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this read. I could not put this story down and thoroughly enjoyed all that Robin packed into it. What each overcame as individuals and a couple was heart-felt. This story was refreshing for me with the romance, heart, love, happiness, and all the moments in between. I could not put this story down.
September 26, 2017
Batter Up by Robin Leaf
This second book by author Robin Leaf has seen an improved evolvement as a writer since her first novel Riled Up.
Batter Up takes us into the world of Baseball, and more specifically Nate Slaughter's world. Nate is at the top of his game & life is good. However, life is a fickle creature sometimes and a possible career ending injury puts Nate in the path of old flame Etta Sullivan, who is charged with getting him back to peak fitness and playing his best.
Through a lot of hard work & dedication, Etta has made it as one of the most sort after physical therapists in her field & having to work in such close confines to the man who broke her heart, will test not only her spirit but her ability to remain professional.
I like how Nate comes across in this book. He is a strong alpha male yet at times a sweet, softer side comes out to play that balances quite nicely his 'manly' temperament.
Etta is the sort of female character that I love. Strong, opinionated, doesn't suffer fools gladly but has a slight vulnerability to her that allows us, the reader, to cut her a bit of slack when her rigid inflexibility rears it's head.
Nate and Etta have to work through a lot of misunderstandings & life obstacles in order to get to a place of happily ever after
and the constant hot & cold behaviour displayed by both characters annoyed me to a certain extent. Those who love high angst ridden dialogue will eat this book up!
I can say that, on the whole, I was entertained by their story.
4⛧
This second book by author Robin Leaf has seen an improved evolvement as a writer since her first novel Riled Up.
Batter Up takes us into the world of Baseball, and more specifically Nate Slaughter's world. Nate is at the top of his game & life is good. However, life is a fickle creature sometimes and a possible career ending injury puts Nate in the path of old flame Etta Sullivan, who is charged with getting him back to peak fitness and playing his best.
Through a lot of hard work & dedication, Etta has made it as one of the most sort after physical therapists in her field & having to work in such close confines to the man who broke her heart, will test not only her spirit but her ability to remain professional.
I like how Nate comes across in this book. He is a strong alpha male yet at times a sweet, softer side comes out to play that balances quite nicely his 'manly' temperament.
Etta is the sort of female character that I love. Strong, opinionated, doesn't suffer fools gladly but has a slight vulnerability to her that allows us, the reader, to cut her a bit of slack when her rigid inflexibility rears it's head.
Nate and Etta have to work through a lot of misunderstandings & life obstacles in order to get to a place of happily ever after
and the constant hot & cold behaviour displayed by both characters annoyed me to a certain extent. Those who love high angst ridden dialogue will eat this book up!
I can say that, on the whole, I was entertained by their story.
4⛧
October 4, 2017
Well, to start with, Batter Up is the second book in the Up series by Robin Leaf, and OMG....this book is soooooo INCREDIBLY good!!! This friends-to-lovers, second chance romance has it ALL! ALL the feels, ALL the angst (at times, I wanted to take BOTH Nathaniel and Etta and smack their heads together and tell them to wake up and really LOOK at each other!), the slow burning chemistry that was obvious to everyone BUT them from the start and the love that, eventually conquers ALL!
I ADORED both Nate and Etta! They were the best of friends (BOTH of them never admitting that their feelings have evolved into sooooo much more than friendship!!) and when he has the chance to fulfill his life-long dream of playing professional baseball, he decides to go for it! He leaves college, and Etta, behind. Through a series of misunderstandings (ALL of which are eventually revealed) their friendship and what COULD have been is abruptly and totally severed!
I LOVED how Nate is a definite Alpha with a soft side, especially when it comes to his former best friend/love of his life and that Etta is so strong and has a kick-ass, sassy attitude that covers her insecurities and the fact that she STILL has feelings for Nate, 8 long years later! So when Nate is injured, with the possibility that it could be career-ending, his last/best chance at recovery and possible return to playing is non other than Etta, who has become THE go-to physical therapist for all the star athletes! Let the games begin, people!!!
These characters were so well written, even the supporting characters, that I find it VERY difficult to believe that this is only the second book ever written by this extremely talented, up-and-coming author!!! All I can say is...you MUST READ this book and discover what an INCREDIBLY AMAZING story this truly is!!
I ADORED both Nate and Etta! They were the best of friends (BOTH of them never admitting that their feelings have evolved into sooooo much more than friendship!!) and when he has the chance to fulfill his life-long dream of playing professional baseball, he decides to go for it! He leaves college, and Etta, behind. Through a series of misunderstandings (ALL of which are eventually revealed) their friendship and what COULD have been is abruptly and totally severed!
I LOVED how Nate is a definite Alpha with a soft side, especially when it comes to his former best friend/love of his life and that Etta is so strong and has a kick-ass, sassy attitude that covers her insecurities and the fact that she STILL has feelings for Nate, 8 long years later! So when Nate is injured, with the possibility that it could be career-ending, his last/best chance at recovery and possible return to playing is non other than Etta, who has become THE go-to physical therapist for all the star athletes! Let the games begin, people!!!
These characters were so well written, even the supporting characters, that I find it VERY difficult to believe that this is only the second book ever written by this extremely talented, up-and-coming author!!! All I can say is...you MUST READ this book and discover what an INCREDIBLY AMAZING story this truly is!!
October 24, 2017
Nathaniel and Etta (Eddie). Best Friends. Best friends that are attracted to each other but too afraid to say anything. And when it was finally admitted out loud, it went downhill fast. Insecurity and uncertainty and a case of mistaken identity caused 8 years of silence.
I loved this story so much!! I loved how it was all from Nathanials point of view. I loved getting the back story throughout. I loved the different relationships expressed throughout the book. I especially loved the scene at Brody’s house and Nathanials experience at the wedding! I hope the secondary characters get their own story.
The only thing I didn’t really like was that it never said what happened with Nathaniel’s baseball career.
I loved this story so much!! I loved how it was all from Nathanials point of view. I loved getting the back story throughout. I loved the different relationships expressed throughout the book. I especially loved the scene at Brody’s house and Nathanials experience at the wedding! I hope the secondary characters get their own story.
The only thing I didn’t really like was that it never said what happened with Nathaniel’s baseball career.
November 6, 2017
Batter Up is the second book in the Up Series but can be read a stand alone. This book is a prime example of second chance love. Nate is a pro baseball player who had to leave everything behind, even the love of his life. Etta lost her love and her best friend. Either one of them had the guts to tell each other how they felt. Nate had a serious injury that left him to go home so his mom and brother can help take care of him. What he didn't know, Etta was going to be his Physical Therapist. Etta is fietsy and sassy. You can tell they are perfect for each other. This time around Nate wasn't letting her go. But, can Etta put her heart on the line, again?
September 26, 2017
This is my love story.
It mirrored my own story so significantly that I personally identified with each character. I laughed, I cried, and smiled across the room at my Love, with the memories. This was so well written it was easy to emerge in the characters. To feel what they feel, and be frustrated with them, to cheer on miss sassy pants, and melt under his gaze.
A second chance is the best kind of romance. Everyone wonders, what if...
Read the answer in Batter Up!
It mirrored my own story so significantly that I personally identified with each character. I laughed, I cried, and smiled across the room at my Love, with the memories. This was so well written it was easy to emerge in the characters. To feel what they feel, and be frustrated with them, to cheer on miss sassy pants, and melt under his gaze.
A second chance is the best kind of romance. Everyone wonders, what if...
Read the answer in Batter Up!
September 27, 2017
I loved Batter Up!! Robin did such an awesome job again with book #2 in the Up series. Nathaniel and Etta are best friends with feelings that they won't admit to each other. As much as I loved them both, I also wanted to smack them!!! They were both just so damn stubborn! Robin does very well with the slow burn, it works with these characters. I can't wait for her next book!! There is going to be a bit of a wait, but I know that wait will be so worth it in the end <3
January 8, 2020
I loved the story of Etta and Nathaniel. There were times you just wanted to shake Etta and tell her to wake up. I love the story about Nathaniel and his baseball career, because I love baseball; and what brought them together. My preference in a story is for it to be told in real time and not jumping back and forth. Now and then 10 years ago, then a year ago, then 8 years ago, etc. I don't care for this, but I still was able to keep up with what was going on and loved the story.
October 4, 2017
5+ "Dreamsicle" Stars!
I'm a total sucker for second chance, friends-to-lovers and sports romance. And this book has it all. I LOVED it!!!
Nathaniel Slaughter has accomplished everything he's ever wanted, but a sports injury threatens to take away all that he's worked so hard for.
Seeking treatment for his injuries, he decides to go back to his home town. Little does he know the physical therapist assigned to treat him is Etta Sullivan. His old spark that never quite had the chance to turn into a flame. Because to say these two have unfinished business is an HUGE understatement.
I loved Etta's spunky personality and admired her strength. She's witty and just so brilliant.
Their sexual tension was off-charts, and their banter was always hilariously on point.
I also loved how the author went from past to present in order for us to see how genuine their relationship was and how they were undeniably made for each other.
This is a sweet torturous slow burn where you just want to bang the two main characters heads and say, "love each other already", but in the best way possible. The angst was so so worth it!
Robin Leaf completely blew me away with this second book in the Up series. And I'm eagerly awaiting more from her.
I'm a total sucker for second chance, friends-to-lovers and sports romance. And this book has it all. I LOVED it!!!
Nathaniel Slaughter has accomplished everything he's ever wanted, but a sports injury threatens to take away all that he's worked so hard for.
Seeking treatment for his injuries, he decides to go back to his home town. Little does he know the physical therapist assigned to treat him is Etta Sullivan. His old spark that never quite had the chance to turn into a flame. Because to say these two have unfinished business is an HUGE understatement.
I loved Etta's spunky personality and admired her strength. She's witty and just so brilliant.
Their sexual tension was off-charts, and their banter was always hilariously on point.
I also loved how the author went from past to present in order for us to see how genuine their relationship was and how they were undeniably made for each other.
This is a sweet torturous slow burn where you just want to bang the two main characters heads and say, "love each other already", but in the best way possible. The angst was so so worth it!
Robin Leaf completely blew me away with this second book in the Up series. And I'm eagerly awaiting more from her.
November 6, 2017
Loved this book! I found this story to be better than the author's first one, which says a lot. The characters were well-written and just full of angst. This is a great second-chance romance with a perfect friends to lovers storyline. I loved Nathaniel and Etta; however, I wish Etta would have opened her eyes a little earlier. Regardless, this is a great read with a perfect HEA ending.
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August 8, 2019Cute story!! LOVED IT
I loved this book. How Etta and Nate finally found love after 8 years. It was a touching story. I’ll be sure to listen to the playlist! I always love the music that Robin Leaf associated with her characters.
I loved this book. How Etta and Nate finally found love after 8 years. It was a touching story. I’ll be sure to listen to the playlist! I always love the music that Robin Leaf associated with her characters.
October 5, 2017
Batter Up is one of those books that will make you want to throw your kindle against the wall and shout at the author. The hot and cold, cat and mouse, will she/wont she theme of this book will drive you to drink.
Needless to say, it was awesome!
Baseball player Nathanial Slaughter gets injured in a game. Scared of loosing the only dream he has ever had he goes to rehab his knee. The physical therapist taking on the job is Etta Sullivan, the love of his life – the one that got away…
In a mix of past and present the story unfolds and leaves you hanging to the very end.
I am in love with Robin Leaf’s stories, her voice and the world she is spinning. This is only the second book from her, and I am so very impressed so far. I will definitely be waiting for the next chapter in the life of this group of friends.
I will warn you though. This is a slow burn, as in sloooooow! However, it is well worth it in the end…
Needless to say, it was awesome!
Baseball player Nathanial Slaughter gets injured in a game. Scared of loosing the only dream he has ever had he goes to rehab his knee. The physical therapist taking on the job is Etta Sullivan, the love of his life – the one that got away…
In a mix of past and present the story unfolds and leaves you hanging to the very end.
I am in love with Robin Leaf’s stories, her voice and the world she is spinning. This is only the second book from her, and I am so very impressed so far. I will definitely be waiting for the next chapter in the life of this group of friends.
I will warn you though. This is a slow burn, as in sloooooow! However, it is well worth it in the end…
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews