A Brand New Ballgame

Living Legends #1

by Declan Rhodes

“Never have sex with the boss!” Chase’s sister Celia shouted the words with the extra emphasis only personal experience could provide. Fortunately, Chase’s situation was different. He was saying goodbye to the minor leagues, and he was unlikely to see his manager regularly ever again, much less play baseball for him. The opportunity to go to bed with Aaron Beck was Chase’s parting gift for leading the Rock City Ramblers to a second-place finish, and the gift was perfection.

Chase O’Rourke always played baseball well. From the moment he picked up a bat in a T-Ball league, the game came to him naturally. Seeing his sculpted body built perfectly for optimal batting and chasing down balls in the outfield, most observers thought big league stardom was the most important of Chase’s goals.

28-year-old Aaron Beck was one of the youngest managers ever in the minor leagues. He had baseball management in his blood from his World-Series-winning grandfather to his Uncle John who managed teams for more than a decade in the minor leagues. Aaron’s goal was clear. He would be a big-league manager by age 40.

Then Aaron got called up just months after Chase. They were not only both in the majors, they were working for the same team. Soon, high-minded vows to follow the rules and remain professional melted in the flames of passion. It was a brand new ballgame that Aaron and Chase were learning to play.

A Brand New Ballgame is a 52,000-word gay baseball romance with steamy scenes and a happily-ever-after ending. It has second chance and hurt-comfort themes.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Baseball, Contemporary, LGBT, Romance, Sports Romance

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2018

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of DeClan Rhodes so I was shocked when I didn’t like this in the beginning. There was something about Chase I didn’t like. However, about halfway through the book I realized that I was loving it. Chase and Aaron were great together and I loved all the supporting characters.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars After a hot one night stand, baseball player Chase and his former coach Aaron are going both their own way. Both live further with the other in their memories.
When Aaron gets the chance to work at the same baseball club as Chase he knows what to do.
First Aaron wants to hold back but Chase wants to explore what is possible between them.
They are sweet and uplifting towards each other... the feelings getting stronger.
Their both not out and both trying hard to stay that way... until it isn’t possible anymore.

The story has a fast forwarding pace, sometimes there was given information afterwards which I personally would prefer to know earlier.
A sweet super light read. It touches everything light. Not going deep on subjects or relations... so don’t expect a deep developed read. Just sit back and consummate. The whole story was written in a positive way, even the nasty things weren’t ugly put down. if you love some featherlight read this one is for you.

Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC Team

[Kendra T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chase was a baseball player, Aaron was his coach. I liked Chase and Aaron as characters, and I liked the story. It was a cool take on the coach/player dynamic. I felt a bit frustrated, however, at how much happened off the page that we were then expected to keep up with. Aaron and Chase were together one night, but when they reconnected again they had strong feelings for each other. Then we find out they had been together or been in touch in between what we had seen. That would explain some of their feelings, but we didn't experience that, we were just told about it. Another example was when Aaron found out about something significant near the end; it was really glossed over and we are then told (paraphrase) "and he told Chase". Also, Aaron was talking a lot about not being out, then it is that he is out but they want to keep their relationship separate, then all of a sudden they are doing an interview together. I would've loved to see them discuss that to give the readers a bit more connection to the guys and their future. There were a lot of opportunities for more emotional depth and discovery that I thought could make this story stronger. Also, their feelings were alluded to throughout, but then they would act in ways that made it seem like they weren't in it for the long haul (e.g., they would talk about marriage and a house on the beach, but then when Aaron gets fired, he takes off out of state and never even calls Chase until later).

As I said, I liked the story. It had a lot of positives (the secondary characters of Mo, Eric, Javier, and Harv, the baseball, Chase's career trajectory throughout). I just didn't love the flow. I wanted more togetherness, communication, and connection.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by the author

[Line]

Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Brand-New-Ba...

[DTM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars...While there is a potentially good story buried here, I had a difficult time with the writing style. The dialogue is quite stiff and uncomfortable. There is also too much going on and it felt like a ping pong game. In turn, I really couldn't get as invested in the story as I would have liked.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began this book at 7:30pm on Monday night thinking ok I’ll get a quick start on this story then head to bed, but you know that little voice in your head saying “Just one more chapter?” Yeah well she was egging me on in a major way! It is currently 12:30am when I am writing this review (and boy am I tired from the giggling I did in spots.)

I haven’t enjoyed a M/M sports themed book in a while (baseball related anyway.) Anyway I loved Chase and Aaron’s story it was filled with hot sexy times as well as the topic of being a Gay male/or female in the sports industry and done in a way that gives respect and encouragement.

I can’t wait till I can get my hands on more like this as well as seeing what other great this this author has in store for us!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF At 12% nothing believable or realistic about the baseball in this book at all.

[Earlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review.

I wondered what I was getting myself into reading a baseball romance.
Well I was definitely surprised as this was hot, read. Chase and Aaron made this book absolutely sizzle. Their relationship was so natural.
Chase was a rookie and Aaron a batting coach. Both had undeniable chemistry, even if they wanted to keep the relationship quiet.
The way their story unfolded, from the coming together to the trials they went through, kept me hooked.
The story line flowed and it was an easy read.
Very enjoyable....

[Laura ~Passion flower]

A Brand New Ballgame (Living Legends, #1) (ARC) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review. Review to follow.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase is a rookie baseball player called up to the major league. He's good and see the Hall of Fame in his future. Before he leaves his minor league team he spends one night with his manager Aaron. Both of them knowing it's a bad idea but they figure that their future contact will be limited so they give in to the feelings between them.

They are both surprised when Aaron is called up as a batting coach for the same team Chase is on. Their decision that they can handled being on the same team and not give in to their feelings is a pipe dream. It's not long before they are back together and falling in love. They spend all the time together that they can until Aaron is sent to another team.

When Chase is injured, his future is uncertain.

I enjoyed this book. I've always liked sports stories with hot guys in love. I liked how their coming out was handled. A little bit of drama and a lot of common sense. Enjoyed it.

I received an arc of this book for review.

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't for me. I thought I would love it because of the sports theme but I just couldn't connect with the characters. It took me a long time to read it and by the end I found myself skimming through the words. Obviously it is a well liked book from the reviews but I just could find a connection.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this sports romance. It's my first baseball story and I got lost with a couple of terms but it's mostly easy to follow if you don't know the sport.
Chase is an up and coming All-Star who has moved up to the majors, he said goodbye to the minors by sleeping with the team's manager. Something they had both wanted but not done whilst working together. It becomes slightly awkward when Aaron is then surprisingly called up to the same team to coach.
Aaron has his eye on being a big league manager by the time he's 40 and he's well on the way to that, especially with a shock call up to the majors when a spot opens up as a second batting coach. This does mean that he's now close to Chase again. The man who he is insanely attracted to and was the best night of his life a few months ago.
Upon meeting again, they agree to keep to being friends, with the pressure being put on Chase from up high to get them to the World Series this season his focus needs to be only baseball......Yeh, that lasts for a couple days before things heat up once more.
The heat between the MC's comes right off the page and you can't help but be drawn in to their relationship and wanting everything to turn out for the best for them. Their attraction is quick and hot but I didn't get the feeling it was moving too fast. I like them as characters. Chase is arrogant about his baseball skills but in such a way that it's not too much and you believe what he's saying. Aaron is such a nice guy, wanting to fit in with the players and managers but with his age and rank it's hard for him with either.
Chase makes friend in the new team, especially with Eric and Javier who are great guys who bring support and friendship first for Chase but also for Aaron.
There are some surprising twists to the story which offer a bit of drama for the MC's but has the potential to rock the baseball too.
I really enjoyed this story and think fans of Declan's will love it as will those who enjoy sport romances.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid fan of Declan Rhodes, especially his sports books. I was super excited to get my hands on this new one, A Brand New Ballgame.

A Brand New Ballgame centers around baseball player, Chase, and his coach Aaron. After hooking up when Chase gets called up to the minor leagues, both assume they won't be seeing each other again. They are surprised when Aaron becomes the new hitting coach on Chase's major league team. They know they aren't supposed to have a relationship, but they can't refrain from being together. Thus begins there secret romance. A few close friends know that they are a couple, but they are forcing themselves to remain secret to everyone else.

The face a few obstacles along the way, but they are super sweet together. I was definitely routing for them and am happy with how their story ended.

I find A Brand New Ballgame to be a great, new baseball romance. Declan Rhodes manages to continue his usual writing style, which is quick and fast paced, with a good writing style, and some great characters, including some fun secondary characters. I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. I am hoping Declan Rhodes uses this book as groundwork for a new series. There is a lot of potential with some of the side characters.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an arc program. I loved this love story between Chase and Aaron. Chase was a baseball player and Aaron was a coach on the same team when Chase was called up to the majors. The had one night together as a goodbye and both wished it could have been more. When Aaron was hired as the assistant batting coach on the same team Chase played on, they both still had an attraction to one another, but because of Aaron being a coach, they couldn't see each other. Chase was also told by the bosses they wanted to go to the world series and expected him to lead the team. They also told him they wanted no distractions for him and expected him to focus only on baseball. Chase really wanted to be with Aaron and soon they couldn't fight their attraction. They kept their relationship a secret except for a couple of trusted friends, but things happen and things get complicated. I loved their story and loved them together. I thought Chase was great and really loved Aaron. Their relationship grew and they both wanted to be together forever. I loved how they matured together and faced a lot of things head on. Their friends were very supportive and wanted them to be happy. Great one.

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for YA baseball fans who love bats and balls.

I am not a fan, but have been to a few games at all levels. I hate that like most sports, money and greed have taken over and removed the fun and benefits from the game.

I did enjoy this book a lot as it still hard love for the sport, but also had good friends looking out for each other and enjoying being together. I had friends like that long ago.

Chase and Aaron are perfect for each other, and good for the sport. They happen to be gay, but try to keep it under the radar of the reporters and gossips. They struggle with separations and injuries like everyone else, but have their love and respect to get them through the hard parts.

Secrets, rumors, and bad management tried to overcome their love, but this is a series. Maybe some of the characters will be back for your reading pleasure. I know I am moving to book 2 today. Watch for that review in a couple of days, with new uses for bats and balls, plus new adventures for boys playing games.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must like delicious M/M naughtiness with a suspenseful story added in
Chase O’Rourke is a phenom baseball player at only 22yo he’s moved to an expansion team b/c of his batting skills. To celebrate he and Aaron Beck, the A-level team manager, go out but end up going back to get “better acquainted” in a motel room. Aaron’s dream at 28 is to become a manager in the majors before turning 40. Although they are separated at that moment, circumstances conspire to put them back together in Charlotte where they reestablish their relationship. What harm could there be?
This was a well-written, intriguing story in Mr. Rhodes’ sports-themed books. It has second chances, sex, dirty players, sex, cruel plot and more…
Like the author says, it’s a “brand new ballgame” with an intriguing plot. I was offered an ARC to review, but bought it anyway. Highly recommended if you like unapologetic love between two buff men.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of adorable guys, lots of chemistry and steam, and the great American pastime combine to make an engaging sweet and sexy romance. We get a mixed bag of romance tropes with Chase and Aaron's love story. They enjoy a a goodbye hook-up on Chase's move to the majors, then get a second chance at romance when Aaron shows up on the major league scene. We also get a bit of the long distance relationship, secret romance, and coming out, which all combine for the required angst to add a touch of drama to the story. And of course, we can't forget the sports side of the story. This isn't just he's a baseball player and he's falling for his boss, we get actual game play and plenty of it. All in all, the story moves along at a good pace, the characters are likable and interesting, and the romance is a good mix of sugary sweet and hot, hot, hot.

[Temberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed A Brand New Ballgame I mean who wouldn’t even though I am a Reds fan! Aaron is the manager of the minor baseball team and he is hotter than all get out by the way and Chase is his star player until he gets call to the Major league. They started something that should have ended but then Aaron got a call to be an asst. coach for the same team. The two couldn’t leave each other alone and pretty soon they are a couple, just hidden. Then things start to happen and complications start to set in. I am personally mad that Aaron let a terrible wrong happen and didn’t bring justice down hard on them. And you know who I mean! Great book, and a great addition to Declan baseball series!!!

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A homerun of a book

A Brand New Ballgame by Declan Rhodes tells the story of two men falling in love in the world of baseball. Aaron is a batting coach aiming for the title of mAnager by the time he reaches 40. At 28, he can relate to the young players and is good at his job. Chase is a Rookie player who is headed for stardom. A natural on the field, a good friend and a sexy and passionate lover. They must keep their love secret or risk their jobs. They also have to deal with some obstacles professionally and personally. But eventually the truth must come out, and when it does they find themselves in a while new ballgame.

Well written and charming love story with two sweet and sexy characters. Definitely recommend this book.

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.

I had a lot of fun with Chase and Aaron's story. Once Aaron arrives at Chase's new team, they have a decision to make. Do they stay coworkers or can they have more. Chase wants him and loves their time together. Aaron has dreams of being the youngest professional team manager, but he also wants Chase. He needs to decide what he wants and go for it.

Others decide to teach Chase a lesson for some decisions he has made. They harm his future and cause him to doubt himself. Their friends help Aaron solve unanswered questions and Chase gets a taste of his dream.

I really like this story and think that it is well-written with great characters.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, sweet and entertaining story. Chase is confident, easygoing, a bit spoiled and a little hyper. Aaron is quiet, sweet and stubborn. They hooked up as a goodbye when Chase gets promoted to the big leagues thinking that it was a one time thing. But soon after Aaron gets promoted to batting coach by the same team. They soon start a secret affair, and the team higher ups don't like it. All kinds of trouble comes to them, and all they can do is try to survive it. This has a brilliant storyline and some wonderful characters, and some not so nice ones. I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[GhostMMreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story where baseball is almost a character of the story, influencing the storyline and the characters life and decisions greatly. So if you don’t like baseball or don’t understand the rules, you might misunderstand the background of the story and the motive for some of the characters’ decisions. The story in itself is sweet, you get to know Chase and Aaron more through their actions and interactions with the side characters rather than through deep internal analysis. There is little angst, and even the crisis event is quickly solved - the solution felt a little bit rushed and almost unbelievable. Overall, I liked the book.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you were looking for a quick, easy read rooted in baseball this one is for you. Chase and Aaron pursue a relationship that is taboo, coach/player. They had a fiery chemistry from the moment they step over the line and continue on throughout. It’s hard to fight an attraction that burns so brightly. I feel like if there would have been more to it this book may have gotten five stars from me, but there were places that time jumped too quickly, there wasn’t enough happening during a scene and it felt like something was missing. I did enjoy that this was a baseball themed M/M romance. I liked the insider look and feel we got as a reader.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your usual baseball romance book. Chase is on his way to the majors and he wants that one shot with his batting coach Aaron. He won’t see him probably again, why not? But to their great surprise they each felt it, the connection, the need for one another.

The story goes through Chase first year of major league ball, starting friendships, games, highs and lows and of course the complications of being gay in baseball and dating a coach. A little angst, some laughs, great friends and of course love wins! It’s a good fast read for a summer day!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. This is the story of two men falling in love. A love that was not supposed to be. But what the heart wants the heart wants. Aaron is a coach aiming for the title of manager he is 28, so he can relate to the young players on the team. Chase is a Rookie player who is really good and headed for the big times. Chase is natural on the field he is a good friend and a sexy. Aaron and Chase must keep their love a secret or they could risk their jobs. Like everything in life, the truth will eventually come out. What will happen to these two when it does?

[Modwena Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Chase and Aaron are both rising stars in the world of baseball, Chase as a player and Aaron as a manager. They share a night of passion just before Chase leaves to play for another team. That was supposed to be goodbye, but Aaron is promoted to coach the team Chase plays for. The two MCs were so endearing and I loved that once they knew their attraction wasn't going anywhere they completely commit to the relationship, even though they need to keep it a secret.Well worth a read, a really cute story.

[Sallyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really really wanted to love this book and the story could have been sooo good but I just found the whole book lacking in substance. It was hard to relate to Chase and Aaron, they both just seemed like push overs. The story seemed to jump to far ahead and I didn’t quite understand what was happening in the first 8 or so chapters. I’ve given it 3 stars because I really feel like this story had some potential it just needed a little more content to help the story flow better, it just felt like it was a little rushed.

[Bo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ground Rule Double

I generally like Declan Rhodes' baseball books, and I liked this one--especially the cover with the sweet and insatiable rookie Chase striking such a come-hither-look. (It would have been nice to see how his coach and eventual lover, Aaron, would also be portrayed, but whatever).

Though there was a serious life-changing plot device which came along just when you knew something had to go wrong, this one was just so la-dee-dah most of the way. I found myself wondering even in the most perfect and accepting of worlds if how Chase and Aaron came together and stayed together would actually work out. In addition, there were a number of incidents which would have been more effective if they were more fleshed out.

Still, it was a sweet, if haphazard at times, ride.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot, steamy, romantic, suspenseful and baseball what more can you want. Well through in a few good friends and lots of action a couple of bad guys with a little power and really big egos, mix well and you have a really good book call A Brand New Ballgame. Totally good read I would say fun but the bad guys steamed me a little and they got off lightly.
An ARC was providen in exchange for an honest review.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The taboo relationship between Aaron and Chase (coach/player) was thrilling and captivating. I could feel the love they had for each other but had to keep hidden. All the drama caused from minor characters was a real plot booster. I was just waiting for everyone to get what they rightfully deserved.
I’m looking forward to possibly hearing more about Eric and Mo. My personal favorites.
I received an arc in exchange I’m voluntarily reviewing