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Love Games #3
Double Play
She knows what she wants, and how to get it...
Avery Preston knows her mind. The Women's Studies and Literature professor
is the latest in a long line of feminist firebrands determined to break the mold at
Wolcott University. When her biological clock tells her it's time to bust a move,
Avery does what she does best--she takes care of business all by herself.
Or, so she thinks....
Dominic Mann is happy with his life just as it is...
The widowed baseball coach is content and sees no point in changing his lineup
this late in the game. Still, a man would have to be dead not to notice a live wire
like Avery Preston. But a one night stand was all either of them wanted.
There's only one complication...
The clinic where Avery was inseminated has been hacked. Now, she not only
knows who the father is, but she knows the father. In the biblical sense. Avery
shows up on Dom's doorstep with a bun in the oven, a bellyful of ethical
righteousness, and the absolute conviction that she doesn't need him.
Soon, the two of them are caught in a rundown between their hearts and their heads.
Avery Preston knows her mind. The Women's Studies and Literature professor
is the latest in a long line of feminist firebrands determined to break the mold at
Wolcott University. When her biological clock tells her it's time to bust a move,
Avery does what she does best--she takes care of business all by herself.
Or, so she thinks....
Dominic Mann is happy with his life just as it is...
The widowed baseball coach is content and sees no point in changing his lineup
this late in the game. Still, a man would have to be dead not to notice a live wire
like Avery Preston. But a one night stand was all either of them wanted.
There's only one complication...
The clinic where Avery was inseminated has been hacked. Now, she not only
knows who the father is, but she knows the father. In the biblical sense. Avery
shows up on Dom's doorstep with a bun in the oven, a bellyful of ethical
righteousness, and the absolute conviction that she doesn't need him.
Soon, the two of them are caught in a rundown between their hearts and their heads.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2018
42 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Wells
116 books425 followersSign up for Maggie's Reader Group here: http://bit.ly/maggiemail
By day, Maggie Wells is buried in spreadsheets, but at night she pens tales of people tangling sheets or tangled up in intrigue. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, this mild-mannered married lady has a naughty streak a mile wide.
You can find her online at http://www.maggie-wells.com
Instagram @maggiewells1
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By day, Maggie Wells is buried in spreadsheets, but at night she pens tales of people tangling sheets or tangled up in intrigue. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, this mild-mannered married lady has a naughty streak a mile wide.
You can find her online at http://www.maggie-wells.com
Instagram @maggiewells1
Twitter https://twitter.com/Maggie_Wells1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaggie...
Follow Maggie:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maggi...
amazon.com/author/maggiewells
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 1, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up. A quick read that was OK but not as good as the first book in this series. I quite liked that the protagonists were more mature (pushing 40). A college baseball coach and a literature professor. It's a book about a pregnancy leading to the parents falling in love, but the set up was a little different - not your usual 'accidental baby' scenario. The set up worked fine, and the plot was pretty simple but worked OK too. I guess I would have liked to see a bit more about the
But at times the writing felt a little forced, even repetitive sometimes. There seemed to be a few minor editing issues too, e.g. when an action was performed that had already been performed on the previous page. Or had it? The ambiguity in word choices sometimes! Minor annoyances, but somehow the writing style prevented me from getting too deeply drawn into this book.
I also got a little sick of the h, with her insecurities and inconsistencies. Her behaviour was attributed to the way she was raised, but I did find her a bit painful at times.
So, overall, an easy but not outstanding read. BTW I dislike the cover of this one, with the huge, naked, pregnant stomach. Hmmmmmm. I didn't really read it for the pregnancy. I read it cos I liked book 1, and the characters seemed appealing. A more generic cover would have been better IMO.
But at times the writing felt a little forced, even repetitive sometimes. There seemed to be a few minor editing issues too, e.g. when an action was performed that had already been performed on the previous page. Or had it? The ambiguity in word choices sometimes! Minor annoyances, but somehow the writing style prevented me from getting too deeply drawn into this book.
I also got a little sick of the h, with her insecurities and inconsistencies. Her behaviour was attributed to the way she was raised, but I did find her a bit painful at times.
So, overall, an easy but not outstanding read. BTW I dislike the cover of this one, with the huge, naked, pregnant stomach. Hmmmmmm. I didn't really read it for the pregnancy. I read it cos I liked book 1, and the characters seemed appealing. A more generic cover would have been better IMO.
October 26, 2018
4.5 stars! This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. Avery is a feminist raised by a feminist mother who was so busy breaking barriers that she neglected her daughter. Avery is so independent that when she decides to have a child, she decides to become a single mother with a sperm donor instead of a baby daddy. When the identity of that sperm donor is revealed due to a hacking incident, she has to decide whether she is going it alone to prove that she doesn't need anyone, or whether she can make room for Dom.
While the heroines in the first two books were independent, Avery is truly the feminist in the more strict and narrow sense of the word. In fact it becomes such a limiting definition that she almost becomes her mother. It is her finding her own way to be true to her feminism roots while allowing herself to need her friends and Dom. No one can go it alone.
She wears caftans, has frizzy hair, is a tenured professor, and is falling in love with a university baseball coach. She is not as smart as she thinks she is and he is not the dumb jock she'd like to think he is. They are both more textured and multi-faceted than that. And there were sizzling hot sex scenes with a pregnant and horny Avery and Dom.
As she is undergoing some unpleasant changes, Dom wants to be there for her if she can find a space for him and if he is willing to insist she does. They were not perfect. Both said less than they wanted and hurt each other.
I love that the series features heroines that are mature late 30s to late 40s. Pregnancy is different for a woman then. It also touched in on choices made later in life that may seem as if it is too late to undo, redo, or to even try for. It adds a poignancy and emotional depth to the romances and series.
Note: I received it as an advance review copy, but enjoyed it enough to purchase a copy as well.
While the heroines in the first two books were independent, Avery is truly the feminist in the more strict and narrow sense of the word. In fact it becomes such a limiting definition that she almost becomes her mother. It is her finding her own way to be true to her feminism roots while allowing herself to need her friends and Dom. No one can go it alone.
She wears caftans, has frizzy hair, is a tenured professor, and is falling in love with a university baseball coach. She is not as smart as she thinks she is and he is not the dumb jock she'd like to think he is. They are both more textured and multi-faceted than that. And there were sizzling hot sex scenes with a pregnant and horny Avery and Dom.
As she is undergoing some unpleasant changes, Dom wants to be there for her if she can find a space for him and if he is willing to insist she does. They were not perfect. Both said less than they wanted and hurt each other.
I love that the series features heroines that are mature late 30s to late 40s. Pregnancy is different for a woman then. It also touched in on choices made later in life that may seem as if it is too late to undo, redo, or to even try for. It adds a poignancy and emotional depth to the romances and series.
Note: I received it as an advance review copy, but enjoyed it enough to purchase a copy as well.
December 5, 2018
Avery was definitely my favorite of the Wolcott women, probably because I could identify with her the most. Once upon a time, I thought (hoped) I would be her! She was independent, feisty, and well-read, with a quip suitable for all occasions. I loved her mastery of words, her willingness to say exactly what was on her mind, her in-bred feminism, as well as her competence - both in her profession and her life in general. She was a real dynamo, and I adored her!
You would think because of Avery's bluntness and willingness to talk about any topic, no matter how awkward, that there would be no misunderstandings between her and the man in her life. Wrong! Just goes to show you that the chasm between what you think you should say and what you deep-down want to say (but think you shouldn't) exists no matter what. Communication is always priority #1.
Besides all of the delightful give-and-take between the romantic partners in this book, I also applaud the strong friendship between the three women highlighted in each story. Avery, Kate, and Millie have an enviable bond between them. There's never any doubt that they have each others' backs. Even though they prod and tease, they are always fierce, staunch allies. This 3-way friendship added immeasurably to the joy of reading these books.
Great heroine, great friends, great trilogy!
You would think because of Avery's bluntness and willingness to talk about any topic, no matter how awkward, that there would be no misunderstandings between her and the man in her life. Wrong! Just goes to show you that the chasm between what you think you should say and what you deep-down want to say (but think you shouldn't) exists no matter what. Communication is always priority #1.
Besides all of the delightful give-and-take between the romantic partners in this book, I also applaud the strong friendship between the three women highlighted in each story. Avery, Kate, and Millie have an enviable bond between them. There's never any doubt that they have each others' backs. Even though they prod and tease, they are always fierce, staunch allies. This 3-way friendship added immeasurably to the joy of reading these books.
Great heroine, great friends, great trilogy!
November 1, 2018
2.75 stars
October 30, 2018
I love that this isn't your typical romance. It's a story that will make you think, that's both inspiring and empowering, and it centers around the most perfectly imperfect couple. Dom and Avery share a casual night together that neither is anxious to relive, but fate draws them together again in the most unexpected way.
The true beauty of this story is not in the revelation itself, nor in the happily ever after; it's the journey in between. I've never read a more humanized couple, and because they're written so realistically, with flaws and fears and stubborn streaks a mile wide, you can't help but root for them.
I found it so easy to relate to Avery for various reasons, but I was surprised to find that not only did I care for her, I actually started believing I could BE her. That I could have a baby if I wanted to, when I wanted to. Even if I don't get a Dom. This book gave me hope, and I'm so grateful it came along when it did.
The true beauty of this story is not in the revelation itself, nor in the happily ever after; it's the journey in between. I've never read a more humanized couple, and because they're written so realistically, with flaws and fears and stubborn streaks a mile wide, you can't help but root for them.
I found it so easy to relate to Avery for various reasons, but I was surprised to find that not only did I care for her, I actually started believing I could BE her. That I could have a baby if I wanted to, when I wanted to. Even if I don't get a Dom. This book gave me hope, and I'm so grateful it came along when it did.
November 27, 2018
Avery Preston, Professor of Women's Studies at Wolcott University, is unique and unconventional. When she decides she wants something, she goes after it. Not believing in marriage, but wanting to become a mother Avery decides to get artificially inseminated. After a failed first attempt and a final fling, Avery finds out she's pregnant. Never knowing her own father, Avery believes she can be "enough" for her and her baby. When a technical glitch at the clinic identifies who the donor is, things become complicated. Avery knows the father...
Dominic Mann is the head baseball coach at Wolcott University. After losing his wife to cancer, he's become a recluse of sorts. Wanting to have a drink, he heads for the bar and runs across Avery. After a "not so amazing" night together, Dominic figures he'll never see Avery again. Until she shows up on his doorstep....changing his life forever.
Conquering old demons is hard, but easier if you have someone to support you. Love and support doesn't make you less of a person. It makes you human. Although I loved Avery's no-nonsense ways and bluntness, I don't think I could've put up with her as long as Dominic did. Words cut deep and she excelled at it! I truly believe there has to be give and take in a relationship for it to work. Avery didn't, thinking her way was the ONLY way. I was proud of Dominic for standing up for himself as she was truly using him. Once he did, it was a game changer! For two adults with advanced degrees, they were dumb at times. They never "talked". Dominic tried, but to no avail. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. In this case, it's what they needed. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Dominic Mann is the head baseball coach at Wolcott University. After losing his wife to cancer, he's become a recluse of sorts. Wanting to have a drink, he heads for the bar and runs across Avery. After a "not so amazing" night together, Dominic figures he'll never see Avery again. Until she shows up on his doorstep....changing his life forever.
Conquering old demons is hard, but easier if you have someone to support you. Love and support doesn't make you less of a person. It makes you human. Although I loved Avery's no-nonsense ways and bluntness, I don't think I could've put up with her as long as Dominic did. Words cut deep and she excelled at it! I truly believe there has to be give and take in a relationship for it to work. Avery didn't, thinking her way was the ONLY way. I was proud of Dominic for standing up for himself as she was truly using him. Once he did, it was a game changer! For two adults with advanced degrees, they were dumb at times. They never "talked". Dominic tried, but to no avail. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. In this case, it's what they needed. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
September 12, 2021
I enjoyed the many layers of this story. Double Play is a story of making choices, of knowing what you want, and how to get it even when life throws curve balls.
Avery is independent, comfortable in her own skin, and knows that she doesn't need a man to "complete" her. She's wanted a baby as long as she can remember and not having (or wanting a significant other) isn't a problem. She has a plan, and is sticking to it, sperm bank, anonymous donor, and with any luck a baby on board.
But what happens when your plan gets a monkey wrench tossed in? What happens when the anonymous donor suddenly isn't so anonymous anymore, and he turns out to be someone you know (in an up close and naked way)?
Dom wasn't looking for a long term commitment when he and Avery acted on their mutual attraction (once). As a matter of fact while it was enjoyable, neither really expected a repeat. After all, Avery had her plans for motherhood and Dom was content to keep his life just as it was.
But that's the funny thing about plans, they sometimes don't go the way you want (or thing you want) them to.
It was a road of discovery, and letting go of one path and seeing that just because you are very capable of doing things on your own, that you don't necessarily have too.
I also want to say that I think I enjoyed just as much the relationships between Avery and her two best friends, Millie and Kate. They never sugar coated how they felt, they were always in Avery's corner, and they lifted each other up. it was women empowerment at its best.
Avery is independent, comfortable in her own skin, and knows that she doesn't need a man to "complete" her. She's wanted a baby as long as she can remember and not having (or wanting a significant other) isn't a problem. She has a plan, and is sticking to it, sperm bank, anonymous donor, and with any luck a baby on board.
But what happens when your plan gets a monkey wrench tossed in? What happens when the anonymous donor suddenly isn't so anonymous anymore, and he turns out to be someone you know (in an up close and naked way)?
Dom wasn't looking for a long term commitment when he and Avery acted on their mutual attraction (once). As a matter of fact while it was enjoyable, neither really expected a repeat. After all, Avery had her plans for motherhood and Dom was content to keep his life just as it was.
But that's the funny thing about plans, they sometimes don't go the way you want (or thing you want) them to.
It was a road of discovery, and letting go of one path and seeing that just because you are very capable of doing things on your own, that you don't necessarily have too.
I also want to say that I think I enjoyed just as much the relationships between Avery and her two best friends, Millie and Kate. They never sugar coated how they felt, they were always in Avery's corner, and they lifted each other up. it was women empowerment at its best.
July 6, 2019
I am sorry for such a low rating the book really is not bad.
I just didn't like the HEA, she was combative and argumentative for the sake of it, ( No reason for her behavior) she drank scotch /whisky, but she didn't even like it, just 'cause it broke the norm,
( apparently woman are not suppose to drink it, sorry for you, I love it.)
I think what's empowering is doing what I DO LIKE, because I can. NO gender needed.
Making other people and yourself miserable to prove a point it's stupid.
needless to say, She never gave and inch for the relationship, the HE had to do all the work.
If I miss something, fell free to disagree .
I just didn't like the HEA, she was combative and argumentative for the sake of it, ( No reason for her behavior) she drank scotch /whisky, but she didn't even like it, just 'cause it broke the norm,
( apparently woman are not suppose to drink it, sorry for you, I love it.)
I think what's empowering is doing what I DO LIKE, because I can. NO gender needed.
Making other people and yourself miserable to prove a point it's stupid.
needless to say, She never gave and inch for the relationship, the HE had to do all the work.
If I miss something, fell free to disagree .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2018
Excellent Storytelling
This was a wonderful romance story with lots of interesting characters and a really great love story. I enjoyed the pace of this book from start to finish, it was perfect.
There were a few grammatical errors, but overall the author did an amazing job developing this story.
This was a wonderful romance story with lots of interesting characters and a really great love story. I enjoyed the pace of this book from start to finish, it was perfect.
There were a few grammatical errors, but overall the author did an amazing job developing this story.
May 13, 2021
Abrupt ending
The main character was so annoying. Can’t believe anyone would want to marry her. Did not like the ending at all. What kind of future does this couple have? The poor child to have such a controlling mother.
The main character was so annoying. Can’t believe anyone would want to marry her. Did not like the ending at all. What kind of future does this couple have? The poor child to have such a controlling mother.
May 14, 2021
What a great story! Packed with emotion and characters so real they could be your friends. So good!
November 30, 2021
Womens' studies professor and university baseball coach meet at mutual friends' wedding. Both are fiercely independent, but circumstances conspire to make it impossible to live without each other.
August 27, 2022
3.25
Liked the writing, though I didn't fall in love with the main characters. However, I am interested enough to see what happens with secondary characters.
Liked the writing, though I didn't fall in love with the main characters. However, I am interested enough to see what happens with secondary characters.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews