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Extra Innings
When Deacon Callahan asked his wife Lily to marry him when they were eighteen years old, he only wanted three things: Lily by his side forever, a career in professional baseball and a family. Now at twenty-eight, he’s a veteran in the league. He and Lily are married, but they haven’t been able to conceive and the stress has put a strain on their marriage that’s making it crumble.
When Lily Callahan said 'yes' to Deacon all those years ago, she couldn't wait to spend her life by his side, cheering him on and raising their family. But she didn't count on not being able to have children. And she didn't count on always coming in second to baseball. Deacon is rarely ever home and when they are together, they're just going through the motions. Lily is fed up and ready to call it quits when a surprise rocks her world.
Can Deacon show Lily that she's number one in his life before it’s too late? Can they save their relationship? Or are they just waiting for the clock to run out on their happily ever after?
When Lily Callahan said 'yes' to Deacon all those years ago, she couldn't wait to spend her life by his side, cheering him on and raising their family. But she didn't count on not being able to have children. And she didn't count on always coming in second to baseball. Deacon is rarely ever home and when they are together, they're just going through the motions. Lily is fed up and ready to call it quits when a surprise rocks her world.
Can Deacon show Lily that she's number one in his life before it’s too late? Can they save their relationship? Or are they just waiting for the clock to run out on their happily ever after?
Unknown Binding
First published December 26, 2018
137 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Jess Bryant
42 books584 followersJess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.
Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.
For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.
Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.
For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 3, 2019
2.5 stars
I needed something light after the emotionally brutal read I had just finished and this was certainly light!
Two nutty 18 YOs who are madly in love tie the knot right before the hero signs a major league baseball contract. Luckily he signs with a team close to their families. Flash forward ten years and all is not well. Our heroine Lily is oh so unhappy because her husband travels too much and apparently reading at home, doing yoga and visiting her mom isn't doing it for her. This just pissed me off and I really disliked the heroine. Girl, NO ONE is responsible for your happiness! Get a part time job, study something, hell get a certification and teach yoga and for fucks sake make some friends. Stop blaming your husband for doing a job you knew would require him to travel for days or weeks at a time. Don't get me started on the required perfunctory phone calls and sex.
Besides their inability to communicate, their inability to conceive is wearing on both H/h. While reading that portion, I felt a baby wouldn't really help in this situation, I just see the heroine blaming the poor hero for not knowing his offspring too!
I will say, I liked the hero. His genuine care and concern for his wife was well conveyed on the pages.
This novella was well written and the saccharine sweetness I needed.
I needed something light after the emotionally brutal read I had just finished and this was certainly light!
Two nutty 18 YOs who are madly in love tie the knot right before the hero signs a major league baseball contract. Luckily he signs with a team close to their families. Flash forward ten years and all is not well. Our heroine Lily is oh so unhappy because her husband travels too much and apparently reading at home, doing yoga and visiting her mom isn't doing it for her. This just pissed me off and I really disliked the heroine. Girl, NO ONE is responsible for your happiness! Get a part time job, study something, hell get a certification and teach yoga and for fucks sake make some friends. Stop blaming your husband for doing a job you knew would require him to travel for days or weeks at a time. Don't get me started on the required perfunctory phone calls and sex.
Besides their inability to communicate, their inability to conceive is wearing on both H/h. While reading that portion, I felt a baby wouldn't really help in this situation, I just see the heroine blaming the poor hero for not knowing his offspring too!
I will say, I liked the hero. His genuine care and concern for his wife was well conveyed on the pages.
This novella was well written and the saccharine sweetness I needed.
January 2, 2019
LOVE THIS SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE!
I loved reading about a married couple who actually fights to get their marriage back on track after thinking all hope was lost. Maren & Jess did a great job combining their voices seamlessly. Hope to see more work from these two together!
I loved reading about a married couple who actually fights to get their marriage back on track after thinking all hope was lost. Maren & Jess did a great job combining their voices seamlessly. Hope to see more work from these two together!
July 7, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads
June 18, 2019
Great short!
This was not a story of a romance just starting out. They've already been that and done that. This is a story of what happens after the fairytale ending and the struggle to keep a marriage alive.
This was not a story of a romance just starting out. They've already been that and done that. This is a story of what happens after the fairytale ending and the struggle to keep a marriage alive.
December 29, 2018
High school sweethearts that will have you swooning and in tears from time to time. This was a wonderful read that shows you that love can conquer all. These authors have done a great job on this story, a page turner that you need to click.
October 19, 2023
MIT novella sans infidelity. H and h had grown apart due to physical and mental distancing r\t his career on the road as a pro BB player and compounded by the trials of infertility.H went on a grovel,woo and sexually fulfillment mission ,one that was so Uber successful that 3 days later they were once again happily planning out a lifetime together! Includes fabulous epilogue of FAMILY life..hint,hint!🤰👨👩👦👦
FREE on AMAZON
Available on SCRIBD
FREE on AMAZON
Available on SCRIBD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
This was a short sweet book about a marriage in trouble. Deacon and Lily were childhood sweethearts that got married right out of high school. Deacon was a baseball phenom who was drafted and went straight to the majors. The book opens 10 years later and while they both are still very much in love, their marriage is in trouble. There has been a communication breakdown and Lily is lonely. Deacon is out of town a lot and Lily feels she's taking second place in his life. Add this to the fact they both want children and it's not happening and Lily has had enough and tells Deacon she wants a divorce.
Deacon is devastated. He knows their marriage needs work that something is missing but he doesn't want this. He's still in love with this woman he's loved most of his life and even though it's the last thing he wants, he reluctantly agrees.
Although it's a very short book, I still enjoyed it quite bit and better yet, New author. They are both good and decent people who have lost their way. I picked this one up for free and I'm ever so glad I did. I'm booked now and want to read more. This is the exact reason I think this such a great idea. Have a couple of books free to entice the reader to try them and that's how you gain a readership
Deacon is devastated. He knows their marriage needs work that something is missing but he doesn't want this. He's still in love with this woman he's loved most of his life and even though it's the last thing he wants, he reluctantly agrees.
Although it's a very short book, I still enjoyed it quite bit and better yet, New author. They are both good and decent people who have lost their way. I picked this one up for free and I'm ever so glad I did. I'm booked now and want to read more. This is the exact reason I think this such a great idea. Have a couple of books free to entice the reader to try them and that's how you gain a readership
Want to read
January 2, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/2/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
When Deacon Callahan asked his wife Lily to marry him when they were eighteen years old, he only wanted three things: Lily by his side forever, a career in professional baseball and a family. Now at twenty-eight, he’s a veteran in the league. He and Lily are married, but they haven’t been able to conceive and the stress has put a strain on their marriage that’s making it crumble.
When Lily Callahan said 'yes' to Deacon all those years ago, she couldn't wait to spend her life by his side, cheering him on and raising their family. But she didn't count on not being able to have children. And she didn't count on always coming in second to baseball. Deacon is rarely ever home and when they are together, they're just going through the motions. Lily is fed up and ready to call it quits when a surprise rocks her world.
Can Deacon show Lily that she's number one in his life before it’s too late? Can they save their relationship? Or are they just waiting for the clock to run out on their happily ever after?
Blurb:
When Deacon Callahan asked his wife Lily to marry him when they were eighteen years old, he only wanted three things: Lily by his side forever, a career in professional baseball and a family. Now at twenty-eight, he’s a veteran in the league. He and Lily are married, but they haven’t been able to conceive and the stress has put a strain on their marriage that’s making it crumble.
When Lily Callahan said 'yes' to Deacon all those years ago, she couldn't wait to spend her life by his side, cheering him on and raising their family. But she didn't count on not being able to have children. And she didn't count on always coming in second to baseball. Deacon is rarely ever home and when they are together, they're just going through the motions. Lily is fed up and ready to call it quits when a surprise rocks her world.
Can Deacon show Lily that she's number one in his life before it’s too late? Can they save their relationship? Or are they just waiting for the clock to run out on their happily ever after?
December 25, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading this anthology when it first came out. This Was my favorite of the series because I love all things by Maren Lee. This was the first time I had read anything by Jes but it will not be my last. The two authors made a great duo and I wouldn't complain if they worked together again.
Strong characters, my favorite sport (Baseball is LIFE!), and a high school sweetheart relationship. Pretty much a home run there. They did a good job in a novella to give a complete story. It actually had all the bases covered to have had this be a full-length novel if they had the time or inclination because there were several areas that they could have expanded on to draw it out. That being said, this is a great quick read that can fill in the time when life is crazy and a full book is too much.
Strong characters, my favorite sport (Baseball is LIFE!), and a high school sweetheart relationship. Pretty much a home run there. They did a good job in a novella to give a complete story. It actually had all the bases covered to have had this be a full-length novel if they had the time or inclination because there were several areas that they could have expanded on to draw it out. That being said, this is a great quick read that can fill in the time when life is crazy and a full book is too much.
December 27, 2018
One of my favorite stories from the Rounding Third anthology! Love this story of high school sweethearts deciding if their ten year marriage is worth a second chance. Neither has committed an unpardonable sin; they've just grown apart.
December 26, 2018
Extra Innings is a quick read that made me cry, laugh, swoon, smile and cry again, (for a good reason).
Deacon and Lily are meant to be together forever. Sometimes life gets in the way... but only if they let it!
Deacon and Lily are meant to be together forever. Sometimes life gets in the way... but only if they let it!
March 10, 2019
This was one of my favourite kind of reads. Childhood sweethearts that need to work to find their spark. I loved the emotions and truth to this story. The characters had to find who they were to each other again. Add in some swoony romance and this one had me smiling by the end.
December 30, 2018
I loved this book! Parts of it broke my heart but Deacon and Lily’s love for each other put it back together again. Both Maren Lee and Jess Bryant are amazing storytellers. Put them both together on a single novella and you have nothing short of a great read! This book was fast paced, emotional and endearing. I highly recommend it as a must read. Put a couple of hours aside and check out this book. You won’t be sorry.
Want to read
September 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/15/2020)! 🎁
December 31, 2018
Jess and Maren are new authors for me and I am so glad I clicked on this book which was free at the time! I will be reading from these two authors again for sure.
What I liked best about “Extra Innings” is that it is about a married couple, Lily and Deacon. The majority of romance books are about single or divorced people, and I liked that they were already committed to each other, and even though contemplated getting a divorce, decided to fight to save their marriage.
There were a lot of emotions packed into this story, and it did not feel like a novella. I really admired how Deacon was faithful and so easily admitted how he was wrong, how much he loved his wife, and the effort he put into showing her instead of telling her.
I do wish that she tried more to be part of his world if she was feeling left out., but there probably wouldn’t have been much of a story then. Professional baseball lasts more than six months, so it will never work if both partners don’t make the effort. I feel she could have especially gone to some of his away games since it didn’t appear that she had a job or career of her own, other than writing a blog, which could be written anywhere.
I do believe marriage takes work and am glad they both realized they were worth the fight. I especially enjoyed the epilogue showing their lives in the future with their family.
What I liked best about “Extra Innings” is that it is about a married couple, Lily and Deacon. The majority of romance books are about single or divorced people, and I liked that they were already committed to each other, and even though contemplated getting a divorce, decided to fight to save their marriage.
There were a lot of emotions packed into this story, and it did not feel like a novella. I really admired how Deacon was faithful and so easily admitted how he was wrong, how much he loved his wife, and the effort he put into showing her instead of telling her.
I do wish that she tried more to be part of his world if she was feeling left out., but there probably wouldn’t have been much of a story then. Professional baseball lasts more than six months, so it will never work if both partners don’t make the effort. I feel she could have especially gone to some of his away games since it didn’t appear that she had a job or career of her own, other than writing a blog, which could be written anywhere.
I do believe marriage takes work and am glad they both realized they were worth the fight. I especially enjoyed the epilogue showing their lives in the future with their family.
March 31, 2019
New authors are always tricky, because you don't know what you will get. This is a lovely second chance story about high school sweethearts, whose marriage has left them drifting apart. Deacon Callahan asked his girlfriend to marry him the day they graduated high school and Lily didn't want to wait, so they got married that night. Deacon had a future in baseball, but he promised her that she and their family would always come first and baseball second. However, thinks didn't work as planned and 10 years later, they still did not have any children (not for the lack of trying). They have drifted so far apart, that Lily asks for a divorce. Deacon, in shock, agrees if that is what she wants, but his heart is broken. However, his coach tells him that if he really loves her, he won't give up. He is not sure how to fix it, but he is determined to do so.
Appealing characters and a compelling narrative make this an engaging read. I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Appealing characters and a compelling narrative make this an engaging read. I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
February 2, 2019
It's a fast paced and sweet read about second chances, love, and family. Lily and Deacon's love story were all around that. After almost 10 years of marriage, things gets change and suddenly Lily wants to divorce Deacon coz he was barely go home due of his profession as a baseball player. They been trying to have a family in years but due of his career. Now, Lily wants a divorce and both of them are hurt coz they still love each other. They were childhood sweethearts and married right after high school. Deacon knew that Lily loves him so tried for a second change shot and he did. I love on how he woo her back. He was so sweet plus both of them are having a baby despite of announcing it a week after their 'divorce talk'. I'm glad that how things get better.. Plus! I love the epilogue. I like the story. Love second chance romance.
I just wish that this is a novel instead of a novella.
Rating 4.0 stars
Characters: love Deacon! Lily is kinda irritates me at first but she's likable.
I just wish that this is a novel instead of a novella.
Rating 4.0 stars
Characters: love Deacon! Lily is kinda irritates me at first but she's likable.
November 23, 2019
Fun, Easy to Read Second Chance Romance
Jess and Maren are both new authors to me and I stumbled upon them on the free kindle booklist. This book was a fun and easy to read second chance romance that delves into the issues many face later in their marriage. Overall it was a quick read that touches on how hard life can get when distance both emotional and physical can take a toll on your marriage and how forcing things to try and make it better sometimes is the catalyst for failure. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a second chance romance and an easy read.
Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast 😊
Jess and Maren are both new authors to me and I stumbled upon them on the free kindle booklist. This book was a fun and easy to read second chance romance that delves into the issues many face later in their marriage. Overall it was a quick read that touches on how hard life can get when distance both emotional and physical can take a toll on your marriage and how forcing things to try and make it better sometimes is the catalyst for failure. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a second chance romance and an easy read.
Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast 😊
January 15, 2019
What a quick read and this story has so much to it that I didn't feel list since it was such a short read. Lily and Deacon's story is beautiful in so many ways. This is how a marriage fights to stay together; it shows that you have to put in the time to keep the love. Deacon maybe a famous baseball player, but he is and always will be in love with Lily. Lily is strong in her own ways, she has been Deacon's support for years, but when your spouse is gone 90% of the time due to work, one can feel lost.
LOVED this so hard. See more on my A Day With Ethel YouTube page.
LOVED this so hard. See more on my A Day With Ethel YouTube page.
January 20, 2019
Everyone deserves a second chance
I'm happy that they figure out on to what their relationship go to, they married for over a decade but along the way there was this time that they need in their relationship to give up, they haven't conceived for a decade, Deacon has more time in his passion more than his wife and when Lily decided to file a divorce, the same time come along a Baby to save their marriage. They figure out their love to have for each other, that they know they lacked of time for their relationship.
I'm happy that they figure out on to what their relationship go to, they married for over a decade but along the way there was this time that they need in their relationship to give up, they haven't conceived for a decade, Deacon has more time in his passion more than his wife and when Lily decided to file a divorce, the same time come along a Baby to save their marriage. They figure out their love to have for each other, that they know they lacked of time for their relationship.
April 18, 2019
I knew this was a novella going in, but I didn’t expect for it to try to be a full novel with a full plot all in less than 70 pages.
Two kids get married (elope) at 18 because they’re crazy for each other. H is a destined MLB superstar. Fast forward 10 years and h basically hates her life because he’s never home (again, she married a child prodigy in baseball apparently). She knew what she was getting into. Baseball is the longest sport. I lost my interest after how ditsy, needy and nagging the wife was.
Oh, and getting preggers solved all their problems. Just like real life!
Two kids get married (elope) at 18 because they’re crazy for each other. H is a destined MLB superstar. Fast forward 10 years and h basically hates her life because he’s never home (again, she married a child prodigy in baseball apparently). She knew what she was getting into. Baseball is the longest sport. I lost my interest after how ditsy, needy and nagging the wife was.
Oh, and getting preggers solved all their problems. Just like real life!
January 3, 2019
Extra Innings
This was a fast read about second chances. He was a baseball player who married his high school sweetheart at eighteen. Now they have been together for ten years and cracks are showing. They wanted children. But so far it hasn't happened. Now she wants a divorce. Will he stop her? Will they get their second chance? Like I said this was a fast read.
This was a fast read about second chances. He was a baseball player who married his high school sweetheart at eighteen. Now they have been together for ten years and cracks are showing. They wanted children. But so far it hasn't happened. Now she wants a divorce. Will he stop her? Will they get their second chance? Like I said this was a fast read.
January 3, 2019
I am a sucker for second chance romances and this quick read did not disappoint. It was swoon worthy and had my heart melting at the lengths Deacon went to in order to save his marriage with Lily. If you want a quick, heart warming and hot book definitely read this story. You will not be disappointed.
January 4, 2019
Extra Innings was a beautiful love story packed full of inspiration. Deacon and Lily’s story is one that reminds us all that sometimes we forget the promises we made and we let life get in the way. A second chance at forever love crammed with romance, sacrifices, realizations and a whole heap of sexiness.
January 3, 2019
This is baseballtastic! Yup made that up
I already love both Jess Bryant and Maren Lee already but dang this was fire!!!!!!
Loved loved loved it!
Might have my husband read it to get some pointers jk!
Outstanding read and a great read to start off 2019!
I already love both Jess Bryant and Maren Lee already but dang this was fire!!!!!!
Loved loved loved it!
Might have my husband read it to get some pointers jk!
Outstanding read and a great read to start off 2019!
January 18, 2019
I love this short read second chance.
Second chance romance is my trope and this short read deserves its 5 stars! I love how they patch things up and made their family on top priority.
Second chance romance is my trope and this short read deserves its 5 stars! I love how they patch things up and made their family on top priority.
January 19, 2019
Build it!
A winner! This story packs so much emotion that every page you turn you either pout, giggle or sigh. Heartbreak, miscommunication abound but our baseball player never gives up! Wonderful fun story.
A winner! This story packs so much emotion that every page you turn you either pout, giggle or sigh. Heartbreak, miscommunication abound but our baseball player never gives up! Wonderful fun story.
January 19, 2019
A really hot and lovely short novella that focuses on a married couple's issues to maintain their long relationship instead of the meet-cute we're mostly used to in romance. Which I LOVED. Really enjoyable, and I fell for Deacon and his efforts to win the love of his wife again.
January 22, 2019
Great groveling for a novella
I enjoyed both Deacon & Lily’s POV, they were both adults in handling the situation. I actually teared up a bit and would have loved for this to be a novel.
I enjoyed both Deacon & Lily’s POV, they were both adults in handling the situation. I actually teared up a bit and would have loved for this to be a novel.
February 1, 2019
This!!
This is the first book I’ve read written by both authors and I was hooked! My gawd!! I love the story and the characters. There are times that I want to cry on some parts.. Overall this novella is amazing!! Despite being ahort, everything is in it!! Loved it!!
This is the first book I’ve read written by both authors and I was hooked! My gawd!! I love the story and the characters. There are times that I want to cry on some parts.. Overall this novella is amazing!! Despite being ahort, everything is in it!! Loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews