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Charleston Thrashers #1
Team Player
Don’t hate the player…
BOTTOM NINE
Gwen Scott wants to love her job with the Charleston Thrashers, the MLB team she’s worshiped since she was a kid, but she can’t. Hateful colleagues and mind-numbing work make her days unbearable—until her head for baseball gets her exclusive access to the Thrashers’ clubhouse and she comes face-to-face with Tyler Ashe, the team’s sexy shortstop and baseball’s most ineligible bachelor.
BASES LOADED
Ty has sworn off relationships in order to focus on his all-star career, but with his best friend gone, his team struggling, and the press blaming him for every loss, the most recognizable man in the majors is in a slump. Until he starts spending his time off the field with a stern blonde who recites baseball stats for kicks and sees through his arrogant façade.
TWO OUT
As the Thrashers’ season gets into full swing and Gwen adjusts to her new job, their fun banter and friendly teasing turns into stolen kisses and countless steamy nights. The team’s strict policy against player-staff relationships throws a curve ball into the mix, but they can’t hide from their feelings any more than the most famous man in baseball can hide from the spotlight…
BOTTOM NINE
Gwen Scott wants to love her job with the Charleston Thrashers, the MLB team she’s worshiped since she was a kid, but she can’t. Hateful colleagues and mind-numbing work make her days unbearable—until her head for baseball gets her exclusive access to the Thrashers’ clubhouse and she comes face-to-face with Tyler Ashe, the team’s sexy shortstop and baseball’s most ineligible bachelor.
BASES LOADED
Ty has sworn off relationships in order to focus on his all-star career, but with his best friend gone, his team struggling, and the press blaming him for every loss, the most recognizable man in the majors is in a slump. Until he starts spending his time off the field with a stern blonde who recites baseball stats for kicks and sees through his arrogant façade.
TWO OUT
As the Thrashers’ season gets into full swing and Gwen adjusts to her new job, their fun banter and friendly teasing turns into stolen kisses and countless steamy nights. The team’s strict policy against player-staff relationships throws a curve ball into the mix, but they can’t hide from their feelings any more than the most famous man in baseball can hide from the spotlight…
ebook
First published March 28, 2019
45 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Julianna Keyes
15 books704 followersJulianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She's been skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting, but nothing thrills - or terrifies - her as much as the blank page. She loves Chinese food, foreign languages, baseball and television, not necessarily in that order, and will go to her grave swearing that 'ain't' is not a word. She has volunteered in Zambia, taught English in China, and dreams of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. It'll happen.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 28, 2019
Julianna Keyes brings us a low angst contemporary sports romance with Team Player.
Tyler Ashe is just trying to focus on the game he loves after his best friend and teammate lost his career by getting locked up. He loves baseball, but playing for the Thrashers just doesn’t feel the same now that he’s alone. Gwen Scott just lost the aunt that raised her. The same aunt that loved the Thrashers. So she got a job working for them, so that she could be close to her aunt. She loves baseball, and she loves being close to the memory of her aunt. Too bad she hates her job in the PR department. She feels unhappy and alone.
So what happens when two lonely people feel something different whenever they are together. Especially when they are alone together? Well they of course avoid each other and those feelings. Haha, ok maybe that’s not the full story, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens with Gwen and Ty. What I will say is that neither character is simple. Even though they find friendship in each other, they both still have things to work on and grow separately. I loved their relationship, and how they supported one another in different ways. I also loved all the side characters and players on the team! I hope that this author continues this series so we can get even more of the Thrashers team antics! I’d also like to read more about Ty’s friend who is locked up. Something he said at the end got me thinking!
Anyway. The point here is Team Player is a good sports romance. The heat level is pretty warm. The angst level is low, but the sweet factor is just right. I laughed a bit. I cried a bit, and I smiled a lot. There’s a bit of mystery and a little bit of a reveal that you won’t see coming. All in all a good read.
Available now!
*NetGalley ARC*
Tyler Ashe is just trying to focus on the game he loves after his best friend and teammate lost his career by getting locked up. He loves baseball, but playing for the Thrashers just doesn’t feel the same now that he’s alone. Gwen Scott just lost the aunt that raised her. The same aunt that loved the Thrashers. So she got a job working for them, so that she could be close to her aunt. She loves baseball, and she loves being close to the memory of her aunt. Too bad she hates her job in the PR department. She feels unhappy and alone.
So what happens when two lonely people feel something different whenever they are together. Especially when they are alone together? Well they of course avoid each other and those feelings. Haha, ok maybe that’s not the full story, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens with Gwen and Ty. What I will say is that neither character is simple. Even though they find friendship in each other, they both still have things to work on and grow separately. I loved their relationship, and how they supported one another in different ways. I also loved all the side characters and players on the team! I hope that this author continues this series so we can get even more of the Thrashers team antics! I’d also like to read more about Ty’s friend who is locked up. Something he said at the end got me thinking!
Anyway. The point here is Team Player is a good sports romance. The heat level is pretty warm. The angst level is low, but the sweet factor is just right. I laughed a bit. I cried a bit, and I smiled a lot. There’s a bit of mystery and a little bit of a reveal that you won’t see coming. All in all a good read.
Available now!
*NetGalley ARC*
March 13, 2019
I've been not so casually checking in on Keyes once I realized it felt like forever since she's released a book. I stumbled upon her announcement that this was up on Netgalley, and despite the fact that I preordered it, I jumped. So high. Today I cracked this book and barely stopped reading it.
It's a workplace romance done sexy but with a decent amount of weight behind that risk. It's a 31 year old baseball player whose best friend is in prison and it makes him lonely and, well, he's evaluating. As a result, he's been withdrawn, depressed and standoffish (the book hints at this as past behavior, it's certainly not the Ty we wind up seeing--mostly). He's a nightmare in the press-non-compliant, skips out on interviews, etc. But he's also a franchise player. Enter Gwen, who on a whim of mourning for her beloved aunt, applied to work for their shared love, the Charleston Thrashers, and got the job in PR. She's low-level and pretty much hates it until her brain for baseball and communication catches the attention of the manager and her boss.
I'm going to be really honest: It's CLEAR Julianna Keyes loves baseball. It's clear she knows her shit. It was even clear to me she'd either researched with players or played some (or both). The rich stadium atmosphere-used to such effect as to absolutely, positively remind me of all the things I adored about the field, being a spectator, and the game itself. And there's a lot of play-by-play on the field, which was well executed. What if you don't like baseball? There's still a lot to love here-from the team and club dynamic, to this lovely, developing romance, and a lot of moments that I laughed, (who doesn't hate Todd anyway?), and some that really made my eyes sting. But, if you don't like baseball -- it may be possible that it's too much baseball.
Regarding the workplace resolution
There was some fumbling at the end-including the wrap up of some suspense light--and some wonderful, wonderful acts of love.
In case you're curious, I'm not canceling my preorder. 4.5 stars -- or so.
Thanks to Netgalley/publisher/author for an advanced copy of this book
It's a workplace romance done sexy but with a decent amount of weight behind that risk. It's a 31 year old baseball player whose best friend is in prison and it makes him lonely and, well, he's evaluating. As a result, he's been withdrawn, depressed and standoffish (the book hints at this as past behavior, it's certainly not the Ty we wind up seeing--mostly). He's a nightmare in the press-non-compliant, skips out on interviews, etc. But he's also a franchise player. Enter Gwen, who on a whim of mourning for her beloved aunt, applied to work for their shared love, the Charleston Thrashers, and got the job in PR. She's low-level and pretty much hates it until her brain for baseball and communication catches the attention of the manager and her boss.
I'm going to be really honest: It's CLEAR Julianna Keyes loves baseball. It's clear she knows her shit. It was even clear to me she'd either researched with players or played some (or both). The rich stadium atmosphere-used to such effect as to absolutely, positively remind me of all the things I adored about the field, being a spectator, and the game itself. And there's a lot of play-by-play on the field, which was well executed. What if you don't like baseball? There's still a lot to love here-from the team and club dynamic, to this lovely, developing romance, and a lot of moments that I laughed, (who doesn't hate Todd anyway?), and some that really made my eyes sting. But, if you don't like baseball -- it may be possible that it's too much baseball.
Regarding the workplace resolution
There was some fumbling at the end-including the wrap up of some suspense light--and some wonderful, wonderful acts of love.
In case you're curious, I'm not canceling my preorder. 4.5 stars -- or so.
Thanks to Netgalley/publisher/author for an advanced copy of this book
March 25, 2019
This is one of those mixed feelings books for me. The writing was good IMO, but I was not a huge fan of where the plot line went. Gwen was OK, even showed some moments of sass, but it wasn't very consistent. Ty was actually kind of gross. Nobody thought anything of having him followed for his escapades and getting NDA's after the dirty deeds?? EWWW I also had an issue with WHY this was necessary. If this particular event had happened to a female, I bet the outcome would have been different.
August 21, 2023
5 STARS!
Love and baseball.I'm so in love with this author's writing style; laugh out loud funny, kick-ass yet vulnerable characters, and all the heat. I'm moving directly to Connor's book!
March 8, 2019
You guys!! Julianna Keyes is my drop everything and devour author. I seriously have read everything she has written and cannot jump on her stuff fast enough. Her Time Served series is my absolute favorite. But when I saw that she had a new sports romance coming out, I knew Team Player needed to be on my kindle stat!! I enjoyed this story but while Gwen and Tyler were sexy and funny, I found that their connection was a little awkward and lukewarm at times.
Don't get me wrong, separately Ty and Gwen were fantastic. They had personality in spades, but together I found their connection to be somewhat lacking at times in the beginning until about halfway through the story where it picked up speed. I loved the detailed baseball references and felt like I was right alongside Ty and Gwen. All in all, while this wasn't my favorite story from this author, I look forward to more from Keyes in the future. Bravo, 3.5 stars! ~Ratula
Don't get me wrong, separately Ty and Gwen were fantastic. They had personality in spades, but together I found their connection to be somewhat lacking at times in the beginning until about halfway through the story where it picked up speed. I loved the detailed baseball references and felt like I was right alongside Ty and Gwen. All in all, while this wasn't my favorite story from this author, I look forward to more from Keyes in the future. Bravo, 3.5 stars! ~Ratula
February 5, 2023
Приятна и глупавичка история с твърде много бейзбол.
2,5⭐️
2,5⭐️
March 18, 2019
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the ARC in exchange for an honest review#TeamPlayer #NetGalley
4 🌟! An enjoyable and fun loving read...with a predictable end....but I love sports romance!!! Definitely I would love to read Connor's book ... overall it was a nice read and hopefully it will be a start of Thrashers new series !
4 🌟! An enjoyable and fun loving read...with a predictable end....but I love sports romance!!! Definitely I would love to read Connor's book ... overall it was a nice read and hopefully it will be a start of Thrashers new series !
March 14, 2019
I think that’s as close to happy as I’m currently capable of being. I’m slammed with work, my allergies are crazy, and I can’t get wrapped up in a story. And then I don’t wanna do anything other than read so I get super angry at the book for not being enough to engage me fully. This is not a good look for me.
I haven’t read anything by Julianna Keyes since Undeclared - which I adored. Now - as then - I enjoyed watching two good people fall in love - mistakes and scrapes and bruises and all. I like that the two books of hers I’ve read have been gentle with the steam (I’m fairly certain there weren’t even any skeevy body-part descriptions in this one) which is just such a happy thing for me.
Ty and Gwen meet at work. He’s a baseball player. She’s recently started working in PR for the team. I thought it was great that Ty fell for Gwen as he got to know her. I’m sure that Gwen is pretty, but there’s no uncomfortable focus on her looks. There’s no focus on her looks at all. She’s hard-working and kind and helpful and sassy. She has a fun and unique relationship with all the players on the team (this was such a cool aspect - their personalities). I totally get why Ty fell for Gwen.
There was some silliness. Some bad decisions - but I think that’s sort of part and parcel with these things. They took some (unnecessary) risks. Ty was selfish. All of these things were mostly in keeping with the story although some of them felt a little loose and silly. I think maybe I expected a little more there at the end. Perhaps more explanations and conversations should have happened.
But nothing really took away from the overall happy vibe I got reading this. I love sports books. I love books where no one mentions penis size. I love books with adorable funky heroines - particularly when the hero falls for said heroine for all the right reasons. I’m not sure I’m out of my reading funk - but I enjoyed the hell out this (mostly) non-cliche baseball romance with fabulous characters. I’ll be on the lookout for the rest of this series.
I haven’t read anything by Julianna Keyes since Undeclared - which I adored. Now - as then - I enjoyed watching two good people fall in love - mistakes and scrapes and bruises and all. I like that the two books of hers I’ve read have been gentle with the steam (I’m fairly certain there weren’t even any skeevy body-part descriptions in this one) which is just such a happy thing for me.
Ty and Gwen meet at work. He’s a baseball player. She’s recently started working in PR for the team. I thought it was great that Ty fell for Gwen as he got to know her. I’m sure that Gwen is pretty, but there’s no uncomfortable focus on her looks. There’s no focus on her looks at all. She’s hard-working and kind and helpful and sassy. She has a fun and unique relationship with all the players on the team (this was such a cool aspect - their personalities). I totally get why Ty fell for Gwen.
There was some silliness. Some bad decisions - but I think that’s sort of part and parcel with these things. They took some (unnecessary) risks. Ty was selfish. All of these things were mostly in keeping with the story although some of them felt a little loose and silly. I think maybe I expected a little more there at the end. Perhaps more explanations and conversations should have happened.
But nothing really took away from the overall happy vibe I got reading this. I love sports books. I love books where no one mentions penis size. I love books with adorable funky heroines - particularly when the hero falls for said heroine for all the right reasons. I’m not sure I’m out of my reading funk - but I enjoyed the hell out this (mostly) non-cliche baseball romance with fabulous characters. I’ll be on the lookout for the rest of this series.
March 30, 2021
Cute book - very baseball-centric but I think a non-baseball fan would enjoy this too. Witty dialogue and lots of good sexual tension. The author lets this couple simmer for a bit before they get into a relationship. I really like her voice - she writes great banter.
March 30, 2019
Really enjoyed this one! It’s a sports romance set in the professional baseball world. It made me so ready for baseball season! Gwen is on the public relations team of the baseball team Tyler plays for. I thought both characters were great and super easy to like. They both were feeling lonely when they met each other. The story also spans a whole baseball season so no insta love here.
This book does speak a lot about being a part of both a baseball team and as a couple being a team which I thought was wonderful. Gwen and Ty’s relationship was very grownup in my opinion. There was very little drama which is so refreshing and that you rarely see in romance books these days. The ending was absolutely perfect.
My only issue with the book was that there was a whole lot of baseball talk. I do consider myself a fan of baseball and have a team I watch, but when reading I kind of prefer my books to be more romance with a side of sports and this was kind of the opposite, which I did struggle with.
But, if you love baseball, I think you will really like this one!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book does speak a lot about being a part of both a baseball team and as a couple being a team which I thought was wonderful. Gwen and Ty’s relationship was very grownup in my opinion. There was very little drama which is so refreshing and that you rarely see in romance books these days. The ending was absolutely perfect.
My only issue with the book was that there was a whole lot of baseball talk. I do consider myself a fan of baseball and have a team I watch, but when reading I kind of prefer my books to be more romance with a side of sports and this was kind of the opposite, which I did struggle with.
But, if you love baseball, I think you will really like this one!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
March 29, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up. An enjoyable and well-written sports romance. A cliche trope of the star player and a team staff member falling for each other but having to keep it a secret, but in this book it's done well and believably/credibly.
Plenty of focus on the baseball, enough to make it feel as if Ty is actually a star player. Likeable characters. Good relationship building. Plot is good, with a little mystery to solve (and I didn't know whodunnit till the end, but then I rarely do LOL).
Overall, a good read. If you like sports romances, I recommend this one. I hope Ms Keyes sees her way to writing more in the series.
Plenty of focus on the baseball, enough to make it feel as if Ty is actually a star player. Likeable characters. Good relationship building. Plot is good, with a little mystery to solve (and I didn't know whodunnit till the end, but then I rarely do LOL).
Overall, a good read. If you like sports romances, I recommend this one. I hope Ms Keyes sees her way to writing more in the series.
April 15, 2019
Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!
March 31, 2019
I gave Team Player an A- at
All About Romance
.
I had some trepidation picking up this latest book from Julianna Keyes. Not because I don’t enjoy the author’s work – I do. Not because it’s about baseball, which is boring. Friends. It is. And not because anything about it sounded bad or not good or uninteresting. I was nervous because I hated Ms. Keyes last book, Bad Princess. Big time. Happily for me (and you), she’s written a homerun.
Gwen Scott is weighing the pros and cons of making a run for it. Another Charleston Thrasher (a fictional South Carolina MLB team) loss means someone has to deliver talking points to team manager, Rex Stripley, before he meets with the press. The last time Gwen was given this job, Rex had just fired his fourth assistant – the same unfortunate person who used to deliver these talking points. Gwen’s decided to make a run for it when the manager of Public Relations, Promotions & Social Media Strategy finds her, hands over the bulleted list and instructs Gwen to deliver it to Rex. And even though Gwen isn’t sure she even likes her job – she applied on drunken whim after her aunt Marge, a die-hard Thrasher superfan, had a massive heart attack and died – quitting now feels like an insult to her aunt. So when Team Player begins, Gwen is on her way down to the clubhouse, death warrant/notes in hand.
The visit doesn’t go according to plan. Awkward and nervous, Gwen flings the talking points out to Rex. But when he starts reading them out loud, growing angrier with every inane platitude on the paper, Gwen finds herself talking about the game with him instead – and he likes what she has to say. When he uses her talking points instead of the ones on the paper, Gwen is secretly thrilled – and scared. But her boss likes what she has to say, and before long, Gwen finds herself responsible for providing the manager with talking points after every game and managing the team twitter feed, along with a ton of new promotional responsibilities. Gwen isn’t totally surprised – she knows baseball. Since the moment she was sent to live with her aunt aged nine, MLB and the Charleston Thrashers have been her life. She knows everything there is to know about the team, their stats… and their players. Including Tyler Ashe, the team’s handsome and eligible shortstop, who’s been struggling all year and needs some talking points of his own.
Tyler has been an MLB all-star player since the start of his career. But this year, after his closest friend and fellow player, Connor, was sent to jail, Tyler has been off his game. Lonely, depressed and withdrawn, the last thing Tyler wants to do is talk to the press about any of it, but after skipping out on another post-game interview, Rex benches him in favour of a younger player. Determined to get back in the starting line-up, Tyler promises not to miss any more interviews and listens when his manager recommends he speak to the latest PR staffer for talking points. Gwen isn’t what he expects. Smart, sharp and knowledgeable about the game and his play, she gives him good advice. She’s also attractive and funny, and Tyler finds himself curious about her – seeking her out whenever she’s in the clubhouse.
What follows isn’t quite your standard workplace romcom. For starters, these two adorkable nerds bond after separately escaping a team publicity event and unexpectedly winding up alone together in the arcade room of a popular bar. They trade game stats and childhood memories, until Ty winds up taunting/challenging Gwen into racing him in Taxi-Kart (a game they both love). When the extremely intense and competitive race is over, they’re pressed close together and wind up making out on a nearby pool table. Just before Gwen nearly has sex with Ty in public, on a pool table, at a bar… they hear another Thrasher player looking for Tyler and separate. Gwen is quick to regret the incident and her loss of control. She might be in a dry spell and Ty might be her fantasy come to life, but she knows better. Ty’s a player, on and off the field, baseball is his one and only love, and she’d be terminated if they got caught. She flees and makes plans to avoid Tyler. Oh Gwen. Good luck with that.
Team Player doesn’t quite proceed in a straight-line – mostly because Tyler makes a lot of mistakes and Gwen doesn’t put up with any of his bullshit excuses for treating her poorly or making bad decisions because he’s never been in a relationship before. Ty wants Gwen and he works hard to woo her; but it’s a battle he’s destined to win, because it’s clear she likes him too. The chemistry between Gwen and Ty is delightful, the sex is steamy and passionate, and their witty back-and-forths are a highlight of their often funny, tender and sexy secret affair. He works hard to tear down the walls that Gwen keeps between them, and as a couple – friends and lovers – they begin to heal the hurt and loneliness plaguing them both when the story opened.
While the romance between Ty and Gwen hits only high notes (even when they’re on the outs), their lives outside of the relationship improve as well. Gwen’s work in the PR department gains the approval of super scary boss Allison – and although that means she’s given more responsibilities, she’s good at her job, and starts to enjoy it. Ty works hard to build relationships with his teammates too, and it pays off. The team starts to gel on and off the field and finally starts winning. While the romantic relationship is my favorite, the bonds Ty forms with these guys – a quirky, odd, and eclectic group – is also perfectly rendered. The author never panders to our stereotypical ideas about athletes and sports romances, and Team Player is a fresh, and supremely entertaining take on sports romance.
So what doesn’t work? A couple of things...
The rest of my review of Team Player is available at All About Romance
I had some trepidation picking up this latest book from Julianna Keyes. Not because I don’t enjoy the author’s work – I do. Not because it’s about baseball, which is boring. Friends. It is. And not because anything about it sounded bad or not good or uninteresting. I was nervous because I hated Ms. Keyes last book, Bad Princess. Big time. Happily for me (and you), she’s written a homerun.
(Hi! I’m Em. I’ve never met a sports metaphor I didn’t love).In Team Player, two lonely, sad souls (keep reading) find the love of their lives where and when they least expect it. Unlike every baseball game I’ve ever watched, Team Player kept me engaged from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down. Funny, sexy and with just enough angsty emotional twists and turns to power the second half, Team Player hopefully marks the start of a new baseball-themed romantic series from this talented writer. I liked almost everything about it and contemporary romance fans will too. Even the baseball – which the author clearly loves.
Gwen Scott is weighing the pros and cons of making a run for it. Another Charleston Thrasher (a fictional South Carolina MLB team) loss means someone has to deliver talking points to team manager, Rex Stripley, before he meets with the press. The last time Gwen was given this job, Rex had just fired his fourth assistant – the same unfortunate person who used to deliver these talking points. Gwen’s decided to make a run for it when the manager of Public Relations, Promotions & Social Media Strategy finds her, hands over the bulleted list and instructs Gwen to deliver it to Rex. And even though Gwen isn’t sure she even likes her job – she applied on drunken whim after her aunt Marge, a die-hard Thrasher superfan, had a massive heart attack and died – quitting now feels like an insult to her aunt. So when Team Player begins, Gwen is on her way down to the clubhouse, death warrant/notes in hand.
The visit doesn’t go according to plan. Awkward and nervous, Gwen flings the talking points out to Rex. But when he starts reading them out loud, growing angrier with every inane platitude on the paper, Gwen finds herself talking about the game with him instead – and he likes what she has to say. When he uses her talking points instead of the ones on the paper, Gwen is secretly thrilled – and scared. But her boss likes what she has to say, and before long, Gwen finds herself responsible for providing the manager with talking points after every game and managing the team twitter feed, along with a ton of new promotional responsibilities. Gwen isn’t totally surprised – she knows baseball. Since the moment she was sent to live with her aunt aged nine, MLB and the Charleston Thrashers have been her life. She knows everything there is to know about the team, their stats… and their players. Including Tyler Ashe, the team’s handsome and eligible shortstop, who’s been struggling all year and needs some talking points of his own.
Tyler has been an MLB all-star player since the start of his career. But this year, after his closest friend and fellow player, Connor, was sent to jail, Tyler has been off his game. Lonely, depressed and withdrawn, the last thing Tyler wants to do is talk to the press about any of it, but after skipping out on another post-game interview, Rex benches him in favour of a younger player. Determined to get back in the starting line-up, Tyler promises not to miss any more interviews and listens when his manager recommends he speak to the latest PR staffer for talking points. Gwen isn’t what he expects. Smart, sharp and knowledgeable about the game and his play, she gives him good advice. She’s also attractive and funny, and Tyler finds himself curious about her – seeking her out whenever she’s in the clubhouse.
What follows isn’t quite your standard workplace romcom. For starters, these two adorkable nerds bond after separately escaping a team publicity event and unexpectedly winding up alone together in the arcade room of a popular bar. They trade game stats and childhood memories, until Ty winds up taunting/challenging Gwen into racing him in Taxi-Kart (a game they both love). When the extremely intense and competitive race is over, they’re pressed close together and wind up making out on a nearby pool table. Just before Gwen nearly has sex with Ty in public, on a pool table, at a bar… they hear another Thrasher player looking for Tyler and separate. Gwen is quick to regret the incident and her loss of control. She might be in a dry spell and Ty might be her fantasy come to life, but she knows better. Ty’s a player, on and off the field, baseball is his one and only love, and she’d be terminated if they got caught. She flees and makes plans to avoid Tyler. Oh Gwen. Good luck with that.
Team Player doesn’t quite proceed in a straight-line – mostly because Tyler makes a lot of mistakes and Gwen doesn’t put up with any of his bullshit excuses for treating her poorly or making bad decisions because he’s never been in a relationship before. Ty wants Gwen and he works hard to woo her; but it’s a battle he’s destined to win, because it’s clear she likes him too. The chemistry between Gwen and Ty is delightful, the sex is steamy and passionate, and their witty back-and-forths are a highlight of their often funny, tender and sexy secret affair. He works hard to tear down the walls that Gwen keeps between them, and as a couple – friends and lovers – they begin to heal the hurt and loneliness plaguing them both when the story opened.
While the romance between Ty and Gwen hits only high notes (even when they’re on the outs), their lives outside of the relationship improve as well. Gwen’s work in the PR department gains the approval of super scary boss Allison – and although that means she’s given more responsibilities, she’s good at her job, and starts to enjoy it. Ty works hard to build relationships with his teammates too, and it pays off. The team starts to gel on and off the field and finally starts winning. While the romantic relationship is my favorite, the bonds Ty forms with these guys – a quirky, odd, and eclectic group – is also perfectly rendered. The author never panders to our stereotypical ideas about athletes and sports romances, and Team Player is a fresh, and supremely entertaining take on sports romance.
So what doesn’t work? A couple of things...
The rest of my review of Team Player is available at All About Romance
March 6, 2019
Gwen Scott, rabid baseball fan has got a dream job in PR for her favourite team, the Charleston Thrashers. The only problem is her boss is super-scary, the Thrashers are having an appalling season, her colleagues loathe baseball and she has just been given a hospital pass to deliver the 'talking points' to Rax Stripper, the team's manager - a job that got the last person fired. Luckily Gwen's encyclopaedic knowledge of baseball allows her to make some better suggestions for comments to the press and suddenly she has an in to the team manager.
Tyler Ashe was the star player for the Thrashers until his best friend went to jail, now he can't seem to get a break and everyone is blaming him for the team's poor performance, including the sassy new PR girl who doesn't pull her punches.
Gwen can't believe her childhood pin-up Tyler Ashe is someone she gets to speak to on a regular basis, but she can't allow him to slide out of press conferences or duck his team commitments. As the season progresses teasing and banter turn into flirting and forbidden kisses. But with the team's reputation on the line, can Gwen and Tyler keep their budding romance a secret, especially when an old sex tape from eight years ago threatens to surface?
I recently read another ARC of a sports romance and while I liked it I wasn't blown away, in fact I had almost completely forgotten the book within a few days. This was different, more nuanced characters, more plot, more baseball, more emotions, more heart. In the blurb at the back Julianna Keyes outs herself as a lifelong baseball fan and it really shows.
This had everything, romance, bromance, suspense, humour, sport and I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Tyler Ashe was the star player for the Thrashers until his best friend went to jail, now he can't seem to get a break and everyone is blaming him for the team's poor performance, including the sassy new PR girl who doesn't pull her punches.
Gwen can't believe her childhood pin-up Tyler Ashe is someone she gets to speak to on a regular basis, but she can't allow him to slide out of press conferences or duck his team commitments. As the season progresses teasing and banter turn into flirting and forbidden kisses. But with the team's reputation on the line, can Gwen and Tyler keep their budding romance a secret, especially when an old sex tape from eight years ago threatens to surface?
I recently read another ARC of a sports romance and while I liked it I wasn't blown away, in fact I had almost completely forgotten the book within a few days. This was different, more nuanced characters, more plot, more baseball, more emotions, more heart. In the blurb at the back Julianna Keyes outs herself as a lifelong baseball fan and it really shows.
This had everything, romance, bromance, suspense, humour, sport and I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
This was sweet, cute, well-balanced, and a thoroughly engaging read :-)
Funny characters; real situation, behaviours, and responses; and some sensible maturity. Enjoyed. Now onto book 2.
Funny characters; real situation, behaviours, and responses; and some sensible maturity. Enjoyed. Now onto book 2.
May 20, 2019
Team Player trata de Gwen y Tyler, dos adultos cuya vida comienza y acaba en torno al baseball. Él, uno de los mejores jugadores del Charleston Thrashers, a pesar de la mala racha con la que comienza el libro. Y ella, en el departamento de PR. Así es como se conocen, y como inmediatamente empiezan a gustarse.
Pero hay un problema: las relaciones en el trabajo están absolutamente prohibidas. Y Gwen sabe que, si se enteran de lo que siente por el jugador estrella del equipo, será ella la que tendrá que despedirse de su trabajo.
La verdad es que no quedé conforme con este libro. He leído a Julianna Keyes antes, y me ha gustado bastante, pero no encontré nada de eso aquí. La historia me pareció demasiado plana, al igual que los personajes, y me costó avanzar. Además, se trata de una trama que se ha escrito varias veces, y me parece que este no aporta nada especial.
Pero hay un problema: las relaciones en el trabajo están absolutamente prohibidas. Y Gwen sabe que, si se enteran de lo que siente por el jugador estrella del equipo, será ella la que tendrá que despedirse de su trabajo.
La verdad es que no quedé conforme con este libro. He leído a Julianna Keyes antes, y me ha gustado bastante, pero no encontré nada de eso aquí. La historia me pareció demasiado plana, al igual que los personajes, y me costó avanzar. Además, se trata de una trama que se ha escrito varias veces, y me parece que este no aporta nada especial.
April 16, 2019
I really loved this one. And since the author told her readers to let her know if we wanted more, the answer is yes. I would like a romance about Reed and the author of his daughter’s favorite book. :)
May 22, 2021
A good sports workplace romance where the workplace and the sport is given as good amount of page space as the romance.
Gwen is in the PR department of and MLB team known as the Charleston Thrashers. Tyler as is a star bad boy player. Normally I would hate a Tyler in a romance novel. They are a dime a dozen. But I liked Tyler here. Maybe because I kept picture him as the character Mark Paul Gosselaar played in the tv show Pitch. A little older (not too old) but still feeling the breath younger, hungrier players on his neck. And Gwen was great.
As we start the book the Thrashers have started out dismally, so far their losses far outpacing their wins. Their GM is known for being abrasive with the press so the PR dept. sends his assistants talking points after the game. The assistants don't fare too well and he runs through them like kleenex. This time the formidable head of the PR dept (seriously, I loved her, her name was Allison and she was a BOSS!) decides to send one of her own PR people down to the dugout. He can't fire one of them.
Gwen is the unlucky chosen one. But Gwen has a little known super power. She just isn't a PR associate. She is a thrashers fan since childhood. She knows their history, the stats of every player. She is an observer of the game since she was a child. She has a knowledge of the science of the sport. Because of this, she subtly re-writes the talking point and inserts little bits of wisdom and slowly but surely the press interviews become less fraught. The GM tolerates her (in a less grumpy person this means he likes her) and Allison realizes that Gwen has a rapport so she makes Gwen the point person for any pr dealing with the teammates directly.
This puts Gwen in direct contact with the players and with Tyler where they have an instant attraction. But there is a hard and fast rule about office staff fraternizing with the players.
What I liked the most about this was that almost all of the action takes place at the baseball stadium. We are either upstairs in the PR office where Gwen and her other office drones have the thankless tasks of having to come up with good PR even as the team is losing as the fans are turning on them (each chapter opens with a series of tweets that are quite funny). Or we are down in the dugout or in the locker room watching Gwen interact with the carious teammates as she acts as their publicity wrangler or as they interact with each other. Or we are 'watching' a game as the Thrashers try to turn around a dismal season and try to claw their way into a wildcard position. There are sexy times at home with Gwen and Tyler, but the lion's share of the book is at work.
This is a true workplace romance. A lot of work happens and it happens to be baseball. Several of the players outside of Tyler are given larger personalities so it is fun to hang out with the team. And we get a respectable amount of play by play commentary during the games so the stakes being high for the team aren't just wallpaper,we are moving through the season with them and feeling the tension of the games.
And Gwen and Tyler have a lot of nice sexual chemistry. The conflict, of course, is that their dating is a taboo and because they send each other smoldering looks, there is always the sense that they are a breath away from discovery.
I enjoyed this and will also catch the sequel that stars the formidable Allison as heroine.
Gwen is in the PR department of and MLB team known as the Charleston Thrashers. Tyler as is a star bad boy player. Normally I would hate a Tyler in a romance novel. They are a dime a dozen. But I liked Tyler here. Maybe because I kept picture him as the character Mark Paul Gosselaar played in the tv show Pitch. A little older (not too old) but still feeling the breath younger, hungrier players on his neck. And Gwen was great.
As we start the book the Thrashers have started out dismally, so far their losses far outpacing their wins. Their GM is known for being abrasive with the press so the PR dept. sends his assistants talking points after the game. The assistants don't fare too well and he runs through them like kleenex. This time the formidable head of the PR dept (seriously, I loved her, her name was Allison and she was a BOSS!) decides to send one of her own PR people down to the dugout. He can't fire one of them.
Gwen is the unlucky chosen one. But Gwen has a little known super power. She just isn't a PR associate. She is a thrashers fan since childhood. She knows their history, the stats of every player. She is an observer of the game since she was a child. She has a knowledge of the science of the sport. Because of this, she subtly re-writes the talking point and inserts little bits of wisdom and slowly but surely the press interviews become less fraught. The GM tolerates her (in a less grumpy person this means he likes her) and Allison realizes that Gwen has a rapport so she makes Gwen the point person for any pr dealing with the teammates directly.
This puts Gwen in direct contact with the players and with Tyler where they have an instant attraction. But there is a hard and fast rule about office staff fraternizing with the players.
What I liked the most about this was that almost all of the action takes place at the baseball stadium. We are either upstairs in the PR office where Gwen and her other office drones have the thankless tasks of having to come up with good PR even as the team is losing as the fans are turning on them (each chapter opens with a series of tweets that are quite funny). Or we are down in the dugout or in the locker room watching Gwen interact with the carious teammates as she acts as their publicity wrangler or as they interact with each other. Or we are 'watching' a game as the Thrashers try to turn around a dismal season and try to claw their way into a wildcard position. There are sexy times at home with Gwen and Tyler, but the lion's share of the book is at work.
This is a true workplace romance. A lot of work happens and it happens to be baseball. Several of the players outside of Tyler are given larger personalities so it is fun to hang out with the team. And we get a respectable amount of play by play commentary during the games so the stakes being high for the team aren't just wallpaper,we are moving through the season with them and feeling the tension of the games.
And Gwen and Tyler have a lot of nice sexual chemistry. The conflict, of course, is that their dating is a taboo and because they send each other smoldering looks, there is always the sense that they are a breath away from discovery.
I enjoyed this and will also catch the sequel that stars the formidable Allison as heroine.
April 2, 2020
So while I can't say this was an excellent baseball book (I don't know enough to judge), I can say with confidence that it was an excellent SPORTS book. My only complaint, and it's not even a complaint about the book so much as the world, is that I really wish Very glad I bought this, and very glad I have book two waiting for me because I cannot wait to see how that works.
May 11, 2019
This was great! Definitely one of the best, if not THE best, baseball romance I've read. The only thing that jumped out to me was when it referred to six teams in the AL East, but I think the Thrashers ARE supposed to be the sixth team in the division rather than replacing one of the existing teams.
I like the romance, but I am not sure I QUITE bought that they would just go for it, despite the risks. Big spoiler.
Definitely need a million more books in this series.
I like the romance, but I am not sure I QUITE bought that they would just go for it, despite the risks. Big spoiler.
Definitely need a million more books in this series.
March 8, 2019
This was a fun contemporary romance that features a baseball player and a PR rep for his team. There's a secret romance, loads of drama and I was here for it. Good stuff! I wonder if we'll be seeing more from Ty's teammates? Hmm.
March 3, 2019
This is possibly the beginning to a new baseball series, as a number of players were introduced who have stories to tell. I know I’m definitely interested in Connor’s. I’ve enjoyed most of Keye’s work. Most of her stories have an edgy feel that this one is sadly lacking, however. I like her writing style, and the fact that she sticks with real life and rarely goes ‘cutesy’ on the reader. This, unfortunately, is one that has a distinct NA flavor, which is kind of a mixed bag for me. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t ‘wow’ me. I will read the next book at least before I write off the series as not-for-me.
November 15, 2021
Just the right season to read a baseball themed romance! Even though the plot is familiar ( sports star and PR agent, forbidden affair etc.), in this author's hands it's inventive and character driven. The baseball scenes are clearly well thought out, descriptive, knowledgeable and believable. The ups and downs of the relationship mirror the accompanying team highs and lows. Very enjoyable, looking forward to the next in the series!
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
March 19, 2020
Team Player was a fun read. It's a good combination of sports and workplace romance. Gwen Scott works for the Charleston Thrashers public relations department. She loves baseball, but not necessarily her job. It also doesn't help that she's still very much grieving her aunt who recently passed away. The same aunt who basically raised her. Gwen is struggling with figuring out what her real purpose is and ends up working for the Thrashers as much because of the shared love that she and her aunt had for the team as for any other reason.
Tyler Ashe (aka Ty) is an aging ball player who's in a funk for many reasons. His best friend (on and off the field) is in prison and he misses him. Things aren't the same and he feels out of place. His game is off and his life in general feels off kilter. He's not only doing poorly on the field, he's getting in trouble with management for ducking out on interviews and avoiding reporters. He needs to re-prioritize his life quickly.
When Gwen and Ty meet each other, the chemistry is palpable. Even though relationships within the organization are forbidden, they eventually succumb to their attraction. However, they work hard to keep everything on the "down low" in order to not jeopardize anyone's job. What starts as something meant to be casual quickly evolves into something tied to emotions and feelings.
In addition to the romance, there is a little mystery involved as well as lots of baseball. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to diving into the next one in the series, Bench Player.
Tyler Ashe (aka Ty) is an aging ball player who's in a funk for many reasons. His best friend (on and off the field) is in prison and he misses him. Things aren't the same and he feels out of place. His game is off and his life in general feels off kilter. He's not only doing poorly on the field, he's getting in trouble with management for ducking out on interviews and avoiding reporters. He needs to re-prioritize his life quickly.
When Gwen and Ty meet each other, the chemistry is palpable. Even though relationships within the organization are forbidden, they eventually succumb to their attraction. However, they work hard to keep everything on the "down low" in order to not jeopardize anyone's job. What starts as something meant to be casual quickly evolves into something tied to emotions and feelings.
In addition to the romance, there is a little mystery involved as well as lots of baseball. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to diving into the next one in the series, Bench Player.
March 12, 2019
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What happens when a hot shot baseball player in the midst of a major slump falls for the teams newest PR employee? Sexy, hot shenanigans and a love story full of heart and depth.
Tyler Ashe puts the Ashe in Thrashers - the Charleston Thrashers to be more specific. However, he's in a slump. After playing right by his best friend for years, he finds himself alone suddenly, untethered and unsure and definitely not a team player.
Gwen Scott has had a lifetime of being abandoned and rejected by her missionary parents. When the aunt who took her in and instilled her love of baseball in her passes away, Gwen is devastated by the loss and unable to find joy in anything...until an unexpected meeting with Tyler changes everything.
I really enjoyed this book - I enjoyed the depth of the characters, they were multi-dimensional and flawed and had feelings that were very valid and it was bittersweet seeing them experience their hurts and their joys. Tyler made a lot of stupid mistakes which ultimately resulted in costing Gwen the most and while I didn't love that part, I understood the realistic nature of it. I'm not sure if this is meant to be a series - I did enjoy the side characters a lot and would not mind revisiting this world again.
What happens when a hot shot baseball player in the midst of a major slump falls for the teams newest PR employee? Sexy, hot shenanigans and a love story full of heart and depth.
Tyler Ashe puts the Ashe in Thrashers - the Charleston Thrashers to be more specific. However, he's in a slump. After playing right by his best friend for years, he finds himself alone suddenly, untethered and unsure and definitely not a team player.
Gwen Scott has had a lifetime of being abandoned and rejected by her missionary parents. When the aunt who took her in and instilled her love of baseball in her passes away, Gwen is devastated by the loss and unable to find joy in anything...until an unexpected meeting with Tyler changes everything.
I really enjoyed this book - I enjoyed the depth of the characters, they were multi-dimensional and flawed and had feelings that were very valid and it was bittersweet seeing them experience their hurts and their joys. Tyler made a lot of stupid mistakes which ultimately resulted in costing Gwen the most and while I didn't love that part, I understood the realistic nature of it. I'm not sure if this is meant to be a series - I did enjoy the side characters a lot and would not mind revisiting this world again.
March 31, 2019
I grew up watching baseball and so I'm a HUGE fan of it. I think what I appreciated the most about this book was the fact that the Julianna knows her stuff and you can tell. Sometimes when you read sports romance books you can be disappointed when there is a lack of the actual sport in the book. With this story that is not the case, you get the "view" the games not just be told about it.
I also loved Gwen and Ty's relationship, how they grew not only as a couple but as individuals. The only issue I had was the ending, I wish we could have seen them farther down the line, however, that's just a personal preference.
I can't wait to see who the next book is about.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also loved Gwen and Ty's relationship, how they grew not only as a couple but as individuals. The only issue I had was the ending, I wish we could have seen them farther down the line, however, that's just a personal preference.
I can't wait to see who the next book is about.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2020
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Team Player by Julianna Keyes
Book One of the Charleston Thrashers series
Publication Date: March 28, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
Summary (from Goodreads):
BOTTOM NINE
Gwen Scott wants to love her job with the Charleston Thrashers, the MLB team she’s worshiped since she was a kid, but she can’t. Hateful colleagues and mind-numbing work make her days unbearable—until her head for baseball gets her exclusive access to the Thrashers’ clubhouse and she comes face-to-face with Tyler Ashe, the team’s sexy shortstop and baseball’s most ineligible bachelor.
BASES LOADED
Ty has sworn off relationships in order to focus on his all-star career, but with his best friend gone, his team struggling, and the press blaming him for every loss, the most recognizable man in the majors is in a slump. Until he starts spending his time off the field with a stern blonde who recites baseball stats for kicks and sees through his arrogant façade.
TWO OUT
As the Thrashers’ season gets into full swing and Gwen adjusts to her new job, their fun banter and friendly teasing turns into stolen kisses and countless steamy nights. The team’s strict policy against player-staff relationships throws a curve ball into the mix, but they can’t hide from their feelings any more than the most famous man in baseball can hide from the spotlight…
What I Liked:
I actually read this book in a grief-induced haze after my father's sudden death, in early 2019. I remember picking up Team Player but, over a year and a half later, I don't remember a single thing about the story. So this was a pleasant "first-time" reread for me. I needed a nice, positive distraction from the current political turmoil we (in the States) are dealing with. I have read most of Julianna Keyes' books and I can always trust her for a fun, sexy, positive romance story.
Team Player is the first book of a new series, revolving around baseball. Ty is a hotshot baseball player who is having a rough season, and Gwen works in PR for the baseball. Ty doesn't do relationships, and Gwen is incredibly focused on her job... but they meet by chance and a lot more than sparks fly. But is their secret relationship worth the risk?
I have yet to read a book by Julianna Keyes that I didn't like, and Team Player is no exception. From the start, I was hooked on Gwen's personal backstory, and Ty's as well. I wanted to know more about Gwen's grief, and Ty's loss. I wanted the Thrashers to turn their season around. Heck, I wanted Jorge Ibanez to be super annoying to his teammates. Keyes has a way of writing each and every character, whether primary or secondary, in a way that makes you want to know more about them and make you cheer for them. I was half in love with the entire Thrashers team (even Ibanez with his silly antics).
I liked seeing Gwen grow from being someone who went through the motions (due to fresh grief - something I very much understand!) to someone who became passionate about her career and her future. Ty grew from someone who didn't care about anything or anyone to someone who gave his all for his team, and his girlfriend.
Ty and Gwen have seriously great chemistry! If there is one thing that Keyes does incredibly well, it's build tension, and pull off some seriously sizzling chemistry. She also writes a great story and fun, relatable characters, but I'd say her strong suit is building tension. The romantic tension between Ty and Gwen is the shiver-worthy kind. Not to mention that they are adorable together. Seriously, relationship goals! I almost believe in love again, thanks to them.
The big conflict in this book is clear, when you look at the premise of the story, but Keyes wrote it in such a way that I didn't quite see it coming, the way it did. Suffice it to say, I was hooked and kept reading right until the end. This story was addicting and I couldn't wait to reach the end to see how things wrapped up. There is a cute HEA, so don't worry about that!
I really, really liked this book. It's a classic Keyes book, and yet, Keyes' writing and storytelling gets better and better with each book. I'm excited to see what she writes next!
What I Did Not Like:
This might be just me but I wanted a liiiiittle bit more from Gwen's (personal) end. I love the HEA with Ty, but I wanted more loose ends to be tied. Some loops to be closed. I can't say a lot without giving spoilers, so I'll keep it generic. But an epilogue would have been perfect.
But, the next book is a companion novel, so maybe I'll get to see more Ty/Gwen (and therefore, Gwen) in the next book. Maybe!
Would I Recommend It:
If you like adult contemporary romance - particularly sports romance - you should definitely try this new book (and series) by Julianna Keyes. I'm not even a baseball fan, but somehow, I am now, thanks to Team Player. Or maybe it's just baseball in fiction. I'm not ashamed to say that I might be a little in love with fictional baseball players.
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. This book was awesome! I had a fun time reading it and I really enjoyed it. I will be reading Bench Player as soon as I can - especially since I realized that it features Allison (Gwen's boss) and Connor (Ty's best friend). I'm excited!
Team Player by Julianna Keyes
Book One of the Charleston Thrashers series
Publication Date: March 28, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
Summary (from Goodreads):
BOTTOM NINE
Gwen Scott wants to love her job with the Charleston Thrashers, the MLB team she’s worshiped since she was a kid, but she can’t. Hateful colleagues and mind-numbing work make her days unbearable—until her head for baseball gets her exclusive access to the Thrashers’ clubhouse and she comes face-to-face with Tyler Ashe, the team’s sexy shortstop and baseball’s most ineligible bachelor.
BASES LOADED
Ty has sworn off relationships in order to focus on his all-star career, but with his best friend gone, his team struggling, and the press blaming him for every loss, the most recognizable man in the majors is in a slump. Until he starts spending his time off the field with a stern blonde who recites baseball stats for kicks and sees through his arrogant façade.
TWO OUT
As the Thrashers’ season gets into full swing and Gwen adjusts to her new job, their fun banter and friendly teasing turns into stolen kisses and countless steamy nights. The team’s strict policy against player-staff relationships throws a curve ball into the mix, but they can’t hide from their feelings any more than the most famous man in baseball can hide from the spotlight…
What I Liked:
I actually read this book in a grief-induced haze after my father's sudden death, in early 2019. I remember picking up Team Player but, over a year and a half later, I don't remember a single thing about the story. So this was a pleasant "first-time" reread for me. I needed a nice, positive distraction from the current political turmoil we (in the States) are dealing with. I have read most of Julianna Keyes' books and I can always trust her for a fun, sexy, positive romance story.
Team Player is the first book of a new series, revolving around baseball. Ty is a hotshot baseball player who is having a rough season, and Gwen works in PR for the baseball. Ty doesn't do relationships, and Gwen is incredibly focused on her job... but they meet by chance and a lot more than sparks fly. But is their secret relationship worth the risk?
I have yet to read a book by Julianna Keyes that I didn't like, and Team Player is no exception. From the start, I was hooked on Gwen's personal backstory, and Ty's as well. I wanted to know more about Gwen's grief, and Ty's loss. I wanted the Thrashers to turn their season around. Heck, I wanted Jorge Ibanez to be super annoying to his teammates. Keyes has a way of writing each and every character, whether primary or secondary, in a way that makes you want to know more about them and make you cheer for them. I was half in love with the entire Thrashers team (even Ibanez with his silly antics).
I liked seeing Gwen grow from being someone who went through the motions (due to fresh grief - something I very much understand!) to someone who became passionate about her career and her future. Ty grew from someone who didn't care about anything or anyone to someone who gave his all for his team, and his girlfriend.
Ty and Gwen have seriously great chemistry! If there is one thing that Keyes does incredibly well, it's build tension, and pull off some seriously sizzling chemistry. She also writes a great story and fun, relatable characters, but I'd say her strong suit is building tension. The romantic tension between Ty and Gwen is the shiver-worthy kind. Not to mention that they are adorable together. Seriously, relationship goals! I almost believe in love again, thanks to them.
The big conflict in this book is clear, when you look at the premise of the story, but Keyes wrote it in such a way that I didn't quite see it coming, the way it did. Suffice it to say, I was hooked and kept reading right until the end. This story was addicting and I couldn't wait to reach the end to see how things wrapped up. There is a cute HEA, so don't worry about that!
I really, really liked this book. It's a classic Keyes book, and yet, Keyes' writing and storytelling gets better and better with each book. I'm excited to see what she writes next!
What I Did Not Like:
This might be just me but I wanted a liiiiittle bit more from Gwen's (personal) end. I love the HEA with Ty, but I wanted more loose ends to be tied. Some loops to be closed. I can't say a lot without giving spoilers, so I'll keep it generic. But an epilogue would have been perfect.
But, the next book is a companion novel, so maybe I'll get to see more Ty/Gwen (and therefore, Gwen) in the next book. Maybe!
Would I Recommend It:
If you like adult contemporary romance - particularly sports romance - you should definitely try this new book (and series) by Julianna Keyes. I'm not even a baseball fan, but somehow, I am now, thanks to Team Player. Or maybe it's just baseball in fiction. I'm not ashamed to say that I might be a little in love with fictional baseball players.
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. This book was awesome! I had a fun time reading it and I really enjoyed it. I will be reading Bench Player as soon as I can - especially since I realized that it features Allison (Gwen's boss) and Connor (Ty's best friend). I'm excited!
August 11, 2021
Probably more like 3.75 stars. I really like Jk’s writing style and iv given her 5 stars before which I don’t usually give too easily, the writing style here is good . I like a sports romance and I really enjoyed the mc’s interactions. I did think this plot was a bit less mature than her other books but still thoroughly enjoyable. The hero was an ass near the end and I would have liked him to squirm more also he went to visit his best friend in prison to kind of check it was ok to break their no relationship pact before going to seek the heroine out after their row. So he looked ridiculous and a little spineless on that score
March 24, 2019
This book is a stellar example of what sport romance should be. It is steeped in the sport, with a hero and heroine who are both relatable and grounded characters.
Ty is a star baseball player having a difficult time. His best friend and teammate is in jail. He is lonely and his game is in a slump.
Gwen is also lonely after the death of the aunt who raised her and shared her passion for baseball. She is works for the team and is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to baseball, baseball history and stats.
I appreciated the fact that the book is about the sports. Ty was more than a pile of gorgeous muscle; we got to see his everyday life and the interaction with his teammates. Gwen is of course a big fan, but we get a sense that she admires him as a baseball player, not because he is famous and rich. And their relationship developed slowly and sweetly. They get to know each other over arcade games and baking shows (which incidentally got me interested in the Greatest British Baking Show).
Despite a slight lag in the story in the second half, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wished more sport romance would be like this one.
Thank you to Netgalley/the Publisher/the Author for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Ty is a star baseball player having a difficult time. His best friend and teammate is in jail. He is lonely and his game is in a slump.
Gwen is also lonely after the death of the aunt who raised her and shared her passion for baseball. She is works for the team and is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to baseball, baseball history and stats.
I appreciated the fact that the book is about the sports. Ty was more than a pile of gorgeous muscle; we got to see his everyday life and the interaction with his teammates. Gwen is of course a big fan, but we get a sense that she admires him as a baseball player, not because he is famous and rich. And their relationship developed slowly and sweetly. They get to know each other over arcade games and baking shows (which incidentally got me interested in the Greatest British Baking Show).
Despite a slight lag in the story in the second half, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wished more sport romance would be like this one.
Thank you to Netgalley/the Publisher/the Author for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
March 4, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Excellent book, and such a great series
These two just click and it’s brilliant to read
I want more
💋💋💋
Excellent book, and such a great series
These two just click and it’s brilliant to read
I want more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews