She only wants to play the game, but the life she tries to escape won’t leave her alone.
Victoria Hudson is a seventeen-year-old with a passion for baseball. When her grandmother buys a new house in the city, Vic discovers a way to play the game for the first time since getting kicked out of little league. She just has to move in with her hippie grandmother and make sure her father, a U.S. Senator and prospective Presidential candidate, doesn’t find out what she’s up to over the summer break.
After proving her abilities on the field, she catches the attention of Daniel Cho, the team’s catcher. Everything seems to be falling apart, and yet falling into place. Vic settles into a life she’s always wanted, that of a normal teenage girl. But Victoria Hudson is anything but normal.
Once the press learns that the potential First Daughter is crossing the gender line to play baseball, Vic is thrust back into the spotlight and making headlines.
The life she tries so hard to get away from simply won’t leave her alone.
I found myself really enjoying this book, it's not something I would normally pick. But that's the great thing about this group. It takes me out of my comfort zone and has introduced me to some amazing and talented artists.
I never played baseball, but after reading about Victoria's passion for the sport, now I want to--especially if there's a smokin' hot, super sweet player out there for me, too!
This was my first Lynn Steven's book and although I don't typically read YA, I was sucked into the story from the very first page. Victoria reads exactly like you'd expect a teenager to: idealistic and impulsive, but ready and looking for realness in her life--and over the course of the summer spent with her grandmother, where she hides out to play baseball out of the public scrutiny of her father's political campaign, she looks for authenticity in her family, friends, love interests, and herself, too. As an adult reader, it was interesting to find that all the characters (even the parents!) were very relatable, and I was definitely swept away in the romance with Daniel. What a hunk!
What really jumped out about this story to me wasn't just a very engaging romance or the snappy dialogue--which were both present--but that there was a deeper message about being true to yourself, standing up for your beliefs, and never, ever letting anyone hold you back from following your heart.
All Victoria Hudson wants to do is play baseball but girls are told they need to play softball. When Vic's grandma moves to a new town Vic puts her registration into the local baseball team and hopes she has a chance on the team. But Victoria needs to keep everything on the down low so that her father, US Senator and Presidential hopeful Warren Hudson never finds out.
As Vic fights for a spot on the team she must also deal with her boyfriend Theo who is away in Europe and her developing feelings towards her teammate, Daniel Cho.
Will Vic earn her place on the team and will she be treated well by her teammates. Will her dad discover what she is doing and force her to quit?
I enjoyed this book and always enjoy a good sports romance.
I liked Vic and loved that she wanted to play baseball as it is a different sport than baseball. She was determined to do her best and she earned a spot based on her talent. I felt bad about how she was living a specific life that her parents wanted for her and I hated that she had to sneak in something just for herself.
Vic's boyfriend Theo was a jerk and I kind of wondered what was going on while he was in Europe and I was right.
Daniel was a great guy but he was from a completely different world than Vic and I wondered if that would come into play. It was interesting to learn about his ex Shelby and how she seemed to still have so much control over him for some strange reason.
I loved the baseball team and how they all became great supporters of Vic and were all there for her when she needed them.
I hated how in certain instances that Vic was targeted on the field and what happened at the end of the book was awful.
Vic's relationship with her parents was definitely complicated and I was so mad when so much of Vic's life was overshadowed by her dad and his political aspirations. The end was a huge eye opener though and I was not expecting everything that was revealed in regards to her parents.
The very end of the book was sad with the playoff game and what happened to Vic but I was super happy she got to experience what she did!
Let me start by saying that I loved the way the author broke down her chapters. An easy and nice way to get the reader involved in what’s going on or going to happen. Another way is having it feel like the characters are talking directly to you or at the very least having you feel apart of the scenes.
Victoria “Vic” Hudson seems to always have to prove herself. Then I reach a point in the first chapter where she says something. It made me wonder the meaning behind that statement. And if you want to know, like me, you’ll have to keep on reading to see if she lets us know. She does have her ups and downs but I did have to wonder if she could be considered a role model for young girls that have the same feelings. Personally, some of what she was going through I could not relate to since my sport was swimming.
I think this is a story that even though it’s listed as a young adult read could be read even by adults. Maybe you take your own kids to little league/baseball games but need a little distraction. Why not take this with you? But be careful because you could end up getting lost into what’s going on. Maybe you have a daughter that’s similar to Victoria? It just might be a good read for her or a way for you two to connect. She also may have some of the same anxieties – especially when trying to have a relationship with a boy.
Even though baseball is a theme I’m not to sure that boys/young men will want to read. They would probably find it too mushy - although I would be happy to be proved wrong. It’s a book that may even have you thinking of your teen years. Our author did have me thinking of all the times that I used to spend with my grandfather listening to the ball games on the radio – yes I’m that old. One thing that didn’t set right with me was the hint of underage drinking. So as a parent that is something you will have to take into consideration as to whether you should read the book first before giving it to your child. But it does add realism to the story because we know it goes on.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
There are very few sports stories that I have read and loved from beginning to end and this is one of them. This is also the first book that I have read by this author and I am happy to announce that this author has a new follower. I also must admit that it's very rare that I am so far into a story that I am not watching my kindle's battery and let it completely die on me while reading a story. Yep, it happened.
The characters were incredible. The life Victoria had to live left a piece of my heart within the pages of this story. She had so many ups and downs and I felt as if I could connect with her. Having to live within the shadows of a well known parent is very hard. I know because I lived it. Victoria was a very strong willed character and I gave her props for what she went through and how she handled situations, which also made me love her even more. Also the struggling relationship between Victoria and Daniel made for such a sweet love story.
The story-line kept me craving for more. I was completely glued to this story and as I turned each page, I felt as if I needed to know more. Stevens is an absolute genius!! She knows just how to capture her audience, no matter the age, and reel us in from the very first sentence. I highly recommend this read.
Extra Innings by Lynn Stevens is a story about family, politics, racism, and a girl named Victoria who just wants to play baseball and forget about who her father is. Yes, her father just happens to be a U.S. Senator who has eyes on the White House! Can Vic just be a normal seventeen year old and play baseball with the team, and be accepted for herself? What if she falls for one of her teammates? What if he falls for her too? Can this work out with all the reporters and publicity?
This is a well-told story that will keep you entertained especially if you know anything about baseball. The characters and plot are well developed. I loved Vic's grandmother, who is the mother of the Senator. She is down to earth and full of spunk, helping with Habitat for Humanity and other charitable functions. I highly recommend this story. It was given to me as a Quirky Blind Date with an Author and I always review every book that I read.
Lynn Stevens has hit a home run with Extra Innings. You don’t have to be a baseball enthusiast to enjoy it either. Stevens brings the crack of bat, the roar of the crowd, and the cheers from the team leaping from the pages. I felt like I was at the games.
But this isn’t just a story about baseball, it’s much more. Victoria Hudson has always been in the shadow of her father’s political career. All Vicky wants is to be her own person, step out of the spotlight, and play ball. Her passion for baseball is contagious. At the heart of Extra Innings is a story about growing up, discovering one’s self, and finding your tribe.
I was hooked from page one with the engaging storyline, witty dialogue, and budding romance. However, it was the underlying theme that set this story apart for me. Lynn Stevens has a new fan!
Victoria (Vic) Hudson didn't want to play softball with the other girls, she wanted to play baseball. The problem was most areas didn't allow girls to play a 'boy's' sport. Vic found out that in St. Louis where her grandma Hudson lived there was a loophole that didn't ask for the gender of the person on the application form. Vic decided to sign up. At first she had troubles from the coach and the players but she won them over. That was before they found out about her parents. Could she overcome their prejudices to pay the game she loved. This is an author with a light easy writing style, I know nothing about baseball but I enjoyed the book. The interaction between the players was lovely and how you would expect young adults to behave in the situations they find themselves in. A great book with a HEA
There are two things that Victoria wants in her life. One is to play baseball and the other is to escape the shadow of her political father and living with her Grandmother could hopefully give her both. She wants to be accepted for who she is so when she makes the team she knows that she needs to keep a low profile.
Daniel is the catcher on the team and the relationship between he and Vic evolves from teammates to friends to something deeper but are their feelings for each other strong enough to overcome the effects of who Vic really is.
This is a story of friendship, acceptance and living your life the way you want and not how others want you to live. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Victoria AKA "Vic" is gonna play baseball. Who cares if it is a male dominated sport. She signed up, showed up, and played hard. She is gonna prove herself if it kills her.
Daniel knows she has a boyfriend, but he also knows the guy is a tool. He cannot help but be interested in a girl who knows her own mind. She can play baseball, and is a great addition to the team.
This book felt like is was fast paced. I love the characters and eagerly devoured each page. I felt like this book was a great read. The story was rich, the characters fun to read, and the heat was just gentle. I cannot wait to read the next installment!
Victoria AKA "Vic" is gonna play baseball and who really cares that it's a male dominated sport. Victoria signed up, showed up, and played the sport that she loves. She is gonna prove herself if it kills her and she wants to leave her mark on this sport not matter what. Daniel realizes that Victoria has a boyfriend,and he doesn't like him. Daniel likes that this certain girl has her own mind. She can play baseball, and is a great addition to the team. This was a fast paced book and it was great sports read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*3.5 ~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review! I really enjoyed this book. It had a nice, easy-going writing style, the plot progression was very well written (and at times unpredictable, which can be unusual for a romance, seeing as most of them follow the same formula), and you could really feel the emotions of the characters, especially sadness/ anger. There was a little more swearing in the book than I would've liked, so I had to give it a 3.5, but, otherwise, I'd give it a solid 4! Overall, this was a great book (aside from the swearing), I really liked it! :) ~Full Review To Come~
This is one of the most heartwarming YA I have read! I loved that it was this young girl and her friends against the world! They really banded together in support of one another and I absolutely loved Vic’s grandma! It made me smile to know that she had someone in her corner who was rooting for her! It was different than any book I have read lately but definitely one that I thoroughly enjoyed and I will definitely read this author again!
The book is a good teen and young adult romance read. The story has a good and engaging story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable romance read that has a deeper message about being true to yourself with standing up for your beliefs, and never letting anyone hold you back from following your dreams.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
EXTRA INNINGS is the first book I've read by this author. This was a coming of age story about a girl who is willing to do what she needs to to play her sort of choice and her experience along the way.
I enjoyed this story and cheered Vic on along the way.
I would absolutely recommend it to my young cousins.
I was so engrossed in this book that I found it difficult to put it down. It combined two things I love - Baseball and strong girls/women. The only thing that disappointed me was that not all my questions about Vic's future were answered at the end. Maybe there will be a spin-off or two. :)
God, I loved this, I couldn't put it down until I finished. I really liked Vic for doing what she loved and being true to herself. Daniel was a good guy that just wanted to be with her even with all those obstacules. They were a beautiful couple and I just loved them a lot
more of 1.5 stars... i feel like a 7th grader wrote this. had the potential to be really good but was so dramatic. hair pulling? slamming fists down... idk maybe i'm too grown for that stuff
I'm a baseball fan, and a part-time follower of politics, and the author managed to blend the two very nicely. Vic learns the lesson of being true to yourself, while playing the game she loves, finding young love in the process. Daniel is a much better young man than Theo, and proves to be deserving of her friendship and affections. Her other teammates and the coach are supportive and even protective of her. Her grandmother is the bomb, encouraging and non-judgmental, the complete opposite of Vic's "picture perfect family". The story is quite engaging, and I loved how the author broke down the chapters into innings. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first in a new series, and what a great beginning this is. Victoria / Vic has a passion for baseball, and she finds a way to play the game by moving in with her grandma, and playing for the local baseball team, hoping that she can keep everything on the low down, so her senator father does not find out about it. Vic catches the eye of the team’s catcher Daniel, but will her dreams be destroyed when the press catch wind of a story? This is a well written story which has family, friendships, engaging and realistic characters, emotions, a budding romance, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this YA sports romance. The characters are incredibly relatable and realistic. I loved the strength and resilience of Victoria, Daniel was a swoony hunk and I just wanted to kick Theo. Vic just wants to be normal but her family life makes that virtually impossible, but a summer with her grandmother gives her a chance. The story is engaging and sweet, with teenage drama, witty banter, tough situations, personal growth, relationship issues, young love and a HEA. Well worth the read with a hidden “stay true to yourself” moral.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The love interest is concerned and tells the fmc that her boyfriend treats her like a trophy (true) and her response is to punch him as hard as she can?!? Not the first example of her violence but I can’t get behind this. Would readers be okay if the mmc punched her?
I quit a different book by this author due to unlikeable characters and hoped this would be different, but it seems not. It started off well but the mmc sneering and smirking doesn’t help either 🤷♀️
Also, so far the book has been clean, but now it’s talking about a girl “blowing her dealer for meth” so the sweet tone feels a little off.
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Victoria/Vic and Daniel and their baseball team. Victoria is the only daughter of a senator and his wife. She wants the chance to play baseball before she can't again. When signing up for the team she never expects her summer to go the way it does. She meets Daniel, breaks up with Theo and makes some new friends. Great chemistry with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Extra Innings is the first book in Lynn Steven's Girls of Summer series. This story of a girl who just wants to play baseball one more time is one you are sure to enjoy!
Victoria just wants to play baseball competitively one more time before her adult life comes into play. Living with her grandmother for the summer lets that dream happen, and little does she know that she will meet a boy on the team.
This story of coming into adulthood is one that will leave an impression on you! You'll laugh, your chest will get tight and you will cry, too. I loved this story!
Girls of summer series, this is the story of Victoria, wanting to play one last season of baseball and be a normal kid. just once giving up the senior class trip to Paris with her friends and boyfriend to play. She hides her identity by using the nickname of Vic and living with her grandmother for the summer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written story full of witty banter, friendship, teenage drama, unsupportive parents, personal growth and more. Vic just wants to play baseball, but as a senators daughter it's not allowed... Daniel sees just how good she is. Will Vic finally confront her parents?... Will she finally get her dream of playing?...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars Good YA romance about the daughter of a US Senator and Presidential candidate who just wants to play baseball and not be on display. She develops feelings for one of the players on her team which causes them both some angst - with current and former boy/girlfriends to be dealt with before they can progress, family drama and problems with the media spotlight. I also really enjoyed how the team came to see Vic as one of them as stuck up for her in different ways.