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Homeruns #6
Line Drive
A Chance Encounter Gay Sports Romance
Auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity, PJ was able to have one night where he wasn’t living a lie. Nate’s return is going to make it hard to lay low until he can get out of his contract with a toxic team.
PJ Nolan just has to get through this year. He’d been hoping for a trade to Milwaukee, where he wouldn’t have to hide the fact that he was gay, but that didn’t pan out. He’s close enough to achieving his goal that he can’t walk away, no matter how hostile the Miami clubhouse had become. That changes when he arrives for the first day of spring training and his teammates think it’s funny to mock the one night that made him feel alive. They didn’t know that it wasn’t a joke to him. Unfortunately, those pictures are all he has left of Nate Kendricks.
Nate knows nothing about baseball, but agrees to a spring training road trip as a way to spend time with his twin brother and get away from their dad’s micromanagement for a while. He’s not thrilled about the prospect of seeing PJ Nolan, the man who’d haunted his dreams since the night of the charity auction, but figures PJ has probably already forgotten their chance encounter. Nate thought their chemistry was undeniable, but after that night, he never heard from PJ again.
Once they reunite, PJ’s certain of one thing: he’s not going to let Nate slip away again. With his priorities constantly changing, PJ needs to find a way to achieve his dreams, both on and off the field. As he gets closer to joining his dad in the record books, he feels Nate slipping away. What will he choose if forced to pick between new love and a lifelong dream?
Line Drive is the final book in the Homeruns series, originally published under the pen name Sloan Johnson.
Auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity, PJ was able to have one night where he wasn’t living a lie. Nate’s return is going to make it hard to lay low until he can get out of his contract with a toxic team.
PJ Nolan just has to get through this year. He’d been hoping for a trade to Milwaukee, where he wouldn’t have to hide the fact that he was gay, but that didn’t pan out. He’s close enough to achieving his goal that he can’t walk away, no matter how hostile the Miami clubhouse had become. That changes when he arrives for the first day of spring training and his teammates think it’s funny to mock the one night that made him feel alive. They didn’t know that it wasn’t a joke to him. Unfortunately, those pictures are all he has left of Nate Kendricks.
Nate knows nothing about baseball, but agrees to a spring training road trip as a way to spend time with his twin brother and get away from their dad’s micromanagement for a while. He’s not thrilled about the prospect of seeing PJ Nolan, the man who’d haunted his dreams since the night of the charity auction, but figures PJ has probably already forgotten their chance encounter. Nate thought their chemistry was undeniable, but after that night, he never heard from PJ again.
Once they reunite, PJ’s certain of one thing: he’s not going to let Nate slip away again. With his priorities constantly changing, PJ needs to find a way to achieve his dreams, both on and off the field. As he gets closer to joining his dad in the record books, he feels Nate slipping away. What will he choose if forced to pick between new love and a lifelong dream?
Line Drive is the final book in the Homeruns series, originally published under the pen name Sloan Johnson.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2016
78 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Sloan Johnson
26 books836 followersSloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s body. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 28, 2017
I liked this book, though it featured one glaring omission. On purpose? You be the judge.
PJ Nolan is a closeted baseball player who is "won" by out-n-proud Nate at a celebrity auction for the LGBT shelter in Milwaukee. (PJ's team is Miami.) When PJ gets to his locker, he finds it festooned with press pictures of that evening along with the ever present spoken slurs about gays in sports. In a moment of pissed off-ness, he tells his teammates to grow-up, etc and that he's gay before leaving the clubhouse.
Part of the story is how PJ wants to be traded to the Mavericks (Milwaukee) so he can be himself finally, a gay man/pro athlete. However, NOTHING is said about how it will "affect" the public learning he's gay! (I agree that it's nobodies business but come on: ESPN is going to dedicate at least one hour to this "controversy in MLB", hosted by Chris Berman.) This problem of PJ's will still be there in Milwaukee. Chances are good that it'll follow him! (Miami is keeping mum about the walkout-- which is strange to me as we are told about players being gossips but no leaks?? They should be in government.)
It may sound like I had my own problems with this book. In reality, I liked it! It was a different viewpoint and I enjoyed that.
PJ Nolan is a closeted baseball player who is "won" by out-n-proud Nate at a celebrity auction for the LGBT shelter in Milwaukee. (PJ's team is Miami.) When PJ gets to his locker, he finds it festooned with press pictures of that evening along with the ever present spoken slurs about gays in sports. In a moment of pissed off-ness, he tells his teammates to grow-up, etc and that he's gay before leaving the clubhouse.
Part of the story is how PJ wants to be traded to the Mavericks (Milwaukee) so he can be himself finally, a gay man/pro athlete. However, NOTHING is said about how it will "affect" the public learning he's gay! (I agree that it's nobodies business but come on: ESPN is going to dedicate at least one hour to this "controversy in MLB", hosted by Chris Berman.) This problem of PJ's will still be there in Milwaukee. Chances are good that it'll follow him! (Miami is keeping mum about the walkout-- which is strange to me as we are told about players being gossips but no leaks?? They should be in government.)
It may sound like I had my own problems with this book. In reality, I liked it! It was a different viewpoint and I enjoyed that.
January 16, 2019
Great story!
Loved it! This was a great story between Nate and PJ. I loved how romantic they were and how they easily relied on each other. They had smoking chemistry too! I loved how PJ overcame his obstacles and the ending was just perfect! Well done on this series to the author!
Loved it! This was a great story between Nate and PJ. I loved how romantic they were and how they easily relied on each other. They had smoking chemistry too! I loved how PJ overcame his obstacles and the ending was just perfect! Well done on this series to the author!
May 23, 2017
P.J and Nate are my favorites so far. Each book gets better in this series. Looking forward to Nate's brothers story in the new series!!
October 10, 2016
ARC received from author for an honest review
Batter up!
When Sloan Johnson offers you an advanced copy of her new book, this little black duck takes it.
I am a huge fan of the Homeruns series, and the latest installment, Line Drive was just perfection.
I don't know much about baseball (other than what I have learned from watching Major League, Bull Durham) but I love diving into a good sports romance.
This is a sports romance with a bit of a difference though - there isn't as much of the sport in Line Drive as you would expect.
This is more a behind the scenes, what happens off the field sports story.
PJ and Nate's story is moving, it is emotional and it cuts right to the heart of what it is to be gay in the manly man's world of professional baseball.
PJ is in the twilight of his professional playing career, and what should be a banner year for him is becoming his nightmare. Shooting for a record before he retires, he has lost the fire in his belly due to the rampant homophobia within his club.
Nate is about as sporty as I am, but he knows how PJ feels, having to hide his true self from the court of public opinion (through his brother Zach who is just luuuurve!).
There is an intensity between PJ and Nate that leaps off the pages. From their first meeting to the end, I could feel the push/pull between them. The fear of what is happening, what could happen. But also how together it seems to quiet the storm.
Line Drive is a work of fiction, but the story Ms Johnson has told is being played out all day, every day in locker rooms across the globe. It is 2016, and the dinosaurs need to realise that their time has been and gone and that their bigotry will not be tolerated any more.
It was great that we got to see more of those Milwaukee Mavericks boys. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room in anger at times. All signs of a great book to me.
Now I am impatiently awaiting the next book!
November 16, 2016
Line Drive (Homeruns #6) by Sloan Johnson
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Physical violence, gay bashing/intolerance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
PJ is struggling. He sees how happy his friends are in their open and honest relationship, sees that they are able to focus solely on playing baseball, and despite wanting to finish his career in Miami, the jabs and jokes within his teams' locker room are becoming unbearable. He's coiling tighter and tighter - he's reaching his breaking point. During an auction to help his Milwaukee counterparts, he somehow gets roped in to being auctioned for the "perfect date". Just when PJ thinks things can't get any more awkward, he hears a low octave voice bidding on him and winning the date... What's he to do now? He knows that this is going to cause issues...
Nate is at an action for his brother's friends... he sees PJ up on the stage and recognizes the anxiety that is plastered all over PJ and he realizes that if he wins the bid faster, the faster PJ will get to leave the stage. He doesn't know anything about PJ other than seeing his discomfort. What happens next is almost a series of accidents that creates a situation in which PJ and Nate find themselves coming together in more ways than just attraction.
Despite all of the issues that PJ faces, he doesn't want to leave Miami. It's his team. He wants to have his major accomplishment with the team he always dreamed about. But, I think that the relationship between his father and him, the talks and decisions that need to be made helped me connect with PJ on a better level. Without those interactions, PJ was a hard character for me to connect with. He seemed too selfish.
Nate is somewhat naive. He wants to be with PJ, but doesn't really know what that entails because he's not used to hiding who he is. There are communication issues, biases, ignorance and stress of the job that get in the way. Overall, this was a sweet story that showed even if you can't walk the exact path you started on, you'll always come out as long as you follow your heart.
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Physical violence, gay bashing/intolerance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
PJ is struggling. He sees how happy his friends are in their open and honest relationship, sees that they are able to focus solely on playing baseball, and despite wanting to finish his career in Miami, the jabs and jokes within his teams' locker room are becoming unbearable. He's coiling tighter and tighter - he's reaching his breaking point. During an auction to help his Milwaukee counterparts, he somehow gets roped in to being auctioned for the "perfect date". Just when PJ thinks things can't get any more awkward, he hears a low octave voice bidding on him and winning the date... What's he to do now? He knows that this is going to cause issues...
Nate is at an action for his brother's friends... he sees PJ up on the stage and recognizes the anxiety that is plastered all over PJ and he realizes that if he wins the bid faster, the faster PJ will get to leave the stage. He doesn't know anything about PJ other than seeing his discomfort. What happens next is almost a series of accidents that creates a situation in which PJ and Nate find themselves coming together in more ways than just attraction.
Despite all of the issues that PJ faces, he doesn't want to leave Miami. It's his team. He wants to have his major accomplishment with the team he always dreamed about. But, I think that the relationship between his father and him, the talks and decisions that need to be made helped me connect with PJ on a better level. Without those interactions, PJ was a hard character for me to connect with. He seemed too selfish.
Nate is somewhat naive. He wants to be with PJ, but doesn't really know what that entails because he's not used to hiding who he is. There are communication issues, biases, ignorance and stress of the job that get in the way. Overall, this was a sweet story that showed even if you can't walk the exact path you started on, you'll always come out as long as you follow your heart.
November 15, 2016
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Wow. Usually, at this point in a series I’m getting bored and the stories are increasingly formulaic. But book seven in this series offers a whole new set of characters a whole new team and a new perspective on professional baseball.
I loved PJ as a leading man. A legend, ready to retire, he has one last record to set before he can call it quits on his own terms. He lives a closeted life in his father’s shadow. Things get complicated when he finally meets someone he might actually like and can’t face life in the closet any longer. The pent up fury PJ unleashes on his homophobic teammates is epic but the repercussions are sobering and thought provoking. Earlier in the series, there were times I felt that the inspirational coming out moments were a little bit too good to be true. In many ways, PJ’s book is darker and probably more realistic.
Nate isn’t quite as memorable for me. He is sweet and cute. If PJ lives in his father’s shadow, Nate lives in his brother’s. Nate might be a bit blurry for me because he sees blurry about his own identity. With his twin playing professional football, Nate works as his PA which only makes him less noticeable. I liked his developing confidence by the end of the story and there is probably only room for one temperamental star in any relationship - but he really isn’t one of my favourite characters in this series.
This is more the story of the last year of PJ’s career than it is a romance. There is more actual baseball and much more baseball politics than in many books in the series. There are romantic moments and some hot sex, but the is the story of a legend at the end of his career. I loved catching up with characters from earlier books, but because this is about a different team, we don’t see as much of the original characters as we usually do.
I really enjoyed this. It would work as a stand alone well and I liked the way it offered a fresh, original plot and added new characters to a fantastic series.
Wow. Usually, at this point in a series I’m getting bored and the stories are increasingly formulaic. But book seven in this series offers a whole new set of characters a whole new team and a new perspective on professional baseball.
I loved PJ as a leading man. A legend, ready to retire, he has one last record to set before he can call it quits on his own terms. He lives a closeted life in his father’s shadow. Things get complicated when he finally meets someone he might actually like and can’t face life in the closet any longer. The pent up fury PJ unleashes on his homophobic teammates is epic but the repercussions are sobering and thought provoking. Earlier in the series, there were times I felt that the inspirational coming out moments were a little bit too good to be true. In many ways, PJ’s book is darker and probably more realistic.
Nate isn’t quite as memorable for me. He is sweet and cute. If PJ lives in his father’s shadow, Nate lives in his brother’s. Nate might be a bit blurry for me because he sees blurry about his own identity. With his twin playing professional football, Nate works as his PA which only makes him less noticeable. I liked his developing confidence by the end of the story and there is probably only room for one temperamental star in any relationship - but he really isn’t one of my favourite characters in this series.
This is more the story of the last year of PJ’s career than it is a romance. There is more actual baseball and much more baseball politics than in many books in the series. There are romantic moments and some hot sex, but the is the story of a legend at the end of his career. I loved catching up with characters from earlier books, but because this is about a different team, we don’t see as much of the original characters as we usually do.
I really enjoyed this. It would work as a stand alone well and I liked the way it offered a fresh, original plot and added new characters to a fantastic series.
July 13, 2018
The story of PJ, Cliff's ex- friend with benefits, and Nate. PJ is mid 30s at the end of his baseball playing career and is still in the closet. He is playing for a homophobic Florida team and is constantly stressed about keeping his sexuality under wraps. He is coerced by Cliff into participating for a celebrity charity auction and is aghast to find he is bid on by a man. Nate bids on him recognizing in him the anxiety at being bid on by a woman but misinterpreting his need to be seen with a woman as camouflage. Obviously the initial meeting when Nate has to collect his "prize" doesn't go well though the sexual attraction between them is off the charts.
They almost immediately fall into a serious relationship and Nate relocates to be with PJ.
I didn't love this book. It was more focused on the hazards of being gay in major league sports than on the relationship between Nate and PJ. Neither of the characters were well fleshed out which is unusual in this series. We don't know much more about them at the end of the story than we do at the beginning. I felt the void. The story was told in alternating points of view and Nate vacillated between uncertainty about the relationship and fear of moving too fast. PJ was stuck between anger at his team and pushing Nate to stay with him. Other than that we are given a brief physical description of Nate, none of PJ except his weight and that he is cut and are left with that to tide us over. We are told they are in love but it confuses me as to how and when that happened. They moved so fast and PJ seemed so needy. We were told about their sex life but I missed the tension and watching it unfold.
Decent book that should be read if you are a fan of the series but it is not a home run; more of a base hit. There are typos, duplicated words and misspellings that should have been caught in editing and by beta readers. Overall an adequate 3 stars. Meh
They almost immediately fall into a serious relationship and Nate relocates to be with PJ.
I didn't love this book. It was more focused on the hazards of being gay in major league sports than on the relationship between Nate and PJ. Neither of the characters were well fleshed out which is unusual in this series. We don't know much more about them at the end of the story than we do at the beginning. I felt the void. The story was told in alternating points of view and Nate vacillated between uncertainty about the relationship and fear of moving too fast. PJ was stuck between anger at his team and pushing Nate to stay with him. Other than that we are given a brief physical description of Nate, none of PJ except his weight and that he is cut and are left with that to tide us over. We are told they are in love but it confuses me as to how and when that happened. They moved so fast and PJ seemed so needy. We were told about their sex life but I missed the tension and watching it unfold.
Decent book that should be read if you are a fan of the series but it is not a home run; more of a base hit. There are typos, duplicated words and misspellings that should have been caught in editing and by beta readers. Overall an adequate 3 stars. Meh
November 18, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the sixth book in the series, and I really enjoyed it as we take a move away from the good conditions of the team we know and love and remember the reality for most gay players in the league.
The build up to why the locker room incident happened is absolutely delicious, and makes the fall out even more harsh. As PJ comes to terms with the fact that Nate has rocked his world, he has to decide whether he should carry on playing in such a hostile environment, and get his record book score, or leave it all behind. That is such a lot of responsibility to place on a new relationship - yet the author brilliantly brings us round the issues, and not the people, so that it manages to be much bigger than just two people, and yet they remain constantly in focus. I think it is always good to be stretched a bit when reading a story - and this combines that with such a lovely, fulfilling romance that I had to just keep reading ... until I sadly realised it was the last page. Hopefully we will get the other twin's story sometime and that will bring Nate and PJ back to us.
If you have not yet read this series, then I suggest you get caught up - they are all good in their own right, but together they provide both romance and questions in the world of baseball.
This is the sixth book in the series, and I really enjoyed it as we take a move away from the good conditions of the team we know and love and remember the reality for most gay players in the league.
The build up to why the locker room incident happened is absolutely delicious, and makes the fall out even more harsh. As PJ comes to terms with the fact that Nate has rocked his world, he has to decide whether he should carry on playing in such a hostile environment, and get his record book score, or leave it all behind. That is such a lot of responsibility to place on a new relationship - yet the author brilliantly brings us round the issues, and not the people, so that it manages to be much bigger than just two people, and yet they remain constantly in focus. I think it is always good to be stretched a bit when reading a story - and this combines that with such a lovely, fulfilling romance that I had to just keep reading ... until I sadly realised it was the last page. Hopefully we will get the other twin's story sometime and that will bring Nate and PJ back to us.
If you have not yet read this series, then I suggest you get caught up - they are all good in their own right, but together they provide both romance and questions in the world of baseball.
November 20, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Line Drive is the sixth installment in this series. They can all be read as stand alones but are so much better reading as the author intended.
PJ isn't part of the Milwaukee Mavericks, he plays for Miami. He's always wanted to be in Miami, his dad played there and PJ is so close to hitting the 3000 hit club. PJ and his dad would be the first father son on the list. The closer PJ gets to that goal the harder it is to go to work. Not all the teams in the league are as comfortable with a gay player as the Mavericks are. PJ has fought long and hard to keep his personal life his own but when he participates in a fundraiser that has him in a bachelor auction pictures of him and his date become public. PJ expects the backlash the team is giving him but is he willing to walk away from everything for someone he's just met?
I love that Ms. Johnson is showing the other side of the coin in this one, that not all teams are comfortable with gay players. PJ and Nate were very lovable, but I have to admit the elevator scene threw me for a loop. For me it just didn't fit but I was able to overlook what I didn't like about it and still love the book.
Sloan Johnson has become one of my go to authors. If you haven't tried anything from her, you should you really won't be sorry.
Line Drive is the sixth installment in this series. They can all be read as stand alones but are so much better reading as the author intended.
PJ isn't part of the Milwaukee Mavericks, he plays for Miami. He's always wanted to be in Miami, his dad played there and PJ is so close to hitting the 3000 hit club. PJ and his dad would be the first father son on the list. The closer PJ gets to that goal the harder it is to go to work. Not all the teams in the league are as comfortable with a gay player as the Mavericks are. PJ has fought long and hard to keep his personal life his own but when he participates in a fundraiser that has him in a bachelor auction pictures of him and his date become public. PJ expects the backlash the team is giving him but is he willing to walk away from everything for someone he's just met?
I love that Ms. Johnson is showing the other side of the coin in this one, that not all teams are comfortable with gay players. PJ and Nate were very lovable, but I have to admit the elevator scene threw me for a loop. For me it just didn't fit but I was able to overlook what I didn't like about it and still love the book.
Sloan Johnson has become one of my go to authors. If you haven't tried anything from her, you should you really won't be sorry.
February 14, 2017
I love baseball! Baseball games (Yankees). Baseball movies. Baseball stories. I loved this story. I was hooked from the charity auction.
April 7, 2021
PJ's story is the last one in this series and I really enjoyed his story. I will admit that it felt a little weird for Mason and the crew to not be an integral part of this book because they were so prominently featured in the others. However, we do get a mandatory All Star Break cookout and I enjoyed the interactions between these new characters and the old ones.
I enjoyed the relationship between PJ and Nate. It did move quickly and Quinn does a great job sharing with the readers the struggle with relationships that move quickly and the added stress of distance and issues with a job.
I also really enjoyed Zach and his snark and sass with his twin and his bf.
I do wish there was a bit more to the epilogue. With it being the end of a series, I was hoping for a bit more. Hopefully, we'll see the guys in Zach's book.
I enjoyed the relationship between PJ and Nate. It did move quickly and Quinn does a great job sharing with the readers the struggle with relationships that move quickly and the added stress of distance and issues with a job.
I also really enjoyed Zach and his snark and sass with his twin and his bf.
I do wish there was a bit more to the epilogue. With it being the end of a series, I was hoping for a bit more. Hopefully, we'll see the guys in Zach's book.
October 21, 2016
Once again Sloan has brought us a wonderful story. Most of the time I am not a fan of instalove however this was not completely an instalove story. Yes, the main characters felt a connection right away but that was not the complete story. I loved that this showed more of an everyday life. Trying to work on building a relationship but actually become friends when you know there is more there than just friendship. I love the characters and storyline. The emotions of the characters pulling you in and making you feel like a part of their lives not just reading it. When you get that feeling you know it is a great book. Can't wait to see what Sloan has in store for us next.
October 26, 2016
Favorite so far
Nate and PJ are great. Their connection, while close to instalove, is frankly irresistible and charming. I love how connected and in love they become and remain throughout PJ's trials on and off the field. Zach is fabulous and I can't wait for his story.
Nate and PJ are great. Their connection, while close to instalove, is frankly irresistible and charming. I love how connected and in love they become and remain throughout PJ's trials on and off the field. Zach is fabulous and I can't wait for his story.
November 10, 2016
Homeruns series addicted!!! I had already told you? Dreamy story *sigh*
April 4, 2021
Line Drive is the sixth book in the Homeruns serie by Quinn Ward. This is the story of PJ Nolan and Nate. I liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and well written.
February 4, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book but I definitely missed not getting so much of the Maverick family since PJ plays for Miami and I wish the epilogue featured a snippet of the previous couples lives since this was the last book in the series. I thought the chemistry between PJ and Nate was off the charts. PJ is playing for his home team, the team he’s dreamed of playing for since he picked up his first mitt but it’s far from a dream come true. He’s had to deal with his teammates being homophobic a*seholes even if they don’t know that he’s actually gay but it’s still not right talking sh*t about the Maverick’s because so many of them have recently come out. Which shouldn’t even have an impact on whether or not they can play the game they love all because of who they love.
PJ’s ex-lover Clint roped him into a bachelor auction to raise money for Secured Hope the LGBTQA+ teen home that Eric and Bryce fund/run. Nate is attending the same fundraiser at Secured Hope and his twin brother Zach is also a bachelor. When Nate sees how uncomfortable PJ looks up there he starts bidding and eventually wins the auction, using his brother’s money. He has a saviour complex and thinks that the reason that PJ was uncomfortable is because he doesn’t want to go on a date with a women but when he goes up to pay he realises that PJ looks angry. PJ and Nate have a pretty hot encounter while trapped in an elevator but go their seperate ways when they’re rescued and PJ had to leave the next morning to get back to Miami and didn’t get a chance to get Nate’s number but leaves him his at reception.
PJ walks in the locker room on the first day of Spring Training to find that his homophobic a*sehole team mates had hung up photos of him and Nate at the charity auction all over his locker and started saying horrible sh*t about Nate and gay people in general which was the last straw for PJ and he ripped into his team mates, especially Mercer who wouldn’t stop. Even the coach didn’t get why PJ was so angry and was a bit of a homophobic d*ck. Nate and PJ reconnected at just the right time after everything he’s had to deal with his team.
Man, it’s heartbreaking hearing about how hard it would be to be part of the LGBTQA+ community and play men’s professional sports, no wonder so many don’t come out until they’ve retired. I’m glad that PJ and Nate found each other and made it work, even if it wasn’t an easy road. This book was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I’m looking forward to reading more of Quinn’s books in the future, especially the Tackled By Love Series which features Nate’s twin brother Zach. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
I really enjoyed this book but I definitely missed not getting so much of the Maverick family since PJ plays for Miami and I wish the epilogue featured a snippet of the previous couples lives since this was the last book in the series. I thought the chemistry between PJ and Nate was off the charts. PJ is playing for his home team, the team he’s dreamed of playing for since he picked up his first mitt but it’s far from a dream come true. He’s had to deal with his teammates being homophobic a*seholes even if they don’t know that he’s actually gay but it’s still not right talking sh*t about the Maverick’s because so many of them have recently come out. Which shouldn’t even have an impact on whether or not they can play the game they love all because of who they love.
PJ’s ex-lover Clint roped him into a bachelor auction to raise money for Secured Hope the LGBTQA+ teen home that Eric and Bryce fund/run. Nate is attending the same fundraiser at Secured Hope and his twin brother Zach is also a bachelor. When Nate sees how uncomfortable PJ looks up there he starts bidding and eventually wins the auction, using his brother’s money. He has a saviour complex and thinks that the reason that PJ was uncomfortable is because he doesn’t want to go on a date with a women but when he goes up to pay he realises that PJ looks angry. PJ and Nate have a pretty hot encounter while trapped in an elevator but go their seperate ways when they’re rescued and PJ had to leave the next morning to get back to Miami and didn’t get a chance to get Nate’s number but leaves him his at reception.
PJ walks in the locker room on the first day of Spring Training to find that his homophobic a*sehole team mates had hung up photos of him and Nate at the charity auction all over his locker and started saying horrible sh*t about Nate and gay people in general which was the last straw for PJ and he ripped into his team mates, especially Mercer who wouldn’t stop. Even the coach didn’t get why PJ was so angry and was a bit of a homophobic d*ck. Nate and PJ reconnected at just the right time after everything he’s had to deal with his team.
Man, it’s heartbreaking hearing about how hard it would be to be part of the LGBTQA+ community and play men’s professional sports, no wonder so many don’t come out until they’ve retired. I’m glad that PJ and Nate found each other and made it work, even if it wasn’t an easy road. This book was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I’m looking forward to reading more of Quinn’s books in the future, especially the Tackled By Love Series which features Nate’s twin brother Zach. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
November 14, 2017
Line Drive is the sixth book in the Homeruns series and I will honestly read twenty books in this series if Sloan writes them. I love these men. They are all funny, strong and dealing with coming out or being out in MLB. If you haven't read the series, you need to. It's awesome! They are all standalones, but you don’t want miss one minute of the lives of these sexy baseball players. This is PJ and Nate's story. We've met PJ before and I've been looking forward to knowing him better. PJ is forced into being in a bachelor auction. He's not looking forward to pretending to enjoy a night out with a strange woman. Apparently, he has a bad poker face because once he's up, a sexy, young man bids on him. PJ is not out. He's been focusing on his career and a giant milestone that's approaching this year. But he can't resist the gorgeous guy who paid to spend time with him. After a ridiculously hot scene in an elevator, they go their separate ways. But, Nate can't stop thinking about PJ and wants to visit him. He's not sure he'll be greeted with open arms, but when his timing is more than perfect, things seem to fall into place. PJ can't resist Nate. He finally found someone he doesn't want to walk away from. PJ isn't going to hide who he is or who he loves anymore. He wants a future with Nate, but will he have to give up the game and his love for baseball? Can he have both baseball and the love of his life? I love Nate and PJ! They are sexy, funny and fighting for what's right. I was cheering for PJ and so proud of him! I can't wait for more! Yay Zach!
"I told you that first night that I didn't need a knight in shining armor. I was wrong. I need you."
"You have me."
"I told you that first night that I didn't need a knight in shining armor. I was wrong. I need you."
"You have me."
September 22, 2021
What a series!!!
I’m actually sad this series is over. All these books were well written with all the side characters fitting in perfect not taking too much of the story away. This one was probably my favorite I thought the last one was but these guys really played with my emotions. I absolutely love PJ and Nate this was the perfect opposites attract.
5/5 ⭐️ I want to be 10/10. Now to the next series I’m excited for that one !!!
I’m actually sad this series is over. All these books were well written with all the side characters fitting in perfect not taking too much of the story away. This one was probably my favorite I thought the last one was but these guys really played with my emotions. I absolutely love PJ and Nate this was the perfect opposites attract.
5/5 ⭐️ I want to be 10/10. Now to the next series I’m excited for that one !!!
October 26, 2016
Quick read
The book itself was short and the storyline moved VERY quickly. The relationship sprouted quickly and while it was fun to read...it was a little too quick for me. Looking forward to reading more about Nate and liked getting a glimpse at the other guys from previous books.
The book itself was short and the storyline moved VERY quickly. The relationship sprouted quickly and while it was fun to read...it was a little too quick for me. Looking forward to reading more about Nate and liked getting a glimpse at the other guys from previous books.
January 19, 2019
Loved it
Oh man...loved this one. Slightly more angst having to deal with being trapped in an unbearable situation, and the romance was cute although that instalove is less my kinda thing. I feel sad this is the last one but it does segue nicely to the football series so I might give that a go at some point.
Oh man...loved this one. Slightly more angst having to deal with being trapped in an unbearable situation, and the romance was cute although that instalove is less my kinda thing. I feel sad this is the last one but it does segue nicely to the football series so I might give that a go at some point.
July 22, 2018
Great
Loved PJ and Nate! Glad his dad stood by him. Loved seeing the Mavericks cameos. Looking forward to Zach's story.
Loved PJ and Nate! Glad his dad stood by him. Loved seeing the Mavericks cameos. Looking forward to Zach's story.
January 23, 2020
3.5 stars
April 24, 2021
Felt like there was literally no relationship building in the entire book and when they actually did talk it was all miscommunication
July 4, 2021
3.5 stars
July 24, 2021
Well, that PJ dude was kind of a moron so it’s a DNF for me ..
May 21, 2023
PJ & Nate
July 1, 2023
So glad I finished the series and I’m sad to see it end. Nate and PJ were cute and I’m eager to get Zach’s story in the next series. Hoping these characters make a cameo.
June 18, 2021
Loved it!
I love this series and I am so sad to say goodbye to the Mavericks and their crazy found family! I am excited to read Zach's story and hope he finally gets the same happiness these guys have found! I can't wait for more from Quinn Ward! Their characters and stories are super sweet and sexy and always leave you feeling good!
I love this series and I am so sad to say goodbye to the Mavericks and their crazy found family! I am excited to read Zach's story and hope he finally gets the same happiness these guys have found! I can't wait for more from Quinn Ward! Their characters and stories are super sweet and sexy and always leave you feeling good!
July 29, 2023
P.J. Nolan is the action of a baseball Dynasty. His father and grandfather well known and respected baseball players. Nate is the brother of football star Zach Kendricks and also Zach's financial manager. Nate bids and wins a date with P.J. at a charity auction for a LGBT shelter/center. They get along well after P.J. gets over the shock of a man winning the date and the ruination of his plans to squelch the gay rumors surrounding him. P.J. has a long held goal to reach a career total of at least3,000 hits and with slightly less than 200 hits left he should reach that milestone this season, UT his teammates are homophobic and stresses P.J. out. After things blow up during a roadtrip he is ready to give up and quit then and there. But he return to his home to find that he has been traded to the Milwaukee Mavericks, the team at the forefront of improving the climate for LGBT players in the Major League. He make the milestone against his former team.
November 17, 2016
Line Drive is the sixth novel in the Homeruns series. Each book follows a different couple so they can be read as standalones but they do connect. I recommend reading the whole series even if you start after reading Line Drive because it's amazing. I mean, what's better than a hot baseball player? Two hot baseball players sharing a connection inside and outside of the bedroom. Back to Line Drive, I met PJ briefly in Change Up and now it's time for his own story. The series is moving to Miami!
It all started with a charity auction. PJ hated being in the spotlight especially when he is being sold off to the highest bidder. He was nervous but maybe this will keep his teammates off his back. They had their suspicions about his sexuality since he keeps his life outside of the ballpark private. He knew the team wasn't ready for him to walk out of the closet and that was proven when he walked into the locker room on the firs day of spring training. Yes. A man won a date with him. So what? That didn't mean they needed to tease him and make it into something ugly when it was anything but. It was beautiful. It was a night he would never forget and he was sick of the way his teammates spoke in the clubhouse. He would usually ignore the remarks but it couldn't take it anymore. That is why he wanted to trade to Milwaukee but it didn't work out. He needs to figure out if staying in Miami worth it. He was close to his achieving his dream. Can he stick it out for one more season?
Nate saw through PJ the moment he saw him on stage. He had no idea who he was since he isn't a baseball fan but he saw a man that needed saving. And he didn't regret it. He wasn't sure if he would see PJ again but fate stepped in and they meet again. This time, they don't want to let go. There is a lot going on with PJ and his career and even though they were practically strangers, he wanted to stand by him every step of the way even if that meant he had to hide away in PJ's apartment. For now. He was out and proud and hated that just because PJ was a ballplayer they had to tread slowly. Will Nate walk away when it's gets too be too much too soon?
I love Nate and PJ! They have a beautiful connection. From the moment Nate won the bid, their lives were forever changed. They had to go through so much in such a short amount of time. It's not easy. People could be assholes. Some will change and some will be stubborn. But, it's not about them, it's also about your reactions and how to make a change.
Overall...It was a great addition to the series! Nate and PJ got me all hot and bothered. Made me laugh. And made me proud. And it was cool that it was moved to Miami but we still got to see how the Milwaukee boys were doing. I can't wait to see what is up next in the series. I also can't wait for more Zach (Nate's brother) in Down By Contact.
Quotes:
“You can’t control when the right person steps into your life. All you can do is hold on and enjoy the ride.”
You know what? Some guys like dick. Get over it.
“There’ll be plenty of time to go slow later. Right now, I want you to use me. Whatever’s got you tense, take it out on my body.”
It all started with a charity auction. PJ hated being in the spotlight especially when he is being sold off to the highest bidder. He was nervous but maybe this will keep his teammates off his back. They had their suspicions about his sexuality since he keeps his life outside of the ballpark private. He knew the team wasn't ready for him to walk out of the closet and that was proven when he walked into the locker room on the firs day of spring training. Yes. A man won a date with him. So what? That didn't mean they needed to tease him and make it into something ugly when it was anything but. It was beautiful. It was a night he would never forget and he was sick of the way his teammates spoke in the clubhouse. He would usually ignore the remarks but it couldn't take it anymore. That is why he wanted to trade to Milwaukee but it didn't work out. He needs to figure out if staying in Miami worth it. He was close to his achieving his dream. Can he stick it out for one more season?
Nate saw through PJ the moment he saw him on stage. He had no idea who he was since he isn't a baseball fan but he saw a man that needed saving. And he didn't regret it. He wasn't sure if he would see PJ again but fate stepped in and they meet again. This time, they don't want to let go. There is a lot going on with PJ and his career and even though they were practically strangers, he wanted to stand by him every step of the way even if that meant he had to hide away in PJ's apartment. For now. He was out and proud and hated that just because PJ was a ballplayer they had to tread slowly. Will Nate walk away when it's gets too be too much too soon?
I love Nate and PJ! They have a beautiful connection. From the moment Nate won the bid, their lives were forever changed. They had to go through so much in such a short amount of time. It's not easy. People could be assholes. Some will change and some will be stubborn. But, it's not about them, it's also about your reactions and how to make a change.
Overall...It was a great addition to the series! Nate and PJ got me all hot and bothered. Made me laugh. And made me proud. And it was cool that it was moved to Miami but we still got to see how the Milwaukee boys were doing. I can't wait to see what is up next in the series. I also can't wait for more Zach (Nate's brother) in Down By Contact.
Quotes:
“You can’t control when the right person steps into your life. All you can do is hold on and enjoy the ride.”
You know what? Some guys like dick. Get over it.
“There’ll be plenty of time to go slow later. Right now, I want you to use me. Whatever’s got you tense, take it out on my body.”
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