What do you think?
Rate this book
Diamond Lake Rattlers #1
Caught in the Game
Stormi Knight is free from the constraints of her past relationship and isn’t interested in going back. The only love she’s interested in is the love she has for her contemporary jazz club, her namesake, Stormy Nights. During a night out in the city, Stormi finds herself on a blind date with a man she’d hoped never to see again.
Star shortstop Juan Carlos “JC” Peña is a fresh face to the city of Diamond Lake. The ladies love him, and the city needs him, and he knows it. His arrogant attitude and cocky ways make bonding with his team no easy feat. After he’s ousted from a popular jazz club, JC’s thinking of making some much-needed changes in his personal life.
Stormi and JC are finding an unexpected groove with each other that feels just right. But when the ties of JC’s past catch up to him and an old threat materializes for Stormi, there’s no way they can stand together. What will it take to bridge an ever-widening gap between them?
Check out the other book in this series of sexy baseball players and the women who love them: The Other Side of the Game by Tiye Love
Star shortstop Juan Carlos “JC” Peña is a fresh face to the city of Diamond Lake. The ladies love him, and the city needs him, and he knows it. His arrogant attitude and cocky ways make bonding with his team no easy feat. After he’s ousted from a popular jazz club, JC’s thinking of making some much-needed changes in his personal life.
Stormi and JC are finding an unexpected groove with each other that feels just right. But when the ties of JC’s past catch up to him and an old threat materializes for Stormi, there’s no way they can stand together. What will it take to bridge an ever-widening gap between them?
Check out the other book in this series of sexy baseball players and the women who love them: The Other Side of the Game by Tiye Love
- GenresRomance
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
145 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Verano
60 books132 followersCassie Verano pens romance for readers of all cultures and backgrounds. Her love of romance is borne from the beauty and joy she sees in the relationships around her. She enjoys creating works of fiction about women discovering true love, and women who aren’t afraid to explore their sexuality. Sometimes her writing gets a bit intense, but she loves cranking up the heat level.
As a professional administrator, she dreamed of the day she could toss her paperwork aside and craft stories that inspired love and romance in the hearts of women around the world. As a wife and mother, she enjoys playing quirky games and singing with her family.
This southern belle is a native Georgia peach, who enjoys reading, writing, and trying different cuisines from around the world. On rainy days she can be found cuddling under a blanket with a good mystery book in her hands or watching a romance movie on Hallmark or LMN.
Connecting with her readers is the highlight of her day. She invites you to connect with her at: cassiepensromance@gmail.com, or join her for intense conversations about her characters, love, and more at Cassie Verano's Wickedness!
As a professional administrator, she dreamed of the day she could toss her paperwork aside and craft stories that inspired love and romance in the hearts of women around the world. As a wife and mother, she enjoys playing quirky games and singing with her family.
This southern belle is a native Georgia peach, who enjoys reading, writing, and trying different cuisines from around the world. On rainy days she can be found cuddling under a blanket with a good mystery book in her hands or watching a romance movie on Hallmark or LMN.
Connecting with her readers is the highlight of her day. She invites you to connect with her at: cassiepensromance@gmail.com, or join her for intense conversations about her characters, love, and more at Cassie Verano's Wickedness!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 3, 2022
Fantastic story and Book 1 of the Diamond Lake Rattlers an MLB team that is now heading to the World Series.
Juan "JC" Pena has it all athletic prowess, money, fame, and all of the women he wants. JC does what he wants and says what he wants, at times to the detriment of him vs some of his teammates but that doesn't seem to stop him until he tries to use his skills to gain entry into the popular Jazz Club Stormie Knights and his charm not only doesn't work on Stormi but he and his friends are ultimately rejected entry sending JC into a tailspin of, "You don't know who I am?" and the answer is, "No I don't nor do I care"
Stormi Knight is now divorced and enjoying her newfound freedom, she is not looking for anything permanent ever again. After being free of the monster that is her ex-husband, she is determined to live her life on her own terms now. And that includes not being moved but rather pissed off that this man JC whom she doesn't know or care to believes it would be her honor for him to come into her place of business to generate more of it for her. What JC doesn't realize is that her name Stormi is a depiction of her mood if tested.
JC and Stormi meet up when both are invited by Jade and Zeke to accompany them out to dinner, unbeknownst to Jade or Zeke they have met already and it wasn't a meet-cute, it was a get out of my place and never darken this doorstep again meeting LOL!! But sometimes the stars align just right for a second chance of getting to know someone out of their known and respective elements to be able to talk and get to know one another.
JC and Stormi's story was so damn hot but besides that, it was a really great story of redemption and the belief of finally meeting that someone who is just right for you. The person who sees you for who you really are, with a big heart, and a lot of love to give.
I read Book 2 first because I was reading a number of books by author Tiye Love. I then came back to read this one and was not disappointed at all. I really do hope that these two authors will continue with this series (If they have the time to do it because I know they have other projects being worked on) because from what I read so far this series is going to be lit!!!!
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
Juan "JC" Pena has it all athletic prowess, money, fame, and all of the women he wants. JC does what he wants and says what he wants, at times to the detriment of him vs some of his teammates but that doesn't seem to stop him until he tries to use his skills to gain entry into the popular Jazz Club Stormie Knights and his charm not only doesn't work on Stormi but he and his friends are ultimately rejected entry sending JC into a tailspin of, "You don't know who I am?" and the answer is, "No I don't nor do I care"
Stormi Knight is now divorced and enjoying her newfound freedom, she is not looking for anything permanent ever again. After being free of the monster that is her ex-husband, she is determined to live her life on her own terms now. And that includes not being moved but rather pissed off that this man JC whom she doesn't know or care to believes it would be her honor for him to come into her place of business to generate more of it for her. What JC doesn't realize is that her name Stormi is a depiction of her mood if tested.
JC and Stormi meet up when both are invited by Jade and Zeke to accompany them out to dinner, unbeknownst to Jade or Zeke they have met already and it wasn't a meet-cute, it was a get out of my place and never darken this doorstep again meeting LOL!! But sometimes the stars align just right for a second chance of getting to know someone out of their known and respective elements to be able to talk and get to know one another.
JC and Stormi's story was so damn hot but besides that, it was a really great story of redemption and the belief of finally meeting that someone who is just right for you. The person who sees you for who you really are, with a big heart, and a lot of love to give.
I read Book 2 first because I was reading a number of books by author Tiye Love. I then came back to read this one and was not disappointed at all. I really do hope that these two authors will continue with this series (If they have the time to do it because I know they have other projects being worked on) because from what I read so far this series is going to be lit!!!!
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
November 19, 2022
Stormi….Now girl, You Know Better
The story was good. I just was not a fan of Stormi. I tried to like her, I really did. She was so judgmental when it came to JC. Also, the condescending way she spoke to him when he did anything she deemed immature. Girl, you are only 8 years older than him. You obviously didn’t mind the age gap when he was blowing your back out.
The ironic thing was that she was the one with the sordid past. Keeping that a secret came back to bite her in the ass….hard. Ugh and the way she ran when her chickens came home to roost. Oh wait, she ran under the guise of “protecting him”. No, you were embarrassed and didn’t want to acknowledge that you weren’t as innocent as you portrayed yourself to be. I am in no way judging her. Her ex-husband was trash. I am judging her for the way she treated someone who obviously loved her. I’m judging her for demanding perfection and honesty from her boo while hiding her own secrets. Yes, I know she came back and admitted she made a mistake. She was still annoying.
I want to add in though I’m not gonna judge her for agreeing to do the things that she did with her ex-husband. He obviously was extremely manipulative and she was trying to make him happy. I’m not gonna judge her for that. If you’ve never been in a situation where someone has mindf$&ked you, you don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know how hard it is to stay whole and set boundaries. Her leaving was a huge win for her, and I love that she was able to do that. I still don’t like her though.
Read the book. I personally can’t wait for next book in the series.
The story was good. I just was not a fan of Stormi. I tried to like her, I really did. She was so judgmental when it came to JC. Also, the condescending way she spoke to him when he did anything she deemed immature. Girl, you are only 8 years older than him. You obviously didn’t mind the age gap when he was blowing your back out.
The ironic thing was that she was the one with the sordid past. Keeping that a secret came back to bite her in the ass….hard. Ugh and the way she ran when her chickens came home to roost. Oh wait, she ran under the guise of “protecting him”. No, you were embarrassed and didn’t want to acknowledge that you weren’t as innocent as you portrayed yourself to be. I am in no way judging her. Her ex-husband was trash. I am judging her for the way she treated someone who obviously loved her. I’m judging her for demanding perfection and honesty from her boo while hiding her own secrets. Yes, I know she came back and admitted she made a mistake. She was still annoying.
I want to add in though I’m not gonna judge her for agreeing to do the things that she did with her ex-husband. He obviously was extremely manipulative and she was trying to make him happy. I’m not gonna judge her for that. If you’ve never been in a situation where someone has mindf$&ked you, you don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know how hard it is to stay whole and set boundaries. Her leaving was a huge win for her, and I love that she was able to do that. I still don’t like her though.
Read the book. I personally can’t wait for next book in the series.
May 25, 2021
Wow! Whew, where do I start? Diamond Lake Series is a co-author collaboration featuring a sports romance troupe. These couples are up against some high stakes; we are not just talking about the stats or Wins or Losses on the field. The Game of Life trumps it all!
Up to bat first, we have Caught In The Game with Stormi Knight and Juan Carlos “JC” Peña. On a day when Stormi is mourning the loss of a septic marriage, the one thing she did not need was an unwelcomed first impression with another arrogant and entitled MAN.
The Diamond Lake Rattlers star shortstop, JC Peña, is unstoppable on the field but, when it comes to matters of the heart he has been known to gain a few errors.
Although their meeting was a near disaster, it was no denying the chemistry between them. The reader will enjoy their journey as they navigate through all the skeletons and obstacles before them to have what they both needed...love.
Caught in the Game is a captivating story that grabs you right from the beginning with the realism of sensitive subject matters from manipulative and abusive relationships - mental health issues - to finding a soul mate. The reader will feel the highs and lows of each character.
This series is off to a great start, I enjoyed it, and I recommend you giving it a try. It will not disappoint.
Up to bat first, we have Caught In The Game with Stormi Knight and Juan Carlos “JC” Peña. On a day when Stormi is mourning the loss of a septic marriage, the one thing she did not need was an unwelcomed first impression with another arrogant and entitled MAN.
The Diamond Lake Rattlers star shortstop, JC Peña, is unstoppable on the field but, when it comes to matters of the heart he has been known to gain a few errors.
Although their meeting was a near disaster, it was no denying the chemistry between them. The reader will enjoy their journey as they navigate through all the skeletons and obstacles before them to have what they both needed...love.
Caught in the Game is a captivating story that grabs you right from the beginning with the realism of sensitive subject matters from manipulative and abusive relationships - mental health issues - to finding a soul mate. The reader will feel the highs and lows of each character.
This series is off to a great start, I enjoyed it, and I recommend you giving it a try. It will not disappoint.
June 16, 2021
Heart in the game of love
I loved these characters. Even though I felt like the flow of the story was off, the development of the characters was solid.
Stormi seemed to have it all from the outside looking in, however her life was falling apart. As she found freedom from her marriage, she moved forward cautiously...and she was led to JC inadvertently.
JC was a baseball player with a larger than life ego. He was somewhat of a jerk, but underneath all of that he had a good heart. He was sweet with Stormi and patient with her rules. He was drawn to her because she wasn't the slightest bit impressed by who he was and didn't seem to need him at all.
The sub characters added a lot of flavor to the story..the villain was definitely her ex husband and he was hella creepy. I felt like the transition from her being married to divorced was abrupt, I felt like more details were needed which came out later but the flow was choppy. Jade was everything, the best girl friend and I loved their dynamic together. Overall it was a solid read, but needed work when it came to continuity.
I loved these characters. Even though I felt like the flow of the story was off, the development of the characters was solid.
Stormi seemed to have it all from the outside looking in, however her life was falling apart. As she found freedom from her marriage, she moved forward cautiously...and she was led to JC inadvertently.
JC was a baseball player with a larger than life ego. He was somewhat of a jerk, but underneath all of that he had a good heart. He was sweet with Stormi and patient with her rules. He was drawn to her because she wasn't the slightest bit impressed by who he was and didn't seem to need him at all.
The sub characters added a lot of flavor to the story..the villain was definitely her ex husband and he was hella creepy. I felt like the transition from her being married to divorced was abrupt, I felt like more details were needed which came out later but the flow was choppy. Jade was everything, the best girl friend and I loved their dynamic together. Overall it was a solid read, but needed work when it came to continuity.
May 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. It was just enough of everything to keep me wanting just one more page. Luke was capable enough to be a nasty villain. JC was tempting enough for Stormi to take a serious risk, while Stormi was worth it for JC to end a chapter in his life that seemed as though he'd never escape. Stormi was strong enough to make a stand and smart enough to fight back. The other issues that bombarded them were realistic enough for the circles they ran in... The supporting characters helped with the story's development. Stormi's mom was a handful of hot mess!! But the kicker was the ace in the hole...even Stormi didn't see that coming!
I enjoyed the writing and pacing of this story. I liked seeing the team dynamic from behind the scenes and I think the writing was well researched. Diamond Lake Rattlers had a lot of growing to do before they can pull it together as a team, but life has a tendency to shake you to grab your attention. I look forward to the next book of this collaborative series. 4.5 stars
I enjoyed the writing and pacing of this story. I liked seeing the team dynamic from behind the scenes and I think the writing was well researched. Diamond Lake Rattlers had a lot of growing to do before they can pull it together as a team, but life has a tendency to shake you to grab your attention. I look forward to the next book of this collaborative series. 4.5 stars
May 3, 2021
Good read didn't like the H
I enjoyed this story. There was plenty of steam but also lots of actual story. The way that Stormi had to carry herself because of Luke was crazy but totally made sense. People with money and power can do so much damage. JC was a arrogant and hot headed man but Stormi helped him be better. Though I loved the story I just didn't like Stormi. I understand that JC was younger than her but she attributed his age and him being immature to literally anything that he did. And there were times where it felt like she was saying that to be saying it. He did alot for her and everyone makes mistakes but anything he did was because he was immature.
I enjoyed this story. There was plenty of steam but also lots of actual story. The way that Stormi had to carry herself because of Luke was crazy but totally made sense. People with money and power can do so much damage. JC was a arrogant and hot headed man but Stormi helped him be better. Though I loved the story I just didn't like Stormi. I understand that JC was younger than her but she attributed his age and him being immature to literally anything that he did. And there were times where it felt like she was saying that to be saying it. He did alot for her and everyone makes mistakes but anything he did was because he was immature.
May 1, 2021
Baseball is not my sport but...
The way MS. Verbal wrote this, it's a game I'm more than willing to get caught up in. JC & Stormi go through some things, especially Stormi. I did have a difficult time reconciling some of the choices Stormi makes but she does manage to stand in her truth. She finds courage, eventually, & is supported throughout. It takes them a minute to come together but Cassie tells their story eloquently and draws her readers into the world of Stormi & JC. This is a homerun for me💜
The way MS. Verbal wrote this, it's a game I'm more than willing to get caught up in. JC & Stormi go through some things, especially Stormi. I did have a difficult time reconciling some of the choices Stormi makes but she does manage to stand in her truth. She finds courage, eventually, & is supported throughout. It takes them a minute to come together but Cassie tells their story eloquently and draws her readers into the world of Stormi & JC. This is a homerun for me💜
May 29, 2021
Love hits a home run! Caught in the Game was such a good read. At first I thought JC was going to be an arrogant jerk throughout the whole book, but you get to see his growth from beginning to the end. I liked seeing Stormi's growth throughout the book as well. There were a few times I wanted to shake some sense into her, but I could see where she was coming from. Through all of the craziness and a bit of heartache, seeing Stormi and JC reach their HEA was a total win.
August 28, 2021
Free to love
I enjoyed reading this story. Juan and Stormi have great chemistry but their pasts hold them back. While Juan is ready to show her a different side, Stormi still lets her ex control her life even though they're divorced. But once she has had enough and pulls on her inner strength, she uses her resources to shut him down so she can truly be free to love. This is my first time reading this author and I'll be checking out more of her books.
I enjoyed reading this story. Juan and Stormi have great chemistry but their pasts hold them back. While Juan is ready to show her a different side, Stormi still lets her ex control her life even though they're divorced. But once she has had enough and pulls on her inner strength, she uses her resources to shut him down so she can truly be free to love. This is my first time reading this author and I'll be checking out more of her books.
October 24, 2022
DNF. I had a problem with the whole swingers part. Doesn't make since that she gets mad at him for cheating when she already gave him permission.
The whole dialogue just annoyed me. He priorities for a man is money, job, pay bills, not have drama but she has more luggage that an airport. And she wonders why she has crap relationships. And that's the problem with women today. Priorities are wrong.
Only got 30% through. I just couldn't push through.
The whole dialogue just annoyed me. He priorities for a man is money, job, pay bills, not have drama but she has more luggage that an airport. And she wonders why she has crap relationships. And that's the problem with women today. Priorities are wrong.
Only got 30% through. I just couldn't push through.
May 3, 2021
LOVED THIS STORY 💕
I enjoyed reading JC and Stormi's story, and what a story this was. Loved JC, but Stormi ex was something else. This was really a great story and I would absolutely recommend reading this book. Great job as usual Cassie I love reading your stories can't wait to read the next story. Thank you. 👍🙏
I enjoyed reading JC and Stormi's story, and what a story this was. Loved JC, but Stormi ex was something else. This was really a great story and I would absolutely recommend reading this book. Great job as usual Cassie I love reading your stories can't wait to read the next story. Thank you. 👍🙏
May 4, 2021
All caught up
The first story in the series I read second, so some of the events seemed repetitive. I did not connect with Storm and JC, nor the others in this story. Storm's husband was a dirtbag and some of the stuff she allowed, I needed to see what was up with her morals. The savior mentality was irksome. However, the story overall was a good read.
The first story in the series I read second, so some of the events seemed repetitive. I did not connect with Storm and JC, nor the others in this story. Storm's husband was a dirtbag and some of the stuff she allowed, I needed to see what was up with her morals. The savior mentality was irksome. However, the story overall was a good read.
August 2, 2021
Different and Interesting
One of the things I like most about this book is that you get to read about things that happen in real life. There was nothing I read that I haven’t seen in the news or in true stories. It’s what made the book so good to me! On to the next book in this series!!
One of the things I like most about this book is that you get to read about things that happen in real life. There was nothing I read that I haven’t seen in the news or in true stories. It’s what made the book so good to me! On to the next book in this series!!
July 29, 2022
Almost Lost...
Even knowing that these are younger people, the story was almost lost in all the sex/porno scenes. I think the ability to be a good writer doesn't fall with how many sexual scenes you can have in a book. It should always be be in telling a good story. And I'm afraid too many authors these days miss that mark
Even knowing that these are younger people, the story was almost lost in all the sex/porno scenes. I think the ability to be a good writer doesn't fall with how many sexual scenes you can have in a book. It should always be be in telling a good story. And I'm afraid too many authors these days miss that mark
September 9, 2022
JC & Stormi
Their first encounter wasn’t a pleasant one, but left the baseball player intrigued. After all, he have women following him everywhere he goes, and can pick and choose. Not so with Stormi!
Her “baggage” is keeping her prisoner and she can’t moved on…
Well let JC & Stormi take you on their journey.
Their first encounter wasn’t a pleasant one, but left the baseball player intrigued. After all, he have women following him everywhere he goes, and can pick and choose. Not so with Stormi!
Her “baggage” is keeping her prisoner and she can’t moved on…
Well let JC & Stormi take you on their journey.
May 6, 2021
Very Good Book
I really like Stormi and JC. Even though he wss very arrogant I really liked him. JC is just the type of man Stormi needed. I hated what he ex husband put her through. I am glad her and JC are together.
I really like Stormi and JC. Even though he wss very arrogant I really liked him. JC is just the type of man Stormi needed. I hated what he ex husband put her through. I am glad her and JC are together.
May 9, 2021
💘
It's always nice to read older woman younger man successful love connections . Great character development, smooth storyline with a touch of violence thrown in. Loved the father daughter twist and the HEA!
It's always nice to read older woman younger man successful love connections . Great character development, smooth storyline with a touch of violence thrown in. Loved the father daughter twist and the HEA!
May 20, 2021
Good read
Caught In The Game was a good read, it had a bit of drama, lots of action (wink-wink) and a bit of mystery. Although JC was portrayed as this stereotypical arrogant athlete, he also had some substance which made him likeable.
Caught In The Game was a good read, it had a bit of drama, lots of action (wink-wink) and a bit of mystery. Although JC was portrayed as this stereotypical arrogant athlete, he also had some substance which made him likeable.
May 26, 2021
Great book!
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between JC and Stormi was smoking hot 🔥! Loved the journey that the author took you on! You will love this book! I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers!
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between JC and Stormi was smoking hot 🔥! Loved the journey that the author took you on! You will love this book! I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers!
June 14, 2021
Good read
Truly enjoyed watching JC evolve. Stormi definitely went through a few storms before she could claim her sunshine and rainbows. I couldn’t stand Luke, and I hated Stormi waited so long to handle him. But In the end it all come together nicely. Solid read.
Truly enjoyed watching JC evolve. Stormi definitely went through a few storms before she could claim her sunshine and rainbows. I couldn’t stand Luke, and I hated Stormi waited so long to handle him. But In the end it all come together nicely. Solid read.
August 27, 2021
Ok
I gave this book a solid 3. Not the worse thing I’ve ever read but ok. Seems to be missing some true character development. Or maybe it was the writing style idk don’t love enough to read the next book
I gave this book a solid 3. Not the worse thing I’ve ever read but ok. Seems to be missing some true character development. Or maybe it was the writing style idk don’t love enough to read the next book
July 15, 2022
Caught In The Game
Game of Sports vs Game of Marriage
Getting too caught up in the game leaves room for oversight…
When one believes the game is solely centered around him/herself neglect rears…
Learning to balance the game could very well make or break a situation…
Game of Sports vs Game of Marriage
Getting too caught up in the game leaves room for oversight…
When one believes the game is solely centered around him/herself neglect rears…
Learning to balance the game could very well make or break a situation…
July 25, 2022
A Heartfelt Story About Love, Forgiveness and Perseverance
JC and Stormi both went through ruff relationships prior to meeting each other. They navigate through this journey about forgiveness while learning how to truly love someone. This was a really good book.
JC and Stormi both went through ruff relationships prior to meeting each other. They navigate through this journey about forgiveness while learning how to truly love someone. This was a really good book.
May 8, 2021
Caught Up
This is my first book by Cassie Verano and it was an enjoyable read. Stormi and JC had to learn to trust each other and share their pain.
This is my first book by Cassie Verano and it was an enjoyable read. Stormi and JC had to learn to trust each other and share their pain.
May 30, 2021
Great Book
I enjoyed this book. JC saw the woman he wanted and went after her, great story of love and forgiveness,
I enjoyed this book. JC saw the woman he wanted and went after her, great story of love and forgiveness,
June 10, 2021
Hot!
Stormi and JC, what can you say Hot!!!!! I loved this story from the beginning to the end. I didn't want to put it down. Great weekend read.
Stormi and JC, what can you say Hot!!!!! I loved this story from the beginning to the end. I didn't want to put it down. Great weekend read.
June 13, 2021
Luke was awful.
I didn’t like JC at first. I loved that he changed his dog ways for Stormi without her even asking. He just wanted to be a man she deserved. And after all she put up with in her past relationships, I’m glad he didn’t come with no bs
I didn’t like JC at first. I loved that he changed his dog ways for Stormi without her even asking. He just wanted to be a man she deserved. And after all she put up with in her past relationships, I’m glad he didn’t come with no bs
Read
June 20, 2022A good story!!!
Read
September 25, 2022Dnf
May 22, 2021
New To This Author
I must say that I’m glad I tried this new author… great read! Juan and Stormi journey to HEA was one ☝️ of great despair 😩 and sacrifices! But LOVE 💕 conquers all!
I must say that I’m glad I tried this new author… great read! Juan and Stormi journey to HEA was one ☝️ of great despair 😩 and sacrifices! But LOVE 💕 conquers all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews