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Men of Memphis Blues #2
Dori & Sonny
♥ M/M Sports Romance ♥ Age-Gap ♥ Boss/Employee ♥ Gay Billionaire ♥ Friends-to-lovers ♥ HEA ♥
★ Dorian "Dori" Holt ★
It’s my lifelong dream to play a game of baseball. When I was thirteen, I thought I was finally going to get the chance to learn. The family driver had offered to teach me to pitch a baseball, but that had ended badly. My father fired him and humiliated me to the point I could never get over it.
Becoming the head of Holt Industries was never the dream – yet here I was, hating my life while secretly owning a Major League Baseball team, The Memphis Blues.
After one of the games, my head coach explains to me that we need to make some changes to the roster. A new pitching coach and bullpen coach are needed, and he has the perfect candidates. One candidate, Cary Brewer, is married to my star pitcher, the other is the man I’ve loved since I was thirteen and he will forever be the only man I’ll ever love.
••◆◆◆••
★ Harrison “Sonny” Rhimes ★
While getting my masters in sports medicine, I take a job working for one of the most bitter men I’ve ever met. I want to quit at least once a week, but his son is absolutely the sweetest kid and he’s quite lonely. I feel like his only friend, so I put up with Linwood Holt to be there for Dori. Unfortunately, one broken window costs me the job, and I never see Dori again.
My dream has always been to be a major league pitcher, but I don’t have the skills. So, I do the next best thing—I become a pitching coach and a trainer for a Triple-A ball team, the Nashville Blue Notes. I love it, and I’m happy. I meet a young pitcher who has the potential to be a star, and I’m not surprised when he gets called up to the majors after one year on the farm team.
Unsurprisingly, Cash Mitchell takes the Memphis Blues to the World Series, but when my turn comes to get called up, I can’t believe who owns the team!
★ Dorian "Dori" Holt ★
It’s my lifelong dream to play a game of baseball. When I was thirteen, I thought I was finally going to get the chance to learn. The family driver had offered to teach me to pitch a baseball, but that had ended badly. My father fired him and humiliated me to the point I could never get over it.
Becoming the head of Holt Industries was never the dream – yet here I was, hating my life while secretly owning a Major League Baseball team, The Memphis Blues.
After one of the games, my head coach explains to me that we need to make some changes to the roster. A new pitching coach and bullpen coach are needed, and he has the perfect candidates. One candidate, Cary Brewer, is married to my star pitcher, the other is the man I’ve loved since I was thirteen and he will forever be the only man I’ll ever love.
••◆◆◆••
★ Harrison “Sonny” Rhimes ★
While getting my masters in sports medicine, I take a job working for one of the most bitter men I’ve ever met. I want to quit at least once a week, but his son is absolutely the sweetest kid and he’s quite lonely. I feel like his only friend, so I put up with Linwood Holt to be there for Dori. Unfortunately, one broken window costs me the job, and I never see Dori again.
My dream has always been to be a major league pitcher, but I don’t have the skills. So, I do the next best thing—I become a pitching coach and a trainer for a Triple-A ball team, the Nashville Blue Notes. I love it, and I’m happy. I meet a young pitcher who has the potential to be a star, and I’m not surprised when he gets called up to the majors after one year on the farm team.
Unsurprisingly, Cash Mitchell takes the Memphis Blues to the World Series, but when my turn comes to get called up, I can’t believe who owns the team!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2021
20 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Sam E. Kraemer
87 books227 followersI grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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December 12, 2021DNF 27%
This was recommended to me a few times and granted I didn't read the first one, but the writing style was off for me. I can't pinpoint what, but it felt a bit clunky. Also, the introduction of a never-ending cast of minor characters and a recapping of what happened in the prior book got tiring. May be the book, may be my mood, I'm just not sure, but it wasn't working.
This was recommended to me a few times and granted I didn't read the first one, but the writing style was off for me. I can't pinpoint what, but it felt a bit clunky. Also, the introduction of a never-ending cast of minor characters and a recapping of what happened in the prior book got tiring. May be the book, may be my mood, I'm just not sure, but it wasn't working.
October 18, 2021
While set in the world of baseball, at the heart of the story, the book showcases a relationship that started so innocently in Dori’s backyard and explodes into something much greater when Dori and Sonny meet again, years later.
Dori was abused and ignored by all people in authority around him; the only bright light in his teens was his driver who took him to and from school. Driver treated him kindly and like the kid he was. A poorly thrown ball and a broken window has Driver fired from his job, and Dori thrust back into his horrible life that just continues to beat him down until, years later, he’s free after both his grandmother and father have died. Now as the secret owner of a MLB team who cannot remain secret any longer, Dori heads to Memphis to see his team and, hopefully, not fumble too much.
Sonny knew he’d never play in the major leagues, but between his sports medicine degree and his knowledge, coaching is right up his alley. And he’s just moved up from the minor league in Nashville to a MLB team in Memphis. Little does he know, the boy he drove around to school and played catch with in the backyard is now the owner of the team he works for.
There’s a lot of emotions between the two characters and their relationship is really beautiful.
There were some challenges for me, though. In many of the conversations, one of the characters start off wanting to know something – and it’s important – but they forget it after a few sentences, like it’s suddenly not important, and they don’t address it (even internally) as to why they dropped the topic. The introduction of kink was totally a surprise. It fit the characters, but was still surprising. And the blatant disregard for some of the abuse Dori experienced – even as an adult when a certain character appears in Memphis – is surprising and unrealistic.
Overall, a great story, but I definitely had to force myself to ignore the incomplete conversations.
Dori was abused and ignored by all people in authority around him; the only bright light in his teens was his driver who took him to and from school. Driver treated him kindly and like the kid he was. A poorly thrown ball and a broken window has Driver fired from his job, and Dori thrust back into his horrible life that just continues to beat him down until, years later, he’s free after both his grandmother and father have died. Now as the secret owner of a MLB team who cannot remain secret any longer, Dori heads to Memphis to see his team and, hopefully, not fumble too much.
Sonny knew he’d never play in the major leagues, but between his sports medicine degree and his knowledge, coaching is right up his alley. And he’s just moved up from the minor league in Nashville to a MLB team in Memphis. Little does he know, the boy he drove around to school and played catch with in the backyard is now the owner of the team he works for.
There’s a lot of emotions between the two characters and their relationship is really beautiful.
There were some challenges for me, though. In many of the conversations, one of the characters start off wanting to know something – and it’s important – but they forget it after a few sentences, like it’s suddenly not important, and they don’t address it (even internally) as to why they dropped the topic. The introduction of kink was totally a surprise. It fit the characters, but was still surprising. And the blatant disregard for some of the abuse Dori experienced – even as an adult when a certain character appears in Memphis – is surprising and unrealistic.
Overall, a great story, but I definitely had to force myself to ignore the incomplete conversations.
October 21, 2021
Very enjoyable
I really enjoy the world of the Men of Memphis Blues.
The characters are so well drawn, and I'm a big fan of encountering guys I've already met in previous books.
I really enjoy the world of the Men of Memphis Blues.
The characters are so well drawn, and I'm a big fan of encountering guys I've already met in previous books.
October 15, 2021
*4.5*
Dori and Sonny is a wonderful hurt/comfort, daddy/boy romance.
From the beginning of the prologue, my heart broke for Dorian and the way he was treated as a child. Even his one friend, his driver, Sonny, was sent away. Now an adult, running the family business and secret owner of a baseball team, he struggles to make it through a day without anxiety or a panic attack. Sonny reappears in Dori's life as a coach on his baseball team and it's just the right time for the to get reacquainted as Dori has to reveal.himself as own of the team, and that much focus on himself is something Dori strives to avoid .
These two together make for an adorable couple. Sonny is a perfect partner and Daddy, putting his boy's happiness and care above everything. There are things that Dorian needs extra support with and a moment that brings a bit of tension and danger but it's handled well by all involved.
A story to tug on your heart with sadness for a young Dorian but he filled with elation at how things develop for this couple. It's no more than they deserve and it's great to see past characters and new ones coming in, adding and developing the series further.
Definitely a recommended read though be sure to check the trigger warnings in the authors note at the beginning. I think it's also important to note that there is an occasion of an MC nearly being forced into a we I am act but it not following through.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Dori and Sonny is a wonderful hurt/comfort, daddy/boy romance.
From the beginning of the prologue, my heart broke for Dorian and the way he was treated as a child. Even his one friend, his driver, Sonny, was sent away. Now an adult, running the family business and secret owner of a baseball team, he struggles to make it through a day without anxiety or a panic attack. Sonny reappears in Dori's life as a coach on his baseball team and it's just the right time for the to get reacquainted as Dori has to reveal.himself as own of the team, and that much focus on himself is something Dori strives to avoid .
These two together make for an adorable couple. Sonny is a perfect partner and Daddy, putting his boy's happiness and care above everything. There are things that Dorian needs extra support with and a moment that brings a bit of tension and danger but it's handled well by all involved.
A story to tug on your heart with sadness for a young Dorian but he filled with elation at how things develop for this couple. It's no more than they deserve and it's great to see past characters and new ones coming in, adding and developing the series further.
Definitely a recommended read though be sure to check the trigger warnings in the authors note at the beginning. I think it's also important to note that there is an occasion of an MC nearly being forced into a we I am act but it not following through.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
October 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this second book to the series. I liked that it was an age gap, friends to lovers book. Dori had a strict childhood, his mum died at childbirth and his dad and grand mother seemed to have it out on him ever since. 'Driver' was the one good think Dorian had until he his father fired him. Dori suffered from terrible anxiety as a result of his upbringing and found it difficult to be around people. When going to meet his baseball team that he had secretly purchased years before, Dorian has a chance encounter with 'Driver' and learns he is now works on Dorian's team. It was great seeing the Daddy in Harrison recognise the need in Dorian to be nurtured and guided after all he had suffered growing up. Watching them get closer and grow into each other was heartwarming. There's little angst, lots of laughs and we get to see the characters from previous books and meet a bunch of new characters as there are many changes on the team. I cat wait for the next book to be released! I was lucky enough oread an ARC for an honest review.
October 12, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. A Billionaire looking for a happiness that seem just out of his reach, when confronted with an commanding personality, the shy socially awkward young man sends him spiralling. Growing up in a loveless family, Dorian learned throw one man the world around him wasn't as bad as his father had lead. Wanting something just like Skip had followed by his nephew Cash, but in order to find it he throw some frogs. Now having to come out as the real owner of the Blue's, when Dori's visit to the team bring on a unplanned panic attack, due to Sandy collapse brings an old friend back in his life. Sonny is piecing together a Dori sized puzzle, kicking in his Daddy instincts. Only with one wrong move, they both are about to loss everything. I loved Sonny and his Daddy jealousy strikes of a dead man. Is theres more loving happening within the Blue's, Aww Cary, Cash and Kim, how I missed them.
October 13, 2021
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This was a sweet read. There is a backstory here of one man trying to be helpful and getting nothing good for it. Sonny always knew he wanted to play ball but never thought he had the talent for it so he ultimately becomes a pitching coach. It’s not until years later that he has a chance to reconnect with a man from his past. Sonny had a difficult childhood brought on by a strict upbringing. This cause his to have some anxiety issue. I really liked how his issues were portrayed, they were real and you could sympathize with Sonny.
Dori had some daddy instincts that I really liked, though his jealousy nearly gets the better of him. He almost ruins his second chance with Sonny. I wouldn’t call this book angst free, but it was angst-lite. Medium heat and extra sweet.
This was a nice addition to the Men of Memphis Blues series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a sweet read. There is a backstory here of one man trying to be helpful and getting nothing good for it. Sonny always knew he wanted to play ball but never thought he had the talent for it so he ultimately becomes a pitching coach. It’s not until years later that he has a chance to reconnect with a man from his past. Sonny had a difficult childhood brought on by a strict upbringing. This cause his to have some anxiety issue. I really liked how his issues were portrayed, they were real and you could sympathize with Sonny.
Dori had some daddy instincts that I really liked, though his jealousy nearly gets the better of him. He almost ruins his second chance with Sonny. I wouldn’t call this book angst free, but it was angst-lite. Medium heat and extra sweet.
This was a nice addition to the Men of Memphis Blues series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 13, 2021
This book was heartbreaking but so incredibly sweet. Dori grew up in a wealthy home with zero love. The only bright spots in his day were with "the help". It was with the employees of the household where Dori thrived and felt most at ease. When an accidental broken window shattered his world as he knew it, Dori withdrew even more into himself and lost the small amount of confidence that he had found. Sonny was the driver for Dori's family and it was him trying to teach Dori how to pitch a baseball that changed both of their lives. Years later, Dori and Sonny's path cross again and it brings back how close these two really were. I loved how protective Sonny still is over Dori and how Dori still wants to please Sonny in any way he can. There is a natural Daddy/boy dynamic between these two characters that is so sweet to see develop. If anyone deserves a happily ever after, it is Dori. He is just so worthy of complete and utter happiness.
October 14, 2021
Dori had a horrible upbringing. His father and grandmother were pieces of poo!! Dorian who’s socially inept, grew up in a wealthy family but without love and he’s determined to show the world he’s nothing like his father. Sonny was known as Driver to Dorian as a child and was his only friend until an accident that happened with a baseball meeting glass greenhouse. He is then let go from his employment with Dorian’s family. They again cross paths as adults once again as boss/employee that turns into Daddy/boy dynamic. This story was heartbreaking at times but very fulfilling! Dori and Sonny were so sweet together, loved it!! The story is really well written with complicated and complex characters, highly recommend it!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy I received. This was solely based on my honest thoughts and opinion.
October 19, 2021
Dori and Sonny is Book 2 in the Men of Memphis series and can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is a wonderfully written friends to lovers, boos/employee, age gap, daddy kink story with an emotional storyline and strong characters. Dori is definitely a survivor and didn't deserve to be treated so badly by his family. Reading along I hoped he'd see Driver again. I loved watching Dori grow and accomplish the things he wanted to. This is the kind of feel good story that starts out tragic and ends super happy. Dori and Sonny are so good for each other and I just love the kink element, Sonny is just the daddy Dori needs. Dori is so relatable and I was so happy when he got his happy ending. Definitely recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 14, 2021
I enjoyed Dori and Sonny and was glad they were able to reconnect in a completely different way. Dori has always just wanted someone to love and adore him and Sonny is able to fit that bill perfectly and they both are able to fulfill what the other needs. I hated seeing Dori suffer when he would panic or when he wasn’t comfortable but Sonny was able to come to his rescue to help and make it all better. I look forward to seeing more of the characters finding their match.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
October 8, 2021
This storyline consumed me with gut wrenching depth, that Sam’s writing style is great at bringing out those emotions. Lots of loveable complex characters and unfortunately a couple of bad characters. Some angst, humour and hot sensual scenes between Dori and Sonny. Heartwarming. Another keeper.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
October 16, 2021
This was such an amazing read! My heart just broke for Dori! He was just so sweet! Sonny was amazing right from the beginning! I loved how he treated Dori! These two guys were so perfect for each other! This book had amazing characters and a fantastic storyline! Great addition to the series and I can’t wait to read more! Very enjoyable and I highly recommend! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
October 17, 2021
Memories From The Past.
MM, Daddy/boy, Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort Romance. Easy to read page-turner that could be read as a stand-alone but is best read in series order for maximum enjoyment and full understanding as other characters from the series are mentioned/featured in the book. Some angst and memories of abuse as a child and brief incidents in current time frame. Really enjoyed reading their story and watching their relationship unfold, lots of sweet moments and some heat.
MM, Daddy/boy, Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort Romance. Easy to read page-turner that could be read as a stand-alone but is best read in series order for maximum enjoyment and full understanding as other characters from the series are mentioned/featured in the book. Some angst and memories of abuse as a child and brief incidents in current time frame. Really enjoyed reading their story and watching their relationship unfold, lots of sweet moments and some heat.
October 18, 2021
Another great book by Sam E Kraemer. I loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait until this one came out, and I'm so glad I was finally able to read it. It has wonderful characters, a great storyline, and a sweet low-angst love. To see one person care so much for the other to help him through his panics and anxieties is great to see. I love the dynamics in this book and recommend it.
February 16, 2022
Daddy's boy
I enjoyed this story. Dorian survived abuse and not just physical but emotionally as well and his relationship with Harrison Sonny Rhimes was what he needed and their friendship when he was younger had been the catalyst to his journey as an adult. They had a special connection . This story reminds us that when we get what we desire sometimes it's exactly what we need
I enjoyed this story. Dorian survived abuse and not just physical but emotionally as well and his relationship with Harrison Sonny Rhimes was what he needed and their friendship when he was younger had been the catalyst to his journey as an adult. They had a special connection . This story reminds us that when we get what we desire sometimes it's exactly what we need
October 26, 2021
My heart just broke for Dori! Growing up with no love or support has had such a lasting affect on him.
Seeing him open himself up to the possibility of love with Sonny was amazing.
This story has all the feels and it was so wonderful seeing these guys get the HEA that they so deserve. Great addition to the Men of Memphis Blues series.
Seeing him open himself up to the possibility of love with Sonny was amazing.
This story has all the feels and it was so wonderful seeing these guys get the HEA that they so deserve. Great addition to the Men of Memphis Blues series.
October 5, 2021
Beautiful book with a haunting beginning. The beginning set the stage for Dorian's anxiety. Luckily found family helps him figure out how to deal with the anxiety. A blast from the pass helps give him the confidence he so desperately needs. Kudos on another fabulous book in the series.
October 18, 2021
Dori's Dad is a real piece of work, so it was so wonderful to see Sonny and Dori get their second chance despite his venomous act in the past. The behind the scenes information was fascinating as it was in book one of this series and Dori and Sonny are perfect together.
October 18, 2021
A beautifully written story for Dori and Harrison ( Sonny) . Dori knew Sonny from his childhood, one filled with pain and abuse . Many years later Dori meets up with Sonny again. Emotional age gap , daddy/ boy relationship. Loved it.
October 9, 2021
This book was a pleasure to read, I fell in love with Dori and Sonny, they are so much fun together despite the terrible childhood Dori had. The story was good and easy to read
October 12, 2022
Another great read from Sam E. Kraemer. I love the way she writes and can draw one into the story. It is a low angst, sweet, second chance story of Dori & Sonny who meet when Dori was 13 and are reunited years later.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews