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Hit and Run #0
Nothing Ordinary
Ezra Mandel is many things:
A culinary genius.
A first-time teacher.
An anxious mess.
And helplessly attracted to the rudest, most grumpy man he has ever had the misfortune of meeting.
Ezra knows his first semester ever teaching at a private school is going to be a disaster. What he doesn’t expect is to get into a rivalry with the volleyball coach who can’t stand him. But the more he gets to know Gabriel Bassani, the more he starts to realize his pain is a lot deeper than the surface of his skin.
And Gabriel is a complicated man. He’s lived in the shadow of his MLB star brother for most of his life, his past marriage was a disaster, and he’s long-since stopped believing in love. But Ezra—persistent, beautiful, irritating Ezra—is the kind of man who refuses to give up, and Gabriel isn’t sure if he wants to beg him to stop, or beg him to keep going.
Whatever they have isn’t ordinary, but then again, ordinary isn’t something either of them has ever wanted.
This book features a low-angst, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with a nervous sunshine culinary professor in his first year of teaching, a grumpy ex MLB player with a chip on his shoulder the size of Wrigley Field, a gaggle of students who enjoy making bets on the teacher’s lives, and a happily ever after that just might feel like a world record breaking home run.
Nothing Ordinary is a previously released serial novel in the Hit and Run series, now with 15,000 words of revised and additional content.
A culinary genius.
A first-time teacher.
An anxious mess.
And helplessly attracted to the rudest, most grumpy man he has ever had the misfortune of meeting.
Ezra knows his first semester ever teaching at a private school is going to be a disaster. What he doesn’t expect is to get into a rivalry with the volleyball coach who can’t stand him. But the more he gets to know Gabriel Bassani, the more he starts to realize his pain is a lot deeper than the surface of his skin.
And Gabriel is a complicated man. He’s lived in the shadow of his MLB star brother for most of his life, his past marriage was a disaster, and he’s long-since stopped believing in love. But Ezra—persistent, beautiful, irritating Ezra—is the kind of man who refuses to give up, and Gabriel isn’t sure if he wants to beg him to stop, or beg him to keep going.
Whatever they have isn’t ordinary, but then again, ordinary isn’t something either of them has ever wanted.
This book features a low-angst, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with a nervous sunshine culinary professor in his first year of teaching, a grumpy ex MLB player with a chip on his shoulder the size of Wrigley Field, a gaggle of students who enjoy making bets on the teacher’s lives, and a happily ever after that just might feel like a world record breaking home run.
Nothing Ordinary is a previously released serial novel in the Hit and Run series, now with 15,000 words of revised and additional content.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2022
107 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,398 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 23, 2022
i generally like E.M. Lindsey's books, but this was such a weird mess... i'm still trying to wrap my head around it!
i found the opening chapters clunky and a bit boring, but once we switched to Gabriel's POV, the book took an upswing for me. the angst of his past and the complicated relationship he had with his brother reminded me of the E.M. i know and usually enjoy, but unfortunately, it didn't last long. characterization was inconsistent and i found it hard to even care if the two MCs ended up together. they were both kind of annoying and, again, inconsistent. Ezra goes from having an anxiety attack at the idea of someone finding out he's gay to then mentioning giving his ex sloppy blowjobs - to a complete stranger! - in practically the next chapter.
despite these issues, i was mostly enjoying the book for the middle third or so, but god, that ending was so bizarre and abrupt? i won't spoil anything here, but let me just say it was weird. also, Rick / Patrick's name changing every other paragraph was really annoying? the editing in general was.... not good nn. there were a lot of typos and inconsistencies with names and some minor details, and it was very distracting at times.
overall, this was a disappointing read. 3 stars (but only because i did have a good time reading it with Parris).
i found the opening chapters clunky and a bit boring, but once we switched to Gabriel's POV, the book took an upswing for me. the angst of his past and the complicated relationship he had with his brother reminded me of the E.M. i know and usually enjoy, but unfortunately, it didn't last long. characterization was inconsistent and i found it hard to even care if the two MCs ended up together. they were both kind of annoying and, again, inconsistent. Ezra goes from having an anxiety attack at the idea of someone finding out he's gay to then mentioning giving his ex sloppy blowjobs - to a complete stranger! - in practically the next chapter.
despite these issues, i was mostly enjoying the book for the middle third or so, but god, that ending was so bizarre and abrupt? i won't spoil anything here, but let me just say it was weird. also, Rick / Patrick's name changing every other paragraph was really annoying? the editing in general was.... not good nn. there were a lot of typos and inconsistencies with names and some minor details, and it was very distracting at times.
overall, this was a disappointing read. 3 stars (but only because i did have a good time reading it with Parris).
February 18, 2022
"Look. I'm no prince either, okay? I have anxiety, and my self-esteem is pretty shit even on the best days. But I definitely know I'm cute, and I think you agree with me."
"I do." Gabriel smiled wider.
i read my first em lindsey book back in january and i saw potential of me liking their works. there's definitely something on the way they write their characters & stories and i promised myself i need to check out more. last night i picked this up randomly and told myself i'm going to read a few chapters to test the waters out and well i ended up reading the first half in one seating. turns out the only thing that can crack my stone heart right now is this adorable layered book about the cocky, arrogant, and insensitive hot coach falling for the new culinary teacher in their private school. i'm loosely shelving this, based on the vibe that i got, as grumpy meets sunshine slash enemies-to-lovers kind of storyline.
Gabriel was still grumpy, and Ezra was still an anxious mess. But their pieces fit together better than Ezra could have possibly expected, and he swore he was falling in love harder every day.
love how the characters are considered broken, they said it themselves, but still made their love to work. on one hand, coach gabriel bassani self-sabotages himself and his relationship with his co-faculty. he does not mince his words, loud, and frank. on the other hand, we meet ezra mandel aka the new culinary teacher. he's ruled by his severe anxiety and panics most of the time. they were oil and water obviously. i love how ezra, as a self-proclaimed people-pleaser, won gabe by showing little acts of kindness. it was this disney meets hallmark kind of thing. lastly the lack of sex even though warranted left me unsatisfied. sex is pretty much important in rating books for me. overall, i really enjoyed this book. i smiled, cringed, and for certain parts got myself frustrated. excited for pietros story!
February 23, 2022
I debated between one or two stars. The book is bad, but just compelling enough to not dnf. To anyone who DID dnf, I completely understand why because the first 10 chapters (of a 23 chapter book) where excruciatingly bad. Some of the sloppiest writing I’ve read so far. The second half is slightly better, but the author did not deserve any of the emotional buildup later on between the two characters with that awful beginning.
The premise and characters of this book were let down by atrocious writing. Characters were set up to be a certain way (personalities, backstories, hangups) and then acted and spoke in ways that were absolute opposites to what their character should be like. The characters are all supposed to be adults teaching at private school, but not once did any of them act like an adult who’s had a job or required to be professional before. No one in this book acts like a real, living, breathing human being.
The book also badly needed an editor. The phrases “he bristled”, “licked his lips”, “wiped their hands on (clothing)” all appear at LEAST 5 times throughout the barely 200 page book. Not to mention the drink that is a beer one page and then gin the next.
Unfortunately will not be reading another book by this author as there are more creative, capable m/m writers out there who I would rather spend my time reading instead.
The premise and characters of this book were let down by atrocious writing. Characters were set up to be a certain way (personalities, backstories, hangups) and then acted and spoke in ways that were absolute opposites to what their character should be like. The characters are all supposed to be adults teaching at private school, but not once did any of them act like an adult who’s had a job or required to be professional before. No one in this book acts like a real, living, breathing human being.
The book also badly needed an editor. The phrases “he bristled”, “licked his lips”, “wiped their hands on (clothing)” all appear at LEAST 5 times throughout the barely 200 page book. Not to mention the drink that is a beer one page and then gin the next.
Unfortunately will not be reading another book by this author as there are more creative, capable m/m writers out there who I would rather spend my time reading instead.
March 4, 2022
3.5 stars
a little clunky but I love an imperfect grumpy volleyball coach now
a little clunky but I love an imperfect grumpy volleyball coach now
March 3, 2022
3.5 this, unfortunately, was the second EML book in a row that slapped me in the face with an Epilogue out of damned nowhere.
Things had been going really well, this book made me FEEL so much, which is what you want to have happen. But things were just glossed over at the end and left me feeling really unsatisfied. :/
I still highly recommend checking out Switch-Hitter though.
Things had been going really well, this book made me FEEL so much, which is what you want to have happen. But things were just glossed over at the end and left me feeling really unsatisfied. :/
I still highly recommend checking out Switch-Hitter though.
February 18, 2022
Grumpy hurt/comfort?
That was good!
I liked their relationship and how anxiety was espressed.
Really interesting.
That was good!
I liked their relationship and how anxiety was espressed.
Really interesting.
February 19, 2022
This felt underdeveloped and unfinished. Very light on the steam. I generally enjoy this author’s work because of the way she handles disabilities but this one just didn’t do it for me.
February 25, 2022
For me the title was a representation of the book... Basically. 🥲🥲
I have read E.M. Lindsay's book before, some have worked for me, some haven't, what I will always applaud them is the way they represent people with disabilities or problems (mental and physical), but this was a little bit of a mess.
The blurb read as interesting, but once I started this I felt that the book needed more maturity, Gabriel was a dick and I'm sorry but I didn't buy the reason for his behavior, he was written like an adolescent and I never understood why Ezra fell in love with him.
There were also inconsistencies with the writing, wich never happened to me before with this author. For example: a moment I read that Kaila took a medical leave and at the next, the same day, she was in the rooftop with the other teachers? A lot of that happened here.
Still, I kind of liked it, specially the setting at a school, but yeah, they can do better. 🥰🥰
I have read E.M. Lindsay's book before, some have worked for me, some haven't, what I will always applaud them is the way they represent people with disabilities or problems (mental and physical), but this was a little bit of a mess.
The blurb read as interesting, but once I started this I felt that the book needed more maturity, Gabriel was a dick and I'm sorry but I didn't buy the reason for his behavior, he was written like an adolescent and I never understood why Ezra fell in love with him.
There were also inconsistencies with the writing, wich never happened to me before with this author. For example: a moment I read that Kaila took a medical leave and at the next, the same day, she was in the rooftop with the other teachers? A lot of that happened here.
Still, I kind of liked it, specially the setting at a school, but yeah, they can do better. 🥰🥰
February 25, 2022
Sweet, hot, and anxious.
Not sure the happy ending
will stick. Fine reps, though.
Not sure the happy ending
will stick. Fine reps, though.
April 5, 2022
dnf @ 22%
I can’t bring myself to continue this. That was terrible!
I can’t bring myself to continue this. That was terrible!
July 12, 2022
can tell it was a serial
I read Switch-Hitter first and decided to go back cuz I wanted more of Gabriel’s story, but this wasn’t quite as good as I find most of Lindsey’s books. There were a lot of small continuity errors that made it feel obvious this started as a serialized novel. I still enjoyed it but, yeah, there were moments I felt bored and the small inconsistencies kept pulling me out.
I read Switch-Hitter first and decided to go back cuz I wanted more of Gabriel’s story, but this wasn’t quite as good as I find most of Lindsey’s books. There were a lot of small continuity errors that made it feel obvious this started as a serialized novel. I still enjoyed it but, yeah, there were moments I felt bored and the small inconsistencies kept pulling me out.
February 20, 2022
Meet Ezra - neurotic sunshine and Gabriel - overprotective grumpy sweetheart🖤 These two had my heart melting pretty much immediately🖤 Both men were in the midst of personal struggles and reaching for each other and building up the trust to move their relationship from professional to friendship to something more, was nothing short than a leap of fate🖤
I loved their dynamic and it was heartwarming see they were both working on themselves to be better for each other and the people they cared for.🖤
Ezra made me want to track him down and wrapp him up in blankets and keep him safe.🖤 I loved how sweet his love language was and how much softness and care it exuded for the other man🖤
I loved Gabriel because he was headstrong, confident yet fully aware he needed to get his shit together for Ezra and not be too proud or else he would fuck this up. And once he was in, it was game on, he was 100% dedicated. I loved it🖤
There us just so much realness about the way their relationship was put together. Nothing was perfect, but despite that, the characters leaned into their emotions and pulled through.🖤
This book contains some beautiful and emotional intimate scenes🖤 There was so much love and affection between Ezra and Gabriel, it was brilliant 🖤
A MUST READ from me🖤🖤🖤
This book contains characters from the upcoming title SWITCH-HITTER A Hit and Run novell, more details from the @emlindseyauthor account 🖤🖤🖤 Needless to say I am very excited about this new release and I can't wait to lose myself in another E.M.LINDSEY story🖤🖤🖤
I loved their dynamic and it was heartwarming see they were both working on themselves to be better for each other and the people they cared for.🖤
Ezra made me want to track him down and wrapp him up in blankets and keep him safe.🖤 I loved how sweet his love language was and how much softness and care it exuded for the other man🖤
I loved Gabriel because he was headstrong, confident yet fully aware he needed to get his shit together for Ezra and not be too proud or else he would fuck this up. And once he was in, it was game on, he was 100% dedicated. I loved it🖤
There us just so much realness about the way their relationship was put together. Nothing was perfect, but despite that, the characters leaned into their emotions and pulled through.🖤
This book contains some beautiful and emotional intimate scenes🖤 There was so much love and affection between Ezra and Gabriel, it was brilliant 🖤
A MUST READ from me🖤🖤🖤
This book contains characters from the upcoming title SWITCH-HITTER A Hit and Run novell, more details from the @emlindseyauthor account 🖤🖤🖤 Needless to say I am very excited about this new release and I can't wait to lose myself in another E.M.LINDSEY story🖤🖤🖤
July 17, 2022
Disappointed
I've been indecisive about leaving this review after finishing this book at 2am but I'm disappointed and I need to say it. I stupidly read Pietro's book first as I didn't see this first and I think it gave me a different view on both Ezra and Gabriel. Now I've read their book I'm a little furious 😠. I don't know if that's really how things work in America but I'm pretty sure leaving a teacher to have a mental health crisis after being assaulted then the police would be involved and Gabriel really shouldn't care that much about 1 lesson! I hated the end, it was so rushed and we went from Ezra being attacked to them talking about engagement! I felt like soooo much was left and it felt like this book compared to the others in the series was an afterthought. Gabriel seriously needs to see a councilor, he is beyond just being a grumpy man! With all the inclusion in the other books I'm shocked Lindsey would overlook this in their story tbh. Also, this formidable Coach Hayes just made me laugh as he was mentioned so much but actually appeared once and was just a bit of a dick compared to Gabriel's past behaviour. I want to love the story because I got the feeling of their love in Pietro's book but it just felt disjointed. I'm sad because I know I've warbled on but I have so much more I could mention 😔. Read the other books in the Hit and Run series, they are much better!
I've been indecisive about leaving this review after finishing this book at 2am but I'm disappointed and I need to say it. I stupidly read Pietro's book first as I didn't see this first and I think it gave me a different view on both Ezra and Gabriel. Now I've read their book I'm a little furious 😠. I don't know if that's really how things work in America but I'm pretty sure leaving a teacher to have a mental health crisis after being assaulted then the police would be involved and Gabriel really shouldn't care that much about 1 lesson! I hated the end, it was so rushed and we went from Ezra being attacked to them talking about engagement! I felt like soooo much was left and it felt like this book compared to the others in the series was an afterthought. Gabriel seriously needs to see a councilor, he is beyond just being a grumpy man! With all the inclusion in the other books I'm shocked Lindsey would overlook this in their story tbh. Also, this formidable Coach Hayes just made me laugh as he was mentioned so much but actually appeared once and was just a bit of a dick compared to Gabriel's past behaviour. I want to love the story because I got the feeling of their love in Pietro's book but it just felt disjointed. I'm sad because I know I've warbled on but I have so much more I could mention 😔. Read the other books in the Hit and Run series, they are much better!
March 11, 2024
disappointed
37 % in and I just couldn’t. I normally really enjoy EM Lindsey but every so often there is a miss and this was a huge miss. Gabriel was an irritating and irrational jerk and Ezra and his anxiety didn’t present well at all. My other issue was this simply is not how high school is at all. Now students will try to boss around teachers but how all of this is handled just is not believable. I gave up on this but I did read the series this book launches and that was good. Oh well can’t win them all,
37 % in and I just couldn’t. I normally really enjoy EM Lindsey but every so often there is a miss and this was a huge miss. Gabriel was an irritating and irrational jerk and Ezra and his anxiety didn’t present well at all. My other issue was this simply is not how high school is at all. Now students will try to boss around teachers but how all of this is handled just is not believable. I gave up on this but I did read the series this book launches and that was good. Oh well can’t win them all,
February 25, 2022
It was just too rushed after the halfway point.
November 23, 2022
unfinished
I feel the author just give up on the book.. felt really unfinished… honestly this book definitely ruin my night.
I feel the author just give up on the book.. felt really unfinished… honestly this book definitely ruin my night.
Read
December 19, 2023End of year clear out. DNF - no rating.
I've had this paused too long and don't have the patience to get back into it. There's also a noticable quality difference between this one and the rest of the series.
I've had this paused too long and don't have the patience to get back into it. There's also a noticable quality difference between this one and the rest of the series.
Read
March 8, 2022Really looking forward to more of this series! I liked the sweetness and the slow burn.
March 10, 2022
Sweet story but poorly written.
This story was sweet overall but the character development was clunky and didn't feel cohesive. Too many side story lines that really never went anywhere. And too many grammar mistakes and inconsistencies that it was a bit annoying.
This story was sweet overall but the character development was clunky and didn't feel cohesive. Too many side story lines that really never went anywhere. And too many grammar mistakes and inconsistencies that it was a bit annoying.
March 2, 2022
The story, I liked with some reservations. Certainly, it's me not to be in the moment but, maybe would been Better more passione, more rithme in the plot. However It' s a good story.
February 26, 2022
not my tastes
I didn’t care for a lot of this. Gabriel was too much of a jerk to make his change of attitude all that believable. Neither was the conflict scenario at the end. The author does some great disability rep in her stories but sometimes the angst factor is just too much, OTT.
I didn’t care for a lot of this. Gabriel was too much of a jerk to make his change of attitude all that believable. Neither was the conflict scenario at the end. The author does some great disability rep in her stories but sometimes the angst factor is just too much, OTT.
February 27, 2022
Don’t get me wrong I love almost everything EM has written that I’ve read but this book killed me to finish! It was soo slow up to about 65% in and then it was ok here’s a good love story and then BAM it’s over. I seriously struggled to even finish this one.
February 22, 2022
Quick read that started as a serial on the author's website. Unfortunately the grumpy MC crosses the line into pure asshole territory and stays that way for almost half of the book. It's the dreaded "I don't know what to do with the feelings I have for you, so I will be a jerk to protect both of us." Thank you, next.
February 14, 2022
I liked Ezra and Gabriel's story. I enjoy the Grumpy/Sunshine trope and these two definitely fit. There were times I would have loved to reach into my Kindle and shake Gabriel, but his damage and struggle to grow was well-developed. I liked how Ezra grew and didn't let his anxiety stop him from growing either. This prequel sets up Pietro's story and I look forward to that book as well.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2022
Characters were sympathetic, good story
Rating: 3.5🌈
I’m not sure exactly where the author intends Nothing Ordinary to fall in their series, except as a prequel perhaps.
It was originally written as a series, then re-edited, new material added, and now re-released just as the first book in the series was arriving. So it acts as a informative lead-in for Pietro’s story. Much of Pietro’s history and his relationship with his brother is relayed here. So if you loved that book like I did, it’s worth it for that alone.
But this is Gabe and Ezra’s story. So the events run almost concurrently to those in Switch - Hitter (Hit and Run #1) . Many scenes will seem familiar if you’ve read the other book.
Gabe, the older brother who, due to a car accident, lost his career in the Major Leagues, his marriage, his self esteem. He’s now a private school high school volleyball coach, angry, and alone. Not a happy man.
Ezra Mandel , the new culinary teacher is many things:
A culinary genius. A first-time teacher. An anxious mess.
He looks the same age as his students and has a deep case of social anxiety, made worse by an
abusive ex. None of those elements make him think his experience as a teacher in high school is going to go well.
It doesn’t. He runs into Gabe in the teachers lounge on his first day who yells at him to get out, thinking Ezra’s a student. It goes downhill quickly from there.
This story of opposites attract, enemies to lovers has a lot of promise. Each man has problematic areas to their character. Gabe is dealing with issues of self esteem, anger, loss of career, and even sibling jealousy/envy. He feels he’s never good enough. Anger is his fall back emotion.
Ezra is full of anxiety, a people pleaser who can’t tolerate loud voices, especially those raised in rage. His low self esteem pounded into him by an abusive ex who enjoyed hurting him. A culinary genius who can’t stand the pressure of the kitchen.
These are all complicated elements and needs it’s equal in storytelling. While Lindsey did a good job dealing with Ezra’s anxiety (therapy, communication, meds) and Gabe’s issues of career loss, low esteem, and envy, I not sure Gabe’s elements got addressed enough. Of all three characters who had emotional issues, (Ezra, Pietro, Gabriel) , Gabe is the only person not seeing a therapist. I kept thinking anger management classes were the least he needed. If you have to continually excuse a teacher’s behavior because he’s “complicated’?
Flags , people, flags.
Which brings me to a couple of major concerns or issues I have here. And spoilers territory ! I like these characters. I do. I find them sympathetic, mostly.
Continuity.
Lindsey has both Pietro and Gabe use their celebrity influence as MLB players, past and present, to make important local changes. Include a trans player on a team against the Administration’s wishes, push rulings, whatever. They use what they’re are , rich and well known, to make changes. Over and over. They are local boys made great. Point made.
Even if Gabe feels like a has been, he’s not.
If Lindsey had just explored all the ramifications of these two polar opposites getting together, it would have made for a fascinating story.
But there’s another ugly element thrown in. One of an attempted sexual assault. It happens, it’s over. And other then a very minimal amount of mentions to the aftermath. Done. Yes, Therapy. Yes. Fired. Yada. Yada. But basically , that’s it for such a serious topic.
To my mind, if you’re going to introduce such a sensitive and horrific situation, (it happens on the page, but is swiftly dealt with), then I think there’s an obligation to make this section as relevant and responsible as possible. Gabe and Pietro have the influence to have this person arrested, he’s a sexual predator, who’s been in a high school.
But there’s no follow through here. On any aspect really of this situation.
It’s pretty much glosses over considering the gravity and scope of the scene.
I just didn’t get it. The story flies quickly to the end, and Gabe and Ezra’s HEA.
I didn’t read the serial so I have no idea which sections were added and what’s original. But if the assault scenes were added afterwards, it makes sense, because they don’t feel as thoughtfully written as Ezra’s anxiety or Gabe’s relationship with Pietro.
So it’s worth reading if you want to read the entire Hit and Run series and want all the background. This is great for that.
Read it for Ezra, and yes Gabe. I’m sure we will be seeing them again later on in the series, not just in Pietro’s story, which I highly recommend.
Hit and Run series:
- [x] Nothing Ordinary #0
- [x] Switch-Hitter #1
- [ ] Line Drive #2 - out July 2022
Rating: 3.5🌈
I’m not sure exactly where the author intends Nothing Ordinary to fall in their series, except as a prequel perhaps.
It was originally written as a series, then re-edited, new material added, and now re-released just as the first book in the series was arriving. So it acts as a informative lead-in for Pietro’s story. Much of Pietro’s history and his relationship with his brother is relayed here. So if you loved that book like I did, it’s worth it for that alone.
But this is Gabe and Ezra’s story. So the events run almost concurrently to those in Switch - Hitter (Hit and Run #1) . Many scenes will seem familiar if you’ve read the other book.
Gabe, the older brother who, due to a car accident, lost his career in the Major Leagues, his marriage, his self esteem. He’s now a private school high school volleyball coach, angry, and alone. Not a happy man.
Ezra Mandel , the new culinary teacher is many things:
A culinary genius. A first-time teacher. An anxious mess.
He looks the same age as his students and has a deep case of social anxiety, made worse by an
abusive ex. None of those elements make him think his experience as a teacher in high school is going to go well.
It doesn’t. He runs into Gabe in the teachers lounge on his first day who yells at him to get out, thinking Ezra’s a student. It goes downhill quickly from there.
This story of opposites attract, enemies to lovers has a lot of promise. Each man has problematic areas to their character. Gabe is dealing with issues of self esteem, anger, loss of career, and even sibling jealousy/envy. He feels he’s never good enough. Anger is his fall back emotion.
Ezra is full of anxiety, a people pleaser who can’t tolerate loud voices, especially those raised in rage. His low self esteem pounded into him by an abusive ex who enjoyed hurting him. A culinary genius who can’t stand the pressure of the kitchen.
These are all complicated elements and needs it’s equal in storytelling. While Lindsey did a good job dealing with Ezra’s anxiety (therapy, communication, meds) and Gabe’s issues of career loss, low esteem, and envy, I not sure Gabe’s elements got addressed enough. Of all three characters who had emotional issues, (Ezra, Pietro, Gabriel) , Gabe is the only person not seeing a therapist. I kept thinking anger management classes were the least he needed. If you have to continually excuse a teacher’s behavior because he’s “complicated’?
Flags , people, flags.
Which brings me to a couple of major concerns or issues I have here. And spoilers territory ! I like these characters. I do. I find them sympathetic, mostly.
Continuity.
Lindsey has both Pietro and Gabe use their celebrity influence as MLB players, past and present, to make important local changes. Include a trans player on a team against the Administration’s wishes, push rulings, whatever. They use what they’re are , rich and well known, to make changes. Over and over. They are local boys made great. Point made.
Even if Gabe feels like a has been, he’s not.
If Lindsey had just explored all the ramifications of these two polar opposites getting together, it would have made for a fascinating story.
But there’s another ugly element thrown in. One of an attempted sexual assault. It happens, it’s over. And other then a very minimal amount of mentions to the aftermath. Done. Yes, Therapy. Yes. Fired. Yada. Yada. But basically , that’s it for such a serious topic.
To my mind, if you’re going to introduce such a sensitive and horrific situation, (it happens on the page, but is swiftly dealt with), then I think there’s an obligation to make this section as relevant and responsible as possible. Gabe and Pietro have the influence to have this person arrested, he’s a sexual predator, who’s been in a high school.
But there’s no follow through here. On any aspect really of this situation.
It’s pretty much glosses over considering the gravity and scope of the scene.
I just didn’t get it. The story flies quickly to the end, and Gabe and Ezra’s HEA.
I didn’t read the serial so I have no idea which sections were added and what’s original. But if the assault scenes were added afterwards, it makes sense, because they don’t feel as thoughtfully written as Ezra’s anxiety or Gabe’s relationship with Pietro.
So it’s worth reading if you want to read the entire Hit and Run series and want all the background. This is great for that.
Read it for Ezra, and yes Gabe. I’m sure we will be seeing them again later on in the series, not just in Pietro’s story, which I highly recommend.
Hit and Run series:
- [x] Nothing Ordinary #0
- [x] Switch-Hitter #1
- [ ] Line Drive #2 - out July 2022
February 19, 2022
CW for both the book and my review: discussions of a past emotionally abusive relationship, on-page panic attacks, general anxiety symptoms and an attempted physical assault.
First published as a newsletter serial, *Nothing Ordinary* is now out for everyone’s enjoyment as a fully published novel and the first book in the Hit and Run world by EM Lindsey. It is such a testament to EM’s writing that, despite having felt all my feels for this story once already, I still cried my way through this—*ahem*—low-angst book for the second time and did not put it down till I finished it at 3am.
Ezra is our sweet and anxiety-ridden, culinary star MC who is beginning a new job as a private school teacher and immediately, for seemingly no reason, clashes with the History teacher/volleyball coach, Gabriel. The problem is, of course, that Gabriel is sinfully gorgeous, seems a bit wounded and is definitely also attracted to Ezra. It’s impossible not to root for both characters as the story progresses and they cautiously explore their feelings for each other and despite the initial prickliness, find themselves wanting to show their affection in the sweetest acts of service. I also really enjoyed how both MC’s find themselves leaning on each other when necessary—Ezra in finding support at his most anxious moments and Gabriel when he sees he can be vulnerable around Ezra with his fears and about his past as a pro baseball player who had to leave that life behind. As always, EM portrays important issues like anxiety and recovering from emotionally abusive relationships with the care and sensitivity I so love in all their books. This novel also introduces us to Gabriel’s baseball star brother, Pietro who will get his own book next month!
For two slightly emotionally bruised MC’s who love large, yummy food and high school work politics I cannot recommend this book more. It’s everything I love about EM Lindsey’s writing and more and I’m delighted to give it 5 delicious stars!
First published as a newsletter serial, *Nothing Ordinary* is now out for everyone’s enjoyment as a fully published novel and the first book in the Hit and Run world by EM Lindsey. It is such a testament to EM’s writing that, despite having felt all my feels for this story once already, I still cried my way through this—*ahem*—low-angst book for the second time and did not put it down till I finished it at 3am.
Ezra is our sweet and anxiety-ridden, culinary star MC who is beginning a new job as a private school teacher and immediately, for seemingly no reason, clashes with the History teacher/volleyball coach, Gabriel. The problem is, of course, that Gabriel is sinfully gorgeous, seems a bit wounded and is definitely also attracted to Ezra. It’s impossible not to root for both characters as the story progresses and they cautiously explore their feelings for each other and despite the initial prickliness, find themselves wanting to show their affection in the sweetest acts of service. I also really enjoyed how both MC’s find themselves leaning on each other when necessary—Ezra in finding support at his most anxious moments and Gabriel when he sees he can be vulnerable around Ezra with his fears and about his past as a pro baseball player who had to leave that life behind. As always, EM portrays important issues like anxiety and recovering from emotionally abusive relationships with the care and sensitivity I so love in all their books. This novel also introduces us to Gabriel’s baseball star brother, Pietro who will get his own book next month!
For two slightly emotionally bruised MC’s who love large, yummy food and high school work politics I cannot recommend this book more. It’s everything I love about EM Lindsey’s writing and more and I’m delighted to give it 5 delicious stars!
February 10, 2022
“I thought I’d ignore all those confusing feelings and let you hate me, just like everyone else did. Because the last thing you deserve is me.”
I can’t get enough of EM Lindsey’s characters. They never fail to touch my heart and get me sucked into the story so that I can’t put it down until I finish. Ezra suffers from serious anxiety but he is determined to not let it stop him from being a teacher and trying to make friends at his new job. Gabriel is a grumpy jerk who tends to keep his distance from almost everyone, but he is secretly a good guy at heart. He just doesn’t know how to show it. These two get off on the wrong foot and it just continues to get worse with every interaction until Gabriel figures out how to stop taking his frustrations out on the other man. It doesn’t hurt that Ezra is a sweetheart and starts bringing him baked goods. I loved watching these two interact and seeing them both grow as characters. This was such a good book and, like many by this author, will be one I read over and over!
“My brother has been trying to convince me for years that I deserve nice things. I think my subconscious still kind of believes that what happened to me was some sort of cosmic punishment for being an arrogant asshole. My therapist hasn’t given up trying to work me through it, but the problem is, I haven’t found anything that’s made me want to try.” Ezra said nothing, and Gabriel knew this was his moment. The real moment. The one that mattered. He turned his head again to meet Ezra’s gaze because he deserved it for this last part. “And then I met you.”
Swooning over here. Just ignore me….
I can’t get enough of EM Lindsey’s characters. They never fail to touch my heart and get me sucked into the story so that I can’t put it down until I finish. Ezra suffers from serious anxiety but he is determined to not let it stop him from being a teacher and trying to make friends at his new job. Gabriel is a grumpy jerk who tends to keep his distance from almost everyone, but he is secretly a good guy at heart. He just doesn’t know how to show it. These two get off on the wrong foot and it just continues to get worse with every interaction until Gabriel figures out how to stop taking his frustrations out on the other man. It doesn’t hurt that Ezra is a sweetheart and starts bringing him baked goods. I loved watching these two interact and seeing them both grow as characters. This was such a good book and, like many by this author, will be one I read over and over!
“My brother has been trying to convince me for years that I deserve nice things. I think my subconscious still kind of believes that what happened to me was some sort of cosmic punishment for being an arrogant asshole. My therapist hasn’t given up trying to work me through it, but the problem is, I haven’t found anything that’s made me want to try.” Ezra said nothing, and Gabriel knew this was his moment. The real moment. The one that mattered. He turned his head again to meet Ezra’s gaze because he deserved it for this last part. “And then I met you.”
Swooning over here. Just ignore me….
March 6, 2022
Mixed feelings
I loved Ezra and got to love Gabriel after getting to know him I still.think the way he treated Ezra at first was ridiculous and over the top, the relationship between Gabriel and his brother Pietro was quite toxic and a lot of stuff seemed unresolved.
I enjoyed seeing Ezra and Gabriel's relationship start but after the rumours about them started spreading their actions were unbelievable especially Gabriel who was very self righteous about how Ezra ran his classroom, for him to be reduced to bargaining and bribing his kids to kill the rumours seemed ridiculous and more likely to cause problems, I found the kids so unlikable and a little unbelievable franklr.
The ending was a bit of a mess the whole thing with Patrick came out of nowhere and derailed the book it was so unnecessary and over the top it spoilt the story really at that point we should have been building towards a happy ending but all.that was left out and was wrapped up in a epilogue that felt like it dropped midway through a chapter and ultimately left a unsatisfied feeling.
All that being said I did enjoy a lott of the book even if parts frustrated me but after a bad run of 6 DNF's this book got me out of a slump and I read it in two sittings.
I loved Ezra and got to love Gabriel after getting to know him I still.think the way he treated Ezra at first was ridiculous and over the top, the relationship between Gabriel and his brother Pietro was quite toxic and a lot of stuff seemed unresolved.
I enjoyed seeing Ezra and Gabriel's relationship start but after the rumours about them started spreading their actions were unbelievable especially Gabriel who was very self righteous about how Ezra ran his classroom, for him to be reduced to bargaining and bribing his kids to kill the rumours seemed ridiculous and more likely to cause problems, I found the kids so unlikable and a little unbelievable franklr.
The ending was a bit of a mess the whole thing with Patrick came out of nowhere and derailed the book it was so unnecessary and over the top it spoilt the story really at that point we should have been building towards a happy ending but all.that was left out and was wrapped up in a epilogue that felt like it dropped midway through a chapter and ultimately left a unsatisfied feeling.
All that being said I did enjoy a lott of the book even if parts frustrated me but after a bad run of 6 DNF's this book got me out of a slump and I read it in two sittings.
February 11, 2022
I loved these characters! Ezra and Gabriel are both well drawn and super engaging, I was immediately invested in their story. I love a grumpy/sunshine love story and this is an excellent one. Gabriel is so terrible to new teacher Ezra in their early interactions. But, I loved how the author used the time between fighting to delve into Gabriel’s pain over the loss of his baseball career and his complicated relationship with his brother Pietro. This really worked to add a lot of depth to Gabriel and his ongoing run ins with Ezra. There are Lots of interesting side characters around the private school, I especially loved the other teachers Kaila and Charlotte. And I can’t wait for Pietro’s story, he is a fun character. Great mix of complicated but likable MCs, sweetness, humor and steamy chemistry. Plus, the ending was absolutely lovely. Wonderful read, highly recommend!
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review
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