I struggled with this one. A lot. The author is a talented writer and there was so much potential in the story, but I never connected with either of the main characters and the never-ending DRAMA made it difficult to feel the love. And their backstory… yeah, I really misinterpreted that blurb. I went into this expecting more of a friends to lovers vibe, with the girl who has always been in the hero’s peripheral vision. Instead, these two have had numerous casual hookups over the course of the last few years, but they’ve also slept with other people and have never been on a date. Call me crazy, but I don’t love it when the main characters are hooking up with other people while falling for each other. That started this story off on the wrong note, and it wasn’t a strong enough read to overcome the rocky start.
Essentially, the story follows Cole and Christina, two college students who have gravitated towards each other throughout their college years. Though they connect in private, Cole’s sole focus is baseball and he’s been unwilling to take things public. He’s got a reputation as a player on and off the field, but he waivers on his interest in Christina. Seven months ago, Cole called things off for good, and it’s not until they see each other again that either one realize how deep their feelings run. Seeing Christina with another guy is enough to set Cole off, and now he’s the one determined to take things up a notch.
It’s a sweet yet angsty read with a lot of push/pull interactions and drama throughout. It’s much more about the struggle than the actual relationship (we see VERY little of the good times). Seemingly these two already have strong feelings for each other at the start of the book, though I wonder why Cole was never bothered by the fact that they weren’t exclusive before. Jealously is definitely the primary motivation for him, so that seemed odd to me. I also don’t love the depiction of women in this – honestly, I thought Christina would hold her ground more because of how poorly Cole has treated her in the past, and basically every other woman was made to look like a fake, catty jock chaser who doesn’t care if Cole is single. That paired with an ending I found all sorts of problematic, and this new adult romance lost its charm for me. There’s plenty that I liked, but those things were overshadowed by the problems. I appreciated receiving an ARC (and am voluntarily leaving a review), but this sweet sports romance soured for me pretty quickly.
“This is sports romance at its best! I was hooked from the first page!” – Claire Contreras, New York Times bestselling author
Cole Anders is in his last season at Fullton State. If he doesn’t get drafted this year, he’ll be forced to hang up his cleats for good. It’s not something he’s ready to do.
To prove he’s serious about his final season, he’s given up girls. No more casual hookups, dates or one-night stands. But there’s one girl who has always refused to give up on him. One girl who has been there since the start of Freshman year. One girl he stupidly assumed would always be waiting for him when he got off the field, no matter how long it took.
Christina’s had enough of Cole pushing her aside for baseball. She’s grown tired of waiting for him to see what she’s known since they were freshmen… that they are good together. She’s finally moved on- for good this time.
Cole has other ideas, but she refuses to cave. It’s not her problem if he wants her now. Too little too late.
There comes a point in your life when you have to stop the incessant merry-go-round and just get off the ride, right? Try telling that to Cole.
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About J. Sterling
My goal is to write books that you can get lost in and stories that will leave you with a smile and a full heart. If you can forget about the real world while you’re reading and fall in love with my characters, then I’ve done my job. A lot of what I write has real life aspects in it, but that’s what makes the stories so relatable- the fact that they could happen to anyone… and have!
I live in California with my son, Blake. If you can’t find me sitting behind a computer screen, then there’s a good chance I’m sitting in the bleachers of a baseball stadium watching him play. I love traveling to new places, meeting my readers and spending time with the love of my life, my very own second chance romance, who inspires me daily.
I know you have a million books to choose from and I am humbled, grateful and thankful each time you choose to read one of mine, or tell someone else to read them. Thank you.
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