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Charleston Thrashers #2
Bench Player
ALLISON
As Public Relations Manager for the Charleston Thrashers, I’m responsible for protecting the team’s reputation. But after our right fielder gets sent to prison and we lose the World Series, my own reputation takes a huge hit. There’s only one way I can save my job: by revamping Connor Whitman’s tarnished ex-con image. Keeping my eye on the ball isn’t a problem until I discover what’s underneath his unkempt exterior—a man who’s unexpectedly vulnerable and distractingly sexy. Now, my professionalism is sailing far into foul territory.
CONNOR
I’ve served my time, and now I’m determined to reclaim my spot in the Thrashers’ outfield. Unfortunately, the new General Manager doesn’t want an aging ex-con on the roster, so I have no choice but to go along with Allison’s annoying scheme. Her bossiness drives me crazy—but so do her legs and her hair and her all-too-rare smiles. I can’t afford to fall for anyone when my focus needs to be on baseball, but love is a game I’ve never played before, and for the first time ever, I’m out of my league.
As Public Relations Manager for the Charleston Thrashers, I’m responsible for protecting the team’s reputation. But after our right fielder gets sent to prison and we lose the World Series, my own reputation takes a huge hit. There’s only one way I can save my job: by revamping Connor Whitman’s tarnished ex-con image. Keeping my eye on the ball isn’t a problem until I discover what’s underneath his unkempt exterior—a man who’s unexpectedly vulnerable and distractingly sexy. Now, my professionalism is sailing far into foul territory.
CONNOR
I’ve served my time, and now I’m determined to reclaim my spot in the Thrashers’ outfield. Unfortunately, the new General Manager doesn’t want an aging ex-con on the roster, so I have no choice but to go along with Allison’s annoying scheme. Her bossiness drives me crazy—but so do her legs and her hair and her all-too-rare smiles. I can’t afford to fall for anyone when my focus needs to be on baseball, but love is a game I’ve never played before, and for the first time ever, I’m out of my league.
300 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2020
About the author
Julianna Keyes
15 books697 followersJulianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She's been skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting, but nothing thrills - or terrifies - her as much as the blank page. She loves Chinese food, foreign languages, baseball and television, not necessarily in that order, and will go to her grave swearing that 'ain't' is not a word. She has volunteered in Zambia, taught English in China, and dreams of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. It'll happen.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 29, 2023
5 STARS!!
This was SO good; the set-up, the banter, the MCs' vulnerabilities, the way the plot played out. I loved it all.
And that the FMC was Allison from book 1? Genius. Once again, JK takes a seemingly unredeemable character and reveals them to be so much more than their granite façade.
I'll be making my way through everything ever written by this author.😍😍
Whatever happens, happens. There's no script, no plan. It's just me and her and this moment, where it feels like everything is going to be all right.My must read author list is a very short one - but it now officially includes Julianna Keyes.
This was SO good; the set-up, the banter, the MCs' vulnerabilities, the way the plot played out. I loved it all.
And that the FMC was Allison from book 1? Genius. Once again, JK takes a seemingly unredeemable character and reveals them to be so much more than their granite façade.
I'll be making my way through everything ever written by this author.😍😍
March 14, 2020
I could not wait for the follow up to Team Player, and it definitely felt like it came out of nowhere. I jumped on this ARC, which I do for about 2 authors. Since I read Team Player, Gwen and Ty loomed very large in my head, and I was so desperately excited to learn this would indeed be Connor's and Allison's book.
It opens with Connor's release from prison, essentially, his loss of time and opportunity, and his determination (and fear) that he will not be able to recapture his place on the team. He doesn't only want to play baseball, he wants to continue playing for the Thrashers. Ty has moved on, and ultimately, Bench Player is not unlike the beginning of Team Player, an athlete who is not just lost personally, but lost to the game (this was not the case for Ty, mostly). And Allison's challenge is to get him back in the game to maintain her job. I won't go to into that, in case you've not read Team Player (and you really really should) but rest assured that Allison remains the character from Team Player but this book expands on her depth.
“You run?” I ask, as we lace our sneakers.
“How else would I burn off my endless rage?”
“By eating the souls of baseball players?”
She snort-laughs. “That’s only half the year.”
I don't usually summarize in reviews, but for this one I feel it's important. The reason is whether Team Player and its Gwen and its Ty loomed so damn large that they can a shadow over this, or whether the opening of this book was just painstakingly crafted in its quiet, I didn't find it nearly as engaging at first. I was worried for nearly the entire first half that this wasn't living up to the promise of the couple. I missed the humor, I missed the snap. It was there, but it wasn't shining.
I probably could've put it down forever until I read the first sex scene. (Dear heaven)
I probably could've forgotten about it until after the conflict (my eyes were sweaty). And Yes, the secondary characters remained a treat.
His eyes soften. “That’s girl’s the best thing I ever did. If you don’t count my inside the park home run that won us the pennant in ’57.”
“You have to count it.”
“That’s right, I do. But Al’s not bad, either.”
But Connor did not feel well-defined...until he was. And looking back, I think this really elevated the book, but it might risk losing a reader that doesn't trust Keyes. The first 40-50% certainly isn't throwaway, but it's hard work to build a base for what comes next. (Though to be clear it isn't hard to read, it's good, it's just different-and why didn't I expect that?)
So there's my extended thoughts on this book. Once the conflict occurs, once Connor's working on the field, once the characters become a "cast" the chemistry zips like crazy in this book, and by 70% I was chuckling and hoping it would never end. There were beautiful moments between the couple, between the main characters and the secondary ones, between the main characters and their livelihoods.
And yes, it also made me teary and delighted and swoony and was plenty hot. And so happy.She's got this way to write and avoid sentimentality all the while making you feel. I adore how her characters (all of them) make mistakes, show love, and make choices.
It looks like baseball is suspended for a bit. If you have a craving for America's pastime (even though you'll never convince me that it's not actually basketball) pick this up-unless you haven't read Team Player. Then start there.
It opens with Connor's release from prison, essentially, his loss of time and opportunity, and his determination (and fear) that he will not be able to recapture his place on the team. He doesn't only want to play baseball, he wants to continue playing for the Thrashers. Ty has moved on, and ultimately, Bench Player is not unlike the beginning of Team Player, an athlete who is not just lost personally, but lost to the game (this was not the case for Ty, mostly). And Allison's challenge is to get him back in the game to maintain her job. I won't go to into that, in case you've not read Team Player (and you really really should) but rest assured that Allison remains the character from Team Player but this book expands on her depth.
“You run?” I ask, as we lace our sneakers.
“How else would I burn off my endless rage?”
“By eating the souls of baseball players?”
She snort-laughs. “That’s only half the year.”
I don't usually summarize in reviews, but for this one I feel it's important. The reason is whether Team Player and its Gwen and its Ty loomed so damn large that they can a shadow over this, or whether the opening of this book was just painstakingly crafted in its quiet, I didn't find it nearly as engaging at first. I was worried for nearly the entire first half that this wasn't living up to the promise of the couple. I missed the humor, I missed the snap. It was there, but it wasn't shining.
I probably could've put it down forever until I read the first sex scene. (Dear heaven)
I probably could've forgotten about it until after the conflict (my eyes were sweaty). And Yes, the secondary characters remained a treat.
His eyes soften. “That’s girl’s the best thing I ever did. If you don’t count my inside the park home run that won us the pennant in ’57.”
“You have to count it.”
“That’s right, I do. But Al’s not bad, either.”
But Connor did not feel well-defined...until he was. And looking back, I think this really elevated the book, but it might risk losing a reader that doesn't trust Keyes. The first 40-50% certainly isn't throwaway, but it's hard work to build a base for what comes next. (Though to be clear it isn't hard to read, it's good, it's just different-and why didn't I expect that?)
So there's my extended thoughts on this book. Once the conflict occurs, once Connor's working on the field, once the characters become a "cast" the chemistry zips like crazy in this book, and by 70% I was chuckling and hoping it would never end. There were beautiful moments between the couple, between the main characters and the secondary ones, between the main characters and their livelihoods.
And yes, it also made me teary and delighted and swoony and was plenty hot. And so happy.She's got this way to write and avoid sentimentality all the while making you feel. I adore how her characters (all of them) make mistakes, show love, and make choices.
It looks like baseball is suspended for a bit. If you have a craving for America's pastime (even though you'll never convince me that it's not actually basketball) pick this up-unless you haven't read Team Player. Then start there.
March 28, 2020
4.5 STARS!
I love Julianna Keyes and couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.
When the former left fielder went to jail for insider trading is released from prison, it's publicist Allison's job to reform his image and get him back in the game. With all of the things around them not going in their favor, namely Connor is a pain in the butt, the general manager doesn't want to sign him back on the team, AND Allison is fighting to keep her job in the process, we don't know if she will be able to succeed in getting this grumpy loner back to doing what he loves.
What these characters don't expect is to see something in each other that the other had never seen before—that undeniable chemistry that just pulls them together—and oh that sexiness is just so delicious, I could not put this book down. Allison can't tell Connor that his chance to get back on the team is pretty much zero but watching Connor's hope and drive to get there coupled with her seeing the genuinely nice guy underneath that toughness just made my heart so happy.
As an aside I loved her relationship with her grandfather and seeing Connor's teammates felt like seeing old friends. I love this series and can't wait for more from Keyes.
I love Julianna Keyes and couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.
When the former left fielder went to jail for insider trading is released from prison, it's publicist Allison's job to reform his image and get him back in the game. With all of the things around them not going in their favor, namely Connor is a pain in the butt, the general manager doesn't want to sign him back on the team, AND Allison is fighting to keep her job in the process, we don't know if she will be able to succeed in getting this grumpy loner back to doing what he loves.
What these characters don't expect is to see something in each other that the other had never seen before—that undeniable chemistry that just pulls them together—and oh that sexiness is just so delicious, I could not put this book down. Allison can't tell Connor that his chance to get back on the team is pretty much zero but watching Connor's hope and drive to get there coupled with her seeing the genuinely nice guy underneath that toughness just made my heart so happy.
As an aside I loved her relationship with her grandfather and seeing Connor's teammates felt like seeing old friends. I love this series and can't wait for more from Keyes.
April 29, 2020
This is Connor and Allison. Connor is a disgraced pro-baseball player trying to get back to the game after a two-year prison stint for insider trading. Allison is the Charleston Thrashers PR guru...the team Connor was part of when his arrest took place, and is blamed for costing them the world series. Allison is being told she is being fired by the new general manager who seems to want to shake up everything, but the players on the field. She makes a deal with the manager if she can change Connor’s image from the most hated man in baseball, she can keep her job. She is on a mission, but that means having to spends lots of up close and personal time with Connor...which both seem to dread...
My thoughts:
This book was off the mark for me. I didn’t like Connor...he was moody and depressing. I realize he just got out of prison, but still...isn’t my thing. I also thought the story was less love story and more haven’t been around a woman in two years. They barely speak to each other and when they do its mostly barely tolerance to...they are having sex in the kitchen. I guess it just wasn’t my kind of happily ever after.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Julianna Keyes, and the publisher for this opportunity
My thoughts:
This book was off the mark for me. I didn’t like Connor...he was moody and depressing. I realize he just got out of prison, but still...isn’t my thing. I also thought the story was less love story and more haven’t been around a woman in two years. They barely speak to each other and when they do its mostly barely tolerance to...they are having sex in the kitchen. I guess it just wasn’t my kind of happily ever after.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Julianna Keyes, and the publisher for this opportunity
October 24, 2020
This was a typical Julianna Keyes. And I mean that in the best of ways.
Not your formulaic, escapist lovey-dovey slop (don't get me wrong, I love me some lovey-dovey slop from time to time), but a realistic, genuine take on how relationship dyamics actually work, even though it was set in the out-of-reach world of professional Baseball.
I really enjoyed this.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
I loved the first book in Ms. Keyes newest series, and I wasn't sure how she could redeem a jailed/surly/seemed kind of dick secondary character, so I was a teensy eensy bit worried about book two. But I had faith. Also, Allison was super badass and I loved her, so...
Anyway, my faith was amply rewarded with this absolute sexy and smart charmer of a book. I think I liked it better than Team Player? Don't hold me to that; I'm re-reading it right now. First off, I don't know who that cover model is, but he's sexy as hell and I was prepared to love him no matter what. Fortunately, he turns out to be a great guy who made a really bad decision that nearly destroys his life.
In Team Player, Tyler Ashe spends the first part of the book pining for his best friend/brother from another mother/Charleston Thrasher teammate, Connor Whitman. Readers soon learned that Connor is in jail; after pleading guilty to insider trading, he's serving a two-year sentence behind bars. He refuses to have any contact with Tyler, or any of his former teammates/friends, and makes it extremely hard for a reader to like him.
Bench Player kicks off with Connor determined to regain the life he lost by making a supremely big mistake. In his defense, he didn't understand he was committing a crime when he traded on insider information, but what's happened is done, and he just wants to move on. Connor has a fairly simple vision for his future: regain his position in the Thrasher line-up. To that end he plans to train, and train, and train some more. Fortunately, he still has Tyler on his side; Tyler picks him up from jail and deposits him at his mountain retreat. Unfortunately, Tyler (and his adorable girlfriend Gwen and her corn) are determined to help him. They've read all about how to best support Connor post-prison, but all Connor wants is space. So he tolerates their well meaning efforts to support his reintegration into society, pretending all their efforts to support him are helping, and then he practically pushes them out the door for a planned Mexican get-away. He thinks he's in the clear to proceed with his train, train, train plan. Until the doorbell rings.
Allison Whyte is the badass PR manager for the Charleston Thrashers. Players fear her. Co-workers fear her. But she gets shit done, and she loves her team. However, when Bench Player begins, Allison is desperate. The newly installed General Manager (son of the former head honcho) wants to clean house. He fires her. Allison, an expert in finding solutions to tricky problems, doesn't panic. At least, not visibly. She makes a deal with her boss - promising to rehabilitate the image of Connor Whitman, their ex-con former player, and use the image makeover to generate bigger tickets sales. IF she can do it, she can save her job. The GM doesn't plan to add Whitman to the roster - but Allison hopes that if her plan succeeds, he'll have to anyway.
Bench Player is smart and sexy and funny from start to finish. Connor and Allison struggle to find any common ground right from the get-go; he doesn't want her help, and doesn't even understand he needs it, and Allison can't tell him the truth about his chances with the team, but has to convince him to accept her help anyway. They butt heads and trade hilarious insults and argue...and it's all delicious foreplay for what's to come once Connor finally gives in and lets Allison 'do her thing.'
I liked both of these characters very much, and once they team up, the novel shines. Team Player gave readers a glimpse of who Allison and Connor 'might' be - but Keyes kept the details deliberately vague. I don't want to spoil the story, but suffice it to say, she does a marvelous job proving both of these characters deserve this spotlight, and that those grumpy/tough personaes are simply the masks they wear to keep others at a distance. Allison is a wonderful surprise, and her relationship with Biff, her feisty grandfather, is a highlight of the novel. Connor is similarly well-realized, and his emotional growth and maturity as a player/teammate/boyfriend/friend feels organic to the story. He's extremely likeable when he's not being a grumpy, stubborn jerk, and your heart goes out to him every time he struggles with his re-entry into society. His fears and anxieties and trust issues felt authentic to the character and the story.
But let's get back to these two as a couple. From the moment Allison rings Tyler's doorbell (that sounds pervy doesn't it?), it's clear these two have chemistry. True, they sort of resent/hate each other, but it's chemistry. I love that the transition to lovers happens suddenly - like, wait a minute, did that just happen? suddenly - but in Ms. Keyes capable hands, things don't immediately go weird and awkward. Instead, they act like adults and admit they're attracted to each other. Yes, it causes all sorts of other problems...but admitting they like and admire and desire each other isn't one of them. The Big Problem, when it finally comes, is totally expected, and no less devastating when it does. I digress. Connor and Allison are a super hot couple, and this combination worked for me on every level.
Bench Player deals with heavy subject matter, but Keyes shows a deft hand balancing these issues with lively, funny dialogue, like-able principal and secondary characters, and lots of humor and heat. Her love of baseball shines through Connor and Allison and this story, and nearly convinced me I might like baseball, too. I don't. FTR.
Loved it. 5 stars.
Anyway, my faith was amply rewarded with this absolute sexy and smart charmer of a book. I think I liked it better than Team Player? Don't hold me to that; I'm re-reading it right now. First off, I don't know who that cover model is, but he's sexy as hell and I was prepared to love him no matter what. Fortunately, he turns out to be a great guy who made a really bad decision that nearly destroys his life.
In Team Player, Tyler Ashe spends the first part of the book pining for his best friend/brother from another mother/Charleston Thrasher teammate, Connor Whitman. Readers soon learned that Connor is in jail; after pleading guilty to insider trading, he's serving a two-year sentence behind bars. He refuses to have any contact with Tyler, or any of his former teammates/friends, and makes it extremely hard for a reader to like him.
Bench Player kicks off with Connor determined to regain the life he lost by making a supremely big mistake. In his defense, he didn't understand he was committing a crime when he traded on insider information, but what's happened is done, and he just wants to move on. Connor has a fairly simple vision for his future: regain his position in the Thrasher line-up. To that end he plans to train, and train, and train some more. Fortunately, he still has Tyler on his side; Tyler picks him up from jail and deposits him at his mountain retreat. Unfortunately, Tyler (and his adorable girlfriend Gwen and her corn) are determined to help him. They've read all about how to best support Connor post-prison, but all Connor wants is space. So he tolerates their well meaning efforts to support his reintegration into society, pretending all their efforts to support him are helping, and then he practically pushes them out the door for a planned Mexican get-away. He thinks he's in the clear to proceed with his train, train, train plan. Until the doorbell rings.
Allison Whyte is the badass PR manager for the Charleston Thrashers. Players fear her. Co-workers fear her. But she gets shit done, and she loves her team. However, when Bench Player begins, Allison is desperate. The newly installed General Manager (son of the former head honcho) wants to clean house. He fires her. Allison, an expert in finding solutions to tricky problems, doesn't panic. At least, not visibly. She makes a deal with her boss - promising to rehabilitate the image of Connor Whitman, their ex-con former player, and use the image makeover to generate bigger tickets sales. IF she can do it, she can save her job. The GM doesn't plan to add Whitman to the roster - but Allison hopes that if her plan succeeds, he'll have to anyway.
Bench Player is smart and sexy and funny from start to finish. Connor and Allison struggle to find any common ground right from the get-go; he doesn't want her help, and doesn't even understand he needs it, and Allison can't tell him the truth about his chances with the team, but has to convince him to accept her help anyway. They butt heads and trade hilarious insults and argue...and it's all delicious foreplay for what's to come once Connor finally gives in and lets Allison 'do her thing.'
I liked both of these characters very much, and once they team up, the novel shines. Team Player gave readers a glimpse of who Allison and Connor 'might' be - but Keyes kept the details deliberately vague. I don't want to spoil the story, but suffice it to say, she does a marvelous job proving both of these characters deserve this spotlight, and that those grumpy/tough personaes are simply the masks they wear to keep others at a distance. Allison is a wonderful surprise, and her relationship with Biff, her feisty grandfather, is a highlight of the novel. Connor is similarly well-realized, and his emotional growth and maturity as a player/teammate/boyfriend/friend feels organic to the story. He's extremely likeable when he's not being a grumpy, stubborn jerk, and your heart goes out to him every time he struggles with his re-entry into society. His fears and anxieties and trust issues felt authentic to the character and the story.
But let's get back to these two as a couple. From the moment Allison rings Tyler's doorbell (that sounds pervy doesn't it?), it's clear these two have chemistry. True, they sort of resent/hate each other, but it's chemistry. I love that the transition to lovers happens suddenly - like, wait a minute, did that just happen? suddenly - but in Ms. Keyes capable hands, things don't immediately go weird and awkward. Instead, they act like adults and admit they're attracted to each other. Yes, it causes all sorts of other problems...but admitting they like and admire and desire each other isn't one of them. The Big Problem, when it finally comes, is totally expected, and no less devastating when it does. I digress. Connor and Allison are a super hot couple, and this combination worked for me on every level.
Bench Player deals with heavy subject matter, but Keyes shows a deft hand balancing these issues with lively, funny dialogue, like-able principal and secondary characters, and lots of humor and heat. Her love of baseball shines through Connor and Allison and this story, and nearly convinced me I might like baseball, too. I don't. FTR.
Loved it. 5 stars.
March 14, 2021
If you follow my reviews at all you know I’m a pretty idiosyncratic reader. And one of my little tweaks is to obsess over an author, binge them, and burn myself out. It happens with nearly every author I like.
Oddly, though, is that it doesn’t happen with the authors I love. I’ve only read a couple of Keyes’ books (I bought 4 more of them at the 51% mark tonight). But she’s on that short list. There’s too much to her stories to binge. They’re to be savored. Spaced out. These are books not to be inhaled but over which to linger - to think about long after the book is finished.
I did think she’d lost the magic here. And...I worry I’ll give you the wrong impression. The beginning was...slow is not the word. It felt...blank? Sparse of detail. Vague? A generic book with characters we’ve read before.
And then it was so much more. An intentional and masterful reveal of two messy people and their very real love.
If you haven’t read Keyes, you should. And if you have read her and didn’t love it - try another one. Her ability to write in varying degrees of intensity is second to none. I will say - there’s a delicious ache at the core of all of her stories. Sometimes a big ache. Sometimes a little one. And her deft handling of the big issues has me reaching for her again and again.
Oddly, though, is that it doesn’t happen with the authors I love. I’ve only read a couple of Keyes’ books (I bought 4 more of them at the 51% mark tonight). But she’s on that short list. There’s too much to her stories to binge. They’re to be savored. Spaced out. These are books not to be inhaled but over which to linger - to think about long after the book is finished.
I did think she’d lost the magic here. And...I worry I’ll give you the wrong impression. The beginning was...slow is not the word. It felt...blank? Sparse of detail. Vague? A generic book with characters we’ve read before.
And then it was so much more. An intentional and masterful reveal of two messy people and their very real love.
If you haven’t read Keyes, you should. And if you have read her and didn’t love it - try another one. Her ability to write in varying degrees of intensity is second to none. I will say - there’s a delicious ache at the core of all of her stories. Sometimes a big ache. Sometimes a little one. And her deft handling of the big issues has me reaching for her again and again.
March 15, 2020
This is the second book in this series and just as good as the first. So again I encourage you to read it you will get a better understanding of this cast of characters. So we met Allison in the first book, she was the head honcho in PR, known as a tough woman and I am saying that nicely, I liked Allison because she stood by Gwen and even championed her so she won my loyalty after that. We also knew a little about Connor in last book since he was Ty's best friend, the one in jail. So Connor gets out and his goal is to make it back to the Thrashers but isn't having an easy time reentering society, then comes his nightmare in the form of Allison. Unfortunately for Allison her new boss is incompetent but he is the owner now since his father passed the reigns to him and he has no clue what he is doing so he fires her however she comes up with a plan to get connor to form proving how good she is and he allows it, not really having any intention of rehiring Connor. While they spend time together, yup you guessed it the sparks are flying and they give in to it, but what happens when Connor finds out the real reason Allison is helping? Grab a copy and find out and Enjoy!
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
April 3, 2020
This was very sexy and I loved the relationship building. I have even less idea about the baseball in this one because it seems sort of outlandish and plausible at the same time. Would most definitely recommend.
April 1, 2020
Bench Player is the second book in the Charleston Thrashers series. We did meet Allison in book one and heard about Connor in book one. But, I was a little nervous coming into this book because both characters had not come off particularly well in the first book. I am happy to say that I had absolutely nothing to be worried about. Both were tough characters, but had their reasons for it, and knew the right times to be vulnerable.
Allison is a really strong character. She’s known as the “ice queen,” and all the baseball players are terrified of her. When the team comes under new management, and she is about to be fired, she offers a deal: to keep her job, she’ll get ex-con, and ex-player Connor Whitman ready for MLB. Connor went to prison for insider trading and has recently been released. He wants to get back on his baseball team, the Charleston Thrashers. Allison and Connor decide to work together to make him more likable to the fans, and management. These two had super strong personalities and butted heads constantly. But, they both were vulnerable in all the right moments, and you rooted for them the entire time. Also, Allison’s grandpa, Biff, was an exceptional secondary character and I loved the scenes with him! The players from the Thrashers were also great to catch up with again. It makes me miss baseball so much right now! This is a fun, sports romance and I would recommend it.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Allison is a really strong character. She’s known as the “ice queen,” and all the baseball players are terrified of her. When the team comes under new management, and she is about to be fired, she offers a deal: to keep her job, she’ll get ex-con, and ex-player Connor Whitman ready for MLB. Connor went to prison for insider trading and has recently been released. He wants to get back on his baseball team, the Charleston Thrashers. Allison and Connor decide to work together to make him more likable to the fans, and management. These two had super strong personalities and butted heads constantly. But, they both were vulnerable in all the right moments, and you rooted for them the entire time. Also, Allison’s grandpa, Biff, was an exceptional secondary character and I loved the scenes with him! The players from the Thrashers were also great to catch up with again. It makes me miss baseball so much right now! This is a fun, sports romance and I would recommend it.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
March 30, 2020
The new General Manager of the Charleston Thrashers is a total ass. He's more concerned about focus groups and the bottom line than baseball. He tries to sack Allison Whyte, the head of PR, after a bad season (because obviously it's the PR that's to blame) and in a desperate attempt to save her job Allison volunteers to rehab the public image of former baseball legend Connor Whitman who has just been released from prison after serving two years for insider trading. She just won't tell Connor that the GM won't give him a place on the team no matter how good the PR.
Connor Whitman just wants to train and get back on the team. he doesn't want to see anyone or talk to anyone. But when the scary Allison puts her mind to something no man on earth can dissuade her.
First off, I love sports romances and the cover was super sexy with a slight Charlie Hunnam vibe so I jumped at the chance to get an ARC and I wasn't disappointed. But this wasn't just a cookie-cutter enemies to lovers sports romance, I really enjoyed the interactions between Allison and her grandfather, Biff, himself a former baseball player. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between Connor and his team mates, and the sparky interactions between Connor and Allison. The plot felt more grown-up, which is suited to Connor's more mature age (34), sure there's still the obligatory 'big scene' but it felt more realistic than many others I have read.
After I finished this I checked and I had also read the first book in the series, not only that, I made similar comments. Apparently Julianna Keyes is a lifelong baseball fan and it shows.
I'm fascinated to know who could be the next player to find romance ...
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Connor Whitman just wants to train and get back on the team. he doesn't want to see anyone or talk to anyone. But when the scary Allison puts her mind to something no man on earth can dissuade her.
First off, I love sports romances and the cover was super sexy with a slight Charlie Hunnam vibe so I jumped at the chance to get an ARC and I wasn't disappointed. But this wasn't just a cookie-cutter enemies to lovers sports romance, I really enjoyed the interactions between Allison and her grandfather, Biff, himself a former baseball player. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between Connor and his team mates, and the sparky interactions between Connor and Allison. The plot felt more grown-up, which is suited to Connor's more mature age (34), sure there's still the obligatory 'big scene' but it felt more realistic than many others I have read.
After I finished this I checked and I had also read the first book in the series, not only that, I made similar comments. Apparently Julianna Keyes is a lifelong baseball fan and it shows.
I'm fascinated to know who could be the next player to find romance ...
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 10, 2020
After loving Team Player (book 1 in the Charleston Thrashers series), I was super excited to get a chance to read Bench Player. Connor was so mysterious and Allison was so unlikeable, so I was curious to see how Julianna Keyes would pull off their romance. She didn't disappoint!
Connor's character worked for me. He was remorseful for the naïve mistake that put him jail for two years. He understood his baseball career wasn't going to be handed back to him on a silver platter. The perspective he gained while serving time and realism drove him to work hard! The painful journey back into the real world made Connor vulnerable. All these things made him a perfectly flawed character.
Allison's unlikeable character in Team Player showed up again in Bench Player, but her antics made more sense in the second book. Not only was she trying to save herself, she was trying to save Connor. This softened her character for me. She was dealing with a difficult study in Connor and I loved the challenges it presented her with professionally. Allison's personal life, including the house falling apart and her Grandpa Biff, really made Allison sparkle. Every scene with Biff made me smile and their relationship made Allison more relatable.
Connor and Allison early on were like oil and water. As they learned more about each other and were working toward similar goals, their relationship started building into something special. It was hard until it was easy. I loved that evolution!
I am a big baseball fan! Because she "gets" baseball and writes great baseball romances, I am a big Julianna Keyes fan as well! More Charleston Thrashers, please!
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the publisher, via NetGalley.
Connor's character worked for me. He was remorseful for the naïve mistake that put him jail for two years. He understood his baseball career wasn't going to be handed back to him on a silver platter. The perspective he gained while serving time and realism drove him to work hard! The painful journey back into the real world made Connor vulnerable. All these things made him a perfectly flawed character.
Allison's unlikeable character in Team Player showed up again in Bench Player, but her antics made more sense in the second book. Not only was she trying to save herself, she was trying to save Connor. This softened her character for me. She was dealing with a difficult study in Connor and I loved the challenges it presented her with professionally. Allison's personal life, including the house falling apart and her Grandpa Biff, really made Allison sparkle. Every scene with Biff made me smile and their relationship made Allison more relatable.
Connor and Allison early on were like oil and water. As they learned more about each other and were working toward similar goals, their relationship started building into something special. It was hard until it was easy. I loved that evolution!
I am a big baseball fan! Because she "gets" baseball and writes great baseball romances, I am a big Julianna Keyes fan as well! More Charleston Thrashers, please!
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the publisher, via NetGalley.
March 25, 2020
4 1/2 stars
I have to say I really enjoyed Bench Player. I think I was impressed that the author didn't just redeem one character but two. I felt like Connor and Allison were both misunderstood characters in Team Player. Connor is in prison for insider trading and refuses to see his best friend, Ty, every time he comes to see him there (which is frequently). That pretty much made me think he was a selfish piece of work. Allison puts forth an image to everyone in the Thrashers organization that she's heartless and a workaholic with no feelings. To get to see the true side of both of these characters in Bench Player was pretty eye-opening. They were very different from what you expected. What was even more fun was to see them realize that their perceptions about each other were also "way off base."
Connor comes out of prison with hopes of rejoining the Thrashers baseball organization. He's been gone for two years and the club is now under different management. Allison is fighting to keep her job under a boss that doesn't respect or love the game - he only cares about the money it can provide. Allison is trying to help Connor rehab his image when they discover they have the potential to have more than a professional relationship with each other. There are feelings there and they have to decide if it's worth the risk for both of them with so much on the line.
Thank you to NetGalley and Julianna Keyes for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say I really enjoyed Bench Player. I think I was impressed that the author didn't just redeem one character but two. I felt like Connor and Allison were both misunderstood characters in Team Player. Connor is in prison for insider trading and refuses to see his best friend, Ty, every time he comes to see him there (which is frequently). That pretty much made me think he was a selfish piece of work. Allison puts forth an image to everyone in the Thrashers organization that she's heartless and a workaholic with no feelings. To get to see the true side of both of these characters in Bench Player was pretty eye-opening. They were very different from what you expected. What was even more fun was to see them realize that their perceptions about each other were also "way off base."
Connor comes out of prison with hopes of rejoining the Thrashers baseball organization. He's been gone for two years and the club is now under different management. Allison is fighting to keep her job under a boss that doesn't respect or love the game - he only cares about the money it can provide. Allison is trying to help Connor rehab his image when they discover they have the potential to have more than a professional relationship with each other. There are feelings there and they have to decide if it's worth the risk for both of them with so much on the line.
Thank you to NetGalley and Julianna Keyes for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2020
Allison and Connor are two people that you would never think would get together. They're one of the most unexpected couples but I'm definitely shipping them. Connor uses every technique in the book to be the one to swim against the tide. And Allison is determined to get this bad boy to conform to the accepted norms of society. Building his image up is the only way that she can save her job and give him the opportunity to be a part of the game once again. Getting him to participate and socially interact with the world though, is a whole other ball game. But once he realizes that he needs her to make the team co-operating is easy. But losing their heart to each other was so easy they didn't even realize it had happened. Until it was too late for them to deny it even after they had broken each other's hearts.
Advance review copy provided by #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.
Advance review copy provided by #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.
April 6, 2020
This was a good read. Connor just spent 2 years in prison. Now that he's out he plans on getting back into baseball. Allison shows up to help him. They of course fall in love and get their happy ending.
March 4, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Connor and Alison have been a dream to get to know.
The grumpy Ex-con and former Thrashers Star, and the high strung lady who fights the fires that the players start with their antics.
It’s been a journey and a half.
Highs , lows, laughs , tears , fights and makeup’s, but through it all these two have had that chemistry that lights up pages and encourages you to continue reading more.
Addictive stuff, I’m looking forward to reading more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋💋
Connor and Alison have been a dream to get to know.
The grumpy Ex-con and former Thrashers Star, and the high strung lady who fights the fires that the players start with their antics.
It’s been a journey and a half.
Highs , lows, laughs , tears , fights and makeup’s, but through it all these two have had that chemistry that lights up pages and encourages you to continue reading more.
Addictive stuff, I’m looking forward to reading more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
March 29, 2020
This is the romance for readers who miss baseball, love a strong heroine, want a gruff but gooey-centered hero, and need all the feels. A tall order, but Julianna Keyes delivered a homerun with Connor's return to professional baseball after two years in prison for insider trading.
I was so excited to get Connor's story after meeting him briefly in Team Player and was not disappointed by his uphill battle for forgiveness and redemption. Thrashers fans haven't forgiven him for getting arrested right before the team went to lose the World Series. Although the Thrashers' slimy general manager doesn't want him back, Connor has never known any family or home except for the team.
The last person Connor wants to turn to is Allison, the Thrashers' PR boss. Allison's Iron Lady rule over the Thrashers' organization almost stole the show in Team Player and I was thrilled to see her matched with the ex-con grump Connor.
There, of course, are other forces keeping Connor and Allison from each other and their dreams. Connor and Allison are keeping so many secrets and painful emotions from each other that it was no wonder when they finally combusted with fury and betrayal. I really couldn't see how they could repair the damage but the scene where Connor shows up for Allison almost had me in tears.
There was a much-appreciated epilogue but it was far too brief for me. It should have gone far into the future to show Connor as a retired Hall of Famer juggling his new role as a stay-at-home dad of a gaggle of kids all scheduled within an inch of their lives by Allison, now the longest-running MLB Commissioner in history.
See my full review at www.luckyreadsromance.blogspot.com
I was so excited to get Connor's story after meeting him briefly in Team Player and was not disappointed by his uphill battle for forgiveness and redemption. Thrashers fans haven't forgiven him for getting arrested right before the team went to lose the World Series. Although the Thrashers' slimy general manager doesn't want him back, Connor has never known any family or home except for the team.
The last person Connor wants to turn to is Allison, the Thrashers' PR boss. Allison's Iron Lady rule over the Thrashers' organization almost stole the show in Team Player and I was thrilled to see her matched with the ex-con grump Connor.
People at work may not tell me to my face that they fear me, but I hear the whispers. Robot. Evil genius. Ice queen. The names don’t bother me; they’re old and uninspired and I’m in the business of newer and better. It’s what I do best. It’s why I’m here.It's when Connor finally acquiesces to Allison's professional judgment about rehabbing his public image that we get to see the real Allison. The loving granddaughter who is holding onto a house falling apart but full of memory; the true baseball fan; the woman falling in love with a man who isn't part of her plan at all. This is where Julianna Keyes works her magic, how she reveals the flawed hearts of her lovers when the whole world tells them not to be together.
There, of course, are other forces keeping Connor and Allison from each other and their dreams. Connor and Allison are keeping so many secrets and painful emotions from each other that it was no wonder when they finally combusted with fury and betrayal. I really couldn't see how they could repair the damage but the scene where Connor shows up for Allison almost had me in tears.
There was a much-appreciated epilogue but it was far too brief for me. It should have gone far into the future to show Connor as a retired Hall of Famer juggling his new role as a stay-at-home dad of a gaggle of kids all scheduled within an inch of their lives by Allison, now the longest-running MLB Commissioner in history.
See my full review at www.luckyreadsromance.blogspot.com
March 7, 2020
Bench Player follows the emotional journey of Connor and Allison. We met Connor in the first book in this series as the disgraced baseball player in jail for insider trading. Allison is the ice queen PR rep that scares everyone into submission.
The author does an amazing job of sending both main characters on a journey of self-discovery. Connor is fresh out of jail and trying to acclimatize to 'real" life while working to realize his dream of playing baseball again. Allison is dealing with her aging grandfather, a house that is falling apart, and some major drama at work. The strength of this book is in these two characters. Both individual stories are real and authentic.
The connection between the two characters left me wanting more. They each had their own stories, but I would have enjoyed seeing a stronger connection between the couple. Overall, a great read!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC - #benchplayer #juliannakeyes
The author does an amazing job of sending both main characters on a journey of self-discovery. Connor is fresh out of jail and trying to acclimatize to 'real" life while working to realize his dream of playing baseball again. Allison is dealing with her aging grandfather, a house that is falling apart, and some major drama at work. The strength of this book is in these two characters. Both individual stories are real and authentic.
The connection between the two characters left me wanting more. They each had their own stories, but I would have enjoyed seeing a stronger connection between the couple. Overall, a great read!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC - #benchplayer #juliannakeyes
December 30, 2020
3.5 Stars
Grade=B-
Grade=B-
March 3, 2020
The first book in this series was seriously good, so reading this was a no-brainer for me. It's light and sexy with a lot less angst than you'd expect from such a heavy storyline - baseball player recently released from prison and taking a good look at his life - with a relationship that feels real. I really enjoyed the first half, as these two opposites get to know each other in a new way. Personally, I felt like the second half was a little lackluster, the chemistry dulling and the amount of separation overtaking the story, but it turned itself around with a solid finish.
The story follows Connor, a pro baseball player whose career is in jeopardy. He's a great player, but he's not getting any younger, and after spending the last two years in prison (for a white collar crime he inadvertently committed), he's got a fight ahead of him if he wants back on the team. Enter Allison, the team's PR person, a workaholic whose own job is in question following a change in management. Allison's only hope of saving her job is to rehab Connor's career, so she's got to put up with the grumpy, grumbly guy for the foreseeable future. As they two longtime acquaintances spend time together, their relationship changes and they begin to appreciate each other, flaws and all.
Julianna Keyes' writing is great, with a storyline that's interesting and characters who have depth. It's definitely a more understated, serious read, which was a nice change of pace. While I liked these two as individuals, I did have a few problems with the relationship - they rush into the physical side of things, so the emotional build wasn't as strong as I would've liked. There was just something missing there for me; it didn't feel "romantic," I guess. That being said, I liked the book the whole way through and never had trouble staying connected. There's plenty of potential for stories about other players, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy sports romance.
The story follows Connor, a pro baseball player whose career is in jeopardy. He's a great player, but he's not getting any younger, and after spending the last two years in prison (for a white collar crime he inadvertently committed), he's got a fight ahead of him if he wants back on the team. Enter Allison, the team's PR person, a workaholic whose own job is in question following a change in management. Allison's only hope of saving her job is to rehab Connor's career, so she's got to put up with the grumpy, grumbly guy for the foreseeable future. As they two longtime acquaintances spend time together, their relationship changes and they begin to appreciate each other, flaws and all.
Julianna Keyes' writing is great, with a storyline that's interesting and characters who have depth. It's definitely a more understated, serious read, which was a nice change of pace. While I liked these two as individuals, I did have a few problems with the relationship - they rush into the physical side of things, so the emotional build wasn't as strong as I would've liked. There was just something missing there for me; it didn't feel "romantic," I guess. That being said, I liked the book the whole way through and never had trouble staying connected. There's plenty of potential for stories about other players, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy sports romance.
Read
March 30, 2020One of my edits, featuring a grumpy, disgraced MLB hero and the team's ball-busting PR manager heroine, out now! (This can easily be read as a standalone story.)
https://www.editsbykristi.com/bench-p...
https://www.editsbykristi.com/bench-p...
April 15, 2020
First string for me!
I finished Bench Player by Julianna Keyes right before work, pulling out the dry shampoo and skipping breakfast … but couldn’t get the book and characters out of my mind.
I was dubious that this story would work. … and can I say that I couldn’t be happier to tell you that I was dead wrong! This book was a home run for me all the way. I’m a big character reader and this book met my high expectations. … and also ticked the storyline and writing boxes as well.
Bench Player has a strong character line up, starting with Connor and Allison, who both grow during the story. Connor wants to start again so badly he is nearly paralyzed with apprehension. He’s keeping his small circle of friends at bay for fear of letting them down and isn’t interested in adding any others to that mix, which includes Allison. She’s dealing with a overbearing bully of a boss, coming to grips with her grandfather in his last season, and is starting to see Connor as more than just a way to keep her job.
Ty, Biff, Ramirez, even Kimball are terrific supporting characters that make you realize what a terrific writer Ms. Keyes is. Now that I know Ty has his own book, it’s up next for me to read. Biff, Allison’s grandfather, is someone we all wish we had in our lives … irreverent yet wise and willing to give soul-rocking advice when it’s needed. Ramirez is comic relief and I’m hoping to see him in another book of his own … and with Kimball, the author elicited exactly the reactions out of me you’d expect. He’s an a$$ and it really comes through, in a realistic way.
Soooooo, I’ve gone on about the characters, but the other thing that gets me is the writing, especially the dialogues. The dialogue between Connor and Allison will make you sigh at the end … but it starts out with Connor brooding and Allison throwing sass. The chemistry has the field on fire and it grows into something more … so much that at the end of the book, Connor is the guy we all hope to have and we all wish we were Allison.
This book alternates first person with each chapter, and despite being part of a series, is a stand-alone. I was pulled in from the start, despite being dubious of Connor’s ex-con status. The plot moves along at just the right pace, with several questions to be answered … will Connor play again, will Allison keep her job, and a few more. Oh! There is baseball and a player’s obsession with eating all things healthy.
Based on my rating scale (below), this book gets a 5 stars from me for all the reasons I listed above and one more …. I instantly started a re-read of the last 3 chapters. Thank God this is an ebook because I would have already worn down some of the ink had it been print
This is a brief explanation of mine:
5=instant re-read; on my favorites list
4=really good read
3=OK, adequate; minor character / plot flaws
2=didn’t like it for several reasons; major character / plot flaws
1=did not finish, not recommended
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I finished Bench Player by Julianna Keyes right before work, pulling out the dry shampoo and skipping breakfast … but couldn’t get the book and characters out of my mind.
I was dubious that this story would work. … and can I say that I couldn’t be happier to tell you that I was dead wrong! This book was a home run for me all the way. I’m a big character reader and this book met my high expectations. … and also ticked the storyline and writing boxes as well.
Bench Player has a strong character line up, starting with Connor and Allison, who both grow during the story. Connor wants to start again so badly he is nearly paralyzed with apprehension. He’s keeping his small circle of friends at bay for fear of letting them down and isn’t interested in adding any others to that mix, which includes Allison. She’s dealing with a overbearing bully of a boss, coming to grips with her grandfather in his last season, and is starting to see Connor as more than just a way to keep her job.
Ty, Biff, Ramirez, even Kimball are terrific supporting characters that make you realize what a terrific writer Ms. Keyes is. Now that I know Ty has his own book, it’s up next for me to read. Biff, Allison’s grandfather, is someone we all wish we had in our lives … irreverent yet wise and willing to give soul-rocking advice when it’s needed. Ramirez is comic relief and I’m hoping to see him in another book of his own … and with Kimball, the author elicited exactly the reactions out of me you’d expect. He’s an a$$ and it really comes through, in a realistic way.
Soooooo, I’ve gone on about the characters, but the other thing that gets me is the writing, especially the dialogues. The dialogue between Connor and Allison will make you sigh at the end … but it starts out with Connor brooding and Allison throwing sass. The chemistry has the field on fire and it grows into something more … so much that at the end of the book, Connor is the guy we all hope to have and we all wish we were Allison.
This book alternates first person with each chapter, and despite being part of a series, is a stand-alone. I was pulled in from the start, despite being dubious of Connor’s ex-con status. The plot moves along at just the right pace, with several questions to be answered … will Connor play again, will Allison keep her job, and a few more. Oh! There is baseball and a player’s obsession with eating all things healthy.
Based on my rating scale (below), this book gets a 5 stars from me for all the reasons I listed above and one more …. I instantly started a re-read of the last 3 chapters. Thank God this is an ebook because I would have already worn down some of the ink had it been print
This is a brief explanation of mine:
5=instant re-read; on my favorites list
4=really good read
3=OK, adequate; minor character / plot flaws
2=didn’t like it for several reasons; major character / plot flaws
1=did not finish, not recommended
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
April 17, 2020
Sequels aren't necessarily my thing, and neither is sports; but that being said, I found myself really enjoying this book! As with the preceding Charleston Thrashers story, this one also focuses almost exclusively on relationships among the characters, although in a somewhat different way than I had anticipated.
We first met Connor at the end of Team Player when he finally deigns to meet with his best friend Ty who is having girl troubles. Prior to that, he'd kept himself completely shut off from the outside world and his former life while in prison. Even then he kind of comes across as a jerk, and that impression doesn't improve much for the first few chapters here. Eventually, however, we get to know the real Connor and along the way start rooting for him.
Allison is another character that we got to know fairly well in the prior book, but she really opens up to us here, showing more of her true self. Instead of the all-business (and rather scary) woman that Connor has always know and the reader has come to expect, she comes across much deeper and more nuanced. The fact that she even hooks up with Connor seems to come as much of a surprise to her as it does to him (and us). I absolutely adored her relationship with Biff and all of their scenes, and I wish there had been more of them.
I was expecting a lot more interaction between Connor and Ty. It seemed rather odd to me that they really only interact for brief moments at the front and end of the book. It was, however, interesting to see how Connor's relationship with the other players developed.
There was quite a bit of discussion about baseball topics, from positions and training to politics and contracts. But once again, this functions as backdrop and setting for the story, not the overall theme.
Connor and Allison just naturally fall into an easy relationship with one another that is so enjoyable to witness develop. Of course, there is drama and angst that occurs, mostly form outside sources, but also somewhat between these two. Ultimately they do come through for each other when it matters most, and manage to get their happily-ever-after. And it seems pretty likely that -- much like Connor's second chance at baseball -- they will truly appreciate it and make the most of it.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided an honest review.
This review was originally published on the So Few Books blog.
We first met Connor at the end of Team Player when he finally deigns to meet with his best friend Ty who is having girl troubles. Prior to that, he'd kept himself completely shut off from the outside world and his former life while in prison. Even then he kind of comes across as a jerk, and that impression doesn't improve much for the first few chapters here. Eventually, however, we get to know the real Connor and along the way start rooting for him.
Allison is another character that we got to know fairly well in the prior book, but she really opens up to us here, showing more of her true self. Instead of the all-business (and rather scary) woman that Connor has always know and the reader has come to expect, she comes across much deeper and more nuanced. The fact that she even hooks up with Connor seems to come as much of a surprise to her as it does to him (and us). I absolutely adored her relationship with Biff and all of their scenes, and I wish there had been more of them.
I was expecting a lot more interaction between Connor and Ty. It seemed rather odd to me that they really only interact for brief moments at the front and end of the book. It was, however, interesting to see how Connor's relationship with the other players developed.
There was quite a bit of discussion about baseball topics, from positions and training to politics and contracts. But once again, this functions as backdrop and setting for the story, not the overall theme.
Connor and Allison just naturally fall into an easy relationship with one another that is so enjoyable to witness develop. Of course, there is drama and angst that occurs, mostly form outside sources, but also somewhat between these two. Ultimately they do come through for each other when it matters most, and manage to get their happily-ever-after. And it seems pretty likely that -- much like Connor's second chance at baseball -- they will truly appreciate it and make the most of it.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided an honest review.
This review was originally published on the So Few Books blog.
March 31, 2020
This was a pretty good sports romance. This was my first Julianna Keyes book, so I obviously hadn't read the first book in the series before this one. However, I don't think you'll lose too much of the story if you don't read the first book. The reason why I couldn't give the book 4 stars is because part of the first half really seemed to drag and I found myself not hurrying back to finish reading it. The book does pick up and I thoroughly enjoyed the last 40%.
Allison is the PR/Social Media Manager for the Charleston Thrashers baseball team. She's in the business of making other people look good despite their mistakes. Connor is a former Thrashers player who has just been released from prison after serving 2 years for insider trading. He wants his job back, Allison is there to help him get his position back on the team. They've known each other for 12 years, but going into this book, Connor only sees Allison as basically a b*ll buster who you do not want to interact with, as it usually means bad news for you.
Allison was not my favorite heroine, at least not initially. She comes off really cold, impersonal, manipulative and willing to do whatever it takes to do her job well and keep it. By the end I grew to like her since Connor makes her show some of that human side.
I really liked Connor and was rooting for him the whole time. He did the crime and did the time and learned his lesson. He accepted responsibility and worked hard to get his starting job back. He humbled himself and really made himself human. I had a lot of respect for him and loved watching him integrate with society again. He took on a mentor role and really just became the type of rehabilitated felon you want as a role model.
Their relationship wasn't my favorite. When they were together, it was mostly sex. I didn't see them really getting to know one another and grow close outside of that, at least not before things go south and they split. In the end, it was cute and believable, but not so much for the first 90% of the book.
Oh and this one has a villain that we'll all hate, so kudos to the author for getting our emotions involved in that one. I'll probably still read the rest of the series when they release since I did enjoy the secondary characters.
Allison is the PR/Social Media Manager for the Charleston Thrashers baseball team. She's in the business of making other people look good despite their mistakes. Connor is a former Thrashers player who has just been released from prison after serving 2 years for insider trading. He wants his job back, Allison is there to help him get his position back on the team. They've known each other for 12 years, but going into this book, Connor only sees Allison as basically a b*ll buster who you do not want to interact with, as it usually means bad news for you.
Allison was not my favorite heroine, at least not initially. She comes off really cold, impersonal, manipulative and willing to do whatever it takes to do her job well and keep it. By the end I grew to like her since Connor makes her show some of that human side.
I really liked Connor and was rooting for him the whole time. He did the crime and did the time and learned his lesson. He accepted responsibility and worked hard to get his starting job back. He humbled himself and really made himself human. I had a lot of respect for him and loved watching him integrate with society again. He took on a mentor role and really just became the type of rehabilitated felon you want as a role model.
Their relationship wasn't my favorite. When they were together, it was mostly sex. I didn't see them really getting to know one another and grow close outside of that, at least not before things go south and they split. In the end, it was cute and believable, but not so much for the first 90% of the book.
Oh and this one has a villain that we'll all hate, so kudos to the author for getting our emotions involved in that one. I'll probably still read the rest of the series when they release since I did enjoy the secondary characters.
March 2, 2020
Bench Player
By: Julianna Keyes
3 Stars ⭐️
Blurb: As Public Relations Manager for the Charleston Thrashers, I’m responsible for protecting the team’s reputation. But after our right fielder gets sent to prison and we lose the World Series, my own reputation takes a huge hit. There’s only one way I can save my job: by revamping Connor Whitman’s tarnished ex-con image. Keeping my eye on the ball isn’t a problem until I discover what’s underneath his unkempt exterior a man who’s unexpectedly vulnerable and distractingly sexy. Now, my professionalism is sailing far into foul territory.
I’ve served my time, and now I’m determined to reclaim my spot in the Thrashers’ outfield. Unfortunately, the new General Manager doesn’t want an aging ex-con on the roster, so I have no choice but to go along with Allison’s annoying scheme. Her bossiness drives me crazy but so do her legs and her hair and her all-too-rare smiles. I can’t afford to fall for anyone when my focus needs to be on baseball, but love is a game I’ve never played before, and for the first time ever, I’m out of my league.
- H likable? No, he is introverted and quiet. I did not find his physical description to be attractive. Connor’s character is not relatable.
- h likable? No, Allison is tough, lacking people skills, not relatable. Her character was one dimensional.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 32%
- First time they sleep together: 32%
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Steamy? No, mild
- Did I skip pages? Yes
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- How it ends: HEA
- Recommend? Yes, though not my fav but decent read. I couldn’t connect with Allison and Connor and I was not vested in their story. I loved the first book in the series Team Player.
Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.
By: Julianna Keyes
3 Stars ⭐️
Blurb: As Public Relations Manager for the Charleston Thrashers, I’m responsible for protecting the team’s reputation. But after our right fielder gets sent to prison and we lose the World Series, my own reputation takes a huge hit. There’s only one way I can save my job: by revamping Connor Whitman’s tarnished ex-con image. Keeping my eye on the ball isn’t a problem until I discover what’s underneath his unkempt exterior a man who’s unexpectedly vulnerable and distractingly sexy. Now, my professionalism is sailing far into foul territory.
I’ve served my time, and now I’m determined to reclaim my spot in the Thrashers’ outfield. Unfortunately, the new General Manager doesn’t want an aging ex-con on the roster, so I have no choice but to go along with Allison’s annoying scheme. Her bossiness drives me crazy but so do her legs and her hair and her all-too-rare smiles. I can’t afford to fall for anyone when my focus needs to be on baseball, but love is a game I’ve never played before, and for the first time ever, I’m out of my league.
- H likable? No, he is introverted and quiet. I did not find his physical description to be attractive. Connor’s character is not relatable.
- h likable? No, Allison is tough, lacking people skills, not relatable. Her character was one dimensional.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 32%
- First time they sleep together: 32%
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Steamy? No, mild
- Did I skip pages? Yes
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- How it ends: HEA
- Recommend? Yes, though not my fav but decent read. I couldn’t connect with Allison and Connor and I was not vested in their story. I loved the first book in the series Team Player.
Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.
March 3, 2020
Sometimes a book comes along and totally knocks you out, when you least expected it. That was Bench Player for me. I adored it. Connor is someone who had it all - but then messed it all up in spectacular fashion. He went to jail for 2 years for his white-collar crime. In going to jail, his team went from world-series contenders to a losing season. He's now been released from jail and has five objectives: train, train, train, train, make the team. The only problem is that the team owner has absolutely no intention of letting him come back.
Allison is a serious, extremely hard-working, career driven publicist and public relations director for Connor's old team. The new owner wants her fired (for basically the dumbest reasons - but then again he is pretty much an idiot). To save her job she offers up a plan to rehabilitate Connor's image and bring the team along with it. From that point on, she is driven to help Connor reintegrate into life and bring up his image.
I loved the journey for both Allison and Connor in this book. Connor has come out of prison very much changed from his life before. A friend tells him at one point that he found his heart in prison. And I think they were right. Life after prison has his seeing things from a new perspective.
Allison's journey really starts with almost losing her job and then finding out that focusing on another person instead of just the job opens up her heart a little too.
I loved all the side characters in this story - particularly Biff (Allison's grandfather). This story has some serious heart.
Love and baseball is the perfect caption for this.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Allison is a serious, extremely hard-working, career driven publicist and public relations director for Connor's old team. The new owner wants her fired (for basically the dumbest reasons - but then again he is pretty much an idiot). To save her job she offers up a plan to rehabilitate Connor's image and bring the team along with it. From that point on, she is driven to help Connor reintegrate into life and bring up his image.
I loved the journey for both Allison and Connor in this book. Connor has come out of prison very much changed from his life before. A friend tells him at one point that he found his heart in prison. And I think they were right. Life after prison has his seeing things from a new perspective.
Allison's journey really starts with almost losing her job and then finding out that focusing on another person instead of just the job opens up her heart a little too.
I loved all the side characters in this story - particularly Biff (Allison's grandfather). This story has some serious heart.
Love and baseball is the perfect caption for this.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
March 9, 2020
Original review: A Novel Glimpse
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
4.5 Stars
After reading Team Player, I was excited to hear there was going to be a second book in the Charleston Thrashers series. Bench Player was a great sports romance read. It had an almost enemies vibe going on at first, which then turned into a sort of forbidden lovers thing. Both of those tropes were done well and made the romance all the more fun.
I loved Allison. She was tough as nails, but also had a softer side. I loved her relationship with her grandfather. It was adorable! It might have almost been sweeter than her relationship with Connor...
Connor was a character I haven't read before in a sports romance. Sure, I've read about players who need some sort of image overhaul, but I don't think I've ever read the ex-con angle before. I loved how it changed him. He was standoffish at first and had every reason to be. I loved seeing his character growth over the course of the story, and how his relationship with Allison changed how he saw a few things.
Allison + Connor = Fire! I loved their banter and chemistry. They seemed too opposite to make sense at first, but then that was what made them make sense together. I loved the ups and down they went through to get to their finish line.
The only thing I didn't like in this book was something close to the end. It made me sad. I just wish the story hadn't gone there. I felt like it maybe it didn't need to.
Other than that one thing, I loved this book. I'm really hoping this series continues as there are a couple more players I would love to see get their own story.
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
4.5 Stars
After reading Team Player, I was excited to hear there was going to be a second book in the Charleston Thrashers series. Bench Player was a great sports romance read. It had an almost enemies vibe going on at first, which then turned into a sort of forbidden lovers thing. Both of those tropes were done well and made the romance all the more fun.
I loved Allison. She was tough as nails, but also had a softer side. I loved her relationship with her grandfather. It was adorable! It might have almost been sweeter than her relationship with Connor...
Connor was a character I haven't read before in a sports romance. Sure, I've read about players who need some sort of image overhaul, but I don't think I've ever read the ex-con angle before. I loved how it changed him. He was standoffish at first and had every reason to be. I loved seeing his character growth over the course of the story, and how his relationship with Allison changed how he saw a few things.
Allison + Connor = Fire! I loved their banter and chemistry. They seemed too opposite to make sense at first, but then that was what made them make sense together. I loved the ups and down they went through to get to their finish line.
The only thing I didn't like in this book was something close to the end. It made me sad. I just wish the story hadn't gone there. I felt like it maybe it didn't need to.
Other than that one thing, I loved this book. I'm really hoping this series continues as there are a couple more players I would love to see get their own story.
March 23, 2020
This is the second book in the series and though I did not read the first one you really do not have to. The story mostly about Connor who is a star outfielder and had everything going good until he is arrested during the teams run in the World Series when they were up three games to one. After his arrest, the team lost the next three games and for the next two years while he has been in prison it has been so good for the team of him.
Now released and wanting to play again his idea is to get back with the only team that he has ever played for. The new owner does not want him but will not tell him to his face right away. Enter Allison the PR person who has been doing it for years and now is stuck with a boss she hates who does not know the game and a grumpy ex-con who wants to get back into the game. He did not have a good personality before prison and now she must get him to work with her to fix his rep if he wants a chance at his career.
She knows it will be tough because she deals with her grandfather who played in the game for years and he is just as stubborn now in the nursing home as he was when he had to go in., she loves him and figures if she can deal with him she can deal with Connor.
This actually turns out to be a very good book and without giving to much away this is one that gets better as you get to the end. Really a lot of good moments even the times when Allison was using her ice pick. A very good story, with very good characters I really liked her grandfather. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Now released and wanting to play again his idea is to get back with the only team that he has ever played for. The new owner does not want him but will not tell him to his face right away. Enter Allison the PR person who has been doing it for years and now is stuck with a boss she hates who does not know the game and a grumpy ex-con who wants to get back into the game. He did not have a good personality before prison and now she must get him to work with her to fix his rep if he wants a chance at his career.
She knows it will be tough because she deals with her grandfather who played in the game for years and he is just as stubborn now in the nursing home as he was when he had to go in., she loves him and figures if she can deal with him she can deal with Connor.
This actually turns out to be a very good book and without giving to much away this is one that gets better as you get to the end. Really a lot of good moments even the times when Allison was using her ice pick. A very good story, with very good characters I really liked her grandfather. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
March 30, 2020
After reading Team Player, I didn't see how Julianna Keyes could top it but I shouldn't have doubted her. Bench Player is a fundamentally different type of romance with a very different feel yet I loved it even more. The only thing the two books have in common is that they are both love letters to baseball and to the players who step out on that field every season and give their all. The first book was fun and flirty, this book is reflective and serious. There is some occasional banter, but both Alison and Connor, the main characters, are facing crossroads in their lives. Both have lost their direction and need to figure out what's really important to them and how to obtain it.
For Connor, it's all about regaining his career and being able to continue playing the game he loves for the team that he feels is his family, two years after he was convicted of insider trading and sent to prison. He's taken responsibility for his actions, owned up to his stupidity, and has paid his debt. Now all he wants is to get back on the team. As the team's PR manager, Alison has given her her life and energy for the last 12 years to the team, but now that the team ownership has changed, she's been told that her contribution is not valued and she needs to figure out how hard she's going to fight to save her job. In order to get what they want, they need to work together, but since they are both somewhat difficult and prickly, that's easier said than done. As for their relationship, no one is more surprised than they are when they are blindsided by a mutual attraction that they just can't resist. I hope Julianna decides to write more books featuring the team, but if not, I know I love whatever book she decides to write next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For Connor, it's all about regaining his career and being able to continue playing the game he loves for the team that he feels is his family, two years after he was convicted of insider trading and sent to prison. He's taken responsibility for his actions, owned up to his stupidity, and has paid his debt. Now all he wants is to get back on the team. As the team's PR manager, Alison has given her her life and energy for the last 12 years to the team, but now that the team ownership has changed, she's been told that her contribution is not valued and she needs to figure out how hard she's going to fight to save her job. In order to get what they want, they need to work together, but since they are both somewhat difficult and prickly, that's easier said than done. As for their relationship, no one is more surprised than they are when they are blindsided by a mutual attraction that they just can't resist. I hope Julianna decides to write more books featuring the team, but if not, I know I love whatever book she decides to write next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2020
I should start by saying that what I know about baseball would fit on the back of a stamp and still leave room for a margin. It seems to be a bit like rounders but played seriously by adults and it's not cricket. That's all I know. That didn't stop my enjoyment of Bench Player though. This is actually a story about two people sorting out what is important in life and rethinking their priorities.
I liked both Connor and Allison. They were both characters who have to prove who they really are, as opposed to the image that those who work with them see them. They are both passionate about what they do and the Charleston Thrashers and I think that it is this shared love that helps them to see beyond the preconceived ideas they have about one another. Both characters grow as the story progresses and I think that really added to the romance element of the story
I didn't know how this one was going to work out. Obviously, one of the many reasons that romances are popular is that they offer a happily ever after. That's not to say that this one doesn't, but I did wonder for a while there what form it would eventually take as it seemed impossible for everyone to get what they wanted.
I enjoyed this read and would be more than happy and keen to read more in the series. It didn't matter that I have no baseball knowledge, but I think that someone who does enjoy the sport would enjoy this book just as much as someone like me who doesn't.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I liked both Connor and Allison. They were both characters who have to prove who they really are, as opposed to the image that those who work with them see them. They are both passionate about what they do and the Charleston Thrashers and I think that it is this shared love that helps them to see beyond the preconceived ideas they have about one another. Both characters grow as the story progresses and I think that really added to the romance element of the story
I didn't know how this one was going to work out. Obviously, one of the many reasons that romances are popular is that they offer a happily ever after. That's not to say that this one doesn't, but I did wonder for a while there what form it would eventually take as it seemed impossible for everyone to get what they wanted.
I enjoyed this read and would be more than happy and keen to read more in the series. It didn't matter that I have no baseball knowledge, but I think that someone who does enjoy the sport would enjoy this book just as much as someone like me who doesn't.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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