I've seen buzz about this novel everywhere. Having only read Smart and Sexy by Ms. Shalvis -- and being left with a lukewarm feeling once I'd reached the end -- I was a bit skeptical of all the gushing for Double Play. Now I know readers have their favorite authors. If other readers are anything like me, they'll keep buying or reading these favorite authors until something happens to turn their attentions elsewhere.

Well, allow me to jump on the gushing bandwagon.

I simply loved Double Play. A good, believable story solidly placed firmly in reality; strong characters who are easy to love and identify with; an amazing balance of sexual tension and romantic spark. And when Holly and Pace have to kiss each other prior to the games because of superstitions and streaks? Yeah, okay, what a sacrifice!

Being a baseball fan isn't necessary to enjoy this novel. Baseball is simply part of the package, the "meet cute" for Holly and Pace. That the reader is given an insider's view of the sport (again, believable because of Pace's distinct voice) is a bonus. Plus the cast of characters that make up the Pacific Heat -- those boys are having a lot of fun, and they're a lot of fun to interact with in both Double Play and Slow Heat, which I'm reading now.