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Saved by the Pitcher
FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE GARETH CHRIS
Book two in the All on the Line series
A handsome actor meets and falls for his baseball idol, but will his hero have the power to save him?
James Vicksburg should be happy that he's finally achieved acting success on Broadway, but his conservative senator father controls what he can do and who he can love. When James's baseball idol, Mike Cooper, meets him backstage after his show, the mutual attraction is palpable. The two begin what they think is a secret affair, but James quickly learns that nothing stays hidden from his vindictive father for long.
James is torn between his growing love for Mike and his desire to protect him from his father. What he doesn't realize is that Mike has his own plan to fight for James's happiness, even if it means losing each other.
Book two in the All on the Line series
A handsome actor meets and falls for his baseball idol, but will his hero have the power to save him?
James Vicksburg should be happy that he's finally achieved acting success on Broadway, but his conservative senator father controls what he can do and who he can love. When James's baseball idol, Mike Cooper, meets him backstage after his show, the mutual attraction is palpable. The two begin what they think is a secret affair, but James quickly learns that nothing stays hidden from his vindictive father for long.
James is torn between his growing love for Mike and his desire to protect him from his father. What he doesn't realize is that Mike has his own plan to fight for James's happiness, even if it means losing each other.
- GenresM M Romance
252 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 29, 2024
Mike & James
Rating: 3.6 ⭐
- Actor/Baseball Idol
- First Times
- Corrupt Politics
- Bi MC's (both)
- Double Love Story
- Coming Out
- Age Gap
This is the second book in the All on the Line series and it hits the ground running fairly quickly and doesn't stop until the end. The couple comes from very different backgrounds but they are smitten with each other after their first meeting. Unfortunately, they have obstacles to getting their HEA.
Mike is getting ready to come out at as bisexual now that his professional career in baseball has ended. He's done hiding and wants to look for that perfect person, whether they be female or male. While attending a musical with his soon to be ex-girlfriend, he runs into James' quirky family. They invite him to come backstage and meet the headliner, James, since he was such a big fan of Mike. The instant these two meet they are taken with each other but neither is sure if the other likes men for sure or not. Mike waits to hear back from James to see if there is something there between them, but months go by without a word or a copy of the pictures they took together.
James has spent his life shielding others, sacrificing himself, and taking on the brunt of his father’s punishments for falling out of line. The last time he tried to defy him and keep dating the man he was seeing, his father made sure to destroy everything the other man worked so hard for. James has never tried to date a man again since that fallout, he just hooks up with women here and there with no commitments. He never contacted Mike because for fear of his father’s retaliation and he wasn't sure that Mike actually liked men. Months after their first meeting, Mike comes out publicly as bisexual. James' half-brother Billy convinces him to finally contact the man. You also get to follow along with Billy and Nadia's romance since they're always together with James.
The couple starts to see each other in secret, so they think anyway, and get to know each other better. James is still scared of committing to anyone, nonetheless a man, being unsure of what his father might do. His father doesn't even approve of Billy's relationship with Nadia because she is biracial and not from a prominent family. I liked their cute dates together and how Mike never gave up on James, even after they broke up. James' father sets up an appalling circumstance that sends Billy to the hospital and forces James to break it off with Mike. Mike was heartbroken but still orchestrated a plan to set the boys free from their father and bring the snake to justice. I do wish that there was more groveling involved when they reunited, but at least it didn't happen right away and there were months before they saw each other again to talk it all out together.
Content Warnings : Graphic sexual content between consenting adults; Death of a family members (off-page); Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page); Physical assault to side character (off-page); Manipulation and coercion by parent; Homophobic and racist character who makes remarks; Mentions of childhood emotional and physical abuse; Mentions of institutionalization of minor under false diagnosis; Political abuses of power
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes
Cheating: No
Ages: 41 & 30's (not given specifically)
Rating: 3.6 ⭐
- Actor/Baseball Idol
- First Times
- Corrupt Politics
- Bi MC's (both)
- Double Love Story
- Coming Out
- Age Gap
This is the second book in the All on the Line series and it hits the ground running fairly quickly and doesn't stop until the end. The couple comes from very different backgrounds but they are smitten with each other after their first meeting. Unfortunately, they have obstacles to getting their HEA.
Mike is getting ready to come out at as bisexual now that his professional career in baseball has ended. He's done hiding and wants to look for that perfect person, whether they be female or male. While attending a musical with his soon to be ex-girlfriend, he runs into James' quirky family. They invite him to come backstage and meet the headliner, James, since he was such a big fan of Mike. The instant these two meet they are taken with each other but neither is sure if the other likes men for sure or not. Mike waits to hear back from James to see if there is something there between them, but months go by without a word or a copy of the pictures they took together.
James has spent his life shielding others, sacrificing himself, and taking on the brunt of his father’s punishments for falling out of line. The last time he tried to defy him and keep dating the man he was seeing, his father made sure to destroy everything the other man worked so hard for. James has never tried to date a man again since that fallout, he just hooks up with women here and there with no commitments. He never contacted Mike because for fear of his father’s retaliation and he wasn't sure that Mike actually liked men. Months after their first meeting, Mike comes out publicly as bisexual. James' half-brother Billy convinces him to finally contact the man. You also get to follow along with Billy and Nadia's romance since they're always together with James.
The couple starts to see each other in secret, so they think anyway, and get to know each other better. James is still scared of committing to anyone, nonetheless a man, being unsure of what his father might do. His father doesn't even approve of Billy's relationship with Nadia because she is biracial and not from a prominent family. I liked their cute dates together and how Mike never gave up on James, even after they broke up. James' father sets up an appalling circumstance that sends Billy to the hospital and forces James to break it off with Mike. Mike was heartbroken but still orchestrated a plan to set the boys free from their father and bring the snake to justice. I do wish that there was more groveling involved when they reunited, but at least it didn't happen right away and there were months before they saw each other again to talk it all out together.
Content Warnings : Graphic sexual content between consenting adults; Death of a family members (off-page); Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page); Physical assault to side character (off-page); Manipulation and coercion by parent; Homophobic and racist character who makes remarks; Mentions of childhood emotional and physical abuse; Mentions of institutionalization of minor under false diagnosis; Political abuses of power
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes
Cheating: No
Ages: 41 & 30's (not given specifically)
May 3, 2024
This book was a real page turner. I only put it down when I had to (I even dropped my kindle because I was so tired). James and Mike came from vastly different backgrounds but they want to be together. Mike plots to discredit James’ vindictive and overbearing father so that James can live his life freely. James’ half brother Billy and his girlfriend Nadia are prominent characters as well. Very well thought out book, with great pacing.
May 25, 2024
This is the second book in the series and it’s even better than the first one, this is James and Mikes story, the story kept my attention from the beginning to the end. This was a great story and really worth a read.
May 31, 2024
He is an actor and he has finally got where he wanted to be. He will meet them and they start a secret affair but it will not stay hidden from his father. Their father is a senator and will stop him doing what he wants. What is going to happen? Will he go against his father? See how he gets on
June 1, 2024
This second installment is awesome. An actor with a Senator as a father… love that line and all the drama it stirs. A secret affair between two celebrities. They are such lovely MCs. They deserve all the love and a beautiful life together. I am having a book hangover 🖤
June 1, 2024
This is a great story added to this series! Great characters and an all around wonderful story! I really enjoyed it! I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!
May 11, 2024
This second book in the series was even better than the first for me. James and Mike were very different but they made a good couple and I enjoyed their story.
May 30, 2024
Shmoopy delicious sexy kinda OTT MM celebrities/bisexual/first times/forbidden romance. I ate it UP.
I’m really enjoying this new-to-me author. Gareth Chris loves him some romantic tension, and this is another juicy read, with a similar over-the-top elements to the first book of his I read, Brought by the Storm. Celebrity bi-awakening, or rather, unexplored bisexual hero, check. Ordinary…oh wait, no. OTHER celebrity bisexual hero with tons of experience, check. But that one’s sort of in the closet, thanks to an utter a-hole of a powerful politician father. Flying his flag under the radar, anyway.
Retired Yankees pitcher Mike Cooper is mesmerized by the lead actor of the musical he attends with the woman he’s decided to break up with that night. Luckily for him, the people next to him befriend him…and they take him backstage to meet said lead, because they’re his brother, brother’s girlfriend, and nanny/housekeeper of decades. And the housekeeper, Maria, has a “feeling” about Mike and the star of the show, James Vicksburg. Also…as a teenager…James might have had a slight…crush on Mike that never really went away.
Turns out, she’s right. They get on like a house on fire and soon are setting James’s apartment on metaphorical fire with Mike’s first times with a man. But James cannot get involved. The last time he did, his right-wing homophobic father destroyed his lover’s livelihood and left ashes in his wake. Mike’s not fainthearted, but James knows it’s only a matter of time before his father ruins any hope of any kind of a future, and he’s ready to stop things before they really start.
James’s father really is that big of an a-hole, and while the plot events are about as OTT as a Shonda Rhimes TV series, it’s a lot of fun to see how they work things out and how Mike wins the day. Some sexy times happen, some really bad stuff happens, and the HEA is hard-won. But it’s a wild ride and rewarding, if hugely unlikely. Who cares! The good guys win. And win. I mean, the finale/confrontation/final battle is maybe a little too easy? And glossed over, with a few months separation flying by without any info on What Happens during that time. But at least it goes fast?!
I was dismayed at how James just…gives up. And how Mike goes beyond all expectations to free James from his father, without ever expecting to talk to him again…something sat wrong about how other people had to bring them back together. Like they both would have just…let each other go, not fought for each other. I’m not a fan of that. But, whatever. They were super romantic and right together, even if they were both too freakin’ noble to deserve each other. Hrmph.
HEA, celebrities, bi-awakening (well, claiming of bisexuality?) with many firsts, secret romance. No cheating/others, though…there are a few months separation (it goes fast) and there’s no mention of whether either is with anyone else. Given James’s former man-ho proclivities, it wouldn’t have surprised me. But, given no one asks or tells…I’mma go with No, because otherwise it’d be a Nope for me. So yeah. No. No others. I’m uneasy, but…no.
Recommended! As is the author’s previous book, Brought by the Storm. Fun reads, sexy, romantic.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
I’m really enjoying this new-to-me author. Gareth Chris loves him some romantic tension, and this is another juicy read, with a similar over-the-top elements to the first book of his I read, Brought by the Storm. Celebrity bi-awakening, or rather, unexplored bisexual hero, check. Ordinary…oh wait, no. OTHER celebrity bisexual hero with tons of experience, check. But that one’s sort of in the closet, thanks to an utter a-hole of a powerful politician father. Flying his flag under the radar, anyway.
Retired Yankees pitcher Mike Cooper is mesmerized by the lead actor of the musical he attends with the woman he’s decided to break up with that night. Luckily for him, the people next to him befriend him…and they take him backstage to meet said lead, because they’re his brother, brother’s girlfriend, and nanny/housekeeper of decades. And the housekeeper, Maria, has a “feeling” about Mike and the star of the show, James Vicksburg. Also…as a teenager…James might have had a slight…crush on Mike that never really went away.
Turns out, she’s right. They get on like a house on fire and soon are setting James’s apartment on metaphorical fire with Mike’s first times with a man. But James cannot get involved. The last time he did, his right-wing homophobic father destroyed his lover’s livelihood and left ashes in his wake. Mike’s not fainthearted, but James knows it’s only a matter of time before his father ruins any hope of any kind of a future, and he’s ready to stop things before they really start.
James’s father really is that big of an a-hole, and while the plot events are about as OTT as a Shonda Rhimes TV series, it’s a lot of fun to see how they work things out and how Mike wins the day. Some sexy times happen, some really bad stuff happens, and the HEA is hard-won. But it’s a wild ride and rewarding, if hugely unlikely. Who cares! The good guys win. And win. I mean, the finale/confrontation/final battle is maybe a little too easy? And glossed over, with a few months separation flying by without any info on What Happens during that time. But at least it goes fast?!
I was dismayed at how James just…gives up. And how Mike goes beyond all expectations to free James from his father, without ever expecting to talk to him again…something sat wrong about how other people had to bring them back together. Like they both would have just…let each other go, not fought for each other. I’m not a fan of that. But, whatever. They were super romantic and right together, even if they were both too freakin’ noble to deserve each other. Hrmph.
HEA, celebrities, bi-awakening (well, claiming of bisexuality?) with many firsts, secret romance. No cheating/others, though…there are a few months separation (it goes fast) and there’s no mention of whether either is with anyone else. Given James’s former man-ho proclivities, it wouldn’t have surprised me. But, given no one asks or tells…I’mma go with No, because otherwise it’d be a Nope for me. So yeah. No. No others. I’m uneasy, but…no.
Recommended! As is the author’s previous book, Brought by the Storm. Fun reads, sexy, romantic.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
May 6, 2024
I was intrigued by the initial premise of the story and then even more so once I started reading and saw the political intrigue parallels that seemed to closely mirror our current political situation. I’d have been more pleased if the author had done some more research to make the storyline more realistic. I know that people like to say “it’s fiction” but if you set your story in a real world and use real situations then you have to acknowledge the existing rules. Otherwise, just create your own fictional situations which would make the story more “believable” as your readers won’t have their heads taken out of the story by jarring errors. (I’m not going to mention them as if they don’t trip anyone else’s switch I don’t want to ruin their enjoyment of the book.) Suffice to say anything that takes me head out of a story automatically results in a rating deduction for me.
But the story is an interesting one. I read it all in one sitting and I was taken in by the characters and the crisis dynamic. The author does a good job setting up a situation where one MC feels completely trapped and it’s hard for the reader to envision a way out. This goes a long way in developing empathy for a character who might otherwise come off as weak and whiny. The other MC is cut from true hero cloth and the way the ultimate confrontation with the villain of the piece (who everyone will despise with the fire of a thousand suns) plays out would have me cheering in a movie theatre. An after effect scene is a bit implausible (and I thought disingenuous) but it’s brief and easily forgotten.
The ending is very uplifting and hopeful and pardon me for thinking that I am hopeful it’s a sign of the potential outcome for our current state of affairs if the right people, and enough people, do the right thing.
But the story is an interesting one. I read it all in one sitting and I was taken in by the characters and the crisis dynamic. The author does a good job setting up a situation where one MC feels completely trapped and it’s hard for the reader to envision a way out. This goes a long way in developing empathy for a character who might otherwise come off as weak and whiny. The other MC is cut from true hero cloth and the way the ultimate confrontation with the villain of the piece (who everyone will despise with the fire of a thousand suns) plays out would have me cheering in a movie theatre. An after effect scene is a bit implausible (and I thought disingenuous) but it’s brief and easily forgotten.
The ending is very uplifting and hopeful and pardon me for thinking that I am hopeful it’s a sign of the potential outcome for our current state of affairs if the right people, and enough people, do the right thing.
April 28, 2024
I was unable to stop reading this book every opportunity I got. It was a HEA throughout but there were some very dark aspects.
There were two love stories intertwined - the one between the actor (James)and the former Yankee Pitcher (Mike) and the other between Billy and his girlfriend (Nadia). Billy is James' younger half-brother and they look out for each other but they have a domineering father who has extreme right-wing views and does not stop by expressing those views but uses violence and influence to ruin his enemies and is not against doing so against his sons. He has ruined a love affair between James and a prior BF which scares James from getting involved with anyone else. The father is also against Billy marrying an inter-racial girl and has Billy robbed of his engagement ring and beaten as a threat to James to not see Mike.
Mike masterminds a sting of the father and in the end the two couples have a joint wedding.
I have avoided details that would be spoilers as I think the reader will soak up all the fun and intrigue.
I had an ARC copy of this book provided by the third party with a promise of an honest review.
There were two love stories intertwined - the one between the actor (James)and the former Yankee Pitcher (Mike) and the other between Billy and his girlfriend (Nadia). Billy is James' younger half-brother and they look out for each other but they have a domineering father who has extreme right-wing views and does not stop by expressing those views but uses violence and influence to ruin his enemies and is not against doing so against his sons. He has ruined a love affair between James and a prior BF which scares James from getting involved with anyone else. The father is also against Billy marrying an inter-racial girl and has Billy robbed of his engagement ring and beaten as a threat to James to not see Mike.
Mike masterminds a sting of the father and in the end the two couples have a joint wedding.
I have avoided details that would be spoilers as I think the reader will soak up all the fun and intrigue.
I had an ARC copy of this book provided by the third party with a promise of an honest review.
May 31, 2024
James was in need of a good save. As a baseball fan, the metaphor was particularly interesting to me as I read this story. James was controlled by his homophobic father and does not feel like he can get involved which was a shame as Mike had been a crush for him when he was younger and Mike was still playing professional baseball. Turns out when they meet backstage after James has performed in a musical the spark is there. They connect and decide to keep it on the downlow as James is concerned about what his father might attempt to do to Mike. But Mike is willing to fight for his guy. I really enjoyed the drama and angst in this story. James' father is a real piece of work and without spoilers I will just say I was glad that Mike was willing to hang in there so that both James and his brother could be with the one they loved.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2024
A very good storyline
I read Brought By The Storm and thought it held real promise, making me want to read more from Gareth. I really enjoyed James' and Mike's love story. They were very different people with very different backgrounds who found each other at the exact moment they were meant to.
The instant attraction between them scorched the pages. Seeing them fall for each other while facing almost an insurmountable problem kept me reading later than I intended.
James' brother, Billy, was just a cheeky little rascal with a heart of gold, looking up to his big brother while pushing all his buttons too. I loved Billy and his girlfriend too.
I enjoyed the story and I loved how it all ended up, with James and Billy able to live without looking over their shoulders, and they could all just be happy.
I read Brought By The Storm and thought it held real promise, making me want to read more from Gareth. I really enjoyed James' and Mike's love story. They were very different people with very different backgrounds who found each other at the exact moment they were meant to.
The instant attraction between them scorched the pages. Seeing them fall for each other while facing almost an insurmountable problem kept me reading later than I intended.
James' brother, Billy, was just a cheeky little rascal with a heart of gold, looking up to his big brother while pushing all his buttons too. I loved Billy and his girlfriend too.
I enjoyed the story and I loved how it all ended up, with James and Billy able to live without looking over their shoulders, and they could all just be happy.
June 14, 2024
3.5 stars
Former Yankee baller Mike Cooper and actor James Vicksburg fall hard and fast for each other, and as James fears, his vindictive conservative senator father makes life unhappy for the person James cares the most about, enough that it pushes James to give up the relationship he has been building with Mike. Thankfully, Mike is far tougher than either James or his father realizes, and neither of them reckons with what love will make a man do, even when there seems no hope for a renewal of the relationship both Mike and James want. I love the age gap, though it doesn't mean James is immature. Some hot scenes, sweetness and angst, as well as hurt and comfort, give the story some flavor, though the level of melodrama, too much telling instead of showing, and the disturbing lack of filters in James's siblings are what stopped me from rounding this up.
Former Yankee baller Mike Cooper and actor James Vicksburg fall hard and fast for each other, and as James fears, his vindictive conservative senator father makes life unhappy for the person James cares the most about, enough that it pushes James to give up the relationship he has been building with Mike. Thankfully, Mike is far tougher than either James or his father realizes, and neither of them reckons with what love will make a man do, even when there seems no hope for a renewal of the relationship both Mike and James want. I love the age gap, though it doesn't mean James is immature. Some hot scenes, sweetness and angst, as well as hurt and comfort, give the story some flavor, though the level of melodrama, too much telling instead of showing, and the disturbing lack of filters in James's siblings are what stopped me from rounding this up.
May 29, 2024
I liked both main characters, Mike and James are pretty lovely and very easy to root for. The side characters, Billy and Nadia were also a highlight- plus it was refreshing that half brothers James and Billy are very close and supportive of each other. I liked the political aspect of the plot and James’s conservative politician father is a good villain for the story. It’s a little melodramatic at times and things work out in a bit of a convenient manner, a bit too pat. I did love how big Mike shows up for James, that was my favorite- James finally having someone looking out for him.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 1, 2024
This is a very powerful second novel from Gareth Chris. Once again he has created strong characters in a compelling story line. A love story between James, a successful Broadway actor, and Mike, a retired baseball star, is thwarted by actions taken by James' father, who is a rich and powerful conservative Senator. He expects to control the lives of both James and his beloved brother Billy. Can the love match survive? I was intrigued and captivated by this book and greatly recommend it.
June 2, 2024
James and Mike were a great pair, when James would allow them to be. His father was a well connected, but not nice at all, man who made James' life very difficult. James was afraid to get involved with anyone because of the destruction his father brings. Mike is a great guy who fights for James, and it is lovely. I enjoyed this overall, even though I hated James' dad. I loved the other characters, though.
June 6, 2024
This book is about two brothers and a politically corrupt controlling father. James and Billy are held under the thumb of their father. If the do anything he doesn’t like bad things happen. Enter Mike a retired relief pitcher enamored by James a Broadway actor. Billy and his girlfriend Nadia along with Maria, meet Mike at one of James shows. At this point the storyline enthralls you, full of drama, danger, love, and steam. It is both heart wrenching and heartwarming until the end.
May 31, 2024
Only the second book in this series but proving what a great author Gareth is. So well written and the character development as well as storyline had me hooked from the beginning. Just loved James and Mike. Looking forward to the next book.
I received an arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
I received an arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
June 3, 2024
It was fun to see a famous actor meeting someone he reacts like a fan to and the attraction between James and Mike is palpable. I'm a huge fan of books where a homophobic, controlling parent loses control over their child's life and happiness and I loved seeing that Mike wasn't about to let James's father win.
June 4, 2024
This book was enjoyable but also sad for the things we have to go through because of our parents, or whatever it is, just to have the O.K. to continue breathing. Like they're doing us the favor. That part of the book was difficult yet freeing in a way. I'm glad I took the time to read this as it was totally worth it.
May 29, 2024
Hunk-in-trunks, apartment rattlesnakes, p3rvy voy3ur.
I loved everything about this book! The characters are wonderful and cast beautifully. The storyline is crafted masterfully and the pacing flows very smoothly. The angst feels real, as do the emotions. I enthusiastically recommend this book!
I loved everything about this book! The characters are wonderful and cast beautifully. The storyline is crafted masterfully and the pacing flows very smoothly. The angst feels real, as do the emotions. I enthusiastically recommend this book!
June 1, 2024
Mike and James ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
This is a very enjoyable story with a unique plot line to go along with the romance aspect of the book. The characters were well written and very likable. I would recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
This is a very enjoyable story with a unique plot line to go along with the romance aspect of the book. The characters were well written and very likable. I would recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
May 29, 2024
This second book of the series was much better than book one. I enjoyed reading this a lot more.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
June 1, 2024
This book moves quickly. It includes opposite attraction, family drama, revenge thoughts and it's also hot.
June 1, 2024
Worth the Small Heartache
The characters are wonderful, the storyline is great and the pacing flows very smoothly, there is angst, but the story is so beautiful.
The characters are wonderful, the storyline is great and the pacing flows very smoothly, there is angst, but the story is so beautiful.
May 29, 2024
This book had me hooked from the beginning! I was so excited for James and Mike to meet and pursue a relationship! Getting to know James and his background was heartbreaking and knowing he was trying to save all those around him to his own detriment really tore at my heart. I loved how strong Mike was during everything. This book was hard to put down and I loved every minute of it!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews