Game On

New York Kings #2

by Collette West

Pitching phenom Bruce "Jilly" Gillette has a hard time talking to women. His hulking presence of tattoos and muscles is what makes him an intimidating closer on the mound, yet off the field, he's painfully shy, uncomfortable in his own skin.

Desperate to revamp his loner image, the New York Kings hold a dream date contest, granting the lucky winner a night on the town with their surly reliever, doing whatever it takes to force Jilly out of his comfort zone.

Hailey Halpert enters the contest on a whim, looking for answers as to why her high school relationship with Jilly hit the skids. Now she’s a popular romance author writing under a pen name, and her reappearance in Jilly's life is no accident. It turns out that her novels are all about the sexy players on the Kings, and Jilly has no clue that he's about to become her new leading man.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Baseball, Adult

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2014

About the author

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball's biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette's impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she's not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I was gifted a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you hun!! ☆



Game On painted a much different picture from what I imagined a pro-athlete’s persona to be like. Normally, while they are rich and handsome, they are also cocky and notorious womanizers. That is so the opposite of how Collette West portrays New York Kings’ star pitcher, Bruce “Jilly” Gillette, who is a lethal threat on the baseball field, but, an insecure, to himself kind of guy off.

He is as human as any individual can be. He has his flaws, doubts, fears, and even suffers from a failed romance with his childhood love, Hailey Halpert—the girl who got away but always held his heart.

The two eventually lose contact throughout the years, and low and behold, meet up once again after Hailey happens to win a dream date with Jilly. Thus, the plot is set into motion!

Author, Collette West, writes a compelling and engaging read as I was enthralled into the dynamics of the world of Jilly and Hailey: their shaky reunion, sorting through mixed feelings and emotions, Hailey’s secret identity, and typical and non-so typical problems that couples face when their partner happens to be a famous baseball player!

#An over all, lovely, lovely read that kept me happily enthralled and my head stuck in my kindle for three hours! I'm sure you readers will feel the same!! Thanks so much Collette!! <3

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all are going to LOVE this when you get to read it! I can't wait to share my review with everyone when the book comes out!!!

UPDATE: From the blog

I love, love, LOVE Jilly's story! When I read Game Changer, I felt so bad for Jilly after he was kinda shot down by Sasha. But reading his back story in Game On, and meeting Hailey, was even better than I could have imagined.

Of course, there were times when I wanted to slap both of them across the face, especially once they figured out at one point that they weren't communicating very well with one another, but I LOVE them! They are so perfect for each other. And that epilogue?!?!?! It's perfect! I love, love, LOVED it! (I know I keep saying that word, but it's the only way I can express my LOVE for this book!)

Their stories may be born of tragedy, pain, and heartache. But those awful things are what brought them together, and it took the bad and made it for good. Those sad things made them who they are, and it made them appreciate all the wonderful things about each other.

I was lucky enough to get to beta read this, but I felt bad...because when I sent my notes, this is the kind of thing that happened...more than once:

whoops…I got so caught up in reading, I didn’t realize I missed the chapter endings/leaving notes!

After I had finished the first 11 chapters, I said this:

Ugh, I REALLY need to stop for the night, but I REALLY don’t want to!

And about ten minutes later, I said this:

Oh, who am I kidding, I’m still reading!

And the first line I wrote of my review to the author:

I am a terrible, horrible teacher whose lucky that her students have a test to take tomorrow...because I just read GAME ON from start to finish!

In one shot. I finished Game On in a single sitting...because there was no way I was going to put it down until I had devoured every. single. word.

You don't 'have' to read the previous two books to understand what's going on in this story, but I highly recommend it. :)

[Ambur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Comments after Beta Read:

I absolutely LOVED GAME ON!!! :D I feel like Collette's books are just getting better and better, and I love getting to see bits of the past characters!!! I really am a sucker for companion books! ;D haha

I'd definitely recommend this book, and Collette West's previous two books, and I can't wait to share my review with you all closer to the release date!!! :D

Review after I reread the finished version:

I've already read GAME ON twice! The first time I was lucky enough to be contacted by the author of the book, Collette West, to see if I wanted to be a beta reader...and I totally jumped at the chance! I absolutely LOVED the first version, but I was super eager to read the finished one, too...and now that I've read the finished version, and have a lovely Kindle copy of my own, I have to say that I love it even more! The essential story remained the same through the edits, but it became richer, sexier, and both Hailey and Jilly progressed even further...plus, there are some AMAZING bonus chapters in Game On, too...I felt seriously spoiled while reading it! ;)

Jilly and Hailey were fantastic narrators! I loved getting to read the story from both of their perspectives. It was interesting, and created an intriguing dynamic when it came to unveiling their past history and any hidden secrets between the two of them. ;) I loved getting to see more of Jilly after meeting him in Game Changer, and in Game On, you really get to know him. I especially loved getting to see his gentler side with Hailey! And Hailey...I LOVED HER! I could completely relate to her, and I think most readers can too because she's just like us! She could be anyone, and she also loves to write, so she's probably a reader like us, too. I think that's what I love most about Collette West's heroines, I always feel like I connect to them on some intrinsic level!

The story was wonderful! I'm a sports romance fan in general, but I have truly grown to love Collette West's sports romances! She writes appealing characters, and makes them so natural and likable. I always relate to them and even if I hate their choices, I'm always able to understand why they do things...and when they finally make their move, I'm always there cheering for them and rooting for them to succeed!

The romance was AMAZING!!!!! Jilly and Hailey are adorable together! They're that quintessential tiny girl and big guy couple, and they also have the whole unrequited love for each other from their past going on. I absolutely loved that they had a history, and the way that Collette West unveiled it throughout the story was perfect! I really loved seeing them grow together and mature enough that they were able to make their relationship work! Even though they struggled to communicate in their past, by the end of Game On, they were like a super couple, and the adorable and sexy levels were off the charts! I must also state that this is definitely Collette West's sexiest book yet...and I LOVED IT!

Overall, I loved GAME ON! The romance, characters, and story were amazing and extremely well written! I laughed, cried, smiled, and just had a fantastic time reading Game On. I would recommend it to sports romance fans, but I also think that Collette West writes her sports romances so well that they really make you enjoy the game, and you don't need any kind of past experience (or even past enjoyment) with sports to love them, too. Game On is a wonderful story with some amazing main characters who have a fantastic story to tell (and Collette West's previous books Night Games and Game Changer are, too). I also love that Collette West included some bonus material in this one...it was the perfect tease to make me desperate for her next book! And I totally love that she compares Jilly to a highlander at one point...it was awesome! ;D

* I initially beta read Game On, but also purchased a finished copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
* This review also appears on my blog, Burning Impossibly Bright, and on other social media sites.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the third book in the series that follows the players of the New York Kings baseball team. It is a great blend of baseball and romance. Game On follows the romance, or should I say attempted romance, of Bruce "Jilly" Gillette and his high school best friend and crush Hailey Halpert.

The couple gets reintroduced when Hailey wins a contest for a "dream date" with Jilly. Jilly doesn't know that she won the contest and they haven't seen each other in four years. He is so excited to see her and knows that she is the only one for him and she knows that her heart has always belonged to him. Of course, the road to love is never easy. There are so many road blocks that get in the way of the couple and keeps them apart. Will they be able to find their happily-ever-after? I couldn't wait to find out.

If you enjoy a fun, sweet, romantic story with a sports theme I think you will love this story.

[LA Spiez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't know why you do these things to hurt me. Kissing Kurt, not telling me about these books. I love you Hailey. I'll always love you. I just don't know if I can handle being with you." His voice is raspy and raw as I stagger backward, clutching my stomach. ~ Bruce "Jilly" Gillette

I have always had a thing for baseball players. So of course I always pick up a baseball book when I can. Bruce Gillette happens to be one of the most swoon worthy baseball boyfriends I have ever come across.

He's a star pitcher for the New York Kings. Even though Jilly has the entire package, he has never quite connected with the fans. To try and fix that problem, The Queen of Diamonds blog sets up a win a dream date with Jilly event.

Even though Jilly is this huge, hulking six foot six muscled man, he is painfully socially awkward. He also has only loved one girl in his life. Hailey Halpert, Jilly's best friend from his small New Jersey town had his heart even if she didn't know it.

Imagine Jilly's surprise when he finds out his dream date is with none other than Hailey. Feeling that fate has brought the two of them together again, Jilly feels like this is a new beginning for him and Hailey.

In their case, fate had a little help. Hailey was basically chosen for the date since she and Jilly were from the same town. Jilly doesn't know who his date is until he arrives at the restaurant and she's nowhere to be found. Socially awkward herself, Hailey has snuck out the back of the restaurant and that's where Jilly finds her. They have their date, Jilly style. No fancy restaurant, no pretense, just the two of them catching up on the Staten Island Ferry.

Our shy couple figure out the feelings they've had for each other in the past and finally, finally act on them. Let me tell you, Jilly Gillette can kiss me any day. He's getting to kiss the love of his life and it's like whoa.

Anyway, that night as Jilly takes Hailey home, he sees that she lives in a less than desirable apartment. He also finds out her apartment has been ransacked during their date and insists Hailey come and stay with him.

So now you figure great she's staying with Jilly, this is definitely going to go beyond kissing. Not so fast...Hailey's got a secret. She's been using a pen name to write a series of baseball books that anyone with eyes can tell is based on the New York Kings. She hasn't done it to be malicious or spiteful. It's actually helped her keep track of Jilly over the years.

Now since their first date didn't go as planned, Queen of Diamonds sets up another, more romantic type date. While things are getting hot and heavy between Jilly and Hailey, in storms the General Manager of the Kings furious at Hailey. He insists she tell Jilly about the books and well you know what happens next. Oh you don't? One click friends.

The plot just gets thicker, Hailey runs home to hide, Jilly gets an injury that's possibly career ending and no one knows what's going to happen with Jilly and Hailey. Has the girl he's loved all his life done something unforgivable? Does he really know Hailey at all? Read Game On and you'll have all your answers.

Now...Bruce "Jilly" Gillette as a book boyfriend? Sweet Jesus. Yes! He's not only incredibly handsome with deep, soulful brown eyes, but he's got the body of a god. And the man has a few tatts in all the right places. Even though he's slightly "inexperienced" he knows how to make a woman feel good. Add to this mix how sweet and shy he is and you've got yourself an amazing book boyfriend.

I'm giving Collette West's Game On a four lip smack review. I'm totally looking forward to the next installment from the New York Kings!!

****ARC read in exchange for honest review****

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

***Joint Review with Renee Entress***

I loved this book. It pulled me in from the beginning and I devoured it in one sitting. This book had a great storyline and characters that make you fall in love. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster full heartbreak, pain, and tragedy only to be totally worth it be the end.

This is Hailey and Jilly’s story. Hailey and Jilly knew each other when they were younger but lost touch and may years have gone by. They reconnect after Hailey wins a dream date with Jilly. Jilly considers Hailey the one that got away. Can he win her over and finally have the one he wants? Or will a secret being kept destroy a future for these two? Do Jilly and Hailey have a chance at a happy ending?

I really liked both Hailey and Jilly. There are times in the story were you want to smack both of them but that is with any character in any book. Their big issue seemed to be communication. If they could only communicate with each other then their lives would have been easier. It was great how the author shows a more human side to the hero by baring his fears. Kudos!

I recommend this book and author!

Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2014...

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

This is the third in the series, but can be read as a standalone - just watch yourself one click the earlier books as you want to know more ...

Even without reading Game Changer, we soon understand that Bruce Gillette aka Jilly, has been unlucky in love - very publicly so. When things take a turn for the better, he might be right to be skeptical. Misunderstandings abound in this lovely story of two friends reconnecting and reordering what they saw as reality. I loved the author angle, as it gave Hailey a role. Often in sports stories - which I love - the woman's role is not so relevant, but certainly it has a significant impact here.

The writing is tight and flows really well, the plot lines are tight and the chemistry is delicious. Get reading!

[Lisa Filipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a certified Sports Romance Fan, I have to say, Collette West pens a very sexy, very fun romance with GAME ON.

I really liked the past relationship/friendship/second chance romance aspect and the "Secret" that Hailey is hiding...well...that was a fun twist in the plot. A little first hand experience for research never hurt anyone, especially if the research is a Sexy Baseball player! Jilly and Hailey have quite a bumpy ride, but I think you will be happy with the end...I know I was!

I would have enjoyed it a bit better if I would have read the first two, only because I am a series whore and I like to be in "the know" about past characters relationships, and it seems that Jilly was a pretty major character in GAME CHANGER, so I might suggest reading NIGHT GAMES and GAME CHANGER, before GAME ON, but I had no problem getting into the story from the first page, intrigued by this gentle giant, Jilly!

Fans of Rachel Gibson and Jennifer Season's will definitely enjoy the New York Kings Series!

[Jennifer McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read of Collette West. A sports romance that you will not want to put down. Although I didn't read in order, this book totally blew me away. This story of "Jilly" and Hailey had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved their story of being from the same home town and the struggle they had to get together. It's about sharing real, longtime feelings and leading from the heart. They both are very complex and very stubborn at times. Ugh, made me want to reach in the book to snap them both out of there own ways. It had enough "steam" to kick up the romantic and love they feel for each other. Definitely a new fan and can't wait to read all by Collette West. A must read.

[Twinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love romances and coincidences leading to romances. The book is about the story of Jilly, a famous baseball player, who on an attempt, by his team, to revamp his image by setting up a contest offering a date with him to a fan, he meets Hailey. The winner of that contest who happens to be his high school love. A love that he never expressed. And he now given a second chance to do so. Both characters have great chemistry and it makes you wonder why they never expressed their feelings to each other and also make you impatient for the moment they actually do.
I loved the book. I couldn't stop reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good romance!

[Geok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a guy and generally not much of a romance reader. But this book got me. The plot is undeniably good. No question. It involves sports, something i am interested into and a pitcher which is my favourite position. I like how Collete shows a deeper, romantic aspect of an athlete and the fact that a high school love is involved. I think it's fascinating and well handled. I am very pleased with the book and definitelly eager to read more from Collete.

[George K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. Collette's writting and first person perspective of the book are what cought me. You can easily find yourself relating to the characters and also see the other side of stereotypical figures, like baseball athletes, who seem lethal and aggresive but deeply are vulnerable and insecure. Overall a great read. Highly recommended.

[Icet208 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don`t read romance novels, but this one I really enjoyed it. I liked the fact that it has a lot of twist and is not predictable. Jilly is a character who would definitely catch your attention reading Game Changer. He is a baseball player; big and shy man, who mets her ex-girlfriend. After that the "hard road to Love" begins.
Definitely a "must read" book

[Charity Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to beta read this one and let me tell you, you will LOVE Jilly's story!!

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

Baseball I am a sucker for it. On television, on the radio, live in person, it truly is one of my favorite sports to watch. I loved the take Ms. West took on a baseball story. Finding out there are other books dealing with the guys from New York Kings. I will definitely be adding them to my TBR! Nothing is better than a sports romance!

The characters are believable with just enough baseball and romance thrown in to make it a great read. The interactions between the main characters, Hailey and Bruce, are hot. Whether they are fighting or wanting to rip the others clothes off the chemistry and passion is there. The plot didn't revolve around the sex scenes which is a nice break from the norm these days.

This is my first book I have read in the series dealing with the Kings and I was able to read as a stand alone.

If you are a baseball fan or fan of sports romance in general you don't want to miss this one.

[Must-have · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love romance novels, but lately had not come across any that could satisfy my appetite. I had been yearning to read a romance that was going to bring out all the emotions that came along with L.o.v.e. I wanted something unpredictable and non-typical. “Game On,” nailed it for me!!!! I was so pleased with this book. :-) It’s definitely one of my favorites now. The plot is undeniable good, and kept me hooked. I loved it! I also loved Hailey and Jilly’s characters…everything about them is so real! There chemistry, relationship, problems, etc. were all perfectly written, and totally relatable.

I’m telling you there is nothing like finding, then reading that one book you have been searching for! Thanks Collette West for an awesome book!

[Beth88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed GAME ON !!!! I, for starters love Romance novels. And this is the best one i read in many months. Collette's writting is very realistic. She deffinitelly knows what she is talking about, baseball, and that's very clear in the book. The lives of Jilly and Hailey are very realistically presented, in a way that makes relate to them. Absolutelly loved the book. Can't wait for the next.

[Frankiosr8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very descriptive and intense, and the story of the two main characters is very realistic. Collette writes about baseball and love and is clear that she knows what she is talking about. Events are very detailed and leave you a feeling that you were a part of them. I enjoyed GAME ON very much and i can't wait for the next!

[Miss Book Eater · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the cover, I just couldn't connect with Hailey - however I do think this book has got lots of potential and a lot of my friends would enjoy this more than I did.
I did love Jilly/Bruce, loads, and I really liked it that Hailey is a writer of fiction.

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 3.5 stars **

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

11/15/2014 -- Nope.

[Sandy Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jilly is HOT, HOT, HOT in a sweet and sensitive kinda way which makes him even sexier in my book!!!

[Neaira214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really liked it... looking forward to her new books!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Book provided in exchange for an honest review **

This is my first book by Collette West and I have already downloaded more.

It was really annoying that I had to stop reading in order to go to work, because this story had me gripped.

Hailey reminded me of me. Always on the outside of the in crowd, looking in and living life through writing books.... THAT'S ME!

Bruce 'Jilly' Gillette is big and stands out. On top of that he is number 24 for the New York Kings. Hardly a guy who can shy away from anything whether it be because of his size or his job.

I really do need to read the first books in the series to get a better understanding of the whole Sasha thing, but I get the sense that Jilly was looking to replace Hailey.

These are 2 people who love each other but because they both seem to be shy, they never seem to tell each other what page they're on. And not forgetting Kurt. The guy Hailey used to make Jilly react, only to fail and hurt him, her and Kurt.

No one has any idea that Hailey is behind the new book phenomenon that readers seem to be loving and also figuring out WHO the story is about. She does he research and find out tidbits that only an insider of the Kings would know.

When it all becomes apparent that R. D. Bukater is actually Kailey Halpert, Jilly and Hailey seem to be transported into new problems, legal, emotional and Jilly also becomes the source of his team mates outlet for their frustrations for having their lives talked about.

It's at this point that Jilly suffers a blow to his career thanks to an injury which puts him out for a year and means he has to rest... and he winds up back at home... near Hailey.

This seems to be a great idea for these two and a perfect way for them to figure out what they want... but they take one step forward and run fifteen steps back.

In the end though, you get your HEA and *melts* it was perfect.

Nothing sends me gooey more than two high school love birds that find their way back together... even though the first time they couldn't make that leap... they eventually do.

Love the story and can't wait to read the previous books.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Th New York Kings are back in this third installment of the series and this time around the focus is on gentle giant Jilly Gillette. In an emotional journey of secrets, misunderstandings, and sacrifice readers will be drawn to his tale and the high pressure world of baseball he lives in. With the return of his unrequited high school love Hailey, and her bomb dropping secret, this journey becomes even more complicated yet richly rewarding as tears and smiles abound.

Jilly is the strong but silent type who's suffering from the fallout of being publicly tossed over by the first woman in a long time to capture his attention. When he started helping fellow baseball player Sasha improve her play he thought he'd finally found the woman for him but never made a move to claim her before someone else did. The public always saw him as aloof but now see him as a sympathetic and heartbroken man they desperately want to know more about. Seeing this tide of sympathy as a way to get more fans in the seats and make money, management and a supportive blogger run a contest to find him a date. While he despises all the attention he understands his role and what at first seems like torture soon turns his world upside down as a blast from his past comes sauntering back into his life. Jilly is a sweet man who's full of self-doubt and insecurities that he keeps hidden behind a quietly compelling facade. Because of his height and brawn he often feels awkward which makes it difficult for him to interact with women. I couldn't help being drawn to him as he's strong but silent and says more through his actions than words. He values honesty, is lovably charming, and wears his heart on his sleeve which has led to his heart often being bruised. All he wants is someone to share his life with which endeared him to me and left me rooting for him. Though he thought he was in love with Sasha he soon realized that it was her resemblance to his high school love that drew him to her. Hailey was the one who got away. Through misunderstandings and assumptions she left him to make his way to the big leagues. Though he loves playing baseball it's a lonely existence that has him jealous of all those pairing off around him. He's achieved everything he always dreamed of but has no one to share it with. Now that he's been given a second chance he'll do whatever it takes to keep Hailey by his side. With management again interfering in the life of one of their players though his happiness may be over before it's even started when the truth about Hailey comes out.

Hailey and Jilly were like peanut butter and jelly in high school. They were a perfect match who could've been more than just really close friends if only they would've expressed their feelings out load. The time wasn't right though as Hailey was needed by her working class family to keep their business running. Her dreams had to be put on hold and as she didn't want to hold Jilly back she let him find fame on his own. She can't help wanting to see him again and once they see each other it's as if time never passed as their connection is just as strong. Where Jilly found fame though Hailey's still struggling. She's come to the big city to further her writing career but has had one thing after another befall her. Luckily Jilly's now there to save her. As their relationship picks up steam Hailey's desperately trying to keep a secret about her writing as she knows it could harm Jilly's career. With management manipulating her behind the scenes their relationship is soon put in jeopardy. This time Jilly won't let her run away without an explanation as he finally fights for the girl of his dreams in a conclusion that's immensely satisfying. Hailey is a likable woman who does frustrating things at times. She wants to be a professional writer and make it on her own but puts herself in danger time and again. So many times she could've just told Jilly the truth but opted not to which made it feel as though she was purposefully sabotaging their happiness. I do admire her loyalty to her family, although I also saw her using their situation as an excuse not to be with Jilly. Ultimately though, her making him happy had me rooting for them and I soon warmed up to her.

This was a well-crafted story that beautifully balanced sports and the rekindled and burgeoning romance between two relatable people. The connection between them crackled with sexual tension which was aided by their close-knit past. Seeing them together often brought a smile to my face as it brought Jilly out of his shell more. Their sexual interludes were both steamy and powerfully emotional as Jilly's very open about his feelings too. I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books interacting so closely with the characters here as it was done seamlessly and reiterated the family feel of the ballplayers. I especially enjoyed seeing Scott and his humorous dating tips to Jilly and playful prodding of him to claim Hailey. His story is next and I can barely contain my excitement! The despicable Drake also makes a reappearance and continues to alienate himself from the team. When his story occurs it will be a true test of Ms. West's talent as he seems irredeemable at this point. With each successive story this series just keeps getting better and better with its strong cast of characters, compelling flow, and addictive mix of baseball and romance. While this story can definitely be read on its you'll easily find yourself addicted to these sexy boys of summer and will be clamoring for more.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I really enjoyed this book. I was raised a baseball girl [Go Braves!], so Inwas excited to read a romance series with a sports aspect. This book had equal amounts of the baseball theme in the story and romance between the main characters. The story starts off fast and doesn't stop. There's always something happening, so you can't get bored and put it down. I love Collette West's writing style! I can't wait to continue with the series!

[Ginger Ale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. I almost DNFed it. Too much back and forth, again and again; the MCs continual lack of communication and assumptions became repetitive. I had to skim through a few sections.

[Ma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it? Yes.
Is it good? Debatable.
However, I really like Jilly.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a huge baseball fan but when I read Collette West’s stories about the New York Kings, I feel like I need to remedy that. This book was a home run for me…see what I did there. But seriously, I loved this story! I am a sucker for a good second chance romance and this one fits the bill in spades. This story begins with a chance or not so chance second encounter for Jilly and Hailey. Jilly, the shy and quite pitcher, is not into the social party scene yet his franchise is forcing him to branch out. When he discovers that his surprise date is his long lost first love Hailey, he sees this as a second chance he will not give up. There is a lot of hurt and confusion as to their past but they attempt to put it behind them, taking a tentative step towards their future together. But secrets are revealed, and trust is broken. Jilly hurts his throwing arm and life seems to fall apart. This story will pull your heart out emotionally and take you on a heart-warming journey to find love again.
First off, I loved the view into the baseball world you read in this book. It is a major theme and for someone who knows the sport a little, it allows for a bit of an authentic glimpse into a new sports world. You see the team dynamics, the locker room talk, the franchise aspect and community that can only be found on a sports team. The sense of family from the team is commendable and when trust is broken, it is a deep wound to overcome. Jilly is an integral part of this team and his burdens and issues affect them as a whole, leaving frustration and anger as a main source of outlet. When his arm is hurt and his mind is unfocused, it causes a team to struggle and emotions to run high.
Jilly is such a big teddy bear of a character. His is steadfast, loyal, sweet; a man longing to live a life under the radar, something he will never stop grasping for. He loves the game but not all the drama and media hype that comes with it. He is a true athlete. He is the man you want on your side in hardships and the lover you want for your heart and bed! His silence and general shyness has always been a struggle for him. When he was younger it was the reserved nature that caused him to lose the one girl her cared about, never truly knowing how to express his feelings and desires. As he grew up and cemented in his silent ways, things have not changed. He is more reserved than ever due to the media attention thrown his way. To open his heart and change his internal reactions is a task that will take his entire focus, creating new habits and a more open life.
Hailey is the girl who just wanted to be loved by Jilly. She is quite, always retreating the stories in her mind. She is a beautiful woman, one who regrets so many things in her life. It was hard to watch two people who had so much to say to each other get caught up in their heads and never say what needed to be declared. Their relationship was up and down so much. Their history created such a foundation but the fashion in which they parted ways was heart breaking, leaving so much left unspoken. When they finally come together, it is explosive. A love filled with life and hope, but these hopes are dashed when secrets are brought to light about Hailey and she runs home away from the one that she has always and will always love. Every time they seem to attempt to come together or reach out, a mis-communication happens or something is assumed, causing them to stumble several steps back in their attempts at a happily ever after.
I loved the subtle angst and drama. It was a different flavor of drama, one that added a fresh spin on this love story. It wasn’t wild and angry but broken and sad. In a world of chaos, they chose to find one another and chase their dreams, knowing that their love for each other could never die out. The sweet moments in this story made me sigh. I loved the fabulous couple of Jilly and Hailey. They are perfect for each other, complementing and completing one another in a way that no one else could. Their chemistry is incredible and their love is deep! I loved this story and cannot wait for more of the New York Kings. Who knows, maybe I will become an avid baseball fan yet! Collette West creates a story that will leave you smiling at second chances and new love and hope! Make sure to check this book out!

[Hooked On Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Reviews:

5-Stars

I went into Game On by Collette West not having very high expectations and shamefully that was because I judged it solely based on the previous book Game Changer that I had read two weeks previous; a book that was good but one that didn’t exactly blow me away.
Our main protagonist in Game On is the same stern, solemn and stoic baseball pitcher Bruce ‘Jilly’ Gillette of the New York Kings, a big soft-hearted giant of a man that appeared in Game Changer as an unlucky in love side character. Collette has taken Jilly’s taciturn and seemingly straight forward nature and structured him into a multifaceted, complicated and easy to fall for leading man. I could literally wax poetic about that man.
“I love what I’m looking at,” I continue, finding the courage to run my fingers down the sides of her dress, loving how soft and warm she feels against my hands. “Yeah, it’s a pretty incredible room,” she responds, glancing up. “I wasn’t talking about the room,” I reply, shaking my head at her modesty.
He progresses so beautifully from a shy reserved character into this sexy, unyielding and addictive hero. In contrast or perhaps rather similarly, Hailey the heroine to his hero is an ex-social butterfly confined inside a shy shell of a girl formed purely by circumstance and of her own making. It took me no time at all to warm up to Hailey, even though she had a few secrets and seemed a bit confused or insecure about her feelings or Jilly’s feelings her personality and internal dialogue helped to navigate me and hold me firmly in her favour. She’s introverted and complex but she and Jilly are just simply made for one another but it’s a tricky business wading through a tumultuous history of heartbreak, emotional baggage and an inclination for avoidance to make it through to that gilded happily ever after and that’s why this book was so special. Told in dual points of view, (something I adore in a book) it is written with finesse and great style, witty and intelligent dialogue. Even though I know next to nothing about Baseball the writing drew me in, giving me snippets of knowledge here and there rather than boring me to tears with in-depth and drawn out explanations. Between wanting to know the history of Jilly and Hailey and the bigger story between these two and that fantastic, passionate kissing in the thunderstorm moment, the writing had me caring unreservedly about the characters, manipulating me into rooting for the destined-to-be couple and hoping that at the end of it all the not-so-good guys get their comeuppance.
A perfect blend of sassy, sweet, sexy and ultimately captivating Game On shows the level of maturity that Collette West’s writing has graduated to so I really hope even one person reading this will take the chance and purchase Game On. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series and delving in to the next set of Kings Characters. A perfect score of five stars.

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4-Star
Eva Sloane is a substance abuse counselor who has seen her share of darkness and tragedy. This is her calling and when her New York Kings’ crush becomes her first celebrity client, she has to be careful not to cross any lines.

Her number one concern is to get Drake Schultz off the drugs. This is going to be tougher than she thought.

Drake Schultz was born on the wrong side of the tracks. He grew up all around drugs and can’t seem to escape them. When he hits rock bottom, his team’s owner decides enough is enough and enlists the help of an addictions counselor.

When Drake realizes his counselor is the beautiful woman he has had his eyes on in the stands, he is shocked at the feelings she invokes in him. They definitely have an attraction to each other and he decides that he is going to fight to make himself better. He is going to be someone who deserves to love her.

This was a great story about addiction. The author did a wonderful job giving us insight into the life of someone addicted to drugs. The story definitely could have been about someone in real life.

Eva and Drake were great characters. Although there weren’t many love scenes, it was still a great love story.

I definitely recommend this book to read!