Playing Without Rules

Men of Spring Baseball #1

by Rachelle Ayala

A ballplayer's girlfriend hides his daughter from him because she fears he's like his abusive father.

Marcia Powers wants nothing to do with ballplayer Brock Carter, especially after she told him to go away and pursue his dreams. She has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister.

Brock Carter's back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he's not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret.

Brock's already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?

Men of Spring Baseball romances can be read standalone but are more fun when read together.
Book 1, Playing Without Rules
Book 2, Playing Catch
Book 3, Playing for the Save

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Baseball, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2015

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.

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She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.

For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels

SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save

SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound

HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window

NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella

Reviews

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, I thought this was going to be a clichéd read. This thought was based on the book’s synopsis. I have read so many romance stories where the main characters have a romantic history and for some reason one ends up leaving. After some years had passed the party that left returns with the hope of rekindling the relationship and discovers that a child is now in the picture.
Personally, I believe these types of stories are predictable as such I was wary about reading it. However, after reading a few of the reviews I decided to give it a try. Well, my initial thoughts were confirmed, predictable plot and predictable characters. The one aspect that made it different from other books with similar themes is its focus on abuse.

Playing Without Rules tells the story of Brock and Marcia. Brock is a professional baseball player and Marcia is an entrepreneur. Five years ago these two were romantically involved with each other. However, based on issues that were happening in Brock’s life, Marcia rejected him, which resulted in him leaving town to pursue a career in baseball. The thing that Brock did not know was that Marcia was pregnant. He has now returned with the intent to rekindle his relationship with Marcia, but she had other plans. She does not want him to find out the secret she has been hiding. She feared that the issues from his past would rear its ugly head.

I found Marcia to be irritating and judgemental. She never gave Brock a chance. She chose to judge him based on his family’s history of abuse which I thought was unfair. Her reason for keeping him from his daughter was selfish. Another thing I could not fathom is why a woman who is supposed to be intelligent would give her best friend permission to sleep with her ex believing that it would help her to get him out of her system. She then sits and agonize over it. Sheesh! If that is not stupidity, don’t know what is.

All I can say is that I respect Brock. His level of self-control is very high in light of Marcia’s irritating behaviour. This alone proved that he is nothing like his father. The fact that he is willing to forgive her for keeping the truth from him proves that he is a man of character.
The story speaks to the longstanding issue of abuse. It depicts the physical and emotional effects it can have on the victim. The story also shows that secrets can destroy relationships and it can be used by your enemies to manipulate you.

My feelings about this book are mixed. There were some parts I liked and there were some parts that had me thinking WHAT THE HELL! It was the latter parts that stood in the way of me fully enjoying the book. For me it was an ok read. I know there are readers out there who would enjoy this book and its on this basis that I make my recommendation.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - this book brought out so many emotions! It was an amazing read but have some Kleenex ready!

Marcia is a bar-owner with a pretty big secret and when her ex-fiance Brock comes back into town she knows she needs to hold her secret even closer. But when she breaks it off with her current boyfriend Conrad, for Brock, he may dig into finding out some secrets too.

Brock has come back into town to play baseball for the local team, but more importantly he has come back for Marcia and to find out why she broke off their engagement. But Brock has ghosts in his past too that he has kept from Marcia.

When the two begin to rekindle their romance they seem to be headed in the right direction until one event seems to set off a chain of events that neither may be able to recover from.

This book is heartbreaking yet through all the tears there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The book deals with some tough issues, like domestic abuse, but is done in a very tactful way. The emotions of the characters were raw and you felt all the pain that they did. The characters are believable and very well written!

[Chantel Rhondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, heart-tugging story of second chances, romance, mistakes, and family love. Marcia is a wonderful mother who would do anything to protect her daughter, including keeping her from the man Marcia is not so sure she can trust. Brock has had a rough life. All he’s ever longed for is a family, but he’s afraid of what he might be capable of as well, so it’s easier to just deny himself love and a complete life.

Whether fighting or loving, the chemistry between these two is great! Brock is a real man’s man, but also has a sweet side that will have you swooning! I like that he’s not perfect, he has issues and makes mistakes. But under it all, he really does want to make the right choices and be the man who deserves Marcia’s love.

Marcia is hardworking and passionate about her family. The only problem is, her heart has never stopped loving Brock after their breakup five years earlier. I could feel her pain and anguish as she tried to do what was best for all involved, sometimes doing the complete wrong thing out of a misplaced sense of duty for her daughter.

Hard issues of domestic violence and what survivors deal with in the aftermath are also addressed in this story. It isn’t so much fluff and light subject, but it is a story that shows the best things in life are worth working for. Great book!

(I received an ARC copy of this book before it's release)

[Say · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SOLID 4.5 STARS!!!

Stories on abuse, love gone wrong and families has always been a favorite of mine. Turns out Playing Without Rules has all of them. Marcia and Brock they might not be my most favorite characters of Rachelle Ayala since both of them have their own faults at one point in time during the story, but towards the end especially Marcia has grown into a mature and open minded woman. Dealing with Brock's past and the secret she has to hide from him is not an easy task but she dealt with it in a way that is agreeable in my standards. Yes Brock can be a douche at times BUT it is understandable with his demons and all, so I let it slide. The story was beautiful and it would make you appreciate family more after reading it.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachelle Ayala is one of the best kept secrets in romance. Her stories blend heartwarming with wise and make a heavenly noise. Playing Without Rules is all over the place. With it's worst kept secret and it's hard to resist characters, the stage is set for unforgettable. What brings it up to magically is the dueling talents of Tor Tom and Charley Ongel. The characters walk right off the page and two step into your heart.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/26/2022)! 🎁

[❤ AudiobookRomance ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth Always Has A Way Of Finding The Light.

Playing Without Rules is Book 1 of 4 in the Men of Spring Baseball Series by Rachelle Ayala.

There are currently only 2 available in audio, but the rest are due soon!

Tor Thom and Charley Ongel narrate the series.
(They are an awesome duo!)

HEA with no cliffhangers!

Being the first in the series, this could be read as a standalone. I personally would suggest starting with the novella.

Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins

Content Advisory:
Author’s Heat rating is Steamy: Sex and lovemaking shown with naughty words for body parts. Love and lust intertwined, but couple is monogamous.

♥ Story ♥

This is a tale of second chances. If you are into those kinds of tales, then you are going to like this. As a mom, I can relate to wanting whats best for your child. I didn’t quite agree with some of Marcia’s actions, but could understand the logic behind her choices.

Marcia ❤ Brock

Marcia Powers told a lie four years ago over a miscommunication and has been running from it ever since, despite never leaving her small town. The holes she digs for herself just keep expanding, as all lies do. Bianca is the one that truly suffers in the wake of her mother’s delusions of grandeur.

Brock Carter did what the love of his life asked of him and left town to pursue his baseball career. He wanted to make himself worthy of her heart. Now he’s back, and determined to claim his dream, but Marcia doesn’t want him to have anything to do with her or her “little sister”. A child that just happens to be close in age to the time frame he left town, but that thought never occurs.

I had more feels for Brock and the other members of Marcia’s family than I did for her. She is a sloppy stack of pancakes on a good day, and she is a bit of a hypocrite. Luckily, the extra personalities balances everything out. There is a sneak peak at the end for Book 02, Playing Catch and it is quite amusing. I can’t wait!

Ebook Sample from Kindle

Audio Sample from Audible

♥ Author ♥

Rachelle Ayala really brings the drama with this story! But don’t fret fans, there is hot steamy goodness too.
Rachelle has 21 Audio Titles

♥ Narrator(s) ♥

This whole series is voiced by one of the best duos out there!
Tor Thom & Charley Ongel deliver again! Their performances make you love a character as much as you want to smack them for being an idiot.
Tor has 19 Audio Titles

Charley has 28 Audio Titles

Ebook obtained through Kindle Store
Audiobook obtained for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review

More Reviews @ AudiobookRomance.com

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Without Rules is an incredibly passionate and beautifully rendered story of a love so stubborn and determined that it conquers even the most devastating of obstacles. It can be bent and frayed, but it refuses to die. Nothing short of death itself could ever extinguish the strength and depth of this impressive force. When a love this magnificent comes along, it is worth fighting for with every exquisite ounce of determination and heart that you can find.

Marcia Powers used to have a love that most women only dreamed about. It lifted her soul to the highest of heights and completed her in every way possible. She nurtured it and fanned its flames into a roaring fire assuming it would be with her until her dying day, but a day came when that dream turned into a waking nightmare. Unsure how to handle this devastating change, she pushes herself to keep moving and concentrating on putting foot in front of the other. Brock was sure he had found the one women whose touch awoken the best part of his soul and whose very breath felt like a sweet spring of life-giving water that revived him each day. All of his dreams were finally coming true until that day when they faded and withered uncontrollably in his hands. He did the only thing he could to salvage what was left of his heart – he walked away and kept on walking. Five years later, Brock finds himself returning to the scene of the crime, and this time, he isn’t giving up. He has come back to claim what he knows has always been his no matter Marcia has to say. Will this be a sweet and fiery reunion, or will secrets from the past sour their second change and finish tearing them apart for good?

Marcia and Brock utterly captivated me as I watched them fight for all that they were worth to come back to each other amid some crazy and crushing obstacles. Everything about their struggle felt so real to me, and my heart broke as I walked this journey with them. No matter what they faced or the choices they made, I couldn’t give up on the hope that they would find and feed the small flame of undying love that was still burning inside of their hearts. The beautiful bond that they created surely couldn’t be snuffed out so easily. All they had to do was refuse to allow it to die. Thankfully, they had some good friends along the way to help them to believe that anything was possible if you wished hard enough, worked long enough, and wanted it bad enough.

Rachelle Ayala has yet again blown me away with her courage to push the limits and listen to her heart. She continues to amaze me with her beautiful heart and masterful talent. Reading her stories has sparked a creative longing in my own heart to perhaps break through my own fears and push through my own boundaries. When you find someone that speaks to your heart as she does to mine, you know that you have found an immensely precious treasure. I only hope that I am able to enjoy her breathtaking talent for a very long time to come.

[Nancy Stopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Without Rules is a story of unplanned / undisclosed pregnancy. I always like these types of stories because I enjoy seeing how the secret is revealed and how the characters react to that revelation. This book is well written, the story flows nicely, and there is a good balance of dialog and narrative in the story. I enjoyed that I was able to understand how each of the characters is feeling through the words on the page.

I like Brock. He is a confident man who knows what he wants - and that's Marcia. It has taken him a number of years but he has finally been able to come home and fight for her. He struggles with inner demons and fears about his future, but you also see that he is addressing those demons. I liked that the author includes Brock getting counseling and handles it in a honorable and respectful way. I also like that as Marcia realizes that Brock is in counseling that perhaps she could benefit from some counseling as well. And I'm so glad she did. The counselor calls her on the carpet almost immediately for her behavior as selfish and manipulative. I really disliked Marcia for a good part of the book because I saw her as manipulative - even before the counselor accuses her of being so. Five years prior, she had told Brock to leave town with his new baseball team, so he did. Then she was angry with him because he "left so easily". She wanted him to fight for her or to try and change her mind. She wanted him to beg her or find out why she was pushing him away. That is so juvenile and manipulative that I hated her as soon as I read that! Brock respected her wishes that he leave, and is then being persecuted because he couldn't read between the lines and do what she wasn't telling him she wanted him to do - that's manipulation. I'm not sure if the author wanted us to dislike Marcia so she could be redeemed in our eyes or not, but that's what she did for me. She did redeem Marcia by the end of the book and thankfully dealt with the "rat" trying to derail their relationship and finally gave Marcia and Brock the happily ever after they deserve.

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was hard to put down. I couldn't stop reading it until I was finished. It was that good.
The setting of the story was well written and gave the reader a vivid image of where this story took place and what was going on.
The characters each had distinct characteristics that made them stand out.
Marcia had been in love with her boyfriend Brock when they were teenagers. Brock had big dreams of being a ballplayer, since it was like therapy to him. Marcia's dad had got Brock to take his anger about his past and his abusive father out in baseball. Marcia's father had took Brock under his wing and helped him cope with a very difficult situation. Brock never wanted kids because he feared he'd be like his father, although he very rarely ever showed signs of aggression towards people, besides the night his mother died. Even though Marcia and Brock had took precautions to avoid having kids, Marcia got pregnant. She wanted to tell Brock many times. The night she was going to tell him for the first time, he stated he disliked kids and never wanted them. This sealed their fate.
After five years of separation, their love for each other never died, despite what they told themselves. Now Marcia's secret is at risk. Could she trust Brock enough to let him know about his own daughter or will fear keep them both back from being together?
There were many times I was frustrated with Marcia and Brock for not overcoming their fears and letting them control their lives. But, given the situation, I probably would have acted similar.
This book left me wanting to know more. I wished there were more scenes with Brock and Bianca (the daughter) together. They were so cute together, even though Brock didn't always know who Bianca truly was. I also wanted to know how he reacted when the new surprise or "ninja turtle" was joining the family. I wish we could have read/seen his first reaction to the news.

[Tope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock has had a troubled past and hopes that what he has with Marcia will stand the test of time. However, this doesn't happen as, without so much as a notice, Marcia sends him packing. He doesn't give up on Marcia however. When opportunity brings him back to his hometown, he uses the opportunity to try and woo Marcia back into his life.

All's not smooth sailing for this couple, however, as they have to overcome lies, secret fears, mis-communication, and loss of hope. Will this couple have a happily ever after or will Brock's past and Marcia's lies ruin their chances?

With honesty, sprinkled in with hope, Ms Ayala shows that it's possible for one to overcome a troubled past and have a happily ever after. This book deals with the disturbing issue of domestic violence, though, not in graphic details. We are told of Brock and his mom being victims at the hands of his father. It does show Brock's progression from victim to victor, and his determination not to be like his father. This book gives hope to victims of this horrible abuse. It helps them know that hope is not elusive; it is tangible. It shows them that it is possible to overcome the cycle, be a productive member of society, and have a family where love, not fear, is it's foundation.

As for the chemistry between Brock and Marcia, it was not only there, it was explosive. Their relationship was believable, although I would have liked Marcia to be a bit more mature, less judgmental and prideful.

Overall, the book was fantastic! Kudos Ms Ayala

I received an ARC for my honest review, but you can be damn well sure I'm 1-clicking this once it's out.

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Marcia was a young adult, she made a decision based on intimate knowledge and personal interaction with Brock, to send him on his way out of town for a Baseball career and keep her pregnancy secret. Since that decision, she's made others as well all in an effort to keep the secret and protect her child.

When Brock comes back to town, intent on picking up a relationship with Marcia, he's a little confused over her behavior towards and seeming hatred of him. Even still he refuses to give up and is determined to prove to Marcia she belongs with him and he's perfect for her.

With the secrets she's hiding, and the fear she holds that Brock may become an abuser like his father before him, Marcia is even more determined to keep him away from both her and their child. Her father, on the other hand, didn't get that memo and is doing everything he can to include Brock in their day to day lives.

Playing Without Rules brings to light some serious issues, dealing with childhood abuse for both the abused and those he has loved. I felt that Marcia was a little harsh in her fear, but I also understood as a mother where she was coming from. There was a major change in Brock from start to finish, and comparing to flashbacks as well, you can definitely see how he's grown and changed and accepted things he couldn't understand as a teen/young adult. At times the story felt a little rushed, but it came together nicely in the end and I felt that the pain from the past had definitely been healed.

[Racquel Reck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, lies, and a grand slam love that will knock you out of the park.

I was one of the lucky few who got to beta read this and let me just say...Brock! That hero has it going on. he's sweet but totally alpha male. Marcia is a very protective mother and does all she can for her daughter Bianca. When Marcia and Brock come together a strong love ignites, but will secrets keep them apart?

This is a great story about a love reunited. What I loved the most was the way Rachelle had it all end. It's unpredictable and keeps you guessing after every chapter. Which, makes it very hard to put down. The drama was crafted beautifully, and the characters were easy to fall in love with. I finished this in one sitting, I couldn't help it. So, make sure you clear your night when you curl up with this story.

Thank you, Rachelle for giving me the opportunity to to Beta read for you. Five stars!!!

[Sam Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart is full.
Past Abuse Does Not Determine One's Future.
I want to put it on a banner and fly it everywhere.
This story isn't so much about overcoming abuse as it is about the importance of communication and not letting someone's past prejudice you about what you think their future should be.
I love to see characters overcome their fears and the obstacles they put in their own way and grow and Rachelle Ayala is an absolute pro at that.
Though I do feel like there is a gap between the final chapter and the epilogue that needs to be filled I don't think it really detracts from the message of this story itself.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was so great. Heart warming and heart wrenching. This author writes kids cute as hell! I read this book in about 5 and a half hours. I'm a pretty slow reader, so that's saying something. I didn't make a lot of notes on this book, a small handful, but that's because I was so wrapped up in the story to notice anything. I'm glad I didn't beta this one. I'm in this author's street team and she posts chapters as they're written. It would've been pure torture to wait for the next chapters in this one! It's a total page turner!

[Corissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story pulled me in from the start! Very well written with well developed characters. The story was told in a very real and relatable way.

I fell in love with Brock from the get go. Loved the dynamic between him and Marcia. The past catches up to both characters in this tale.

The story pulled at my heartstrings and touched close to my heart. Highly recommend!

[Linda Dunn chilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believing in Someone is Half the Battle

Brock came from an abusive home, all Marcia wanted to do was keep her daughter safe. Could she trust he would not turn out to be like his father? All Brock has wanted were to love Marcia, play baseball, and never be like his father. Rachelle Ayala, writes a poignant story of love, trust and a happy ending.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Version Review: We are introduced to Brock Carter & Marcia Powers a baseball player & a pub owner who were once engaged. With a devastating secret that could destroy the new found friendship, as well as domestic abuse is discussed. Told in duo naration which is my favourite these two narrattors were able to capture all the intense & angst moments as they unfold. The character's are realistic and come alive well listening to the audiobook. A bit sad at times but ends in the way it should.

[Books Laid Bare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing without Rules by Rachelle Ayala

This is Marcia’s story and it is one that should be listened to and absorbed with both respect and revelation because it is as touching as it is beautiful and as passionate as you could ever imagine.

It is a story that shows in no uncertain terms that love no matter how challenging will never give up, and you shouldn’t either. Because the one that captures your heart is the one that is worth fighting to hold on to no matter what the consequences.

Marcia and Brock had the epitome of loves young dream until the day their lives changed and Brock walked away, not through choice, so please no hating him! But because staying would not only destroy him but further destroy the only woman he has ever loved Marcia.

Pain and suffering has been the companion of Marcia and Brock for the last 5 years but time and tide waits for no man and this man is claiming back what is his and what he should have held on to long ago – Marcia.

He has always considered, despite their separation that she belongs to him and now that he is back he intends to show her what they still have and just what they can build together for the future.

But can Marcia forgive – I am sure she will never forget but does she see the future as Brock does or will it all end in tears?

I wept for the love and time they had lost and for the pain that the situation had put them through, they deserved better not only from each other but of life. I got the feeling that they had faced so much that neither of them were sure if they could come good on the hope they had for the future but I had both fingers and toes crossed that they got what they deserved and could rekindle the love that was there within them both.

It was a struggle but one that was truly captivating. It was intense and captivating but above all the author mastered the realism of the situation and showed that with everything they had, they deserved the happiness that they were prepared to work for.

I have to say that this author has a deft touch when it comes to her choice of words, she is extra-ordinarily creative and super sensitive and I for one think that, those are two of the most perfect trails to have as an author – Playing without Rules is fantastic.

[ByoBook Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brock and Marcia were suppose to get married, he'd get his shot at the major league and she'd happily follow him to where ever he went. But something changed at the last minute that caused their engagement and fresh made plans to cancel altogether. Marcia breaks off the engagement and sends Brock on his way to follow his dream of the big leagues, with one request, absolutely no further contact. While he agrees to her rule, Brock never stops pining for Marcia and even goes out for spring training with a local team just to try to win her back after five years. But Marcia isn't happy to see him for the fear of him finding out her secret she's been keeping from him.
This story deals with domestic violence, as Brock grew up in a bad family environment and his response to it is something he still deals with throughout the book. The fear of turning into his abusive father has Brock set in his ways that children are something he'll never want in life.
This story is about lost love being found again. The romantic gesture of still being in love with someone five years after having no contact with them, is a sweet love story for me. Brock wooed me through the entire book with his love for Marcia and his attempts at winning her back.
Playing without Rules has a great storyline, good in-depth characters and a nice flow. The only complaint I had was the over use of baseball analogies in awkward situations. Other than that, very good read.



~Jessica S.

[J.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brock and Marcia were suppose to get married, he'd get his shot at the major league and she'd happily follow him to where ever he went. But something changed at the last minute that caused their engagement and fresh made plans to cancel altogether. Marcia breaks off the engagement and sends Brock on his way to follow his dream of the big leagues, with one request, absolutely no further contact. While he agrees to her rule, Brock never stops pining for Marcia and even goes out for spring training with a local team just to try to win her back after five years. But Marcia isn't happy to see him for the fear of him finding out her secret she's been keeping from him.
This story deals with domestic violence, as Brock grew up in a bad family environment and his response to it is something he still deals with throughout the book. The fear of turning into his abusive father has Brock set in his ways that children are something he'll never want in life.
This story is about lost love being found again. The romantic gesture of still being in love with someone five years after having no contact with them, is a sweet love story for me. Brock wooed me through the entire book with his love for Marcia and his attempts at winning her back.
Playing without Rules has a great storyline, good in-depth characters and a nice flow. The only complaint I had was the over use of baseball analogies in awkward situations. Other than that, very good read.

[Raquel Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este é o estilo que mais gosto de ler com Rachelle Ayala, que conta com romance, segundas oportunidades e como se deve aprender com os erros.

Marcia é mãe e faria o que fosse preciso para proteger a sua filha de tudo e de todos. E por isso mesmo tenta afasta-la de Brock, um homem que ela pensa ter quase a certeza que não é de confiança.
Brock teve uma vida um pouco complicada, e tudo o que precisava e desejava era ter uma família e encontrar o amor, mesmo que tente negar a si próprio.

Um romance fantástico ao estilo de Rachelle, com uma certa química entre as personagens principais que é fácil de acreditar. Brock é realmente um homem que não é perfeito, comete erros e tem vários problemas que tenta resolver e fazer as escolhas que acha mais acertadas. Tal como demonstra por vezes o sei lado mais romântico e doce, tal como o faz com Marcia. Este é uma trabalhadora e dedicada a sua família, principalmente com a sua filha. Tem um único problema que ficou por resolver à 5 anos atrás e está no seu coração. Embora ela acha que a maneira como o tentou resolver foi a melhor.

Apesar de todo o amor que este livro trata, ele também aborda temas muito difíceis como a violência doméstica e como sobreviver a ela. Não é uma parte querida do livro e é uma angustia demasiado forte. No entanto como é contornada e tratada mostra como é importante ultrapassar e aprender a amar a vida e que ela vale a pena.
Mais um excelente livro de Rachelle sem qualquer sombra de dúvida.

[Kelly with Sugar Shack Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review.

I absolutely love a second chance story. Then you throw in a hot baseball player, a child he doesn't know about, and a great group of characters, and I was completely sucked in.

Marcia has loved Brock for as long as she can remember, but when it comes time for him to leave to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball she knows her being pregnant can't stand in his way. So she lets him go.

Brock also loved Marcia and he thought they had plans, when he left she would go with him. Then she shocks him by breaking up with him and leaving him confused.

When Brock comes back to town Marcia must hide her reason for breaking his heart all those years ago. With so much miscommunication between them can they really move past it all? Or has there been too many issues brought to light they can't move past it?

I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick easy read. The characters were very likable and realistic to me. I kept asking myself what would I have done in their position? I think there was the right amount of drama and also chemistry between Brock and Marcia. I would definitely recommend this story. Can't wait to see what Rachelle comes out with next!

[Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet book about two people who each had secrets and hid them for different reasons. Brock and Marcia have been in love for a long time and things happened that made them go their separate ways and now years have passed but that is all because the love that they had for each other is the same. I loved the way that Brock steps in the picture and tries to win his girl back and the way that no matter what Marcia does she can never let Brock go. Although Marcia has a huge secret that she is hiding and she wants to do what is best she can't deny her feelings for Brock. In the end it all plays out the way that it should and in the process we get to see the bad guy go down, This was a book that I finished in one setting and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Marissa sent Brock away to pursue his dreams of playing baseball. Now he is back in town to win her back, but she wonders why.
This is a great second chance story with good main characters, great chemistry, and a good plot that has some sad moments. It is a story that will catch you by the feels as you find out about Brock’s history of abuse and Marissa’s fears.
If you like sports romance, baseball, second chances, and cute kids with some steamy sex scenes this is for you.
Tor Thom, Charley Ongel bring the characters to like and their duo performance is seamless as they each bring forth their parts. They always make you feel like the story is live. I highly suggest the audio of you can get it!

[Lyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachelle hit another homerun with this one! Brock Carter is yet another one to add to my book boyfriend list. He's handsome, good with his hands (in more ways than one!), and completely self-aware. While he comes from a broken home, he does everything he can to escape it and not be the same way as his father. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia...she's a character alright. She loves Brock but is afraid his past is too haunted to ever change. She wants so much with him but is standing on the ledge trying to decide which direction to move. This book is about overcoming challenges, true love, and being the person you want to be, not others. Definitely a sweet, emotional read that you won't want to miss.

[Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first Rachelle Ayala experience and it will NOT be my last.

From the beginning I was drawn in. I was glued to this book. I need to see what was going to happen with Brock and Marcia.

What would we do if we were in that position. Life can play some crazy games at times but how bad do we want to win.

Love will always come back to you even if your not expecting it. Some people pray and hope for it and some just live life playing safe. When you get a second chance for the one that got away will you do the right thing or will you walk away again.

The story and writing were easy to follow. I have found an author that I must read again.

[Jessica Avancena cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so different from Ms. Rachelle Ayala's other books. This is a very emotional book and beautiful story. It tackles domestic violence and how to help a victim in getting better. Communication is such a big part to trust and being honest for any relationship to make it work. Marcia has to protect her daughter Bianca from Brock, who at first is a cocky but he has a heart of gold. You might need a tissue when you read this amazing story. This book is full of love, friendship and sports role into one. Congratulations! Ms. Rachelle Ayala. I highly recommend this book to everybody.

[Debbie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing without rules is one of those tug at your heart kind of book. The way it is written makes you feel the emotions that the Characters in the book are going through.

I love books that touch on real life situations and this book does just that. Marcia Powers Loves Brock but certain things about him don't sit well with her. Does she overcome those feelings.. Read this book and find out.

I just want to say how much I loved Brock in this book and how badly I just wanted to give him a hug.

[Hazel Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

Story of two wounded people,Brock and his mother had been abused by his father. When he was young he would always run to Marcie's house where her parents would take care of him after his father had beat him. Because of the abuse he suffered he did not want children thinking he would be like his father. Marcie break her engagement to Brock when she learn she is pregnant. Brock moves away, now five years later he returns to fight for the woman he loves and to find out she has kept a secret from him.