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HardBall
Perfect ass.
Perfect arms.
Perfect swagger.
They call Dash Wallace the Diamond King.
He’s the hottest commodity in baseball and in the bedroom.
When he runs the bases, every woman’s eyes are glued to his stunning body and a smile that puts the night lights to shame.
I’m no queen. I’m a regular girl with a regular job. I just watch him on TV and from the bleachers, season after season.
Girls like me grab a guy like that one in a million times.
My number just came up, and he is as spectacular in bed as he is on the field.
But there’s not a woman in the world who can distract Dash Wallace from the game. Not for a moment. Not even me.
Until the night I do. And everything changes.
Perfect arms.
Perfect swagger.
They call Dash Wallace the Diamond King.
He’s the hottest commodity in baseball and in the bedroom.
When he runs the bases, every woman’s eyes are glued to his stunning body and a smile that puts the night lights to shame.
I’m no queen. I’m a regular girl with a regular job. I just watch him on TV and from the bleachers, season after season.
Girls like me grab a guy like that one in a million times.
My number just came up, and he is as spectacular in bed as he is on the field.
But there’s not a woman in the world who can distract Dash Wallace from the game. Not for a moment. Not even me.
Until the night I do. And everything changes.
200 pages, ebook
First published March 29, 2016
About the author
C.D. Reiss
117 books9,306 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 956 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★ ½! Enigmatic, dirty-talking baseball legend with gifted tongue & revolving bedroom door meets a regular girl!
“I’m going to open your legs and have a field day on your clit.”
Hardball (stand-alone) is set in Los Angeles and follows baseball shortstop legend Dashiell Wallace, Dash aka the Diamond King during an off season.
Dash is a bit of an enigma never giving interviews and rarely seen with a woman twice. But underneath the surface hides a dirty-talking and determined seducer.
School librarian Vivian Foster is just a regular girl on a field trip with a class of underprivileged kids when she encounters the legend.
Off to a rocky start story goes on to follow them from dislike to lust and beyond clouded by Dash’s need for privacy, his well-kept secrets and jaded ways.
The reserved Dashiell Wallace, Dash aka the Diamond King with his hot bod and good looks is set in his ways and thus demanding and commanding, but for most part I think he more of an “oh so sweet hero”, especially as the layers are peeled.
Nine words to describe Dash: Private, dirty-talker, non-committal, superstitious, enigmatic, caring, determined, conscientious and secretive.
Nine words to describe Vivian Foster: Smart, feisty, insecure, reflective, supportive, loyal, caring, nurturing and frank..
Hardball, told from dual POVs has a great mixture of scorching sex, brewing romance, angst, obstacles and self-growth. It ends on a high, but I would welcome an epilogue further into their future.
Effortless story-telling! Melt-your-heart hero! A feel good read!
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author C.D. Reiss in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2016
It's LIVE!
* AMAZON US * AMAZON UK * NOOK * iBOOKS * GOOGLE *
Read the first three chapters of HARDBALL <---
I absolutely LOVE this new Contemporary, SEXY, STANDALONE romance from CD Reiss. Dash and Vivian are everything I wanted them to be and more. Written in the first person narrative and from the alternating perspective of the hero and heroine, HardBall takes the reader straight to the heart of its characters, providing a direct line to their thoughts and feelings causing me to swiftly warm to their individual charm and combined chemistry. Hardball is fiercely character driven with an engaging plot that gives this contemporary romance an easy breezy light feel. I felt like I was floating on a cloud as I read. It made me smile and chuckle, my eyes watered and I felt an abundance of contented love for their story.
Vivian Foster is a 24 year old public school librarian with an emotive history. Readers will fall in love with this beautiful sweet girl-next-door whose soft, kind and caring nature flows from the prose. Vivian is soft yet shows an inner strength, has been hurt in the past so knows her limitations in matters of the heart but is equally open to the good in life. Her lovely-girl persona, thoughts and ideals are extracted convincingly through her past experiences and showcased through her work, actions and relationships with authenticity. In equal measure I enjoyed the fun side of her character and moments where I cringed affectionately with her as I admired her humanity. I very much felt that in her ordinariness she's actually an extraordinary and beautiful character.
Dashiell Wallace is a professional baseball player and I absolutely love the portrayal and development of his character. He's mysterious, superstitious, has an amazing fun personality and, to top it all off, he's very, VERY SEXY! Dash and his charismatic presence ooze from the page. He has rules and reasons and routines that are imperative to his performance, his career and form part of his charm. His dedication to the game is all consuming, he lives for baseball, making it the centre of everything, all decisions, and all his love and then.... Vivian, an ordinary girl, implodes his world.
LA provides a beautiful setting to HardBall, a story that's crafted with a sprinkle of ROMANCE writing magic. I felt the pull between the hero and heroine that all important spark of chemistry that opened up and grew into something beautiful and hypnotic. The words of this author enamored me to every nuance of this well tuned contemporary romance. It's sensual, passionate, depicting those heady feelings of a first time encounter with another person, and by intimate I mean a kiss. Equally the erotic steam factor of HardBall is GORGEOUS. Romantically kinky in places. Their love making is truly beautiful and sexy! In simple terms HardBall is HOT!
Vivian and her father are die-hard baseball fans, which is the impetus for the protagonist’s first meeting and the subsequent events that lead to the sublime unfolding of their love story. A story that involves a baseball glove, superstition, texting and reading! Vivian's love for the game is infectious. Baseball is not something I know a lot about but this mattered not to my adoration of this story and its characters. The history of the protagonists is delicately revealed as each layer of the story unfolds ensuring our hero and heroine own the perfect motivation for being the man and woman they have evolved into. The reasons why Dash behaves the way he does, his complexities and emotions, and the resulting reactions of Vivian, my heart wept for a younger Dash as I experienced his history in the narrative. The relationship between father and daughter is depicted with tenderness and heartfelt emotion; I felt the special connection as they provided moments that touched me deep inside my heart.
The writing canvas of CD Reiss is littered with romantic perfection. Hardball is light-hearted and fun but in equal measure there's complexity and huge depth in this character driven story that denotes the perfect amount of push and pull and a dose gorgeous angst. I felt the intensity towards the end of the story arc which I believe is a direct consequence of the eloquently depicted characters and the impact created by their thought provoking development.
Hardball offers the perfect romantic escape with a SEXY, charismatic, baseball playing hero, an engaging story and a heroine who you'll want to be friends with. This STANDALONE story is a MUST READ for all ROMANCE lovers.
STANDALONE
#Romance
#Sport
#LOVE
Advanced copy provided by the author for my honest review thoughts.
★ Teasers created by myself with Stock image from depositphotos ★
* AMAZON US * AMAZON UK * NOOK * iBOOKS * GOOGLE *
Read the first three chapters of HARDBALL <---
I absolutely LOVE this new Contemporary, SEXY, STANDALONE romance from CD Reiss. Dash and Vivian are everything I wanted them to be and more. Written in the first person narrative and from the alternating perspective of the hero and heroine, HardBall takes the reader straight to the heart of its characters, providing a direct line to their thoughts and feelings causing me to swiftly warm to their individual charm and combined chemistry. Hardball is fiercely character driven with an engaging plot that gives this contemporary romance an easy breezy light feel. I felt like I was floating on a cloud as I read. It made me smile and chuckle, my eyes watered and I felt an abundance of contented love for their story.
Vivian Foster is a 24 year old public school librarian with an emotive history. Readers will fall in love with this beautiful sweet girl-next-door whose soft, kind and caring nature flows from the prose. Vivian is soft yet shows an inner strength, has been hurt in the past so knows her limitations in matters of the heart but is equally open to the good in life. Her lovely-girl persona, thoughts and ideals are extracted convincingly through her past experiences and showcased through her work, actions and relationships with authenticity. In equal measure I enjoyed the fun side of her character and moments where I cringed affectionately with her as I admired her humanity. I very much felt that in her ordinariness she's actually an extraordinary and beautiful character.
Dashiell Wallace is a professional baseball player and I absolutely love the portrayal and development of his character. He's mysterious, superstitious, has an amazing fun personality and, to top it all off, he's very, VERY SEXY! Dash and his charismatic presence ooze from the page. He has rules and reasons and routines that are imperative to his performance, his career and form part of his charm. His dedication to the game is all consuming, he lives for baseball, making it the centre of everything, all decisions, and all his love and then.... Vivian, an ordinary girl, implodes his world.
LA provides a beautiful setting to HardBall, a story that's crafted with a sprinkle of ROMANCE writing magic. I felt the pull between the hero and heroine that all important spark of chemistry that opened up and grew into something beautiful and hypnotic. The words of this author enamored me to every nuance of this well tuned contemporary romance. It's sensual, passionate, depicting those heady feelings of a first time encounter with another person, and by intimate I mean a kiss. Equally the erotic steam factor of HardBall is GORGEOUS. Romantically kinky in places. Their love making is truly beautiful and sexy! In simple terms HardBall is HOT!
Vivian and her father are die-hard baseball fans, which is the impetus for the protagonist’s first meeting and the subsequent events that lead to the sublime unfolding of their love story. A story that involves a baseball glove, superstition, texting and reading! Vivian's love for the game is infectious. Baseball is not something I know a lot about but this mattered not to my adoration of this story and its characters. The history of the protagonists is delicately revealed as each layer of the story unfolds ensuring our hero and heroine own the perfect motivation for being the man and woman they have evolved into. The reasons why Dash behaves the way he does, his complexities and emotions, and the resulting reactions of Vivian, my heart wept for a younger Dash as I experienced his history in the narrative. The relationship between father and daughter is depicted with tenderness and heartfelt emotion; I felt the special connection as they provided moments that touched me deep inside my heart.
The writing canvas of CD Reiss is littered with romantic perfection. Hardball is light-hearted and fun but in equal measure there's complexity and huge depth in this character driven story that denotes the perfect amount of push and pull and a dose gorgeous angst. I felt the intensity towards the end of the story arc which I believe is a direct consequence of the eloquently depicted characters and the impact created by their thought provoking development.
Hardball offers the perfect romantic escape with a SEXY, charismatic, baseball playing hero, an engaging story and a heroine who you'll want to be friends with. This STANDALONE story is a MUST READ for all ROMANCE lovers.
STANDALONE
#Romance
#Sport
#LOVE
Advanced copy provided by the author for my honest review thoughts.
★ Teasers created by myself with Stock image from depositphotos ★
April 2, 2016
4 Stars!!
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect reading this one since it was only me second book by this author especially since I’ve heard it will be a little different from her previous books. Also, I was a little hesitant since I’m a little picky when it comes to sport romance novels. On top of that baseball is not my thing. Like at all. I’m happy to say this one turned out to be so much more than I had expected. A great mix of sweetness and sexiness, 'HardBall' was an entertaining read from start to finish, written really well with a little bit of everything – angst, drama, engaging characters and witty dialogue.
Our heroine is Vivian Foster, a school librarian who lives a ‘normal’, quite life. So she’s a regular woman with a regular job she loves. She loves books, she loves to read and she also loves Shakespeare. At a school field-trip ball signing, Vivian meets Dash Wallace a star short stop for the LA Dodgers. Dash is a mystery in some way since he never gives interviews. On the outside he seems pretty perfect, but Dash is more than everyone thinks he is. He suffers from ADHD, having rules and routine that are important for him since in his mind they have the power to change his performance. His world is turned upside down when he meets Vivian. He simply can’t stop thinking about her. Vivian is more than attracted with the hot as hell player as well. What starts as some kind of tentative friendship between them gradually becomes more. Sparks starts to fly, so obviously both of them can’t keep their hands off each other.
I liked this one! It was fun, sexy and I really enjoyed reading it! One of my favorite aspects of this story was definitely the storytelling. Mrs. Reiss is a fantastic storyteller. From the beginning I was very invested in the story and I finished it in one sitting. I honestly couldn’t put it down. Of course it helped the flawless writing and the pace of the story. I have to say I really enjoyed how the story was balanced.
Both main characters were endearing, well developed and fantastically portrayed in a very realistic way. Our heroine was very easy to like from the beginning and so relatable. She’s genuinely a good person. Kind and caring, loyal and considerate she was pretty much the perfect heroine in a contemporary romance. She was fun and I truly enjoyed her personality. Her relationship with her father was really endearing. They were fun together and they obviously love each other very much.
Dash’s character development was fantastically done. To be honest for some reason I had a hard time connecting with him, at least in the beginning. However, he was a likeable hero and I liked the way he was portrayed. Sexy as hell, with a dirty mouth, Dash was fun and sweet when he wanted, but at times he was a little frustrating. No very, for me to be annoyed, but still..
The romantic aspect here was really great. I enjoyed how Vivian and Dash’s relationship progressed. They were good together, they pure and simple made sense. I like the fact there wasn’t any instas between them…ok, maybe a little insta-lust, but I wasn’t bothered since it didn’t affect their physical relationship and nothing was rushed. Overall, I found this couple to be fun, entertaining and very sexy. As for the chemistry between them…I simply loved it! It goes without saying the sexy scenes between these two were sizzling and really well written. I wouldn’t have minded the steam factor to be higher. NOT.AT.ALL!
Overall, 'HardBall' was a fantastic read and if you enjoy fun and sexy sport romances, than you definitely should give this one a try!
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect reading this one since it was only me second book by this author especially since I’ve heard it will be a little different from her previous books. Also, I was a little hesitant since I’m a little picky when it comes to sport romance novels. On top of that baseball is not my thing. Like at all. I’m happy to say this one turned out to be so much more than I had expected. A great mix of sweetness and sexiness, 'HardBall' was an entertaining read from start to finish, written really well with a little bit of everything – angst, drama, engaging characters and witty dialogue.
Our heroine is Vivian Foster, a school librarian who lives a ‘normal’, quite life. So she’s a regular woman with a regular job she loves. She loves books, she loves to read and she also loves Shakespeare. At a school field-trip ball signing, Vivian meets Dash Wallace a star short stop for the LA Dodgers. Dash is a mystery in some way since he never gives interviews. On the outside he seems pretty perfect, but Dash is more than everyone thinks he is. He suffers from ADHD, having rules and routine that are important for him since in his mind they have the power to change his performance. His world is turned upside down when he meets Vivian. He simply can’t stop thinking about her. Vivian is more than attracted with the hot as hell player as well. What starts as some kind of tentative friendship between them gradually becomes more. Sparks starts to fly, so obviously both of them can’t keep their hands off each other.
I liked this one! It was fun, sexy and I really enjoyed reading it! One of my favorite aspects of this story was definitely the storytelling. Mrs. Reiss is a fantastic storyteller. From the beginning I was very invested in the story and I finished it in one sitting. I honestly couldn’t put it down. Of course it helped the flawless writing and the pace of the story. I have to say I really enjoyed how the story was balanced.
Both main characters were endearing, well developed and fantastically portrayed in a very realistic way. Our heroine was very easy to like from the beginning and so relatable. She’s genuinely a good person. Kind and caring, loyal and considerate she was pretty much the perfect heroine in a contemporary romance. She was fun and I truly enjoyed her personality. Her relationship with her father was really endearing. They were fun together and they obviously love each other very much.
Dash’s character development was fantastically done. To be honest for some reason I had a hard time connecting with him, at least in the beginning. However, he was a likeable hero and I liked the way he was portrayed. Sexy as hell, with a dirty mouth, Dash was fun and sweet when he wanted, but at times he was a little frustrating. No very, for me to be annoyed, but still..
The romantic aspect here was really great. I enjoyed how Vivian and Dash’s relationship progressed. They were good together, they pure and simple made sense. I like the fact there wasn’t any instas between them…ok, maybe a little insta-lust, but I wasn’t bothered since it didn’t affect their physical relationship and nothing was rushed. Overall, I found this couple to be fun, entertaining and very sexy. As for the chemistry between them…I simply loved it! It goes without saying the sexy scenes between these two were sizzling and really well written. I wouldn’t have minded the steam factor to be higher. NOT.AT.ALL!
Overall, 'HardBall' was a fantastic read and if you enjoy fun and sexy sport romances, than you definitely should give this one a try!
April 26, 2017
5 Double Play Perfection Stars
* * * * *
There are some stories that touch all the bases for you...Yes, I used a Baseball Metaphor...and then there are authors that can do exactly that, too. When you have the experience of both a unique story and it is written by an author who delivers a homerun..nope, couldn't resist...then I am in reader's heaven.
Hardball by C.D. Reiss had it all for me. It had the feel of Los Angeles...to the point where I felt I was driving to Dodger's Stadium myself. Every single reference to Los Angeles was absolutely on the money. From the description of the haze in the mornings to the way it feels driving parts of Sunset Boulevard alone where there is nothing but twists and turns. The descriptions weren't just thrown in to make it feel like where the story took place...Instead it was the essence of living there and being part of the lives of these characters.
And oh, the characters....all of them from the main focus of Vivian and Dash, to Vivian's father and even the useless old boyfriend....every single one was fully formed. They could walk off the page, have a conversation with you and you would feel comfortable knowing who they were.
This story covers so much....but in a way where it all flows together to make perfect sense.
You have this award winning, 3 time Golden Gloves Shortstop for the World Famous Los Angeles Dodgers, Dash Wallace. Now stop for a minute and let's just think about that ... This is a man dedicated and focused on a task which takes extreme discipline; which is central to his being. This man lives for the game, makes sure everything is centered to make success possible and controls whatever he can to have it all come together. He also has an added element which may either have helped him be as good as he is...or has cause a series of specific needs to keep everything on track.
Our gal, Vivian Foster is not the Model, Actress, TV Reality star or any other type of career person he would usually run across. Vivian is an East Hollywood School Librarian. This means she brings extra bags of apples for students who probably haven't had either breakfast before class or maybe don't qualify for the school lunch program. She supplies more than the knowledge of books; she supplies the comfort of care and concern for each of the students that pass through her doors...and it was a trait she learned well from her father.
Not just any father...her bio dad didn't stay around for long. No she learned from her true dad who married her mom after the divorce. This man who just happened to be the divorce attorney...scooped up Vivian's mom and her...and gave everything he had to them. Unfortunately, the mother was a victim of a drunk driver and from six, he was her everything. Together they were a unit and one of the loves they shared was baseball. Over the years this father was her support system and the relationship they had was something any child would wish for....
SIDE NOTE
My mother Loved Baseball. As a kid, she would be take me out of school for opening day. We would get box tickets. Those moments have been some of my favorite memories of her.
Vivian takes three third grade classes from her school to a local Dodgers event where some of the players are there to sign autographs and shake hands. She is wrangling the kids and also getting signatures on a baseball for her father. It will be his surprise birthday gift and she almost has all 25 signatures. As she lines up for the elusive Dash Wallace, a whistle is blown and she will have to hurry to assist with the meals. Dash is signing the ball and looking at all of the signatures she has collected. He questions her about her motives and bringing the kids to the event. Vivian hears what he is asking but cannot believe what he is implying. She fires off a cutting comment and goes to handle the lunches.
What happens next is how life works... actions from one person bleed into the lives of others causing all sorts of things....
Dash Wallace is man who believes in rituals; most sports players do. Some never change socks during playoffs, some always wear a specific cap...some have been known to eat the same meals before a game... it can be any number of things. Dash Wallace had a few "things" which kept everything at bay... but slowly one by one, things were causing interference. Now he had a real problem; one of those third graders took his glove. He needed that glove...that specific glove back. Because it was more than a glove... it had something very special pinned inside....
Dash goes to the librarian's school. In his head, it is to get the glove back without a lot of fuss and publicity. Yet when he sees her, things he pushed down arise... like how he had noticed the other day how open and fresh her face was...and how her body cloaked in regular clothes was more intriguing to him then all the baseball groupies flaunting their wares. These two talk words out loud yet also have a separate conversation with their minds and bodies. He flirts a bit...she picks up on it and blushes...and then both exchange numbers with her promising to get the special glove back as best she can.
This is their start. There is so much layered just in this set up; the artistry of it all puts you exactly where you are supposed to be. Vivian has just recovered from a crappy, kinda boring relationship... her only one. The guy had dumped her, trying to make her feel as if she was the boring one and less than. It took time but she has been slowly coming out of hiding and ready to see what was out there. Vivian is a product of a blessed genetics; she is attractive and can feel good about herself. What she hasn't had, was a lover who set her free... who showed her how magical she was ...and to relish in it.
When Dash and Vivian first come together, all of the usual ways romance goes...get thrown out the window. This woman who loves baseball; understands it and is truly taken with this man, does the unthinkable. She holds her own... she realizes who she is...what she wants and what she can handle. Her recent life lesson from the icky ex has shown her what she can survive and what she thinks would be insurmountable. She let's Dash know, she will not play with him with a specific expiration date of Spring Training.
Dash for his part is a character you can't help but care for... he may seem at first a tad arrogant and like any sport guy with what is available to him...but actually he has so much more behind all the needed control. He valued Vivian; wished to show her the pleasures she never had had before...and did an excellent job in doing so.... each moment shared with us was C.D.Reiss perfection. No more needs to be said on that part of the romance.
As I said earlier, the secondary characters were anything but secondary. The father was magnificent; loving, funny, feisty and someone you would wish for. No matter how may sentences were given to another character, each had an impact to the story, showing it isn't the word count but how you use them. Even Shakespeare made an impact.
This book addresses so much of life. Our rituals; what we think is important...has influence, and finally understanding what love is and how it cause you to re-assess how you perceive everything.
C.D.Reiss pulled off a romance book about a sports figure and a regular person. She gave it the true flavor of what it would feel like, not the pretend fantasy and everything came together perfectly...You could say, she hit it out of the park.
~~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Just buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.
Yeah that was what it use to be....
Before Dash...
Before Vivian...
and before their coming together to play their own special games...
Hardball never looked and felt so good....
~~~~~~~~~~
Things which ring my bell....
A Little Kinky...
Oh yes, Sexy...
And a Large Dose of Dirty...
What makes this a special experience....
C.D. Reiss...
Yup, that right...Her...
Just as strong...
Just as great...
Just another side of that quick mind...
Hardball... coming March 2016
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * *
There are some stories that touch all the bases for you...Yes, I used a Baseball Metaphor...and then there are authors that can do exactly that, too. When you have the experience of both a unique story and it is written by an author who delivers a homerun..nope, couldn't resist...then I am in reader's heaven.
Hardball by C.D. Reiss had it all for me. It had the feel of Los Angeles...to the point where I felt I was driving to Dodger's Stadium myself. Every single reference to Los Angeles was absolutely on the money. From the description of the haze in the mornings to the way it feels driving parts of Sunset Boulevard alone where there is nothing but twists and turns. The descriptions weren't just thrown in to make it feel like where the story took place...Instead it was the essence of living there and being part of the lives of these characters.
And oh, the characters....all of them from the main focus of Vivian and Dash, to Vivian's father and even the useless old boyfriend....every single one was fully formed. They could walk off the page, have a conversation with you and you would feel comfortable knowing who they were.
This story covers so much....but in a way where it all flows together to make perfect sense.
You have this award winning, 3 time Golden Gloves Shortstop for the World Famous Los Angeles Dodgers, Dash Wallace. Now stop for a minute and let's just think about that ... This is a man dedicated and focused on a task which takes extreme discipline; which is central to his being. This man lives for the game, makes sure everything is centered to make success possible and controls whatever he can to have it all come together. He also has an added element which may either have helped him be as good as he is...or has cause a series of specific needs to keep everything on track.
Our gal, Vivian Foster is not the Model, Actress, TV Reality star or any other type of career person he would usually run across. Vivian is an East Hollywood School Librarian. This means she brings extra bags of apples for students who probably haven't had either breakfast before class or maybe don't qualify for the school lunch program. She supplies more than the knowledge of books; she supplies the comfort of care and concern for each of the students that pass through her doors...and it was a trait she learned well from her father.
Not just any father...her bio dad didn't stay around for long. No she learned from her true dad who married her mom after the divorce. This man who just happened to be the divorce attorney...scooped up Vivian's mom and her...and gave everything he had to them. Unfortunately, the mother was a victim of a drunk driver and from six, he was her everything. Together they were a unit and one of the loves they shared was baseball. Over the years this father was her support system and the relationship they had was something any child would wish for....
SIDE NOTE
My mother Loved Baseball. As a kid, she would be take me out of school for opening day. We would get box tickets. Those moments have been some of my favorite memories of her.
Vivian takes three third grade classes from her school to a local Dodgers event where some of the players are there to sign autographs and shake hands. She is wrangling the kids and also getting signatures on a baseball for her father. It will be his surprise birthday gift and she almost has all 25 signatures. As she lines up for the elusive Dash Wallace, a whistle is blown and she will have to hurry to assist with the meals. Dash is signing the ball and looking at all of the signatures she has collected. He questions her about her motives and bringing the kids to the event. Vivian hears what he is asking but cannot believe what he is implying. She fires off a cutting comment and goes to handle the lunches.
What happens next is how life works... actions from one person bleed into the lives of others causing all sorts of things....
Dash Wallace is man who believes in rituals; most sports players do. Some never change socks during playoffs, some always wear a specific cap...some have been known to eat the same meals before a game... it can be any number of things. Dash Wallace had a few "things" which kept everything at bay... but slowly one by one, things were causing interference. Now he had a real problem; one of those third graders took his glove. He needed that glove...that specific glove back. Because it was more than a glove... it had something very special pinned inside....
Dash goes to the librarian's school. In his head, it is to get the glove back without a lot of fuss and publicity. Yet when he sees her, things he pushed down arise... like how he had noticed the other day how open and fresh her face was...and how her body cloaked in regular clothes was more intriguing to him then all the baseball groupies flaunting their wares. These two talk words out loud yet also have a separate conversation with their minds and bodies. He flirts a bit...she picks up on it and blushes...and then both exchange numbers with her promising to get the special glove back as best she can.
This is their start. There is so much layered just in this set up; the artistry of it all puts you exactly where you are supposed to be. Vivian has just recovered from a crappy, kinda boring relationship... her only one. The guy had dumped her, trying to make her feel as if she was the boring one and less than. It took time but she has been slowly coming out of hiding and ready to see what was out there. Vivian is a product of a blessed genetics; she is attractive and can feel good about herself. What she hasn't had, was a lover who set her free... who showed her how magical she was ...and to relish in it.
When Dash and Vivian first come together, all of the usual ways romance goes...get thrown out the window. This woman who loves baseball; understands it and is truly taken with this man, does the unthinkable. She holds her own... she realizes who she is...what she wants and what she can handle. Her recent life lesson from the icky ex has shown her what she can survive and what she thinks would be insurmountable. She let's Dash know, she will not play with him with a specific expiration date of Spring Training.
Dash for his part is a character you can't help but care for... he may seem at first a tad arrogant and like any sport guy with what is available to him...but actually he has so much more behind all the needed control. He valued Vivian; wished to show her the pleasures she never had had before...and did an excellent job in doing so.... each moment shared with us was C.D.Reiss perfection. No more needs to be said on that part of the romance.
As I said earlier, the secondary characters were anything but secondary. The father was magnificent; loving, funny, feisty and someone you would wish for. No matter how may sentences were given to another character, each had an impact to the story, showing it isn't the word count but how you use them. Even Shakespeare made an impact.
This book addresses so much of life. Our rituals; what we think is important...has influence, and finally understanding what love is and how it cause you to re-assess how you perceive everything.
C.D.Reiss pulled off a romance book about a sports figure and a regular person. She gave it the true flavor of what it would feel like, not the pretend fantasy and everything came together perfectly...You could say, she hit it out of the park.
~~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Just buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.
Yeah that was what it use to be....
Before Dash...
Before Vivian...
and before their coming together to play their own special games...
Hardball never looked and felt so good....
~~~~~~~~~~
Things which ring my bell....
A Little Kinky...
Oh yes, Sexy...
And a Large Dose of Dirty...
What makes this a special experience....
C.D. Reiss...
Yup, that right...Her...
Just as strong...
Just as great...
Just another side of that quick mind...
Hardball... coming March 2016
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 28, 2016
5 Sensual Stars
Well well what can I say?? I haven't read Cd's work in a year #sigh why? I don't know, just one book leads to another and I've been batshitcrazy this year, butttt I've kept my eyes on this one. Being that Sports romance is a go to genre for me I wanted to see how one of my favourite authors took this in her own way... I'm happy I dived in cause boy is this book kind of refreshing, different, unique... Those are the kinds of words I'd describe this book...
This is about a Man whom needs control in his life, structure is how he lives ALWAYS!! It's how he breathes, how he understands HIMSELF and the world he lives in. And baseball is how he controls his urges.. Yet he bumps into Vivian the Librarian who he needs her help on finding a lucky charm that's in his glove that went missing, he needs her help and she's attracted to him in more ways than one...
DAH-UM
Vivian
Vivian is a quirky Librarian that absorbs literature and enjoys the likes of Shakespeare which by chances so does DASH. She's poetic, is loved by her step father and lives a normalish life, she has stability. But then Dash walks into her life and gahhhh she is eloquently striked by Dash's testosterone, she starts to enjoy Dash's ummCock
Qualities.. But above all she's a strong kickass heroine that holds her head up at all times.
Dash
Dash is what I'd describe as a flawed hero, he has many layers, he needs CONTROL just know that. Think Jonathan Drazen and think strength, that's what comes to mind with Dash. Cd has done what I love in her storytelling. In this book you'll have a Sports themed story done in a unique way. I LOVED IT! It's Poetic, it's sexy and raw... But it's also emotional at the same time..
So the question is will their lifestyles mix? Can they be a couple? Can they compromise? Overall this was a delicious mix of everything including the Shakespeare quotes which I adored and highlighted myself and the way Cd made me ride the story out with them.
Enjoy
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog tours
Well well what can I say?? I haven't read Cd's work in a year #sigh why? I don't know, just one book leads to another and I've been batshitcrazy this year, butttt I've kept my eyes on this one. Being that Sports romance is a go to genre for me I wanted to see how one of my favourite authors took this in her own way... I'm happy I dived in cause boy is this book kind of refreshing, different, unique... Those are the kinds of words I'd describe this book...
This is about a Man whom needs control in his life, structure is how he lives ALWAYS!! It's how he breathes, how he understands HIMSELF and the world he lives in. And baseball is how he controls his urges.. Yet he bumps into Vivian the Librarian who he needs her help on finding a lucky charm that's in his glove that went missing, he needs her help and she's attracted to him in more ways than one...
DAH-UM
Vivian
Vivian is a quirky Librarian that absorbs literature and enjoys the likes of Shakespeare which by chances so does DASH. She's poetic, is loved by her step father and lives a normalish life, she has stability. But then Dash walks into her life and gahhhh she is eloquently striked by Dash's testosterone, she starts to enjoy Dash's umm
Dash
Dash is what I'd describe as a flawed hero, he has many layers, he needs CONTROL just know that. Think Jonathan Drazen and think strength, that's what comes to mind with Dash. Cd has done what I love in her storytelling. In this book you'll have a Sports themed story done in a unique way. I LOVED IT! It's Poetic, it's sexy and raw... But it's also emotional at the same time..
So the question is will their lifestyles mix? Can they be a couple? Can they compromise? Overall this was a delicious mix of everything including the Shakespeare quotes which I adored and highlighted myself and the way Cd made me ride the story out with them.
Enjoy
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog tours
March 29, 2016
5 “I’ll walk the bases with you” STARS
I love sport romances and when I heard one of my fave authors was bringing us a baseball romance story, this girl was super excited.
Dash Wallace, heartthrob and short stop for the LA Dodgers was everything I'd hoped he'd be. Sweet, adorable, sexy, kinky, dirty-mouth Alpha and flawed.
Vivian Foster is every woman. She's a librarian with bills to pay, a father to care for, heartbreaks and insecurities. And this lucky lady, catches the eye of Dashiell Wallace.
Being an athlete, Dash has his superstitions like many do and things are starting to slide. His encounter with Vivian not only shakes things up but could also be answers to his prayers. He's got his rules, his routines all for the sake of the game. Could Viv be a part of that? Or is she more?
Dash and Viv were refreshing, fun and hot! Dash opens Vivian to new experiences, pushes her limits and Viv becomes his anchor in more ways than he`d ever imagined.
This was a wonderful read. I loved the Shakespeare quotes/references, their mutual love of reading and the evolution of their relationship. CD is such a poetic writer and the imagery, metaphors and story telling was flawless. Highly recommend this!
**ARC generously provided by CD Reiss in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
---------------------------------------------------
I'm seriously ready to play ball...Dash Wallace can run my bases ANY DAY!
Release date: March 29th, 2016
Pre-order:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1OQ5x6w
NOOK: http://bit.ly/1PccpqQ
iBOOKS: http://apple.co/1PccudW
I love sport romances and when I heard one of my fave authors was bringing us a baseball romance story, this girl was super excited.
Dash Wallace, heartthrob and short stop for the LA Dodgers was everything I'd hoped he'd be. Sweet, adorable, sexy, kinky, dirty-mouth Alpha and flawed.
Vivian Foster is every woman. She's a librarian with bills to pay, a father to care for, heartbreaks and insecurities. And this lucky lady, catches the eye of Dashiell Wallace.
Being an athlete, Dash has his superstitions like many do and things are starting to slide. His encounter with Vivian not only shakes things up but could also be answers to his prayers. He's got his rules, his routines all for the sake of the game. Could Viv be a part of that? Or is she more?
Dash and Viv were refreshing, fun and hot! Dash opens Vivian to new experiences, pushes her limits and Viv becomes his anchor in more ways than he`d ever imagined.
This was a wonderful read. I loved the Shakespeare quotes/references, their mutual love of reading and the evolution of their relationship. CD is such a poetic writer and the imagery, metaphors and story telling was flawless. Highly recommend this!
**ARC generously provided by CD Reiss in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
---------------------------------------------------
I'm seriously ready to play ball...Dash Wallace can run my bases ANY DAY!
Release date: March 29th, 2016
Pre-order:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1OQ5x6w
NOOK: http://bit.ly/1PccpqQ
iBOOKS: http://apple.co/1PccudW
March 31, 2016
Dash Wallace is the star shortstop for the LA Dodgers, multi-time MVP and Golden Glove winner and is now hot on the heels of librarian to the underprivileged. Oh, and he’s perfect. Like P.E.R.F.E.C.T.
Told from both Viv’s and Dash’s point of view, we get the inside look into both of these characters. And what I loved the most about that shift in perspectives – that we get them at the right moments. We get the most impact from each scene and this is something that for me has always stood out for me when it comes to Christine’s writing. It’s purposeful. If you need to be in that character’s shoes to feel the full impact of that moment, that is where you are going to be.
I am going to really try to not include any or a million baseball puns, I really am. I might fail. But oh, well. That’s life right? So, back to this book and the yummy goodness that was found overflowing from the pages.
Hardball is a contemporary sports romance, but don’t worry my kinky friends, because Dash is not vanilla at all. This particular story sort of had two parts, maybe even three. So I am going to try to capture my reactions to those particular parts and stay away from the story aspects, which is best for you all to experience firsthand.
Dash had some battles of his own to overcome and I loved that these weren’t swept under the rug or over explained. We got to experience them. It was honest, brutally. Dash didn’t have the benefit of disclosure, he had to cope and he had to deal. And I loved that as a reader, I was tossed right in, forced to get my bearings. It made me feel that much closer to Dash in the end. I loved that it felt chaotic at times because I was able to enjoy the peaceful times that much more. I was able to see the highs, lows, fast and slows all in real time.
This set the conflicts up perfectly. I loved that this was the choice for the author. I loved that it was something that wasn’t simple, I loved that it was something that is not really addressed by the characters the right way. And although at times, Dash had me pulling my hair out, if I reasoned it out, I could understand it.
Now to the love story. The emotions that pull on that beating blob in your chest. We get an instant attraction for these two, but I adored that Viv was level headed and smart. She knew what a man like Dash could do to her heart. I loved that she stood her ground, and that she didn’t just give in to his every whim because he was DASH WALLACE. I loved that she still had to give in to the attraction, but did so with her wits about her. These two, together had a rhythm. It felt natural. It felt like two best friends were made overnight and for me as a reader what I took away from that was longing, on both their parts. The way they both just fell into a fluid relationship – like they both were just waiting for the other to come along. It had nothing to do with the relationship being easy or uncomplicated, it was just because it was right.
There is a particular moment in this book were all those swoons and butterflies turned on me and I had what might have been a mild panic attack. I don’t think I took a steady breath for the whole chapter, I know that I broke out in a little bit of a sweat. I read a sentence. I stopped. I gave myself a pep talk and read that same sentence again, then did that for a few or twenty minutes. It was devastation in it's purest form. It was getting choked up one moment and spitting nails mad the next. I was feeling everything. It was the high and the low, it was the utter fear that was palpable. It was the unraveling of everything that was order and routine. It was the unknown and it was risk and it was terrifying.
Sometimes the best parts of a romance are the moments that hurt the most. Because that shows you exactly how much the author made you love the characters. How invested you are in them. I was invested. I was a bona fide stockholder in Dash & Viv.
And lastly (because I really need to wrap this up), the writing of these characters and their emotions. This story is driven by the characters and their experiences. You don’t get phony dramatic moments. You get moments that fit their story. That fit them. And you get stunning writing. You don’t read a book that Christine writes, you experience it. In full color, in 3D with surround sound. These words come to life before your eyes and you live in color for a few hours when everything else appears in black and white.
Hardball is a venture into the world of contemporary romance for an author who has a steady fan base in her more erotic works, but I think I can speak for fans of this author when I say that, if she writes it – we will read it. And we will love it.
Hardball was so much more than I expected (and I expected a lot). I knew I’d get the experience of reading poetry in motion when it came to her style. I knew that I’d get a hot leading man and a strong woman. But the feelings this story evoked could not have been predicted. From the first kiss that left me panting and wanting more to the very last shared kiss where I felt like my heart was ten times bigger than it was when I started the book – every moment in between the first word and the very last spelled out perfection.
Told from both Viv’s and Dash’s point of view, we get the inside look into both of these characters. And what I loved the most about that shift in perspectives – that we get them at the right moments. We get the most impact from each scene and this is something that for me has always stood out for me when it comes to Christine’s writing. It’s purposeful. If you need to be in that character’s shoes to feel the full impact of that moment, that is where you are going to be.
I am going to really try to not include any or a million baseball puns, I really am. I might fail. But oh, well. That’s life right? So, back to this book and the yummy goodness that was found overflowing from the pages.
Hardball is a contemporary sports romance, but don’t worry my kinky friends, because Dash is not vanilla at all. This particular story sort of had two parts, maybe even three. So I am going to try to capture my reactions to those particular parts and stay away from the story aspects, which is best for you all to experience firsthand.
Dash had some battles of his own to overcome and I loved that these weren’t swept under the rug or over explained. We got to experience them. It was honest, brutally. Dash didn’t have the benefit of disclosure, he had to cope and he had to deal. And I loved that as a reader, I was tossed right in, forced to get my bearings. It made me feel that much closer to Dash in the end. I loved that it felt chaotic at times because I was able to enjoy the peaceful times that much more. I was able to see the highs, lows, fast and slows all in real time.
This set the conflicts up perfectly. I loved that this was the choice for the author. I loved that it was something that wasn’t simple, I loved that it was something that is not really addressed by the characters the right way. And although at times, Dash had me pulling my hair out, if I reasoned it out, I could understand it.
Now to the love story. The emotions that pull on that beating blob in your chest. We get an instant attraction for these two, but I adored that Viv was level headed and smart. She knew what a man like Dash could do to her heart. I loved that she stood her ground, and that she didn’t just give in to his every whim because he was DASH WALLACE. I loved that she still had to give in to the attraction, but did so with her wits about her. These two, together had a rhythm. It felt natural. It felt like two best friends were made overnight and for me as a reader what I took away from that was longing, on both their parts. The way they both just fell into a fluid relationship – like they both were just waiting for the other to come along. It had nothing to do with the relationship being easy or uncomplicated, it was just because it was right.
There is a particular moment in this book were all those swoons and butterflies turned on me and I had what might have been a mild panic attack. I don’t think I took a steady breath for the whole chapter, I know that I broke out in a little bit of a sweat. I read a sentence. I stopped. I gave myself a pep talk and read that same sentence again, then did that for a few or twenty minutes. It was devastation in it's purest form. It was getting choked up one moment and spitting nails mad the next. I was feeling everything. It was the high and the low, it was the utter fear that was palpable. It was the unraveling of everything that was order and routine. It was the unknown and it was risk and it was terrifying.
Sometimes the best parts of a romance are the moments that hurt the most. Because that shows you exactly how much the author made you love the characters. How invested you are in them. I was invested. I was a bona fide stockholder in Dash & Viv.
And lastly (because I really need to wrap this up), the writing of these characters and their emotions. This story is driven by the characters and their experiences. You don’t get phony dramatic moments. You get moments that fit their story. That fit them. And you get stunning writing. You don’t read a book that Christine writes, you experience it. In full color, in 3D with surround sound. These words come to life before your eyes and you live in color for a few hours when everything else appears in black and white.
Hardball is a venture into the world of contemporary romance for an author who has a steady fan base in her more erotic works, but I think I can speak for fans of this author when I say that, if she writes it – we will read it. And we will love it.
Hardball was so much more than I expected (and I expected a lot). I knew I’d get the experience of reading poetry in motion when it came to her style. I knew that I’d get a hot leading man and a strong woman. But the feelings this story evoked could not have been predicted. From the first kiss that left me panting and wanting more to the very last shared kiss where I felt like my heart was ten times bigger than it was when I started the book – every moment in between the first word and the very last spelled out perfection.
February 13, 2016
This is my book. I love it and I CANNOT WAIT to release it.
Dash is a little kinky, a lot dirty, and sexy 'til Tuesday. He's a genius on the field and his batting average in bed hovers around...well...let's just say he bats a thousand between the sheets.
Vivian is unlike any heroine I've written before. Her talent isn't her music or her camera. She's not a secret savage or a celebutante swaggering out of clubs with both middle fingers extended.
Her talent is her HEART. She's a librarian at a school. She loves children and her dad. She's strong in ways that I think we all can relate to and I can't tell you how refreshing it was to write someone so different.
Please join me on 3/29 for the release of this sexy standalone, and join CD's Canaries for what is sure to be an epic buddy read. :)
Dash is a little kinky, a lot dirty, and sexy 'til Tuesday. He's a genius on the field and his batting average in bed hovers around...well...let's just say he bats a thousand between the sheets.
Vivian is unlike any heroine I've written before. Her talent isn't her music or her camera. She's not a secret savage or a celebutante swaggering out of clubs with both middle fingers extended.
Her talent is her HEART. She's a librarian at a school. She loves children and her dad. She's strong in ways that I think we all can relate to and I can't tell you how refreshing it was to write someone so different.
Please join me on 3/29 for the release of this sexy standalone, and join CD's Canaries for what is sure to be an epic buddy read. :)
March 23, 2016
5 “Bring it Home” Stars
Equal Parts Sweet + Equal Parts Sexy = Loving This Book Hard!!!
This book is incredibly perfect. During my entire reading bliss, this book just kept me smiling and perfectly happy. There is the right amount of drama, there is the right amount of sass, there is the right amount of tenderness and there is the right amount of love. This book is a book that every lover of romance should read- where the "Prince Charming Baseball Player" falls for the sweet, kind, cute librarian!!! It is just a Super Sweet Sexy Read and if you are a fan of beautifully written contemporary romance then this book will meet and exceed every wonderful and magical thought possible.
Dash Wallace is the All American Baseball God. He has his superstitious ritual and has ADHD. He's perfect on the outside but inside he's a mess. Vivian Foster is a sweet, caring, cute librarian. She's not flashy and family is important to her. They are not a perfect pair but they are a pair who makes each other laugh, who can talk to one another and ignite a fire in each other. Love isn't always perfect, you have to work and make sacrifices and in the end, if you can think of the other person first, then you know you have found that special love. The journey of Dash and Vivian is very fun, sweet, kind, sexy and spot on. It's a journey that felt real and wonderful.
Christine Reiss writes beautifully loving words. They are cute, sassy and sexy. All together, they create a magical story of new beginnings and one that makes you believe that happy ever after really can come true!!! I absolutely loved and if you are a fan of exquisitely well written love stories, then Hardball will be a home run for you!!!!
Advanced copy given by author in exchange for an honest review
Equal Parts Sweet + Equal Parts Sexy = Loving This Book Hard!!!
This book is incredibly perfect. During my entire reading bliss, this book just kept me smiling and perfectly happy. There is the right amount of drama, there is the right amount of sass, there is the right amount of tenderness and there is the right amount of love. This book is a book that every lover of romance should read- where the "Prince Charming Baseball Player" falls for the sweet, kind, cute librarian!!! It is just a Super Sweet Sexy Read and if you are a fan of beautifully written contemporary romance then this book will meet and exceed every wonderful and magical thought possible.
Dash Wallace is the All American Baseball God. He has his superstitious ritual and has ADHD. He's perfect on the outside but inside he's a mess. Vivian Foster is a sweet, caring, cute librarian. She's not flashy and family is important to her. They are not a perfect pair but they are a pair who makes each other laugh, who can talk to one another and ignite a fire in each other. Love isn't always perfect, you have to work and make sacrifices and in the end, if you can think of the other person first, then you know you have found that special love. The journey of Dash and Vivian is very fun, sweet, kind, sexy and spot on. It's a journey that felt real and wonderful.
Christine Reiss writes beautifully loving words. They are cute, sassy and sexy. All together, they create a magical story of new beginnings and one that makes you believe that happy ever after really can come true!!! I absolutely loved and if you are a fan of exquisitely well written love stories, then Hardball will be a home run for you!!!!
Advanced copy given by author in exchange for an honest review
March 29, 2016
Vivian is just a regular girl, she works as a librarian at an elementary school. She is actually working when she meets Dash Wallace, the famous short stop player. Vivian and her father are huge baseball fans, so she is very excited to meet the team as part of a field trip.
Dash lives his life following these small superstitious. Every decision he makes follows a strict routine, he is terrified of upsetting the balance in his life. When circumstances bring Dash and Vivian back together he finds it hard to just let her go, but he can’t really offer her more or it would throw off his carefully balanced routine.
Vivian and Dash are such a great couple because they both grow with each other and I love that in stories. Naturally this book is plenty hot and sexy like all of Reiss’s books. I literally enjoyed every word and moment between Dash and Vivian. Their connection was fun, sexy and addictive.
What truly blew my mind and really just amazed me was how well Dash was written. Dash suffers from ADHD and I swear reading his parts I could really see and feel this, I could imagine his struggles and really empathize with him. To me Reiss just took writing the male POV to the next level.
We all know Reiss can deliver sexy, suspenseful and beautifully written stories, but I just love it when she writes these fun sexy reads. Hardball is definitely one of my favorite sports romance books.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
Dash lives his life following these small superstitious. Every decision he makes follows a strict routine, he is terrified of upsetting the balance in his life. When circumstances bring Dash and Vivian back together he finds it hard to just let her go, but he can’t really offer her more or it would throw off his carefully balanced routine.
Vivian and Dash are such a great couple because they both grow with each other and I love that in stories. Naturally this book is plenty hot and sexy like all of Reiss’s books. I literally enjoyed every word and moment between Dash and Vivian. Their connection was fun, sexy and addictive.
What truly blew my mind and really just amazed me was how well Dash was written. Dash suffers from ADHD and I swear reading his parts I could really see and feel this, I could imagine his struggles and really empathize with him. To me Reiss just took writing the male POV to the next level.
We all know Reiss can deliver sexy, suspenseful and beautifully written stories, but I just love it when she writes these fun sexy reads. Hardball is definitely one of my favorite sports romance books.
"I own the world with you by my side."
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
April 4, 2016
4 “Sweetapple” Stars.
Vivian is a normal woman, living life day by day, working and taking care of her father. The last things she expects is to be in the eyesight of a baseball player because she knows she’s the “girl next door” and not the type of girl that pro athletes usually go for. Until she is.
But despite his feelings for Vivian Dash isn’t looking for something serious and he’s less than willing to give up on his very rigid habits for the heroine. What he wasn’t expecting was for the fact that sometimes when you fall in love, priorities change.
This was a sexy and sweet book, and if you like sports romance this will be right up your alley. There was some moments that really angered me, but what I like about this author is how she creates flawed characters, that make mistakes and always manage to turn it around and give it an amazing twist. This is an emotional (but not an angst fest, which you’ll probably be happy to know), sexy and romantic story and some really nice elements that brought some drama, as expected, and some profoundness to the story.
If you’re a sports romance fan, I definitely recommend this one.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Vivian was a sweet heroine and I liked how she stood up for herself and didn’t run towards the hero when he fucked up. Dash was a sexy and nice hero, and despite some moments where I wanted to beat him, I really liked the relationship between them.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Vivian is a normal woman, living life day by day, working and taking care of her father. The last things she expects is to be in the eyesight of a baseball player because she knows she’s the “girl next door” and not the type of girl that pro athletes usually go for. Until she is.
But despite his feelings for Vivian Dash isn’t looking for something serious and he’s less than willing to give up on his very rigid habits for the heroine. What he wasn’t expecting was for the fact that sometimes when you fall in love, priorities change.
This was a sexy and sweet book, and if you like sports romance this will be right up your alley. There was some moments that really angered me, but what I like about this author is how she creates flawed characters, that make mistakes and always manage to turn it around and give it an amazing twist. This is an emotional (but not an angst fest, which you’ll probably be happy to know), sexy and romantic story and some really nice elements that brought some drama, as expected, and some profoundness to the story.
If you’re a sports romance fan, I definitely recommend this one.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Vivian was a sweet heroine and I liked how she stood up for herself and didn’t run towards the hero when he fucked up. Dash was a sexy and nice hero, and despite some moments where I wanted to beat him, I really liked the relationship between them.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
April 2, 2016
4 'Apple Dash' Stars!
I have been waiting for C. D. Reiss's new book since she announced it. I am a big fan of her Songs of Submission series and I knew this would be a little bit different from her other works but still, she created a fantastic sports-romance novel!
HardBall is a stand-alone book and it tells the story of Dashiel 'Dash' Wallace (a misterious but very famous baseball player who is known for his skills in the field and in the bedroom) and Vivian Foster (a normal woman working as a librarian that changes everything for Dash when she appears in his life).
Here’s the thing about Dashiell Wallace: he was physically perfect. Six two and a half. Proportioned by DaVinci and sculpted by Michelangelo.
The first thing I imagined was pinning her under me, holding her hands over her head, immobilizing her while she came.
I really enjoyed this theme change in Reiss's work. I always enjoy sports romance and this was no exception. I loved the story behind both main characters, their chemistry and the relationships they have with people around them. Vivian is a sassy but shy heroine, she has a great relationship with her father and Dash is different from any other hero I have read. He is a kinky, kind of sweet and flawed man that stole my heart!
She was in my invigorated muscles and the ache in my arms, and the harder I pushed, the harder she did.
Obviously, Dash and Vivian have crazy chemistry and they give us many hot, funny, adorable and even sad-angsty moments! They have a very especial relationship and they really grew on me. Who wouldn't with those amazing sex scenes? ;)
Dash Wallace, who could leap ten feet for a line drive and hit anything thrown at him, who was a mysterious and graceful figure in a billion-dollar sport, had given me the orgasm of my life.
“Your body is nectar to me. Taste it.”
“I can’t decide how to fuck you,” he said. “I want to take you in every position. I want to fuck you like an animal and a saint.”
“Today. Now. You’re mine, you beautiful thing. No one else is going to have you.”
Oh, did I mention Dash is a fan of Shakespeare? He is very romantic and very poetic with that! I loved his sugary poems and the discussions the couple has about books (I want a boyfriend like that! Especially if the arguments finish in the sexy way they do in this novel lol). Vivian and Dash are both book lovers and that made me so happy!
I can’t wait to get my mouth on your cunt tonight.
Is that from Hamlet?
Shakespeare didn’t have enough words to describe how delicious you are.
There was only one thing that, in the beginning, I did not get a kick out of: the writing. I love C. D. Reiss but it took a little of time for me to get used to the writing style in HardBall. It's very different, especially when you are reading Dash's POV and it changes constantly. However, I totally understand why she did that, it was really well done and I adapted to it. She is a fabulous writer!
I was a small man in a big world I didn’t understand. A fool and a fraud. A gambler whose luck had run out. I was a meaningless ball of thoughts and fears with no control over the way my life unfurled.
But with her, I wasn’t afraid.
Therefore, my rating for HardBall is 4 STARS because I really enjoyed this different and super-sexy love story and the incredible characters that Reiss has created, especially Dash Wallace. If you have or have not read anything by hers, I recommend you check out this book, especially if you are a sports fan!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
I have been waiting for C. D. Reiss's new book since she announced it. I am a big fan of her Songs of Submission series and I knew this would be a little bit different from her other works but still, she created a fantastic sports-romance novel!
HardBall is a stand-alone book and it tells the story of Dashiel 'Dash' Wallace (a misterious but very famous baseball player who is known for his skills in the field and in the bedroom) and Vivian Foster (a normal woman working as a librarian that changes everything for Dash when she appears in his life).
Here’s the thing about Dashiell Wallace: he was physically perfect. Six two and a half. Proportioned by DaVinci and sculpted by Michelangelo.
The first thing I imagined was pinning her under me, holding her hands over her head, immobilizing her while she came.
I really enjoyed this theme change in Reiss's work. I always enjoy sports romance and this was no exception. I loved the story behind both main characters, their chemistry and the relationships they have with people around them. Vivian is a sassy but shy heroine, she has a great relationship with her father and Dash is different from any other hero I have read. He is a kinky, kind of sweet and flawed man that stole my heart!
She was in my invigorated muscles and the ache in my arms, and the harder I pushed, the harder she did.
Obviously, Dash and Vivian have crazy chemistry and they give us many hot, funny, adorable and even sad-angsty moments! They have a very especial relationship and they really grew on me. Who wouldn't with those amazing sex scenes? ;)
Dash Wallace, who could leap ten feet for a line drive and hit anything thrown at him, who was a mysterious and graceful figure in a billion-dollar sport, had given me the orgasm of my life.
“Your body is nectar to me. Taste it.”
“I can’t decide how to fuck you,” he said. “I want to take you in every position. I want to fuck you like an animal and a saint.”
“Today. Now. You’re mine, you beautiful thing. No one else is going to have you.”
Oh, did I mention Dash is a fan of Shakespeare? He is very romantic and very poetic with that! I loved his sugary poems and the discussions the couple has about books (I want a boyfriend like that! Especially if the arguments finish in the sexy way they do in this novel lol). Vivian and Dash are both book lovers and that made me so happy!
I can’t wait to get my mouth on your cunt tonight.
Is that from Hamlet?
Shakespeare didn’t have enough words to describe how delicious you are.
There was only one thing that, in the beginning, I did not get a kick out of: the writing. I love C. D. Reiss but it took a little of time for me to get used to the writing style in HardBall. It's very different, especially when you are reading Dash's POV and it changes constantly. However, I totally understand why she did that, it was really well done and I adapted to it. She is a fabulous writer!
I was a small man in a big world I didn’t understand. A fool and a fraud. A gambler whose luck had run out. I was a meaningless ball of thoughts and fears with no control over the way my life unfurled.
But with her, I wasn’t afraid.
Therefore, my rating for HardBall is 4 STARS because I really enjoyed this different and super-sexy love story and the incredible characters that Reiss has created, especially Dash Wallace. If you have or have not read anything by hers, I recommend you check out this book, especially if you are a sports fan!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
March 29, 2016
LIVE AMAZON amzn.to/22Ko5Oa
5 AMAZING STARS <3 <3 <3
I have to admit, that I picked this book up without reading the blurb, and I’m still surprised by how much I loved it!! And when I say, I loved it, it's with complete honesty, because I couldn't put it down and I was constantly swooning! C.D. Reiss really surprised me, in such a good way, considering since I didn't really enjoy her latest book! But this one had exactly what I needed!!It was emotional and hot.
He is the sexy star shortstop for the LA Dodgers...she is just a regular girl..but when these two meet none of this matters. Their attraction is obvious and when they have to meet again, things really get interesting!!
I absolutely loved reading this story! Vivian is strong, smart and sweet. She is so down to earth, I could easily relate to her character. And Dash is cocky, confident, funny and super hot!!He is the perfect type of guy, and exactly what I was looking for in this story. I loved their connection and it felt natural how these two start from being friends then becoming something more. There were so many steamy moments between them that had me swooning.
Definitely one of my favorite books for this year!! I'm looking forward to seeing what C.D. Reiss has in store for us!! I highly recommend it to everyone!!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
5 AMAZING STARS <3 <3 <3
I have to admit, that I picked this book up without reading the blurb, and I’m still surprised by how much I loved it!! And when I say, I loved it, it's with complete honesty, because I couldn't put it down and I was constantly swooning! C.D. Reiss really surprised me, in such a good way, considering since I didn't really enjoy her latest book! But this one had exactly what I needed!!It was emotional and hot.
He is the sexy star shortstop for the LA Dodgers...she is just a regular girl..but when these two meet none of this matters. Their attraction is obvious and when they have to meet again, things really get interesting!!
I absolutely loved reading this story! Vivian is strong, smart and sweet. She is so down to earth, I could easily relate to her character. And Dash is cocky, confident, funny and super hot!!He is the perfect type of guy, and exactly what I was looking for in this story. I loved their connection and it felt natural how these two start from being friends then becoming something more. There were so many steamy moments between them that had me swooning.
Definitely one of my favorite books for this year!! I'm looking forward to seeing what C.D. Reiss has in store for us!! I highly recommend it to everyone!!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
May 4, 2016
I love to create artwork for my reviews for Christine because her words are always so beautiful. I never feel like I can convey, with my words, the love I have for her amazing words. As I look at the art I’ve created for this review I realize the words and feelings are powerful but not as scorching hot as some of my other reviews. Make no mistake, this book is HOT! No one combines Hot and Heart the way CD Reiss does.
It’s every woman’s fantasy to be the object of desire of a rich/powerful/famous man. Pick me, notice me! And that happens for Vivian. Vivian is so strong, she’s got a great heart. I love Christine’s heroines, they’re real, they’re always women you want to know. Even though they are in extraordinary circumstances, they handle them in a very real and believable way. She doesn’t abandon herself for Dash and I loved that.
The smell of him. Testosterone and musk and the leather of a worn-out ball. He was rougher after a workout. More passionate. Less talking. More bending, twisting, grabbing. He growled lower and fucked harder. I couldn’t come enough to satisfy him.
Even though Dash is a dreamy baseball star, he’s also very real. Christine didn’t shy away from making him flawed. I loved that Dash’s superstitions made him so real and my heart ached for him.
Getting a girl like Vivian to kneel when I told her to would be difficult, and feel that good. But I didn’t have space in my life to be master of two domains. And I wasn’t giving up the field.
I will read anything Christine writes she’s amazing. She is the gold standard. As she explores new characters and worlds the beauty of her writing remains the same.
It’s every woman’s fantasy to be the object of desire of a rich/powerful/famous man. Pick me, notice me! And that happens for Vivian. Vivian is so strong, she’s got a great heart. I love Christine’s heroines, they’re real, they’re always women you want to know. Even though they are in extraordinary circumstances, they handle them in a very real and believable way. She doesn’t abandon herself for Dash and I loved that.
The smell of him. Testosterone and musk and the leather of a worn-out ball. He was rougher after a workout. More passionate. Less talking. More bending, twisting, grabbing. He growled lower and fucked harder. I couldn’t come enough to satisfy him.
Even though Dash is a dreamy baseball star, he’s also very real. Christine didn’t shy away from making him flawed. I loved that Dash’s superstitions made him so real and my heart ached for him.
Getting a girl like Vivian to kneel when I told her to would be difficult, and feel that good. But I didn’t have space in my life to be master of two domains. And I wasn’t giving up the field.
I will read anything Christine writes she’s amazing. She is the gold standard. As she explores new characters and worlds the beauty of her writing remains the same.
March 29, 2016
5+ Perfect Erotic-Sports-Romance Stars!
When I heard the news that CD Reiss was writing a novel centered around a Major League Baseball player, I didn't believe it. No freaking way! Life couldn't get any better for
I think I counted the days till this book hit my kindle (I know- loserville). CD Reiss can seriously write the hottest damn dominant alphas without even having to call him an Alpha or a Dom...they just open their mouths and
But I digress...
Dash Wallace is a star short stop for the LA Dodgers. He's a bit of an unknown in regards to his personal life as he refuses all on-camera interviews. When he meets a feisty elementary school librarian at a school field-trip ball signing, he's taken back by her lack of swooning for him. At the ball signing she offers her ball for Dash to autograph...
“It’s for my dad. He’s the most loyal living Dodger fan.” He found a spot and signed while he spoke.
“You brought all these kids out here to get this signed for your dad?”
“Thank you. If it was too much trouble to sign without an insult, you shouldn’t have bothered. My dad probably wouldn’t notice it was missing.”
When Dash's prized baseball glove goes missing after the signing event, Dash finds himself visiting that snarky librarian on the hunt for it. The glove is irreplaceable for him. It's not about money but all about luck...about rituals. Everything with Dash is methodical to keep him on his game. Losing that glove will throw his rhythm off and nobody wants his luck to run out. But little does he know, he's embarking on a whole new list of priorities in his life once he sets eyes on Vivian again. She's not a groupie fangirl... She's normal and he doesn't know what hits him...
Here's the thing with CD Reiss- she's consistent in a lot of things, all being good. First, her heroines are always pretty damn tough. Even if some of them are a hot mess (Fiona Drazen in Forbidden), they're tough. They're confident and even if they're inexperienced sexually, they're no shrinking violets in or out of the bedroom.
Second, her heroes are beyond masculine and hot without really even trying. And holy mother of dirty talker and texters! So many books try to paint us an Alpha. With Reiss, we experience it in technicolor. Her writing, poetic and beautiful just further strengthens her ability to fall into her plots wholeheartedly. Dash Wallace almost, almost beats my Jonathan Drazen for favorite heroes. Why? Obviously his demeanor and his athletic physique but also because of his flaws... and who doesn't love a perfectly flawed hero? He sure makes up for it in...other ways.
Baseball is bar-none my favorite sport and I look forward to each springtime not only for the snow to finally melt but the chance to see professional baseball on TV, watch my kids play, or go to the ballpark. It's the definition of "summertime" for me. Reiss nailed baseball in this book. The terms, the plays, the rituals, superstitions, everything! Rock. On. She takes a famous, put together on the surface major league ball player and makes him human in his struggles. Makes him struggle for perfection in his game all the while trying to hold a relationship together while playing over 150 games a season. I completely devoured this aspect of Hard Ball.
But can Vivian Foster be what Dash needs? And at what cost to his focus on his career? Or at what expense to Vivian's career and family?
Hard Ball is just everything...entertaining, a bit angsty, hot as heck, with a great sports-romance cherry on top! She hit it out of the ballpark with this one! I know, that was cheesy but I couldn't resist.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2016
5 “Sweetapple” Stars!!!
Vivian Foster is a school librarian and a huge Dodgers fan. As part of a birthday gift for her father, Vivian is trying to get the entire team to sign a baseball to commemorate their winning season. It isn’t until a school field trip is scheduled to visit a park during a team appearance when she is able to secure a few of the last autographs, but Vivian also has a chance encounter with none other than the all-star playing and highly private shortstop, Dash Wallace.
“He handed the ball back without blowing on it. I’d wanted to see that. I’d wanted the little second of delay it would cause, and the warmth of his breath on something I was going to touch.”
Dash is absolute athletic perfection and has all the right moves on or off the field! When Vivian first meets Dash, she knows he’s known to be aloof but then she starts to wonder if he was actually showing interest. As she contemplates their encounter, Dash contacts Vivian in hopes of finding an item that was taken from the park the day of the field trip. Vivian cannot deny that she is physically attracted to Dash, but as they continue to see each other unexpected places, they start to build a friendship and find more than they had ever hoped. And, let me tell you, Dash can deliver some serious steam with that dirty mouth of his and I loved every single word! lol! The chemistry between Dash and Vivian was electric.
“I want to take you in every position. I want to fuck you like an animal and a saint. I want to keep you on the brink for an hour and take four orgasms from you.”
For me, Vivian’s character was easy to like, as she self-less with her students and gives so much to her family and friends. Moreover, she was never a doormat or sappy fangirl to Dash’s baseball player status - she always viewed him as a person first instead of his public persona. Adding to Dash’s charm was his own challenge of coping with ADD. Over the years, he learned how to keep centered and to maintain a routine. Many baseball players are known to be very superstitious about rituals or lucky charms - if something works and you’re on a winning streak, don’t rock the boat! For Dash, he did have a lucky charm that calmed his insecure thoughts, but he learned that sometimes these routines do need to be modified and to open his heart to new possibilities.
“But the most important was that with her, I felt loved. Really loved. All of Me. The non-medicated, not-charming, awkward son of a bitch who read too much and had learned to juggle balls to calm down.”
It isn’t a secret that C.D. Reiss is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style always appears effortlessly engaging which allows the reader to be fully immersed in her book’s world. Hardball offers a romantic and heartwarming story between two characters that deserve a chance at love. I highly recommend it!
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
April 2, 2016
Guilty pleasure for sports romances fans!
About the plot: Vivian and Dash met while signing balls event for the underprivileged children of East Hollywood. She is an ordinary girl who works in the school library and is a big baseball fan. Dash is a mysterious sport star of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. Their meeting ended with misunderstanding, and in addition someone stole his glove during this. He decided not to make a big fuss about it, and personally goes to visit the sexy librarian.
Vivian is surprised by the whole situation, but she wants to help him find his glove. Especially when she learns that in that glove was a pin from his dead sister. The whole matter allows them get to know each other better and develop a chemistry which was with them from the beginning.
But Dash only wants to heve this relationship until spring training starts and she isn't material for a fling. He will have to rethink his own rules and rituals, and decide whether allow a woman to step between him and his game.
Final thoughts: This book has a lot of factors that make it really great. Firstly, excellent chemistry between the main characters. It's sizzling and steaming from the outset. And Dash is a hero, which I personally very much like. He's alpha male with his control and rules, but also is charming and sweet. I don't always understand his thinking but his belief in superstitions and not himself melted my heart. Dash personality also has a big impact and reflected in the bed scenes. They are kinky and on the brink of BDSM, but everything is hot and steaming with a great amount of passion and not disturbing.
The story is funny but also has a lot of angst. Some things and situations are not immediately easy and simple. The heroes must grow up to certain decisions and solid relationship. They are developing their relationship in many areas and that's fantastic to read.
It's definitely a book for fans of sports romances, because is worth noting that there is a lot of references to sport. It is written wisely and with great knowledge. I'm impressed.
In conclusion it was my first book of C.D. Reiss and I hope that I will be able to read more. Because it is very hot and captivating superbly written story, to which gladly I could return even today.
***Quick Review:***
Series: Standalone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance. Sports Romance.
Release Date: March 29th 2016
Main characters: Vivian Foster, twenty-four, school librarian. Dash Wallace, Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star.
Secondary characters: There are a few supporting characters, but they do not have big influence on the story.
Location: Los Angeles.
Steamy:
Sensitive topic:
Love triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Next in the series? No. Standalone.
If I'd recommend? Yes. Especially if you like steamy and kinky sport romance with some angst and uncertainty.
***
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Thank you!
About the plot: Vivian and Dash met while signing balls event for the underprivileged children of East Hollywood. She is an ordinary girl who works in the school library and is a big baseball fan. Dash is a mysterious sport star of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. Their meeting ended with misunderstanding, and in addition someone stole his glove during this. He decided not to make a big fuss about it, and personally goes to visit the sexy librarian.
Vivian is surprised by the whole situation, but she wants to help him find his glove. Especially when she learns that in that glove was a pin from his dead sister. The whole matter allows them get to know each other better and develop a chemistry which was with them from the beginning.
But Dash only wants to heve this relationship until spring training starts and she isn't material for a fling. He will have to rethink his own rules and rituals, and decide whether allow a woman to step between him and his game.
Final thoughts: This book has a lot of factors that make it really great. Firstly, excellent chemistry between the main characters. It's sizzling and steaming from the outset. And Dash is a hero, which I personally very much like. He's alpha male with his control and rules, but also is charming and sweet. I don't always understand his thinking but his belief in superstitions and not himself melted my heart. Dash personality also has a big impact and reflected in the bed scenes. They are kinky and on the brink of BDSM, but everything is hot and steaming with a great amount of passion and not disturbing.
The story is funny but also has a lot of angst. Some things and situations are not immediately easy and simple. The heroes must grow up to certain decisions and solid relationship. They are developing their relationship in many areas and that's fantastic to read.
It's definitely a book for fans of sports romances, because is worth noting that there is a lot of references to sport. It is written wisely and with great knowledge. I'm impressed.
In conclusion it was my first book of C.D. Reiss and I hope that I will be able to read more. Because it is very hot and captivating superbly written story, to which gladly I could return even today.
***Quick Review:***
Series: Standalone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance. Sports Romance.
Release Date: March 29th 2016
Main characters: Vivian Foster, twenty-four, school librarian. Dash Wallace, Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star.
Secondary characters: There are a few supporting characters, but they do not have big influence on the story.
Location: Los Angeles.
Steamy:
Sensitive topic:
Love triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Next in the series? No. Standalone.
If I'd recommend? Yes. Especially if you like steamy and kinky sport romance with some angst and uncertainty.
***
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Thank you!
March 26, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"C.D. Reiss" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: HardBall
AUTHOR: C.D. Reiss
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 29th 2016
MY RATING
I've not read anything by this author previously but know she is a huge fan of many so I'm keen to see what she's going to throw at me with this book..
Told from both Viv’s and Dash’s point of view which I love and find refreshing..
HARDBALL First off we're introduced to sweet naive grade school librarian Vivian who even dresses like your typical old fashioned librarian, very inexperienced but sharp witted and intelligent..
She's on a field trip with a class of underprivileged children and getting a baseball signed for her father at a local Dodgers event when she encounters the enigma Dash..
As you would expect their first encounter isn't smooth sailing, he comes out with a snide/rude comment and she knocks him down a peg or two..
Despite my fantasies, it never occurred to me that I'd actually see Dash again. I was a public school librarian with a reading habit, and he was a mysterious and gorgeous athlete with the grace of the wind.
Here's the thing about Dashiell Wallace. He's physically perfect. Six foot and a half. Proportioned by DaVinci and Sculpted by Michelangelo.
Dash contacts Vivian in hopes of finding a baseball glove that was taken from under his table the day of the field trip and seeks her help to get it back to him..
"I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was a f*cking infection." - Dash
Dash is your All American Baseball pro, and one of LA's most eligible bachelors. and like most sports players is very superstitious, he lives, breathes for the game, nothing else but the game..
Baseball players were notoriously, crazily, famously superstitious, and a third grade girl with a seventh - grade brother may have just ruined an entire season by flushing a good luck charm.
Things were going wrong. General things. every piece on the board had shifted, from my personal to my professional life and everything that linked them. - DASH
At first Dash comes across arrogant with a asshole attitude to boot, but once we get further into the story his layers start peeling away and we see a vulnerable side to him come through..And that's where just like Vivian you'll be falling for all his charm..
The interaction between these two especially the auto correct bloopers with their texting had me giggling like a teenager..
Like a Cinderella fairy tale, one kiss was all it took to transform Dash from an arrogant obnoxious player to a dirty talking kinky beast..
MY THOUGHTS
Dash is going to be a hard book boy friend to knock off the pedestal of dirty sexy kinky all time male favorite of mine..
I found myself swooning throughout this book, from his dirty talking, his finesse in bed, his shake-spare quotes, gods this man was perfection..
I loved good girl Vivian, he just brought the best of her out, from shy old fashioned librarian to a woman who took risks..
*TEASERS used are off the authors FB page*
"C.D. Reiss" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: HardBall
AUTHOR: C.D. Reiss
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 29th 2016
MY RATING
I've not read anything by this author previously but know she is a huge fan of many so I'm keen to see what she's going to throw at me with this book..
Told from both Viv’s and Dash’s point of view which I love and find refreshing..
HARDBALL First off we're introduced to sweet naive grade school librarian Vivian who even dresses like your typical old fashioned librarian, very inexperienced but sharp witted and intelligent..
She's on a field trip with a class of underprivileged children and getting a baseball signed for her father at a local Dodgers event when she encounters the enigma Dash..
As you would expect their first encounter isn't smooth sailing, he comes out with a snide/rude comment and she knocks him down a peg or two..
Despite my fantasies, it never occurred to me that I'd actually see Dash again. I was a public school librarian with a reading habit, and he was a mysterious and gorgeous athlete with the grace of the wind.
Here's the thing about Dashiell Wallace. He's physically perfect. Six foot and a half. Proportioned by DaVinci and Sculpted by Michelangelo.Dash contacts Vivian in hopes of finding a baseball glove that was taken from under his table the day of the field trip and seeks her help to get it back to him..
"I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was a f*cking infection." - Dash
Dash is your All American Baseball pro, and one of LA's most eligible bachelors. and like most sports players is very superstitious, he lives, breathes for the game, nothing else but the game..
Baseball players were notoriously, crazily, famously superstitious, and a third grade girl with a seventh - grade brother may have just ruined an entire season by flushing a good luck charm.
Things were going wrong. General things. every piece on the board had shifted, from my personal to my professional life and everything that linked them. - DASH
At first Dash comes across arrogant with a asshole attitude to boot, but once we get further into the story his layers start peeling away and we see a vulnerable side to him come through..And that's where just like Vivian you'll be falling for all his charm..
The interaction between these two especially the auto correct bloopers with their texting had me giggling like a teenager..
Like a Cinderella fairy tale, one kiss was all it took to transform Dash from an arrogant obnoxious player to a dirty talking kinky beast..
MY THOUGHTS
Dash is going to be a hard book boy friend to knock off the pedestal of dirty sexy kinky all time male favorite of mine..
I found myself swooning throughout this book, from his dirty talking, his finesse in bed, his shake-spare quotes, gods this man was perfection..
I loved good girl Vivian, he just brought the best of her out, from shy old fashioned librarian to a woman who took risks..
*TEASERS used are off the authors FB page*
July 10, 2016
*ARC received from author via Social Butterfly PR as part of book tour AND I own a copy as well*
SCORE!!!!!!
Oh, CD, how I’ve missed your writing, don’t ask me how. I know, I know, re-read, but you know what I mean… that’s the first feeling I got shortly after I started reading this. The next feeling, as I read more pages, I’m plowing thru the words faster than I want. I blink and my Kindle location has gone up a quarter of a percent, wut? I guess what I’m trying to say is that is how Christine’s words affect me. I gobble em up like crazy.
Dash is a star in the baseball world. Vivian is a “lowly” librarian. Their paths are unlikely to cross but it did the day Vivian chaperoned kids from her school to meet some baseball players. From one very quick interaction, their fate was sealed.
Vivian is a simple gal with a simple life. She’s got her books, the kids, her dad and her friends. Dash, with all his fame, is just as simple, in a way. He stays away from the limelight, he has his processes, he plays ball. Ok, that’s probably oversimplifying things, but at core, I think they really are. But what is definitely not simple are their emotions and interaction. There is so much depth and complexity. Dash has a condition and in order for him to function successfully, things have to happen a certain way. That’s just his reality. And Vivian eventually understood that. Vivian has her own needs and for her to be into that relationship successfully, things have to happen a certain way. And Dash eventually understood that.
The connection between these two and their interaction, I feel like I can’t even describe it properly, to give it justice. That’s CD’s magic working right there. Their conversations, including their texting, are witty, sharp, funny, poetic, and emotional all at once. Their love for books definitely played into that, which also makes for intelligent and insightful exchanges. Quoting Shakespeare, folks, Shakespeare! And with Dash’ dirty mouth, it goes without saying that the smexy times between these two are just too delish and divine for words. *fans self*
Both Dash and Vivian are such strong characters in their own rights. I couldn’t have asked for a better depiction of Vivian’s dad. The mention of familiar characters alone brought a smile to my face. That epilogue in and of itself is the stuff of romance and worthy of all the stars I can give. And the city itself came alive in my head once again. CD really owns LA like she means it. It never fails to make me miss a city that I called home at some point in my past.
Once again, CD’s lyrical and smart writing wove its magical fingers and wrapped itself around my brain, giving me another story that will be embedded in memory. Thank you.
(BR with the Canaries)
SCORE!!!!!!
Oh, CD, how I’ve missed your writing, don’t ask me how. I know, I know, re-read, but you know what I mean… that’s the first feeling I got shortly after I started reading this. The next feeling, as I read more pages, I’m plowing thru the words faster than I want. I blink and my Kindle location has gone up a quarter of a percent, wut? I guess what I’m trying to say is that is how Christine’s words affect me. I gobble em up like crazy.
Dash is a star in the baseball world. Vivian is a “lowly” librarian. Their paths are unlikely to cross but it did the day Vivian chaperoned kids from her school to meet some baseball players. From one very quick interaction, their fate was sealed.
Vivian is a simple gal with a simple life. She’s got her books, the kids, her dad and her friends. Dash, with all his fame, is just as simple, in a way. He stays away from the limelight, he has his processes, he plays ball. Ok, that’s probably oversimplifying things, but at core, I think they really are. But what is definitely not simple are their emotions and interaction. There is so much depth and complexity. Dash has a condition and in order for him to function successfully, things have to happen a certain way. That’s just his reality. And Vivian eventually understood that. Vivian has her own needs and for her to be into that relationship successfully, things have to happen a certain way. And Dash eventually understood that.
The connection between these two and their interaction, I feel like I can’t even describe it properly, to give it justice. That’s CD’s magic working right there. Their conversations, including their texting, are witty, sharp, funny, poetic, and emotional all at once. Their love for books definitely played into that, which also makes for intelligent and insightful exchanges. Quoting Shakespeare, folks, Shakespeare! And with Dash’ dirty mouth, it goes without saying that the smexy times between these two are just too delish and divine for words. *fans self*
Both Dash and Vivian are such strong characters in their own rights. I couldn’t have asked for a better depiction of Vivian’s dad. The mention of familiar characters alone brought a smile to my face. That epilogue in and of itself is the stuff of romance and worthy of all the stars I can give. And the city itself came alive in my head once again. CD really owns LA like she means it. It never fails to make me miss a city that I called home at some point in my past.
Once again, CD’s lyrical and smart writing wove its magical fingers and wrapped itself around my brain, giving me another story that will be embedded in memory. Thank you.
(BR with the Canaries)
April 11, 2016
I seem to be in the very small minority here, but I just couldn't get into this book. It had an intriguing premise but unfortunately, for me, it didn't live up to the expectations I had for it. I couldn't connect to the characters at all because they just seemed too scattered and all over the place. Some of the character traits didn't make sense to me so I was getting a little annoyed with both Dash and Vivian.
Overall, this wasn't the book for me but I do still recommend it for any sports romance lovers since it seems like the majority of people really loved it. I was just too bored while reading this to rate it anything higher than 2 stars.
To cheer myself up I'll just look at lots of guys asses in baseball pants ;)
March 31, 2016
5 'Dash Wallace' stars
Look no further if you are in the mood for a fun, smart, witty, charming and sexy romance. HardBall had it all in spades. I know CD Reiss is famous for her kinks, but don't you even worry about the BDSM element because it was very minor and only being hinted at. I'm a little bummed that there isn't any whipping involve. Well, a girl can't has it all.
I'm sure everyone will loves the heroine, Vivian Foster right from the start. She feels so real and relatable. A grade school librarian who loves her underprivileged kids and everything baseball. Recently got dump by her loser boyfriend, she was having a little self esteem issue, but that didn't deter her from putting her best foot forward.
I was a public school librarian with a reading habit, and he was a mysterious and gorgeous athlete with the grace of the wind. Our paths had no reason to cross.
Dash Wallace is the star baseball player. He is perfection from the outside, and from the inside, he is quite a mysterious guy. The one who keep his personal life away from the limelight. I'm not one to swoon over any good looking guy on page, but Dash really did make me weak on my knees, whenever he quoted Shakespeare.
"Grace on my lips, and if those hills be dry, stray lower where the pleasant fountains lie."
Their interaction was the main highlight of the book for me. Their texting and flirty banter is turning me into a giggling school girl. Or maybe is every girl fantasy to capture the attention of a famous jock and the said jock actually turns out to be a total geek like you. What are the chances?
"Were you feeling all right?"
"No, not at all."
"Bellyache?"
"Yeah, a two-month bellyache called Vivian-itis. Symptoms include desperate longing and inability to do anything but feel like a douchebag. Patient can't do shit on the field but stand there like an ass, wondering what the fuck he's doing with his life. It's chronic. No known cure."
There are a lot of references towards baseball, which left me feeling puzzle. I don't watch baseball. Give me English football anytime, and I will know all the technical terms. Anyway, not knowing what the heck they are talking about didn't deter my overall enjoyment of the story.
About the main crisis in the book, is all about superstition. I can't believe baseball player or more accurately Dash Wallace is such a superstitious man. I thought we Asians are hardcore, he is worst. Omg! He had so much routine and tradition that he needs to stick with in order to win. Poor Vivian is torn between feeling flattered and burdened to be his lucky star.
"Be my ever-fixed mark. Be my north star."
I find the dilemma faced by Dash towards the end was pretty fitting. Before it all went down, I'm a little worried about his stubbornness and strictness towards his game plan. I'm also worried for Vivian, whether is she being too compromising for the man she loves. So a great applause for CD Reiss for making the ending such a perfection. This is the kind of book I don't mind rereading again and again.
I was a small man in a big world I didn't understand. A fool and a fraud. A gambler whose luck had run out. I was a meaningless ball of thoughts and fears with no control over the way my life unfurled. But with her, I wasn't afraid.
Look no further if you are in the mood for a fun, smart, witty, charming and sexy romance. HardBall had it all in spades. I know CD Reiss is famous for her kinks, but don't you even worry about the BDSM element because it was very minor and only being hinted at. I'm a little bummed that there isn't any whipping involve. Well, a girl can't has it all.
I'm sure everyone will loves the heroine, Vivian Foster right from the start. She feels so real and relatable. A grade school librarian who loves her underprivileged kids and everything baseball. Recently got dump by her loser boyfriend, she was having a little self esteem issue, but that didn't deter her from putting her best foot forward.
I was a public school librarian with a reading habit, and he was a mysterious and gorgeous athlete with the grace of the wind. Our paths had no reason to cross.
Dash Wallace is the star baseball player. He is perfection from the outside, and from the inside, he is quite a mysterious guy. The one who keep his personal life away from the limelight. I'm not one to swoon over any good looking guy on page, but Dash really did make me weak on my knees, whenever he quoted Shakespeare.
"Grace on my lips, and if those hills be dry, stray lower where the pleasant fountains lie."
Their interaction was the main highlight of the book for me. Their texting and flirty banter is turning me into a giggling school girl. Or maybe is every girl fantasy to capture the attention of a famous jock and the said jock actually turns out to be a total geek like you. What are the chances?
"Were you feeling all right?"
"No, not at all."
"Bellyache?"
"Yeah, a two-month bellyache called Vivian-itis. Symptoms include desperate longing and inability to do anything but feel like a douchebag. Patient can't do shit on the field but stand there like an ass, wondering what the fuck he's doing with his life. It's chronic. No known cure."
There are a lot of references towards baseball, which left me feeling puzzle. I don't watch baseball. Give me English football anytime, and I will know all the technical terms. Anyway, not knowing what the heck they are talking about didn't deter my overall enjoyment of the story.
About the main crisis in the book, is all about superstition. I can't believe baseball player or more accurately Dash Wallace is such a superstitious man. I thought we Asians are hardcore, he is worst. Omg! He had so much routine and tradition that he needs to stick with in order to win. Poor Vivian is torn between feeling flattered and burdened to be his lucky star.
"Be my ever-fixed mark. Be my north star."
I find the dilemma faced by Dash towards the end was pretty fitting. Before it all went down, I'm a little worried about his stubbornness and strictness towards his game plan. I'm also worried for Vivian, whether is she being too compromising for the man she loves. So a great applause for CD Reiss for making the ending such a perfection. This is the kind of book I don't mind rereading again and again.
I was a small man in a big world I didn't understand. A fool and a fraud. A gambler whose luck had run out. I was a meaningless ball of thoughts and fears with no control over the way my life unfurled. But with her, I wasn't afraid.
March 29, 2016
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
I thought this was a wonderfully written sports romance, that was super hot and emotional in equal measure. I adored the two main characters, and their chemistry together was palpable from the first page.
School librarian Vivian Foster has a kind and caring soul, but as the story unfolds we get to see her feisty side, and what a great addition that was.
Dash Wallace is an alpha to the core, he is a shortstop for the LA Dodgers basketball team, and needs his routine and order. If something disrupts that, he gets completely thrown off his game - and developing feelings for a woman is definitely something he can't afford to happen.
Not only was this an extremely erotic tale, but it had great depth to the story. Vivian's sexual journey was just as exciting to read as Dash's emotional one. The characters were easy to fall in love with, and the relationship that Vivian had with her father was a hoot.
The path to a happy ending is not an easy one, and they both struggle with their demons, especially Dash who has a hard time of letting go of his superstitions and routine.
I loved the writing, even though it took me a while to get used to the unique style of it, it was like poetry and flowed so wonderfully. Also, the fact that Dash quoted Shakespeare was a great touch, and didn't fail to make me swoon.
Loved it.
Hardball is a standalone contemporary romance, told in the dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
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I thought this was a wonderfully written sports romance, that was super hot and emotional in equal measure. I adored the two main characters, and their chemistry together was palpable from the first page.
School librarian Vivian Foster has a kind and caring soul, but as the story unfolds we get to see her feisty side, and what a great addition that was.
Dash Wallace is an alpha to the core, he is a shortstop for the LA Dodgers basketball team, and needs his routine and order. If something disrupts that, he gets completely thrown off his game - and developing feelings for a woman is definitely something he can't afford to happen.
"Was he trying to make me his LA girl?
I guarded my heart with a tinfoil armour.
It was the strongest thing I had against him."
Not only was this an extremely erotic tale, but it had great depth to the story. Vivian's sexual journey was just as exciting to read as Dash's emotional one. The characters were easy to fall in love with, and the relationship that Vivian had with her father was a hoot.
The path to a happy ending is not an easy one, and they both struggle with their demons, especially Dash who has a hard time of letting go of his superstitions and routine.
I loved the writing, even though it took me a while to get used to the unique style of it, it was like poetry and flowed so wonderfully. Also, the fact that Dash quoted Shakespeare was a great touch, and didn't fail to make me swoon.
Loved it.
Hardball is a standalone contemporary romance, told in the dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
April 5, 2016
It's no secret that I just adore CD REISS!! I love all her books from The Submission series, which was an artwork of erotica writing!! To Perdition series, which was a bit kinkier and at times darker. To Corruption series and of course ShutterGirl!! While most authors focus on creating badass heroes I have always been drawn to CD's heroines. They are strong, confidant and go after what they want. They are not whiney or wishy washy which is refreshing'. Now don't get me wrong her men are awesome too but it's her women that sets her apart from others!!!
HardBall is no different. I love sports, like LOVE!! I am superstitious when I watch my teams, I mean I'm a Sox fan so I know pain and curses!! So you can imagine my excitement to read a book with a sports theme! Dash Wallace is adorable!! Just simply adorable! But he's also kinky and a bit flawed. Vivian is the girl next door...I mean she's a librarian for Pete's sake!! So what happen when a hot shot baseball player meets the girl next door?? Will this be a home run or will he strike out??? Read and fall in love with Dash Wallace!! Did I mention his abs?? Oh yeah they are lickable!!
5 sweet Apple stars!! *****
Your next favorite SEXY SPORTS ROMANCE IS LIVE!
Dash Wallace is a pro baseball player. Vivian is a buttoned up librarian. They're about to set Los Angeles on fire!
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1OQ5x6w
NOOK: http://bit.ly/1PccpqQ
iBOOKS: http://apple.co/1PxV2AF
GOOGLE: http://bit.ly/1ZvzC29
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1UlKqN2
PRINT: http://amzn.to/1Rm9aCz
Read the first three chapters at http://dashwallace.com/
********Join the Canaries for a Buddy Read of HardBall HERE~>HardBall BR *****
HardBall is no different. I love sports, like LOVE!! I am superstitious when I watch my teams, I mean I'm a Sox fan so I know pain and curses!! So you can imagine my excitement to read a book with a sports theme! Dash Wallace is adorable!! Just simply adorable! But he's also kinky and a bit flawed. Vivian is the girl next door...I mean she's a librarian for Pete's sake!! So what happen when a hot shot baseball player meets the girl next door?? Will this be a home run or will he strike out??? Read and fall in love with Dash Wallace!! Did I mention his abs?? Oh yeah they are lickable!!
5 sweet Apple stars!! *****
Your next favorite SEXY SPORTS ROMANCE IS LIVE!
Dash Wallace is a pro baseball player. Vivian is a buttoned up librarian. They're about to set Los Angeles on fire!
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1OQ5x6w
NOOK: http://bit.ly/1PccpqQ
iBOOKS: http://apple.co/1PxV2AF
GOOGLE: http://bit.ly/1ZvzC29
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1UlKqN2
PRINT: http://amzn.to/1Rm9aCz
Read the first three chapters at http://dashwallace.com/
********Join the Canaries for a Buddy Read of HardBall HERE~>HardBall BR *****
July 30, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was cute, but not the best. It won't go down on my favorites shelf, and I don't think it'll be all that memorable in the long run. Why? I'm not sure I can pinpoint it. Only think I can think of is that I never really got so into it that I was actually rooting for the couple. It felt surface deep, and I only was given a glimps into these characters. I'm going to go with "just ok" 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Vivian and Dash's story. They meet when Vivian goes to the stadium with the school she works at as a librarian. Dash is the Dodgers star shortstop, and he knows he's hot. He's a bit of a jerk, but makes up for it when he meets her again when he notices that his lucky glove went missing and asks her for help finding it. There some chasing by the H, there are some hot sexy times, some cute moments, and some superstitious drama...but after working it all out they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Vivian and Dash's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I did have some issues with having the conflict ending and then jumping into the epilogue right away, but otherwise it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No. I didn't feel like it was love right away -- Lust? Absolutely...but not love.
H rating: 3 stars. Dash. He was ok. He was a hot dirty talker, but he needed to work on his self confidence issues and quit making stupid decisions based on superstitions.
h rating: 3 stars. Vivian. She was ok. At times, I wanted her to be a little tougher on the H and demand answers.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes. I wouldn't necessarily call this all that "kinky" though. There is some spanking, just mentions of bondage, and a little anal play -- but not anything too kinky IMO (maybe I've just read too many hard core books ;D)
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no. Some mentions of condoms and some mentions of birth control, but not consistently mentioned. No mention of use with other partners that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM:No, but see below cheating spoiler.
Cheating: No for me, but some might say yes.
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild.
Closure: This had ok closure, but I wanted more! I'm picky, so I'm calling it a HFN ending. I need more commitment and stability for the couple to call it a HEA, and I felt like there wasn't enough of that between their conflict and the epilogue (or even in the epilogue).
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon for it.
Safety: Safe with exceptions
Overall Opinion: This was cute, but not the best. It won't go down on my favorites shelf, and I don't think it'll be all that memorable in the long run. Why? I'm not sure I can pinpoint it. Only think I can think of is that I never really got so into it that I was actually rooting for the couple. It felt surface deep, and I only was given a glimps into these characters. I'm going to go with "just ok" 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Vivian and Dash's story. They meet when Vivian goes to the stadium with the school she works at as a librarian. Dash is the Dodgers star shortstop, and he knows he's hot. He's a bit of a jerk, but makes up for it when he meets her again when he notices that his lucky glove went missing and asks her for help finding it. There some chasing by the H, there are some hot sexy times, some cute moments, and some superstitious drama...but after working it all out they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Vivian and Dash's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I did have some issues with having the conflict ending and then jumping into the epilogue right away, but otherwise it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No. I didn't feel like it was love right away -- Lust? Absolutely...but not love.
H rating: 3 stars. Dash. He was ok. He was a hot dirty talker, but he needed to work on his self confidence issues and quit making stupid decisions based on superstitions.
h rating: 3 stars. Vivian. She was ok. At times, I wanted her to be a little tougher on the H and demand answers.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes. I wouldn't necessarily call this all that "kinky" though. There is some spanking, just mentions of bondage, and a little anal play -- but not anything too kinky IMO (maybe I've just read too many hard core books ;D)
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no. Some mentions of condoms and some mentions of birth control, but not consistently mentioned. No mention of use with other partners that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM:No, but see below cheating spoiler.
Cheating: No for me, but some might say yes.
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild.
Closure: This had ok closure, but I wanted more! I'm picky, so I'm calling it a HFN ending. I need more commitment and stability for the couple to call it a HEA, and I felt like there wasn't enough of that between their conflict and the epilogue (or even in the epilogue).
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon for it.
Safety: Safe with exceptions
August 14, 2016
4 Good Luck Charm Stars!!
Like a reverse Bull Durham.:)) Really enjoyed this book. I am a HUGE baseball fan and have been for as long as I can remember. So my standards are through the roof. This was my first romantic baseball read, and I must say, I was not disappointed. It wasn't 100% perfect, but the things that fell short for me had nothing to do with the baseball end of it. Reiss did a fabulous job of depicting Dash's character—a shortstop in the MLB. The superstitious part of his character was so spot on. Most baseball players are like this. It's crazy!!! I would've liked to connect with Vivian's character more. I think it's because I half listened, half read this book, and I wasn't crazy about the narrator's voice. She sounded too old to me to be a twenty-six-year-old gal. I thought some elements of the ending felt rushed as well.
Otherwise, a super enjoyable and HAWT read!!!! This was my first by CD Reiss and I'd been wanting to read her for pretty much ever now. I need to read her mafia series next!!! <3
"I wanted her. I wanted to want her as much as I wanted her to just disappear so I could live my life."
Like a reverse Bull Durham.:)) Really enjoyed this book. I am a HUGE baseball fan and have been for as long as I can remember. So my standards are through the roof. This was my first romantic baseball read, and I must say, I was not disappointed. It wasn't 100% perfect, but the things that fell short for me had nothing to do with the baseball end of it. Reiss did a fabulous job of depicting Dash's character—a shortstop in the MLB. The superstitious part of his character was so spot on. Most baseball players are like this. It's crazy!!! I would've liked to connect with Vivian's character more. I think it's because I half listened, half read this book, and I wasn't crazy about the narrator's voice. She sounded too old to me to be a twenty-six-year-old gal. I thought some elements of the ending felt rushed as well.
Otherwise, a super enjoyable and HAWT read!!!! This was my first by CD Reiss and I'd been wanting to read her for pretty much ever now. I need to read her mafia series next!!! <3
"If that glove hadn't been taken, we wouldn't have met."
"I know but—"
"You were worth it. If I'd been given the choice to trade that good luck charm for you, I would have done it in a second."
Shelved as 'hell-fucking-no'
March 30, 2016The hero dumps the h so that when he goes away to spring training (baseball player) he can keep his regularly scheduled women that he has sex with. His "good luck" charms. Because he has to do everything the same every year or he has bad luck in his games.
It was an almost cheating type of situation. Still pretty disgusting to me and it ruins the entire romance. I also skimmed towards the end and he's still convinced the heroine is some good luck charm. It just makes it impossible to believe he ever had genuine feelings for her.
initial reaction to spoiler reviews
Yeah how about you go fuck yourself. Unless someone confirms he doesn't actually go through with it AND that he apologizes for making such a revolting and vile request won't be touching this.
I mean what self respecting woman is like "yeah, sure! I'm totally okay with you fucking other women for good luck!"
Dumb ass.
It was an almost cheating type of situation. Still pretty disgusting to me and it ruins the entire romance. I also skimmed towards the end and he's still convinced the heroine is some good luck charm. It just makes it impossible to believe he ever had genuine feelings for her.
initial reaction to spoiler reviews
Yeah how about you go fuck yourself. Unless someone confirms he doesn't actually go through with it AND that he apologizes for making such a revolting and vile request won't be touching this.
I mean what self respecting woman is like "yeah, sure! I'm totally okay with you fucking other women for good luck!"
Dumb ass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! There is just something about seeing the progress of a flawed character falling in love.
Dash is such a complex character. He's a famous baseball player that is 100% focused on the game. So much so that he's OCD about his routines before, during and after the game and Vivian pops into his life and shakes it all up.
Vivian is just a regular person working as a librarian in a public school. She meets Dash when the kids take a field trip to the stadium to meet a few players. The attraction between these two was instant. I just loved how Vivian was a game changer for Dash even if he didn't know it right away.
Their relationship wasn't easy but that was the beauty of this couple. It's what ultimately made the ending so much sweeter. I crave books like this!
Dash is such a complex character. He's a famous baseball player that is 100% focused on the game. So much so that he's OCD about his routines before, during and after the game and Vivian pops into his life and shakes it all up.
Vivian is just a regular person working as a librarian in a public school. She meets Dash when the kids take a field trip to the stadium to meet a few players. The attraction between these two was instant. I just loved how Vivian was a game changer for Dash even if he didn't know it right away.
Their relationship wasn't easy but that was the beauty of this couple. It's what ultimately made the ending so much sweeter. I crave books like this!
March 13, 2016
I loved every single thing about this book! FANTASTIC!
April 4, 2016
"3,5 SweetApple stars"
I own the world with you by my side.
This was a sweet and hot love story.It was a nice book and I enjoyed it more as I kept reading.At the beginning it was kind of weird because I was trying to connect with the main characters and I felt lost that I wouldn't feel the connection, but thankfully I started learning Vivian and Dash more so everything fell into the right place.
Dashiell-motherfucking-Golden-Glove-move-like-the-wind-hit-
like-Tyson-with-a-body-like-a-Renaissance-god-Wallace.
This book was really special because the main H and h were 2 people who had some issues, that were more of inner battles which Dash and Vivian were trying to concur because their meeting changed their routine and their lives. Talking about a mess...
Vivian was a sweet,smart,innocent librarian who liked her job and loved baseball.I liked her from the beginning and sympathized with her because she was so insecure and afraid that she wasn't enough and all that because of an asshole ex who was such a loser and didn't know how to pleasure a girl and make her feel sexy and wanted.
"You're not gross.Your body is nectar to me."
Dash was a hot baseball player with a dirty, dirty little mind and an even dirtier mouth ready to make a girl scream his name with his fingers, mouth and big cock.He was a freak about his every day routine, making sure everything stayed in their right places.He had ADD and his routine gave him the control he need to reassure himself that everything were perfect.I think it was harder to connect with him because of the ADD and his obsession in every little detail in his life.
God forbid changes in Dash's life! Amen
One thing that I enjoyed for sure in this book was the hot, rough, sexy scenes that would made a nun get wet from reading them.My God the things Dash did to Vivian were HOOOOT!
He was a sweet angel by day and a sneaky little devil by night...
“When you’re still sore two days from now, I want you to
remember who fucked you so hard you can’t walk."
This is the kind of talk girls need to hear every day from their men!
“I can’t decide how to fuck you. I want to take you in every position. I want to fuck you like an animal and a saint. I want to keep you on the brink for an hour and take four orgasms from you. I can’t do it all tonight. I’m kind of pissed about that.
"I want to see you come while I'm fucking you."
But I loved him because he had some sweet moments too...
I had a hundred things to say about Vivian. But the most important was that with her, I felt loved. Really loved. All of me. The non-medicated, not-charming, awkward son of a bitch who read too much and had learned to juggle balls to calm down.
Enjoy!xxx
I own the world with you by my side.
This was a sweet and hot love story.It was a nice book and I enjoyed it more as I kept reading.At the beginning it was kind of weird because I was trying to connect with the main characters and I felt lost that I wouldn't feel the connection, but thankfully I started learning Vivian and Dash more so everything fell into the right place.
Dashiell-motherfucking-Golden-Glove-move-like-the-wind-hit-
like-Tyson-with-a-body-like-a-Renaissance-god-Wallace.
This book was really special because the main H and h were 2 people who had some issues, that were more of inner battles which Dash and Vivian were trying to concur because their meeting changed their routine and their lives. Talking about a mess...
Vivian was a sweet,smart,innocent librarian who liked her job and loved baseball.I liked her from the beginning and sympathized with her because she was so insecure and afraid that she wasn't enough and all that because of an asshole ex who was such a loser and didn't know how to pleasure a girl and make her feel sexy and wanted.
"You're not gross.Your body is nectar to me."
Dash was a hot baseball player with a dirty, dirty little mind and an even dirtier mouth ready to make a girl scream his name with his fingers, mouth and big cock.He was a freak about his every day routine, making sure everything stayed in their right places.He had ADD and his routine gave him the control he need to reassure himself that everything were perfect.I think it was harder to connect with him because of the ADD and his obsession in every little detail in his life.
God forbid changes in Dash's life! Amen
One thing that I enjoyed for sure in this book was the hot, rough, sexy scenes that would made a nun get wet from reading them.My God the things Dash did to Vivian were HOOOOT!
He was a sweet angel by day and a sneaky little devil by night...
“When you’re still sore two days from now, I want you to
remember who fucked you so hard you can’t walk."
This is the kind of talk girls need to hear every day from their men!
“I can’t decide how to fuck you. I want to take you in every position. I want to fuck you like an animal and a saint. I want to keep you on the brink for an hour and take four orgasms from you. I can’t do it all tonight. I’m kind of pissed about that.
"I want to see you come while I'm fucking you."
But I loved him because he had some sweet moments too...
I had a hundred things to say about Vivian. But the most important was that with her, I felt loved. Really loved. All of me. The non-medicated, not-charming, awkward son of a bitch who read too much and had learned to juggle balls to calm down.
Enjoy!xxx
March 31, 2016
3 STARS!
This is my first read from CD Reiss and I was so HARD waiting for this. First, I never read sport romance before so I'd like to try this. Second, I read somewhere that the hero is quite kinky so bring it on! *what a perv*
Vivian Foster is just an ordinary woman with average job. She works as a librarian in elementary public school. This school trip brought her destiny to meet the man of her dream. Dash Wallace is a perfect species of a man and famous baseball star. Also he's kinda a jerk. Vivian back to the reality with her only watching him through TV. Surprisingly, Dash's asking a favor and this lead into more than just searching a missing glove.
Dash is every woman's dream. A whole package of a man with good career and rich also in bedroom. He always control his life with routine. The truth is Dash's just a man with flaws. He has an awful past and couldn't move on. He stuck with his 'ritual' in every games he played. Until her.
Vivian has insecurities like other women. She used to afraid for a relationship because the last one broke her heart. She felt like a burden. Vivian didn't really care about dating and stuff. But when she meet Dash, she's trying to change. Vivian is an easily likable and I enjoyed her. Of course, she's innocent in sex and Dash welcomed her. *cough*
I could say that their chemistry is instant. It's not that kind of hate-love relationship. Vivian only worship Dash from a far but when he's in front of her, she couldn't control her desire. There is strange reaction between them. They're attracted to each other. In bedroom, Dash controls everything. Damn this man has very dirty mouth and I liked it. Dash has kinky side but not enough in action. He did this, he did that but it was all only written. Honestly, I'm not satisfied because their sex is too tame for me. The sexy kind. *sadface*
Beside sex, they need to face reality. It is not only about sex for Vivian. Dash know it. Both Vivian and Dash has problems and they're trying to solved it. When Vivian didn't want expired on their date, Dash disoriented. She is never like other women he used to date before. It's a new challenge for Dash. Their constant craving with each other is really spot on. It's so hard for both of them. BUT I don't feel antsy or roll my eyeballs which is a good thing ;)
HardBall turns out an okay read for me. Well-written with steady paced. I was so glad that the romance didn't over-exaggerated. I also liked their texting/sexting with each other especially when the auto-correct fails. After read this, I'm very sure that sports romance didn't work for me. I didn't know anything about baseball so I couldn't connect when they talked about baseball. Hmph.
This is my first read from CD Reiss and I was so HARD waiting for this. First, I never read sport romance before so I'd like to try this. Second, I read somewhere that the hero is quite kinky so bring it on! *what a perv*
Vivian Foster is just an ordinary woman with average job. She works as a librarian in elementary public school. This school trip brought her destiny to meet the man of her dream. Dash Wallace is a perfect species of a man and famous baseball star. Also he's kinda a jerk. Vivian back to the reality with her only watching him through TV. Surprisingly, Dash's asking a favor and this lead into more than just searching a missing glove.
Dash is every woman's dream. A whole package of a man with good career and rich also in bedroom. He always control his life with routine. The truth is Dash's just a man with flaws. He has an awful past and couldn't move on. He stuck with his 'ritual' in every games he played. Until her.
Vivian has insecurities like other women. She used to afraid for a relationship because the last one broke her heart. She felt like a burden. Vivian didn't really care about dating and stuff. But when she meet Dash, she's trying to change. Vivian is an easily likable and I enjoyed her. Of course, she's innocent in sex and Dash welcomed her. *cough*
"You have no idea how many times I can make you come in the next few weeks. You're going to beg me to stop, and guess what? I'm not going to. Not until you forget how to speak.
I could say that their chemistry is instant. It's not that kind of hate-love relationship. Vivian only worship Dash from a far but when he's in front of her, she couldn't control her desire. There is strange reaction between them. They're attracted to each other. In bedroom, Dash controls everything. Damn this man has very dirty mouth and I liked it. Dash has kinky side but not enough in action. He did this, he did that but it was all only written. Honestly, I'm not satisfied because their sex is too tame for me. The sexy kind. *sadface*
Beside sex, they need to face reality. It is not only about sex for Vivian. Dash know it. Both Vivian and Dash has problems and they're trying to solved it. When Vivian didn't want expired on their date, Dash disoriented. She is never like other women he used to date before. It's a new challenge for Dash. Their constant craving with each other is really spot on. It's so hard for both of them. BUT I don't feel antsy or roll my eyeballs which is a good thing ;)
... he was not just powerful and strong but commanding and purposeful. I trusted him, and even as I took pleasure in that, I called myself a fool.
HardBall turns out an okay read for me. Well-written with steady paced. I was so glad that the romance didn't over-exaggerated. I also liked their texting/sexting with each other especially when the auto-correct fails. After read this, I'm very sure that sports romance didn't work for me. I didn't know anything about baseball so I couldn't connect when they talked about baseball. Hmph.
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