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Feeling the Heat #5
Stealing Second
Book five of Feeling the Heat
Katherine Whitton doesn't purposely avoid men and relationships, but she doesn't mind that side effect of immersing herself in her job with the San Francisco Blaze. Years ago she was betrayed by her one true love, and she's never fully recovered, though she's tried by building a new life in a city she loves.
It's taken seventeen years for Tom Morgan to get over Katie—Katherine now. Sober now and faced with the incredible opportunity to manage the Blaze, he thinks he'll finally be able to handle working with this beautiful woman without falling to pieces…as long as she doesn't get too close.
A crisis with the team's star pitcher forces Tom and Katherine to put in long hours together. Years of animosity melt away as the sexual tension between them ignites. But it'll take more than scorching kisses to avoid the wreckage of the past. And neither Tom nor Katie are sure they're ready to trust each other or risk their hearts for a second chance at happiness.
Read The Winning Season and Catching Heat for more stories about the San Francisco Blaze.
89,190 words
Katherine Whitton doesn't purposely avoid men and relationships, but she doesn't mind that side effect of immersing herself in her job with the San Francisco Blaze. Years ago she was betrayed by her one true love, and she's never fully recovered, though she's tried by building a new life in a city she loves.
It's taken seventeen years for Tom Morgan to get over Katie—Katherine now. Sober now and faced with the incredible opportunity to manage the Blaze, he thinks he'll finally be able to handle working with this beautiful woman without falling to pieces…as long as she doesn't get too close.
A crisis with the team's star pitcher forces Tom and Katherine to put in long hours together. Years of animosity melt away as the sexual tension between them ignites. But it'll take more than scorching kisses to avoid the wreckage of the past. And neither Tom nor Katie are sure they're ready to trust each other or risk their hearts for a second chance at happiness.
Read The Winning Season and Catching Heat for more stories about the San Francisco Blaze.
89,190 words
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2015
13 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Alison Packard
16 books404 followersAlison’s love of the romance genre goes all the way back to her high school years when she gobbled up every Harlequin novel she could get her hands on. Back then, she never dreamed of writing her own stories. But years later, her inner writer emerged and she’s now a multi-published author of contemporary romance.
When she’s not plotting her next book, she hangs out with her adorable rescue dog, Bailey, consumes more chocolate than she should, and spends time with her friends and family.
Visit her website at www.alisonpackard.com to subscribe to her newsletter, get information about previous books, and updates about upcoming releases.
When she’s not plotting her next book, she hangs out with her adorable rescue dog, Bailey, consumes more chocolate than she should, and spends time with her friends and family.
Visit her website at www.alisonpackard.com to subscribe to her newsletter, get information about previous books, and updates about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 17, 2015
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and Alison Packard delivered a pretty damn good one with Steal Second. Tom and Katherine (Katie to him since they were 14 and he doesn't plan to change it) fell in love in high school and were torn apart by lies. They never truly stopped loving one another so when when Tom began working with the same baseball team Katherine was two years ago she has to become icy to shield herself.
After a few twists the two end up kissing, burning each other up, and talking about the past to realize a shocking betrayal that neither of them had anything to do with. This betrayal cost them 17 years of life together they could have had. The two give in to their attraction, their love, and decide to try again. A few more small grenades are thrown at them which threaten to rip them apart.
I liked Katherine, even if she was a bit naive, because she wasn't intentionally malicious or petty. She worked hard, gave her work her all, and rallied behind the baseball players when they needed her in their corner. Tom was matched for her because he could understand things about her that she didn't understand herself.
Tom was such a sweet character. Honestly, do men like him exist? If I go to Dallas, Texas, will I find a Tom Morgan? Tom is smart, an ex-professional baseball player turned manager, compassionate, territorial, loyal, and funny. Even with Katherine treating him as though she detested him, he sat next to her on the flight when she was struggling with coping. Katherine has a massive fear of flying, especially takeoff and landing, which Tom knew and he gave her a way to deal with the situation. It was easy to like Tom and even easier to fall in love with him.
I began the novel during my lunch break at work and was really frustrated when I had to stop reading. It was a good story and made you believe that true love can truly conquer all. Stealing Second gets 4.5 steamy and sweet stars from me.
After a few twists the two end up kissing, burning each other up, and talking about the past to realize a shocking betrayal that neither of them had anything to do with. This betrayal cost them 17 years of life together they could have had. The two give in to their attraction, their love, and decide to try again. A few more small grenades are thrown at them which threaten to rip them apart.
I liked Katherine, even if she was a bit naive, because she wasn't intentionally malicious or petty. She worked hard, gave her work her all, and rallied behind the baseball players when they needed her in their corner. Tom was matched for her because he could understand things about her that she didn't understand herself.
Tom was such a sweet character. Honestly, do men like him exist? If I go to Dallas, Texas, will I find a Tom Morgan? Tom is smart, an ex-professional baseball player turned manager, compassionate, territorial, loyal, and funny. Even with Katherine treating him as though she detested him, he sat next to her on the flight when she was struggling with coping. Katherine has a massive fear of flying, especially takeoff and landing, which Tom knew and he gave her a way to deal with the situation. It was easy to like Tom and even easier to fall in love with him.
I began the novel during my lunch break at work and was really frustrated when I had to stop reading. It was a good story and made you believe that true love can truly conquer all. Stealing Second gets 4.5 steamy and sweet stars from me.
June 6, 2015
I'm not a big fan of second chance romances. I figure there is a good reason why the couple broke up in the first place. With this one I kept waiting to see why Tom and Katie broke up. The two of them kept alluding to it for half the book. Then when we find out I was stunned, even as I had guessed what happened. It so annoyed me that people would do this, to play god in others lives.
I was glad when Tom and Katie finally talked things out, was even glad that it like they were on track to be in a relationship again. So when Tom wouldn't let Katie explain the last nugget that he learned I got pissed at him. He was looking at things as a grown man, not at what a teen girl would have going through her mind. When Katie put the final nail in the coffin I was ok with things and even wanted her to explore a new option in her life.
At this point I knew it would take a big thing for any changes to happen. Tom came up with the perfect gesture, so I was once again cheering for them and their HEA.
The secondary story line with Trey was interesting. I was torn with things there. Part of me hated what Trey went through, part of me was ok that Karma caught up with him, but overall I liked that the whole ordeal woke Trey up, he needed it. I hope that Trey becomes someone worth reading about and wonder if Jade might not be in his future.
I'm also really excited that Rick is back and look forward to seeing more with him.
I was glad when Tom and Katie finally talked things out, was even glad that it like they were on track to be in a relationship again. So when Tom wouldn't let Katie explain the last nugget that he learned I got pissed at him. He was looking at things as a grown man, not at what a teen girl would have going through her mind. When Katie put the final nail in the coffin I was ok with things and even wanted her to explore a new option in her life.
At this point I knew it would take a big thing for any changes to happen. Tom came up with the perfect gesture, so I was once again cheering for them and their HEA.
The secondary story line with Trey was interesting. I was torn with things there. Part of me hated what Trey went through, part of me was ok that Karma caught up with him, but overall I liked that the whole ordeal woke Trey up, he needed it. I hope that Trey becomes someone worth reading about and wonder if Jade might not be in his future.
I'm also really excited that Rick is back and look forward to seeing more with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2015
Meh. I'm probably being generous with the three stars, to be honest. This had a great premise, but a shitty execution. Second chance romances can be SO GREAT, and this could've been really great, but you never really got to see how they figure things out so many years later, you just got drama plot upon drama plot upon drama plot added.
And really, absolutely no book in the history of ever needs a . NONE. Take note, authors.
There was a great story in there somewhere, but it just didn't work for me. I've been having problems with Alison Packard's tendency to go 110% drama for the past few books in the series, but there it at least had a great love story to back it up. This one just fell flat to me.
And really, absolutely no book in the history of ever needs a . NONE. Take note, authors.
There was a great story in there somewhere, but it just didn't work for me. I've been having problems with Alison Packard's tendency to go 110% drama for the past few books in the series, but there it at least had a great love story to back it up. This one just fell flat to me.
July 1, 2015
ARC REVIEW:
Originally posted at Love Affair with an E-Reader
Second chance romances really feed my soul. It appeals to the romantic in me and nurtures my belief that true love will prevail. So, when I saw this book up for review of Netgalley, it was a no-brainer.
Katie and Tom met in high school. She came from a family that had lots of money, and he did not. He already struggled with feelings of inadequacy, but he was a great baseball player with a lot of potential. His future was bright. He had his sport and he had his one true love. And then he didn’t.
Fast forward years and now Katherine is an executive with the San Francisco Blaze. He is the recently recruited Manager for the baseball team. They are bound to interact. For a while, they do in a formal manner but a last minute change of plans puts Katherine on the road with Tom.
This is not a new story. Actually, it is a traditional trope. However, I love that the characters are older, but their relationship is still carries the sweetness and tenderness of first love. The question is how do they navigate this relationship as adults, not as innocent teens.
One of the things I like most about Alison Packard’s books in this series is that she is a real sports fan. Her stories do not just give lip service to the game, but is rooted squarely in the sport. The game is as much a player in the story as the characters. You can feel the author’s appreciation.
IN A NUTSHELL:
This book moved me, thrilled me, and made me want to go all-in for this couple.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an E-Reader
Second chance romances really feed my soul. It appeals to the romantic in me and nurtures my belief that true love will prevail. So, when I saw this book up for review of Netgalley, it was a no-brainer.
Katie and Tom met in high school. She came from a family that had lots of money, and he did not. He already struggled with feelings of inadequacy, but he was a great baseball player with a lot of potential. His future was bright. He had his sport and he had his one true love. And then he didn’t.
Fast forward years and now Katherine is an executive with the San Francisco Blaze. He is the recently recruited Manager for the baseball team. They are bound to interact. For a while, they do in a formal manner but a last minute change of plans puts Katherine on the road with Tom.
This is not a new story. Actually, it is a traditional trope. However, I love that the characters are older, but their relationship is still carries the sweetness and tenderness of first love. The question is how do they navigate this relationship as adults, not as innocent teens.
One of the things I like most about Alison Packard’s books in this series is that she is a real sports fan. Her stories do not just give lip service to the game, but is rooted squarely in the sport. The game is as much a player in the story as the characters. You can feel the author’s appreciation.
IN A NUTSHELL:
This book moved me, thrilled me, and made me want to go all-in for this couple.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2015
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. I love second chance romances. I love watching two characters that knew each other before reconnect and find that the love they shared years ago is still burning bright. Katie (Katherine) and Tom’s story is filled with betrayal and misunderstandings and it was difficult to watch them fight what they had because they both still thought what they knew, what they had always believed, was the whole story. But it was also kind of fun to watch them fight it. The sexual tension between them was off the charts.
What I also loved about this book is that Katie and Tom’s romance was not the only focus of the book. There was a lot going on around them in regards to the team and some of the team personnel. I loved getting to revisit the couples from previous books and I think I know who is going to be the focus of the next book and I’m super excited about it. The set up for that was pretty sweet. I felt horrible for Trey throughout this book, but I’m also really glad he got the wake-up call he needed.
I really enjoy this series and I cannot wait for more. I’m hoping I’m right about the next book, although part of me thinks there’s a chance another one of the players will get a book first and I’d be okay with that because the poor guy deserves some happiness, but then again, it might be too soon.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
What I also loved about this book is that Katie and Tom’s romance was not the only focus of the book. There was a lot going on around them in regards to the team and some of the team personnel. I loved getting to revisit the couples from previous books and I think I know who is going to be the focus of the next book and I’m super excited about it. The set up for that was pretty sweet. I felt horrible for Trey throughout this book, but I’m also really glad he got the wake-up call he needed.
I really enjoy this series and I cannot wait for more. I’m hoping I’m right about the next book, although part of me thinks there’s a chance another one of the players will get a book first and I’d be okay with that because the poor guy deserves some happiness, but then again, it might be too soon.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
May 27, 2015
Review by Natasha Gentile
I am I sucker for second chance romances. I especially loved this one because Katherine was so well educated and spoken.
Katherine and Tom were high school sweethearts; planning on following their dreams together. However things don’t always turn out the way we plan, and life sent them each on their separate ways.
It’s taken seventeen years for Tom Morgan to get over Katie—Katherine now.
Tom is now the manager of the Blaze leaving Katherine and Tom working in close proximity! When work calls for long hours, Tom and Katherine spend lots of time together. Feelings slowly start to come back and walls begin to crumble, but can you finally forget the hurt that you both went through?
Both are still mending their broken hearts; it’ll take a lot more than stealing second to give this couple their home run!
I am I sucker for second chance romances. I especially loved this one because Katherine was so well educated and spoken.
Katherine and Tom were high school sweethearts; planning on following their dreams together. However things don’t always turn out the way we plan, and life sent them each on their separate ways.
It’s taken seventeen years for Tom Morgan to get over Katie—Katherine now.
Tom is now the manager of the Blaze leaving Katherine and Tom working in close proximity! When work calls for long hours, Tom and Katherine spend lots of time together. Feelings slowly start to come back and walls begin to crumble, but can you finally forget the hurt that you both went through?
Both are still mending their broken hearts; it’ll take a lot more than stealing second to give this couple their home run!
June 20, 2015
4 stars
I really enjoyed Stealing Second by Alison Packard.
The characters were likable and believable, the storyline held my interest from the start.
I loved how Katherine and Tom managed to put the past behind them and love again.
Stealing Second was a heartwarming second chance love story, I highly recommend it and the Feeling the Heat series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1203...
Thank you Carina Press via Netgalley for the advance copy.
I really enjoyed Stealing Second by Alison Packard.
The characters were likable and believable, the storyline held my interest from the start.
I loved how Katherine and Tom managed to put the past behind them and love again.
Stealing Second was a heartwarming second chance love story, I highly recommend it and the Feeling the Heat series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1203...
Thank you Carina Press via Netgalley for the advance copy.
December 30, 2015
Most definitely not my favorite Packard book, and I am side eyeing the second chance execution here something FIERCE. Way too much ridiculous drama & not nearly enough boy pining/redemption moves to make up for Tom's constant WTF stupidity throughout the narrative.
October 4, 2016
Gorgeous. If you love a second chance romance, then you must get this one!
Katherine and Tom are great characters and their connection is so real. The story is touching, sad and romantic
Really cute series
Katherine and Tom are great characters and their connection is so real. The story is touching, sad and romantic
Really cute series
September 27, 2015
Who’s up for a second chance story going hand in hand with a contemporary sports romance? Well, if you’re one of the awesome people who raised their hands and made room in their never ending to-read shelf, then you’ll love this one.
I’ve known and loved Alison Packard’s FEELING THE HEAT series for a while now, and I couldn’t help but jump at the chance to read this book. You know, for purely professional reasons, for you guys who follow the updates about the making of the hodgepodge, and not for the crazy chick inside me who loves men of sports, later daydreams about snagging one and hogs the tv for any matches. Nope.
I didn’t read that many second chance romances, and the last few ones I’ve read were about couples where one of them already loved and lost, for good. So, though I loved those previous books, Katie and Tom’s relationship was like a breath of fresh air for me. They were friends and lovers in their teens, and reading about them rekindling their passion and remembering good old times was, what can I say, romantic. I’ve always had a soft spot for friends to lovers and bickering couples, and this story had a little bit of both which was another bonus for me.
In this smoldering heat, it isn’t easy reading a sexy romance, I tell you. Tom and Katie’s sexual tension was part hot-which wasn’t good for body temperature in the summer- and part sweet-which totally wasn’t good for yours truly single. However, I sacrificed myself and read through this fun book, laughed at times, got jealous at others, got mad a little sometimes, but in the end, thoroughly enjoyed it. All for you. Really.
Tom was a sweet hero who did justice to his position as manager to the Blaze, and Katie reminded me yet again that women can very well be strong and independent and deal with the media all at once. They were good for each other, made a nice couple that I loved to read about. And since they were both actively involved with baseball, we had a lot of chance to read about the sports itself. It looks like I still have a few more things to learn in baseball, but it still didn’t take from my enjoyment of reading this book. With new characters and potential couples in the horizon, I simply cannot wait for the next installment in the series.
I know I have a hate/hate relationship with gym, and a tentative truce with actively playing any sports, but really, when are they going to invent the tv that allows us to bring the players we watch right into our living room?
I’ve known and loved Alison Packard’s FEELING THE HEAT series for a while now, and I couldn’t help but jump at the chance to read this book. You know, for purely professional reasons, for you guys who follow the updates about the making of the hodgepodge, and not for the crazy chick inside me who loves men of sports, later daydreams about snagging one and hogs the tv for any matches. Nope.
I didn’t read that many second chance romances, and the last few ones I’ve read were about couples where one of them already loved and lost, for good. So, though I loved those previous books, Katie and Tom’s relationship was like a breath of fresh air for me. They were friends and lovers in their teens, and reading about them rekindling their passion and remembering good old times was, what can I say, romantic. I’ve always had a soft spot for friends to lovers and bickering couples, and this story had a little bit of both which was another bonus for me.
In this smoldering heat, it isn’t easy reading a sexy romance, I tell you. Tom and Katie’s sexual tension was part hot-which wasn’t good for body temperature in the summer- and part sweet-which totally wasn’t good for yours truly single. However, I sacrificed myself and read through this fun book, laughed at times, got jealous at others, got mad a little sometimes, but in the end, thoroughly enjoyed it. All for you. Really.
Tom was a sweet hero who did justice to his position as manager to the Blaze, and Katie reminded me yet again that women can very well be strong and independent and deal with the media all at once. They were good for each other, made a nice couple that I loved to read about. And since they were both actively involved with baseball, we had a lot of chance to read about the sports itself. It looks like I still have a few more things to learn in baseball, but it still didn’t take from my enjoyment of reading this book. With new characters and potential couples in the horizon, I simply cannot wait for the next installment in the series.
I know I have a hate/hate relationship with gym, and a tentative truce with actively playing any sports, but really, when are they going to invent the tv that allows us to bring the players we watch right into our living room?
May 12, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Katherine and Tom share a past, but have different ideas of what broke them up. Seventeen years later they find themselves both working for the same major league baseball team. Neither have found another love that can replace what they had; and both think they can just ignore the pull of their hearts.
I love characters like Katherine who are strong women in high profile positions, who have jobs that take brains and some determination. I like that she can be tough and sexy at the same time. Tom was harder for me to imagine, a sexy single MLB manager. He holds as much pain as Katherine but holds in in more, you can tell from the instant he sees her that he has never stopped loving her. I enjoyed the scenes where they found their love again and discovered the truth about the past.
I think steamy scenes between characters who have a past - and a past that is years ago can sometimes be hard - you have to convey a maturity that time has brought, but there isn't a newness - you have to honor that "he" knows she gets ticklish when she is touched "there", and things like "her" noticing his shoulders are broader. Tom and Katherine's steamy scenes were very satisfying to read. I truly felt they knew their second chance was rare and they realized they never stopped loving each other.
Fans who are not also baseball fans do not worry that you will get lost in baseball jargon, baseball really is only a framework for the plot. We do get a treat to see characters from the other books in the series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I will say one of my favorite scenes was the resolution of the conflict that tore them apart again.
I love this series and will definitely pick up any future titles.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Katherine and Tom share a past, but have different ideas of what broke them up. Seventeen years later they find themselves both working for the same major league baseball team. Neither have found another love that can replace what they had; and both think they can just ignore the pull of their hearts.
I love characters like Katherine who are strong women in high profile positions, who have jobs that take brains and some determination. I like that she can be tough and sexy at the same time. Tom was harder for me to imagine, a sexy single MLB manager. He holds as much pain as Katherine but holds in in more, you can tell from the instant he sees her that he has never stopped loving her. I enjoyed the scenes where they found their love again and discovered the truth about the past.
I think steamy scenes between characters who have a past - and a past that is years ago can sometimes be hard - you have to convey a maturity that time has brought, but there isn't a newness - you have to honor that "he" knows she gets ticklish when she is touched "there", and things like "her" noticing his shoulders are broader. Tom and Katherine's steamy scenes were very satisfying to read. I truly felt they knew their second chance was rare and they realized they never stopped loving each other.
Fans who are not also baseball fans do not worry that you will get lost in baseball jargon, baseball really is only a framework for the plot. We do get a treat to see characters from the other books in the series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I will say one of my favorite scenes was the resolution of the conflict that tore them apart again.
I love this series and will definitely pick up any future titles.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2015
I was excited about this because I love second chance stories, but just about every element of this particular second chance story did not work for me. At all.
At the beginning, it was more that I just didn't care much one way or the other, but when the backstory came out, it became a lot more that I just didn't like them together and didn't believe in their love story.
And if the false rape accusation subplot hadn't been enough drama in addition to the big secret of them being manipulated into breaking up by their parents, then we drop the miscarriage drama into the mix. We would have been much better served seeing more working on the relationship instead of adding additional drama.
I'm disappointed she almost made me care about Trey Gentry. I might still read the next book in the series. Otherwise I think I'm done with Alison Packard and that's a shame. (Although I also think Rick Taylor may get a book at some point and I'm not sure how that's going to work for me. I would be very interested in it except I don't trust Packard at all anymore.)
I almost knocked this book down to one star for the epilogue. It was entirely unnecessary to have the fake Giants' World Series victory at my team's expense :-P
At the beginning, it was more that I just didn't care much one way or the other, but when the backstory came out, it became a lot more that I just didn't like them together and didn't believe in their love story.
And if the false rape accusation subplot hadn't been enough drama in addition to the big secret of them being manipulated into breaking up by their parents, then we drop the miscarriage drama into the mix. We would have been much better served seeing more working on the relationship instead of adding additional drama.
I'm disappointed she almost made me care about Trey Gentry. I might still read the next book in the series. Otherwise I think I'm done with Alison Packard and that's a shame. (Although I also think Rick Taylor may get a book at some point and I'm not sure how that's going to work for me. I would be very interested in it except I don't trust Packard at all anymore.)
I almost knocked this book down to one star for the epilogue. It was entirely unnecessary to have the fake Giants' World Series victory at my team's expense :-P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2017
Second chance romances give hope to us all. This story by Alison Pickard was very touching when it finally got down to the reason for Tom and Katie's breakup seventeen years before. While they both had legitimate reasons to be upset with the other, it just goes to prove, you never know the whole story unless you were there. After being civil to each other for the two years that they have worked together, there is finally a breakthrough where Tom and Katie actually talk to each other outside of business. When they start realizing that they each think the other left them all those years ago, they finally decide they need to have a talk. If you like second chances, this is definitely one to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it to my friends and family.
December 24, 2015
oh god, i really wanted to like this, and the romance is pretty on par with the other novels, but i just hit this one particular plot point and STRAIGHT UP NOPE. also the resolution of the ~plot was just ridiculous.
April 29, 2022
Stealing second is about second chances. I hated how miscommunication and stubbornness wasted 17 years but it would seem explained by usual circumstances. I loved the baseball storyline.
July 17, 2021
Was good, but unfortunately fell a bit short from the other ones, who had more original plots and interesting charactres (Kelly). Here just two perfect people who do everything right but can't come to terms with each other.
August 19, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
June 21, 2015
For a baseball nut and romance reader, this book had it all: hot winning streaks and even steamier play off the field, and a few folks held to the fire because of their actions.
I love this description: “maybe, like her, there was something magical about a baseball diamond he couldn’t ignore. ... Some people found peace by the ocean; she was at peace staring at the green grass that stretched across the outfield and the reddish-brown clay of the infield.”
This story had a well developed plot and sub plots, sizzling chemistry between the two main characters that leaps off the page, and just enough secondary characters and plot twists to make things really interesting. After all, what’s baseball these days without a little player drama — and not of steroid variety.
Katherine Whitton and Tom Morgan’s love affair began when they were barely teens, but due to what becomes apparent was some kind of miscommunication between the two at graduation, they were separated for 17 years. For two years, they dance around each other, Katherine freezing him out from anything save Blaze business. But, Tom finally admits to himself and later her, that she’s the reason the proud Texan gave up his home in Austin to follow her to San Francisco.
He can’t forget her. She’s been a part of him since he first saw her, not even the hurt he felt when she left him with with n more than “I’m sorry” on a slip of paper. Eventually, it affected his career in the big league. He drank to forget her until he crashed his life.
She put her entire focus on work and didn’t get close to any man, enjoying sex for the physical release, but only casually and not getting close to anyone. She believed 17 years ago that he left her, when she needed him most, after being struck by a car and ending up in the hospital.
And the secrets and plot twists just keep on coming.
The two have to work more intimately together when Katherine’s assistant Kelly gets sick and can’t make the road trip with the team, and Katie and Tom just can’t forget how much the other meant back when, even if the hurt is crippling.
Each is also tested in the company the other keeps. Katie sees tom with Dorie and daughter Lily on a few occasions, and though she likes Dorie, she also knows she’s in a relationship with someone in the Blaze organization. Tom sees Katherine at the bar and dining with Adam Logan, co-owner of a sports management group, and wants to clock him.
Throw in a recent widow who inherited the team from her husband, who never knew she made passes at his players and staff, and a cocky ace who over his continued rise to the top over the last two years has started to believe his hype and things get really interesting. After at least twice refusing the cougar, widow Ava accuses Trey of trying to sexually assault her. As shit storm ensues, gaining enough media attention to eclipse even his shut out. And, said widow also has announced she’s also selling the team — which staff speculated was because she found sexual harassment didn’t pan out for her the way she had planned.
Just as Denver police contact Trey, Katherine’s dad calls her aside to let her know that he’s part of the Texas group that’s planning to buy the team from crazy Ava. As secrets go, Katie and Tom learn things about their parents that are hard to digest and Tom too discovers a fact about Katie that has him further spinnings, and not sure he can get past it.
Then there’s the buzz that former Blaze player, Ricky, who quit at the top a few years back after his wife and unborn child were killed in a tragic car crash, plans to make a bid for a comeback in the spring.
Things eventually unravel for a finale as big as hit on a three-two count, with two out and two on in the ninth inning of the game seven of the series. But, never fear, they are all committed to winning, down to the final out.
I love this description: “maybe, like her, there was something magical about a baseball diamond he couldn’t ignore. ... Some people found peace by the ocean; she was at peace staring at the green grass that stretched across the outfield and the reddish-brown clay of the infield.”
This story had a well developed plot and sub plots, sizzling chemistry between the two main characters that leaps off the page, and just enough secondary characters and plot twists to make things really interesting. After all, what’s baseball these days without a little player drama — and not of steroid variety.
Katherine Whitton and Tom Morgan’s love affair began when they were barely teens, but due to what becomes apparent was some kind of miscommunication between the two at graduation, they were separated for 17 years. For two years, they dance around each other, Katherine freezing him out from anything save Blaze business. But, Tom finally admits to himself and later her, that she’s the reason the proud Texan gave up his home in Austin to follow her to San Francisco.
He can’t forget her. She’s been a part of him since he first saw her, not even the hurt he felt when she left him with with n more than “I’m sorry” on a slip of paper. Eventually, it affected his career in the big league. He drank to forget her until he crashed his life.
She put her entire focus on work and didn’t get close to any man, enjoying sex for the physical release, but only casually and not getting close to anyone. She believed 17 years ago that he left her, when she needed him most, after being struck by a car and ending up in the hospital.
And the secrets and plot twists just keep on coming.
The two have to work more intimately together when Katherine’s assistant Kelly gets sick and can’t make the road trip with the team, and Katie and Tom just can’t forget how much the other meant back when, even if the hurt is crippling.
Each is also tested in the company the other keeps. Katie sees tom with Dorie and daughter Lily on a few occasions, and though she likes Dorie, she also knows she’s in a relationship with someone in the Blaze organization. Tom sees Katherine at the bar and dining with Adam Logan, co-owner of a sports management group, and wants to clock him.
Throw in a recent widow who inherited the team from her husband, who never knew she made passes at his players and staff, and a cocky ace who over his continued rise to the top over the last two years has started to believe his hype and things get really interesting. After at least twice refusing the cougar, widow Ava accuses Trey of trying to sexually assault her. As shit storm ensues, gaining enough media attention to eclipse even his shut out. And, said widow also has announced she’s also selling the team — which staff speculated was because she found sexual harassment didn’t pan out for her the way she had planned.
Just as Denver police contact Trey, Katherine’s dad calls her aside to let her know that he’s part of the Texas group that’s planning to buy the team from crazy Ava. As secrets go, Katie and Tom learn things about their parents that are hard to digest and Tom too discovers a fact about Katie that has him further spinnings, and not sure he can get past it.
Then there’s the buzz that former Blaze player, Ricky, who quit at the top a few years back after his wife and unborn child were killed in a tragic car crash, plans to make a bid for a comeback in the spring.
Things eventually unravel for a finale as big as hit on a three-two count, with two out and two on in the ninth inning of the game seven of the series. But, never fear, they are all committed to winning, down to the final out.
June 19, 2015
Heather's Review from Smut Matters
3.5 Stars
I like second chance romances. They’re not my catnip; I don’t love them, but I like them. I know some people think that there’s a reason a couple broke up in the first place, but I think in cases like this, enough time has passed where the characters are different people at a very different point in their lives, and it could work.
Katherine (Katie) Whitton and Tom Morgan were high-school sweethearts in Dallas, TX until the very end of their senior year when they broke up and went to separate colleges. They’ve both moved on somewhat, had other relationships (it has been seventeen years, after all), but neither of them has ever had anything even close to that relationship since high school, has never loved anyone else like that.
They each seem to blame the other for the break-up, and it becomes clear very early on that neither of them has the full story. Hurt feelings and pride kept both of them away from Dallas after that summer, so when Tom comes to work for the San Francisco Blaze, where Katherine has been working for about a decade, it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since high school. The chemistry between them is still there, it hasn’t gone anywhere. Tom is the team manager, and Katherine is the head of the public relations department, they’re going to be working together a lot. There obviously needs to be a conversation about the past, but every time one of them tries to bring it up, either the other shuts it down, or a phone rings, or someone interrupts them. It isn’t until they’re both on a road trip with the team that they both acknowledge that it has to be talked about, possibly fought over, but gotten out in the open if they’re ever going to be able to continue working together.
I felt for Katherine and Tom both when they found out what had happened seventeen years ago. They both feel betrayed, rightfully so, and can’t get past the time they lost together. Who knows how their lives would have turned out if they’d stayed together, but they both would have liked to have found out. They were really good together, we can see from the glimpses we get of them from the past, and the way they are with each other now. This may have been the rare high school relationship to go the distance, but they weren’t able to find out.
For the most part, I liked this book. Katherine does keep one secret from Tom, and when he discovers it, it’s the Black Moment in the book, and he runs. I didn’t love this. I don’t deny him his feelings; I get why he’d be upset, but he was looking at the situation as a mid-thirties man would, not as a terrified teenage girl would. Every time Katherine tried to talk to him about it, he’d shut her out and walk away. I was as frustrated as Katherine was and don’t know if I would have been as willing to keep trying. When she made it clear to them that they were done, I may have cheered a little bit. But only a little bit.
This is the fifth book in a series, which I didn’t realize before picking it up. It was clear that some of the couples in this one were from earlier books, so I may go back and read them. It seemed obvious who would be in some of the upcoming books, too and I think those stories will be really good, so I’ll definitely move on with the series, even if I don’t read the backlist. I would definitely recommend this one!
3.5 Stars
I like second chance romances. They’re not my catnip; I don’t love them, but I like them. I know some people think that there’s a reason a couple broke up in the first place, but I think in cases like this, enough time has passed where the characters are different people at a very different point in their lives, and it could work.
Katherine (Katie) Whitton and Tom Morgan were high-school sweethearts in Dallas, TX until the very end of their senior year when they broke up and went to separate colleges. They’ve both moved on somewhat, had other relationships (it has been seventeen years, after all), but neither of them has ever had anything even close to that relationship since high school, has never loved anyone else like that.
They each seem to blame the other for the break-up, and it becomes clear very early on that neither of them has the full story. Hurt feelings and pride kept both of them away from Dallas after that summer, so when Tom comes to work for the San Francisco Blaze, where Katherine has been working for about a decade, it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since high school. The chemistry between them is still there, it hasn’t gone anywhere. Tom is the team manager, and Katherine is the head of the public relations department, they’re going to be working together a lot. There obviously needs to be a conversation about the past, but every time one of them tries to bring it up, either the other shuts it down, or a phone rings, or someone interrupts them. It isn’t until they’re both on a road trip with the team that they both acknowledge that it has to be talked about, possibly fought over, but gotten out in the open if they’re ever going to be able to continue working together.
I felt for Katherine and Tom both when they found out what had happened seventeen years ago. They both feel betrayed, rightfully so, and can’t get past the time they lost together. Who knows how their lives would have turned out if they’d stayed together, but they both would have liked to have found out. They were really good together, we can see from the glimpses we get of them from the past, and the way they are with each other now. This may have been the rare high school relationship to go the distance, but they weren’t able to find out.
For the most part, I liked this book. Katherine does keep one secret from Tom, and when he discovers it, it’s the Black Moment in the book, and he runs. I didn’t love this. I don’t deny him his feelings; I get why he’d be upset, but he was looking at the situation as a mid-thirties man would, not as a terrified teenage girl would. Every time Katherine tried to talk to him about it, he’d shut her out and walk away. I was as frustrated as Katherine was and don’t know if I would have been as willing to keep trying. When she made it clear to them that they were done, I may have cheered a little bit. But only a little bit.
This is the fifth book in a series, which I didn’t realize before picking it up. It was clear that some of the couples in this one were from earlier books, so I may go back and read them. It seemed obvious who would be in some of the upcoming books, too and I think those stories will be really good, so I’ll definitely move on with the series, even if I don’t read the backlist. I would definitely recommend this one!
June 22, 2015
My Review:
This series...LOVE! And this particular installment of it was just so good. I do love a good second-chance story.
Tom and Katherine were high school sweethearts. They met and fell in love when they were fourteen years old and then their relationship fell apart days before college when they were eighteen. That was in Texas. In a bizarre twist of fate (and a combined love of baseball), three years ago they began working together for the professional baseball team, the San Francisco Blaze. But they've never discussed what happened to them before...they've kept it entirely professional and no one would even guess they have a history. Well, at the beginning of this book, all of that begins to unravel.
And it unravels in the best possible way...I really loved Tom and Katie and as the reader, you get a good idea of what happened to them 17 years ago long before they do. That made for an incredibly riveting read. I could NOT put this book down. What would happen when it all came out? What exactly happened? So freaking good. But that's all what happened in the past.
The present for these two characters is pretty riveting too. This book is set up as the Blaze is counting down and trying to make the play-offs. They have a pitcher who has his own drama going (I really, really enjoyed Trey's aspect to the story). Tom is the General Manager for the team. Katherine is their PR gal, so they are both heavily embroiled with what is happening with Trey and that puts them working much closer together than they've had to in the previous three years. I loved that and I loved them and their chemistry so much.
The book is told from their alternating POV's so you are right there with them and know how painful this is for both of them. They've been apart 17 years, but those feelings are no where close to gone for either of them, even though they both have tried to move on. This was a second-chance trope at its best. I loved the book, the set-up, and the characters.
There were also little glimpses of other stories that are coming. I only have one thing to say about those...I can't wait. This is a GREAT sports themed series and this one was a fabulous read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This series...LOVE! And this particular installment of it was just so good. I do love a good second-chance story.
Tom and Katherine were high school sweethearts. They met and fell in love when they were fourteen years old and then their relationship fell apart days before college when they were eighteen. That was in Texas. In a bizarre twist of fate (and a combined love of baseball), three years ago they began working together for the professional baseball team, the San Francisco Blaze. But they've never discussed what happened to them before...they've kept it entirely professional and no one would even guess they have a history. Well, at the beginning of this book, all of that begins to unravel.
And it unravels in the best possible way...I really loved Tom and Katie and as the reader, you get a good idea of what happened to them 17 years ago long before they do. That made for an incredibly riveting read. I could NOT put this book down. What would happen when it all came out? What exactly happened? So freaking good. But that's all what happened in the past.
The present for these two characters is pretty riveting too. This book is set up as the Blaze is counting down and trying to make the play-offs. They have a pitcher who has his own drama going (I really, really enjoyed Trey's aspect to the story). Tom is the General Manager for the team. Katherine is their PR gal, so they are both heavily embroiled with what is happening with Trey and that puts them working much closer together than they've had to in the previous three years. I loved that and I loved them and their chemistry so much.
The book is told from their alternating POV's so you are right there with them and know how painful this is for both of them. They've been apart 17 years, but those feelings are no where close to gone for either of them, even though they both have tried to move on. This was a second-chance trope at its best. I loved the book, the set-up, and the characters.
There were also little glimpses of other stories that are coming. I only have one thing to say about those...I can't wait. This is a GREAT sports themed series and this one was a fabulous read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2016
4.5 Stars!
I love a good sports romance and Stealing Second by Alison Packard is an excellent addition to the contemporary genre. The sport of choice in this well-written book is baseball, and it is combined beautifully with the second chance romance trope. This is the fifth book in Ms. Packard's Feeling the Heat series and it can be enjoyed as as standalone. These stories are centered around the San Francisco Blaze, a fictional professional baseball team.
Back in high school, about seventeen years ago, Katie Whitton and Tom Morgan were madly and deeply in love. At the time, both Katie's father and Tom's mother firmly believed that their relationship and love would destroy their respective futures. Subsequently, a few things occurred that forced Katie and Tom to abruptly break-up and move on without one another. They were both devastated and to this day, have never found happiness with anyone else. Now they happen to find themselves working together. Katherine is the team's Vice-President of Communications and has been with the Blaze in some capacity since college. Tom has been the team's General Manager for almost three years. Avoidance ends up being futile when personnel issues eventually bring them together.
Katie and Tom are still madly in lust and love with each other. They have amazing chemistry, and Ms. Packard's build up to their first time together after years of being a part is hot, steamy and sensual. Working and sleeping together results in a relationship that they never thought could exist. Of course some discoveries along the way threaten to ruin their happiness, but they are able to work through it.
I liked many things about this book. To begin with, Katherine is a strong character and her smarts and ability to speak for herself caused me to cheer boldly for women everywhere. Secondly, the story was nicely paced and flowed comfortably from beginning to end. Lastly, the secondary charters were interesting and added a lot of depth to the story. Overall, this is a solid read that twists and turns in all the right places. I definitely plan on reading other books from this author and this series.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I love a good sports romance and Stealing Second by Alison Packard is an excellent addition to the contemporary genre. The sport of choice in this well-written book is baseball, and it is combined beautifully with the second chance romance trope. This is the fifth book in Ms. Packard's Feeling the Heat series and it can be enjoyed as as standalone. These stories are centered around the San Francisco Blaze, a fictional professional baseball team.
Back in high school, about seventeen years ago, Katie Whitton and Tom Morgan were madly and deeply in love. At the time, both Katie's father and Tom's mother firmly believed that their relationship and love would destroy their respective futures. Subsequently, a few things occurred that forced Katie and Tom to abruptly break-up and move on without one another. They were both devastated and to this day, have never found happiness with anyone else. Now they happen to find themselves working together. Katherine is the team's Vice-President of Communications and has been with the Blaze in some capacity since college. Tom has been the team's General Manager for almost three years. Avoidance ends up being futile when personnel issues eventually bring them together.
Katie and Tom are still madly in lust and love with each other. They have amazing chemistry, and Ms. Packard's build up to their first time together after years of being a part is hot, steamy and sensual. Working and sleeping together results in a relationship that they never thought could exist. Of course some discoveries along the way threaten to ruin their happiness, but they are able to work through it.
I liked many things about this book. To begin with, Katherine is a strong character and her smarts and ability to speak for herself caused me to cheer boldly for women everywhere. Secondly, the story was nicely paced and flowed comfortably from beginning to end. Lastly, the secondary charters were interesting and added a lot of depth to the story. Overall, this is a solid read that twists and turns in all the right places. I definitely plan on reading other books from this author and this series.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 29, 2015
Arc provided by Netgalley for an honest review
With this book I thought to have made a big mistake. I don't usually start reading a series from the last book, but I admit I loved it even if with some characters I had the feeling they had a story already told. But this didn't disturb me at all, it made me curious.
I love sport and second chance romances. Katie and Tom have known each other since they were teenagers and they fell in love in college. They have planned a future together, but their families torn them apart with lies.
During all those years they made a life by themselves, but they haven't forgot the love they shared and that is always alive in their hearts.
Working for the same baseball team, the Blaze, doesn't make things easier. Katie thinks Tom betrayed her and Tom thinks the same about Katie. Only seventeen years later they find out the truth. To reconnect each other and forgive their parents it's hard, but their love is so strong to overcome lies and betrayal.
“Was that attraction enough to bridge the years that had separated them? Was the knowledge their parents had manipulated them into breaking up enough to rebuild what they once had? Or was that love gone forever, decimated by time and circumstance?”
Katie is smart, sweet, strong. I love the way she manages her job with determination and heart.
Tom, as ex baseball player is a wise manager that knows how a team works. At the same time is loyal, funny and sweet. Both of them have a great sense of humor. The sexual tension between Katie and Tom is steamy hot.
“You said we can't go back and that's true. But I belive our past is the very reason why we can have the furture we always dreamed about.” - Tom
Of this book I loved that the focus was not only on Katie and Tom's story. I loved the behind the scene of a baseball team and the story about Trey, player for the Blaze, that I hope will have his book in the future.
A book I reccomend to readers who love sport and sweet romance.
I'm surely going to read also the previous books in this series.
With this book I thought to have made a big mistake. I don't usually start reading a series from the last book, but I admit I loved it even if with some characters I had the feeling they had a story already told. But this didn't disturb me at all, it made me curious.
I love sport and second chance romances. Katie and Tom have known each other since they were teenagers and they fell in love in college. They have planned a future together, but their families torn them apart with lies.
During all those years they made a life by themselves, but they haven't forgot the love they shared and that is always alive in their hearts.
Working for the same baseball team, the Blaze, doesn't make things easier. Katie thinks Tom betrayed her and Tom thinks the same about Katie. Only seventeen years later they find out the truth. To reconnect each other and forgive their parents it's hard, but their love is so strong to overcome lies and betrayal.
“Was that attraction enough to bridge the years that had separated them? Was the knowledge their parents had manipulated them into breaking up enough to rebuild what they once had? Or was that love gone forever, decimated by time and circumstance?”
Katie is smart, sweet, strong. I love the way she manages her job with determination and heart.
Tom, as ex baseball player is a wise manager that knows how a team works. At the same time is loyal, funny and sweet. Both of them have a great sense of humor. The sexual tension between Katie and Tom is steamy hot.
“You said we can't go back and that's true. But I belive our past is the very reason why we can have the furture we always dreamed about.” - Tom
Of this book I loved that the focus was not only on Katie and Tom's story. I loved the behind the scene of a baseball team and the story about Trey, player for the Blaze, that I hope will have his book in the future.
A book I reccomend to readers who love sport and sweet romance.
I'm surely going to read also the previous books in this series.
May 27, 2015
Katherine and Tom had been inseparable high school sweethearts, forming dreams and planning their future together. However, something happened resulting in them having different connotations of their breakup. And whilst they went off pursuing their own dreams, they never really got over the pain their breakup caused them.
Fast forward seventeen years later, Katherine and Tom find themselves working in the same major league baseball team, Blaze. Katherine now holds a high profile position handling the public relations of the team and athletes while Tom manages the team. They thought they had moved on and could handle the pain and emotions of seeing each other again but their past and the love they had for each other just kept reeling them in.
I've always enjoyed a good sports themed book but this went beyond that. You could just feel the pain that Tom and Katherine were holding in them, the love that Tom has for Katie that never went away, the sweetness from their young love as you read through their flashbacks. Stealing Second is about second chance with a true and rare love that was lost. Knowing their past and seeing them come together again just gave me lots of warm fuzzies. The sexy scenes were much more meaningful and despite so many years that had passed, the familiarity that they had with each other was hot and touching. I also loved how the story ended... it's really one of those few books that has the perfect heartwarming ending.
This is my first book by this author and I couldn't recommend it enough for all to check out. I will definitely pick up the rest of the books in this series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Junkie for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Fast forward seventeen years later, Katherine and Tom find themselves working in the same major league baseball team, Blaze. Katherine now holds a high profile position handling the public relations of the team and athletes while Tom manages the team. They thought they had moved on and could handle the pain and emotions of seeing each other again but their past and the love they had for each other just kept reeling them in.
I've always enjoyed a good sports themed book but this went beyond that. You could just feel the pain that Tom and Katherine were holding in them, the love that Tom has for Katie that never went away, the sweetness from their young love as you read through their flashbacks. Stealing Second is about second chance with a true and rare love that was lost. Knowing their past and seeing them come together again just gave me lots of warm fuzzies. The sexy scenes were much more meaningful and despite so many years that had passed, the familiarity that they had with each other was hot and touching. I also loved how the story ended... it's really one of those few books that has the perfect heartwarming ending.
This is my first book by this author and I couldn't recommend it enough for all to check out. I will definitely pick up the rest of the books in this series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Junkie for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
July 19, 2015
In the fifth (and I think final) story in this series, we are introduced to VP of Media Relations Katherine and Blaze Team Manager Tom. Both have a past that the author drips and drops along the first 50% of the story. A relationship that ended badly. The fact that now, 17 years later, they are once again working together is proving difficult, since both have unresolved feelings, but neither are ready or willing to admit it. When the pair are forced together on a road trip for the team, secrets finally come to light and Katherine and Tom realize that they still feel the same way about each other now as they did when they were teens. But can 17 years, a few misguided parental involvements, and time heal all wounds, or are they never supposed to be together?
My main complaint about this book was that the author dragged along the will they or won't they plot for far too long. More than half the book should not be spent on past behaviors, especially if the author only alludes to them, and never really delves into depth with the why Katherine and Tom parted, or the secrets they've been carrying ever since. Once the pair finally did get together, the author made them work for it, and as a reader, it frustrated me. I want to see happy couples, not hot sex, then fighting, then making up, then mistrust, etc.
While I'm glad that this did end on a HEA, there were still a lot of questions that weren't answered. I also think both Tom and Katherine were too forgivable to the people who had wronged them.
I will say that it was nice catching up with characters from previous books in the series, but overall, I think Alison Packard is a good writer, but she needs to get to her main point a lot faster.
My main complaint about this book was that the author dragged along the will they or won't they plot for far too long. More than half the book should not be spent on past behaviors, especially if the author only alludes to them, and never really delves into depth with the why Katherine and Tom parted, or the secrets they've been carrying ever since. Once the pair finally did get together, the author made them work for it, and as a reader, it frustrated me. I want to see happy couples, not hot sex, then fighting, then making up, then mistrust, etc.
While I'm glad that this did end on a HEA, there were still a lot of questions that weren't answered. I also think both Tom and Katherine were too forgivable to the people who had wronged them.
I will say that it was nice catching up with characters from previous books in the series, but overall, I think Alison Packard is a good writer, but she needs to get to her main point a lot faster.
April 17, 2016
Katherine/Katie had left Dallas seventeen years ago . She worked for the San Francisco Blaze baseball team. Doug was the general manager. Tom was the manager of the team and from Texas also. Tom was the one who had broken Katie’s heart. Katherine held the title of Senior vice president of communications for the Blaze team. Tom felt Katie had walked away from him seventeen years ago without a goodbye. John and Katie had fallen in love in high school. Katie’s family had money John’s didn’t. Katie and John had been mislead about a fake rape accusation. So each believes the other just walked away. The families felt that Tom and Katie should follow their own dreams, that they were too young to be so serious. Now Katherine refuses to talk to Tom about anything except Blaze business especially not about the past. But neither has found a love like they had with each other, the attraction was also still there as well as feelings.
I liked this story a lot. It made me mad the families were willing to cause both Tom and Katie so much pain and caused them to break up. I do think there were a few too many subplots going on but did get past them to finish this story. I loved the characters especially John and Katie and all they go through. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review
I liked this story a lot. It made me mad the families were willing to cause both Tom and Katie so much pain and caused them to break up. I do think there were a few too many subplots going on but did get past them to finish this story. I loved the characters especially John and Katie and all they go through. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review
August 12, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for my ARC
What if your path changed due to parents decision??
This book is about how Katherine and Tom’s path changed due to their parents and will they have a second chance at love??
Katherine was a driven career woman working at San Francisco Blazer baseball team. Her heart was broken when she lost Tom in high school. Ever since then she never had any serious relationship, she was married to her job. When Tom retired from playing baseball and lands a job of being a manager for Blazer, they meet again after 18 years.
Katherine made sure she will never get involve with Tom again after how he left her. But her attractions to Tom couldn’t last long when one of the hottest pitcher gets into PR nightmare. They both had to work together to make sure they were heading to post season.
Tom and Katherine were finding out about each other after all these years ad finally finding out what had happen to their relationship when they were heading to college. They were in love but both had different view of their end of relationship. That causes lots of friction between Katie and Tom.
This was fantastic read for baseball fans who also loves romance. I am a huge baseball fan and setting was my favorite teams rival San Francisco but it had enough baseball story line as well as romance.
What if your path changed due to parents decision??
This book is about how Katherine and Tom’s path changed due to their parents and will they have a second chance at love??
Katherine was a driven career woman working at San Francisco Blazer baseball team. Her heart was broken when she lost Tom in high school. Ever since then she never had any serious relationship, she was married to her job. When Tom retired from playing baseball and lands a job of being a manager for Blazer, they meet again after 18 years.
Katherine made sure she will never get involve with Tom again after how he left her. But her attractions to Tom couldn’t last long when one of the hottest pitcher gets into PR nightmare. They both had to work together to make sure they were heading to post season.
Tom and Katherine were finding out about each other after all these years ad finally finding out what had happen to their relationship when they were heading to college. They were in love but both had different view of their end of relationship. That causes lots of friction between Katie and Tom.
This was fantastic read for baseball fans who also loves romance. I am a huge baseball fan and setting was my favorite teams rival San Francisco but it had enough baseball story line as well as romance.
July 31, 2015
Another great read from Alison Packard. The rekindled love of Tom & Katie is wonderfully written. I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far & look forward to more coming out. Tom & Katie were high school sweethearts who because of unknown interference from their parents have moved on with their lives thinking the other left them behind & no longer loved them. Seventeen yrs have passed & it's time for the truth to come out because they can't work together much longer the way things have been going. When the past is brought into the light of day they realize that they were lied to by the people who were consoling them in their pain & pushing them onto their futures without one another. A devastating & painful secret of Katie's is revealed by accident by her father in Tom's presence & causes even more pain & estrangement on Tom & Katie's part. Only a talk with a former teammate brings some clarity to Tom in his dilemma over the past secret Katie kept. I enjoy Alison Packard's writing because she not only focuses on the main characters but she also has background stories run as well that eventually lead to that character's book. So with that said I'm looking forward to reading Trey's story & hopefully a story on Rick.
May 18, 2015
I liked Katie and Tom but I missed reading about the players. I am hoping the next book in the series will be about the players who wife died since he is coming back to the team.
I liked this history of Katie and Tom. High school sweethearts whose family broke them up so they can follow their own dreams whiles not together since both families thought they were too young to be together. I liked how the story played out with them.
I did this the trey and Ava relationship/ sexual harassment was a little much and should t have been included in this. Although I am excited to see if and when trey will get his own book since he has been in some of the past books.
I am also wondering if the rest of the sawyer brothers, Paige and livvie will receive their own books. I have to say I like the whole family aspect of the stories and how close they all are. I couldn't really remember Katie from the previous books but I am hoping the more the series continues the better they will become.
I liked this history of Katie and Tom. High school sweethearts whose family broke them up so they can follow their own dreams whiles not together since both families thought they were too young to be together. I liked how the story played out with them.
I did this the trey and Ava relationship/ sexual harassment was a little much and should t have been included in this. Although I am excited to see if and when trey will get his own book since he has been in some of the past books.
I am also wondering if the rest of the sawyer brothers, Paige and livvie will receive their own books. I have to say I like the whole family aspect of the stories and how close they all are. I couldn't really remember Katie from the previous books but I am hoping the more the series continues the better they will become.
July 23, 2015
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I can say with complete certainty that it won't be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tom and Katie's story, it had everything a good romance story should have and then some. The story line was very engaging and highly addictive, and did a excellent job at holding my interest, so much so, I had to read it all in one sitting. The chemistry between Tom and Katie was undeniable from the start, which makes for a very steamy and satisfying read! This book is part of the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone title, my guess is though after you finish it you'll be dying to read more books in the series, I know I am!
If you like romance stories with a baseball themed twist, this book will be right up your alley, it is sure to satisfy all of your reading needs, and then some!
ARC copy requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Carina Press Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
If you like romance stories with a baseball themed twist, this book will be right up your alley, it is sure to satisfy all of your reading needs, and then some!
ARC copy requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Carina Press Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2015
Meh. This was the fifth book in the series but I din't think you need to have read the others to understand this book.
There was nothing wrong with this but it there was nothing different to loads of other books out there. Katherine and Tom were childhood sweethearts. Their break-up is a bit he said/she said and they haven't seen each other for 17 years, until Tom takes the job as Coach at the Blaze where Katherine is the Head of Media. It's blindingly obvious (and I don't think it's meant to be a secret from the reader) that Katherine and Tom have been mislead about each other - each believes that the other walked away without a word.
The problem with this book is that it isn't about anything else. There's no real plot unfolding, goodness only knows what Katherine actually does in the office between 9 and 5, there is (as I recall) only one game of baseball in the book.
Neither Katherine nor Tom were characters that I particularly liked.
There was nothing wrong with this but it there was nothing different to loads of other books out there. Katherine and Tom were childhood sweethearts. Their break-up is a bit he said/she said and they haven't seen each other for 17 years, until Tom takes the job as Coach at the Blaze where Katherine is the Head of Media. It's blindingly obvious (and I don't think it's meant to be a secret from the reader) that Katherine and Tom have been mislead about each other - each believes that the other walked away without a word.
The problem with this book is that it isn't about anything else. There's no real plot unfolding, goodness only knows what Katherine actually does in the office between 9 and 5, there is (as I recall) only one game of baseball in the book.
Neither Katherine nor Tom were characters that I particularly liked.
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