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Love Between the Bases #3.5
Crushing It
In this sizzling novella in the fan favorite Love Between the Bases series, love is about to throw a serious curveball…
For Hall-of-Famer Crush Taylor, retirement is for sissies. Even owning the Kilby Catfish baseball team has lost its edge. In fact, the only thing that fires him up these days is ice queen Wendy Trent, mayor of Kilby, Texas and official thorn in his side. She thinks he’s a player—and she’s right. But the stunning, smart, and unattainable Wendy gets under his skin like no other woman.
Wendy hasn’t risen to her position of mayor by chance—she’s worked incredibly hard to succeed, and knows the pain of being burned. So when the brash, irrepressible, heart-meltingly gorgeous Crush turns his attention her way, she’s definitely not interested. Okay, maybe a little…but he’ll never know.
Then a brilliant, young female pitching phenom—and Wendy’s long-lost daughter--shows up in Kilby. Finally Crush and Wendy want the same thing -- to give Teri a chance at a pro baseball career. Making baseball history would be a home run. Temporarily giving in to their wild attraction in the process? Grand slam.
There’s only one problem: falling in love could be the biggest game changer of all.
For Hall-of-Famer Crush Taylor, retirement is for sissies. Even owning the Kilby Catfish baseball team has lost its edge. In fact, the only thing that fires him up these days is ice queen Wendy Trent, mayor of Kilby, Texas and official thorn in his side. She thinks he’s a player—and she’s right. But the stunning, smart, and unattainable Wendy gets under his skin like no other woman.
Wendy hasn’t risen to her position of mayor by chance—she’s worked incredibly hard to succeed, and knows the pain of being burned. So when the brash, irrepressible, heart-meltingly gorgeous Crush turns his attention her way, she’s definitely not interested. Okay, maybe a little…but he’ll never know.
Then a brilliant, young female pitching phenom—and Wendy’s long-lost daughter--shows up in Kilby. Finally Crush and Wendy want the same thing -- to give Teri a chance at a pro baseball career. Making baseball history would be a home run. Temporarily giving in to their wild attraction in the process? Grand slam.
There’s only one problem: falling in love could be the biggest game changer of all.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
12 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bernard
88 books1,383 followersJennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life in Los Angeles for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. No stranger to book success, she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name that she’s happy to share with the curious.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 15, 2016
"Wouldn't you say I have a knack for cracking shells?"
"Are you referring to me? I don't have a shell. I have body armor."
"The bigger the challenge, the more fired up I get."
Crush freaking Taylor!!!
Gahh, I've been waiting for his story, and Jennifer Bernard did not disappoint!!
Crush has been an avid part in each of the Love Between the Bases books, but I have *patiently* waited to hear his side of things.
Not to mention a certain mayor that's he's had his eye on for way too long...
"Get naked, woman."
"It's Crush's world, right? What you say goes?"
"I said it was Crush and Wendy's world. And I'm ready to rock that world. Come here."
Wendy Trent was a successful woman on the top of her game.
But she wasn't expecting the one man she tried to avoid like the plague to be the one man just for her.
Orrrrrr the sudden appearance of her long lost daughter-who just happens to be an amazing ball player.
What are the chances?!
This book was so great!!
You finally got to see what made Crush tick, and you finally figure out what drives Wendy to do what she does.
You also meet Teri. This girl has the drive of her mother, but her past is full of shadows. I loved getting to know her, as well!!
"You're picturing me naked, aren't you? Stop that."
"You know me so well."
Their banter was hilarious, because she fought so hard to ignore her feelings for him. You can't stop Crush Taylor;)
Loved, loved, LOVED this book!!
I have a huge crush on-well- CRUSH!! Lawd child! Wendy is one lucky woman;)
Well done, Jennifer!! Another great book!!
"The only thing he threatened was...her heart. And face it. It was too late for her heart. That pesky organ belonged to him."
"Are you referring to me? I don't have a shell. I have body armor."
"The bigger the challenge, the more fired up I get."
Crush freaking Taylor!!!
Gahh, I've been waiting for his story, and Jennifer Bernard did not disappoint!!
Crush has been an avid part in each of the Love Between the Bases books, but I have *patiently* waited to hear his side of things.
Not to mention a certain mayor that's he's had his eye on for way too long...
"Get naked, woman."
"It's Crush's world, right? What you say goes?"
"I said it was Crush and Wendy's world. And I'm ready to rock that world. Come here."
Wendy Trent was a successful woman on the top of her game.
But she wasn't expecting the one man she tried to avoid like the plague to be the one man just for her.
Orrrrrr the sudden appearance of her long lost daughter-who just happens to be an amazing ball player.
What are the chances?!
This book was so great!!
You finally got to see what made Crush tick, and you finally figure out what drives Wendy to do what she does.
You also meet Teri. This girl has the drive of her mother, but her past is full of shadows. I loved getting to know her, as well!!
"You're picturing me naked, aren't you? Stop that."
"You know me so well."
Their banter was hilarious, because she fought so hard to ignore her feelings for him. You can't stop Crush Taylor;)
Loved, loved, LOVED this book!!
I have a huge crush on-well- CRUSH!! Lawd child! Wendy is one lucky woman;)
Well done, Jennifer!! Another great book!!
"The only thing he threatened was...her heart. And face it. It was too late for her heart. That pesky organ belonged to him."
November 21, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Can be read as a standalone
Jennifer Bernard hit it out of the park with her Seasoned Romance, Crushing It! What is a Seasoned Romance you ask? We'll I'll tell you, it is a book that features characters that are more mature, older, been around the block a time or two and you know what? There are a lot of readers out there than want to see these types of romances and authors are listening to us! Crushing It is part of Ms. Bernard's Love Between the Bases series, but it can totally be read as a stand-alone story. For four books we've seen legendary retired MLB pitcher and now owner of the Triple A Kilby Catfish, Crush Taylor dancing around Kilby's mayor Wendy Trent. In Crushing It, they do an altogether different dance and prove that age doesn't remove want or passion when two people are attracted to one another.
Crush Taylor has a reputation and it isn't all good and he'll be the first to admit it, but he's tried to turn over a new leaf and he's been making amends to people he feels he's done wrong and he wants to be a better person, but getting a call informing him he will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame hits him hard and not just in a good way. It makes him reevaluate his life and makes him decide to take a chance on going after Wendy, but this time he has some help.
As mayor of Kilby, Wendy Trent has always tried to be a good role model and mentor to young women. Wendy gives off a very proper and unapproachable vibe, but when faced with someone from her past we see a very different side of her and when Crush comes at her full force, we see that underneath those business suits that drive Crush crazy is a passionate, sexy woman.
I loved this story and it wasn't all fun and games, both Crush and Wendy have some things in their past they have to atone to and in doing so it makes them take a good hard look at where they are and what they want for the rest of their lives. These are two very alpha individuals so they make some mistakes along the way, but maturity and reflection help them both realize what they've found in each other is special. This is a spicy love story with two people who enjoy each other's company fully and completely !
Two people proving that love can happen at any time in your life and making the most of it is what counts. I loved Crushing It!
Reviewer's note: If you enjoy romance with an older cast, check out the Seasoned Romance Facebook page where authors of these romances and readers get together to discuss all kinds of things! https://www.facebook.com/groups/95831...
Can be read as a standalone
Jennifer Bernard hit it out of the park with her Seasoned Romance, Crushing It! What is a Seasoned Romance you ask? We'll I'll tell you, it is a book that features characters that are more mature, older, been around the block a time or two and you know what? There are a lot of readers out there than want to see these types of romances and authors are listening to us! Crushing It is part of Ms. Bernard's Love Between the Bases series, but it can totally be read as a stand-alone story. For four books we've seen legendary retired MLB pitcher and now owner of the Triple A Kilby Catfish, Crush Taylor dancing around Kilby's mayor Wendy Trent. In Crushing It, they do an altogether different dance and prove that age doesn't remove want or passion when two people are attracted to one another.
Crush Taylor has a reputation and it isn't all good and he'll be the first to admit it, but he's tried to turn over a new leaf and he's been making amends to people he feels he's done wrong and he wants to be a better person, but getting a call informing him he will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame hits him hard and not just in a good way. It makes him reevaluate his life and makes him decide to take a chance on going after Wendy, but this time he has some help.
As mayor of Kilby, Wendy Trent has always tried to be a good role model and mentor to young women. Wendy gives off a very proper and unapproachable vibe, but when faced with someone from her past we see a very different side of her and when Crush comes at her full force, we see that underneath those business suits that drive Crush crazy is a passionate, sexy woman.
I loved this story and it wasn't all fun and games, both Crush and Wendy have some things in their past they have to atone to and in doing so it makes them take a good hard look at where they are and what they want for the rest of their lives. These are two very alpha individuals so they make some mistakes along the way, but maturity and reflection help them both realize what they've found in each other is special. This is a spicy love story with two people who enjoy each other's company fully and completely !
Two people proving that love can happen at any time in your life and making the most of it is what counts. I loved Crushing It!
Reviewer's note: If you enjoy romance with an older cast, check out the Seasoned Romance Facebook page where authors of these romances and readers get together to discuss all kinds of things! https://www.facebook.com/groups/95831...
July 6, 2017
I love Jennifer Bernard's books. The plots make sense, there are serious issues in many of her books rather than a lame Big Mis, and the characters are multidimensional.
This is a novella, but it doesn't feel like it at all. Ms. Bernard manages to write a full story in novella form that doesn't feel rushed. There is a lot of baseball information in the story and I'm sure that if I knew the tiniest thing about baseball these books would be even better. I think I can safely say that everything I know about baseball came from reading these books. I hope she gets into hockey - that I know.
The heroine is Wendy Trent, the mayor of Kilby, and the hero is Crush Taylor, a soon to be Hall of Famer (a pitcher) and owner of the local baseball team. Wendy has pulled herself up from impoverished beginnings to be the first female mayor of her Kilby. She's focused, but not so much that it makes her stupid or blind.
The night Crush receives the call that he's being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he feels empty and unsettled. He's been married three times and has only three out of his four kids speaking to him. Crush has a party boy reputation, which has been mostly earned, but not entirely. That night Crush gets wasted on tequila and ends up sleeping it off in a local baseball field. The next morning he meets Teri, a 21 year old kid practicing her amazing pitches. When Teri says she's looking for Wendy, Crush drives her over to Wendy's house.
Teri is the daughter Wendy gave up under terrible circumstances when she was very young. Teri is a nice kid and Crush decides to mentor her with the aim of getting her on a double A or triple A team. Whatever that means. Like I said, I know nothing about baseball.
This is a really good story and I enjoyed the plot, the characters' motivations, and the resolution. All great.
This is a novella, but it doesn't feel like it at all. Ms. Bernard manages to write a full story in novella form that doesn't feel rushed. There is a lot of baseball information in the story and I'm sure that if I knew the tiniest thing about baseball these books would be even better. I think I can safely say that everything I know about baseball came from reading these books. I hope she gets into hockey - that I know.
The heroine is Wendy Trent, the mayor of Kilby, and the hero is Crush Taylor, a soon to be Hall of Famer (a pitcher) and owner of the local baseball team. Wendy has pulled herself up from impoverished beginnings to be the first female mayor of her Kilby. She's focused, but not so much that it makes her stupid or blind.
The night Crush receives the call that he's being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he feels empty and unsettled. He's been married three times and has only three out of his four kids speaking to him. Crush has a party boy reputation, which has been mostly earned, but not entirely. That night Crush gets wasted on tequila and ends up sleeping it off in a local baseball field. The next morning he meets Teri, a 21 year old kid practicing her amazing pitches. When Teri says she's looking for Wendy, Crush drives her over to Wendy's house.
Teri is the daughter Wendy gave up under terrible circumstances when she was very young. Teri is a nice kid and Crush decides to mentor her with the aim of getting her on a double A or triple A team. Whatever that means. Like I said, I know nothing about baseball.
This is a really good story and I enjoyed the plot, the characters' motivations, and the resolution. All great.
November 12, 2016
Mayor Wendy Trent and Catfish owner Crush Taylor have been circling each other over the entire course of Jennifer Bernard’s baseball series. As a longtime fan of Suzanne Brockmann’s I have learned to appreciate, if not love, the slow burn between two characters. Over the earlier books, Bernard gave us just enough to ship their HEA, but not enough to take them across the line into being a couple. Crushing It takes them the rest of the way and give us what we’ve been waiting for: their HEA. Even more than the slow burn, I love older heroes and heroines and this novella packs that in spades. Part of what was fun about watching Wendy and Crush circle over the earlier books was that they were older. Crushing It is everything I hoped it would be. I hope this isn’t the last time we visit with the Catfish, I know there are more adventures to be had.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
November 16, 2016
A fun addition to the Love Between the Bases series! Crush Taylor is the sexy silver fox owner of the Kilby Catfish and Wendy Trent is the very serious Mayor of Kilby. These two have had a love/hate relationship for a while now but the attraction that burns between them is about to spark a fire between them.
Crush stumbles upon a young woman with an arm that could put some major leaguers to shame. He wants to see her playing in AAA ball. A place no woman has made it too. It happens to turn out that this girl is the daughter Wendy gave up for adoption long ago. As Teri and Wendy get to know each other and Crush works with Teri to get her ready to play minor league ball the dynamics in the relationship between Crush and Wendy begin to change. Will these two commitment phobes be willing to risk it all??
Don't miss this one. It's a great read and I definitely recommend it.
Crush stumbles upon a young woman with an arm that could put some major leaguers to shame. He wants to see her playing in AAA ball. A place no woman has made it too. It happens to turn out that this girl is the daughter Wendy gave up for adoption long ago. As Teri and Wendy get to know each other and Crush works with Teri to get her ready to play minor league ball the dynamics in the relationship between Crush and Wendy begin to change. Will these two commitment phobes be willing to risk it all??
Don't miss this one. It's a great read and I definitely recommend it.
November 17, 2016
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella by Jennifer Bernard. We have come to know Crush Taylor in the previous books in this series. As readers, a lot of us felt he deserved his own story! Jennifer gave us a great story for Crush! He is a character, how many ball players would wind up sleeping in a park after learning he is going into the Hall of Fame! Crush was restless and Mayor Wendy Trent was just what the doctor ordered for Crush! Keeping their secret, but wanting to be together made this book difficult to put down! Very good, steady read! Great way to spend a lazy weekend day!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella by Jennifer Bernard. We have come to know Crush Taylor in the previous books in this series. As readers, a lot of us felt he deserved his own story! Jennifer gave us a great story for Crush! He is a character, how many ball players would wind up sleeping in a park after learning he is going into the Hall of Fame! Crush was restless and Mayor Wendy Trent was just what the doctor ordered for Crush! Keeping their secret, but wanting to be together made this book difficult to put down! Very good, steady read! Great way to spend a lazy weekend day!
November 16, 2016
Crush Taylor can't believe his good fortune; after 20 years in baseball, he gets accepted into the Hall of Fame. His luck continues the next day when he meets Teri, a young female pitcher who, with a little guidance, might be good enough to play professional ball.
Wendy Trent worked hard to become the mayor of Kilby, Texas. She escaped an abusive marriage and had to give up her baby to protect her. Now 21 years later her daughter, Teri is standing on her doorstep.
Crush and Wendy have a love-hate relationship, but they work together to help Teri become the pitcher she's destined to be.
Wendy Trent worked hard to become the mayor of Kilby, Texas. She escaped an abusive marriage and had to give up her baby to protect her. Now 21 years later her daughter, Teri is standing on her doorstep.
Crush and Wendy have a love-hate relationship, but they work together to help Teri become the pitcher she's destined to be.
November 16, 2016
I have been dying for this book since Crush Taylor and Wendy Trent first clashed in All of Me. I just knew Crush could muss Wendy's Big Texas Hair...and boy did he! I'm also over the moon with the fresh young pitcher that Crush is working with, really helps with those post-post season blues. This one is not to be missed.
March 29, 2018
This older than average (her 43, him 51) h/h cannot fight the chemistry anymore and end up together, sneaking around. The heroine must get over her past (triggers for abuse) and give the hero a chance. Side story of a female pitcher and local baseball team.
This is the first in the series I’ve read and it worked as a stand-alone.
This is the first in the series I’ve read and it worked as a stand-alone.
June 22, 2018
It was nice to get Crush and Wendy's story. It was nothing like I expected, so that was good, although it was my least favorite out of the series. Maybe because it was a novella and we didn't get to develop the story arc too far. Still worth ready to keep up with the Kilby Catfish!
July 26, 2017
Crush &Wendy!!
I love this series!! We've watched Crush and Wendy banter for a while now. I loved reading their story! Super hot and fun!
I love this series!! We've watched Crush and Wendy banter for a while now. I loved reading their story! Super hot and fun!
December 23, 2018
Loved it. Enjoyed reading this.
November 7, 2016
Kilby Catfish Coach Crush Taylor receives a phone call saying he’s been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Although he’s very pleased, he doesn’t like all the hoopla that goes around that kind of thing. That evening he gets very drunk, and passes out on the baseball field, to wake up to a young woman throwing a baseball, and throwing amazingly well. Teri Dimitri is just passing in town, she’s looking for someone, and Crush offers to drive her. Teri is so good that Crush decides to polish her game, and he’s hoping that she be the first woman to make it to Triple A.
Mayor Wendy Trent does everything she can not to tarnish her spotless public image, how will she handle the fact that Teri is her biological daughter? Wendy has always fought for women’s rights, and she makes Teri her personal crusade: she will help her daughter to achieve her dream however she can. Crush is a huge complication though, him being always around; he rattles Wendy and while they’ve exchanged too many barbs to mention along the years, she just can’t ignore the sexual sparks anymore.
Jennifer Bernard sure packs a punch in the novella CRUSHING IT! Finally, Crush and Wendy acknowledge what Wendy had tried to ignore, as the Ice Queen burns up the sheets with the retired Playboy Pitcher! It’s great to see a real, sizzling romance between older adults: Wendy is 43, and Crush 51, and a fabulous romance it is as well; they’re both great characters, together and separately, and there are interesting turns to their romance. But the baseball story is phenomenal! Teri is just fabulous, and not stereotypical in the least. She sounds like a 21 year-old, she acts like one, she is passionate about the game; you cannot help to cheer her on. There is also a rather daring plot twist from Ms. Bernard. And we get to see a bit of the players from the team, and their banter has not mellowed.
CRUSHING IT is another exceptional story by Jennifer Bernard, filled with vibrant baseball images, complex and engaging characters with terrific backstories, and sizzling sex scenes with two alpha personalities; the book is over before you know it. A perfect game for Jennifer Bernard!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Mayor Wendy Trent does everything she can not to tarnish her spotless public image, how will she handle the fact that Teri is her biological daughter? Wendy has always fought for women’s rights, and she makes Teri her personal crusade: she will help her daughter to achieve her dream however she can. Crush is a huge complication though, him being always around; he rattles Wendy and while they’ve exchanged too many barbs to mention along the years, she just can’t ignore the sexual sparks anymore.
Jennifer Bernard sure packs a punch in the novella CRUSHING IT! Finally, Crush and Wendy acknowledge what Wendy had tried to ignore, as the Ice Queen burns up the sheets with the retired Playboy Pitcher! It’s great to see a real, sizzling romance between older adults: Wendy is 43, and Crush 51, and a fabulous romance it is as well; they’re both great characters, together and separately, and there are interesting turns to their romance. But the baseball story is phenomenal! Teri is just fabulous, and not stereotypical in the least. She sounds like a 21 year-old, she acts like one, she is passionate about the game; you cannot help to cheer her on. There is also a rather daring plot twist from Ms. Bernard. And we get to see a bit of the players from the team, and their banter has not mellowed.
CRUSHING IT is another exceptional story by Jennifer Bernard, filled with vibrant baseball images, complex and engaging characters with terrific backstories, and sizzling sex scenes with two alpha personalities; the book is over before you know it. A perfect game for Jennifer Bernard!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 16, 2016
There are lots of romance stories about baseball players. Some are even by Jennifer Bernard. I have read all of hers. With each one, I think she can't outdo herself with hunky heroes. I was blown away by Crush Taylor. I was intrigued by him in the previous novels. He was usually in the supporting character role, even though he wasn't always very supportive of the heroes of the previous books. He is a retired pitcher who bought a minor league team. He has always had a problem getting along with the hometown crowd. Especially it's mayor. He throws lavish parties at his house which are notorious for getting our of control. And on this book he gets the call from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
I can understand his reluctance to be excited about getting accepted into the Hall. It means his career is really over and he's getting older. His daughter is even marrying one of his former players. He doesn't really talk to his other kids at all. So what's a former player to do except get drunk. The next morning he finds himself at a baseball field listening to a pitcher throwing to the backstop. What he sees is raw talent.
What he sees is a girl named Terri who's in town to find someone. He feeds her and helps her find who she is looking for, the mayor. Wendy is floored by Terri's arrival. Wendy hasn't seen her since she was born.
I don't want to give anything away but Terri and Wendy get to know each other while Crush works with Terri to improve her pitching. He sees her as a way to prove he still has it. The up side is he gets to explore his feelings for Wendy.
I love Crush! I would be that groupie that would wait after the game just to have him sign my chest. He has the swagger and the looks to sweep any girl off her feet. And he does to Wendy. She is reluctant to acknowledge their relationship but can't help to fall for him as well. Her past doesn't let her trust easily. But he works his way in. I'm so glad he does. Wendy deserves all the attention that Crush can give her.
I am forever a fan of Jennifer Bernard. She has a way with words that I feel that I could go to Cirby Texas and catch a game, watch Crush in the owners box, and cheer for all the guys (and a girl)
I can understand his reluctance to be excited about getting accepted into the Hall. It means his career is really over and he's getting older. His daughter is even marrying one of his former players. He doesn't really talk to his other kids at all. So what's a former player to do except get drunk. The next morning he finds himself at a baseball field listening to a pitcher throwing to the backstop. What he sees is raw talent.
What he sees is a girl named Terri who's in town to find someone. He feeds her and helps her find who she is looking for, the mayor. Wendy is floored by Terri's arrival. Wendy hasn't seen her since she was born.
I don't want to give anything away but Terri and Wendy get to know each other while Crush works with Terri to improve her pitching. He sees her as a way to prove he still has it. The up side is he gets to explore his feelings for Wendy.
I love Crush! I would be that groupie that would wait after the game just to have him sign my chest. He has the swagger and the looks to sweep any girl off her feet. And he does to Wendy. She is reluctant to acknowledge their relationship but can't help to fall for him as well. Her past doesn't let her trust easily. But he works his way in. I'm so glad he does. Wendy deserves all the attention that Crush can give her.
I am forever a fan of Jennifer Bernard. She has a way with words that I feel that I could go to Cirby Texas and catch a game, watch Crush in the owners box, and cheer for all the guys (and a girl)
February 6, 2017
Crush Taylor knows how to push buttons. As a Major League pitcher, he tweaked many a batter he faced. And as a man with 3 ex-wives, he clearly hit the wrong buttons in romance. As the owner of a Minor League baseball team, Crush seems to excel as pissing off the media and hometown governing body with his attitude. And there was no governing body he enjoys more to rile up then Mayor Wendy Trent, former beauty queen, present-day ice queen. But when Crush gets a call that he’s made it to the Hall of Fame, Crush finds HIS button pushed. Sure he’s honored to get in, but as Crush finds himself getting reflective about his image and life, he is feeling quite unlike himself. What better way to get on track than indulge in his favorite pasttime of - yep - pushing Mayor Trent’s buttons!
Crush Taylor and Mayor Wendy Trent have been secondary, yet important, characters in Ms. Bernard’s “Love Between the Bases” series. There has been a lot of banter between them, with Crush dipping Wendy’s figurative pigtails in the ink well. Now we get to to watch their relationship develop front and center. The readers got a dose of Crush’s backstory throughout the series, but Mayor Trent was a closed book. Stunning, smart and very much alone, Wendy keeps people at arm’s length with a warm smile. When Wendy’s “past” comes looking for her, the calm composed Mayor Trent finds herself on a rollercoaster!
I loved this story! Every book in this series was my favorite when I read it, and this one is no exception - “Crushing It” is an apt title! This author is a master at crafting a rich romance tinged with enough conflict and mystery to keep you riveted. Although it is a novella, the characters and plot are so well-written and developed you truly believe that you have read a full-size novel! And although it is part of a series, it works well as a stand-alone story. It was also wonderful to read a story featuring characters that have lived life and “been around the block.” Another fantastic read by an amazing contemporary romance author!
Crush Taylor and Mayor Wendy Trent have been secondary, yet important, characters in Ms. Bernard’s “Love Between the Bases” series. There has been a lot of banter between them, with Crush dipping Wendy’s figurative pigtails in the ink well. Now we get to to watch their relationship develop front and center. The readers got a dose of Crush’s backstory throughout the series, but Mayor Trent was a closed book. Stunning, smart and very much alone, Wendy keeps people at arm’s length with a warm smile. When Wendy’s “past” comes looking for her, the calm composed Mayor Trent finds herself on a rollercoaster!
I loved this story! Every book in this series was my favorite when I read it, and this one is no exception - “Crushing It” is an apt title! This author is a master at crafting a rich romance tinged with enough conflict and mystery to keep you riveted. Although it is a novella, the characters and plot are so well-written and developed you truly believe that you have read a full-size novel! And although it is part of a series, it works well as a stand-alone story. It was also wonderful to read a story featuring characters that have lived life and “been around the block.” Another fantastic read by an amazing contemporary romance author!
November 29, 2016
Loved it, loved it, loved it! Jennifer Bernard does it again! This novel had so many themes throughout the story. I loved that this novel involved two "older" people. They were lively, sexual, funny, etc. I thought it was funny, but true, how Wendy was concerned about her sagging boobs, while Crush thought she was gorgeous! I loved how those little insecurities were voiced because they are very real! Not everyone can have a tiny, flat waist and perky boobs. Not every hero can have six pack abs and a tight butt! This novel was very REAL!
Crush Taylor, despondent over being nominated into The Baseball Hall of Fame, gets drunk and passes out on a city park ball field. He's awakened by a girl pitching a baseball. She has a natural talent, but needs a little work. Crush decides to coach her and see where it leads, possibly a position on a Double or Triple A team. Teri has one stipulation, she wants Crush to take her to meet Wendy Trent, Mayor of Kilby.
Although Teri doesn't tell Crush why she wants to meet Wendy, he agrees to Teri's stipulation. Crush has always wanted to know more about the extremely private Mayor, but he's shocked to learn their connection. As Teri begins training, Crush begins his pursuit of Wendy. Wendy "allows" Crush into her life, but not all the way. Crush wants to openly date, but Wendy wants to keep their affair a secret. Crush agrees, but with hopes of breaking down her walls.
The story touched on topics such as: adoption, sobriety, the women's movement, the consequences of using drugs, age, etc. Jennifer Bernard masterfully weaves a believable story that touches every one of these topics and more!!!! I can't recommend this novel enough. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. I read a gifted copy of this novel and all opinions voiced are my own.
Crush Taylor, despondent over being nominated into The Baseball Hall of Fame, gets drunk and passes out on a city park ball field. He's awakened by a girl pitching a baseball. She has a natural talent, but needs a little work. Crush decides to coach her and see where it leads, possibly a position on a Double or Triple A team. Teri has one stipulation, she wants Crush to take her to meet Wendy Trent, Mayor of Kilby.
Although Teri doesn't tell Crush why she wants to meet Wendy, he agrees to Teri's stipulation. Crush has always wanted to know more about the extremely private Mayor, but he's shocked to learn their connection. As Teri begins training, Crush begins his pursuit of Wendy. Wendy "allows" Crush into her life, but not all the way. Crush wants to openly date, but Wendy wants to keep their affair a secret. Crush agrees, but with hopes of breaking down her walls.
The story touched on topics such as: adoption, sobriety, the women's movement, the consequences of using drugs, age, etc. Jennifer Bernard masterfully weaves a believable story that touches every one of these topics and more!!!! I can't recommend this novel enough. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. I read a gifted copy of this novel and all opinions voiced are my own.
November 18, 2016
Kilby Mayor Wendy Trent has worked hard to get where she is, and has worked hard to cultivate her impeccable reputation. The only fly in the ointment has been Crush Taylor, former MLB pitcher and owner of Kilby's Triple-A team, the Catfish. Crush's reputation as a Partying Playboy has kept any random thoughts of attraction under wraps.
When Crush's election to the Baseball Hall of Fame results in his meeting a female pitcher his feels has a chance to make history. His decision to mentor her and get her a try-out for the Catfish is only made sweeter when he finds that it is the search for her birth mother, who also happens to be the Mayor, brought her to Kilby. He has always wanted the opportunity to muss up the always perfect Mayor Wendy.
United in the desire to help Terri succeed, Crush and Wendy start giving in to their mutual attraction, which Wendy is fine with....as long as it is a secret. As they get to know each other, Crush finds that he is tired of sneaking around but how does he convince the Wendy to give him a chance to prove himself?
This was a highly entertaining story of two very enjoyable characters. They have already accomplished so much in life, it was fun to see two "older" characters discover that they still have time for a HEA. It was also fun getting to know two people who, in private, are very different from the image they project. This novella is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone story. If you haven't read the rest of the series, this will definitely make you want to go back and pick them up. Jennifer Bernard writes characters with depth and her stories are always fun and engrossing, and this novella is no different than her full-length novels. I highly recommend it!
When Crush's election to the Baseball Hall of Fame results in his meeting a female pitcher his feels has a chance to make history. His decision to mentor her and get her a try-out for the Catfish is only made sweeter when he finds that it is the search for her birth mother, who also happens to be the Mayor, brought her to Kilby. He has always wanted the opportunity to muss up the always perfect Mayor Wendy.
United in the desire to help Terri succeed, Crush and Wendy start giving in to their mutual attraction, which Wendy is fine with....as long as it is a secret. As they get to know each other, Crush finds that he is tired of sneaking around but how does he convince the Wendy to give him a chance to prove himself?
This was a highly entertaining story of two very enjoyable characters. They have already accomplished so much in life, it was fun to see two "older" characters discover that they still have time for a HEA. It was also fun getting to know two people who, in private, are very different from the image they project. This novella is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone story. If you haven't read the rest of the series, this will definitely make you want to go back and pick them up. Jennifer Bernard writes characters with depth and her stories are always fun and engrossing, and this novella is no different than her full-length novels. I highly recommend it!
November 17, 2016
Crushing It, by Jennifer Bernard, is the fourth book in her Love Between the Bases series and is a novella. The hero is Crush Taylor, owner of the Kilby Catfish, a triple A baseball team in Kilby, Texas. The heroine is Wendy Trent, the mayor of Kilby.
Crush meets up with a young girl, Terri, who is throwing practice pitches at the local park. He sees that she has the talent and ability to make it to at least Triple A, if not higher, if he works with her and coaches her. Terri is looking for her birth mother who happens to be Mayor Wendy. Wendy has many secrets in her past, which she doesn’t want the town to know about. She tells people that Terri is a young relative who is visiting.
Wendy is afraid of going public with her attraction to Crush which hurts him as he really care for her. He sees that there is more than the great sexual attraction between them. As he gets to know more of Wendy’s past, it seems he understands her better. Add in a freak out by Terri in her first Triple A debut as a backup pitcher, Wendy blaming Crush for pushing Terri too much, and Crush blaming himself before each of them can figure out where they belong in each other’s lives.
This was a fun and entertaining story with likeable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. I loved the way Ms. Bernard brought humor and sexy into this story. The characters were well written and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend this book, and all others previously written by Jennifer Bernard to all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Crush meets up with a young girl, Terri, who is throwing practice pitches at the local park. He sees that she has the talent and ability to make it to at least Triple A, if not higher, if he works with her and coaches her. Terri is looking for her birth mother who happens to be Mayor Wendy. Wendy has many secrets in her past, which she doesn’t want the town to know about. She tells people that Terri is a young relative who is visiting.
Wendy is afraid of going public with her attraction to Crush which hurts him as he really care for her. He sees that there is more than the great sexual attraction between them. As he gets to know more of Wendy’s past, it seems he understands her better. Add in a freak out by Terri in her first Triple A debut as a backup pitcher, Wendy blaming Crush for pushing Terri too much, and Crush blaming himself before each of them can figure out where they belong in each other’s lives.
This was a fun and entertaining story with likeable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. I loved the way Ms. Bernard brought humor and sexy into this story. The characters were well written and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend this book, and all others previously written by Jennifer Bernard to all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 14, 2016
If you simply can't believe that baseball season is over for the year don't despair. This fun loving series is definitely a must read that will pick you out of the slump. What better way to get you through the next few months than by picking up a series about baseball. Even if you are not a baseball fan, who doesn't love a good story about the age old tradition of going to your favorite ballpark. If you are new to the series I would definitely recommend picking up the other books in the series before tackling this one (All of Me, Caught by You, Getting Wound up-crossover with Erin Nicholas's Sapphire Falls Series (don't worry you don't have to be familiar with that series to follow the story), and Drive you Wild). If you have read the other books and find you're craving a dose of Kilby Catfish before the next full book in the Love Between the Bases series is released, I would definitely recommend picking up this novella. Kudos to Jennifer Bernard who grabs your attention from the first page and holds it until the very last word. Her writing style is easy to read and leaves you feeling great. In the latest installment, in the Love Between the Bases Series we follow the story of team owner and former all star himself, Crush Taylor. Will the owner find himself hitting a grand slam or striking out? I guess you'll just have to read to find out. If you have never read Jennifer Bernard definitely give her a try! You won't be disappointed. You can catch more about her and her other series at JenniferBernard.net.
November 9, 2016
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
"Crushing it" is written by Jennifer Bernard, and it is part of her Love Between the Bases series. It can be read as a stand-alone novella. It features Wendy Trent and Crush Taylor.
Crush Taylor just found he's going to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame! He celebrates by getting drunk and sleeping on the Kilby Catfish field. When he wakes up, he befriends Teri, a young female pitcher. He sees potential in her, but what shocks him is why she's in Kilby, Texas.
Wendy is the mayor of Kilby. She's always poised, but she's thrown for a loop to discover Teri is her long-lost daughter. She wants to get to know her daughter, but it's hard for Wendy to talk about her past.
Crush and Wendy may bicker a lot, but there's that attraction and chemistry. They can no longer deny it, and they are hot! What does bring them together is Teri. They want her to succeed because they know she's capable of having a pro baseball career.
Will Teri be able to pursue her baseball dream? Will Wendy and Crush have a chance at a happily ever after?
This was a fun, short story to read! I've been anticipating Wendy and Crush's story since we were first introduced to them, and this story did not disappoint! I was smiling and constantly laughing at the banter between those two, and I enjoyed watching Teri's progression as she pursued a chance at a baseball career. Jennifer Bernard wrote another winner!
"Crushing it" is written by Jennifer Bernard, and it is part of her Love Between the Bases series. It can be read as a stand-alone novella. It features Wendy Trent and Crush Taylor.
Crush Taylor just found he's going to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame! He celebrates by getting drunk and sleeping on the Kilby Catfish field. When he wakes up, he befriends Teri, a young female pitcher. He sees potential in her, but what shocks him is why she's in Kilby, Texas.
Wendy is the mayor of Kilby. She's always poised, but she's thrown for a loop to discover Teri is her long-lost daughter. She wants to get to know her daughter, but it's hard for Wendy to talk about her past.
Crush and Wendy may bicker a lot, but there's that attraction and chemistry. They can no longer deny it, and they are hot! What does bring them together is Teri. They want her to succeed because they know she's capable of having a pro baseball career.
Will Teri be able to pursue her baseball dream? Will Wendy and Crush have a chance at a happily ever after?
This was a fun, short story to read! I've been anticipating Wendy and Crush's story since we were first introduced to them, and this story did not disappoint! I was smiling and constantly laughing at the banter between those two, and I enjoyed watching Teri's progression as she pursued a chance at a baseball career. Jennifer Bernard wrote another winner!
November 15, 2016
What happens when you pair up a no commitment playboy baseball manager with an uptight, icy mayor of the small town the team is headquartered in? A fiery relationship that breaks all the rules! Crush & Wendy have been circling each other for four books & striking sparks off each other.
Crush is a retired baseball player turned manager for the Kilby Catfish, a triple a baseball team. Being informed that you are being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame is an honor for most men, but not Crush. He doesn't think he's old enough for the honor. When he's depressed & out drinking, he runs across a young lady pitching on a dark baseball field one night. He sees a lot of talent in Teri & he decides to mentor her. Then he finds out that Wendy is her birth mother. What has he gotten himself into?
The characters & the plot in this book are really enjoyable. It's great to have a story about an older couple having the courage to fight for a relationship with each other & the woman's young daughter. I love the fact that Teri has the confidence & guts to go after her dream of pitching in the minor leagues!Instead of being just another baseball story, the addition of a young female pitcher adds a new element & the conflict with her birth parents adds an entirely different dimension! If you like a book with sizzling sex, internal conflict, engaging characters & great descriptive dialogue, you need to read this book!
Crush is a retired baseball player turned manager for the Kilby Catfish, a triple a baseball team. Being informed that you are being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame is an honor for most men, but not Crush. He doesn't think he's old enough for the honor. When he's depressed & out drinking, he runs across a young lady pitching on a dark baseball field one night. He sees a lot of talent in Teri & he decides to mentor her. Then he finds out that Wendy is her birth mother. What has he gotten himself into?
The characters & the plot in this book are really enjoyable. It's great to have a story about an older couple having the courage to fight for a relationship with each other & the woman's young daughter. I love the fact that Teri has the confidence & guts to go after her dream of pitching in the minor leagues!Instead of being just another baseball story, the addition of a young female pitcher adds a new element & the conflict with her birth parents adds an entirely different dimension! If you like a book with sizzling sex, internal conflict, engaging characters & great descriptive dialogue, you need to read this book!
November 16, 2016
I'm a big baseball fan so this novella (and this series) is a wonderful way to catch up on the lives of characters we have been introduced to in previous books. Crush Taylor owns the minor league Kirby Catfish baseball team but he's not happy with living alone these days and he's got his eye on sexy Mayor Wendy Trent. Wendy thinks about Crush Taylor too, with x-rated fantasies to boot, but she's worked hard to keep her private life private, and being seen with the sexy future Hall of Fame pitcher is unbecoming behavior for a Mayor. But when someone from Wendy's past finds her in Kilby she's going to need Crush's expertise, both on and off the playing field. Will she be able to resist the playboy pitcher who secretly makes her swoon? A fun and flirty romance with plenty of emotional drama and characters that will keep you coming back for more. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
November 15, 2016
Crush Taylor. Sexy hunk of an “older” man. I will admit, I have a huge (I’m going to say it) crush on Crush! It was such a great read: heartwarming, silly, heartbreaking, and fun. Crush and Mayor Wendy Trent have been in previous books however this story truly stands alone. What an amazing man Crush is, even though he doesn’t often show who he really is…until Mayor Wendy begins to see a different side to him and how truly “deep” he is. Of course, Wendy also has some issues to work thru, starting with basic trust: in herself and in Crush. I won’t recap the story but there are big surprises; read it for yourself, you won’t regret it! Ms. Bernard really writes a great story, incorporating the baseball theme, so that even if you don’t like sports, this series is SO very good. Besides, who doesn’t like hawt guys in uniform? Seriously, great read that is funny and touching. It was also so good to see Crush and Wendy get their HEA.
November 16, 2016
I have been wanting a book featuring Crush and Wendy about their combative flirting and I got it! Thank you Ms. Bernard! This is a stand alone in the great series of Love Between the Bases featuring the Kirby Catfish. I really adore this series because it gives me a few of my favorite things.. Small Towns, Baseball Players, and of course so great writing.
I thought it was very refreshing to have some "older" characters find love. Crush is in his 50's and Wendy is in her 40's and they can still heat up a room. Seeing another "softer" side of Wendy was great and learning a little bit about her past that made her the strong organized women that she is today. I loved the dialog between Crush and Wendy and the off-the-charts heat.
Another thing that I absolutely loved was Teri ! A female pitcher... Heck Yeah! I hope that maybe Teri will get her own story in the future.
I can't wait to see what is going to happen next with the Catfish.
I thought it was very refreshing to have some "older" characters find love. Crush is in his 50's and Wendy is in her 40's and they can still heat up a room. Seeing another "softer" side of Wendy was great and learning a little bit about her past that made her the strong organized women that she is today. I loved the dialog between Crush and Wendy and the off-the-charts heat.
Another thing that I absolutely loved was Teri ! A female pitcher... Heck Yeah! I hope that maybe Teri will get her own story in the future.
I can't wait to see what is going to happen next with the Catfish.
November 20, 2016
Crush Taylor and Wendy Trent have been dancing around each other during the past several books about the Kilby Catfish. I was wondering what it would take to get the outrageous manager of the Kilby Catfish and the beloved mayor together. Wendy knows Crush is deserving of that player reputation and doesn't want to give him the time of day, even though she wants nothing more than to give it to him. Crush has been happy living up to his reputation, until he gets the call saying he's being inducted into the baseball hall of fame. He allows himself to go on as bit of a bender and wakes up the next day at a local park since the Catfish stadium was locked up tight. That leads him to the discovery of Teri Dimitri, a fabulous young pitcher. Who also happens to be Wendy's long lost daughter. This novella had a lot of great storylines woven together to make up this fabulous novella.
November 7, 2016
Crushing It is Jennifer’s Bernard’s fourth book in her Love Between the Bases series. I really enjoyed seeing Mayor Wendy Trent and Crush Taylor’s story. I sensed the immediate connection Crush had with Teri (Wendy’s long lost daughter). I liked watching Crush pushing his relationship with Wendy through Teri. Even though Wendy fought their relationship, neither gave up. I felt the pain Wendy endured as she divulged her marriage and how she dealt with the after effects of leaving her husband, Manuel. Can Wendy and Crush find their happily Ever After? You’ll have to read it and see. This was a quick book that I read in one sitting. I highly recommend reading Crush It. I’d like to disclose that I voluntarily read Crushing It and am providing a fair and honest review.
November 7, 2016
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Crush and Wendy's story!! They FINALLY get their HEA!! Crush realizes that what is missing from his world is companionship when he gets the call that he's been chosen to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. What he really wants is Mayor Wendy. Drawn together by Teri, the daughter Wendy had to give away to save both their lives, they both realize that they are falling for each other - but of course, do not tell each other. Keeping everything a secret, from the public - and from themselves. After a big blow-up, where they lose each other and Teri, Crush goes looking for the peace he's been missing and makes amends with his children. Wendy finally comes to her senses and surprises him in his HoF induction. Then, Teri totally blows his mind!!
November 21, 2016
“Crushing It” by Jennifer Bernard is part of the Love Between the Bases series. If you have never read a book by this author, this would be a great one to pick up to give her a try. It can be read as a stand-alone novella although we were introduced to these characters in previous books. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, this book will not disappoint. The two main characters, Crush and Wendy, have lots of chemistry so the sparks are flying whenever they are together. They are both very strong people and I loved the banter between them. “Crushing It” is a fun, quick read that will totally draw you in from the first page and keep you turning the page to the very end. It is definitely a must read!
November 15, 2016
Crushing It: A Love Between the Bases Novella was a sizzling, hot, quick read and a great addition to this series. Crush and Wendy have been dancing around each other since the beginning of this series. They have this love, hate relationship that has always left you wanting more. I was so excited that they finally had their own book and that we could explore them more. Finding out about Wendy's past was something that I never saw coming and it added more to Crush and Wendy's relationship. Crush is definitely an alpha male, but it was nice to see his softer more understanding side come out towards Wendy. I truly enjoyed Crushing It, I couldn't put it down once I started it.
November 22, 2016
I have loved Crush Taylor ever since the series began. I was so excited to have him get his own book and love interest! Crush and Wendy have clashed in a few of the earlier books and during their clashes you could just imagine what a hot couple they would make. Now you get to find out just how hot the sparks will fly when they get together.
Love the new character that was introduced in this book, Terri. She is the first minor league baseball pitcher. I found this a great story line especially being a fan of the new FOX TV show Pitch!!
Hope we see Terri in future books, maybe with a love interest from another Triple A team or one from the Majors as she works her way up!!
Love the new character that was introduced in this book, Terri. She is the first minor league baseball pitcher. I found this a great story line especially being a fan of the new FOX TV show Pitch!!
Hope we see Terri in future books, maybe with a love interest from another Triple A team or one from the Majors as she works her way up!!
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