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Stealing Home
Fight for your dreams, even if it means breaking a few rules.
Ryan Russell has life perfectly planned. She’s going to take over her family’s team, the Buckley Beavers, and become one of the only female General Managers in minor league baseball.
Then Sawyer Campbell shows up, and Ryan’s carefully laid plans are thrown a major curveball. Sawyer is far more charming than the arrogant jocks she usually manages, though fraternizing is against every rule in the Beaver’s handbook.
But after figuring out the desperate state of the team’s finances, Ryan will have to take risks in order to save her future. She teams up with Sawyer, using his star power to draw in sponsors. But the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to play by the rules. Is his partnership the key to saving the Beavers, or a distraction she can’t afford?
Ryan Russell has life perfectly planned. She’s going to take over her family’s team, the Buckley Beavers, and become one of the only female General Managers in minor league baseball.
Then Sawyer Campbell shows up, and Ryan’s carefully laid plans are thrown a major curveball. Sawyer is far more charming than the arrogant jocks she usually manages, though fraternizing is against every rule in the Beaver’s handbook.
But after figuring out the desperate state of the team’s finances, Ryan will have to take risks in order to save her future. She teams up with Sawyer, using his star power to draw in sponsors. But the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to play by the rules. Is his partnership the key to saving the Beavers, or a distraction she can’t afford?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
17 people are currently reading
3186 people want to read
About the author
Becky Wallace
5 books409 followersIn second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
July 1, 2019
oh yeah! i forgot i finished this!
this is a book about baseball, and i do truly hate baseball. far and away my least favorite sport. why is it so long? just...make it shorter. it's excessive. anyway.
the fact that baseball is my least favorite thing, ever, in the history of the world did not dissuade me from this book, though. i like reading books about things i don't know about. it's called LEARNING.
the problems i had with this book were thus twofold:
- i still don't know anything about baseball
- this didn't work for me outside of baseball-related reasons
the fact that i know no more about baseball now is not due to it not having much baseball content in it. it had a lot. it just didn't explain any of it and i did not understand anything and i remain as confused and hateful as i was before.
the other thing had a lot more to do with the way this was structured. the first 250 pages of this are incredibly slow, both in romance and in the whole let's-save-the-baseball-park plot that serves as the non-romance storyline, and then suddenly everything happens at once in the remaining few dozen pages.
also, the feelings and characters and actions in this could feel really cartoonish. people cry all the time, for every reason. no one can be attracted to each other without standing stock-still and breathing hard with a racing heart and flushed cheeks etc etc etc. the mom character exists only as a bundle of stereotypes and a few sobbing-in-the-street scenes. we get a handful of characters here, but they all feel really flat.
our main gal, Ryan, is a 17-year-old who spends 100% of her time violating child labor laws working at her dad's ballpark. this job prevents her from Grand Romance, from being a good friend, from, like, doing anything else ever. at the beginning of the book, her mom is like "hey take it down a notch, kid. live a little." with which i agree. and it kind of seems like the book is setting her up for that, but it isn't.
in the end, Baseball Wins. Baseball Is Most Important.
i have to disagree.
bottom line: this wasn't for me, and it has nothing to do with baseball!
thanks again to Page Street for the ARC.
--------
i, the world's most notorious baseball hater, am reading this book about baseball.
wish me luck!
(thanks to page street for the ARC)
this is a book about baseball, and i do truly hate baseball. far and away my least favorite sport. why is it so long? just...make it shorter. it's excessive. anyway.
the fact that baseball is my least favorite thing, ever, in the history of the world did not dissuade me from this book, though. i like reading books about things i don't know about. it's called LEARNING.
the problems i had with this book were thus twofold:
- i still don't know anything about baseball
- this didn't work for me outside of baseball-related reasons
the fact that i know no more about baseball now is not due to it not having much baseball content in it. it had a lot. it just didn't explain any of it and i did not understand anything and i remain as confused and hateful as i was before.
the other thing had a lot more to do with the way this was structured. the first 250 pages of this are incredibly slow, both in romance and in the whole let's-save-the-baseball-park plot that serves as the non-romance storyline, and then suddenly everything happens at once in the remaining few dozen pages.
also, the feelings and characters and actions in this could feel really cartoonish. people cry all the time, for every reason. no one can be attracted to each other without standing stock-still and breathing hard with a racing heart and flushed cheeks etc etc etc. the mom character exists only as a bundle of stereotypes and a few sobbing-in-the-street scenes. we get a handful of characters here, but they all feel really flat.
our main gal, Ryan, is a 17-year-old who spends 100% of her time violating child labor laws working at her dad's ballpark. this job prevents her from Grand Romance, from being a good friend, from, like, doing anything else ever. at the beginning of the book, her mom is like "hey take it down a notch, kid. live a little." with which i agree. and it kind of seems like the book is setting her up for that, but it isn't.
in the end, Baseball Wins. Baseball Is Most Important.
i have to disagree.
bottom line: this wasn't for me, and it has nothing to do with baseball!
thanks again to Page Street for the ARC.
--------
i, the world's most notorious baseball hater, am reading this book about baseball.
wish me luck!
(thanks to page street for the ARC)
July 8, 2019
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Although I never played any sports ball, I LOVE sports romances, and therefore, had to have this book as soon as I heard about it. But, Stealing Home was not your typical sports romance. This was about having a dream, and doing everything you could to make it happen.
Sawyer was the number one draft pick for the Buckley Beavers, the minor league team for the Texas Rangers. He hoped to make it to the majors, and earn enough money to help save his family's farm. Ryan also hoped to make a life in baseball. She wanted to be the first female general manager in the sport. However, when Sawyer and Ryan's aspirations were threatened, the two were able to work together to try and save both their dreams.
Ryan was incredible. She was so focused and driven, almost to a fault, but I admired her for it. You could tell how much she loved the game, her dad, and the Buckley Beavers. I found all the behind the scenes stuff really interesting, and absolutely loved all her planning and plotting to save the business.
Sawyer was also fabulous. He was a baseball playing southern farm boy with a drawl. Be still my heart. He was so sweet and endearing, and his love for his family just made me adore him more. I absolutely had no problem rooting for these two.
The romance was of the slow burn variety, but not really by choice. Sawyer and Ryan had to fight their growing attraction, because of the non-fraternization policy, and, well, that resulted in some serious tension. It didn't stop the two from developing a fond friendship, though, and being there for each other when they really needed someone in their court. Still, I was 100% behind them making that love connection, because they were just perfectly matched.
This book was summer personified. It was warm and sunny, light and easy. It was like a glass of sweet tea on a hot day - refreshing and satisfying, and it made me feel good.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Although I never played any sports ball, I LOVE sports romances, and therefore, had to have this book as soon as I heard about it. But, Stealing Home was not your typical sports romance. This was about having a dream, and doing everything you could to make it happen.
Sawyer was the number one draft pick for the Buckley Beavers, the minor league team for the Texas Rangers. He hoped to make it to the majors, and earn enough money to help save his family's farm. Ryan also hoped to make a life in baseball. She wanted to be the first female general manager in the sport. However, when Sawyer and Ryan's aspirations were threatened, the two were able to work together to try and save both their dreams.
Ryan was incredible. She was so focused and driven, almost to a fault, but I admired her for it. You could tell how much she loved the game, her dad, and the Buckley Beavers. I found all the behind the scenes stuff really interesting, and absolutely loved all her planning and plotting to save the business.
Sawyer was also fabulous. He was a baseball playing southern farm boy with a drawl. Be still my heart. He was so sweet and endearing, and his love for his family just made me adore him more. I absolutely had no problem rooting for these two.
The romance was of the slow burn variety, but not really by choice. Sawyer and Ryan had to fight their growing attraction, because of the non-fraternization policy, and, well, that resulted in some serious tension. It didn't stop the two from developing a fond friendship, though, and being there for each other when they really needed someone in their court. Still, I was 100% behind them making that love connection, because they were just perfectly matched.
This book was summer personified. It was warm and sunny, light and easy. It was like a glass of sweet tea on a hot day - refreshing and satisfying, and it made me feel good.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
January 19, 2019
Stealing Home is a wonderful baseball story. I found myself swept back to all those the warm summer nights of hanging out with friends and hoping for first love.
December 16, 2019
Originally 3.5 stars but changed to 3 stars.
January 6, 2019
Utterly delightful! STEALING HOME encompasses everything I love about contemporary YA romance — savvy heroine, swoony love interest, snappy dialogue, and butterfly-inducing chemistry — while still feeling unexpected and fresh. I was rooting for Ryan and Sawyer (and the Buckley Beavers!) from the very first pitch. Definitely check this one out when it releases this summer!
January 27, 2019
this book is so cute and real and Sawyer is adorable I love him.
super glad that i decided to read this before i head back tothe battlefield medical school.
highly recommend if you're looking for a heart-warming novel that soothes the soul.
super glad that i decided to read this before i head back to
highly recommend if you're looking for a heart-warming novel that soothes the soul.
September 27, 2024
4 stars!
”I guess when you spend so much time in such close proximity to one person, the nature of your relationship changes faster. There’s a scientific term for it—saturation point or critical velocity or both of those combined—and I can’t remember what it is, but we’ve reached it quicker than I knew was possible.”
This book was really cute!! I haven’t read any sports romances, and this was a good first start. There were a lot of baseball aspects to it, but not too much that I didn’t understand. Very cute, very ya, and a very fun read.
🫂 Characters 🫂
⤷ very different and pretty well rounded. Sometimes fell a little flat, but they definitely had different aspects and personalities that made each one feel significantly different.
Ryan
⤷ she was rlly cool
”He shrugs like it doesn’t matter that much, but he doesn’t smile it off or change the subject right away, letting the silence in the van linger for a little too long. Not playing ways at him. Campbell’s good at pretending he’s okay, shaking away dark thoughts and muscling up some optimism. But I understand exactly how he feels, because thinking about losing the team torments me in the same awful way.”
First off, I wish the author made Ryan not so obsessed about the team and have more thoughts about other things. Yes, I understand the problems and whatnot, but I feel like a regular teenagers mind would not always be thinking about one thing. Nevertheless, I really admired her ability to come up with so many ideas and stay completely loyal to the team and what she loves to do.
Sawyer
⤷why hello there sir…
”With every word he says, I’m drawn to him, hooked like a fish at the little pond Dad used to take me to when I was a kid. I let myself lean into Campbell a little, and his other arm falls around me. It would be so easy for this to turn into something else, to come up on my toes and drape my arms around his neck, to let my lips brush against the side of his jaw. I want to see him look at me the way he did that night we were alone in the kitchen. I want. I want. I want.”
He was sooooo fine. I really liked his character and how we got to see the little sides of him you would think weren’t there. He was so protective over Ryan it was so cute. I loved how he was such a caring person and did everything not for himself. Green flag yall
💕 Romance 💕
⤷ so cute ☺️
”We’re kissing like it’s a necessity, like we couldn’t wait one more instant, like we’ve been fighting a losing battle and have finally given up. But nothing about this feels like defeat. It feels like facing the inevitable and realizing it’s a gift instead of a curse.”
This was so wholesome and sweet. I loved their relationship buildup and the challenges with fraternization. Their little moments were so perfect I was giggling. It was a perfect ya romance.
✍️ Quotes ✍️
⤷ ”Cambell’s shirt smells lukewarm heaven and feels like butter against my skin.”
⤷ “As I roll the orange-and-white-striped wrapper of my burger into a tight ball, I catch Sawyer watching me. He doesn’t look away like he’s embarrassed that he’s been caught. Instead he gives me an apologetic smile. I’m not sure if he’s sorry for looking at me or for my dad’s long-windedness or for this whole situation, but it zings straight into my gut like I misjudged a line drive.”
⤷ “I know what crying looks like.” He says this like it’s supposed to make sense in the context of conversation we’re not having. “If anyone hurt you, I’ll trip them with my crutches. We could make it look like an accident.”
⤷ “But before I say anything, he leans in and kisses me, hard and fast. It’s in the corner of my mouth, more cheek than lips, but the crowd cheers anyway—probably at my stunned expression—and the camera moves in to a new couple.
“Sorry,” he says, but nothing about the way he’s smiling is an apology. “Seemed like the best way to solve the problem.”
⤷ “The hallway has never felt smaller, especially when we slide past each other to get to our respective rooms. He smells amazing—clean, piney. Like freshly cut wood and soap. His hair is even darker when it’s wet, making his eyes look bluer. Water droplets cling to his shoulders, to his chest. One falls on my arm as he turns to pass me, and every muscle in my body clenches.”
⤷ “Everyone else likes you. Everyone else thinks you’re amazing at what you do.” He relaxes back into his chair. “But you’re working with guys. No matter how hard you work, no matter how smart you are, there are always going to be a few like Pearson and Jim Stein. I wish there weren’t, but…” His shoulders climb up and drop, a giant I can’t punch them all shrug.
⤷ “If I was with another team, could things be different between us?”
⤷ “If something bad happens to you, I want to know.”
⤷ “I was wrong about what I said the other night.” I say the words against his chest, holding him so close that a whisper couldn’t fit between our bodies. “I don’t know what this is, but…I want it to be something.”
✨ Overall ✨
⤷rlly cute, rlly good, definitely recommend.
Also special thanks to Bailey for buddy reading with me!! I would not have known those baseball terms if you hadn’t explained them to me <3
~Some things are more important than rules~
”I guess when you spend so much time in such close proximity to one person, the nature of your relationship changes faster. There’s a scientific term for it—saturation point or critical velocity or both of those combined—and I can’t remember what it is, but we’ve reached it quicker than I knew was possible.”
This book was really cute!! I haven’t read any sports romances, and this was a good first start. There were a lot of baseball aspects to it, but not too much that I didn’t understand. Very cute, very ya, and a very fun read.
🫂 Characters 🫂
⤷ very different and pretty well rounded. Sometimes fell a little flat, but they definitely had different aspects and personalities that made each one feel significantly different.
Ryan
⤷ she was rlly cool
”He shrugs like it doesn’t matter that much, but he doesn’t smile it off or change the subject right away, letting the silence in the van linger for a little too long. Not playing ways at him. Campbell’s good at pretending he’s okay, shaking away dark thoughts and muscling up some optimism. But I understand exactly how he feels, because thinking about losing the team torments me in the same awful way.”
First off, I wish the author made Ryan not so obsessed about the team and have more thoughts about other things. Yes, I understand the problems and whatnot, but I feel like a regular teenagers mind would not always be thinking about one thing. Nevertheless, I really admired her ability to come up with so many ideas and stay completely loyal to the team and what she loves to do.
Sawyer
⤷why hello there sir…
”With every word he says, I’m drawn to him, hooked like a fish at the little pond Dad used to take me to when I was a kid. I let myself lean into Campbell a little, and his other arm falls around me. It would be so easy for this to turn into something else, to come up on my toes and drape my arms around his neck, to let my lips brush against the side of his jaw. I want to see him look at me the way he did that night we were alone in the kitchen. I want. I want. I want.”
He was sooooo fine. I really liked his character and how we got to see the little sides of him you would think weren’t there. He was so protective over Ryan it was so cute. I loved how he was such a caring person and did everything not for himself. Green flag yall
💕 Romance 💕
⤷ so cute ☺️
”We’re kissing like it’s a necessity, like we couldn’t wait one more instant, like we’ve been fighting a losing battle and have finally given up. But nothing about this feels like defeat. It feels like facing the inevitable and realizing it’s a gift instead of a curse.”
This was so wholesome and sweet. I loved their relationship buildup and the challenges with fraternization. Their little moments were so perfect I was giggling. It was a perfect ya romance.
✍️ Quotes ✍️
⤷ ”Cambell’s shirt smells lukewarm heaven and feels like butter against my skin.”
⤷ “As I roll the orange-and-white-striped wrapper of my burger into a tight ball, I catch Sawyer watching me. He doesn’t look away like he’s embarrassed that he’s been caught. Instead he gives me an apologetic smile. I’m not sure if he’s sorry for looking at me or for my dad’s long-windedness or for this whole situation, but it zings straight into my gut like I misjudged a line drive.”
⤷ “I know what crying looks like.” He says this like it’s supposed to make sense in the context of conversation we’re not having. “If anyone hurt you, I’ll trip them with my crutches. We could make it look like an accident.”
⤷ “But before I say anything, he leans in and kisses me, hard and fast. It’s in the corner of my mouth, more cheek than lips, but the crowd cheers anyway—probably at my stunned expression—and the camera moves in to a new couple.
“Sorry,” he says, but nothing about the way he’s smiling is an apology. “Seemed like the best way to solve the problem.”
⤷ “The hallway has never felt smaller, especially when we slide past each other to get to our respective rooms. He smells amazing—clean, piney. Like freshly cut wood and soap. His hair is even darker when it’s wet, making his eyes look bluer. Water droplets cling to his shoulders, to his chest. One falls on my arm as he turns to pass me, and every muscle in my body clenches.”
⤷ “Everyone else likes you. Everyone else thinks you’re amazing at what you do.” He relaxes back into his chair. “But you’re working with guys. No matter how hard you work, no matter how smart you are, there are always going to be a few like Pearson and Jim Stein. I wish there weren’t, but…” His shoulders climb up and drop, a giant I can’t punch them all shrug.
⤷ “If I was with another team, could things be different between us?”
⤷ “If something bad happens to you, I want to know.”
⤷ “I was wrong about what I said the other night.” I say the words against his chest, holding him so close that a whisper couldn’t fit between our bodies. “I don’t know what this is, but…I want it to be something.”
✨ Overall ✨
⤷rlly cute, rlly good, definitely recommend.
Also special thanks to Bailey for buddy reading with me!! I would not have known those baseball terms if you hadn’t explained them to me <3
~Some things are more important than rules~
July 6, 2019
I had seen so many high reviews for this book and I loved the synopsis, so I was pretty eager to get into this one. Sadly, it was a little disappointing for me.
I liked Ryan well enough. She’s smart and knows what she wants and how to go after it. At the same time, she’s quite neglectful of everything that’s not baseball. I get that she loves the team, but she openly admits to not being a good friend to Mia {who might be the best part of the entire story.} Sawyer is respectful and sweet, but I didn’t see the swoons.
Plot wise, it felt like a lot of repetition that went nowhere. The build up between the non-existent romance and the rush to save the team lacked tension I was expecting. And it was a bit disappointing to see the relationship finally come to fruition with like 5 pages to go.
Overall, it was a quick and cute read, but lacked a spark I was hoping for. I just didn’t see the the same story everyone else did and it makes me sad.
**Huge thanks to Page Street for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Ryan well enough. She’s smart and knows what she wants and how to go after it. At the same time, she’s quite neglectful of everything that’s not baseball. I get that she loves the team, but she openly admits to not being a good friend to Mia {who might be the best part of the entire story.} Sawyer is respectful and sweet, but I didn’t see the swoons.
Plot wise, it felt like a lot of repetition that went nowhere. The build up between the non-existent romance and the rush to save the team lacked tension I was expecting. And it was a bit disappointing to see the relationship finally come to fruition with like 5 pages to go.
Overall, it was a quick and cute read, but lacked a spark I was hoping for. I just didn’t see the the same story everyone else did and it makes me sad.
**Huge thanks to Page Street for providing the arc free of charge**
July 12, 2019
If you’re looking for a sweet summer romance...
If you’re looking for a sweet summer romance, then STEALING HOME might be perfect for you. Stick it in your beach bag and devour at will. 😉
If you’re looking for a sweet summer romance, then STEALING HOME might be perfect for you. Stick it in your beach bag and devour at will. 😉
August 6, 2019
Five stars: A book that screams summer with baseball and romance.
Ryan paces nervously. She is waiting at the airport to pick up Sawyer Campbell, The Texas Rangers’ number one draft pick. Sawyer is one of the youngest baseball players drafted, and he is going to be playing on Ryan’s dad’s minor league team. That means Ryan is charged with picking him up at the airport. She cares nothing about the fact that he is the same age as she is, and that he is incredibly handsome. Ryan is all about baseball and the team. That means she doesn’t have time for romance, especially with a baseball player because fraternization with the players is prohibited. Besides, he is late. Then when Sawyer does show up, things get worse. Somehow, Ryan makes it back to the ballpark in time for the game. However, she soon finds that her summer and her future are about to be thrown a curveball. Her mom is planning on selling her half of the team. Can Ryan convince her to change her mind?
What I Liked:
*Stealing Home was the perfect book for summer. This book has everything you love about summertime: baseball, sunshine, summer nights and romance. I adored this cute little book. It was sweet and satisfying.
*I loved learning more about running a baseball team. Especially when it comes to everything that goes on behind the scenes. I learned os much about promotions, sponsors, management and so on. It was informative and entertaining.
*The romance was all kinds of cute. It starts off under the worst circumstances, I am not going to share the details, you need to experience it for yourself. Then it evolves into a friendship, where each one finds a way to help the other. Then after a lot of tension and avoidance it finally moves into that sweet moment. I loved watching the two form a friendship and work together while trying to deny their chemistry. It was worth the wait.
*I adored both Ryan and Sawyer. Ryan isn’t your average girl. She is laser focused on baseball and driven to succeed. She works her tail off day in and day out to make sure the team runs smoothly. I especially admired her work ethic and everything she did to try and save her father’s team. She is outstanding. Sawyer isn’t what I expected. He is a star baseball player, but he isn’t full of himself. He is considerate, charming and at heart, a down home Southern boy. I thought he was adorable. I especially loved how devoted he was to his family. He didn’t let the spotlight go to his head, which was so refreshing.
*I was completely surprised by how much I liked Ryan’s best friend Mia. At first, I wasn’t sure about her, because she is pretty and athletic and wealthy, but that didn’t make a difference. Mia is down to earth and kind as well as funny. She always has Ryan’s back no matter what, and I loved how she stepped up and did whatever she could to help Ryan.
*The ending is sweet and satisfying. I finished with a big goofy grin. Loved it! I want more.
And The Not So Much:
*I read a review where a reviewer was complaining about being lost because she didn’t understand baseball. If you aren’t a baseball fan or if you don’t know anything about baseball, I can see how you could be lost as the book doesn’t explain anything about the game of baseball itself. So if you don’t understand baseball, I can see how this might not be for you. However, it isn’t necessary to understand all the fundamentals of baseball as the book isn’t about playing the game, instead it is about the management and running of the team.
*I wish there was more explanation on Ryan’s mom. I wanted a better understanding of Ryan’s parents relationship. I think it would have helped me understand her motives better. I struggled with not knowing exactly why she would want to sell her portion of the team. Was she doing it all for the money? Was she not financially secure? Was she doing it for spite? I think having a better understanding of what was motivating her would have helped me. I did not like her, and I abhorred her actions.
Stealing Home is a fun flirty summer romance that is all about baseball. I loved the characters, the romance, and I especially enjoyed learning more about all that goes on behind the scenes of a baseball game. I loved the friendships, the chemistry and the determination of both Sawyer and Ryan. This was the perfect read for summer or for anytime you want something sweet and satisfying.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Ryan paces nervously. She is waiting at the airport to pick up Sawyer Campbell, The Texas Rangers’ number one draft pick. Sawyer is one of the youngest baseball players drafted, and he is going to be playing on Ryan’s dad’s minor league team. That means Ryan is charged with picking him up at the airport. She cares nothing about the fact that he is the same age as she is, and that he is incredibly handsome. Ryan is all about baseball and the team. That means she doesn’t have time for romance, especially with a baseball player because fraternization with the players is prohibited. Besides, he is late. Then when Sawyer does show up, things get worse. Somehow, Ryan makes it back to the ballpark in time for the game. However, she soon finds that her summer and her future are about to be thrown a curveball. Her mom is planning on selling her half of the team. Can Ryan convince her to change her mind?
What I Liked:
*Stealing Home was the perfect book for summer. This book has everything you love about summertime: baseball, sunshine, summer nights and romance. I adored this cute little book. It was sweet and satisfying.
*I loved learning more about running a baseball team. Especially when it comes to everything that goes on behind the scenes. I learned os much about promotions, sponsors, management and so on. It was informative and entertaining.
*The romance was all kinds of cute. It starts off under the worst circumstances, I am not going to share the details, you need to experience it for yourself. Then it evolves into a friendship, where each one finds a way to help the other. Then after a lot of tension and avoidance it finally moves into that sweet moment. I loved watching the two form a friendship and work together while trying to deny their chemistry. It was worth the wait.
*I adored both Ryan and Sawyer. Ryan isn’t your average girl. She is laser focused on baseball and driven to succeed. She works her tail off day in and day out to make sure the team runs smoothly. I especially admired her work ethic and everything she did to try and save her father’s team. She is outstanding. Sawyer isn’t what I expected. He is a star baseball player, but he isn’t full of himself. He is considerate, charming and at heart, a down home Southern boy. I thought he was adorable. I especially loved how devoted he was to his family. He didn’t let the spotlight go to his head, which was so refreshing.
*I was completely surprised by how much I liked Ryan’s best friend Mia. At first, I wasn’t sure about her, because she is pretty and athletic and wealthy, but that didn’t make a difference. Mia is down to earth and kind as well as funny. She always has Ryan’s back no matter what, and I loved how she stepped up and did whatever she could to help Ryan.
*The ending is sweet and satisfying. I finished with a big goofy grin. Loved it! I want more.
And The Not So Much:
*I read a review where a reviewer was complaining about being lost because she didn’t understand baseball. If you aren’t a baseball fan or if you don’t know anything about baseball, I can see how you could be lost as the book doesn’t explain anything about the game of baseball itself. So if you don’t understand baseball, I can see how this might not be for you. However, it isn’t necessary to understand all the fundamentals of baseball as the book isn’t about playing the game, instead it is about the management and running of the team.
*I wish there was more explanation on Ryan’s mom. I wanted a better understanding of Ryan’s parents relationship. I think it would have helped me understand her motives better. I struggled with not knowing exactly why she would want to sell her portion of the team. Was she doing it all for the money? Was she not financially secure? Was she doing it for spite? I think having a better understanding of what was motivating her would have helped me. I did not like her, and I abhorred her actions.
Stealing Home is a fun flirty summer romance that is all about baseball. I loved the characters, the romance, and I especially enjoyed learning more about all that goes on behind the scenes of a baseball game. I loved the friendships, the chemistry and the determination of both Sawyer and Ryan. This was the perfect read for summer or for anytime you want something sweet and satisfying.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
January 29, 2019
This was a quick, and fun read. This is my first Becky Wallace book, and it certainly won’t be my last. Her writing style is both captivating and unique and really pulled me in, as a reader.
Wallace’s characters, Ryan and Sawyer were so awesome together. The sweet chemistry that you instantly feel between their quirky characters is fantastic. It’s just enough to spark the romance between them, while not being crazy and wild. Definitely what I like to see in a young adult read.
Seeing Ryan and Sawyer work together to help Ryan’s dreams come true was another refreshing point to the story. I felt like I was right there with them, cheering from the side lines we call life.
If you like a young adult read that has just the right combination of fast paced reading, gripping characters, and sparks of romance, then this is definitely a 4 star book you don’t want to miss. This baseball read has me ready for summer to come and another amazing book from this talented author. Great job on hitting a home run with this fan, Ms. Wallace!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Wallace’s characters, Ryan and Sawyer were so awesome together. The sweet chemistry that you instantly feel between their quirky characters is fantastic. It’s just enough to spark the romance between them, while not being crazy and wild. Definitely what I like to see in a young adult read.
Seeing Ryan and Sawyer work together to help Ryan’s dreams come true was another refreshing point to the story. I felt like I was right there with them, cheering from the side lines we call life.
If you like a young adult read that has just the right combination of fast paced reading, gripping characters, and sparks of romance, then this is definitely a 4 star book you don’t want to miss. This baseball read has me ready for summer to come and another amazing book from this talented author. Great job on hitting a home run with this fan, Ms. Wallace!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
June 20, 2019
ALL OF THE STARS
This was the sweet, summer romance I have been looking for. Baseball, BBQ, and Boys. What more could a Southern girl want? I cannot wait to write my review.
**HUGE thanks to the publisher for sending an advance copy for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
This was the sweet, summer romance I have been looking for. Baseball, BBQ, and Boys. What more could a Southern girl want? I cannot wait to write my review.
**HUGE thanks to the publisher for sending an advance copy for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
August 25, 2019
This book had everything and more that I love about contemporary YA--friendship, slow-burn romance, intelligent and driven POV characters, family drama, athletes, and a plot that delved way deeper than the surface. I highly recommend this book for anytime of the year.
June 10, 2019
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A BOOK TO BE THIS PERFECT?!
This review and many others can also be found at Musings of a (Book) Girl.
I’m going to try really hard to hold my composure throughout this review when really all I want to do is type in all caps andscream yell talk very loudly and passionately how much I loved this book….
Y’all, I’ve been waiting for this book since reading Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross five years ago. There’s just something about baseball romances that get my heart and oh my goodness Becky Wallace does not disappoint. Stealing Home is everything you could possibly want in a contemporary novel – a strong female protagonist, swoony love interest, supportive best friend, summer vibes, perfect writing, and baseball.
Wallace’s characters were life-like and incredible. It felt like these could have been the people running my local minor league baseball team. I adored the best friend relationship between Ryan and Mia. Too often we see girls pitted against each other in pointless battles, but these two were really there for each other through thick and thin and wanted nothing more than to support the other.
The chemistry between Ryan and Sawyer was to die for. I couldn’t get enough of their slow burn relationship. Seriously….all the heart eye emojis for these two. Something I was especially thankful for though was even though Ryan was falling head over heels for Sawyer, she didn’t change who she was for him or give up her dreams. Throughout the entire book she consistently put herself first and made sure she was making the decisions that were best for her in the long run. It made me want to give her a huge hug and tell her how amazing she was doing.
Stealing Home wrapped its fingers around me and refused to let go from the very first chapter. Becky Wallace’s writing style is light and breezy which kept me turning pages long into the night, but still emotional and heartfelt enough to make me empathize with the characters and worry about them. Even if sports aren’t necessarily your thing, Stealing Home is one you are going to want to read.
TL;DR: Stealing Home is everything you could possibly want in a contemporary novel – a strong female protagonist, swoony love interest, supportive best friend, summer vibes, perfect writing, and baseball.
This review and many others can also be found at Musings of a (Book) Girl.
I’m going to try really hard to hold my composure throughout this review when really all I want to do is type in all caps and
Y’all, I’ve been waiting for this book since reading Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross five years ago. There’s just something about baseball romances that get my heart and oh my goodness Becky Wallace does not disappoint. Stealing Home is everything you could possibly want in a contemporary novel – a strong female protagonist, swoony love interest, supportive best friend, summer vibes, perfect writing, and baseball.
Wallace’s characters were life-like and incredible. It felt like these could have been the people running my local minor league baseball team. I adored the best friend relationship between Ryan and Mia. Too often we see girls pitted against each other in pointless battles, but these two were really there for each other through thick and thin and wanted nothing more than to support the other.
The chemistry between Ryan and Sawyer was to die for. I couldn’t get enough of their slow burn relationship. Seriously….all the heart eye emojis for these two. Something I was especially thankful for though was even though Ryan was falling head over heels for Sawyer, she didn’t change who she was for him or give up her dreams. Throughout the entire book she consistently put herself first and made sure she was making the decisions that were best for her in the long run. It made me want to give her a huge hug and tell her how amazing she was doing.
Stealing Home wrapped its fingers around me and refused to let go from the very first chapter. Becky Wallace’s writing style is light and breezy which kept me turning pages long into the night, but still emotional and heartfelt enough to make me empathize with the characters and worry about them. Even if sports aren’t necessarily your thing, Stealing Home is one you are going to want to read.
TL;DR: Stealing Home is everything you could possibly want in a contemporary novel – a strong female protagonist, swoony love interest, supportive best friend, summer vibes, perfect writing, and baseball.
July 13, 2019
Saving Home sounded like it was going to be the perfect YA summer read. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite work for me.
There's a decent balance between the romance and the other plot, although both don't really go anywhere for the majority of the book. Then everything happened all at once in the last 10-15 pages. And there wasn't really an adequate build-up to support how either plot ended. Plus, I'm not that familiar with baseball so I was sometimes a bit lost.
Ryan was an interesting character, I liked how she was very driven, smart, and never gave up. However, since baseball was all-consuming for her, I never really got a good idea of who she was as a person. I also didn't really get the romance with Sawyer, there wasn't any swoon-factor there for me. But I loved Mia as a character, the scenes with her were the best part of the book.
I'm really bummed that this one wasn't for me, particularly because I love a good YA romance and Stealing Home sounded so promising.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There's a decent balance between the romance and the other plot, although both don't really go anywhere for the majority of the book. Then everything happened all at once in the last 10-15 pages. And there wasn't really an adequate build-up to support how either plot ended. Plus, I'm not that familiar with baseball so I was sometimes a bit lost.
Ryan was an interesting character, I liked how she was very driven, smart, and never gave up. However, since baseball was all-consuming for her, I never really got a good idea of who she was as a person. I also didn't really get the romance with Sawyer, there wasn't any swoon-factor there for me. But I loved Mia as a character, the scenes with her were the best part of the book.
I'm really bummed that this one wasn't for me, particularly because I love a good YA romance and Stealing Home sounded so promising.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 18, 2019
As a girl who loves contemporary novels, baseball, and YA... this was the perfect book for me.
I absolutely love it when books make me happy, and this one left me with a big goofy grin the entire time I was reading it. Whenever I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I wish I could have been reading it. I was hooked immediately and I completely fell in love with the story.
It was such a sweet story about fighting for what you want, friendships, relationship jitters, and family. When I reached the end I was left with this big fuzzy ball of happiness inside my chest.
I will love this book and reread it many times for the rest of my life.
I absolutely love it when books make me happy, and this one left me with a big goofy grin the entire time I was reading it. Whenever I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I wish I could have been reading it. I was hooked immediately and I completely fell in love with the story.
It was such a sweet story about fighting for what you want, friendships, relationship jitters, and family. When I reached the end I was left with this big fuzzy ball of happiness inside my chest.
I will love this book and reread it many times for the rest of my life.
July 17, 2019
Such a cute, fun read! The perfect summer escape. I loved all the characters so much - especially Sawyer Campbell!
August 24, 2019
A couple of my blogging friends loved Stealing Home, and I had previously enjoyed Becky Wallace's fantasy duology, so I thought this book would be a perfect fit for me. It also is a sports romance and everyone knows that even though I am the least sporty person you'll probably ever meet, I devour any book with sports at the center. Stealing Home was exactly what I was hoping it would be: a cozy, fun, and fluffy read with a lot of depth to it!
Wallace has written an exceptional cast in this book. Both main characters were down-to-earth and endearing. Ryan, the heroine, was a breath of fresh air. Her passion for baseball was monumental part of her personality and I loved watching her come alive for it. Her family owned a minor league baseball team and she has hopes of one day taking over the family business from her father to become one of the few female general managers. Unfortunately, her mother is about to put a damper on her dreams and she has to do everything she can to help save her team from partly being sold. In the middle of all that, Ryan has to cater to the team's newest addition, Sawyer. Sawyer was a wonderful addition to Ryan's life. He was just as hardworking as she was and I thought it was so sweet how a lot of his determination was tied to helping help save his family's farm. He was a darling of a character, and a boy that I would have swooned for (if he were age-appropriate)!
Sawyer and Ryan team up to help prevent her mother from selling her shares of the team, but in the midst of all this, Sawyer ends up injuring his foot which could potentially threaten his career. There were a lot of tense moments throughout this book, and I kept rooting for these two to succeed because their hearts truly were in the right places. As you can imagine, a bond grows between them and it's a slow-burn kind of romance. It was sweet and quite torturous if you ask me because I needed them to make-out already! I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and connect on an emotional level. Stealing Home was just the kind of book that made my heart happy.
All in all, Stealing Home was a charming and hugely satisfying reads. Fans of contemporary novels with a sports theme are sure to devour this one.
April 20, 2021
This was an enjoyable read, but lacked the elements I look for in this type of story. The potential for all of them was there, particularly the complicated family relationship I usually go for, but none of them ever really developed.
The romance seemed a little forced here. Or maybe imagined. It was more like a daydream than a real relationship developing.
One of the biggest issues I had with the book was that one of the baseball players made a major jerk move (although he was always super sweet, apparently) and it was explained away with a single sentence and everything was fine. There was no conversation about why he handled the situation the way he did, since he could have handled it a lot better, but suddenly it was back to him being a fantastic guy who was always sweet and nice.
A fun enough read, but not one I am likely to reach for again. Many people I know would enjoy it though, so I would definitely recommend it for many readers.
The romance seemed a little forced here. Or maybe imagined. It was more like a daydream than a real relationship developing.
One of the biggest issues I had with the book was that one of the baseball players made a major jerk move (although he was always super sweet, apparently) and it was explained away with a single sentence and everything was fine. There was no conversation about why he handled the situation the way he did, since he could have handled it a lot better, but suddenly it was back to him being a fantastic guy who was always sweet and nice.
A fun enough read, but not one I am likely to reach for again. Many people I know would enjoy it though, so I would definitely recommend it for many readers.
July 23, 2019
I ADORED everything about this book! It was paced perfectly, the characters were awesome, and I found myself racing to the end, only to want to start the whole thing over. The main character, Ryan, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports marketing/management~ she is a hardworking, intelligent role model of a young woman who knows exactly what she wants for her future career, but at the same time, she's such an authentic teenager who's grappling with uncertainty on multiple fronts. The love interest, Sawyer, is the ultimate guy, whose heart is as attractive as he is. This book is hilarious, heartwarming, and just the right amount of YA steamy. And I learned so much about the background of minor league ball! It's obvious that the author, who's worked in the industry, knows her stuff, and all the interesting details were blended in seamlessly. I hope they turn this one into a movie~ can't wait for more from Becky Wallace!
April 8, 2019
* Thank you Manda Group for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *
This story followed Ryan Russell, who's divorced parents own the minor league baseball team, the Buckley Beavers. Her goal is to one day become one of the only female General Managers in the sport. Their first round pick, Sawyer Campbell, is more charming than he appears, she is thrown a major curve ball. As challenges threaten the teams ownership, and its existence, Ryan is concerned that her team, her heart, and her future, is crumbling away.
What a cute and simple contemporary. I am a huge sports fan, so the baseball references made sense, and were explained well by the author. Ryan and Sawyer had chemistry right away, and once sparks fly, the reader cannot wait to see if they will end up together. Besides being busy hiding feelings for each other, it was engaging to see the challenges that Ryan and Sawyer faced to find a way to save the team.
The realistic ties of patriarchy in a male dominated industry were well done too. I liked that it brought a more serious issue into a typically fun read, to make it more meaningful. At times it was a bit slow paced, but as a summer read, it was great. Overall, I would recommend to readers who enjoy contemporary reads with some female empowerment aspects.
This story followed Ryan Russell, who's divorced parents own the minor league baseball team, the Buckley Beavers. Her goal is to one day become one of the only female General Managers in the sport. Their first round pick, Sawyer Campbell, is more charming than he appears, she is thrown a major curve ball. As challenges threaten the teams ownership, and its existence, Ryan is concerned that her team, her heart, and her future, is crumbling away.
What a cute and simple contemporary. I am a huge sports fan, so the baseball references made sense, and were explained well by the author. Ryan and Sawyer had chemistry right away, and once sparks fly, the reader cannot wait to see if they will end up together. Besides being busy hiding feelings for each other, it was engaging to see the challenges that Ryan and Sawyer faced to find a way to save the team.
The realistic ties of patriarchy in a male dominated industry were well done too. I liked that it brought a more serious issue into a typically fun read, to make it more meaningful. At times it was a bit slow paced, but as a summer read, it was great. Overall, I would recommend to readers who enjoy contemporary reads with some female empowerment aspects.
September 14, 2019
I loved this book! It was the perfect blend of swoony romance, friendship, family relations, and of course sports. I appreciated the realness of the baseball elements of the plot. Sometimes sports storylines can seem cheesy but it was very clear that Becky Wallace had personal experience in the field (no pun intended) and in the industry. As a big fan of both baseball and YA contemporary stories, this book was a home run for me. I also would recommend it for slightly younger YA readers, which is nice, as it wasn't too intense in the romance department.
June 15, 2020
This book was a homerun for me! Ryan is a feisty heroine who knows what she wants and works for it. She’s determined to be the youngest general manager of a minor league team.
She’s by the book until baseball star Sawyer Campbell shows up. Despite a rocky start (he throws up on her), they have great chemistry. But both can’t afford distraction if they are to save their dreams and their family’s businesses.
I loved watching the plot as it played out before me and the finish was as exciting as any sporting event. It’s a must read!!!
She’s by the book until baseball star Sawyer Campbell shows up. Despite a rocky start (he throws up on her), they have great chemistry. But both can’t afford distraction if they are to save their dreams and their family’s businesses.
I loved watching the plot as it played out before me and the finish was as exciting as any sporting event. It’s a must read!!!
September 8, 2019
I probably would’ve liked this a bit more if I didn’t find baseball one of the most boring sports on the planet. The inner workings of a minor league team were interesting, and it takes place during the summer so there’s no school. But it did seem like a lot of work for a 17 year old, and I found myself agreeing with people in the book who told Ryan she needed to just enjoy being a teenager sometimes. The romance is cute, but it took a back seat at times.
April 4, 2020
Initial Impressions 4/4/20: 4.5 stars
This was exactly what I wanted and hoped for from this book. STEALING HOME was the perfect mix of baseball, cute romance, and meaningful moments and I just loved reading every minute of it.
If you're not a baseball fan or don't have any nostalgia attached to it, I can't speak for how much you might like that part of the book but growing up watching baseball and going to games, it was just the PERFECT setting and vibe for this book. It brought a sense of comfort and excitement to everything that really wrapped me in the story. Becky Wallace just captured the overall feeling so perfectly and I don't know anything about the business side of baseball or what goes on behind the scenes but it all felt so real and genuine.
I really loved Ryan and everything about her. She was driven and stood for what she loved, from the baseball team to her family to her friends. I loved that she felt like a well-rounded teenage character without feeling too young or too irrationally old or responsible. She grew up helping out with the baseball team and working for her dad so she was easily well-versed in all of the responsibilities there and had an a personality that kept her focused, goal-oriented, and organized so her need to jump in and start seeking ways to try to save things when worries come up about the organization being sold really felt natural. It might not be something other teens get into but it felt right for Ryan and Becky Wallace really captured that personality perfectly without going too over-the-top or contradicting it. Ryan was an excellent balance and she also had people around her (like her dad and her best friend Mia) who would reel her in or provide other nuggets of advice when there was something she needed to hear.
I loved the relationships in this book and how nothing was too dramatic or too crazy. These are exactly the types of books I love to read and also why I like reading authors like Kasie West and Jenn Bennett! Count this book among those where the families are unique yet realistic. Ryan has a great relationship with her dad but they both have their flaws. Her parents are divorced and she has a strained relationship with her mom, but her parents are still (mostly) respectful of each other and while her mom isn't perfect, she still shows affection for Ryan and she's not a bad parent. Ryan also has a lovely friendship with Mia, who's always there for her and we didn't have to include a nasty best friend fight or stupid misunderstanding in this book, thank goodness! There was enough going on and Mia was a great support for Ryan but she and her family also had their own personalities, which was really a big part of everyone's life in the book.
And of course there's the romance. Sometimes all you need is tension and I love how Becky Wallace carried that tension throughout the book! It wasn't broken too early, as it too often is, and it made for the perfect sweet, happy, fun romance that this book was! Nothing got too dark or too frustrating. There were some misunderstandings and a bit of a squabble, as pretty much every romance book needs to have, but it didn't drag on right when you wanted the characters to just get together already. Everything felt so perfectly paced and Sawyer Campbell was just plain adorable and sweet, but not so much so that it was annoying or unbelievable. Like I said, Becky Wallace really just does an amazing job with making her characters feel real and I feel like somewhere, this whole story is playing out right now and has many times before.
The ending was absolute perfection and just left me with such a happy feeling! I really loved how everything concluded. The ending was lovely and it wasn't a dream world but everyone ended up with something they needed or wanted. And then we close with a lovely baseball scene that makes me wish I was at some sort of park in the warm sunshine right now. This is one I'll definitely be recommending and I think it'll be great for fans of Kasie West, Jenn Bennett, Emery Lord, and Huntley Fitzpatrick. Read this book in the spring or summer and it's even better!
This was exactly what I wanted and hoped for from this book. STEALING HOME was the perfect mix of baseball, cute romance, and meaningful moments and I just loved reading every minute of it.
If you're not a baseball fan or don't have any nostalgia attached to it, I can't speak for how much you might like that part of the book but growing up watching baseball and going to games, it was just the PERFECT setting and vibe for this book. It brought a sense of comfort and excitement to everything that really wrapped me in the story. Becky Wallace just captured the overall feeling so perfectly and I don't know anything about the business side of baseball or what goes on behind the scenes but it all felt so real and genuine.
I really loved Ryan and everything about her. She was driven and stood for what she loved, from the baseball team to her family to her friends. I loved that she felt like a well-rounded teenage character without feeling too young or too irrationally old or responsible. She grew up helping out with the baseball team and working for her dad so she was easily well-versed in all of the responsibilities there and had an a personality that kept her focused, goal-oriented, and organized so her need to jump in and start seeking ways to try to save things when worries come up about the organization being sold really felt natural. It might not be something other teens get into but it felt right for Ryan and Becky Wallace really captured that personality perfectly without going too over-the-top or contradicting it. Ryan was an excellent balance and she also had people around her (like her dad and her best friend Mia) who would reel her in or provide other nuggets of advice when there was something she needed to hear.
I loved the relationships in this book and how nothing was too dramatic or too crazy. These are exactly the types of books I love to read and also why I like reading authors like Kasie West and Jenn Bennett! Count this book among those where the families are unique yet realistic. Ryan has a great relationship with her dad but they both have their flaws. Her parents are divorced and she has a strained relationship with her mom, but her parents are still (mostly) respectful of each other and while her mom isn't perfect, she still shows affection for Ryan and she's not a bad parent. Ryan also has a lovely friendship with Mia, who's always there for her and we didn't have to include a nasty best friend fight or stupid misunderstanding in this book, thank goodness! There was enough going on and Mia was a great support for Ryan but she and her family also had their own personalities, which was really a big part of everyone's life in the book.
And of course there's the romance. Sometimes all you need is tension and I love how Becky Wallace carried that tension throughout the book! It wasn't broken too early, as it too often is, and it made for the perfect sweet, happy, fun romance that this book was! Nothing got too dark or too frustrating. There were some misunderstandings and a bit of a squabble, as pretty much every romance book needs to have, but it didn't drag on right when you wanted the characters to just get together already. Everything felt so perfectly paced and Sawyer Campbell was just plain adorable and sweet, but not so much so that it was annoying or unbelievable. Like I said, Becky Wallace really just does an amazing job with making her characters feel real and I feel like somewhere, this whole story is playing out right now and has many times before.
The ending was absolute perfection and just left me with such a happy feeling! I really loved how everything concluded. The ending was lovely and it wasn't a dream world but everyone ended up with something they needed or wanted. And then we close with a lovely baseball scene that makes me wish I was at some sort of park in the warm sunshine right now. This is one I'll definitely be recommending and I think it'll be great for fans of Kasie West, Jenn Bennett, Emery Lord, and Huntley Fitzpatrick. Read this book in the spring or summer and it's even better!
July 15, 2019
Stealing Home by Becky Wallace has stolen my heart. I loved this YA baseball romance that is the PERFECT summer read.
I’ve never been the sporty type. I’ve never liked playing sports, and I don’t generally like watching sports. But one of the few games I enjoy seeing in person is baseball — and I’ve definitely always been a sucker for baseball stories. (Give me a baseball movie any day, and I will be a happy camper. If you build it, I will come.) So naturally, I was excited when this baseball-centric YA romance landed in my mailbox and friends … it did NOT disappoint.
I loved Ryan as our plucky heroine, and I loved that Sawyer constantly surprised her. Despite a very rough first encounter, these two hit it off and their connection felt genuine and real. Both of them are young for their positions and have to work extra hard to be taken seriously (Ryan even more so, being a woman) — so they each have good reasons for wanting to keep things professional. But FEELINGS, ya know.
The chemistry between these two is palpable and so endearing. As a reader, you understand why they are trying not to give in to their feelings — but you also just want them to mush their faces together and make out.
Wallace does such an excellent job of balancing their love story with the struggles they’re both facing — Sawyer, as a very young first-round draft pick, and Ryan, as a young woman hell bent on breaking the glass ceiling in baseball management. And as much as I loved the growing relationship between Sawyer and Ryan, I also loved seeing the connection between Ryan and her dad. They have a unique bond, and I especially enjoyed seeing this dynamic at work.
With baseball as such an iconic American pastime, and a genuinely sweet romance, Stealing Home is the perfect summer read.
I’ve never been the sporty type. I’ve never liked playing sports, and I don’t generally like watching sports. But one of the few games I enjoy seeing in person is baseball — and I’ve definitely always been a sucker for baseball stories. (Give me a baseball movie any day, and I will be a happy camper. If you build it, I will come.) So naturally, I was excited when this baseball-centric YA romance landed in my mailbox and friends … it did NOT disappoint.
I loved Ryan as our plucky heroine, and I loved that Sawyer constantly surprised her. Despite a very rough first encounter, these two hit it off and their connection felt genuine and real. Both of them are young for their positions and have to work extra hard to be taken seriously (Ryan even more so, being a woman) — so they each have good reasons for wanting to keep things professional. But FEELINGS, ya know.
The chemistry between these two is palpable and so endearing. As a reader, you understand why they are trying not to give in to their feelings — but you also just want them to mush their faces together and make out.
Wallace does such an excellent job of balancing their love story with the struggles they’re both facing — Sawyer, as a very young first-round draft pick, and Ryan, as a young woman hell bent on breaking the glass ceiling in baseball management. And as much as I loved the growing relationship between Sawyer and Ryan, I also loved seeing the connection between Ryan and her dad. They have a unique bond, and I especially enjoyed seeing this dynamic at work.
With baseball as such an iconic American pastime, and a genuinely sweet romance, Stealing Home is the perfect summer read.
November 3, 2019
This review and more can be found at The Heart of a Book Blogger.
I’m a sucker for sports romances, especially when the focus is on baseball, so I had been looking forward to Stealing Home all year. And guess what? It did not disappoint. I loved Ryan and her passion for her family’s business and how hard she works to achieve her dream of managing the minor league team herself one day. I loved sweet Sawyer and the chemistry he has with Ryan. I loved Ryan’s best friend, her relationship with her dad, and of course the baseball. The writing was so strong and Ryan’s voice kept me hooked and rooting for her the Buckley Beavers the entire time. This book had it all and is a perfect summer read!
I’m a sucker for sports romances, especially when the focus is on baseball, so I had been looking forward to Stealing Home all year. And guess what? It did not disappoint. I loved Ryan and her passion for her family’s business and how hard she works to achieve her dream of managing the minor league team herself one day. I loved sweet Sawyer and the chemistry he has with Ryan. I loved Ryan’s best friend, her relationship with her dad, and of course the baseball. The writing was so strong and Ryan’s voice kept me hooked and rooting for her the Buckley Beavers the entire time. This book had it all and is a perfect summer read!
December 20, 2019
Cute and fun. Perfect for fans of sports & romance.
July 19, 2019
Baseball + Smart Ambitious Girl + Charming Southern Athlete = a perfect fun summer read, and he next Netflix romcom. I found myself pulling hard for Ryan and Sawyer as they deal with family struggles and both wondering what their futures will look like. Well done.
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