Covering all the Bases

For the Love of the Game #1

by Jody Holford

Talk about a wild day... As if being summoned to the deathbed of a grandfather she didn’t know existed wasn’t enough––Isla Bennett meets the man of her dreams. Spends an amazing day playing tourist around Nashville with him. And then finds out she’s inherited the Nashville Slammers major league baseball team. Oh, and her new dream man? He’s the Slammers’ star power hitter. Isla just went from amazing first date to holy heck I’m your boss in the span of a day. Liam Cruz can’t believe how refreshing it was to spend a day with someone who didn’t know his batting average, the size of his last contract, or heck, even that he’s a baseball player. Now Isla’s thrust into the spotlight, and though she’s more than capable of handling herself professionally, he takes it upon himself to teach her everything he can about the game that is his whole life. But they’ll have to keep it on the DL. Because doing what’s best for the team means they can never be together––and that might be the toughest play of all.

Genres: Sports, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Baseball, Sports Romance

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2019

About the author

a wife* a mom* a reader and a writer* a friend* a daughter* a teacher* a sister* a blogger and follower* a worrier and word twister* a gemini*

Reviews

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The romance between Isla Bennett and Liam Cruz was heartwarming. Isla's relationship with her father and brother leave a lot to be desired - they don't respect her business abilities, and this is very apparent when her estranged grandfather leaves her a baseball team in his will.
Suddenly, Liam is the only person in her corner as she fights to prove to everyone that she can successfully manage a baseball team. Her journey to self- acceptance and love makes for enjoyable reading. (I rate this a 3.75 out of 5)

[Danielle's · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by this author and this one is a bit of a crazy rollercoaster. Isla grandfather is in his deathbed and she needs to go visit him. Her family dynamics leave her in need of somewhere to stay.

Her relationship with Liam takes off right from the start. He’s her dream guy but her inheritance is about to make everything a little more complicated. 3.5 stars out of 5. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It wasn’t what I expected but an enjoyable read.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sports romance is one of my very favorite romance genres, and I am also a big Jody Holford fan. It took just one peek at the synopsis on this book, and I knew I was going to need to read it!

I completely adored this premise and Ms. Holford nailed the meet-cute. I was sucked in immediately and charmed by the chemistry between Isla and Liam. Their connection was a bit fast and furious, but it was also incredibly sweet and there were moments between them that took my "awww" to the next level. That is, they set my heart to fluttering and kept a smile glued to my face.

There's quite a bit going on in this story, between Isla's tenuous (at best) relationship with her family, and the challenges she faces as the new (and decidedly inexperienced) owner of the Nashville Dodgers baseball team - there's a lot on Isla's plate. Not the least of which - her feelings for the charming and irresistible Liam - who is technically forbidden, but, well...irresistible.

I loved how this played out. I loved the strength Isla showed as she navigated what seemed like an impossible situation, and I loved how she turned that into her own happily ever after. Heartwarming, sweet, and completely satisfying, Covering All the Bases is a light and lovely sports romance, and I can't wait for more! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really heartwarming emotional roller coaster ride with a great couple and their two very contrasting families involved.

Isla Bennett has received a call to tell her that the grandfather she didn't know existed is on his death bed but would like to see her. She flies off to Nashville to see him but is too late. Unsure what to do, she decides to stay for his funeral and stops in a bar for a drink before trying to find somewhere to stay. That's where she meets Liam Cruz, who is the bartender. He's amazed she doesn't recognise him as he's a renowned local baseball player. He and his sister let her stay in their 'spare' apartment and she spends an amazing day with Liam while the attraction between them grows. That's when everything changes. It turns out her grandfather owns the Nashville Slammers major league baseball team and he's left it to her - making her Liam's boss!

As Liam and Isla endeavour to keep their developing romance secret, he also helps her understand more about baseball and the politics involved in owning the team. Liam's family are so caring and supportive, the total antithesis to hers. I couldn't believe some of the actions of Isla's father - and her brother isn't that much better! There are great characters in this story which is packed with intrigue, double-dealing, sport and romance. It is a great read and I really liked Isla's determination and attitude in the end. This is a story to hit the ball out of the park and a great romance.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read this book.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's nothing like learning you have a grandfather only to discover that fact while he's on his deathbed, and not make it in time before he draws his last breath. But, that's the situation Isla finds herself in. One silver lining to the trip is meeting a man, Liam, that seems to have been summoned out of her dreams. After playing tourist with him, she later learns that not only has she inherited a major league baseball team, but she's also shocked to discover she already knows one of the players.

Liam loves what he does, but he can't deny that hanging out with someone that simply knew him as a man and not an athlete was wonderful. Isla herself was pretty amazing. Their constant was instant and mutual, and he'd love to explore it. Thankfully, he gets the chance, but...the situation is a little tricky as she's now his boss. They don't let that stop them though as he offers to teach her everything he can about the sport, in secret.

Why? Well, both know they have to do what's best for the team, and that means the future they were hoping to have together can't happen. Or can it?

Why did Isla not know her grandfather existed until it was too late? How will her family react to the news of her inheritance? Can Liam and Isla have what they each want personally and professionally? Or will compromises need to be made? If so, by whom? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along to see if this couple strikes out.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Jacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆
I liked it!

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: For the Love of the Game
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering all the Bases by Jody Holford was my first book by this author and I really liked it. It's a really sweet romance between a baseball player and the new owner of his team. Love to read more by this author.

[Claire Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jody Holford at her best....Covering all the bases is brilliant, I’ve loved all her books but this one was just exceptional. I think I fell in love with Liam by the first paragraph and I loved the heroine Isla, she was so strong yet so vulnerable at the same time, there was so many good characters and I’m praying we get to read more about them, especially talia!

Not knowing anything bout baseball, I was worried I might get a bit lost, but I think I might have known more than Isla lol, but the main draw of this book is the characters, they are written so well, with so much depth and clarity

I devoured this book in one sitting even though I knew I had the school run to do lol but the author knocked this one out the park (pun intended 🤣) congratulations

****ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review****

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start of saying that this reminded me a bit of another particular lady that inherited a major league team unexpectedly. I love watching how these strong women in their own right rise to the occasion and prove their nay sayers wrong. In more ways than one.

There was just something about Cruz and Isla's first meeting that drew me in and allowed me to enjoy them as a couple before they were a couple. The innocence of their meeting and spending that day together was nice. The best part of this romance was it was light, fun, and sweet.

Looking for fun, light, sweet, easy to read then you have found your ticket. Grab a towel, sun block, floppy had and head to the beach or poolside and read this one right here.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering All the Bases (For the Love of the Game, #1) by Jody Holford  
 
Time just flew by. I am utterly in love Isla and Liam. Holford draws from the adage that good things can happen to good people. Isla is proof of that. In one day, her whole life changes. Then she falls in love and her happiness starts to unravel. Liam is the man, She's waited her whole life to find. Too bad, she's his boss. Covering All The Bases hit a homerun for me. My heart says a repeat performance is in order.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sweet read that is filled with humor and a fun romance. Isla and Liam are great characters with a wonderful meet-cute. When the whirlwind of Isla's life wraps them up and leaves them on opposite side of the baseball diamond life really gets complicated and a whole lot of fun. I wanted these two from the very beginning and I loved how their story unfolded. Definitely one for the must read list.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got this book from Entangled Publishing for my honest review*

I really loved this book. Jody Holford is becoming an author that I'm really coming to love. The pacing, romance, and characters were all done so well.

I did a full review for this book on my blog. Feel free to check it out. (It will be live Thursday June 13 at 8am EST)

https://a-court-of-books-and-love.com...

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I'm not sure what it is, but I've got a thing for baseball books--or sports books (and movies) in general, I suppose. I don't even like sports.

This book was fun to read--easy and light with a cute love story. Isla and Liam were likable characters, and I wanted things to work out for them. (This isn't the type of book you read because you're going to fret over the ending--it's just enjoyable to see how it happens.) All I could glean about their ages was that Isla was almost 30; Liam is one of the older guys on the team, nearing retirement, which Google says is usually somewhere between 33 and 40. I'm going to assume that he's in the lower part of that range. Anyway. I like that they're both generally good people. Perfect? Of course not, but who is?

So I really enjoyed the story. The writing was just okay, and that's what brought the rating down for me. For me, that's a weakness a lot of romance novels have, though I can't quite put my finger on what specifically it is. Something always feels slightly . . . cheesy. Antagonists are exaggerated in their villainy. (For example, I have difficulty imagining that the last press conference would actually play out as it did in regards to Bruce and Hank.)

Although this is a romance novel, I appreciated that any sex happened off the page. Strange how there was less steamy content in this adult romance novel than there is in a lot of young adult novels. Hmmmm. I'm not complaining about the lack; I am annoyed by the abundance in YA lit.

How it ends: Isla's father and Bruce threaten to expose her relationship with Liam and trade him to Philly if she doesn't sell the team to them. She announces her intention to do so at a press conference and then avoids Liam.

Addie, her friend/assistant, reminds her that she's not a weakling, and they work out a plan to fix things, bringing in Josiah and Jennifer (the attorneys), as well. She meets with her father in the conference room, and the conversation is recorded. I had assumed they'd use that to solve the problem out of the spotlight, but I was wrong.

She has another press conference, where she announces the partnership with Conwey Hotels, as well as the Baseball Buddy program. Josiah announces she will not be selling the team to her father, referencing the extortion. Hank and Bruce lose it on camera. Her father exposes her relationship with Liam. She verifies it and gives a brief explanation of how they met, saying she loves him. He's in the room and makes his way to where she is, telling her he loves her, too, and that he is retiring from playing immediately. The escape to a storage closet and make out. She also offers to split the remaining 85% of ownership with him 50/50.

In the epilogue, they're watching the opening game. He proposes a bet: if the Slammers win, he'll ask her to marry him; if the Slammers lose, she'll ask him to marry her. Either way, they're going to get married.

Note: Some swearing. Off-page sex.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing.

I adored this story. Unfortunately I started it late in the day and stayed up late to finish it. I could not put it down. I was so thoroughly enchanted with Isla inheriting a professional baseball team from her paternal grandfather that she didn't know was still alive (due to her manipulative and controlling father). Isla is too late to meet her grandfather before he passes away. In her grief and despair, she enters into a bar to get out of the cold rain. There she meet a gorgeous man behind the bar, Liam. Isla thinks that Liam is just your typical bartender. She doesn't normally go to bars so she has no idea. She is intrigued with the handsome Liam and vice versa. Liam offers Isla the use of the upstairs apartment over the bar as he realizes that he would like to spend more time with her. Especially as Isla has no idea that he is a MLB heavy-hitter for the hometown team. It is the next day when Isla is informed of her inheritance and then later discovers that Liam, the man who showed her around town and who is taking up more and more of her thoughts, is a player on the team. These two go through so much to get to their HEA that I just could not stop reading. Ms. Holford did such a wonderful job in creating such wonderful and realistic characters that I just become too attached.

The story was beautifully written. There was no part in this story that felt forced. It flowed smoothly. In fact, I really hated to see the story end. I would love to see another story with Isla's assistant Addie or even Liam's sister, Talia (really I'm hoping for both!)

The story was written in a dual POV format. That is my favorite as I can get into the characters' thought processes. It really helps me to identify with them and to understand their actions and speech so much better.

This is just a great story. I highly recommend this to anyone. There were a few "bedroom" scenes but the way that the author wrote them really left it up to the reader's imagination as to what actually went on.

[Ayekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not put this one down! Jody Holford steps into the world of baseball and hits a home run with this insanely good read. I totally fell for Liam from the first page and the romance with Isla was crazy good! The characters are incredibly well written and the plot is absolutely perfect. Even the secondary characters came to life right off the pages. Could to have been better.

Isla inherits a baseball team from a grandfather she never knew. Family friction and subplot with her nasty, nasty father and wormy brother. The backstory there was a dandy. She meets Liam the night before she meets with the attorney for a reading of the will, she'd been summoned to this dying man's bed and didn't get there in time. A grandfather she never knew and didn't understand why.
The complexities here were great. Isla knows nothing about baseball, meeting Liam who happens to be the star player for the team at a bar his sister owns and he's helping out. She doesn't know who Liam is and he's just enjoying the heck out of that. These two have such incredible chemistry its killer. I loved every stinking minute of their relationship. When the two figure out that she's now his boss as team owner the conflict and push pull between the two. They try to stay away, Liam is so incredibly kind and generous, he wants her to succeed in her new role, helping her understand baseball was the first step. Liam's family played a great role too. Plenty of humor and grins.

This story is so rich in both character and drama, it flowed perfectly, kept you turning pages and wondering what was coming next. Honestly I think this is the best book she's written and that's saying a lot. It's a five star plus read for me. Spectacular and a must read!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla Bennett is a woman with a big heart, whose family doesn't treat her well at all. And it's never more clear as when she's summoned to her dying grandfather's bedside, a grandfather she didn't even know she had because he father kept them away from him, then to make matters worse, she didn't get there in time. So she stops at a bar, and this is where she meets Liam Cruz, a very sexy bartender, who she instantly connects with, a man who with his twin sister show her more compassion than her own father & brother. Little does she know that he's the newest power hitter for the Nashville Slammers, as he's a pro baseball player, and Liam finds it refreshing that she has no clue. While she's in town, these two get closer, but little does she know, that her estranged grandfather left her an inheritance, yep, she's the new owner of the Slammers, so she's Liam's new boss. Now things are getting complicated, especially since she can't seem to stay away from Liam. To make matter worse, her father is livid that she got the team, and he doesn't give a crap that she's his daughter, he intends to get that team for himself no matter what lengths he has to go to. And he has help with some of the boys club who don't appreciate a woman running the team. Yeah, it made for some serious f-bomb worthy twists to be honest, not to mention, I was so mad on Ilsa's behalf, who had never given her father any trouble that some other colorful metaphors came out of me. So if you want to find out how it all pans out, because Ilsa has never stood up to her father, and an owner really shouldn't be in relationship with a player, then you know what to do! One click the story that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla Bennet is wondering why she is in Nashville after being summoned there by a grandfather that she never knew she had. Arriving soon after he passed she is now in a bar because she is still trying to process everything that had transpired in the last 24 hours. Sitting at the bar she is taking everything in including a very good looking bartender who quite a few women keep flirting with. Surprised when he begins to talk to her, she also finds out that without any reservations because of a country music thing she is without lodging. Liam Cruz has finally come home after signing his last baseball contract. Owning the bar he finds it refreshing meeting people and tonight he is glad he met Isla. He helps her with a place to stay and the next day they spend together enjoying the out of the way sights around Nashville. While the day begins to wind down she ends up back at his place and realizes that he must be some big star and not just an owner of a bar. A phone call interrupts everything. She meets her grandfather’s attorney and finds out that she has inherited the baseball team. She also finds out that her father was once a pro ball player and now is after the team, that her brother as well does not think she can run the team and know about their grandfather and that Liam is the star player of the team. Being called to the park he finds out that the women he is falling for are the owner and also the problems that she is facing. What he ends up doing is the best walk-off of his career. Read this wonderful story to find out what happens. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Isla had an insta-connection and a sweet romance. Liam is a baseball player who also helps out at his family's bar. When Isla walks into the bar, looking forlorn, something draws him to her and he tries ot get her to smile. Isla is in a new town to bury her grandpa, whom she didn't even know existed. She finds him extremely attractive and finds herself getting a little jealous (she has no idea why because she just met him) when another woman tries to get his attention.
He immediately wants to help her and she needs someone, so they agree to hang out and get to know each other. They both know that whatever they have going on has an expiration date, she is only there for her grandfather's service, but they don't want to waste any time. Just when they think things are going their way, they realize that they have a connection, her grandfather was his boss.
I liked how strong Isla was; not only was she a successful business woman, but she was loyal to her friends. Her family, especially her father, tried to bring her down, but she found herself and her strength. It took her and Liam, who was probably the sweetest commitment phobe (at least he thought he was) person, awhile to act on their attraction-for reasons I won't give away, but when they finally do, they commit to making it work.
A sweet romance, set in a sports environment. Hopefuilly we will get to see more about Liam and Isla in his sister's book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering all the Bases is a cute sport’s romance that goes beyond just the attractive sportsman and the beautiful woman who falls for him. Isla travels to Nashville to meet the grandfather she never knew existed, but he dies before she can get there. Finding out that he left her ownership of the baseball team he owns is a shock. Finding out that the guy who has been taking care of her since she stumbled into his bar is actually a star player on her new team is even more shocking. Compounding all that are family tensions.

Liam is disappointed to learn that the woman who has managed to get under his skin is the new owner of his team. Determined to help her learn his game, he struggles to keep the attraction between them at bay. Liam supports Isla as she tries to navigate the complicated situation she has found herself in, especially as others attempt to take over.

As much a sport’s romance as a family drama, Covering all the Bases is a delightful romance with a heroine who grows into herself. The relationship between Liam and Isla is a trope but one that doesn’t feel tired. Ms Holford has also written a supporting cast of characters that help to round out the story. The relationship between Isla and her assistant provides a way for Isla to shine without having to rely on Liam to save her. Not that Liam is not supportive – he is – but it was nice to see Isla make her own decisions. Similarly, I loved Liam’s family, especially his sister, Talia. All in all, this was a nice read, especially for the hot summer months.

4 stars

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla Bennett has never had a choice about how to live her life, her manipulative father had it all planned out for her and it was his way or nothing. For years he has ruled her life with an iron fist, and kept her in the dark when it came to her family.

She never knew that she had a grandfather that loved her, or that he owned a baseball team...until now. When she learns that he has has passed away and left the ownership of his team in her hands, she knows she needs to head to Nashville. Of course her father has his opinions about what she should do with it, but for once in her life she is taking matters into her own hands, and making her own decisions.

But nothing could have prepared her for what she finds in Nashville...

What you find waiting for you between the pages of Covering All the Bases is certain to keep you captivated from beginning to end. Between the family drama, and the developing relationship between Isla and Liam, there is a lot to get wrapped up in. The words are engaging and heartfelt and the characters come with a real feel quality that make them very easy to connect to. I really enjoyed this one, it tugged on the heartstrings and left me with an unshakable smile! If you are in the mood for a feel good story with bits of steam then I highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's just what you need!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley request, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering All the Bases is the first book in the For the Love of the Game series by Jody Holford. The main characters are Liam the power hitter for Nashville Slammers and owner of the bar Isla goes to when she first arrives in the city. Isla has just lost the grandfather she didn't know she had because he and her father had a feud. When they first met they weren't aware of the connection, so they are just Isla and Liam. The chemistry was there from the very first moment and I just wanted them to be together forever. From the very first few pages, I could feel their connection and that they were meant to be. When they found that Isla inherited the team he was a player in they tried to be apart and act professionally, but Liam was the perfect support for Isla (and her friend of course). She needed a shoulder to lean on and someone to be on her team and he was that for her.

And that's what I loved the most. Liam and Isla's relationship from the moment they met 'till they got their happy ending. The only thing that I wasn't a big fan of was how little we saw Isla working on her new role as an owner. She had press conferences, but that was the extent of it. The rest happened off stage. I hope we will see her having a more active role in the second book which will be about another couple. Liam and Isla got their happy ending in this one and it can be read as stand-alone. It's a very solid start for the series and I look forward to the upcoming books.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering All the Bases by Jody Holford is the beginning of what I hope is a long run series. It is without a doubt, my favorite romance written by Ms. Holford. That is really saying something since I am not a great sports romance fan. Baseball is important to the story but it is not as important as the family battle that takes place within the pages of the book.

I totally enjoy every member of the Cruz family even the cousins who made an appearance the family dinner. I found the genuine goodness of this family to be a encouraging read especially as it is in direct contrast to the nastiness of the Bennett family. I found the way that Isla Bennett and Liam Cruz meet to be cute and even not so farfetched as it might have seen. Their relationship founded n attraction, then friendship then love was sweet. I even enjoyed the crash courses in baseball that Liam gave to Isla. I found the ending to be the happily ever after that all wish for in life. It is an easy to read, leave a smile on your face story that I enjoyed. Now I wonder who will get their story next, I do have some favorites I hope will.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 6/11/19.

Such an adorable read!

I really enjoyed Liam and Isla's story. I'm not a huge fan of baseball--neither is Isla, before she inherits a baseball team!--but of course you don't have to be to enjoy a baseball romance :) Isla and Liam have incredible chemistry together, and even when they know and you know that they really shouldn't be together it's hard to argue with exactly how good they are together. Even when you know it's all going to blow up at some point...

And blow up it does, of course. The black moment is really, really black, and for a while there it does look like all is going to be lost. But Ms. Holford has a few things up her sleeve and manages to pull an HEA out of the depths of despair, giving us an absolutely adorable ending and epilogue.

I can't wait to see where the rest of this series is going!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mix of romance and baseball!

Isla Bennett doesn’t know what to think, her grandfather that she didn’t know existed is dying and asking for her and she meets a guy in a bar that is the first guy she has been interested in for a long time. Liam Cruz is very interested in Isla Bennett because she was the first person that didn’t know who he was or that he played for the Nashville Slammers baseball team. Isla and Liam spent the night in the apartment above the bar just talking but when morning came all things had changed. Isla had inherited the baseball team from her grandfather and she found out that Liam was one of the players for the team.

Isla had to learn how to be a team owner with many of the management not wanting her there and Liam knowing that dating the owner would lead to many problems for both of them and his solution wasn’t what I expected him to so.

Covering all the Bases is a fun sports romance read for any reader to enjoy!

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had the opportunity to read one other book of this author’s, and enjoyed it very much, so when the chance came up to read another, I jumped at the chance. Covering all the Bases is a story about a Major League Baseball player, Liam, who is bartending in his and his twin sisters bar when Isla, a woman from Colorado who just lost the grandfather she never knew, walks into the bar needing to get out of the rain. Chemistry is definitely an immediate reaction between these two, along with a lot of family drama, but overall I found this book to be very enjoyable. There were parts where I wasn’t sure I would finish this book, Isla is a bit insecure which really doesn’t add much to the book, but you find out that it all plays out in the end, making it all worth the read. Loved Liam’s family and Addie, and the people who ended up on Isla’s side were pretty cool too. You love it when the hometown favorite wins in the end!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although she has never been close to her father or brother Isla didn’t expect that they would be capable of lying about the grandfather that she never knew. Now that he has passed away, she finds herself trusted with his beloved baseball team and she is determined to prove to him that she is deserving.

Liam is a professional baseball player who has recently been traded to his hometown. While helping his sister out at the bar they own, Isla walked in and was reeling from all the surprises of the day. They are drawn to each other and he invites her to stay in the apartment above the bar however neither of them knew who the other really was.

When they realize that she is now his boss they know that they should keep their relationships as friends only but the feelings between them are too strong to deny. When it comes down to a choice between the team and love what will they choose?

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book to read, I honestly do not have to continue the series. Liam is a baseball player who is on the verge of retirement but has finally got the chance to play for his hometown team something he has always wanted to do his whole life. Working for his families bar he meets Isla who has no clue who he is since she knows nothing about baseball and that instantly attracts Liam. Isla is heartbroken, she has just found out that not only does find out that she still had a grandfather but that she didn't make it in time to meet him and he has left his beloved baseball team to her. Isla and Liam are instantly in love but now they can not be together since she is now his boss and to top it off her father is a horrible person who is doing his best to take the team away from her since he feels it is due to him and she is not good enough for it,. Boy is he going to get a surprise.

Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions

[K Kne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. The writing is extremely good. Isla has a death in the family (a family member she never met) and is very upset about it. She takes shelter from the rain and meets Liam. The book takes off from there. The support characters in this book feel very authentic. And I really like Liam. I enjoy reading sports romance books a lot and he is one of my favorites. I like a lot about Isla, but she is also very weak sometimes and therefore sometimes I don’t see what Liam sees in her. I also think Liam’s twin sister is a very strong support character and wouldn’t mind reading a book about her.

I have read stories that are similar to this one (surprise inheritance of a sports team and chemistry with one of your players) and were done a bit better, so that is why it is a 4 out of 5 instead of a 5. It is changed up enough that while I have read similar books, they weren’t the same. Worth the read and while I was given a review copy, it is worth a purchase price.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering All Bases by Jody Holford a five-star read that will smash you out of the park. This was m first read by this author, but it won’t be the last, I enjoyed the writing and the story. Sweet and romantic with a good plot and enough drama to make it grip. Isla Bennett was a great character, she showed us just how strong a true woman can be. There was just something about her that I immediately warmed to. Liam Cruz was a man of many hidden talents, a friend, a baller, a family man and a man who skirts the truth. Most of all he is a man who will show many how a true family man will show how much love there can be in family. This was a great story and I will definitely be going back to read the rest of the love of the game series, as I adored this stand-alone and this one was easily read as stand-alone.

[Angie Elle]

DNF @ 23%, so no rating.

I think this book is meant to be sweet with the immediate connection between the hero and heroine, but I find it to be so cringe-worthy. The author is taking so much time to build up this connection between strangers, and I just don't buy it. It's like she's trying too hard.

I'll also say, this was a huge turn-off for me:

“Maybe I’m not a one-night-stand kind of guy.”

Isla laughed. “I don’t think that guy exists.”

Oh good! A heroine who likes to lump all men together. Because that's something we never see. Aside from that is the fact that Isla's grandfather and Liam's boss are the same man, and the 'mystery' is just going on too long. with way too many hints for these two to brush aside. But they do.

I have read this author before and enjoyed what she's written. I'm not tapping out; I just don't think this particular book is for me.