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Easton U Pirates #1
Bat Boy
Brady Donovan
With a baseball scholarship to Easton University and awesome family and friends, my life is pretty golden. Except, things have never come together for me in the romance department. Until Kellan Crawford walks onto the field as the team’s newest bat boy. Bells and whistles go off in my body, and just like that, I’m totally crushing on a guy for the first time in my life. Too bad he’s the coach’s son and officially off-limits.
Kellan Crawford
I’m working toward my statistics degree, so landing the bat-boy position with the Easton U Pirates is right up my alley. It keeps me close to the action on the field, even if that means hauling equipment, picking up sweaty jockstraps, and putting up with the players’ antics. My dad’s the coach, and his number-one rule is never to play favorites…which probably includes getting too friendly with the team captain. But Brady Donovan’s annoyingly perfect smile and protective nature are making that nearly impossible.
When something shifts between us at an away game, everything is thrown off-kilter. Donovan’s never been with a guy before, and I certainly don’t want to be his test case. But I can’t seem to help myself. He’s sweet and hot and somehow charms the baseball pants right off me. If Coach ever catches wind of this, he’ll bench us both. Disappointing my dad might kill me, but so would losing the guy who makes my heart pound harder than a home run in the bottom of the ninth.
So much for not playing favorites.
With a baseball scholarship to Easton University and awesome family and friends, my life is pretty golden. Except, things have never come together for me in the romance department. Until Kellan Crawford walks onto the field as the team’s newest bat boy. Bells and whistles go off in my body, and just like that, I’m totally crushing on a guy for the first time in my life. Too bad he’s the coach’s son and officially off-limits.
Kellan Crawford
I’m working toward my statistics degree, so landing the bat-boy position with the Easton U Pirates is right up my alley. It keeps me close to the action on the field, even if that means hauling equipment, picking up sweaty jockstraps, and putting up with the players’ antics. My dad’s the coach, and his number-one rule is never to play favorites…which probably includes getting too friendly with the team captain. But Brady Donovan’s annoyingly perfect smile and protective nature are making that nearly impossible.
When something shifts between us at an away game, everything is thrown off-kilter. Donovan’s never been with a guy before, and I certainly don’t want to be his test case. But I can’t seem to help myself. He’s sweet and hot and somehow charms the baseball pants right off me. If Coach ever catches wind of this, he’ll bench us both. Disappointing my dad might kill me, but so would losing the guy who makes my heart pound harder than a home run in the bottom of the ninth.
So much for not playing favorites.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2020
450 people are currently reading
2179 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
55 books2,147 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
May 16, 2025
This was such a sweet, feel good story. I really enjoyed it.
Brady and Kellan are so cute and adorable, loved them.
The whole set of characters was great in this one. I really appreciated that the side characters weren't just there for decoration, they were all a big part of the story.
I loved Brady's brother Ricky, I loved Kellan with Ricky, Hollister is a wonderful best friend, and I really liked the dynamics between Girard and Maclain. I also loved how supportive everyone was, including the parents.
Another thing I appreciated and enjoyed was that, apart from the situation of Kellan being the coach's son, there was no real drama here. This story might seem too light and too angst free, but I'll always choose that over forced OTT drama and silly one-dimensional characters.
*******
6/2021: Re-read via audiobook, really liked both narrators.
2/2024: Re-read via audiobook
b>5/2025: Re-read via audiobook
Brady and Kellan are so cute and adorable, loved them.
The whole set of characters was great in this one. I really appreciated that the side characters weren't just there for decoration, they were all a big part of the story.
I loved Brady's brother Ricky, I loved Kellan with Ricky, Hollister is a wonderful best friend, and I really liked the dynamics between Girard and Maclain. I also loved how supportive everyone was, including the parents.
Another thing I appreciated and enjoyed was that, apart from the situation of Kellan being the coach's son, there was no real drama here. This story might seem too light and too angst free, but I'll always choose that over forced OTT drama and silly one-dimensional characters.
*******
6/2021: Re-read via audiobook, really liked both narrators.
2/2024: Re-read via audiobook
b>5/2025: Re-read via audiobook
November 8, 2020
When I read the blurb, I was almost certain that this was gonna be a big winner for me. Now I have been wrong in the past (yeah, I know, I am in shock too), but thankfully that was not the case with this book. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end....
At the beginning, Christina states that this book is especially for those who are in need of something a bit more light and "feel good". It definitely made me feel good, and it definitely came at the right time when I really needed something like this.
Now that is not to say that nothing happens in this book, because I wasn't bored for a second. It just felt nice reading this whole story in one go, with a smile on my face....
If you like college books and sports and first time "gay love", then you should really give this one a go. Brady and Kellan were so adorable together and their friends and parents were pretty awesome as well.
If I have one complaint about this one, it's that I could have done with a bit more... But isn't that always the case when we find something we love. This book isn't as long as most of Christina's novels, but it isn't a short story either. 
Even though I was a bit sad when I finished, there was also light at the end of the tunnel, because there is gonna be a second book and I have a feeling that, because of the main characters, it will be even better than this one...
Hopefully, the wait won't be too long ;)
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
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December 12, 2020
Bat Boy is a low angst, moderately sexy new adult M/M romance. The MCs are juniors in college, so around age 21 (Brady has a birthday in the story, but his age isn't mentioned). I typically avoid YA/NA books, because I prefer to read about more mature MCs, but I enjoyed this story.
Both guys have supportive families. Kellan is out to his parents, while Brady is just making sense of his attraction to Kellan. Brady's never been into girls and doesn't care much about sex, but when he first sees Kellan, all the pieces slot into place.
Kellan is the coach's son and not allowed to fraternize with the baseball players. This didn't make sense to me. Wouldn't you want your bat boy (aka, dugout manager) to get along with the team? The players are all friends, so why does Kellan have to be on the outskirts?
In any case, the guys do not follow the rules and end up forming a tentative friendship that deepens into something more. The sexy moments are tender but not so sweet that the chemistry is lost. Kellan and Brady are smokin' hot together.
I liked the secondary characters, especially Brady's younger brother who's on the spectrum and obsessed with baseball stats. However, I wish the storyline with Girard and Maclain (the catcher and pitcher) hadn't been quite so front and center. It was very obvious that they were going to be the MCs of the next book, because there was a lot about Maclain's absent father, Girard making out with his girlfriend, and the constant bickering between them.
There's even a pivotal scene where Maclain accidentally gives Girard a bloody nose. All that blood makes Kellan faint, and Brady immediately springs into action to care for Kellan, pretty much giving away their relationship.
I wish the epilogue had been longer, but I would call the ending a tentative HEA. Considering the setup, I can't not read book 2. Girard and Maclain seem to hate each other, so it's sure to be an enemies-to-lovers fest.
Both guys have supportive families. Kellan is out to his parents, while Brady is just making sense of his attraction to Kellan. Brady's never been into girls and doesn't care much about sex, but when he first sees Kellan, all the pieces slot into place.
Kellan is the coach's son and not allowed to fraternize with the baseball players. This didn't make sense to me. Wouldn't you want your bat boy (aka, dugout manager) to get along with the team? The players are all friends, so why does Kellan have to be on the outskirts?
In any case, the guys do not follow the rules and end up forming a tentative friendship that deepens into something more. The sexy moments are tender but not so sweet that the chemistry is lost. Kellan and Brady are smokin' hot together.
I liked the secondary characters, especially Brady's younger brother who's on the spectrum and obsessed with baseball stats. However, I wish the storyline with Girard and Maclain (the catcher and pitcher) hadn't been quite so front and center. It was very obvious that they were going to be the MCs of the next book, because there was a lot about Maclain's absent father, Girard making out with his girlfriend, and the constant bickering between them.
There's even a pivotal scene where Maclain accidentally gives Girard a bloody nose. All that blood makes Kellan faint, and Brady immediately springs into action to care for Kellan, pretty much giving away their relationship.
I wish the epilogue had been longer, but I would call the ending a tentative HEA. Considering the setup, I can't not read book 2. Girard and Maclain seem to hate each other, so it's sure to be an enemies-to-lovers fest.
November 10, 2020
I love Christina Lee's new adult college romances.
Her couples always feel like they really are taking their first steps into a life long relationship which has all the right ingredients to succeed.
With this one, she pops in a sports sub-genre plot which also adds some great background tensions without overtaking the main narrative which focuses on both a coming out and an opposites attract theme.
I loved both Brady and Kellan, they were super sweet and had a great build up into a solid friendship which naturally evolved into more.
It's medium steamy, as I'd expect for an NA setting, and there's loads of feels all over the place.
This one made me go "awwww" a lot, it is just a smashing feel good romance.
I'm also hugely intrigued by the hints given for the next couple in the series!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Her couples always feel like they really are taking their first steps into a life long relationship which has all the right ingredients to succeed.
With this one, she pops in a sports sub-genre plot which also adds some great background tensions without overtaking the main narrative which focuses on both a coming out and an opposites attract theme.
I loved both Brady and Kellan, they were super sweet and had a great build up into a solid friendship which naturally evolved into more.
It's medium steamy, as I'd expect for an NA setting, and there's loads of feels all over the place.
This one made me go "awwww" a lot, it is just a smashing feel good romance.
I'm also hugely intrigued by the hints given for the next couple in the series!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
dnf
April 13, 2021Audio - 5 Stars
Story dnf @ 41%
To great narrators, one boring story, total dnf for me
Story dnf @ 41%
To great narrators, one boring story, total dnf for me
November 10, 2020
Bat Boy was everything I expected after reading the blurb.
·Sweet
·Fluffy
·Romantic
·:Sports romance
·Some steam (first time)
·New Adult without angst
·Lovable characters
Reading this story just made me happy; it's a total chicken soup for the soul.
I cannot wait for book 2!
Highly recommend it.
November 20, 2020
3.5 Stars!
It was cute.
It was fluffy.
It was sweet.
It involved sports.
It was low angst.
I enjoyed it.
It was cute.
It was fluffy.
It was sweet.
It involved sports.
It was low angst.
I enjoyed it.
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August 14, 2021
3 stars ☆
this was a it's me, not you situation bc the book was really cute and i liked some parts, but i need to be in a certain mood for fluffy romances (honestly, any of the cute romances i've read that i gave five stars were bc i was in the mood at the time i read them even tho i'm usually more into angst/emotional ones) + i wasn't completely invested in the story/romance and had put the book down a couple times lol. i only started it last night bc i thought i wanted something cute but my mind also tends to change quick so. also, the fact that i've already read book 2 before this and loved it may have affected my feelings a bit bc i mainly ate up Maclain and Girard scenes while reading. 😭
i'd still recommend this if you wanna read something light and sweet tho! ♡
this was a it's me, not you situation bc the book was really cute and i liked some parts, but i need to be in a certain mood for fluffy romances (honestly, any of the cute romances i've read that i gave five stars were bc i was in the mood at the time i read them even tho i'm usually more into angst/emotional ones) + i wasn't completely invested in the story/romance and had put the book down a couple times lol. i only started it last night bc i thought i wanted something cute but my mind also tends to change quick so. also, the fact that i've already read book 2 before this and loved it may have affected my feelings a bit bc i mainly ate up Maclain and Girard scenes while reading. 😭
i'd still recommend this if you wanna read something light and sweet tho! ♡
February 4, 2021
5 discovering who you are stars
“I wish I wasn’t so affected by you, but unfortunately, I’ve fallen hopelessly in love, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
I have read a lot of Christina Lee books and I never loved one of them but I keep trying them because I love her writting and i’ve always been hopeful that one day I will love one of her book. I’m happy to report that today is finally the day.
I don’t really know how to explain how much I loved this book because there wasn’t much happening. But it was the perfect story for me. My absolute favourite stories are the really romantic ones, with two flawed characters falling in love, including one of their discovering their sexuality and very low angst, no miscommunication and no relationship drama. And I don’t mind a little bit of outside conflict, as long as the MCs communicate. And I got all of this here and so much more.
Brief summary: This is about Brady Donovan, who was never really attracted to girls but he only figured out that he is attracted to guys when he met Kellan, when he became the bat boy for Brady’s baseball team a couple of months prior. Kellan is the coach’s son and he told him to never pick a favourite. But they end up falling for each other but they know that they can’t be together if they both want to stay on the baseball team.
- “Before you say anything, Dad,” Kellan rushed out, “I want to tell you how sorry I am.”
Coach gripped the arms of the chair behind the desk, a disgruntled look on his face. “What are you sorry about, exactly?”
“You made me promise never to play favorites.” Kellan’s shoulders slumped. “And for months, I tried to resist getting to know Donovan, but I did. He became my friend. And he also became my absolute favorite.”-
I just loved everything about this book, so so much. It was so perfect for me. It was such a sweet story. I loved how there was the fact that they couldn’t be together because of the circumstances but they still communicated perfectly and they both knew where they stood and they did everything to be together anyway.
I just loved Brady and Kellan together, so much. They were such a sweet couple and they were so good together. They knew what they wanted and they fought for it. I loved how romantic they were, it was so swoony. Also, special shutout to Kellan giving Brady a teddy bear, that was so damn cute, I loved it so much.
But my favourite thing about this book was Brady’s exploration of his sexuality. Holy shit, it was so brillant. I loved to see every seconds of it, from him realizing that he is attracted to Kellan and fantasizing about him and them together, to his first time at a gay club where he doesn’t have to hide (for the first time in his life) wanting to be with guys, to Kellan and Brady’s first kiss, to their first intimate moments together, to the first handjobs, to the first blowjobs, to the first time they had anal and to Brady coming out and felling good in his skin. Everything about it was just so good and I adored reading it.
Also, special mention to how Brady’s brother autism was portrayed, it felt really realistic and I really enjoyed the positive message surrounding it and how he should be accepted for who he is.
This book just made me really happy reading it and I adored it very much.
“I wish I wasn’t so affected by you, but unfortunately, I’ve fallen hopelessly in love, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
I have read a lot of Christina Lee books and I never loved one of them but I keep trying them because I love her writting and i’ve always been hopeful that one day I will love one of her book. I’m happy to report that today is finally the day.
I don’t really know how to explain how much I loved this book because there wasn’t much happening. But it was the perfect story for me. My absolute favourite stories are the really romantic ones, with two flawed characters falling in love, including one of their discovering their sexuality and very low angst, no miscommunication and no relationship drama. And I don’t mind a little bit of outside conflict, as long as the MCs communicate. And I got all of this here and so much more.
Brief summary: This is about Brady Donovan, who was never really attracted to girls but he only figured out that he is attracted to guys when he met Kellan, when he became the bat boy for Brady’s baseball team a couple of months prior. Kellan is the coach’s son and he told him to never pick a favourite. But they end up falling for each other but they know that they can’t be together if they both want to stay on the baseball team.
- “Before you say anything, Dad,” Kellan rushed out, “I want to tell you how sorry I am.”
Coach gripped the arms of the chair behind the desk, a disgruntled look on his face. “What are you sorry about, exactly?”
“You made me promise never to play favorites.” Kellan’s shoulders slumped. “And for months, I tried to resist getting to know Donovan, but I did. He became my friend. And he also became my absolute favorite.”-
I just loved everything about this book, so so much. It was so perfect for me. It was such a sweet story. I loved how there was the fact that they couldn’t be together because of the circumstances but they still communicated perfectly and they both knew where they stood and they did everything to be together anyway.
I just loved Brady and Kellan together, so much. They were such a sweet couple and they were so good together. They knew what they wanted and they fought for it. I loved how romantic they were, it was so swoony. Also, special shutout to Kellan giving Brady a teddy bear, that was so damn cute, I loved it so much.
But my favourite thing about this book was Brady’s exploration of his sexuality. Holy shit, it was so brillant. I loved to see every seconds of it, from him realizing that he is attracted to Kellan and fantasizing about him and them together, to his first time at a gay club where he doesn’t have to hide (for the first time in his life) wanting to be with guys, to Kellan and Brady’s first kiss, to their first intimate moments together, to the first handjobs, to the first blowjobs, to the first time they had anal and to Brady coming out and felling good in his skin. Everything about it was just so good and I adored reading it.
Also, special mention to how Brady’s brother autism was portrayed, it felt really realistic and I really enjoyed the positive message surrounding it and how he should be accepted for who he is.
This book just made me really happy reading it and I adored it very much.
November 22, 2020
4 Stars
One of my favourite new adult reads of the year, Bat Boy is an easy-breezy, romantic-as-heck, college-themed M/M romance—the kind that leaves you happy and hopeful about love and life.
With a college baseball team backdrop, this story follows short-stop Brady Donovan, as he comes to terms with his sexuality after falling head-over-heels for the team’s new bat boy, Kellan Crawford.
Brady and Kellan share a connection that’s both meaningful and exciting, but Kellan can’t even contemplate getting involved with the gorgeous gay-newbie because of one very major roadblock: Kellan’s father is the head coach and made Kellan swear that he wouldn’t get too personal with any of the players if he worked for the team.
Situational conflict aside, this story is lite on the overall angst. Brady and Kellan’s romantic relationship is easy to believe, with a natural and smooth progression, helped along by the fact that both leads are genuine and endearing young men who deserve nothing but happiness in life.
This story is undoubtedly sweet and sexy, and I can’t wait to read more about the Easton U Pirates in future instalments.
One of my favourite new adult reads of the year, Bat Boy is an easy-breezy, romantic-as-heck, college-themed M/M romance—the kind that leaves you happy and hopeful about love and life.
With a college baseball team backdrop, this story follows short-stop Brady Donovan, as he comes to terms with his sexuality after falling head-over-heels for the team’s new bat boy, Kellan Crawford.
Brady and Kellan share a connection that’s both meaningful and exciting, but Kellan can’t even contemplate getting involved with the gorgeous gay-newbie because of one very major roadblock: Kellan’s father is the head coach and made Kellan swear that he wouldn’t get too personal with any of the players if he worked for the team.
Situational conflict aside, this story is lite on the overall angst. Brady and Kellan’s romantic relationship is easy to believe, with a natural and smooth progression, helped along by the fact that both leads are genuine and endearing young men who deserve nothing but happiness in life.
This story is undoubtedly sweet and sexy, and I can’t wait to read more about the Easton U Pirates in future instalments.
July 11, 2021
i know literally absolutely nothing about baseball, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book at all!
the mcs were both adorable and their relationship development and romance was very sweet.
the mcs were both adorable and their relationship development and romance was very sweet.
May 1, 2025
Oh my goodness this was precious ☺️ It was ooey gooey teeth rottingly sweet goodness, and I loved every minute of it! It was my first book by Christina Lee, and I've got to say I enjoyed it more than I expected I would. Honestly, I picked it up because I needed an audiobook to listen to and Iggy Toma and Kale Williams hit the spot. They did a fabulous job bringing Brady and Kellan to life 😌
The story is one you've read a thousand times about a player and his coach's son, but Brady and Kellan were so sweet together I didn't care. Nothing extraordinary or earth shattering happened. There was little to no drama, and even when it was revealed the two were together, things kind of moved on without much fanfare. It really was the perfect little book to fill some time and put a smile on my face 🥰
The story is one you've read a thousand times about a player and his coach's son, but Brady and Kellan were so sweet together I didn't care. Nothing extraordinary or earth shattering happened. There was little to no drama, and even when it was revealed the two were together, things kind of moved on without much fanfare. It really was the perfect little book to fill some time and put a smile on my face 🥰
October 11, 2024
3,5 stars.
The plot was sweet, the writing felt a bit simple but once I got used to it it didn't bother me anymore.
I liked how the author showed us Brady slowly figuring out his sexuality.
I thought a few times while reading that I would have eaten this kind of story up years ago when I first started reading mm romances.
What threw me throughout the book was that both Brady and Kennan felt a lot younger to me than they actually were supposed to be. I constantly pictured them around 16/17 years and not in their early twenties.
I liked how both Brady and Kennan talked about their feelings. There was no miscommunication, no drama or third act break up.
Do not ask me about my feelings on the epilogue, though (sex in an epilogue is bad enough, but starting the epilogue with the MCs mid-thrust? Uhhh..)
The plot was sweet, the writing felt a bit simple but once I got used to it it didn't bother me anymore.
I liked how the author showed us Brady slowly figuring out his sexuality.
I thought a few times while reading that I would have eaten this kind of story up years ago when I first started reading mm romances.
What threw me throughout the book was that both Brady and Kennan felt a lot younger to me than they actually were supposed to be. I constantly pictured them around 16/17 years and not in their early twenties.
I liked how both Brady and Kennan talked about their feelings. There was no miscommunication, no drama or third act break up.
Do not ask me about my feelings on the epilogue, though (sex in an epilogue is bad enough, but starting the epilogue with the MCs mid-thrust? Uhhh..)
November 3, 2020
This was such a fun book!! I loved Brady and Kellan together.
February 5, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
I am a huge fan of NA sports romances. Add a sexuality discovery, and I’m all in! Bring it on! This was sexy, adorable, sweet, entertaining.
It dragged a little in the last 25% or so, and the forbidden romance “drama” was not enough to actually qualify as drama, since it was so obvious that it would all work out. It was very low angst.
I know nothing about baseball except what I’ve learned in MM romances, so I skimmed through a couple of games, but still enjoyed myself. The team has lots of interesting characters and I’m looking forward to reading more about them.
I really liked both Kellan and Donovan, they were seriously so cute.
I am a huge fan of NA sports romances. Add a sexuality discovery, and I’m all in! Bring it on! This was sexy, adorable, sweet, entertaining.
It dragged a little in the last 25% or so, and the forbidden romance “drama” was not enough to actually qualify as drama, since it was so obvious that it would all work out. It was very low angst.
I know nothing about baseball except what I’ve learned in MM romances, so I skimmed through a couple of games, but still enjoyed myself. The team has lots of interesting characters and I’m looking forward to reading more about them.
I really liked both Kellan and Donovan, they were seriously so cute.
November 2, 2021
[3.75] this was like somebody took a bag of pure sugar and dumped it straight into my mouth (i mean, the handholding, earphone sharing, etc. = A++💯😌), which sounds totally unpleasant, but considering i've only been reading dark and toxic stuff as of late, the palate-cleansing stark contrast had me rather enjoying the story (and the narrators helped tremendously!). i'll admit the smexy scenes got old after a while, but this entertained me while i worked so gotta give credit where credit is due 😉
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February 20, 2024
MM Romance
Coach’s Son/Player-Gay Awakening
3.5 Stars ⭐️
🎧Audiobook Reread
🎵Narrated by Iggy Toma and Kale Williams
I’d much rather reread the second book in this series via audiobook but this one was included with my membership. Also, I’ve always loved Iggy but I recently discovered Kale and immediately wanted to beat myself for not listening to him sooner so I’ve been remediating that by listening to anything of his I can get my hands on. 💗
I liked this when I read it and loved it after listening to it. The only thing kind of lacking are the sex scenes which I mentioned below but these two have such a cute relationship that it doesn’t matter. This does make me want to use a credit on book 2 though because seeing Maclain and Girard again 💗💗💔💔
It probably should be noted I listened to this in one sitting (6 hours) and it’s very rare I do that. I just love them.
===================
Original review below
===================
This book has been sitting in my ku library for over a year now. WTF and why did I wait so long because it was adorable. I absolutely loved Kellan and Brady as a couple and the fact that meeting Kellan was what made Brady realize he’d always been into guys was just swoony. Brady was so into Kellan and I love how he surprised Kellan at every turn like when he showed up to Neon. I loved watching Brady embrace who he really was and find the acceptance he needed from his friends and family. I will say that the sex scenes were a bit lacking compared to what I normally read but I did like how the focus was more on their relationship than just the physical.
I’d write more but I picked up book two immediately after reading this and now both books are blurring together in my mind. I liked this but my main reason for reading it was to read Maclain and Girard’s book and it did not disappoint. 💗
Coach’s Son/Player-Gay Awakening
3.5 Stars ⭐️
🎧Audiobook Reread
🎵Narrated by Iggy Toma and Kale Williams
I’d much rather reread the second book in this series via audiobook but this one was included with my membership. Also, I’ve always loved Iggy but I recently discovered Kale and immediately wanted to beat myself for not listening to him sooner so I’ve been remediating that by listening to anything of his I can get my hands on. 💗
I liked this when I read it and loved it after listening to it. The only thing kind of lacking are the sex scenes which I mentioned below but these two have such a cute relationship that it doesn’t matter. This does make me want to use a credit on book 2 though because seeing Maclain and Girard again 💗💗💔💔
It probably should be noted I listened to this in one sitting (6 hours) and it’s very rare I do that. I just love them.
===================
Original review below
===================
This book has been sitting in my ku library for over a year now. WTF and why did I wait so long because it was adorable. I absolutely loved Kellan and Brady as a couple and the fact that meeting Kellan was what made Brady realize he’d always been into guys was just swoony. Brady was so into Kellan and I love how he surprised Kellan at every turn like when he showed up to Neon. I loved watching Brady embrace who he really was and find the acceptance he needed from his friends and family. I will say that the sex scenes were a bit lacking compared to what I normally read but I did like how the focus was more on their relationship than just the physical.
I’d write more but I picked up book two immediately after reading this and now both books are blurring together in my mind. I liked this but my main reason for reading it was to read Maclain and Girard’s book and it did not disappoint. 💗
November 6, 2020
4.5 stars!!!!
OMG! THIS BOOK.... THIS BOOK!!!!
This book is the definition of ADORABLE! #NGL
****Highly Recommended Adorableness****
What I loved...
1. The Characters:
- Brady Donavan: Baseball team Captain, goofy, genuinely nice and friendly, has an eye opening revelation once he sets eyes on Kellan. #HmmmMaybeImGay
- Kellan: Math nerd, baseball fanatic, gay and out for the people who count. wears crop tops, make-up and loves to dance. He also has an inconvenient crush on Brady, and Brady doesn't make it easy for him. #Irrisistible
2. The Plot..
So these two boys have a crush on each other, and the other doesn't exactly know. For all Kellan knows, Brady is straight and is just being nice. little does he know, that he has invoked some new alien feelings in Brady ever since he first saw him. Brady doesn't care what his teammates think when he sits by Kellan, or when he tries to include him in team activities. the problem is, the coach... Both are fiercely loyal but... #TheHeartWantsWhatItWants
3. The Romance....
ONE WORD....ADORABLE!
The banter, the jokes, the ribbing, the texts, the sweetness, the intimacy ... #NeedISayMore
The way Brady didn't give up on befriending Kellan, and the way Kellan couldn't keep him at arm's length, despite his Dad's rules, who happens to be the coach,. Kellan resisted because he doesn't at to disappoint his father, because he didn't want to be a straight boy's experiment. But Brady wouldn't let him. He was relentless with his sweetness, with his shyness, with his vulnerability and his goofiness. All this broke through Kellan's walls until all that mattered was being together and experiencing feelings both of them didn't expect nor feel before. #AFirstTimeForEverthing
4. The Steam..
I'm a sucker for a gay virgin. This didn't disappoint. Brady was beautiful in his vulnerability, in the rawness of his feelings and the genuineness of his fumbling. He was honest, even when he was overwhelmed and Kellan was the perfect counterpart. Kellan, despite all his hang-ups about being with Brady, embraced their connection, physical or otherwise, and was ever so patient. From the smallest touch to the full-on love making, these guys were the perfect blend of sweet and scorching. #APinchOfSweetASprinkleOfSexy
5. The HEA...
Still swoony, still sweet with a hot scene thrown in the mix... #AllTheSighs
Honorable Mentions:
Kellan being a Math Nerd and a Baseball fan. I loved how Christina just seamlessly kicked the stereotypes to the curb! #BestOfBothWorlds
Brady's Autistic brother. he was such a fresh breathe of air.
Girard and Maclain... #HolyUSTBatman<---- Can't wait for their book!
The supportive families and friends all around. #NoH8
#HappyReading
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! THIS BOOK.... THIS BOOK!!!!
This book is the definition of ADORABLE! #NGL
****Highly Recommended Adorableness****
What I loved...
1. The Characters:
- Brady Donavan: Baseball team Captain, goofy, genuinely nice and friendly, has an eye opening revelation once he sets eyes on Kellan. #HmmmMaybeImGay
- Kellan: Math nerd, baseball fanatic, gay and out for the people who count. wears crop tops, make-up and loves to dance. He also has an inconvenient crush on Brady, and Brady doesn't make it easy for him. #Irrisistible
2. The Plot..
So these two boys have a crush on each other, and the other doesn't exactly know. For all Kellan knows, Brady is straight and is just being nice. little does he know, that he has invoked some new alien feelings in Brady ever since he first saw him. Brady doesn't care what his teammates think when he sits by Kellan, or when he tries to include him in team activities. the problem is, the coach... Both are fiercely loyal but... #TheHeartWantsWhatItWants
3. The Romance....
ONE WORD....ADORABLE!
The banter, the jokes, the ribbing, the texts, the sweetness, the intimacy ... #NeedISayMore
The way Brady didn't give up on befriending Kellan, and the way Kellan couldn't keep him at arm's length, despite his Dad's rules, who happens to be the coach,. Kellan resisted because he doesn't at to disappoint his father, because he didn't want to be a straight boy's experiment. But Brady wouldn't let him. He was relentless with his sweetness, with his shyness, with his vulnerability and his goofiness. All this broke through Kellan's walls until all that mattered was being together and experiencing feelings both of them didn't expect nor feel before. #AFirstTimeForEverthing
4. The Steam..
I'm a sucker for a gay virgin. This didn't disappoint. Brady was beautiful in his vulnerability, in the rawness of his feelings and the genuineness of his fumbling. He was honest, even when he was overwhelmed and Kellan was the perfect counterpart. Kellan, despite all his hang-ups about being with Brady, embraced their connection, physical or otherwise, and was ever so patient. From the smallest touch to the full-on love making, these guys were the perfect blend of sweet and scorching. #APinchOfSweetASprinkleOfSexy
5. The HEA...
Still swoony, still sweet with a hot scene thrown in the mix... #AllTheSighs
Honorable Mentions:
Kellan being a Math Nerd and a Baseball fan. I loved how Christina just seamlessly kicked the stereotypes to the curb! #BestOfBothWorlds
Brady's Autistic brother. he was such a fresh breathe of air.
Girard and Maclain... #HolyUSTBatman<---- Can't wait for their book!
The supportive families and friends all around. #NoH8
#HappyReading
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2024
Sweet, lovely, very light, nothing too special, but exactly what I was in the mood for during a very stressful train journey 😅
I really liked the narrators (especially Kale Williams who I never came across before!) and the audiobook is included in the audible subscription, so that’s a win in and of itself! 💕
3,5 ⭐️
I really liked the narrators (especially Kale Williams who I never came across before!) and the audiobook is included in the audible subscription, so that’s a win in and of itself! 💕
3,5 ⭐️
January 30, 2022
DNF at 15%
This book suffers heavily from excess info syndrome. There is so much information added into the narrative that does not matter at all, that it slows the plot down and takes page time from actually developing the characters. I think I read more about many other characters than the MCs here too. Like a lot about the guy who stars in the next book, Mclain or whoever. I got his backstory before I got romantic tension.
It also suffers from too much telling and too little showing. Long pages of internal monologue/lecturing about their feelings, rather than showing their interactions and displaying feelings through that. Even with their interactions I saw on page, they don't really...interact. Lots of blushing, Brady mostly defends whatshisface, but to the point I read I don't think they had much in the way of personal one on one conversations.
The premise was also...weird. It's somewhat unclear how sleeping with the bat boy just because he's the coaches son would result in favoritism for a sport that's aggressively dominated by statistics. By 15%, the only show of favoritism was the presence of gummy bears.
Overall, the combo of little true character interaction and way too much telling/info dumping made this a no-go for me.
This book suffers heavily from excess info syndrome. There is so much information added into the narrative that does not matter at all, that it slows the plot down and takes page time from actually developing the characters. I think I read more about many other characters than the MCs here too. Like a lot about the guy who stars in the next book, Mclain or whoever. I got his backstory before I got romantic tension.
It also suffers from too much telling and too little showing. Long pages of internal monologue/lecturing about their feelings, rather than showing their interactions and displaying feelings through that. Even with their interactions I saw on page, they don't really...interact. Lots of blushing, Brady mostly defends whatshisface, but to the point I read I don't think they had much in the way of personal one on one conversations.
The premise was also...weird. It's somewhat unclear how sleeping with the bat boy just because he's the coaches son would result in favoritism for a sport that's aggressively dominated by statistics. By 15%, the only show of favoritism was the presence of gummy bears.
Overall, the combo of little true character interaction and way too much telling/info dumping made this a no-go for me.
April 24, 2021
I think I should have read this one.
Double narration: Iggy Toma & Kale Williams
Toma rocked it, Williams sounded bored.
Writing: choppy, but decent enough. I’ve not read Christina Lee in a while & have no frame of comparison from her other books.
Story: no angst, gay-awakening, baseball.
Not much baseball—lots of locker room chatter.
Chemistry: I didn’t feel it, but this could have been due to Kale Williams’ flacid narration
My rec? Read, don’t listen.
Double narration: Iggy Toma & Kale Williams
Toma rocked it, Williams sounded bored.
Writing: choppy, but decent enough. I’ve not read Christina Lee in a while & have no frame of comparison from her other books.
Story: no angst, gay-awakening, baseball.
Not much baseball—lots of locker room chatter.
Chemistry: I didn’t feel it, but this could have been due to Kale Williams’ flacid narration
My rec? Read, don’t listen.
November 19, 2020
I don't know that it is about Christina Lee's books, but some books make me feel like something is missing when I'm reading them. As was the case here.
It was a nice story, but I can't see I was completely invested. And I don't even know why exactly.
Well, it was a nice book, but I won't read it again.
It was a nice story, but I can't see I was completely invested. And I don't even know why exactly.
Well, it was a nice book, but I won't read it again.
August 31, 2023
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
Fluffy, low-angst romance between the baseball captain and the coach’s son.
Very cute and easy, but maybe too fluffy for me.
The relationship was adorable and so were the side characters.
It’s just not my jam.
Fluffy, low-angst romance between the baseball captain and the coach’s son.
Very cute and easy, but maybe too fluffy for me.
The relationship was adorable and so were the side characters.
It’s just not my jam.
December 16, 2022
I just loved this. It’s only my second book by Christina Lee. I loved the first one too. I don’t know why I haven’t read more of her books, but I intend to fix that. It’s a coming out story which are usually not my favorites. It was so good I didn’t care. Super feel good book.
Read
March 3, 2021Dnf
July 26, 2023
Bat Boy is my first baseball romance (I think), and it was a pretty cute and fun read.
A bit disappointed that there was no scene like this tho 😂:
A bit disappointed that there was no scene like this tho 😂:
June 29, 2021
Christina Lee and I are usually not vibing with each other but this one was surprisingly sweet and worked surprisingly well for me.
I really liked both Brady and Kellan but I especially liked Brady. His discovery of his sexuality and who he was, might have been one of the sweetest I have read.
I really liked both Brady and Kellan but I especially liked Brady. His discovery of his sexuality and who he was, might have been one of the sweetest I have read.
August 9, 2022
I just want to be a 47 year old who can read College Romance and love it.
This was a bit frustrating to me and maybe just too sweet. It needed a little bit more excitement. Even some drama. Something.
I feel like the next book might drive me to drink. I'll have to think on whether I'll continue.
This was a bit frustrating to me and maybe just too sweet. It needed a little bit more excitement. Even some drama. Something.
I feel like the next book might drive me to drink. I'll have to think on whether I'll continue.
Want to read
December 14, 2020Thank you for the gift, Snowball, the Naughty Pecker Wrecker Elf!
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