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Hit and Run #2
Line Drive
James "Scooter" Harney is good at two things and two things only:
Pitching...
...and running away from his feelings.
So, when he comes face to face with a high school baseball coach who gets under his skin like no one ever has before, James isn't quite sure what to do about it. After all, Ridley is smarmy, annoying, ridiculously good looking…
And worst of all, straight.
Then, James' world is turned upside down one evening when Ridley admits that he's been having thoughts. Thoughts about James. Thoughts that are making him question his own identity.
James knows he won't make a good boyfriend, but the way Ridley looks at him, the way Ridley trusts him, makes James realize that maybe—just maybe—there’s something worth fighting for.
Line Drive is the second book in a fictional MLB series featuring a smarmy pitcher good at annoying his teammates and stroking his own ego, a team ready to win no matter what it takes, a lost single dad who just wants to know he's doing a good job, and an agreement that wraps both of their hearts into a tangle. Each book in the Hit and Run Series stands alone, contains no cheating, and has a happily ever after.
Pitching...
...and running away from his feelings.
So, when he comes face to face with a high school baseball coach who gets under his skin like no one ever has before, James isn't quite sure what to do about it. After all, Ridley is smarmy, annoying, ridiculously good looking…
And worst of all, straight.
Then, James' world is turned upside down one evening when Ridley admits that he's been having thoughts. Thoughts about James. Thoughts that are making him question his own identity.
James knows he won't make a good boyfriend, but the way Ridley looks at him, the way Ridley trusts him, makes James realize that maybe—just maybe—there’s something worth fighting for.
Line Drive is the second book in a fictional MLB series featuring a smarmy pitcher good at annoying his teammates and stroking his own ego, a team ready to win no matter what it takes, a lost single dad who just wants to know he's doing a good job, and an agreement that wraps both of their hearts into a tangle. Each book in the Hit and Run Series stands alone, contains no cheating, and has a happily ever after.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2022
118 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
139 books1,307 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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August 16, 2022
Line Drive is book two in the Hit and Run series by E.M. Lindsey. This is going to be a hard review to write. I adored the first book in this series, Switch Hitter. I was so excited for James to get his own book. And while there were plenty of sweet moments in this, there were so many things that didn’t work for me either.
James “Scooter” Harney is the pitcher for the Denver Vikings. He is Pietro’s best friend from Switch Hitter. I kind of fell in love with James in the previous book. He was so mysterious. He was always the guy who “knows a guy who can take care of that.” In this book, though, I didn’t see any of that. James had a terrible childhood and early adult life. He was neglected and also made some poor choices. But his natural ability on the ball field was eventually discovered which brought him to where he was now in life, a wealthy pro baseball player. But he was also alone, still scarred by his past.
Ridley Holland is straight, or so he thought. He is a single dad to his fifteen year old son, Phoenix, who is also disabled. Ridley is a high school baseball coach. Phoenix is super smart with plenty of challenges of his own, both physical and otherwise, as well as the usual fifteen year old stuff to deal with. The issue I had is that this kid has the vocabulary of a sailor. He drops F-bombs and just about every other curse word like crazy and neither of his parents bat an eye! And he is completely disrespectful. I raised two kids and know all about teenage angst but would never have allowed this level of disrespect.
Okay, now on to the romance. It’s Phoenix that first causes James and Ridley to meet. But it wasn’t until twenty five percent in that they even met! And it wasn’t until around half way through when things began to develop. You have one straight high school coach who isn’t as straight as he thought and one pro-baseball player who isn’t sure he can ever be what someone else needs and you’ve got a pretty shaky foundation to build upon.
“James couldn’t help feeling like he was on the cusp of something new. He just had no idea what it was.”
Now for the positives. Phoenix really was so insightful and independent. And there were plenty of sweet moments between Ridley and James. Of course, there was also plenty of steam. I just wish there was more time with them together, building their relationship. Instead I felt like most of it was separate while worrying that they couldn’t make things work.
I was pretty surprised to see the third book in the series will be Double Play, Luke and Herve’s book! Herve was the horrible ex of Pietro from Switch Hitter! I definitely didn’t expect to see him turn up again.
James “Scooter” Harney is the pitcher for the Denver Vikings. He is Pietro’s best friend from Switch Hitter. I kind of fell in love with James in the previous book. He was so mysterious. He was always the guy who “knows a guy who can take care of that.” In this book, though, I didn’t see any of that. James had a terrible childhood and early adult life. He was neglected and also made some poor choices. But his natural ability on the ball field was eventually discovered which brought him to where he was now in life, a wealthy pro baseball player. But he was also alone, still scarred by his past.
Ridley Holland is straight, or so he thought. He is a single dad to his fifteen year old son, Phoenix, who is also disabled. Ridley is a high school baseball coach. Phoenix is super smart with plenty of challenges of his own, both physical and otherwise, as well as the usual fifteen year old stuff to deal with. The issue I had is that this kid has the vocabulary of a sailor. He drops F-bombs and just about every other curse word like crazy and neither of his parents bat an eye! And he is completely disrespectful. I raised two kids and know all about teenage angst but would never have allowed this level of disrespect.
Okay, now on to the romance. It’s Phoenix that first causes James and Ridley to meet. But it wasn’t until twenty five percent in that they even met! And it wasn’t until around half way through when things began to develop. You have one straight high school coach who isn’t as straight as he thought and one pro-baseball player who isn’t sure he can ever be what someone else needs and you’ve got a pretty shaky foundation to build upon.
“James couldn’t help feeling like he was on the cusp of something new. He just had no idea what it was.”
Now for the positives. Phoenix really was so insightful and independent. And there were plenty of sweet moments between Ridley and James. Of course, there was also plenty of steam. I just wish there was more time with them together, building their relationship. Instead I felt like most of it was separate while worrying that they couldn’t make things work.
I was pretty surprised to see the third book in the series will be Double Play, Luke and Herve’s book! Herve was the horrible ex of Pietro from Switch Hitter! I definitely didn’t expect to see him turn up again.
July 3, 2022
That's two for two on my EM Lindsey experience so far.
This baseball series is shaping up to be an absolutely fantastic one with incredible disability representation.
Here it's Cerebral Palsy, one of the MCs' son has it as a consequence of a difficult birth and the way his disability and difficulties are written is exceptional. I have a friend with two children who have CP because of premature birth and their experiences are so similar.
There's also some fabulous trans representation too as Phoenix is FtM and a typical bolshy teenager.
I really loved the way that this complexity was written, and I loved the sass and conviction that Phoenix had about living his best life.
This is obviously James' story, aka Scooter, and when you find out more about how he grew up, well I reckon your heart will break just like mine did.
He's such a sweetheart but he's also vulnerable and he's so deserving of being loved even though he doesn't feel himself capable.
When he crosses paths with Phoenix's dad Ridley, it becomes very clear there might be a wonderful kind of future there if both men can weather their doubts and insecurity.
What I enjoyed the most about this book, same as with book one, is that these doubts and insecurity issues are utterly realistic and familiar.
You don't get any unnecessary drama thrown in just for the sake of raising a tension point. The worries, the fears which bring wobbles into the relationship development are genuine.
As James falls head over heels, he's stymied by not only his own concerns but also because Ridley's coming to terms with his bisexuality and all the extra complications from being a single dad with a disabled transgender son.
I was cheering these two along their unsteady path with great gusto and as they reached towards happiness I was full of joy for them all
The Epilogue is truly lovely and I'm intrigued now to see what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Grey's Promotions in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This baseball series is shaping up to be an absolutely fantastic one with incredible disability representation.
Here it's Cerebral Palsy, one of the MCs' son has it as a consequence of a difficult birth and the way his disability and difficulties are written is exceptional. I have a friend with two children who have CP because of premature birth and their experiences are so similar.
There's also some fabulous trans representation too as Phoenix is FtM and a typical bolshy teenager.
I really loved the way that this complexity was written, and I loved the sass and conviction that Phoenix had about living his best life.
This is obviously James' story, aka Scooter, and when you find out more about how he grew up, well I reckon your heart will break just like mine did.
He's such a sweetheart but he's also vulnerable and he's so deserving of being loved even though he doesn't feel himself capable.
When he crosses paths with Phoenix's dad Ridley, it becomes very clear there might be a wonderful kind of future there if both men can weather their doubts and insecurity.
What I enjoyed the most about this book, same as with book one, is that these doubts and insecurity issues are utterly realistic and familiar.
You don't get any unnecessary drama thrown in just for the sake of raising a tension point. The worries, the fears which bring wobbles into the relationship development are genuine.
As James falls head over heels, he's stymied by not only his own concerns but also because Ridley's coming to terms with his bisexuality and all the extra complications from being a single dad with a disabled transgender son.
I was cheering these two along their unsteady path with great gusto and as they reached towards happiness I was full of joy for them all
The Epilogue is truly lovely and I'm intrigued now to see what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Grey's Promotions in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 18, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I've been looking forward to James' story since we first met him in 'Switch-Hitter.'
I was happy to find there was even more to him than I initially thought.
I found myself at a loss for words when I sat down to write this.
James was dealt some pretty terrible hands very early on in life, and even when he managed to make his way through, he was still resigned to a lonely life. More so after watching his best friend find love in the unlikeliest of places.
Driving buy a bookstore with a "for sale" sign out front and calling his assistant to push the deal through? A total James Harney move. But when that leads James to meet a pretty unique kid named Phoenix, his life gets pushed into a trajectory he never expected.
Ridley is trying to his best by his trans son, managing his relationship with his ex-wife, worrying about his Public High School Vaseball's team budget. The last thing he needs is Scooter Harney walking onto his field, bringing up a part of himself he has never faced before.
These two were on a collision path as soon as they locked eyes, and I could do nothing but enjoy as it unfolded - I read this in one sitting.
I've been looking forward to James' story since we first met him in 'Switch-Hitter.'
I was happy to find there was even more to him than I initially thought.
I found myself at a loss for words when I sat down to write this.
James was dealt some pretty terrible hands very early on in life, and even when he managed to make his way through, he was still resigned to a lonely life. More so after watching his best friend find love in the unlikeliest of places.
Driving buy a bookstore with a "for sale" sign out front and calling his assistant to push the deal through? A total James Harney move. But when that leads James to meet a pretty unique kid named Phoenix, his life gets pushed into a trajectory he never expected.
Ridley is trying to his best by his trans son, managing his relationship with his ex-wife, worrying about his Public High School Vaseball's team budget. The last thing he needs is Scooter Harney walking onto his field, bringing up a part of himself he has never faced before.
These two were on a collision path as soon as they locked eyes, and I could do nothing but enjoy as it unfolded - I read this in one sitting.
July 17, 2022
Boring, plus typos.
Should be good (reps, mild kink, sports)
but it disappoints.
Should be good (reps, mild kink, sports)
but it disappoints.
July 10, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Omg I loved this one. I actually liked it miles better than the first one! (Sorry Pietro 🥲😂)
James had such an interesting back story. I wish we got more of what happened to him as a child, and when he was in prison etc. It’s all briefly touched upon but I wanted a bit more detail there. But really, that’s the only thing I have to complain about.
Line Drive was a little more slow burn than I was expecting but it worked. The romance between Ridley and James isn’t the only relationship in this book. The time that James spends with Phoenix is just as important, if not more so. I know some people hate kids in their romance novels but Phoenix was such a stand-out character. I loved everything about him.
The sex scenes between Ridley and James were 🤌🏻 EML has never let me down. They bring the spice but the story never loses its integrity. And that epilogue 😭 My heart was so happy when I finished this book and now I don’t know what to do. I feel a slump coming on.
This was just the best book to read at the best time and I’m sososo glad to have received an ARC!
Omg I loved this one. I actually liked it miles better than the first one! (Sorry Pietro 🥲😂)
James had such an interesting back story. I wish we got more of what happened to him as a child, and when he was in prison etc. It’s all briefly touched upon but I wanted a bit more detail there. But really, that’s the only thing I have to complain about.
Line Drive was a little more slow burn than I was expecting but it worked. The romance between Ridley and James isn’t the only relationship in this book. The time that James spends with Phoenix is just as important, if not more so. I know some people hate kids in their romance novels but Phoenix was such a stand-out character. I loved everything about him.
The sex scenes between Ridley and James were 🤌🏻 EML has never let me down. They bring the spice but the story never loses its integrity. And that epilogue 😭 My heart was so happy when I finished this book and now I don’t know what to do. I feel a slump coming on.
This was just the best book to read at the best time and I’m sososo glad to have received an ARC!
August 2, 2022
*** DNF @ 37% ***
I'm just not connecting with these characters (and I don't believe for a second that the MLB would recruit an ex-felon who would have been past prime recruitment age by the time he got out of jail AND that he picked up a bat for the first time in his mid-20s and was just like... magically as good as the people who have been training since kindergarten?!).
I'm just not connecting with these characters (and I don't believe for a second that the MLB would recruit an ex-felon who would have been past prime recruitment age by the time he got out of jail AND that he picked up a bat for the first time in his mid-20s and was just like... magically as good as the people who have been training since kindergarten?!).
July 10, 2022
Line Drive is an opposites attract, single dad, MM sports romance that’s driven by insta-love and a really special and funny kid.
James “Scooter” Harney is a professional baseball pitcher for the Denver Vikings and is out and proud. Not only is he an athlete, but he also owns a successful nightclub and recently purchased a bookstore in a small town. Even though James is a part of the Vikings team, he feels lonely but thinks he doesn’t have the time to give to a relationship. He’s been through a lot in his past that majorly impacted his life and while it’s mentioned in little bursts throughout the story, I wanted more insight into those times, not just passing moments of information dumps.
Ridley Holland is a high school baseball coach and a single dad. He’s overly protective of Phoenix and wants to shield him from all of the potential hardships he’ll face in the world because of his disability (he has cerebral palsy) or because he’s transgender. It created a riff between them and also caused Ridley to put everything he does for himself aside. James forces him to really consider his sexuality for the first time in his life and kind of causes him to go into a tailspin about expectations. I think Ridley was naive and kind of self-centered throughout the whole book - I expected more empathy from him but kept being let down when it wasn’t there.
James and Ridley don’t meet each other until about 25% into the book and I feel like I missed out on that time that they could have potentially been getting to know each other. Phoenix brings them together in a really unconventional way and they get close but Ridley throws a wrench in things with his inability to do anything to make himself happy. Their relationship felt really insta-lovey and I don’t feel like they got to know much about each other beyond surface level things. I think James was way more invested in their relationship and clearly wanted Ridley to be happy but Ridley was cutting James down and ignoring his feelings throughout the whole book.
Phoenix Holland was the stand out character in this book - he was funny and irreverent and really drove the action here. Without Phoenix, we would have no James and Ridley. Also loved the interactions between James and loved up Pietro. They were so sweet and wholesome and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship continue even though Pietro has Thierry in his life.
I’m really curious to see where things go with Orion’s story next - looking forward to it!
James “Scooter” Harney is a professional baseball pitcher for the Denver Vikings and is out and proud. Not only is he an athlete, but he also owns a successful nightclub and recently purchased a bookstore in a small town. Even though James is a part of the Vikings team, he feels lonely but thinks he doesn’t have the time to give to a relationship. He’s been through a lot in his past that majorly impacted his life and while it’s mentioned in little bursts throughout the story, I wanted more insight into those times, not just passing moments of information dumps.
Ridley Holland is a high school baseball coach and a single dad. He’s overly protective of Phoenix and wants to shield him from all of the potential hardships he’ll face in the world because of his disability (he has cerebral palsy) or because he’s transgender. It created a riff between them and also caused Ridley to put everything he does for himself aside. James forces him to really consider his sexuality for the first time in his life and kind of causes him to go into a tailspin about expectations. I think Ridley was naive and kind of self-centered throughout the whole book - I expected more empathy from him but kept being let down when it wasn’t there.
James and Ridley don’t meet each other until about 25% into the book and I feel like I missed out on that time that they could have potentially been getting to know each other. Phoenix brings them together in a really unconventional way and they get close but Ridley throws a wrench in things with his inability to do anything to make himself happy. Their relationship felt really insta-lovey and I don’t feel like they got to know much about each other beyond surface level things. I think James was way more invested in their relationship and clearly wanted Ridley to be happy but Ridley was cutting James down and ignoring his feelings throughout the whole book.
Phoenix Holland was the stand out character in this book - he was funny and irreverent and really drove the action here. Without Phoenix, we would have no James and Ridley. Also loved the interactions between James and loved up Pietro. They were so sweet and wholesome and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship continue even though Pietro has Thierry in his life.
I’m really curious to see where things go with Orion’s story next - looking forward to it!
July 18, 2022
“Line Drive” contained a lot of sweet moments and made me smile a lot, but I couldn’t help to wish for a stronger connection between James and Ridley.
The story was rather slow paced, there were some building and background before the main characters met each other and even once they did it was still a slow burn romance. The pace felt appropriate for the characters and their situations, though I did find it frustrating at times - I wanted to see more of them together and building their relationship than being apart. I think for me there just wasn’t enough of a connection between the characters through the whole will-they-won’t-they, even if it was enough to keep me intrigued.
As always Lindsey excels at writing diverse characters and Phoenix, Ridley’s son, was the star of the show in this one. I loved his character and how real and sassy he could be with both his father and James. James tugged at my heartstrings with his past and his loneliness, his backstory was really interesting and I wished that he had shared more of it with Ridley. Also, all the cute little endearments he called Ridley? Totally made me smile and swoon.
I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to read Switch-Hitter before this one, but even if this works as a standalone, I felt as if I was missing things from James and Pietro’s interactions and talks. It’s definitely a series I’ll keep up with, a lot of interesting side characters that I’m hoping will get their own stories told eventually!
The story was rather slow paced, there were some building and background before the main characters met each other and even once they did it was still a slow burn romance. The pace felt appropriate for the characters and their situations, though I did find it frustrating at times - I wanted to see more of them together and building their relationship than being apart. I think for me there just wasn’t enough of a connection between the characters through the whole will-they-won’t-they, even if it was enough to keep me intrigued.
As always Lindsey excels at writing diverse characters and Phoenix, Ridley’s son, was the star of the show in this one. I loved his character and how real and sassy he could be with both his father and James. James tugged at my heartstrings with his past and his loneliness, his backstory was really interesting and I wished that he had shared more of it with Ridley. Also, all the cute little endearments he called Ridley? Totally made me smile and swoon.
I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to read Switch-Hitter before this one, but even if this works as a standalone, I felt as if I was missing things from James and Pietro’s interactions and talks. It’s definitely a series I’ll keep up with, a lot of interesting side characters that I’m hoping will get their own stories told eventually!
July 8, 2022
I LOVED THIS STORY! So many emotional elements with past issues and second chances. This couple will tug at your heart strings and leave you smiling.
After a failed marriage and becoming a single dad, Ridley wants to explore his attraction to men. He's not ready to live out loud just yet, but he definitely wants to explore. When he meets his professional baseball crush, all sense of holding back goes out the window. JAMES HARNEY IS HOTTT!
James saw the run down book store and knew he had to have it. Little did he know the investment would change everything. It brought Ridley and his son Phoenix into his life. James never planned on settling down until a small town, a smart-mouthed boy and his dad stole his heart.
The exploration is sizzling hot. Both men face their own ghosts and baggage that weighs them down. It will tear them apart but attraction will and desire will reunite them.
This story tackles the struggles of parenting and disability. It's a love story that heals old hurts and delivers a HEA they all deserve. I enjoyed every minute. A must read!
After a failed marriage and becoming a single dad, Ridley wants to explore his attraction to men. He's not ready to live out loud just yet, but he definitely wants to explore. When he meets his professional baseball crush, all sense of holding back goes out the window. JAMES HARNEY IS HOTTT!
James saw the run down book store and knew he had to have it. Little did he know the investment would change everything. It brought Ridley and his son Phoenix into his life. James never planned on settling down until a small town, a smart-mouthed boy and his dad stole his heart.
The exploration is sizzling hot. Both men face their own ghosts and baggage that weighs them down. It will tear them apart but attraction will and desire will reunite them.
This story tackles the struggles of parenting and disability. It's a love story that heals old hurts and delivers a HEA they all deserve. I enjoyed every minute. A must read!
July 20, 2022
Amazon
James had a hard life but has made something of himself now as a professional baseball player. His life isn't all that, though - he's so lonely and doesn't know what the missing piece is. Until he purchases a bookstore in this small town and meets an awesome kid and his dad. Perhaps they can fill the holes in his heart and life?
Ridley has always thought he was straight. He has a lot going on in his life, raising his son who has his own set of issues, and has not been worrying too much about it until his son Phoenix gives him what could be the greatest gift of his life - James "Scooter" Harney. Both the men will have to work double time, though, to make a relationship work, because their individual baggage could be an obstacle they cannot overcome.
This was pretty slow burn, and they weren't a couple for much of the story, what with both pushing away due to the baggage I mentioned above. Their chemistry is fairly hot, but I admit to wanting more intensity between the two, and a stronger connection. The real standout for me was Ridley's son - a very precocious teen with a strong sense of self, a sassy mouth, and a big heart. I didn't end up liking Line Drive as much as James' friend Pietro's story, Switch-Hitter, but I still mostly enjoyed it, and loved Phoenix.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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July 20, 2022
4.5 stars
James "Scooter" Harvey has a rough start to life but is now living a dream as a pro baseball pitcher. He has a successful career, money, investment properties, and friends. He is sarcastic, cocky, loyal, and generous, but deep down he is still an unwanted kid struggling to keep it together and worried about negative outcomes. But instead of falling into bad habits, he just invests in a new project when the mood strikes him. He is afraid to trust anyone enough to even think about the possibility of a real relationship.
Ridley Holland is a divorced, straight-identifying, single dad to a teen with some special needs and a public high school baseball coach. He's stretched thin, overwhelmed, overprotective, and struggling to keep it all going. He is kind of lost and lonely, but also afraid he does not have anything to give to a relationship.
These two come in contact by a random series of events and get under each other's skin. From initial antagonists to friends-with-benefits to catching feelings, these guys are a hot mess of unexpected attraction, anxiety, confusion, and poor communication. They did not expect to develop a connection or want more than just casual hooking up. They both have self-worth issues and fear of rejection, but crave touch and companionship. But they both have issues holding them back and it is easy to allow them to mess up what could be a good thing.
This is a mature, realistic, sweet, sexy, single-dad, bi-awakening romance between a baseball player and a high school coach. Their relationships with Ridley's son Phoenix are also important to the story. I loved his outspoken character that bravely takes on his life challenges to just be who he is and to speak the truth when needed. He is a total scene-stealer and I just adored him.
I think the author does a good job explaining the character's backgrounds and personal issues in an effective way for their character development, but the relationship between the couple seems to go from sex-only to freaked-out-feelings pretty quickly. But there is enough angst due to their issues, and I enjoyed the story and these characters.
This brings back Pietro and Thierry from the first book, and some of the other baseball players, Orion and Luke. I am looking forward to Orion's story next. I am also really intrigued by all the talk of Tomas so wondering if we might get more about him in the future.
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James "Scooter" Harvey has a rough start to life but is now living a dream as a pro baseball pitcher. He has a successful career, money, investment properties, and friends. He is sarcastic, cocky, loyal, and generous, but deep down he is still an unwanted kid struggling to keep it together and worried about negative outcomes. But instead of falling into bad habits, he just invests in a new project when the mood strikes him. He is afraid to trust anyone enough to even think about the possibility of a real relationship.
Ridley Holland is a divorced, straight-identifying, single dad to a teen with some special needs and a public high school baseball coach. He's stretched thin, overwhelmed, overprotective, and struggling to keep it all going. He is kind of lost and lonely, but also afraid he does not have anything to give to a relationship.
These two come in contact by a random series of events and get under each other's skin. From initial antagonists to friends-with-benefits to catching feelings, these guys are a hot mess of unexpected attraction, anxiety, confusion, and poor communication. They did not expect to develop a connection or want more than just casual hooking up. They both have self-worth issues and fear of rejection, but crave touch and companionship. But they both have issues holding them back and it is easy to allow them to mess up what could be a good thing.
This is a mature, realistic, sweet, sexy, single-dad, bi-awakening romance between a baseball player and a high school coach. Their relationships with Ridley's son Phoenix are also important to the story. I loved his outspoken character that bravely takes on his life challenges to just be who he is and to speak the truth when needed. He is a total scene-stealer and I just adored him.
I think the author does a good job explaining the character's backgrounds and personal issues in an effective way for their character development, but the relationship between the couple seems to go from sex-only to freaked-out-feelings pretty quickly. But there is enough angst due to their issues, and I enjoyed the story and these characters.
This brings back Pietro and Thierry from the first book, and some of the other baseball players, Orion and Luke. I am looking forward to Orion's story next. I am also really intrigued by all the talk of Tomas so wondering if we might get more about him in the future.
August 20, 2025
Line Drive was such a soft and sweet sports romance with just a little bit of heartache thrown in for fun. I loved that both James and Ridley were older (late 30’s/early 40’s) and that they were smitten with each other even though they had a not so great first meeting. Also? Phoenix (Ridley’s kid) was so funny! I loved that he didn’t put up with his dad’s BS and didn’t let his dad (or James) get away with using him as an excuse to not go after the things that made him happy. I also loved that there were so many quieter moments throughout this story. The little moments where the burnout, depression, anxiety, and frustrations of life were balanced by all the happy, sweet, and soft moments. I loved this book and I think it might be my favorite in the series so far. It’s getting five stars and I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
July 6, 2023
3.5
Not one of the most memorable EM Lindsey books, but a nice follow-up to the first in the series. I really liked watching the relationship between the two MMCs and all of its complexities, I just felt like something was missing.
tags/tropes: gay awakening, baseball/sports, kid (teenager), bookstore/cafe, single dad (divorced and the other parent is involved but technically a single dad), cerebral palsy, teacher, prison/ex-con
Not one of the most memorable EM Lindsey books, but a nice follow-up to the first in the series. I really liked watching the relationship between the two MMCs and all of its complexities, I just felt like something was missing.
tags/tropes: gay awakening, baseball/sports, kid (teenager), bookstore/cafe, single dad (divorced and the other parent is involved but technically a single dad), cerebral palsy, teacher, prison/ex-con
July 18, 2022
3.5 stars. Weird pacing. There's a lot of set up before the two even meet—I think they have their second conversation at 50%. But then after that it moves really fast between them. All that said, it was a good story if you like things on the angst-y side.
July 20, 2022
Check out our full post for LINE DRIVE on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
LINE DRIVE is the second book in the Hit and Run series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.
James Harney is an MLB pitcher. He had a horrible upbringing, spent some time in jail, and doesn't know what it's like to have someone love him. He loves pitching but wants more in his life. When he passes a bookstore for sale, he decides on the spot to buy it. Why? He has no idea. He befriends a trans teenager with Cerebral Palsy (CP), but he isn't expecting the friendship or the instant attraction to his father.
Ridley has a career-ending injury and ends up a high school baseball coach. His marriage crumbled after his wife had an affair. He's always had an attraction to men but never acted upon it, but now that he's free to, he isn't ready to even admit it to himself, let alone go out with a man. But when he's faced with a man he's always admired, he can't get James out of his mind.
Phoenix, Ridley's son, is a smart mouthed amazing character despite of the battles he faced being trans and having CP. While I did enjoy this read, the first quarter was so much backstory and not enough between the two characters. I enjoyed when they did finally get together, with Phoenix's help, and the battles that they faced. I just wish there was more content with them together.
Erica – ☆☆☆
LINE DRIVE is the second installment in the Hit and Run series. While it can be read as a standalone with little to no confusion, I suggest reading SWITCH-HITTER first, as well as the novel, NOTHING ORDINARY, where the cast of characters is introduced.
I'm going to go against the current here, while everyone else is most likely basking in the warmth of James and Ridley's love...
James is an MLB star with a dark backstory, an inspiration that did the impossible by making it to the big leagues.
After a career-ending injury and a life-altering divorce, Ridley is a high school coach and father to a trans son with CP.
James and Ridley share more in common than baseball... they're desperately lonely.
Sounds deliciously angsty, with a meddlesome teen playing interference, right? Complex and deep, with all the issues addressed...
There wasn't much happening during LINE DRIVE, other than a bunch of inane filler, telling not showing, and feet dragging. The emotions were surface level, not deeply explored. Our love interests barely had contact throughout most of the novel, outshined in every way by the son, Phoenix.
James and Ridley didn't meet until the 25% mark... a quarter into the novel. I'm a sucker for delayed gratification but this was at the expense of any connection felt between James and Ridley. Not much of anything happened in the first quarter that couldn't have been condensed so that James and Ridley had enough time to develop a connection, just inane daily activities that felt like transitional filler.
Phoenix felt like the main focus, as awesome as the kid was written, to the point it was to James and Ridley's detriment. They weren't as interesting, as gripping, and had one-note personalities, but this wasn't Phoenix's novel.
The budding friendship between James and Phoenix was sweet and heartwarming. The complex relationship between a father and teen son was realistically portrayed. Ridley's desire for intimacy and connection was peppered throughout, resonating with this reader, as well as James' loneliness and need for a life partner by his side. Their insecurities would ring true, but it felt as if those issues were merely a plot device not deeply ingrained into the characters.
James and Ridley's connection to Phoenix was the only highlight, and without him, there wasn't really much content. The romance was insta-love with surface level emotions, told but never shown, and it left me frustrated.
There was no connection between Ridley and James. A quarter of the novel with no contact, where they just did inane things that did not add to character development outside of interacting with Phoenix. Then it was straight to sex, implied I love yous, being ghosted, and pining for one another. They had little to no interactions during the entire novel outside of sex, phone sex, or Ridley blowing James off (and not in a good way). No meaningful conversations that a solid relationship is built, those conversations were shared with side characters.
With so few scenes shared, outside of between the sheets action, James' connection to Pietro, to Phoenix, even Orion, was more complex than a handful of texts with Ridley, since they actually spent page-time together and discussed actual important issues. James and Ridley met at 25%, had two on-page interactions up to 70%, then didn't share a single page together until 90%. Since this was a shorter novel – no harm in that – it was only a handful of pages at time, where it's hyper-speed on the romance and sex without any buildup or connection.
The classic "getting in your own way" with no outside forces being the issue, no matter how badly Ridley seemed to have wished they would. The only angst/drama was Ridley not giving James the time of day, and this lasted well up to 90% of the novel, and it wasn't due to Ridley stepping out of his own way either.
This lack of time spent together, as well as the feet dragging (which was to slow the insta down but had no real reasoning), left me disconnected from their romance. Ridley was more worried about how his ex-wife and son would think of him, when they both outright told him to knock it off multiple times... and he still made excuses, which made me feel as if he didn't feel for James as he professed inside his inner monologues. Actions speaking louder than his thoughts, especially when those actions mirrored his words to James. Ridley reminded me of someone who thought everyone was always up in his business when they all wished he'd get a life and get out of their business – self-important and controlling.
Ridley never stopped dragging his feet, leaving it up to James. This does not make a strong romantic hero. I was not Ridley's biggest fan, and I thought James deserved someone else.
While I liked James in current times, he had this huge backstory that was just a blip of info-dumpage and that's it. There were bits left dangling, as if they would be expanded on later, then just dropped off. Names mentioned, events thought around, like it was to impact the story later. A large info-dump in the beginning, then just muttered or thought snippets that popped up in relation to Phoenix and parenting. What should have had a deep impact was a shallow plot device never explored properly or developed.
Even Ridley's fear of coming out was just a few words tucked in here or there to explain away dragging his feet since Phoenix couldn't be used as an excuse any longer. It felt inauthentic and made Ridley seem not as into James as James was into him, which contradicted what the reader was "told." Between the ex and the son begging Ridley to date, it made zero sense either was a viable excuse not to date James.
I felt like the book picked up threads and then never went in that direction. The backstory. James helping Ridley's team. An actual conflict between the lovers. The phrase "pulled the hit" comes to mind. The hit was pulled, so it had no impact.
I wanted to love LINE DRIVE, but it doesn't matter what dark and gritty backstory was given, or the plight to side characters, when the characters are just there "in" the pages and not actually living their story "on" the pages.
The previous novels featuring Gabriel and Pietro captured my interests, made me feel true emotions, and had me rooting for the characters, both on my reread list. To be honest, in the future, I'd skip this installment.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
July 5, 2022
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
LINE DRIVE is the second installment in the Hit and Run series. While it can be read as a standalone with little to no confusion, I suggest reading Switch-Hitter first, as well as the novel, Nothing Ordinary, where the cast of characters is introduced.
I'm going to go against the current here, while everyone else is most likely basking in the warmth of James & Ridley's love...
James is an MLB star with a dark backstory, an inspiration that did the impossible by making it to the big leagues.
After a career-ending injury & a life-altering divorce, Ridley is a HS coach & father to a trans son with CP.
James & Ridley share more in common than baseball... they're desperately lonely.
Sounds deliciously angsty, with a meddlesome teen playing interference, right? Complex and deep, with all the issues addressed...
There wasn't much happening during LINE DRIVE, other than a bunch of inane filler, telling not showing, and feet dragging. The emotions were surface level, not deeply explored. Our love interests barely had contact throughout most of the novel, outshined in every way by the son, Phoenix.
James and Ridley didn't meet until the 25% mark... a quarter into the novel. I'm a sucker for delayed gratification but this was at the expense of any connection felt between James & Ridley. Not much of anything happened in the first quarter that couldn't have been condensed so that James and Ridley had enough time to develop a connection, just inane daily activities that felt like transitional filler.
Phoenix felt like the main focus, as awesome as the kid was written, to the point it was to James & Ridley's detriment. They weren't as interesting, as gripping, and had one-note personalities, but this wasn't Phoenix's novel.
The budding friendship between James & Phoenix was sweet and heartwarming. The complex relationship between a father and teen son was realistically portrayed. Ridley's desire for intimacy and connection was peppered throughout, resonating with this reader, as well as James' loneliness and need for a life partner by his side. Their insecurities would ring true, but it felt as if those issues were merely a plot device not deeply ingrained into the characters.
James and Ridley's connection to Phoenix was the only highlight, and without him, there wasn't really much content. The romance was insta-love with surface level emotions, told but never shown, and it left me frustrated.
There was no connection between Ridley & James. A quarter of the novel with no contact, where they just did inane things that did not add to character development outside of interacting with Phoenix. Then it was straight to sex, implied ILYs, being ghosted, & pining for one another. They had little to no interactions during the entire novel outside of sex, phone sex, or Ridley blowing James off (and not in a good way) No meaningful conversations that a solid relationship is built, those conversations were shared with side characters.
With so few scenes shared, outside of between the sheets action, James' connection to Pietro, to Phoenix, even Orion, was more complex than a handful of texts with Ridley, since they actually spent page-time together and discussed actual important issues. James & Ridley met at 25%, had two on-page interactions up to 70%, then didn't share a single page together until 90%. Since this was a shorter novel- no harm in that- it was only a handful of pages at time, where it's hyper-speed on the romance and sex without any buildup or connection.
The classic "getting into your own way" with no outside forces being the issue, no matter how badly Ridley seemed to have wished they would. The only angst/drama was Ridley not giving James the time of day, & this lasted well up to 90% of the novel, and it wasn't due to Ridley stepping out of his own way either.
This lack of time spent together, as well as the feet dragging (which was to slow the insta down but had no real reasoning) left me disconnected from their romance. Ridley was more worried about how his ex-wife and son would think of him, when they both outright told him to knock it off multiple times... and he still made excuses, which made me feel as if he didn't feel for James as he professed inside his inner monologues. Actions speaking louder than his thoughts, especially when those actions mirrored his words to James. Ridley reminded me of someone who thought everyone was always up in his business when they all wished he'd get a life and get out of their business- self-important and controlling.
Ridley never stopped dragging his feet, leaving it up to James. This does not make a strong romantic hero. I was not Ridley's biggest fan, and I thought James deserved someone else.
While I liked James in current times, he had this huge backstory that was just a blip of info-dumpage and that's it. There were bits left dangling, as if they would be expanded on later, then just dropped off. Names mentioned, events thought around, like it was to impact the story later. A large info-dump in the beginning, then just muttered or thought snippets that popped up in relation to Phoenix and parenting. What should have had a deep impact was a shallow plot device never explored properly or developed.
Even Ridley's fear of coming out was just a few words tucked in here or there to explain away dragging his feet since Phoenix couldn't be used as an excuse any longer. It felt inauthentic and made Ridley seem not as into James as James was into him, which contradicted what the reader was "told". Between the ex and the son begging Ridley to date, it made zero sense either was a viable excuse not to date James.
I felt like the book picked up threads and then never went in that direction. The backstory. James helping Ridley's team. An actual conflict between the lovers. The phrase "pulled the hit" comes to mind. The hit was pulled, so it had no impact.
I wanted to love LINE DRIVE, but it doesn't matter what dark and gritty backstory was given, or the plight to side characters, when the characters are just there "in" the pages and not actually living their story "on" the pages.
The previous novels featuring Gabriel & Pietro captured my interests, made me feel true emotions, & had me rooting for the characters, both on my reread list. To be honest, in the future, I'd skip this installment.
LINE DRIVE is the second installment in the Hit and Run series. While it can be read as a standalone with little to no confusion, I suggest reading Switch-Hitter first, as well as the novel, Nothing Ordinary, where the cast of characters is introduced.
I'm going to go against the current here, while everyone else is most likely basking in the warmth of James & Ridley's love...
James is an MLB star with a dark backstory, an inspiration that did the impossible by making it to the big leagues.
After a career-ending injury & a life-altering divorce, Ridley is a HS coach & father to a trans son with CP.
James & Ridley share more in common than baseball... they're desperately lonely.
Sounds deliciously angsty, with a meddlesome teen playing interference, right? Complex and deep, with all the issues addressed...
There wasn't much happening during LINE DRIVE, other than a bunch of inane filler, telling not showing, and feet dragging. The emotions were surface level, not deeply explored. Our love interests barely had contact throughout most of the novel, outshined in every way by the son, Phoenix.
James and Ridley didn't meet until the 25% mark... a quarter into the novel. I'm a sucker for delayed gratification but this was at the expense of any connection felt between James & Ridley. Not much of anything happened in the first quarter that couldn't have been condensed so that James and Ridley had enough time to develop a connection, just inane daily activities that felt like transitional filler.
Phoenix felt like the main focus, as awesome as the kid was written, to the point it was to James & Ridley's detriment. They weren't as interesting, as gripping, and had one-note personalities, but this wasn't Phoenix's novel.
The budding friendship between James & Phoenix was sweet and heartwarming. The complex relationship between a father and teen son was realistically portrayed. Ridley's desire for intimacy and connection was peppered throughout, resonating with this reader, as well as James' loneliness and need for a life partner by his side. Their insecurities would ring true, but it felt as if those issues were merely a plot device not deeply ingrained into the characters.
James and Ridley's connection to Phoenix was the only highlight, and without him, there wasn't really much content. The romance was insta-love with surface level emotions, told but never shown, and it left me frustrated.
There was no connection between Ridley & James. A quarter of the novel with no contact, where they just did inane things that did not add to character development outside of interacting with Phoenix. Then it was straight to sex, implied ILYs, being ghosted, & pining for one another. They had little to no interactions during the entire novel outside of sex, phone sex, or Ridley blowing James off (and not in a good way) No meaningful conversations that a solid relationship is built, those conversations were shared with side characters.
With so few scenes shared, outside of between the sheets action, James' connection to Pietro, to Phoenix, even Orion, was more complex than a handful of texts with Ridley, since they actually spent page-time together and discussed actual important issues. James & Ridley met at 25%, had two on-page interactions up to 70%, then didn't share a single page together until 90%. Since this was a shorter novel- no harm in that- it was only a handful of pages at time, where it's hyper-speed on the romance and sex without any buildup or connection.
The classic "getting into your own way" with no outside forces being the issue, no matter how badly Ridley seemed to have wished they would. The only angst/drama was Ridley not giving James the time of day, & this lasted well up to 90% of the novel, and it wasn't due to Ridley stepping out of his own way either.
This lack of time spent together, as well as the feet dragging (which was to slow the insta down but had no real reasoning) left me disconnected from their romance. Ridley was more worried about how his ex-wife and son would think of him, when they both outright told him to knock it off multiple times... and he still made excuses, which made me feel as if he didn't feel for James as he professed inside his inner monologues. Actions speaking louder than his thoughts, especially when those actions mirrored his words to James. Ridley reminded me of someone who thought everyone was always up in his business when they all wished he'd get a life and get out of their business- self-important and controlling.
Ridley never stopped dragging his feet, leaving it up to James. This does not make a strong romantic hero. I was not Ridley's biggest fan, and I thought James deserved someone else.
While I liked James in current times, he had this huge backstory that was just a blip of info-dumpage and that's it. There were bits left dangling, as if they would be expanded on later, then just dropped off. Names mentioned, events thought around, like it was to impact the story later. A large info-dump in the beginning, then just muttered or thought snippets that popped up in relation to Phoenix and parenting. What should have had a deep impact was a shallow plot device never explored properly or developed.
Even Ridley's fear of coming out was just a few words tucked in here or there to explain away dragging his feet since Phoenix couldn't be used as an excuse any longer. It felt inauthentic and made Ridley seem not as into James as James was into him, which contradicted what the reader was "told". Between the ex and the son begging Ridley to date, it made zero sense either was a viable excuse not to date James.
I felt like the book picked up threads and then never went in that direction. The backstory. James helping Ridley's team. An actual conflict between the lovers. The phrase "pulled the hit" comes to mind. The hit was pulled, so it had no impact.
I wanted to love LINE DRIVE, but it doesn't matter what dark and gritty backstory was given, or the plight to side characters, when the characters are just there "in" the pages and not actually living their story "on" the pages.
The previous novels featuring Gabriel & Pietro captured my interests, made me feel true emotions, & had me rooting for the characters, both on my reread list. To be honest, in the future, I'd skip this installment.
July 5, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Line Drive by E.M. Lindsey is the newest addition to their Hit and Run series. James Harney has made it through a tough childhood and is living out his dream as a MLB pitcher and business owner. On a whim he decides to purchase a failing bookstore but never expects that a new employee’s father will turn his world upside down. Ridley is trying his best with his son but keeps coming up short when it comes to Phoenix. When Phoenix comes home saying he wants to work at the bookstore, Ridley is forced to face the new owner who is no other than James Harney. The two men start on a rocky path but when they open up and give into the spark between them they find there’s so much to explore.
James Harney has been trying to outrun his past since he was picked up playing community league baseball after his stint in prison. He has Pietro who is his ride or die but struggles to connect long term romantically due to a lack of feeling worthy of love. He feels immediately attracted to the snarly single dad of his new employee but wants to try and trust his heart on Ridley.
Love or loss. Heartbreak or not. He was ready.
Ridley has never truly embraced who he really is. He’s been dedicated first to his wife and then to his son but that only brought him so much happiness. His first breath of fresh air comes when he allows himself to give into his feelings for James. He is trying to be a good father and struggles to balance his growing connection with James.
Ridley groaned as he felt his heart crack a little more, letting in feelings - letting in the want for something that was more than just physical.
Alright here’s some real talk, I struggled to feel any chemistry between the MCs which led me to not connect with either of them. That being said Phoenix stole the show 100% with his trans identity as well as his CP not keeping him from pursuing what he wants from life. I adored the fact that he never held back when talking to James and cringed when he lashed out at his father although it felt deserved at times. Both James and Ridley needed Phoenix to pull them out of their stupor when it comes to each other. I also loved seeing Pietro be there for James and not be afraid of showing emotions to each other. That being said this book had strengths in the secondary characters but the MCs just didn’t click for me.
3 stars for James and Ridley finding their worthy of each other’s love.
Line Drive by E.M. Lindsey is the newest addition to their Hit and Run series. James Harney has made it through a tough childhood and is living out his dream as a MLB pitcher and business owner. On a whim he decides to purchase a failing bookstore but never expects that a new employee’s father will turn his world upside down. Ridley is trying his best with his son but keeps coming up short when it comes to Phoenix. When Phoenix comes home saying he wants to work at the bookstore, Ridley is forced to face the new owner who is no other than James Harney. The two men start on a rocky path but when they open up and give into the spark between them they find there’s so much to explore.
James Harney has been trying to outrun his past since he was picked up playing community league baseball after his stint in prison. He has Pietro who is his ride or die but struggles to connect long term romantically due to a lack of feeling worthy of love. He feels immediately attracted to the snarly single dad of his new employee but wants to try and trust his heart on Ridley.
Love or loss. Heartbreak or not. He was ready.
Ridley has never truly embraced who he really is. He’s been dedicated first to his wife and then to his son but that only brought him so much happiness. His first breath of fresh air comes when he allows himself to give into his feelings for James. He is trying to be a good father and struggles to balance his growing connection with James.
Ridley groaned as he felt his heart crack a little more, letting in feelings - letting in the want for something that was more than just physical.
Alright here’s some real talk, I struggled to feel any chemistry between the MCs which led me to not connect with either of them. That being said Phoenix stole the show 100% with his trans identity as well as his CP not keeping him from pursuing what he wants from life. I adored the fact that he never held back when talking to James and cringed when he lashed out at his father although it felt deserved at times. Both James and Ridley needed Phoenix to pull them out of their stupor when it comes to each other. I also loved seeing Pietro be there for James and not be afraid of showing emotions to each other. That being said this book had strengths in the secondary characters but the MCs just didn’t click for me.
3 stars for James and Ridley finding their worthy of each other’s love.
July 9, 2022
I’m pretty sure EM Lindsey couldn’t write a bad story if their life depended on it.
I’m rather fond of these flawed and beautiful baseball players. They are highly relatable even with their fame and fortune.
I want to wrap up James ‘Scooter’ Harney and protect this man who has never known what it’s like to be loved before meeting his found family on the field. He hasn’t had an easy life, and even though he has security and money now, it’s not easy to let go of the past and the fear. So he hides behind being wild and attachment-free.
Ridley is a newly single dad of a teenage boy. A boy who’s giving him a run for his money. He’s not unreasonably protective of Pheonix and he’s having difficulty letting him go his own way. He just wants to do what’s right and best, and he loves him so much, but he seems to just make things worse, and he’s drowning on his own.
When these two meet, it’s definitely not cute, but there’s no denying there’s some fiery chemistry. I love these two together. They are similar in many ways, scared of love, or more appropriately not being enough for someone to love. Thankfully they have a moody teenager around to drop more than a few truth bombs to keep them from derailing a beautiful thing completely.
So much emotion and a fantastic story of two men finding love when they least expect it. Surrounded by a wonderful cast of family and friends. I’m here for all of these players to get their HEA.
< ARC provided by Grey’s Promo and this is my honest review >
I’m rather fond of these flawed and beautiful baseball players. They are highly relatable even with their fame and fortune.
I want to wrap up James ‘Scooter’ Harney and protect this man who has never known what it’s like to be loved before meeting his found family on the field. He hasn’t had an easy life, and even though he has security and money now, it’s not easy to let go of the past and the fear. So he hides behind being wild and attachment-free.
Ridley is a newly single dad of a teenage boy. A boy who’s giving him a run for his money. He’s not unreasonably protective of Pheonix and he’s having difficulty letting him go his own way. He just wants to do what’s right and best, and he loves him so much, but he seems to just make things worse, and he’s drowning on his own.
When these two meet, it’s definitely not cute, but there’s no denying there’s some fiery chemistry. I love these two together. They are similar in many ways, scared of love, or more appropriately not being enough for someone to love. Thankfully they have a moody teenager around to drop more than a few truth bombs to keep them from derailing a beautiful thing completely.
So much emotion and a fantastic story of two men finding love when they least expect it. Surrounded by a wonderful cast of family and friends. I’m here for all of these players to get their HEA.
< ARC provided by Grey’s Promo and this is my honest review >
July 15, 2022
The second in EM Lindsey’s baseball romance series, *Line Drive* was, perhaps, even more enjoyable than the first book. I so enjoyed this fantastic story about baseball player, James “Scooter” Harney, and high-school coach and single dad, Ridley and lost my heart to both characters.
James is stuck in a bit of a rut, buying businesses that catch his eye and a little bit envious of his best friend’s romance when he runs into Ridley, a stressed-out single dad to a sassy trans and disabled teen and caught in a cycle of feeling like he’s not parenting well and not even feeling remotely like a romantic option to anyone. When he meets James, and though they have a somewhat fiery first meeting, he cannot understand these feelings of attraction he has never felt before for a man, let alone for someone who lives an entirely different life from him.
Many of EM’s characters are hardly perfect. They are flawed and burdened by life, by their own traumas, and often unintentionally hurt the ones they love the most. I loved the way this was portrayed in Ridley and how it manifested in both his relationship with James but also with his teenage son. Phoenix was a joy to read, and just came off the page with his smart attitude, his fierce need for independence and also as an important voice of reason for Ridley. I am such trash for single dad romances and this one is really up there with my favourite depictions of a parent/child relationship. I also loved how James fit into this already established dynamic, forging his own, at-times hilarious relationship with Phoenix and giving Ridley enough support without stepping on his toes. Both characters have a lot of doubts for different reasons and while this causes some ripples and necessary lessons for them both, there is something deeply intimate and real about the way they work really hard to make their relationship a success. Amidst the learning curves, they learn to trust themselves, and the book beautifully showcases how two imperfect people are willing to put in the necessary effort to be good to each other.
*Line-Drive*, releases this Saturday (7/16) and 5 big stars for this fantastic story!
CW’s (from book): mild use of ableist language; past drug use; past parental neglect; mentions of transphobia in school towards a minor.
James is stuck in a bit of a rut, buying businesses that catch his eye and a little bit envious of his best friend’s romance when he runs into Ridley, a stressed-out single dad to a sassy trans and disabled teen and caught in a cycle of feeling like he’s not parenting well and not even feeling remotely like a romantic option to anyone. When he meets James, and though they have a somewhat fiery first meeting, he cannot understand these feelings of attraction he has never felt before for a man, let alone for someone who lives an entirely different life from him.
Many of EM’s characters are hardly perfect. They are flawed and burdened by life, by their own traumas, and often unintentionally hurt the ones they love the most. I loved the way this was portrayed in Ridley and how it manifested in both his relationship with James but also with his teenage son. Phoenix was a joy to read, and just came off the page with his smart attitude, his fierce need for independence and also as an important voice of reason for Ridley. I am such trash for single dad romances and this one is really up there with my favourite depictions of a parent/child relationship. I also loved how James fit into this already established dynamic, forging his own, at-times hilarious relationship with Phoenix and giving Ridley enough support without stepping on his toes. Both characters have a lot of doubts for different reasons and while this causes some ripples and necessary lessons for them both, there is something deeply intimate and real about the way they work really hard to make their relationship a success. Amidst the learning curves, they learn to trust themselves, and the book beautifully showcases how two imperfect people are willing to put in the necessary effort to be good to each other.
*Line-Drive*, releases this Saturday (7/16) and 5 big stars for this fantastic story!
CW’s (from book): mild use of ableist language; past drug use; past parental neglect; mentions of transphobia in school towards a minor.
July 12, 2022
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
Line Drive is the second full book in this series. James Harney is a pitcher on the Vikings. He meets Ridley after an interaction with Ridley's son, Phoenix.
This one didn't really "do it" for me. I mean, these two hadn't met until a quarter of the way in. I love James. He is perfectly damaged and slightly broken after a horrible childhood. We only get bits and pieces doled out through the book, but from what we can gather, love was only an idea that existed for others, but not for him.
And then there's Ridley. Helicopter dad and teacher/baseball coach at the local high school. His son Phoenix is more dynamic than he is. Phoenix is trans with cerebral palsy (CP). Ridley goes for the path of no resistance in his personal life. He is ruled by his fears of what everyone will think about him, to the point of breaking James' heart multiple times. He is selfish, cowardly, and I was just done with his character.
James and Ridley's relationship was a hard one to swallow. I get that there was instalust. But the development of deeper feelings didnt really take place on page. I felt that James and Phoenix interacted more than James and Ridley did, especially outside of the bedroom. I mean, the push away pull back in, I like you but I don't know what I want/ I need space and time, didn't stop until after the 80% mark, with the resolution coming faster than a summer thunderstorm.
There were some weird typos that I hope will be caught. There are two or three places where James is called Pietro, which is annoying. I am looking forward to Orion's book, and it was nice seeing Pietro from the first one still in love with his hubby, but I wish James had gotten better than who he got.
Line Drive is the second full book in this series. James Harney is a pitcher on the Vikings. He meets Ridley after an interaction with Ridley's son, Phoenix.
This one didn't really "do it" for me. I mean, these two hadn't met until a quarter of the way in. I love James. He is perfectly damaged and slightly broken after a horrible childhood. We only get bits and pieces doled out through the book, but from what we can gather, love was only an idea that existed for others, but not for him.
And then there's Ridley. Helicopter dad and teacher/baseball coach at the local high school. His son Phoenix is more dynamic than he is. Phoenix is trans with cerebral palsy (CP). Ridley goes for the path of no resistance in his personal life. He is ruled by his fears of what everyone will think about him, to the point of breaking James' heart multiple times. He is selfish, cowardly, and I was just done with his character.
James and Ridley's relationship was a hard one to swallow. I get that there was instalust. But the development of deeper feelings didnt really take place on page. I felt that James and Phoenix interacted more than James and Ridley did, especially outside of the bedroom. I mean, the push away pull back in, I like you but I don't know what I want/ I need space and time, didn't stop until after the 80% mark, with the resolution coming faster than a summer thunderstorm.
There were some weird typos that I hope will be caught. There are two or three places where James is called Pietro, which is annoying. I am looking forward to Orion's book, and it was nice seeing Pietro from the first one still in love with his hubby, but I wish James had gotten better than who he got.
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June 27, 2025This mini-review is part of a list that can be read in full at The Smut Report
You’ll find all kinds of disability rep in Lindsey’s books, and it’s wonderful (and normal, because people exist). From this author, you’ll get anything from sportsball to soft contemporary to dark mafia, so there’s likely something for everyone. Expect complex characters who don’t always do the right thing but try (eventually) to be their best selves. Also tropes, because who doesn’t love a good, tropey kick-off to a story?
Erin actually has most of this author’s backlist still to read, so start wherever you want, but her rec is Line Drive.
Blog | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Pinterest
You’ll find all kinds of disability rep in Lindsey’s books, and it’s wonderful (and normal, because people exist). From this author, you’ll get anything from sportsball to soft contemporary to dark mafia, so there’s likely something for everyone. Expect complex characters who don’t always do the right thing but try (eventually) to be their best selves. Also tropes, because who doesn’t love a good, tropey kick-off to a story?
Erin actually has most of this author’s backlist still to read, so start wherever you want, but her rec is Line Drive.
Blog | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Pinterest
July 18, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Line Drive is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Hit and Run series and I just loved this one. It is sexy and romantic and sweet, with such great characters and a well-developed relationship. The story works as a standalone, though Pietro from Switch-Hitter is a prominent side character as James’ best friend. But you can easily jump in here no problem.
I enjoyed the set up here with James first meeting Phoenix and getting to know the teen before he meets Ridley. It gives us a chance to see James interacting as a regular person, rather than the famous baseball star, as well as for him to bond with Phoenix outside of his relationship with Ridley. Of course, James can’t help but jump in to give Ridley some unsolicited advice, which doesn’t get the men off on the best foot, but a friendship ends up building out of that.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Line Drive is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Hit and Run series and I just loved this one. It is sexy and romantic and sweet, with such great characters and a well-developed relationship. The story works as a standalone, though Pietro from Switch-Hitter is a prominent side character as James’ best friend. But you can easily jump in here no problem.
I enjoyed the set up here with James first meeting Phoenix and getting to know the teen before he meets Ridley. It gives us a chance to see James interacting as a regular person, rather than the famous baseball star, as well as for him to bond with Phoenix outside of his relationship with Ridley. Of course, James can’t help but jump in to give Ridley some unsolicited advice, which doesn’t get the men off on the best foot, but a friendship ends up building out of that.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 23, 2025
Another instance of "I didn't plan to finish this so soon, but oops I read too far."
This was better than the first for me (and I did enjoy that one). Part of that was that I knew the level of baseball I was getting, part of it was the dynamics at play here. Because not only did we have these two morons falling for each other (a guarded hero & a bi awakening? immediate disaster), but we had the inclusion of Phoenix, which played into a larger family story for James.
(And I adored Phoenix, he was a typical teen in a lot of ways but also was very sharp and quite funny.)
I was a little annoyed at the conflict point because it probably could have been avoided if everyone just used their words, but I actually bought it because they were both dealing with so much and Ridley really needed the chance to know himself before moving forward. also helped ground the reality of their feelings some and made things feel less rushed.
A little hesitant about the next one because is involved, but I'm enjoying the series so I'll give it a shot.
This was better than the first for me (and I did enjoy that one). Part of that was that I knew the level of baseball I was getting, part of it was the dynamics at play here. Because not only did we have these two morons falling for each other (a guarded hero & a bi awakening? immediate disaster), but we had the inclusion of Phoenix, which played into a larger family story for James.
(And I adored Phoenix, he was a typical teen in a lot of ways but also was very sharp and quite funny.)
I was a little annoyed at the conflict point because it probably could have been avoided if everyone just used their words, but I actually bought it because they were both dealing with so much and Ridley really needed the chance to know himself before moving forward. also helped ground the reality of their feelings some and made things feel less rushed.
A little hesitant about the next one because is involved, but I'm enjoying the series so I'll give it a shot.
July 4, 2022
James and Ridley's story grew on me slowly, and by the time I reached the end I was surprised by how warm and content they'd made me feel. When I met James in the last book I didn't think much about him, but getting a peek inside his brain forced me to re-evaluate the assumptions I'd made. James wasn't just a cocky athlete and loyal friend to Pietro; he was also a lonely man who'd convinced himself he wasn't cut out for relationships and lasting love. It's not that he seemed particularly miserable or unhappy with his choices in life, but a part of him had settled for just existing instead of seeking out something more for himself. That's why it was so exciting for me to see the changes in him after he met Phoenix and Ridley. Seeing him engage with someone new, open himself up to attraction and flirting and more was a thrill because I knew it meant James was letting his heart get involved again. Yes, his relationship with Ridley had its ups and downs, miscommunications and false starts, but the link between them was strong enough to weather it. I lived for their quiet nights together, eating in and watching tapes together and passionately exploring each other's bodies, because the two of them poured their hearts and souls into every interaction they had. It was impossible for me to believe that things weren't that serious, even though they used it as a shield for their fears and insecurities, when the two of them were so invested in each other. I wish James and Ridley hadn't let life get in the way of their happiness, but luckily they had Phoenix to call them out on their ridiculousness. I wasn't expecting him (Phoenix) to win me over so thoroughly, but that kid was a breath of fresh air whenever Ridley tried to make himself into a martyr and James retreated out of his own fears. I'm so happy that they found a way to balance their busy schedules with a relationship, and it was extra sweet to see the two of them ride off on such a high note.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 14, 2022
Line Drive by E.M.Lindsey, this is the second book in the Hit and Run series.
Such a tremendous read , here we meet Ridley Holland who has never been with a man but has had feelings.
Ridley is a High School baseball coach, a single dad , his ex is involved in raising their son, they both really care for his welfare.
James ( Scooter ) Harvey is a professional baseball player, often feels lonely, is out and proud.
Ridley’s son Phoenix is trans and also has cerebral palsy which is written with care , love and kindness.
Phoenix has a mouth , he says what he thinks which is hilarious.
There is a truth in this book , a truth of be who you are !
Such wonderful characters all who are solidly written .
I really connect with all of E.M. Lindsey’s characters .
Beautiful writing style .
Such a tremendous read , here we meet Ridley Holland who has never been with a man but has had feelings.
Ridley is a High School baseball coach, a single dad , his ex is involved in raising their son, they both really care for his welfare.
James ( Scooter ) Harvey is a professional baseball player, often feels lonely, is out and proud.
Ridley’s son Phoenix is trans and also has cerebral palsy which is written with care , love and kindness.
Phoenix has a mouth , he says what he thinks which is hilarious.
There is a truth in this book , a truth of be who you are !
Such wonderful characters all who are solidly written .
I really connect with all of E.M. Lindsey’s characters .
Beautiful writing style .
July 18, 2022
Mediocre. 2.5/5.
I really enjoyed the first book so I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, though, it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. I didn’t click with any of the characters so really didn’t care about them or what’s they were doing. I also don’t tend to like kids in books, largely because authors who write kids have clearly never met a kid in their lives and don’t know how they talk, and this one had a weirdly-adult-sounding kid as a major character. Didn’t love that. They also kept vaguely referring back to James’ bad childhood and stints in prison without really explaining it. Just an all-around mediocre book.
I really enjoyed the first book so I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, though, it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. I didn’t click with any of the characters so really didn’t care about them or what’s they were doing. I also don’t tend to like kids in books, largely because authors who write kids have clearly never met a kid in their lives and don’t know how they talk, and this one had a weirdly-adult-sounding kid as a major character. Didn’t love that. They also kept vaguely referring back to James’ bad childhood and stints in prison without really explaining it. Just an all-around mediocre book.
July 19, 2022
I wanted to like this story but I just could not connect with the main characters. They spent more time apart than together and I just could not feel the chemistry at all. There was all this dark history but it was always highlighted over and never went into detail to understand why the characters were so broken.
At times I liked Phoenix but I think he was way to hard on his dad.
Overall this story was just a miss for me.
At times I liked Phoenix but I think he was way to hard on his dad.
Overall this story was just a miss for me.
August 9, 2022
This was fucking adorable and Phoenix is my new favorite
August 31, 2022
I liked this one better than the first. Phoenix was awesome! Ridley and James made a terrific couple!
July 18, 2022
Another home run by EM Lindsey (see what I did there?)
This is the story of James, and MLB pitcher with a rough past who is not looking for love. He’s happy with his found family on his team, and he’s got more money than he ever has. He can breathe now. But when a drive past a bookstore for sale gives him a crazy idea, he has no idea how much his life is about to change.
Ridley is a high school baseball coach with a teenage son (who’s got a hilarious and painfully honest mouth on him). He’s been lonely since his divorce, but he also doesn’t know quite what he wants. For the moment, he stays busy with his son and his team, but there’s always been something missing. Maybe it’s the sexy pitcher who’s bought the old bookshop…
James and Ridley are very sweet and sexy together, and they definitely demonstrate the importance of communication! The stand out character for me was Ridley’s son Phoenix, who needs his own book as he grows up 💚
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