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The Vegas Kings #3
The Dugout
He's my brother's ex-best friend...and the guy who left my heart in pieces.
Ryder Huntington was my first and only broken heart. After he disappeared from our college campus and my life years ago, I promised no one would tear me up like his sweet words and broken promises ever again.
Until I finally score my first high-paying interior design job and who shows up? The heartbreaker himself, screaming words like breaking and entering.
I always imagined the day we met again would involve more groveling on Ryder's part and fewer cops, handcuffs, and sexy professional baseball players.
Now he wants to make up for the misunderstanding. Well, that ship has sailed. I think.
I should detest Ryder out of sheer loyalty to my brother and my heart, but the longer we’re together, the harder he is to hate. Because under that steely exterior he hides pain he doesn't let anyone see. Part of me wants to heal his broken pieces…but falling for my brother's enemy again just might break me in the process.
Ryder Huntington was my first and only broken heart. After he disappeared from our college campus and my life years ago, I promised no one would tear me up like his sweet words and broken promises ever again.
Until I finally score my first high-paying interior design job and who shows up? The heartbreaker himself, screaming words like breaking and entering.
I always imagined the day we met again would involve more groveling on Ryder's part and fewer cops, handcuffs, and sexy professional baseball players.
Now he wants to make up for the misunderstanding. Well, that ship has sailed. I think.
I should detest Ryder out of sheer loyalty to my brother and my heart, but the longer we’re together, the harder he is to hate. Because under that steely exterior he hides pain he doesn't let anyone see. Part of me wants to heal his broken pieces…but falling for my brother's enemy again just might break me in the process.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2023
491 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Emily Childs
30 books365 followersI live in Utah with my husband, our four kids, our dog who thinks she is human, and a rather suspicious cat. A fantasy anthology which included my work in 2018 hit the USA Today Bestseller's list. I have written several fantasy and romance novels and adore both genres!
You'll most likely find me when I'm not writing trying to keep up with the kids, daydreaming, spending time in the mountains, and drinking too much caffeine.
You'll most likely find me when I'm not writing trying to keep up with the kids, daydreaming, spending time in the mountains, and drinking too much caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 9, 2023
The third installment in this series is a bit different from the first two with a more serious theme woven into the story. More time is spent on personal lives, friendships and on the rebuilding of a relationship that was broken apart when the main characters faced tragic circumstances as teens. The tough issues – autism, among them -- are treated with tremendous care and understanding. All the trigger items carry meaningful messages throughout very effectively.
The sport of baseball takes a backseat, no real game action. The team’s attention is centered on civic-minded activities and building safe havens for less fortunate teens and romance, of course. There’s plenty of witty banter to be enjoyed and the athletes are always looking for ways to improve their "game" on and off the field.
Ava and Ryder are exceptionally interesting and complex characters in a gritty, raw and emotional story with no holds barred. I wanted to hug them both so many times. The author did an outstanding job bringing them to life on the pages -- balancing out the drama and romance.
An achingly romantic and appealingly written addition to the Vegas Kings Series with a fantastic, uplifting and satisfying happily-ever-after!
January 23, 2023
So I will start off by saying Emily Childs wrote a beautifully neuro divergent character. Amazing and not overdone. I have this as low rating simply because I felt more chemistry between me and that double chocolate caramel brownie I ate last week. Also all the men in this book need a good whooping and treat their sister/girlfriends like actual human beings not items to be protected.
August 4, 2023
Things I Liked:
-second chance romance
-the chemistry between Ryder and Ava
-the friendships within the series (between Ryder, Dax, Griffin, and Parker) and how guys partners were immediately accepted into their circle. I also loved how Perfectly Broken and their families are still seen and part of the group
-the flashbacks of Ava and Ryder's past as well as Drake and Ryder's fallout
-autistic representation. I love how a successful athlete was written as the character with autism because it shows that neurodivergent individuals can live a completely normal life
-Ava and Drake's parents - you could tell how much they loved their children and supported them no matter what. I also loved how they welcomed Ryder right back into their family and didn't hold the past against him
-Ryder's dad - how he protected/stood up for Ryder against his brother and always made sure to correct him when Ryder was referred to as his stepson
-Charlie - he was just so adorable
-Drake - yes, he made a huge mistake with what he said to Ryder when they were younger, but it was very obvious how much he still cared for Ryder (he followed Ryder's career, left a voicemail for him on the worst day of his life, wanted him there on the best day of his life, and wanted to be there for Ryder when Dax was in the hospital)
-the epilogue and extended epilogue (they had a son and adopted twin girls 🥰) - I also really want a book about Drake now because excuse me, he's engaged (and I love single parent tropes)
Things I Didn’t Like:
-Mitch...he was a bully, manipulator, and tried to take advantage of Ryder by only reaching out to him when he wanted something (aka money)
-Ryder's uncle (his dad's brother) - the way he treated Ryder and Ryder's mom and raised his son (Mitch) to be an entitled bully
Things I Would’ve Liked To See:
-scenes with Ava and Ryder right after they got back together (the author seemed to jump a few weeks ahead right after they kissed)
-Ava and Ryder telling their parents they were together
-more flashbacks (their first kiss, first date, when they found out Ava was pregnant, that she had a miscarriage, was diagnosed with cancer, etc.)
-Ryder finding out Ava was pregnant (the extended epilogue mentioned she told him in front of their loved one but I would've loved to see his reaction)
-second chance romance
-the chemistry between Ryder and Ava
-the friendships within the series (between Ryder, Dax, Griffin, and Parker) and how guys partners were immediately accepted into their circle. I also loved how Perfectly Broken and their families are still seen and part of the group
-the flashbacks of Ava and Ryder's past as well as Drake and Ryder's fallout
-autistic representation. I love how a successful athlete was written as the character with autism because it shows that neurodivergent individuals can live a completely normal life
-Ava and Drake's parents - you could tell how much they loved their children and supported them no matter what. I also loved how they welcomed Ryder right back into their family and didn't hold the past against him
-Ryder's dad - how he protected/stood up for Ryder against his brother and always made sure to correct him when Ryder was referred to as his stepson
-Charlie - he was just so adorable
-Drake - yes, he made a huge mistake with what he said to Ryder when they were younger, but it was very obvious how much he still cared for Ryder (he followed Ryder's career, left a voicemail for him on the worst day of his life, wanted him there on the best day of his life, and wanted to be there for Ryder when Dax was in the hospital)
-the epilogue and extended epilogue (they had a son and adopted twin girls 🥰) - I also really want a book about Drake now because excuse me, he's engaged (and I love single parent tropes)
Things I Didn’t Like:
-Mitch...he was a bully, manipulator, and tried to take advantage of Ryder by only reaching out to him when he wanted something (aka money)
-Ryder's uncle (his dad's brother) - the way he treated Ryder and Ryder's mom and raised his son (Mitch) to be an entitled bully
Things I Would’ve Liked To See:
-scenes with Ava and Ryder right after they got back together (the author seemed to jump a few weeks ahead right after they kissed)
-Ava and Ryder telling their parents they were together
-more flashbacks (their first kiss, first date, when they found out Ava was pregnant, that she had a miscarriage, was diagnosed with cancer, etc.)
-Ryder finding out Ava was pregnant (the extended epilogue mentioned she told him in front of their loved one but I would've loved to see his reaction)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2024
4.5 stars.
My only problem is there wasn’t enough. Which to me is a sign of a good story. When I find my self wanting more it’s usually because I care and there were good characters and story lines. So here’s what there wasn’t enough of…
1. Wasn’t enough of Ryder with his friends, wasn’t enough communication between them. Perhaps more realistic since they are guys but still left me wanting more conversation between them about the character history reveals.
2. Wasn’t enough Ryder and Ava. Their relationship began to rekindle and then… time skip they are together and happy and spending time with friends. I would have liked more of a window into the reconnection and conversations they had about their past and their future before skipping to the happy together and meeting friends aspect.
3. There wasn’t enough of a satisfactory story behind Ryder’s adopted family drama. Why did Dan hate Ryder’s mom so much and why did Mitch try to be such a user? And where was the rest of Josh’s family. Did Ryder have grandparents? Did they accept him? How did this brother drama affect the rest? I wanted more of a reason and more of a resolution, either a break through for the family or a karma got them situation.
4. There wasn’t enough Drake. Ava and Drake were obviously close. I would have loved more sibling banter and a look into Drakes dating life. There were several references to ladies who were interested in Drake and then at the end it mentioned him being engaged. I would have loved some peaks into Ava and Ryder baby sitting for dates and an idea of who he may have ended up with and how she fit with the group. Did Ava like her? And Ava deserved a chance to meddle in her brother’s love life a little after what Drake did to theirs.
So obviously my ideal book would have been quite a bit longer but *shrugs* what can you do? The fact is it’s a good book that I enjoyed and that had me wanting more.
My only problem is there wasn’t enough. Which to me is a sign of a good story. When I find my self wanting more it’s usually because I care and there were good characters and story lines. So here’s what there wasn’t enough of…
1. Wasn’t enough of Ryder with his friends, wasn’t enough communication between them. Perhaps more realistic since they are guys but still left me wanting more conversation between them about the character history reveals.
2. Wasn’t enough Ryder and Ava. Their relationship began to rekindle and then… time skip they are together and happy and spending time with friends. I would have liked more of a window into the reconnection and conversations they had about their past and their future before skipping to the happy together and meeting friends aspect.
3. There wasn’t enough of a satisfactory story behind Ryder’s adopted family drama. Why did Dan hate Ryder’s mom so much and why did Mitch try to be such a user? And where was the rest of Josh’s family. Did Ryder have grandparents? Did they accept him? How did this brother drama affect the rest? I wanted more of a reason and more of a resolution, either a break through for the family or a karma got them situation.
4. There wasn’t enough Drake. Ava and Drake were obviously close. I would have loved more sibling banter and a look into Drakes dating life. There were several references to ladies who were interested in Drake and then at the end it mentioned him being engaged. I would have loved some peaks into Ava and Ryder baby sitting for dates and an idea of who he may have ended up with and how she fit with the group. Did Ava like her? And Ava deserved a chance to meddle in her brother’s love life a little after what Drake did to theirs.
So obviously my ideal book would have been quite a bit longer but *shrugs* what can you do? The fact is it’s a good book that I enjoyed and that had me wanting more.
February 9, 2023
I went into The Dugout by Emily C. Childs knowing that people are either loving it or hating it. The odd buzz I’ve been hearing about this book made me very curious and my desire to read it intensified. Childs’s novels are consistently beloved, so what did she do so differently with this book? I devoured this book in about 24 hours. Personally, I loved every minute of this well-written story, and cannot agree with the Negative Nancys who’ve given poor ratings. In fact, I am convinced that many of them didn’t actually read the entire book. As with all of Childs’s previous novels, The Dugout is not mere fluff. There are some heavy topics dealt with in this story, and I feel Childs dealt with each of them respectfully and realistically. In this story, Childs tackles adoption, teen pregnancy, miscarriage, cancer, autism, bullies, and forgiveness. She also takes a look at how child trauma causes problems that can affect people into their teen and adult years. What some readers are struggling with is how Ryder, at 18 (and based on the information he was and was not given) made a decision that impacted the female lead character during a really sad, scary time in her life. I, personally, did NOT struggle with an 18-year old boy acting like a severely hurt 18-year old boy. Teens are teens. They are not adults. When adult-level stuff is thrown at teens, I will never, ever fault a teen for reacting as a kid instead of as an adult. It’s foolish to expect a teen to act like an adult. It blows my mind that some of the reviewers are negatively reviewing this book because teens acted like teens. This book has a lot of heavy stuff in it, and I feel like each character dealt with their individual stuff very realistically. My heart hurt for each character; and, I cheered for each one as they navigated through their pain and back to one another. I loved their journeys to truth and understanding and forgiveness and healing and love. This is an excellent Second-Chance Romance, and I highly, highly recommend it.
The Dugout is another home run by Emily Childs! This is a story that will stick with me long after having read the final page. If you are a fan of well-written Contemporary Romance then I highly recommend checking out this book today. It is not a story to be missed!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on January 18, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Dugout is another home run by Emily Childs! This is a story that will stick with me long after having read the final page. If you are a fan of well-written Contemporary Romance then I highly recommend checking out this book today. It is not a story to be missed!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on January 18, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 24, 2024
The Dugout by Emily Childs
I actually love this book. And it's not because it is a love story a second chance (I usually don't like 2nd Chance).
*SPOILERS!!!*
-WARNING- there is mention of orphans, adoption, miscarriage, cancer, depression, autism, and bullying him for autism.
Ryder: hides the fact that he is autistic, not very social, hides who he is, and loves Ava (or as he calls her, Tweets). He is a sweetheart but hides who he is because he fears losing people close to him. Because of Ava and her brother, he doesn't let people close at all and tends to push them away.
Ava: she suffered a lot in her first 20 years. She and her twin brother were in the system due to their parents' problem with substance abuse. They end up getting adopted and that is where they meet Ryder. Later, she and he fall in love, expect a baby (at 18), and then lose the baby to ovarian cancer. This all happens right before their plans for college. Hurtful words are said (between her brother and Ryder) that lead to him leaving her behind thinking it'll be better for her.
Now they are both adults. They haven't seen each other for 10 years but their families (parents) are still close friends. He needs her help as she is a designer for his sports center (for children who are in the system and more). She agrees (after he rejects her and then begs her to do it) and together they resolve the past and fall back in love. Ryder and her brother will figure it out but only towards the end.
They do get their happily ever after...which you got to read because it is my favorite.
I actually love this book. And it's not because it is a love story a second chance (I usually don't like 2nd Chance).
*SPOILERS!!!*
-WARNING- there is mention of orphans, adoption, miscarriage, cancer, depression, autism, and bullying him for autism.
Ryder: hides the fact that he is autistic, not very social, hides who he is, and loves Ava (or as he calls her, Tweets). He is a sweetheart but hides who he is because he fears losing people close to him. Because of Ava and her brother, he doesn't let people close at all and tends to push them away.
Ava: she suffered a lot in her first 20 years. She and her twin brother were in the system due to their parents' problem with substance abuse. They end up getting adopted and that is where they meet Ryder. Later, she and he fall in love, expect a baby (at 18), and then lose the baby to ovarian cancer. This all happens right before their plans for college. Hurtful words are said (between her brother and Ryder) that lead to him leaving her behind thinking it'll be better for her.
Now they are both adults. They haven't seen each other for 10 years but their families (parents) are still close friends. He needs her help as she is a designer for his sports center (for children who are in the system and more). She agrees (after he rejects her and then begs her to do it) and together they resolve the past and fall back in love. Ryder and her brother will figure it out but only towards the end.
They do get their happily ever after...which you got to read because it is my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
The writing was amazing. Neurodivergent characters are 50/50 for me because often authors use them as a plot device or filler. This was so natural that I really felt like she did Ryder justice showing the self-doubt side of things.
So why the low rating??
Spoilers ahead....
Trigger warnings for FMC losing a baby AND both her ovaries to cancer. At first I thought their break up (and 10 year absence) stemmed from her losing the baby and not telling him about it. I was expecting angst. I was NOT expecting that after losing the baby and all future babies, the "Hero" left her. He. Left. Her. After a miscarriage and battle with cancer, he just left and never looked back. Sure, he was miserable but I fucking hope so. He deserved worse. He deserved running into her and finding out she lived a full life with a beautiful, LOYAL, LOVING husband and adopted children.
Fuck him.
Fuck his autism. That's not an excuse to treat the love of your life like human garbage.
He got a tattoo to honor their unborn child. Congrats on 1 hour of pain, you loser. Want to honor the pain your love went thru then maybe have them tattoo it on your dick, cause that wouldn't be enough but at least closer to feeling what she went thru.
Gah! I'm gonna skim to the end and fingers crossed, he gets bone cancer and she'll leave him. Anything less is a waste of my tears.
So why the low rating??
Spoilers ahead....
Trigger warnings for FMC losing a baby AND both her ovaries to cancer. At first I thought their break up (and 10 year absence) stemmed from her losing the baby and not telling him about it. I was expecting angst. I was NOT expecting that after losing the baby and all future babies, the "Hero" left her. He. Left. Her. After a miscarriage and battle with cancer, he just left and never looked back. Sure, he was miserable but I fucking hope so. He deserved worse. He deserved running into her and finding out she lived a full life with a beautiful, LOYAL, LOVING husband and adopted children.
Fuck him.
Fuck his autism. That's not an excuse to treat the love of your life like human garbage.
He got a tattoo to honor their unborn child. Congrats on 1 hour of pain, you loser. Want to honor the pain your love went thru then maybe have them tattoo it on your dick, cause that wouldn't be enough but at least closer to feeling what she went thru.
Gah! I'm gonna skim to the end and fingers crossed, he gets bone cancer and she'll leave him. Anything less is a waste of my tears.
February 4, 2023
No Baseball, all angst
So I had to quit this story. With a misleading title like The Dugout, you expect sports scenarios. Locker rooms, practices, game plays, physical conditioning, game standings, team gatherings after games or at each others homes. None. Never mentioned. And Ms. Childs is very good at sentence structure but very lacking at providing story visuals. What was the scene setting? Furnishings? Colors? Weather? Physical position? No idea but i can tell you At 40%, we get the first few baseball paragraphs about the heroine going to a charity game without a single game detail. She met about 127 different people in the owners box(entirely toi many supporting characters) and continued her mental tirade about underserved disadvantaged youth. Which is mentioned in almost every paragraph, on every page. She is driven to give back to kids like herself that were part of the bungled child welfare system. We have to build a site that they can use and everyone feels inclusive. Okay we get it. Over and over and over we get it. Did she ever eat the Flippin Zoodles? Did she ever eat anything. Again no idea. Shocking.
So I had to quit this story. With a misleading title like The Dugout, you expect sports scenarios. Locker rooms, practices, game plays, physical conditioning, game standings, team gatherings after games or at each others homes. None. Never mentioned. And Ms. Childs is very good at sentence structure but very lacking at providing story visuals. What was the scene setting? Furnishings? Colors? Weather? Physical position? No idea but i can tell you At 40%, we get the first few baseball paragraphs about the heroine going to a charity game without a single game detail. She met about 127 different people in the owners box(entirely toi many supporting characters) and continued her mental tirade about underserved disadvantaged youth. Which is mentioned in almost every paragraph, on every page. She is driven to give back to kids like herself that were part of the bungled child welfare system. We have to build a site that they can use and everyone feels inclusive. Okay we get it. Over and over and over we get it. Did she ever eat the Flippin Zoodles? Did she ever eat anything. Again no idea. Shocking.
September 16, 2025
Cute YA read
Overall, I like the characters in this series as they also go back to the Rockstar series. But, I do miss spice in my romance books. These are definitely more young adult than anything else.
I also don't know many autistic individuals who are as in tune with things as Ryder is. But I also don't know a ton of autistic people.
Mitch and his father, Daniel, and even Ava's brother Drake at the one point were jerks. Big time. Kind of wish something more would have happened to Daniel as a result of everything. He was the worst as well.
I don't really understand how Drake continued to be standoffish and a total jerk over everything when he was the one in the wrong. And by all accounts, he knew it. And yes, he did a couple phone calls, and Ryder should have listened to them Sooner, but at least in the end he listens and they were there for each other and it was like old times.
I will finish this series because I do enjoy all of the characters as a whole. Although, they are also a lot of really messed up people so they are diverse at least, but it's almost a bit too much when trying to escape reality in a book.
Overall, I like the characters in this series as they also go back to the Rockstar series. But, I do miss spice in my romance books. These are definitely more young adult than anything else.
I also don't know many autistic individuals who are as in tune with things as Ryder is. But I also don't know a ton of autistic people.
Mitch and his father, Daniel, and even Ava's brother Drake at the one point were jerks. Big time. Kind of wish something more would have happened to Daniel as a result of everything. He was the worst as well.
I don't really understand how Drake continued to be standoffish and a total jerk over everything when he was the one in the wrong. And by all accounts, he knew it. And yes, he did a couple phone calls, and Ryder should have listened to them Sooner, but at least in the end he listens and they were there for each other and it was like old times.
I will finish this series because I do enjoy all of the characters as a whole. Although, they are also a lot of really messed up people so they are diverse at least, but it's almost a bit too much when trying to escape reality in a book.
January 13, 2023
Brotherhood, friendship, and family
I appreciate how layered and interconnected this story was with past and present. This could be read as a standalone, but is likely best enjoyed after reading the first two Vegas Kings books and possibly the four For Love and Rock books. I loved all the mentions and shoutouts previous characters got. I also liked the setup for Dax's book. I can't wait to read it!
I love how supportive and close-knit the characters in Emily Childs's books are, that's one of the main reasons I keep coming back to these books! I also loved the themes of brotherhood, friendship and family!
There were a lot of tough topics and themes that were touched on. Pay attention to the trigger warnings. Emily Childs is very upfront about these hard topics, but handles them in a respectful, realistic way. Topics discussed include abandonment/adoption, teen pregnancy and miscarriage, bullying, and autism. I would rate this PG-13 for kissing, some innuendo, and the topics mentioned earlier.
I appreciate how layered and interconnected this story was with past and present. This could be read as a standalone, but is likely best enjoyed after reading the first two Vegas Kings books and possibly the four For Love and Rock books. I loved all the mentions and shoutouts previous characters got. I also liked the setup for Dax's book. I can't wait to read it!
I love how supportive and close-knit the characters in Emily Childs's books are, that's one of the main reasons I keep coming back to these books! I also loved the themes of brotherhood, friendship and family!
There were a lot of tough topics and themes that were touched on. Pay attention to the trigger warnings. Emily Childs is very upfront about these hard topics, but handles them in a respectful, realistic way. Topics discussed include abandonment/adoption, teen pregnancy and miscarriage, bullying, and autism. I would rate this PG-13 for kissing, some innuendo, and the topics mentioned earlier.
January 10, 2023
Everytime Emily releases a new book it automatically jumps to the top of my TBR list.
I was lucky enough to win an e-book ARC through her fb group, so here is my honest review:
This book is everything. I was so happy to be back in the world of my favorite sportsteam that I read the book in 1 go. It definitely is an easy read. I loved that this book was a bit more complicated then the others, it absolutely had something new. The Dugout was so much more then expected and God do i live for the brother (ex) best friend trope. I am not kidding when i tell you this is my new favorite book in the whole series.
I do suggest checking the TW since there is bullying of people with autism in this book! Since i am an individual with autism it hit close to home wich made it a tad more emotional and even relatable for me. It also hits topics like fertility issues and miscarriage.
I would 100% recommend The Dugout and the whole series, to everybody that loves reading cute and sweet romance books.
Thank you Emily for writing another must read book!
I was lucky enough to win an e-book ARC through her fb group, so here is my honest review:
This book is everything. I was so happy to be back in the world of my favorite sportsteam that I read the book in 1 go. It definitely is an easy read. I loved that this book was a bit more complicated then the others, it absolutely had something new. The Dugout was so much more then expected and God do i live for the brother (ex) best friend trope. I am not kidding when i tell you this is my new favorite book in the whole series.
I do suggest checking the TW since there is bullying of people with autism in this book! Since i am an individual with autism it hit close to home wich made it a tad more emotional and even relatable for me. It also hits topics like fertility issues and miscarriage.
I would 100% recommend The Dugout and the whole series, to everybody that loves reading cute and sweet romance books.
Thank you Emily for writing another must read book!
January 19, 2023
I highly recommend this one! Emily has this way of writing that brings you into the stories- you feel every emotion! This one had me crying, laughing, and falling in love with Ryder! I'm really impressed with the way she wrote his neurodivergence. I could feel his struggles. It was so awesome to read a neurodivergent MMC and get his POV!!!
I loved the flashbacks! It gives you all their history without slowing the story down. In fact it really added to the feelings in the story! The choices they made, they way they felt, the miscommunications and misunderstandings felt so real life. It was true to their ages and places in life. The whole book felt so real and authentic!!
And of course it was so fun to catch up with our Vegas Kings and Perfectly Broken friends! I love them all!! I can't wait for Dax's book!! Just trust me - go buy this right now!! Thanks Em for the arc!!! I love everything you write!
I loved the flashbacks! It gives you all their history without slowing the story down. In fact it really added to the feelings in the story! The choices they made, they way they felt, the miscommunications and misunderstandings felt so real life. It was true to their ages and places in life. The whole book felt so real and authentic!!
And of course it was so fun to catch up with our Vegas Kings and Perfectly Broken friends! I love them all!! I can't wait for Dax's book!! Just trust me - go buy this right now!! Thanks Em for the arc!!! I love everything you write!
January 25, 2023
So happy to have read a neurodivergent character! She did such a good job crafting this character and story line. I might have gone wrong in not reading the series in order, this is the first one I got and read, and t sadly I don’t think I loved it.
I have an issue with books with this type of writing, it was so hard to understand who everyone was, is like there where two series being always mentioned and as much as I tried I just couldn’t… get into it. The dialog threw me off.
I think that it’s refreshing to read a book not so focused on the romance between the two main characters but on male and female friendships. But man… I didn’t feel the chemistry. I didn’t get why they were in love when they were kids. I missed that part, I guess the author went for a it was always meant to be you line, but nothing lead up to this and that was the main reason I didn’t love it.
I HONESTLY wanted to love it, but I ended up skipping so much towards the end.
I have an issue with books with this type of writing, it was so hard to understand who everyone was, is like there where two series being always mentioned and as much as I tried I just couldn’t… get into it. The dialog threw me off.
I think that it’s refreshing to read a book not so focused on the romance between the two main characters but on male and female friendships. But man… I didn’t feel the chemistry. I didn’t get why they were in love when they were kids. I missed that part, I guess the author went for a it was always meant to be you line, but nothing lead up to this and that was the main reason I didn’t love it.
I HONESTLY wanted to love it, but I ended up skipping so much towards the end.
April 10, 2025
Rating scale:
⭐️ I hated it and possibly wish I could give zero stars.
⭐️⭐️ I didn't hate it, but my time could have been better spent.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it, but there may have been specific elements that I found lacking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it a lot! A solid plot, great character development, and quality writing warrant this rating.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it! This rating means that something about a book has captivated me enough to overlook any minor mistakes or inconsistencies because I am completely immersed in the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pure perfection. A masterpiece. I will read these books time and again and will buy all the limited editions that I can find.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Dugout has a great plot. I feel like it could have been more developed with a closer eye on editing, but overall melted my heart. This smutless series has been an easy, lighthearted, good time. Heading to start the next one now!
⭐️ I hated it and possibly wish I could give zero stars.
⭐️⭐️ I didn't hate it, but my time could have been better spent.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it, but there may have been specific elements that I found lacking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it a lot! A solid plot, great character development, and quality writing warrant this rating.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it! This rating means that something about a book has captivated me enough to overlook any minor mistakes or inconsistencies because I am completely immersed in the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pure perfection. A masterpiece. I will read these books time and again and will buy all the limited editions that I can find.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Dugout has a great plot. I feel like it could have been more developed with a closer eye on editing, but overall melted my heart. This smutless series has been an easy, lighthearted, good time. Heading to start the next one now!
April 27, 2023
This book is so good. One of my favorite things I loved that while it is a sweet romance, there is a lot of depth to the characters. Ryder is one of my favorite characters. I love the representation of autism here. Many times autistics aren't diagnosed until much later in life. These diagnosis can be life changing and I enjoyed seeing how Ryder coped with it. You can see that the author very clearly did her research and it shows. The romance is awesome. I loved the chemistry and how the characters had to work through a very traumatic event. They didn't simply jump back together, but rather took the time. The book is full of emotion. I enjoyed seeing the other characters pop up. Everyone should check out this book it is awesome.
January 23, 2023
I was excited for this release that it automatically jumped to the front of my TBR. I loved the themes of the story including, autism, bullying, adoption, pregnancy loss and infertility. This second chance love story between Ryder and Ava allows room for forgiveness not just between former loves but friends as well when Ryder’s former best friend, Drake, is also Ava’s brother. Seeing these two patch up and heal old wounds, while rekindling their love and building a field house for kids to find refuge in is a beautiful love story that shows the depth of these characters. I really enjoyed this story and fell in love with these characters - just like I have in every other Emily Childs book!
April 13, 2023
initially i had wanted to read this book earlier, but i stumbled across a review that made me scared to pick up the book because it contained spoilers that really made me question the plot and how it unfolds. thanks to my ability to forget things, i gave this book another chance and let’s just say i was pleasantly surprised!!
yes other people might have some qualms about the twins and ryder’s behavior but honestly, i kinda get why they did what they did. maybe it’s because i’m closer to 18 so i can empathize with them and the overwhelming fear.
i absolutely lovedddddd seeing all the other couples and MY GOD! charlie was sooooo cute
it’s a 3.5 stars from me!
yes other people might have some qualms about the twins and ryder’s behavior but honestly, i kinda get why they did what they did. maybe it’s because i’m closer to 18 so i can empathize with them and the overwhelming fear.
i absolutely lovedddddd seeing all the other couples and MY GOD! charlie was sooooo cute
it’s a 3.5 stars from me!
February 23, 2025
For a while there, I thought this would be only a three or four star book. I was kind of disappointed because I have loved the series. I felt like everything revolved around a mysterious confrontation. It seemed to be mentioned no matter what was going on but we weren’t learning what actually happened. However, I realized, that I couldn’t stop reading the book! There were real tears shed. Some heartbreaking. Some happy tears. I thought if a book can get me to feel like that, it deserves five stars.
April 14, 2023
I love how this book deals with serious matters and struggles. Autism is something that isn’t discussed much in the book world, especially not as an issue for the main characters. But I love how the author did her research and did the subject justice. No two cases are the same and each person is unique and beautiful in their own way and I love how she explained and helped people to grasp all that it is. So job well done …
May 5, 2023
I've said it before and I am saying it again... Another great book!
I really liked reading the love story between Ryder and Ava (and her twin brother). Their story tells about their childhood, their young love and a second chance for all three of them. They certainly had plenty of ups and down. Of course, the evil cousin is included. I didn't hit all the facets of their lives but hope I wrote enough to make you interested in reading this series. Written by Cindy :)
I really liked reading the love story between Ryder and Ava (and her twin brother). Their story tells about their childhood, their young love and a second chance for all three of them. They certainly had plenty of ups and down. Of course, the evil cousin is included. I didn't hit all the facets of their lives but hope I wrote enough to make you interested in reading this series. Written by Cindy :)
March 27, 2024
4.75
I loved this so much, it was so so adorable!
I missed these characters so much! The topics that this one touched on was definitely a bit heavier than the first two, but it was still able to be lighthearted and easy to read. The banter and the chemistry was just as good as I remember it being between both the friend group and the main couple, this is definitely something Emily Childs seems to be good at!
I binged this in a couple of days and truly enjoyed every second!!
I loved this so much, it was so so adorable!
I missed these characters so much! The topics that this one touched on was definitely a bit heavier than the first two, but it was still able to be lighthearted and easy to read. The banter and the chemistry was just as good as I remember it being between both the friend group and the main couple, this is definitely something Emily Childs seems to be good at!
I binged this in a couple of days and truly enjoyed every second!!
November 16, 2024
I’ve loved this whole series but I think this one is my favorite! I have never read a book where one of the main characters has autism and this book had that. As a mom to an autistic kid, I loved the representation. I could see my kid in this character, and seeing that he gets the life he wanted is inspiring! I don’t know how many times I teared up reading this! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
Please read TWs/Content warnings before reading the book.
Found family, autism rep, a solid support system -> this book has 'em all, and it is good to see a book emphasizing sm important things.
Chemistry/spark between the MCs, angst/pining, proper emotional connection/depth with the characters, lack of proper communication, too fast-paced/rushed storyline when it comes to resolution -> this book has these as well which made it not that great of a read personally.
Found family, autism rep, a solid support system -> this book has 'em all, and it is good to see a book emphasizing sm important things.
Chemistry/spark between the MCs, angst/pining, proper emotional connection/depth with the characters, lack of proper communication, too fast-paced/rushed storyline when it comes to resolution -> this book has these as well which made it not that great of a read personally.
January 11, 2023
First and foremost I want to shout out to Emily Childs for writing two amazing main characters! These two were so easy to fall in love with and I really, really appreciated the fact that neurodiversity was a large focus in the story line.
This book tugged on my heartstrings in the best way possible and I couldn't put it down.
This book tugged on my heartstrings in the best way possible and I couldn't put it down.
January 19, 2023
I was super confused. The cancer was so random and the teen pregnancy and miscarriage was not explained at all. Ryder having autism was also confusing and random because it was mentioned so suddenly. I did finish the book because I was intrigued to what would happen but I was overall confused, trying to fill in gaps in the story the whole time and a little bored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
For the record I have loved every book in this series and it shocking how much I disliked about this one.
I don’t even think I could fully articulate all of the things I didn’t like. I honestly ended up skimming a bunch just to “finish” the book.
Hopefully I’ll be able to add more to my review later once I’ve taken a beat.
I don’t even think I could fully articulate all of the things I didn’t like. I honestly ended up skimming a bunch just to “finish” the book.
Hopefully I’ll be able to add more to my review later once I’ve taken a beat.
January 25, 2023
Amazing!
This book is now one of my favorites. Thank you for writing an honest depiction of how neurodivergent people can still have healthy loving relationships. This book has a great story arc that fits into the rest of the series without giving up the great storytelling just to make a character neurodivergent. I can’t wait for the next book.
This book is now one of my favorites. Thank you for writing an honest depiction of how neurodivergent people can still have healthy loving relationships. This book has a great story arc that fits into the rest of the series without giving up the great storytelling just to make a character neurodivergent. I can’t wait for the next book.
January 26, 2023
It. Is. About. Time.
This one threw me for a loop. I could hardly contain my emotions while I read about Ryder and Ava. Emily does such an amazing job grasping the feels, no wonder he beat out quiet Dax and not-so-little Mason on being after Griffin.
Can't wait to read the next two!
This one threw me for a loop. I could hardly contain my emotions while I read about Ryder and Ava. Emily does such an amazing job grasping the feels, no wonder he beat out quiet Dax and not-so-little Mason on being after Griffin.
Can't wait to read the next two!
February 11, 2023
So good!
The Dugout was such a great book! Even though it tackled some hard subjects, I thought it was done really well and thoroughly enjoyed the stoic and grumpy Ryder's story. Ava was absolutely made to crack his tough exterior, and it was fun to watch them fall in love all over again. So good!
The Dugout was such a great book! Even though it tackled some hard subjects, I thought it was done really well and thoroughly enjoyed the stoic and grumpy Ryder's story. Ava was absolutely made to crack his tough exterior, and it was fun to watch them fall in love all over again. So good!
March 6, 2023
my fav of the kings
This is my fav of the Vegas kings so far! Ava and Ryder had such a sweet and sad back story. I just loved how hard they fought and how hard they worked to come back. The bromance was sweet in this one too. I haven’t cried in a book in a while and this one broke the streak!
This is my fav of the Vegas kings so far! Ava and Ryder had such a sweet and sad back story. I just loved how hard they fought and how hard they worked to come back. The bromance was sweet in this one too. I haven’t cried in a book in a while and this one broke the streak!
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