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For the Love of the Game #2
Diamond Heat: A Transgender Sports Romance
Daisy Flowers is a one-time college pitching phenom whose career was sidelined by misogyny and transphobia. For over a decade she's toiled away in the minor leagues, doing any job she can to stay in the game she loves. But her heart has grown bitter, and every fastball she throws is fueled by rage. When the Majors finally give her the call, she has only one dream to take on the entire baseball world and leave it scorched and ruined in her wake.
Jonas Sutton, in his third season in the Majors, is a talented player who has never quite lived up to his potential. Struggling to break through, but thwarted by the secret he can never reveal.
Daisy's arrival, in the midst of a pennant race, with everything on the line and the bright glare of the spotlight burning all the time, ignites tempers and passion. She's prepared to fight every inch of the way for the glory she deserves, and Jonas desperately wants to stand by her side.
But no matter how powerfully he's attracted, Jonas knows Daisy is the fuse on the explosion that could blow his world apart.
Jonas Sutton, in his third season in the Majors, is a talented player who has never quite lived up to his potential. Struggling to break through, but thwarted by the secret he can never reveal.
Daisy's arrival, in the midst of a pennant race, with everything on the line and the bright glare of the spotlight burning all the time, ignites tempers and passion. She's prepared to fight every inch of the way for the glory she deserves, and Jonas desperately wants to stand by her side.
But no matter how powerfully he's attracted, Jonas knows Daisy is the fuse on the explosion that could blow his world apart.
511 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2021
17 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Alex Washoe
18 books41 followersAlex Washoe (they/them) is a nonbinary writer, game designer, and full-time pet parent living in Seattle, WA. In previous incarnations, they have been a bookseller, a wildlife rehab care assistant, a dog walker at a companion animal shelter, a public speaker, an amateur stand-up comedian, and many other less interesting things. Alex is prone to sudden, seemingly random enthusiasms — the list currently includes birdwatching, baking, running, hair dye … and of course writing. Writing is always job one.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 21, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
The book opens with Jonas, but overall, I did feel like it was more Daisy’s story. We know right away what the secret is that Jonas is keeping. He’s terrified that someone will find out and he feels guilty for not being more of an advocate and his game is suffering. Jonas knows of Daisy; it seems like everyone in the baseball world knows of Daisy, and Jonas followed Daisy’s college baseball career and always had a bit of a crush on her. Jonas was not expecting the whirlwind that Daisy is to blow into his life and shake every thing up.
The author does a good job of showcasing what Daisy has gone through in her life and all of the many obstacles that were thrown in her way. Because of all this, Daisy has no idea how to be a team player and while she can come off as abrasive, it is easy to feel the years of discrimination and frustration rolling off her, and there is a lifetime of hurt hiding not too far below the surface. Daisy and Jonas are at odds immediately because Jonas feels that if he gets too close to Daisy, everyone will see what he has been hiding for so many years.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
The book opens with Jonas, but overall, I did feel like it was more Daisy’s story. We know right away what the secret is that Jonas is keeping. He’s terrified that someone will find out and he feels guilty for not being more of an advocate and his game is suffering. Jonas knows of Daisy; it seems like everyone in the baseball world knows of Daisy, and Jonas followed Daisy’s college baseball career and always had a bit of a crush on her. Jonas was not expecting the whirlwind that Daisy is to blow into his life and shake every thing up.
The author does a good job of showcasing what Daisy has gone through in her life and all of the many obstacles that were thrown in her way. Because of all this, Daisy has no idea how to be a team player and while she can come off as abrasive, it is easy to feel the years of discrimination and frustration rolling off her, and there is a lifetime of hurt hiding not too far below the surface. Daisy and Jonas are at odds immediately because Jonas feels that if he gets too close to Daisy, everyone will see what he has been hiding for so many years.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
November 18, 2021
There’s No Crying in Baseball
Jonah Sutton is having the batting slump deeper than the Grand Canyon and he’s hiding a big secret. He gets a new spotlight when Daisy Flowers, a transgender pitcher is brought up from the minors to couch the bullpen. It’s still a field of dreams for a player held back by prejudice and one hiding their identity. A great series of sports and those who break the mold.
Jonah Sutton is having the batting slump deeper than the Grand Canyon and he’s hiding a big secret. He gets a new spotlight when Daisy Flowers, a transgender pitcher is brought up from the minors to couch the bullpen. It’s still a field of dreams for a player held back by prejudice and one hiding their identity. A great series of sports and those who break the mold.
August 29, 2021
Wonderful story
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt story of the love of the game and the passion that two people have for each other and the game.
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt story of the love of the game and the passion that two people have for each other and the game.
January 7, 2026
OK story. I wish I believed in this world they live in. Daisy's shucking vernacular was annoying. I'd give it a 2, but it wasn't awful.
December 11, 2021
Enjoyable
Good book with enjoyable characters, although not quite as good as the first one. It’s really great to see more books with trans characters in.
Good book with enjoyable characters, although not quite as good as the first one. It’s really great to see more books with trans characters in.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews