Reviews

The Shutout by Dianna Roman

flamingo_punk's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

meganmentions's review against another edition

5.0

Wow this book ❤

I loved everything about this story. Single growly dad Max, heartbreaking loss, sensitive hot ball player Jack, all the angst, feelings, and progressions of love. This was a little bit longer of a story, but for ONCE it felt like the perfect length. The beginning is for meeting characters and developing the relationships, moving into some painful and sweet growth and exploration, and ends off with epilogues that show the future. I've never been so happy to finish a book knowing that the end closed off without a million hypothetical questions still left, like I typically find with some other quick sports MM romances.

There were many parts of this book that resonated with me. I felt all the emotions during this read. This was my first Dianna Roman read and I'm sooo glad I took the chance. Her writing style is smooth with just enough details to describe the situation without taking away from the story with excessive specifics. I wanted to hug Jack, be a fly on the wall for a spicy argument with Max, and just soak in the stuggles and happy vibes of the whole story.

If you love a solid, well developed MM romance with a hint of sports, a snarky little girl, a marshmallow of a man, GFY, friends-to-lovers, and the best supporting characters....grab this book!!!

I received a free advanced readers copy and provide my review voluntarily ❤

mmadole93's review against another edition

4.0

This was wonderful as it ebbed and flowed with various emotions. It really had you wanting to cry, laugh, and blush. This is a definitely a re-read.

ntdan's review against another edition

4.0

7/10
there are definitely a few problematic parts here, but i think theyre not bad enough that they completely overshadow the story
its sweet (especially the epilogue… that made me want to cry)
it tackles numerous issues relating to homophobia (some was better executed than others, but still)
a bit of a mixed bag, so but overall positive

mmarie_readsandwrites's review against another edition

5.0

Oh, My Heart!

chambersaurusrx's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sb00ky's review

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jamie_w's review

5.0

4.5⭐️ - this was so much more than I hoped it would be. It had so much depth for the characters and their situations. There was quite a bit of internal dialogue so we get the chance to really understand Max and Jack.

It wasn’t the typical bi-awakening. Max was so torn up about his attraction and pull towards Jack. He didn’t automatically accept that he wanted a man after being married to Lainey. He also struggled with grieving after she died unexpectedly. He felt he was betraying her and even their daughter, Emma. It wasn’t just a situation of him being like, “Well, I guess I’m gay now. All is good.” It took him pushing Jack away and being honest with his sister, Morgan. He was confused and overwhelmed and we experience that with him. He also had a significant amount of self loathing to work thru.

Jack was living a shell of a life and it was utterly heartbreaking. He was so good to everyone in his life while simultaneously hiding his truth. He had no support from his parents and no one to love him and call his own. He loved playing baseball but it didn’t allow him to truly be himself. He was such a wonderful, caring, loving, funny man and was the best friend a person could ask for. His relationship with Lainey and Emma was so touching. His really was an extension of their family.

Once Max opened his heart to Jack, we get to experience this beautiful awakening for him and the reality of Jack finally getting to love someone. Their relationship was so incredible and kismet. The way Max finally allowed himself to love Jack was amazing.

While I won’t spoil the scandal, I will say it was sickening but the author handled it with such care and compassion.

And the epilogue was perfect for Max and Jack!

I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.

raven_beauty's review

2.0

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sbrinn's review

4.0

I just adored this sweet, lovely book so damn much. Max is a widower and single dad to his daughter Emma, and lives next door to his best friend Jack, an MLB pitcher. Jack has been in love with Max for years and Max is just trying to get through the day. When a moment of comfort turns into something more, Jack and Max have to figure out what it is that they really want, and what they are willing to do to get it.

Max and Jack's relationship was just everything. I love how dedicated Jack is to Max and Emma, and how deeply he loves them both, and Jack's relationship with the adorable and feisty Emma was so much fun. And watching Max move past his grief over losing his wife and embrace his feelings for Jack and welcome him into their family for real was so beautiful to read. I just love them and their love so, so much. And the flash forward epilogue? ALL THE HAPPY FEELS ❤️