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30something_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.75
Probably more of a 3.5-3.75 but rounding it up to a 4 because Charlie Braxton is the sweetest and Reid Giordano is working hard on himself.
-Bi, Jewish MC recovering from alcohol addiction
-Bi, newly divorced LI with anxiety disorder
-Friends to Lovers romance told through Dual POV
-Discussions of alcohol addiction, anxiety, divorce, coming out
I really appreciated how this book focused on Reid's recovery but I would have liked to see more with Charlie's anxiety (we're told he has an anxiety disorder but it never really feels like we get to see it.)
Overall, this one was very sweet. It didn't pack quite the emotional punch that the first book did. I think there were opportunities to get deeper into the conflicts presented.
-Bi, Jewish MC recovering from alcohol addiction
-Bi, newly divorced LI with anxiety disorder
-Friends to Lovers romance told through Dual POV
-Discussions of alcohol addiction, anxiety, divorce, coming out
I really appreciated how this book focused on Reid's recovery but I would have liked to see more with Charlie's anxiety (we're told he has an anxiety disorder but it never really feels like we get to see it.)
Overall, this one was very sweet. It didn't pack quite the emotional punch that the first book did. I think there were opportunities to get deeper into the conflicts presented.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
henrygravesprince's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is one of the best romances I’ve ever read. The prose is strong, the characters and their development are incredible; it’s one of those books where I feel I can not only tell how much the author loves the story and characters, but the commitment to the craft of storytelling and character building, too. That’s something I’ve had a hard time finding in romance books.
I read this while dealing with my own internal issues around addiction and I think the portrayal of alcoholism is very compassionate and realistic. I really appreciate the compassion woven throughout this book in general.
I read this while dealing with my own internal issues around addiction and I think the portrayal of alcoholism is very compassionate and realistic. I really appreciate the compassion woven throughout this book in general.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Addiction
Moderate: Antisemitism, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcohol, Mental illness, Ableism, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Also worth noting that divorce has a prominent part in this story.spaghettireads's review against another edition
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcoholism
Moderate: Homophobia
relin's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed the characters and their relationship. It was really lovely to see the ways that they both worked on things, how it was to bi men falling in love, and the fact that the people they loved previously were not demonized. This book steered clear of only having men in it, and allowing men to have complex relationships and friendships with each other, and women. Also the dog is perfect!
Really enjoy the writing style too.
Really enjoy the writing style too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Antisemitism, Classism, Addiction, Cursing, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Sexism, and Infidelity
Alcoholism is in recovery and not pressured by main characters.madscientistcat's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcoholism
wilybooklover's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this even though I didn’t understand any of the sports details.
I loved that Reid and Charlie helped each other to heal and that the only real conflict in their relationship came from external sources. They’re always kind and communicative with each other and I just adore reading those kinds of relationships. I really enjoyed how Charlie’s bisexual awakening played out so calmly, with a bit of Googling and thinking on how he viewed men in the past. No dramatics or existential crises here! I also liked how his (soon-to-be) ex-wife wasn’t demonised.
This book delves into some hard topics (addiction, mental health, divorce, religion) but still manages to feel light and hopeful — in large part thanks to the low-angst romance taking centre stage.
I’m not sure why so many reviewers are calling it a slow-burn because it definitely isn’t. The characters have an instant connection and get together before the halfway mark which is actually on the early side of things!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
marysbookinit's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Minor: Ableism, Biphobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual assault
authormegancousins's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
And when I tell you that this warm hug of a book was exactly what I needed today…
I started and finished it today. It’s comforting. And tender. And exactly what I needed today.
It’s no secret that I love baseball, and baseball romances, and KD Casey writes some of my favorites, and their latest is a beautiful search for identity amid expectations, learning to love again under new circumstances, with the added benefit of baseball. The beautiful game of baseball.
A game that brings joy and heartbreak.
Charlie and Reid - what can I say other than Charlie is the sweetest, most thoughtful man. The way that he cares for Reid, through everything, is unmatched.
This book reminds me of why I love the game, why I hate the trade deadline, and the singular way that baseball can change your life.
I started and finished it today. It’s comforting. And tender. And exactly what I needed today.
It’s no secret that I love baseball, and baseball romances, and KD Casey writes some of my favorites, and their latest is a beautiful search for identity amid expectations, learning to love again under new circumstances, with the added benefit of baseball. The beautiful game of baseball.
A game that brings joy and heartbreak.
Charlie and Reid - what can I say other than Charlie is the sweetest, most thoughtful man. The way that he cares for Reid, through everything, is unmatched.
This book reminds me of why I love the game, why I hate the trade deadline, and the singular way that baseball can change your life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism
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