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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
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
hopeful
lighthearted
The Backup Plan by Eden Finley
King Sports Book 1
When I listened to Eden Finley's Can’t Say Goodbye, I was intrigued by the side characters Kelley and Thad and what the deal was with both of them and in this book we get the answer
Thad is an intern at King Sports to become a sports agent but this is his backup plan after his dreams of becoming a baseball professional fell through. He is not the happiest of men and he is bitter about his failed dream even if he tries to hide it. It doesn't help that he and Brady have to “babysit” hotshot rookie pitcher Kelley Afton after his coming out story went live. Que 2 weeks in the Catskills with a superstar athlete with anxiety and a social media addiction together with an intern (Thad) who doesn't really want to be there. There can only be carnage or maybe the forced proximity will make sparks fly.
I am so happy that Kelley’s anxiety is not glossed over but talked about again and again. Also the fact that Thad’s bitterness towards baseball and in some regards Kelley’s career in baseball is not looked down on but rather talked about and resolved in an organic manner makes me happy. Because sometimes realizing that your dreams aren't coming true can be crippling and I loved seeing Thad getting support from more than just Kelley but also Brady and Damon, his boss.
The book has many funny moments and the sneaking around is pretty hilarious. Also the side characters of Zaka, Lincoln and Archer make me long for the upcoming books. Because I just know we will get some good angst, spice and laughs out of them.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
I was impatiently waiting for this book, as I love Eden's universe and was looking forward to "seeing" Damon again, and I was not disappointed.
It's the story of Thad, a guy who wanted to play baseball professionally but was not good enough to make it so he decided to become a sport agent as a back-up plan, and he got hired as an intern in king Sports (Damon's agency), but he's quite bitter about it. Kelley is a professional baseball player, who suffers from anxiety that is spiking up after his recent public coming-out. In order to shelter him during the aftermath of his coming out, he is sent to a secluded cabin with Thad and Brady (yes, our Brady ;-) ) to babysit him. At first, Thad and Kelly clash, Thad is envious of Kelley's career, but once Thad understands Kelley's mental health issues they connect.
I enjoyed the book, I liked both MC, their connection and chemistry. I loved Damon, Brady, Kit and Prescott cameos (Can't say goodbye is one of my many favorites in this universe). The one thing I did not enjoy so much about the book, is the rhythm. It starts and finishes fast and hard, but I found the middle a bit too long, and slow.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
It's the story of Thad, a guy who wanted to play baseball professionally but was not good enough to make it so he decided to become a sport agent as a back-up plan, and he got hired as an intern in king Sports (Damon's agency), but he's quite bitter about it. Kelley is a professional baseball player, who suffers from anxiety that is spiking up after his recent public coming-out. In order to shelter him during the aftermath of his coming out, he is sent to a secluded cabin with Thad and Brady (yes, our Brady ;-) ) to babysit him. At first, Thad and Kelly clash, Thad is envious of Kelley's career, but once Thad understands Kelley's mental health issues they connect.
I enjoyed the book, I liked both MC, their connection and chemistry. I loved Damon, Brady, Kit and Prescott cameos (Can't say goodbye is one of my many favorites in this universe). The one thing I did not enjoy so much about the book, is the rhythm. It starts and finishes fast and hard, but I found the middle a bit too long, and slow.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
This is an enemies to lovers romance with all the passion and heat. This is my favorite book of this author so far.
Thad and Kelley have two different paths to being a pro baseball player. Being queer in the majors is scary but they both have a different way of handling the pressure.
They help each other navigate Kelley being out and but not necessarily proud pro player. They both need help with their careers. There are a lot of funny moments while sneaking around and the side characters add to the story quite well.
Some things are worth fighting for no matter what the cost.
"You've shown me a vulnerable side, and what can I say. My anxiety is a sucker for a sap with a broken heart."
"He might not be Mr. Right, but he's the perfect Mr. Right now."
Thad and Kelley have two different paths to being a pro baseball player. Being queer in the majors is scary but they both have a different way of handling the pressure.
They help each other navigate Kelley being out and but not necessarily proud pro player. They both need help with their careers. There are a lot of funny moments while sneaking around and the side characters add to the story quite well.
Some things are worth fighting for no matter what the cost.
"You've shown me a vulnerable side, and what can I say. My anxiety is a sucker for a sap with a broken heart."
"He might not be Mr. Right, but he's the perfect Mr. Right now."
When I found out we were getting a spinoff series about Damon King's agency, I was thrilled! I loved the Fake Boyfriend series and Damon and Maddox were some of my favorites, along with Talon and Miller. Gah! I can't enough of them!
If you haven't read those yet, all I can say is that you should, but don't let that stop you from reading this book. The Backup Plan stands on its own as a great read!
Thad is a sports agent intern trying to come to terms with his failure to make the big leagues as a player. With this disappointment so fresh, it's bitterness-at-first-sight with newly out MLB star, Kelley, who is represented by his agency.
I really enjoyed this book! I liked watching the relationship progress and seeing both of these men grow in different ways that felt real. The anxiety representation was accurate and relatable. Anyone else struggle with overthinking and not being able to get out of their head? I do wish we had gotten a little more communication between Kelly and Thad during parts of the book. I was rooting for these guys the whole way!
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
If you haven't read those yet, all I can say is that you should, but don't let that stop you from reading this book. The Backup Plan stands on its own as a great read!
Thad is a sports agent intern trying to come to terms with his failure to make the big leagues as a player. With this disappointment so fresh, it's bitterness-at-first-sight with newly out MLB star, Kelley, who is represented by his agency.
I really enjoyed this book! I liked watching the relationship progress and seeing both of these men grow in different ways that felt real. The anxiety representation was accurate and relatable. Anyone else struggle with overthinking and not being able to get out of their head? I do wish we had gotten a little more communication between Kelly and Thad during parts of the book. I was rooting for these guys the whole way!
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.