Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Another home run for Eden Finley! I loved seeing Brady’s story from Thad and Kelley’s observations.
Some of my favorite quotes that I think illustrate the fantastic ridiculousness these two can be:
“Question. Do you like to emotionally torture all your friends?” “It’s not friendship unless it’s toxic.”
Finding toxic behavior attractive probably says a lot about who I am as a person.
It might seem like I have a one-track mind, but in my defense, I do.
Who needs a stable, healthy relationship when you can have suffocating and codependent?
Thad and Kelley have a lot of fun, but they can also be serious when needed, and are so incredibly supportive of each other. They really demonstrate how the right partner can bring out the best in you.
Soooo Lincoln and Archer, hmmmmm?
Some of my favorite quotes that I think illustrate the fantastic ridiculousness these two can be:
“Question. Do you like to emotionally torture all your friends?” “It’s not friendship unless it’s toxic.”
Finding toxic behavior attractive probably says a lot about who I am as a person.
It might seem like I have a one-track mind, but in my defense, I do.
Who needs a stable, healthy relationship when you can have suffocating and codependent?
Thad and Kelley have a lot of fun, but they can also be serious when needed, and are so incredibly supportive of each other. They really demonstrate how the right partner can bring out the best in you.
Soooo Lincoln and Archer, hmmmmm?
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
I'm so excited this one is finally here! Damon King is a legend in the Sadenverse and this new series focuses on his sports agent empire. One of his company's clients, major league pitcher Kelley, came out in the offseason. He struggles with anxiety and tends to spiral after reading online comments. Damon sends him to a secluded cabin in the Catskills for two weeks for a social media detox and he's joined by interns Brady and Thad. Thad's parents sunk most of their money into his baseball training, but he wasn't good enough to go pro. Now, he's bitter and resentful of Kelley.
The forced proximity in the cabin leads to these two understanding each other better and Thad beginning to let go of his bitterness. They start a fling while Brady sneaks off for his own secrets (read Can't Say Goodbye) and when the two weeks are over, they also have some trouble saying goodbye. But an intern agent and a client? They know it can't happen.
🔥: Steamy!! Kelley hasn't been with anyone in a long time thanks to his anxiety and being in the closet, so their scenes have an extra dose of urgency. Scenes are graphic and slow-paced.
😆: It's Eden Finley so you know it's gonna make you smile! There's great banter and Sadenverse fans will love the nods to previous characters.
😭: I definitely welled up with this one! There's so much standing in their way!
Eden Finley continues to deliver. It's so good to be back with Damon!! I can't wait for more from this series.
CW: homophobia, anxiety, panic attack on the page
The forced proximity in the cabin leads to these two understanding each other better and Thad beginning to let go of his bitterness. They start a fling while Brady sneaks off for his own secrets (read Can't Say Goodbye) and when the two weeks are over, they also have some trouble saying goodbye. But an intern agent and a client? They know it can't happen.
🔥: Steamy!! Kelley hasn't been with anyone in a long time thanks to his anxiety and being in the closet, so their scenes have an extra dose of urgency. Scenes are graphic and slow-paced.
😆: It's Eden Finley so you know it's gonna make you smile! There's great banter and Sadenverse fans will love the nods to previous characters.
😭: I definitely welled up with this one! There's so much standing in their way!
Eden Finley continues to deliver. It's so good to be back with Damon!! I can't wait for more from this series.
CW: homophobia, anxiety, panic attack on the page
funny
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
Thad and Kelly were pure fire. This sweet and spicy sport romance was definitely up to Eden Finley/Sadenverse standards. I could not put it down. I was hooked from page one, canceling plans...contemplating a sick day from work...It was so good. I can't wait for book 2.
Thad (Theodore) • Kelley
….
“You’re my person.”
….
There’s nothing better like coming back home and that’s how I felt while reading this book. Damon Daddy Silver Fox 🫶🏼. The Fake Boyfriend series hold a special place in my heart so being back was just pure wonderful. If you have read Can’t Say Goodbye then you have already gotten a tiny glimpse of Thad and Kelley, who are characters of the first installment in the King Sports series. We begin off with a rocky start. Then we get secrecy and a little bit of sneaking around, a lot of funny moments and also ones that get us thinking, a lot of growth in between, and major heart eyes and a very earned HEA.
The LA office? I can’t wait for the next book, if it will be about who I think it will be about, a 1000% present, this is my safe space :)
….
“So, this is my backup plan. My second choice.” // “I know I have him right where I want him: desperate.” // “Did you put your sex lube on top of the Bible? Ooh, you’re going to hell for that.” // “I trail after him like a puppy.” // “Keep your eyes on me and trust that I’m everything you need right now.” // “I have no claim to him at all, even if I might want one.” // “…the more I realize some of the best things in life are the things you have to fight for.” // “Anything is worth seeing him escape his demons and look happy.” // “…that he’s my priority.” …
….
*I received an advance copy directly from Foreword PR in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“You’re my person.”
….
There’s nothing better like coming back home and that’s how I felt while reading this book. Damon Daddy Silver Fox 🫶🏼. The Fake Boyfriend series hold a special place in my heart so being back was just pure wonderful. If you have read Can’t Say Goodbye then you have already gotten a tiny glimpse of Thad and Kelley, who are characters of the first installment in the King Sports series. We begin off with a rocky start. Then we get secrecy and a little bit of sneaking around, a lot of funny moments and also ones that get us thinking, a lot of growth in between, and major heart eyes and a very earned HEA.
The LA office? I can’t wait for the next book, if it will be about who I think it will be about, a 1000% present, this is my safe space :)
….
“So, this is my backup plan. My second choice.” // “I know I have him right where I want him: desperate.” // “Did you put your sex lube on top of the Bible? Ooh, you’re going to hell for that.” // “I trail after him like a puppy.” // “Keep your eyes on me and trust that I’m everything you need right now.” // “I have no claim to him at all, even if I might want one.” // “…the more I realize some of the best things in life are the things you have to fight for.” // “Anything is worth seeing him escape his demons and look happy.” // “…that he’s my priority.” …
….
*I received an advance copy directly from Foreword PR in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
….
I love an awesome spin-off series and King Sports looks like it's going to be a good one! I love when an author puts just enough of the original characters in the book while also introducing the new players. It was a perfect balance for me and Thad and Kelley were fantastic. I definitely recommend this book and while it was nice having some background understanding of the original characters I feel like you could read this book by itself.
The Backup Plan Arc Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I quite enjoyed The Backup Plan. Thank you for the advanced copy. I was incredibly happy to receive it.
Thad and Kelley somehow fit each other so well, despite the hostility between them. They had some really nice chemistry and their banter was so funny. I laughed quite a bit. And the deep dives into both of their mentalities was so well done. The anxiety, unresolved insecurities, bitterness, it was both beautiful and heartbreaking to see. Both of them had some deep layers that were wonderfully explored. It was nice seeing the different sides of them compressed to why they show the world.
I spied a possibility for the next book, and I’m super excited for it if it is them. The tension between them is definitely up my alley.
I’m pretty new to the Sadenverse, have only read the Egotistical/Irresponsible Puckboys and Frat Wars, so there were some characters I didn’t know. But I will eventually correct that.
Thad and Kelley somehow fit each other so well, despite the hostility between them. They had some really nice chemistry and their banter was so funny. I laughed quite a bit. And the deep dives into both of their mentalities was so well done. The anxiety, unresolved insecurities, bitterness, it was both beautiful and heartbreaking to see. Both of them had some deep layers that were wonderfully explored. It was nice seeing the different sides of them compressed to why they show the world.
I spied a possibility for the next book, and I’m super excited for it if it is them. The tension between them is definitely up my alley.
I’m pretty new to the Sadenverse, have only read the Egotistical/Irresponsible Puckboys and Frat Wars, so there were some characters I didn’t know. But I will eventually correct that.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed everything about this story, the vibe, the dynamic, the low angst & how the MC's bond builds and evolves.
I'm calling this the "Damon-Verse" because come on......our fave (now) silver fox Daddy Damon has fabulous air time!
Stuck babysitting someone he thinks takes his career for granted, Thad is bitter about his own baseball career not going to plan and doesn't hide his feelings towards Kelley.
However, being forced into close proximity with someone he hates, Thad soon realises there is more to Kelley than a bright, shiny career.
Throw in secret meet ups, lying to your co-workers, trades & birthday parties, it's a sure fire way for it to blow up at some point.
Already anticipating the next book in this series and everything that will come after.
I'm calling this the "Damon-Verse" because come on......our fave (now) silver fox Daddy Damon has fabulous air time!
Stuck babysitting someone he thinks takes his career for granted, Thad is bitter about his own baseball career not going to plan and doesn't hide his feelings towards Kelley.
However, being forced into close proximity with someone he hates, Thad soon realises there is more to Kelley than a bright, shiny career.
Throw in secret meet ups, lying to your co-workers, trades & birthday parties, it's a sure fire way for it to blow up at some point.
Already anticipating the next book in this series and everything that will come after.
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ARC Review*
A Slow Burn on the Field but a Fumble in Chemistry
• Rating 3.5/5
• Romance 2.5/5
• Spice Level 2/5
• Writing Style 3.5/5
• Audio Narration N/A
Eden Finley’s The Backup Plan kicks off the King Sports series with a fresh look at the high-stakes world of sports agency, and I was excited to dive in. Thad, the protagonist, is grappling with the fallout of his failed baseball career, leaving him jaded as he steps into his backup plan as an intern at the queer-focused King Sports agency. When he’s assigned to manage Kelley, a young rookie pitcher with everything Thad once dreamed of, things get complicated fast.
Initially, I found the story setup intriguing, especially with Thad’s inner conflict about working with athletes who represent everything he wanted. But the tension between Thad and Kelley felt more like exasperated coworkers than anything else. Despite Finley’s knack for engaging smut scenes, this book surprisingly veers away from that, which wouldn’t be an issue if the underlying chemistry between the characters was stronger. Instead, the romantic pull never quite took off, making Thad and Kelley’s potential romance feel more forced than fated.
Thad’s bitterness toward Kelley’s career comes across as petty rather than relatable, impacting the professionalism he’s supposed to uphold. While The Backup Plan offers an interesting entry into the world of sports agency and leaves plenty of room for future characters to shine, this first installment didn’t fully capture the magic.
For fans of Eden Finley’s other work, the lighter approach to romance here may surprise you, but it sets a new tone for the series. While the chemistry may not have hit the mark for me, the unique setting and solid groundwork for future stories might make it worth a read for sports romance lovers.
**I received an ARC of this book from ForewordPR, and this is my honest review**
A Slow Burn on the Field but a Fumble in Chemistry
• Rating 3.5/5
• Romance 2.5/5
• Spice Level 2/5
• Writing Style 3.5/5
• Audio Narration N/A
Eden Finley’s The Backup Plan kicks off the King Sports series with a fresh look at the high-stakes world of sports agency, and I was excited to dive in. Thad, the protagonist, is grappling with the fallout of his failed baseball career, leaving him jaded as he steps into his backup plan as an intern at the queer-focused King Sports agency. When he’s assigned to manage Kelley, a young rookie pitcher with everything Thad once dreamed of, things get complicated fast.
Initially, I found the story setup intriguing, especially with Thad’s inner conflict about working with athletes who represent everything he wanted. But the tension between Thad and Kelley felt more like exasperated coworkers than anything else. Despite Finley’s knack for engaging smut scenes, this book surprisingly veers away from that, which wouldn’t be an issue if the underlying chemistry between the characters was stronger. Instead, the romantic pull never quite took off, making Thad and Kelley’s potential romance feel more forced than fated.
Thad’s bitterness toward Kelley’s career comes across as petty rather than relatable, impacting the professionalism he’s supposed to uphold. While The Backup Plan offers an interesting entry into the world of sports agency and leaves plenty of room for future characters to shine, this first installment didn’t fully capture the magic.
For fans of Eden Finley’s other work, the lighter approach to romance here may surprise you, but it sets a new tone for the series. While the chemistry may not have hit the mark for me, the unique setting and solid groundwork for future stories might make it worth a read for sports romance lovers.
**I received an ARC of this book from ForewordPR, and this is my honest review**
Thad is one of King Sports’ newest interns, a former baseball player who gave it his all growing up but found it still wasn’t enough to land him in the big leagues. Even though being a sports agent was his back-up plan, he’s not quite at the point in his life or career where he’s completely ready to let his bitterness go: bitterness toward the players who made it when he didn’t, bitter regret over the money and time his parents spent on him so he could play ball, and bitter resentment toward the little brother who constantly seeks negative attention and only comes home when he needs more money and takes it from their parents. To say that Thad has a chip on his shoulder may be a little of an understatement.
What was supposed to be a simple two weeks of babysitting rookie baseball player Kelley Afton in an isolated winter cabin so he can get his post-coming out anxiety and social media addiction under control becomes the turning point in both men’s lives, both professionally and romantically.
I’ve been looking forward to the King Sports series for a couple of years now (since before it had a name, when it was just a nebulous idea floating around in most Sadenverse fan’s minds), and I’m so happy it’s finally here.
For those who would like to know where this book falls in line chronologically with the rest of the Sadenverse: This book is happening concurrently with a lot of the events in Brady’s standalone book, Can’t Say Goodbye (you don’t have to have read Can’t Say Goodbye before reading The Back-Up Plan, but I personally would recommend it).
The story in this book was sweet and romantic, with great spice. There’s not as much spice in this book as there is in some of Eden’s other books, but the spice scenes are definitely giving needyouwantyourightnow. A professional baseball player can afford new buttons, right? Who needs to make it to the bedroom?
I really appreciated how the anxiety disorder representation was handled here, and I also enjoyed the subplot in the back half of the book involving researching contractual protections for LGBTQ athletes. It was an enjoyable read all around.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author via Foreword PR. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Disability Rep/Forbidden Romance/Gay Romance/LGBTQ Romance/MM Romance/Romance Series/Sadenverse/Spice Level 2/Sports Romance/Workplace Romance