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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
A fun kickoff to a new series in the Damonverse! Forbidden romance, rivalsish to lovers, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, found family- what's not to love! Thad, a sports agent intern consumed by his bitterness for not making it as a professional baseball players and Kelley, an anxious rookie pitcher in the MLB are forced to spend two weeks together in a remote cabin to help Kelley get away from social media and the homophobic backlash he's receiving after coming out. Their relationship is full of banter and hot hot chemistry. Add in a cast of delightful side characters from prior series, especially the King himself Daddy Damon, made this a go to comfort read. The story did spend a lot of time in the beginning with the two at the cabin and then a large portion of the rest of the story being separated which is why this isn't a 5 star read to me. I wish the couple spent more time as an actual couple and building their relationship. Regardless, I enjoyed this story a lot and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
funny
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:
No
I have read two series Eden Finley and Saxon James have written together but I had not read any of their solo works. I wanted to but there backlog is huge and I didn't know where to start.
This brand new series felt like the right place and boy was I right!!!! I haven't read many books with baseball players as MCs, I think this is my second book so I wasn't sure if I'll enjoy the match scenes but there aren't too many and it's easier to read even if the terms may pass over your head...like it did with me š
I liked the first half but I loved the second half. Eden Finley wrote Kelley with so much care, but he didn't sounds or looks weak because of his anxiety issues. Thad realising in the very beginning how he was in the wrong about assuming things and always clearing up things for Kelley was refreshing to read. I am tired of seeing MCs struggling with their anxiety until the end when everything boils down to the ultimate showdown.
There is a slow and steady growth in the relationship and I loved it. I thought next book will be Brady's but I realised he already has his book. So it could be Zaka or idk the two agents mentoring Thad and Brady? I bet they would make for a good enemies to lovers.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
Perfection!!! Thad and Kelley are seriously so much fun. I love the way their story comes together and all their trials and tribulations to be together. Their HeA is hard fought but so deserved. I also love that we get to see and catch up with other characters from The Sadenverse. 10/10 recommend, but you will want to have read other books in this universe in order to understand who a lot of the side characters are
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Iāve been looking forward to this series since I read Fake Out and of course Eden delivered!! I loved the overlap with Canāt Say Goodbye and of course all the references to the athletes we know and love.
This was the perfect level of angst and āpiningā from both Thad and Kelley and I appreciated the mirroring of Damonās character in Thad as far as dashed mlb dreams go. The only thing that would have made this better is a little more spice.
Im so stoked to find out who the next couple isā¦.š
*I did receive an ARC of this book!
This was the perfect level of angst and āpiningā from both Thad and Kelley and I appreciated the mirroring of Damonās character in Thad as far as dashed mlb dreams go. The only thing that would have made this better is a little more spice.
Im so stoked to find out who the next couple isā¦.š
*I did receive an ARC of this book!
5/5 stars.
It is the start of a new era, the start of a new series by one of my favorite authors! I loved everything about this one, the story, the characters, the cameos (Damon!), and the mental health rep. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect book. This felt absolutely realistic, and I loved it with all of my heart. It was a quick and easy read and I was hooked from the start to the end! I can't wait for the next book!
It is the start of a new era, the start of a new series by one of my favorite authors! I loved everything about this one, the story, the characters, the cameos (Damon!), and the mental health rep. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect book. This felt absolutely realistic, and I loved it with all of my heart. It was a quick and easy read and I was hooked from the start to the end! I can't wait for the next book!
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
I loved the anxiety rep in this book. Thad and Kelley are such fun characters and it is of course fun cameos from other loved characters. It was so easy to connect with Kelley and Thad. (I did receive an ARC copy of this book )
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
Ok I must admit I was a little hesitant in the beginning. We have Thad and Kelley. Thad is an intern sport agent, after his dreams of making it pro in baseball donāt happen, itās his backup plan. Kelley is a baseball player represented by his agency and Thad canāt stand him.
<i>Kelley Afton is the most ungrateful, oblivious son of a bitch on the planet, and if we even survive the next two weeks together, itāll be a miracle. Letās hope I can keep my shit together because otherwise, Iāll need a backup plan for my backup plan.</i>
We know Kelley has major anxiety, but Thad doesnāt, so itās a little shocking to experience his dislike in the beginning. That being said, as soon as he finds out thereās more behind Thadās reactions things get SWEET, and perfect real fast.
<i> He might be kissing me to set me free, but all itās doing is locking up my heart and throwing away the key. Iām not free at all. I completely and wholeheartedly belong to him. </i>
This love story was perfection! They were so perfect for one another and not only that but we also get so much of our favorite characters!
I cannot wait for whatās to come for this series!
I just loved this book! Kelley and Thad were great and Iām so excited for this new series in the Damonverse. I adored their friendship and how it grew. Amazing mental health rep and just two guys who just got each other. As always Eden Finley has done it again š©µš©µ
*****
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
*****
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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:
Complicated
If there is one thing Eden gets right every single time, itās representing mental health in kind, compassionate, and relatable ways. This book is no exception.
For most of this book I just wanted to wrap Kelley up in a tight hug. The way he struggled with his mental health disorders is real and raw.
I also really loved Thad. He had his own issues to overcome, and overcome them he did. The growth of each of these characters individually became the foundation for a solid relationship, and it was beautifully written.
I always love seeing characters from across the Sadenverse, and i was happy get a whole lot of Damon and Brady in this book. This is a great start to a new series, and I canāt wait to see who Eden gives us next.