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hsira 's review for:
The Backup Plan
by Eden Finley
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Thad and Kelley
The Back Up Plan is the first book in Eden Finley's new King Sports series. The set-up: King Sports intern Thad is sent off for two weeks in the Catskills with his fellow intern Brady, to "babysit" star baseball pitcher Kelley Afton because Kelley is struggling with the criticism he is getting due to his recent announcement of his sexuality and needs to lay low and not have access to social media. Thad is bitter and resentful because the year before, he had to give up his own dream of professional baseball and he does not feel that Kelley appreciates what he has and it is what Thad so desperately wanted. What Thad does not realize is that Kelley is not being a diva but struggles with multiple anxiety issues. Kelley knows his reaction to criticism is unhealthy and worries that it will affect his career. Kelley also knows Thad dislikes him but does not know why. When Brady makes himself scarce from the cabin, Kelley and Thad are forced to spend time together. They quickly find common ground and sparks fly. Then it is time to go back to reality. Neither of them is in a position to pursue anything further given that they live in different cities and Thad isn't supposed to have a relationship with a client he has worked with, even if he is not Kelley's agent. But they can't seem to stop wanting each other...
This book has all the clever dialogue, low angst, spiciness, and lovable characters that I expect from an Eden Finley book. It has the bonus of addressing real issues of anxiety and the bitterness of lost dreams. It was very cool to get insight into how Kelley's mind works and how his anxiety affects him. I was also impressed that Thad ended up being so likable when he was unpleasant initially. Brady and Damon are important characters in the book, and knowing their backgrounds and the things going on in Brady's life during the same timeframe (see suggested books below) really added to the story. While this book can be read as a standalone, for the full experience, I highly recommend having read Can't Say Goodbye (Brady's story) as the timelines overlap. For the full experience, one should also have read Fake Out (Damon's story).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and characters and can't wait to see how the King Sports series develops. This book most reminded me of Eden's Fake Boyfriend series, not only for the overlap of characters but the general tone.
The Back Up Plan is the first book in Eden Finley's new King Sports series. The set-up: King Sports intern Thad is sent off for two weeks in the Catskills with his fellow intern Brady, to "babysit" star baseball pitcher Kelley Afton because Kelley is struggling with the criticism he is getting due to his recent announcement of his sexuality and needs to lay low and not have access to social media. Thad is bitter and resentful because the year before, he had to give up his own dream of professional baseball and he does not feel that Kelley appreciates what he has and it is what Thad so desperately wanted. What Thad does not realize is that Kelley is not being a diva but struggles with multiple anxiety issues. Kelley knows his reaction to criticism is unhealthy and worries that it will affect his career. Kelley also knows Thad dislikes him but does not know why. When Brady makes himself scarce from the cabin, Kelley and Thad are forced to spend time together. They quickly find common ground and sparks fly. Then it is time to go back to reality. Neither of them is in a position to pursue anything further given that they live in different cities and Thad isn't supposed to have a relationship with a client he has worked with, even if he is not Kelley's agent. But they can't seem to stop wanting each other...
This book has all the clever dialogue, low angst, spiciness, and lovable characters that I expect from an Eden Finley book. It has the bonus of addressing real issues of anxiety and the bitterness of lost dreams. It was very cool to get insight into how Kelley's mind works and how his anxiety affects him. I was also impressed that Thad ended up being so likable when he was unpleasant initially. Brady and Damon are important characters in the book, and knowing their backgrounds and the things going on in Brady's life during the same timeframe (see suggested books below) really added to the story. While this book can be read as a standalone, for the full experience, I highly recommend having read Can't Say Goodbye (Brady's story) as the timelines overlap. For the full experience, one should also have read Fake Out (Damon's story).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and characters and can't wait to see how the King Sports series develops. This book most reminded me of Eden's Fake Boyfriend series, not only for the overlap of characters but the general tone.