elizabethbaker 's review for:

The Backup Plan by Eden Finley

4.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

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When his dream of playing pro baseball falls short, Thad reluctantly shifts to his back up plan of interning as a sports agent. He's barely making ends meet, and resents people who have the things he wants so badly. People like Kelley, who has an excess of talent and the high paycheque that comes with a pro career. It's dislike at first sight for Thad, who can't get over his feelings about Kelley being entitled and annoying. Tensions boil over when Thad is tasked with babysitting Kelley and enforcing a social media ban. Tropes include dislike to lovers, rich/poor, forced proximity and sports romance. I don't like baseball at all (🥱) and I liked this book so don't hesitate to dive in even if sports aren't your thing. 

"Thad gets this look in his eyes, and I've only seen it a couple of times, but it takes my breath away. It's like he has this inside joke that only I'm in on. And even though I have no idea what it means or what that inside joke is, all I know is it gives me a warm and fuzzy swoop in my gut."

I love a good character building book and I think The Backup Plan is just that. Thad has to learn to let go of his bitterness and get to know Kelley. He has to finally figure out what's worth fighting for, and work for it above everything else. It took me a bit of time to get into the book while Thad was figuring things out, but once he and Kelley started to understand each other's perspectives I was completely hooked in. The book was also super fun to read because it brought back some of my fave moments from Brady's book, and it was interesting to revisit those scenes from another perspective. 

Rating: 4 stars
Angst: 2.3/5
Steam: 3/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.