Bench Player by Julianna Keyes

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Title: Bench Player
Author: Julianna Keyes
Series: Charleston Thrashers #2
Published by: Indie
Release Date: March 30, 2020
Format: eARC
Pages: 248
Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary
Source: NetGalley
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2020 Netgalley and Edelweiss Challenge, Lenoreo's 2020 New Release Challenge, Lenoreo's COYER Quarantine Edition
Find it: Goodreads ✩ Amazon ✩ B&N ✩ Google ✩ Kobo ✩ iBooks
My rating:

Blurb:

ALLISON
As Public Relations Manager for the Charleston Thrashers, I’m responsible for protecting the team’s reputation. But after our right fielder gets sent to prison and we lose the World Series, my own reputation takes a huge hit. There’s only one way I can save my job: by revamping Connor Whitman’s tarnished ex-con image. Keeping my eye on the ball isn’t a problem until I discover what’s underneath his unkempt exterior—a man who’s unexpectedly vulnerable and distractingly sexy. Now, my professionalism is sailing far into foul territory.

CONNOR
I’ve served my time, and now I’m determined to reclaim my spot in the Thrashers’ outfield. Unfortunately, the new General Manager doesn’t want an aging ex-con on the roster, so I have no choice but to go along with Allison’s annoying scheme. Her bossiness drives me crazy—but so do her legs and her hair and her all-too-rare smiles. I can’t afford to fall for anyone when my focus needs to be on baseball, but love is a game I’ve never played before, and for the first time ever, I’m out of my league.

My Review:

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4.5 stars — Well, this book was a lot more emotionally impactful than I was expecting.  Not that I don’t expect any emotion, but I also don’t expect to have a bawling episode.  But I’m also tired.

When I started reading the book, I wasn’t sure what to think about Connor.  He’s this reticent, reserved character that just got out of a life-changing stint in prison.  It was a little dark, and just got to me.  I can’t even imagine what that kind of life is like, especially when you didn’t break the law knowingly.  I loved that he didn’t make excuses for himself, but he also didn’t dwell on his mistake too much.  He just tried as best he could to deal with the ramifications, and adjust to being free again.  And while he continued to be a man of few words, someone who kept to himself, we as the readers got to see more of who he was, and man did I connect with his heart.  I appreciated all of the things he learned, and how he grew as the book went on.  I appreciated the frank look at his fears and anxiety.  And I loved the glimpses we got of his humour, and just heart in general.

Similarly, I wasn’t sure what to think of Allison.  It’s actually been awhile since I read Team Player, so I’d forgotten my impressions of her.  So in some ways it was like coming into this book fresh without any preconceptions.  And she’s so…focused and driven and closed off at times.  But just like with Connor, we get to see inside, see who she *really* is and see why she is the way she is.  I really felt for her.  I loved all that we learned about what her childhood was like, and how that shaped her.  I LOVED her love of baseball.  I LOVED watching her with her grandpa.  And I loved that she could be so sassy, but also with a lot of heart.  What she went through with her job stressed *me* out.

I loved that they each brought out the best in one another.  That through their building connection with one another we got to see different sides to them.  And their chemistry was fantastic.  I loved that their relationship developed in sort of this weird way.  I loved that Connor was so certain, and kept pushing Allison to open her eyes to what she knew deep down.  They were just fabulous together.

And as with book one, I adored the side characters.  From the other players on the team to Biff, they all just brought another level of colour to the story.

I sincerely hope there is more to come in this series, because I’m greedy like that.  I think they just bring so much to the table — from heart and depth to humour.