She can’t let him score…Call it superstition, but when a guy bats as hot as Brooks Elliott, you don’t mess with what’s working. And what’s working is him keeping his pants zipped and doing all of his scoring on the field.So when I hear he’s planning to ditch his V-card now that he’s been traded to baseball’s lovable losers—aka my home team and my reason for living every March through October—I … living every March through October—I do what any rational, dedicated, obsessed fan would do.
I make a plan to stop him.
But the thing about stopping him is that it requires spending time with him.
Lots. And lots. And lots of time.
And the more time I spend with him, the more I like him. Not as the guy who’s going to help save my favorite team and finally bring home a championship ring, but as the guy who’s helping me in my quest to bring back the team’s old mascot. Who also loves making pancake and bacon sandwiches. And who would do almost anything for his love of the game.
But after all this time of jock-blocking him…do I even have a chance?
And if I do, are we both destined to a life of celibacy in the name of winning?
Jock Blocked is a home run of a feel-good romantic comedy featuring the world’s most superstitious sports fan, baseball’s oldest virgin hero, a rogue meatball, an adorable puppy with a cussing problem, and the best lovable losers. It stands alone and comes with a happily ever after more satisfying than a game-winning grand slam.
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4.5 ’s
After reading my first Pippa book – Liar Lair, Hearts On Fire – I couldn’t wait to find out more from this baseball team, especially the new trade from the New York Yankees, he sounded very interesting indeed. And he was! He had a magic combination of hot and adorable that had me smiling the whole way through the book. He was a little lost leaving his old team but traditions and superstitions couldn’t stop him falling for MacKenzie. She was exactly what he needed to get out of his slump. And she was a hoot! She was a passionate, optimistic ray of sunshine that threw herself headfirst into everything she did. I loved her energy, her commitment but mostly her sense of humor. The best bit, that had me cackle out loud, was when she was humming “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”, hilarious! I am enjoying making my way through the Pippa Grant collection, if they are as good as this one, I’ll be as happy as Coco Puff getting his belly rubbed.
If you are looking for a light rom com, this book is for you! I feel like if I would have read more of the series before I would have liked this one more. I really just couldn’t get into all of the characters and it got a bit confusing. Brooks was a good character but Mackenzie was definitely something else. I feel like if I would have met her before this book, I might have liked her more. If you know me, you know I love a good celibate hero, so I stuck it out.
So much fun!
Jock Blocked is a classic Pippa Grant laugh-out loud, swoony romance story. With some serious heat thrown in for good measure, of course. Plus guys in baseball pants. And not a little mascot mayhem. What’s not to love here?
The premise behind this story is pure rom com gold–the hero, a virgin, doesn’t play baseball well just after he gets even remotely close to punching his V-card. Traded from his dream team to the worst team in the league, he decides that this is the time to remedy his “problem.” Who cares if he plays well or not?
Naturally he doesn’t count on just how much the Fireball’s biggest fan WILL care. Mackenzie makes it her mission to keep Brooks pure, even though talking to baseball players (AKA GODS) usually makes her go mute. She’ll have to get over her issues to keep him on the straight and narrow, but it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make for the good of the team.
(I know several people who will 100% identify with Mackenzie and her OTT sports-related superstitions. I know I felt for her with the not being able to talk to celebrities bit! Both made for some really funny moments.)
Though the romance between Brooks and Mackenzie is stellar, the fight to find a new (or go back to the old, if Mackenzie gets her way) mascot for the team is the frosting on the cake of this story. And it’s not resolved at the end! Which means you’re going to have to read book 2 (Real Fake Love)–oh, the sacrifice! 😉
Warning: though this is first in the Copper Valley Fireballs series, it is a spinoff of her < a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/2561... Code series, so if you haven't read all of those (I've only read one so far, but I intend to remedy that ASAP!) there are times you might feel left out of some of the inside jokes. You can definitely start here; you'll just feel a bit like the new kid at times. But it gives you an excuse to add to your TBR, amirite? 😉 Rating: 4 stars / A- I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This read is light and humorous so it’s a good read if you’re looking for a unique story to soften your mood. It’s an easy read with an enemies to lovers vibe and it was rather cute.
Brooks Elliott is a professional baseball player who happens to be a virgin due to his superstitious belief. Which is totally possible since the NFL had Virgin player Tim Tebow, although his virginity was due to faith, not superstition; tomatoes tomahto. Lol.
Mackenzie is corky and unique. She’s also the Fireball’s BIGGEST fan and she is more superstitious then anyone. She is willing to do anything to keep her favorite team from being the leagues worst team for another year, even if that means jock blocking the new, sexy, player Brooks Elliott. She is passionate about not only her fave baseball team, but her family and friends as well. She’s all heart!
Brooks starts off irritated and a tad spiteful, but he quickly realizes just how sweet Mackenzie is and she reminds him of some of his family members. Brooks is caring, compassionate, some what emotional and he is the best dog owner!!
I’m hoping that we eventually get a book about the other players, especially Cooper Rock!
This is the 1st on a new series and what an amazing introduction this story is. Brooks is a sexy baseball player who is uniquely a virgin, and when he more to a new team he sees no reason to hold onto it any longer. Brooks never counted on Mackenzie who is a quirky and superstitious sports fan, who is obsessed with her home baseball team. Bring into the mix mascots being stolen, highjacked cell phones, and a dog collar which barks out swear words, and this is a crazy and fun ride. This is a well written flawless story which is filled with crazy shenanigans, and is a fun, humorous, and all-round entertaining read. I was totally captivated throughout this hysterical story, and I cannot wait to read more from this gifted author whose work I highly recommend for all.
This book was fantastic!
I love quirky heroines, and Mac was perfect. The humor was really laugh out loud funny. And the storyline was awesome.
I would whole heartedly recommend this.
It’s like coming home each time I read a Pippa book. Jock Blocked tells the story of Brooks Elliott, baseball star extraordinaire, who is involuntarily traded to the worst team in the league, the Fireballs. He has a secret that unfortunately is not a secret to all – namely at 30 he is still a virgin. Whenever he even thinks of sleeping with a girl, his game goes bad. The Fireballs’ #1 fan, Mackenzie Montana, knows his secret and makes it her personal mission to make sure he hits no home runs with the ladies. However, the more time they spend around each other, they discover how much they like each other. Maybe his game is going sour because he hasn’t met the right lady. In the middle of this situation is the contest to find a new mascot as the owners feel that Fiery the dragon needs to be replaced. Stolen mascots, an adorable puppy with a cussing collar, Mackenzie’s dads, Brooks’ colorful family and eclectic teammates add to the chaos and frenzy. This story is well-written with a lot of laughs and tears, steam and love. Its many epilogues make you wish the story would never end. It has a HEA but it doesn’t. Can’t wait for the next installment! Go team!
Another Pippa Grant winner! You can feel her absolute love for baseball through every word of this book (I refuse to believe anyone could write a shero like MacKenzie without loving the game for real). MacKenzie and Brooks are delightfully imperfect goofs who are absolutely right for each other. And OMG the bonus epilogue? Perfection. I cried (in a good way). I don’t even care a whit about baseball and I LOVED this book. Also, where can I get those collars for my dogs?
Sweetness, Hilarity & A Love Of A Lifetime!!
A 4.5 Star Rom-Com
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Jock Blocked (Copper Valley Fireballs #1)
New transfer, Brooks Elliott, isn’t happy to have been transferred from New York to the worst team in the baseball league! He’s lost his love of the game over the last few years & not being able to lose his virginity, for fear of it affecting it his game, has definitely contributed. He’s probably the only 30 year old virgin in sports!
MacKenzie Montana is a little socially awkward & crazy. She’s fiercely loyal & universally liked by everyone at her favourite team, The Fireballs. She’s fighting a campaign, online & in person, to keep the teams original mascot, he’s a Dragon. The new owners are running a competition for fans to pick a new one, she’s appalled, so steps in and steals one of them, a Meatball! During her getaway in the costume she comes across their newest team member, Brooks, trying to hook up with someone. Having insider knowledge of his superstition regarding his chastity, she’s horrified & decides she has to jock-block him, for the sake of the team!!
These two are adorable! The friendship they eventually build is exceptional & really touching. All of the characters are fun, quirky & charming. This is a total ‘feel good’ book that’s full of daft circumstances & situations that will leave you giggling.
Debbie, 1970, UK
Pippa Grant has a talent for writing romance with a twist of humour! I loved the antics in this book and the cameos from other favourite characters from previous reads!
The people of Shipwreck and Sarcasm, and their extended friends always make for entertaining stories. I can’t wait to read Cooper Rock’s story, or his sister’s story!
Love Pippa’s books. Can’t wait for Cooper’s book to come out.
Ya’ll, I liked this book so much I’ve been moved to write my first book review. Other reviewers will give you a synopsis of the book, so I’m not going to do that. What I will do is give you my top reasons why you should read it:
1. I’ve read most of Pippa Grant’s books, and this one is my favorite of them all. And they are all really good. Really, you should read all of her books.
2. The main characters are awkward and a little weird, but not unbelievably so. Sometimes awkward tropes go overboard. This one doesn’t. And their chemistry is perfect.
3. Baseball. ‘Nuff said.
4. There is an incredibly adorable puppy that plays a big role through most of this book. If you don’t love puppies, you will love this puppy. If you love puppies, you will melt.
5. I actually had to stop reading a few times because I was laughing so hard. That never happens. Trust me.
OK, that’s my list. While you can read this book by itself, you’ll understand it better if you read some of the background books first (“Stud in the Stacks”; “Hero and the Hacktivist”; “America’s Geeheart”; and “Liar Liar Hearts on Fire”.) They are all fantastic books, so you won’t regret snagging those too.
All of the stars!!
Review by Meaghan
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Jock Blocked is a genuine laugh out loud book – the kind you definitely should not read while eating or drinking anything!! Pippa Grant has knocked it out of the park with this hilarious sports romance novel.
Mackenzie is a Fireballs superfan, with a massive superstitious streak! She puts the baseball players to shame with her crazy game day rituals. As her attraction to Brooks grows she finds it harder and harder to stay away, but rumor has it if Brooks tries to get lucky it will ruin his game and she can’t do that to her beloved Fireballs.
Brooks is the hotshot baseballer who has been traded from his home town team in New York to play for the struggling Fireballs. He’s determined to ditch the title of being the oldest virgin in baseball, but every time he gets close, his hitting goes out the window.
Mackenzie and Brooks are quite possibly my all-time favorite book couple – they’re absolute gold together and I loved every minute of their story. This really is one of those books that you do not want to put down!
Love this book. Never disappointed with Pippa!!
She’s Hit a Homer!
Pippa has created a couple that is so lovable and fun in Brooks and Mackenzie.
Mackenzie is the #1 fan of the Fireballs and it is her mission to keep newly transferred, Brooks, away from women. That’s the nice way of saying it so my review isn’t blocked! Brook’s mission is to make Kenzie, his!
A lot of fun ensues with the mascots, pranks, and superstitions. This couple moves up my list almost to the top of Pippa’s love matches. It’s the smiles, the way they encourage and support each other, the tension between them; all make for an enemies to friends and finally to lovers book.
Also stealing my heart in this book is a tiny puppy named Coco Puff. This sweet little guy will have you laughing and smiling throughout the book.
Great book! I can’t wait for the next Fireballs book!
Freaking fantastic! Hilarious throughout. Hot hot hot. The characters are amazing and I want them all to be my besties! So fun bringing different Pippa worlds together. Hilarious puppy. Hijinks from Eloise. Mascot wars. Literally just the best.
Great book! Pippa Grant did it again. The characters are awesome, the book os funnyyyy, easy to read, happy ever after guaranteed. I only wish he had won the games afterwards . I really recommend this book
I loved this book. I laughed a lot and cried a little. My favorite hockey players made an appearance. I love everything Pippa Grant writes. Each book is my favorite and I am always left waiting for the next one.
Another out of the grand slam Pippa. A feel good sports romance from Copper Valley. Fantastic cast of characters, baseball, banter, superstitions, mascot battles and Cocoa Puff. Loved Mackenzie and Brooks together.
Each of the books about the Fireballs just keeps getting better! Couldn’t put it down and it is laugh out loud funny. Can’t wait for the next one.