Rhys Rivera is the star short-stop for the Longview Lumberjacks. Many know him, even more love him. He has a pretty face, a quick smile, and an air of danger about him that everyone seems to adore.He’s not known as the bad boy of baseball for nothing.It all started with his father, who decided to be a criminal mob boss, then die.Fortunately for his uncle, Rhys wants absolutely nothing to do with … absolutely nothing to do with the family business and runs before anyone can figure out which way is up.
By the time his uncle, the successor to his father’s criminal empire, thinks to look for him, Rhys has made too big of a name for himself to be taken out quietly, and he wants to keep it that way.
Fast forward eight years, and Rhys is living life one breath at a time, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. That shoe coming in the form of a nosy neighbor who has no idea just how hot she is in her mail carrier uniform.
Her sweet little body and positive outlook on life make him want to laugh at how naïve she is when it comes to the way of the world.
The harder he tries to stay away, the weaker he seems to get, until one day he decides to put his morals on hold long enough to satisfy his cravings.
One time is all he needs—or so he tells himself.
But then two pink lines change everything, and all of a sudden, he doesn’t have just himself to worry about anymore.
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Rhys and Henley is a couple that doesn’t have a typical relationship. Their is one that has its craziness. Things are just that crazy for them. This one is a perfect combination of a couple forming a true relationship and one that has it’s funny moments along with its serious ones.
I just loved this couple together. They were one each of them complimented each other perfectly. This series is one that I love, not only are you introduced to new characters you are also given glimpses of some old favorites as well.
Rhys & Henley – I’ve been waiting for you!! And while things got a little dicey in the plot department – WHY was he worried for her safety when he had the solution that he had handy?? – I really enjoyed the story & was happy to discover exactly what happened w/ them after catching snippets in earlier books. This gets pretty steamy, but not OTT. I love their relationship & how they interact with each other! The ending felt a little rushed – I wanted to see more of them together during the last few chapters – but overall I’m still counting this as a winner for me because of just how much I adored both characters. : )
I’m a huge fan of Lani Lynn Vale’s, and I’m really enjoying this sports romance series. Lani always adds a suspenseful element to her stories, and while this series is a bit lighter-hearted than her others, it definitely has some intrigue co-mingled with the romance. While the There’s No Crying in Baseball series is a world within one of Vale’s existing worlds, this series can definitely be read on its own and would be a great place for a new reader to start.
I loved Rhys and Henley! He was the bad boy baseball player with a heart of gold who falls hard for the sweet, good-girl next door. Right from the start, this story drew me in and held all of my attention—I positively devoured it and didn’t want to put it down, in large part because I adored this couple so much. Rhys was so protective, sweet and tender with Henley, and she was fiercely loyal, always having his back. Their romance was quick and hot, but it was the absolute adoration they had for each other that made my heart race.
Listen Pitch was one of the sweetest romances Lani has written with a couple who were in sync in every way. Vale has built yet another fictional world—with plenty of interesting side characters whose stories I am dying to for—that I cannot wait to visit again. Five smooches from me for Listen Pitch by Lani Lynn Vale!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
Yess…Listen, Pitch is the 3rd book in the There’s No Crying in Baseball series. I feel that the books can definitely be read as a standalone but they are all sooo enjoyable, you should definitely read them all!!
Ohh and before I write my review, I always like to take a moment and admire Lani’s book covers. Holy smokes, Jacob Wilson as the muse for this book just hit it out of the park for me!!! Great choice girlie!!!
Soo Listen, Pitch is about Rhys Rivera. He is the star short stop for the Texas Lumberjacks. He happens to be at home one evening when this spit fire of a girl comes barreling over to ask him to turn his music down. He finds out that she is actually his neighbor and what a way to meet. She is hotter than a hornet and she ends up getting knocked over by his security guard which in turn knocks her hearing aide that she wears off and it gets stepped on in the chaos. Rhys feels soo bad about this and happens to know someone very close to him that can help him out in replacing this aide for his beautiful new neighbor.
This chance meeting starts them off on a whirl wind of a courtship…lol This is just one snippet of the book I am sharing with you guys. This book is sooo much more!! Goodness, these two definitely take a wild ass crazy train ride, Hell, I think I should call it a wild ass rollercoaster ride of a lifetime full of drama. haha But lord, it made me keep turning those pages like a wild woman dying to know what was going to happen next!!
I gave Listen, Pitch 4 iScream Stars!! So buckle up ladies cuz you don’t want to get ejected off this wild ass ride Lani is going to take you on!!!
4 Star Review Listen Pitch (There’s No Crying In Baseball #3) by Lani Lynn Vale
This is book three in the There’s No Crying in Baseball series. It can be read as a standalone but in my opinion I would read the books in order.
Rhys Rivera is the star short-stop for the Longview Lumberjacks and is known as the bad boy of baseball for good reasons. His father was a mob boss so you know that this story will not be just a sports romance story even though Rhys wants nothing to do with the family business and has left it all behind him.
When Rhys’s bodyguard accidental ruins his deaf neighbour Henley Cree’s hearing transmission he has no idea how his life is about to change.
The chemistry between Rhys and Henley was off the charts and smoking hot. However it was more interesting to see that the player could and did have real feelings for Henley and I loved how protective and alpha he was towards her.
The question is has Rhys really Changed or will he revert to his old ways?
This book was well written with characters that kept me entertained and at times an emotional roller coaster of a read with humour, angst, danger, and sadness.
Loved finally reading about Rhys. Ever since I stated this series and then read Too Bad So Sad I was dying to know what was going on with him and Henley.
Rhys and Henleys story is cute and has their relationship starting out in a non conventional way. There is a twist or more likely a thorn thrown into these two getting their happily ever after but fate has a way of making sure good prevails even if some sad things do happen.
Go read this story to find out the details, you won’t get any spoilers here. Its a great story, you won’t be disappointed.
Lani Lynn Vale delivers another outstanding story. Her storytelling is fantastic; the humor, twists, turns, the connection these people have, the way each of her books connect in some way is masterful. I was captivated from the first page of this book. We met Henley in Tyler Cree’s story (Too Bad so Sad The simple man series), I was curious about Tyler’s sisters. I am so glad we got to enjoy Henley and Rhys story. Henley and Rhys have this way about them that just draws you in. They are so in sync with one another it is impossible to fathom that they hardly knew one another. They develop an unbelievably beautiful friendship and work together through a lot. Rhys was known as the bad boy of baseball but one would not know that with the way he was with Henley. He was tender, caring, and adorably sweet. I loved everything about this book. Can’t wait to read what comes next from Ms. Vale!
I think this was my favorite so far in the series…it was a bit unexpected. loved it! HEA and funny.
Rhys Rivera is living his dream of being a professional baseball player, but his past has his ties with the mafia always threatening to take hold. It isn’t that Rhys wants any part of it, he has made it clear he wants his life in Texas. Threats are always coming though and that is why Rhys knows he should stay away from Henley Cree, his neighbor but she may just be the solution he has been looking for.
Henley is attracted to Rhys and as they get close he makes her a proposition she isn’t sure she can refuse. Can Henley have a life with Rhys or should she just walk away?
This was great and a bit of a surprise. Liked Henley a lot, she is down to earth and Rhys with her is a perfect compliment. Another terrific read in the series.
LOVED Rhys and Henley! Such a great story with twists that you won’t expect! Rhys and Henley are STEAMY together and he loves her so much. I simply fall in love with Lani’s character and do not want to let them go!
LLV never fails – love a sporting romance
Henley Cree is having a terrible night when her speech translator is crushed by a guy next door. She worked super hard to afford it and now she couldn’t hear anything.
Rhys Rivera is a star on the Longview Lumberjacks and recognizes the crushed device that one of his bodyguards stepped on. He replaces the device and meets the cute neighbor, Henley.
When Rhys gets injured Henley steps in to help him out but soon Rhys needs Henley’s help with his own future. Will Henley agree to go along with what Rhys needs and when she learns about his family will she go running?
This was a good book and it definitely had some things I was not expecting.
I liked Henley’s character and although I thought she was a little obsessed with Rhys at the beginning she was shown to genuinely care about him and was there for him when he needed help.
I was completely surprised with everything that was revealed about Rhys’s family. I didn’t read anything about the book before reading it so I was not expecting the crime side to his family. I was shocked with everything that Rhys had to do to ensure he received his trust money and I was surprised by everything that went down between him and his Uncle Pablo.
I thought the twist with the kids was totally shocking and I didn’t know how they were going to manage with so many coming!
The end was great and I am happy that Henley and Rhys got their happy ever after!
Can Lani Lyn Vale write a bad book???? HELL TO THE HIZZY NOOOOOOOOO!
I used to read reviews because I’m a review reader. I love how every story is different for everyone, however I have recently stopped doing that and I scroll through to look at the rating instead. I was scrolling on this book and amongst all the 4 & 5 ratings there was a 1 so I had to read that one and I honestly wanted to knock this person upside the head with a shoe!!! The things she said about this book floors me!!
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (as I’m sure I will with every book she writes) there’s not a similar thing in any story she writes and she is a MACHINE!! I love her and everything she writes! This book was no different for me!
Rhys…hot, baseball player, looks good in any pants or no pants, alpha male, keeps his business close to the best, doesn’t trust just anyone, and a fierce protector. WHATS NOT TO LOVE!
Henley…beautiful, funny, struggling, hearing impaired, in debt up to her eyeballs, and has the most beautiful soul and heart!
They way these two meet is unconventional and exactly what should have happened between them! The twists in this book were unexpected and I was pleasantly surprised! There was just enough angst and sexy time but it was the story of self love and finding love that stuck out to me. Here this woman was who thought she was flawed because she couldn’t hear. This was so far from the truth. He saw in her what she never ever saw in herself. He tried so hard not to love but all it took was two weeks of hearing her speak from her heart that made him love her. This was such a fab book and I can’t wait to read more from Lani!
Angst
Cheating none
Sexy time
Epilogue
Plot
I love Lani and her writing style. Her books are always gripping and intense right from the beginning. This is definitely one of those. An accident put him in the hospital close to death. She sits with him and takes care of him . All of this leads to what neither one of them could possible believe it would. Amazing story line with amazing characters. I loved this one. It was the first in this series I have read and has me wanting more. Lani has brought me back in I am wanting more from her once again. Highly recommend.
Darn this book was a wild ride. I have loved Rhys since the first time we saw him and to get his story. Being able to understand his past. It was worth my emotional breakdown while read this book. I felt that Henley was the perfect heroine to combat his darkness (for a lack of better words.) they had easy banter, great attraction and the secondary characters were a great addition and helped move the story forward.
The action and suspense in this book had me breathing heavy many times. I wasn’t sure where she was going with it but by the end I wanted to bow down at her mind. She threw twists that I wouldn’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. She is a master story teller and has the mind of an evil genius. Each story is different and hooks the reader from page one. 5 stars #2OCCJD
4.5 Stars
I’m a fan of this series because I love baseball, but this series always gives me unexpected twists. The beginning if this one stabbed me in the heart and made me gasp, but I knew this author wouldn’t let me down. It kept me on the edge of my seat anticipating what was going to happen next. I loved Henley. She’s a wonderful character. She has so much backbone and guts. She’s going to need it f she’s going to be with Rhys. Rhys is the bad boy of the team, but watching him with Henley you see the man underneath the reputation. Rhys has gone through a lot with his family and early life, but watching him fall for Henley a woman he so deserves warmed my heart. This book delivered on the feels, humor, heat, and suspense. Well rounded book that left me satisfied at the end.
Love Rhys and Henley! These characters have been in the back ground in other books and I couldn’t wait to get their story. The wait was worth it. Suspenseful, romantic, emotional and excellent! Love this series and can’t wait for more!
I seriously don’t know how Lani Lynn Vale does it. With so many books published, you would think they would get formulaic, but Listen Pitch is an excellent example of how she keeps each book new and fresh.
This really is a fast paced book with lots of action and drama going on, which is in my wheelhouse. I loved that this book could probably translate over to daytime TV soaps.
All Rhys wants to do is play baseball and stay as far from the family business as possible, as in Cosa Nostra family business, but all the caveats of his father’s will make it impossible. Sooner or later, he will have to make some big decisions.
Henley Cree is Rhys hearing impaired neighbor, and as their paths continue to cross, a relationship soon develops between them. I know I say this every time, but I really don’t want to give away too many details because all the events that take place since their first meeting take you a roller coaster of a ride. It’s bam, bam, bam… So, gird your loins!
This was a fast, enjoyable read for me that kept me entertained the whole time. I can’t wait for LLV’s next book!
5 Stars!
From the hints of Rhys in the other books in not only this There’s No Crying in Baseball series, but also LLV’s Simple Men series, I knew his backstory was going to freaking rock. And (WOOHOO) I was right. I am not sure where LLV gets her imagination from, but it was fully evident from the beginning of the story to the end. All I have to say is … Rhys’ mom …. WOW! There is no other way to describe this woman.
Readers have had partial introductions to all of the characters in this book, but what I liked was how this one went back from the present to the past and gave me the answers to some questions that I had that came up in Tyler’s book, TO BAD, SO SAD. Love questions being wrapped up in a nice bow!
Now, when it comes to characters, I think that Henly is going to be one of my top favorite female characters of LLV. She is so beyond sweet, but she can sure throw sass at the drop of a hat, which can be freaking hilarious. She is funny, but also vulnerable. But she doesn’t let any of that stop her. There is one part at the end that really brings home the fact that she can take care of herself.
Rhys was everything that I had hoped he would be. He was super kind and very sweet, while also being very dominant at times. Super duper sex appeal in my book. He really had a crappy beginning to his life, and some of the things that he had to do were not so great. But when it came to protecting his family, he was all in. And he isn’t afraid to use what he needs to get the job done.
All in all LISTEN, PITCH was freaking awesome. There are times that I shed a tear or two, but I love that in a book. I got so completely immersed and devoured the story in no time flat. This is not a sports romance, even if it the main character is a ball player. There is no as much about baseball in this book as in the others in the series, but I think that was a good call. And one of my fav and most mysterious characters played a prominent role at the end. Come on LLV, you gotta give us Joker!!
3.5 stars
Listen Pitch was a little different than what I expected. Not bad, just different. The baseball is still included by way of Rhys’ teammates, a couple of practices, and a handful of game highlights, but this one is primarily about Rhys’ past coming to call. So, the angst here isn’t really in the romance, but it certainly affects our couple in a big way. There were a couple of things I didn’t quite understand, like why Rhys went to such lengths to hold onto money he didn’t actually need. Other than revenge for things that happened in his past, it just felt like unnecessary danger. That aside, the romance between Rhys and Henley was absolutely delightful. They’re both lovable characters and just seem to fit together. The story is filled with ups and downs for both of them, including loss, danger, and even separation, but they’re both strong and determined, and the author does a wonderful job of showing that. On the whole, this one is a good addition to the series and quite the enjoyable read.