A ballplayer’s girlfriend hides his daughter from him because she fears he’s like his abusive father.Marcia Powers wants nothing to do with ballplayer Brock Carter, especially after she told him to go away and pursue his dreams. She has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister.Brock Carter’s back in town to rekindle … sister.
Brock Carter’s back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he’s not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret.
Brock’s already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?
Men of Spring Baseball romances can be read standalone but are more fun when read together.Book 1, Playing Without Rules (Marcia & Brock)
Book 2, Playing Catch (Jeanine & Kirk)
Book 3, Playing for the Save (Jamie & Ryan)
Book 4, Playing Fastball (Tina & Timmy)
Novella, Playing The Rookie (Jessica & Jay)
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What makes this first book of the series titled, Men of Spring Baseball special is the fact that instead of giving the reader the run of the mill boy meets girl and everything is roses and perfect, it is filled with the realities of life.
Marcia Powers is a single mother, that believed that not telling the father of the child she was pregnant and sending him away to a future as a baseball player, she was doing the right thing.
Leaving Brock Carter to feel abandoned and returning 5 years later to get Marcia back.
But secrets are kept because of fear not realizing that the longer she waited , the worse the outcome and reaction.
We also are presented with the social issues of domestic abuse and assumptions that if a person was raised with abuse they too will be an abuser. Who are we to judge. Instead of avoiding the issue, why not give the individual the opportunity to experience love , redemption and hope.
Of the two characters, I found Brock more appealing than Marcia.
Definitely a thought provoking story.
I was pleased that the story was narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. These two truly bring the story to life.
Years ago, Marissa sent Brock away to pursue his dreams of playing baseball. Now he is back in town to win her back, but she wonders why.
This is a great second chance story with good main characters, great chemistry, and a good plot that has some sad moments. It is a story that will catch you by the feels as you find out about Brock’s history of abuse and Marissa’s fears.
If you like sports romance, baseball, second chances, and cute kids with some steamy sex scenes this is for you.
Tor Thom, Charley Ongel bring the characters to like and their duo performance is seamless as they each bring forth their parts. They always make you feel like the story is live. I highly suggest the audio of you can get it!
Audio Review
Rachelle Ayala is a relatively new author to me but with each book I read or listen to I’m loving her works more and more. Playing Without Rules was really bought to life by the narrators Tor Thom and Charley Ongel, they did a great job with this sweet yet spicy story.
Brock is back in his hometown after 5 years of playing baseball in the minor leagues, when he left he thought he was only leaving a finance behind but when he returns and try’s to rekindle his relationship with Marcia he finds out he left so much more behind…..
This book ticked all my boxes, it’s sad, it’s witty and it touches on subjects many authors shy away from add it a great job from the narrators and you get a must listen.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an old love that had never gone out. But now she had to find a way to tell him that he has a daughter. Rachelle Ayala always writes a good story. This one is my favorite so far.
Review of Audiobook Version:
Baseball & 2nd Chance’s Collide!
We are introduced to Brock Carter & Marcia Powers a baseball player & a pub owner who were once engaged. WIith a devastating secret that could destroy the new found friendship, as well as domestic abuse is discussed. Told in duo naration which is my favourite these two narrattors were able to capture all the intense & angst moments as they unfold. The character’s are realistic and come alive well listening to the audiobook. A bit sad at times but ends in the way it should.
The truth always has a way of finding the light.
This is Book 1 of 4 in the Men of Spring Baseball Series by Rachelle Ayala, and currently only 2 available in audio, but the rest are due soon!
Being the first in the series, this could be read as a standalone. I personally would suggest starting with the novella.
Sex Warning:
Author’s Heat rating is Steamy: Sex and lovemaking shown with naughty words for body parts. Love and lust intertwined, but couple is monogamous.
Story
This is a tale of second chances. If you are into those kinds of tales, then you are going to like this. As a mom, I can relate to wanting whats best for your child. I didn’t quite agree with some of Marcia’s actions, but could understand the logic behind her choices.
Marcia Powers told a lie four years ago over a miscommunication and has been running from it ever since, despite never leaving her small town. The holes she digs for herself just keep expanding, as all lies do. Bianca is the one that truly suffers in the wake of her mother’s delusions of grandeur.
Brock Carter did what the love of his life asked of him and left town to pursue his baseball career. He wanted to make himself worthy of her heart. Now he’s back, and determined to claim his dream, but Marcia doesn’t want him to have anything to do with her or her “little sister”. A child that just happens to be close in age to the time frame he left town, but that thought never occurs.
I had more feels for Brock and the other members of Marcia’s family than I did for her. She is a sloppy stack of pancakes on a good day, and she is a bit of a hypocrite. Luckily, the extra personalities balances everything out. There is a sneak peek at the end for Book 02, Playing Catch and it is quite amusing. I can’t wait!
Author
Rachelle Ayala really brings the drama with this story! But don’t fret fans, there is hot steamy goodness too.
Narrator(s)
This whole series is voiced by one of the best duos out there! Tor Thom & Charley Ongel deliver again! Their performances make you love a character as much as you want to smack them for being an idiot.
Ebook obtained through the Kindle Store
Audiobook obtained for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
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This book is an awesome book. It’s the story of a mother of an autistic child who wins a day for her sons with a baseball player hero of theirs. The day turns into days, and will turn into an encounter that will affect all their lives. Such a wonderful book.