Can you pinpoint a time in your life where you realized you are completely and utterly screwed?
I can. I got the dreaded phone call, the one every baseball player hopes and prays never comes.
I was traded. Yeah, that phone call.
Traded from my long time team of over ten years. And not just to any team, but my childhood rivals; the Chicago Rebels.
Completely and utterly screwed, right? Wrong. … utterly screwed, right? Wrong. The trade was the least of my concerns.
I met a girl. Natalie. Man, she’s perfect.
I swore I would never get involved with anyone during the season. Too complicated. But can you believe I have zero restraint when it comes to this girl? I couldn’t get her out of my head and the more I talked to her, the more I realized I needed her in my life.
So what’s the problem? Why am I screwed? Because, Natalie, the girl I can’t stop crushing on, yeah . . . she’s married.
At least, that’s what I was told . . .
more
This is part of a series and they are best read in order. I read this one first and had to read the first three to better understand the characters.
He has an impeccable career and while away from his family, Cory Potter loves the team and the city where his career developed. But his life seems to fall apart when he is transferred mid-season to a team in his hometown.
With his career at risk and his loyalty and professionalism to the new team questioned all the time by the press, falling in love with his teammate’s sister seems out of the question. But Natalie’s constant presence will shake Cory’s various beliefs and provide new experiences and feelings to be part of his life.
Meghan Quinn has a gift for writing good guys that melt your heart, while making you smile and easily seduce you. If you are looking for a romance with a breathtaking athlete, who has a giant heart this is the book for you.
Romance, humor, a hint of anguish and some mystery. Natalie and Cory are a delightful couple and all the misunderstanding in the beginning of plot will lead the reader through a roller coaster of emotions that will go from laughter to anger, going through tender and warm moments mixed in the right measure.
Cory is dealing with a mid-season team trade. Natalie is going through a divorce from her childhood sweetheart. They are brought together by friends and family. Cory thinks she is still married and Natalie thinks Cory is out of her league. Natalie wants a fling and for the first time in his life, Cory wants a relationship. During a trip with friends they begin to cement their friendship. After returning home they decide to date. Cory is dealing with backlash from his trade and It takes a toll on their relationship. He wants to protect her and Natalie just wants to love him. Be prepared to laugh, want to go to war for Cory, want to shake sense into both of them, fall in love with them, and want to be a part of their tribe. Sexy HEA!!
Natalie:
He treasures me. He’s done that from the beginning if I think hard about it. I understand now why he was guarded, and it wasn’t to frustrate me, but to keep his heart safe. And that tells me everything I need to know about this man. He sees me as someone who could hurt him. Me. Which means he’s going to protect my heart too.
4.5
I got addicted to these characters right from the beginning. When a book starts out with a partial forbidden, you wonder how MQ is going to pull that off. Have no fear, she knows exactly what she is doing with these two special people. Cory is such a kind hearted person you can’t help but fall in love with him. The way he gives back and is so selfless. I found myself swooning over him, time and time again. I couldn’t get enough of him. I wanted to read so fast, but at the same time wanted to savor it. I felt that Natalie and Cory somewhat had all the tropes… first a taste of forbidden, then some slow burn, then some enemy’s… but of course they end up being lovers in the end for their happily ever after.
I felt I connected the most with Cory in this book. My heart truly ached for him and I found myself frustrated with Natalie at times. To the point where I wasn’t sure if she was a favorite character of mine or not. But then of course Meghan knows how to bring them back around for you to truly love the characters. I also loved the bits and pieces you got of the happily ever after from the characters that have other books. Not only Knox and Emory, and Carson and Milly, but Jason and Dottie… Jason truly cracks me up. And helps make the story rounded out with lots of humor.
Cory learns how to adapt to being traded to a team that he’s been against and opposed to his entire life… hello Bobbie for life! But he learns to make the best of it, with a lot of bumps along the road. I love seeing him overcome those… when we know, he just needs his girl with him. Natalie is def stubborn and at times selfish I feel, but she also just wants what is best for both of them.
I think everyone needs to read about Cory Freaking Potter. He’s truly one of a kind… I wouldn’t trade him for the world!
This book is wonderful! Cory and Natalie are perfect for each other, their personalities, banter, chemistry and ability to know what the other needs is uncanny! Throughout this book I felt I was feeling each and every emotion they felt, especially the frustration and couldn’t put the book down until I knew what was happening for sure!
Lots of heat, emotions, determination and friendship throughout this book and it makes it’s hard to put down!
This series is brilliant and each book just keeps giving! Looking forward to more!!
“And I knew, in that moment, with our hands mid shake, my life would never be the same…”
This one so far has manage to steal my heart and easily became my favorite from Meghan Quinn’s standalone sports romance; I mean we have everything here, love, passion, steamy scenes, age gap, friendship, loyalty…it can’t get better.
Natalie thought she had her future planned, but after one great deception from life that left her thinking less of herself, she now has to work on her heart and her self-esteem, she thinks that she’s not enough to catch the attention of someone worthy of her. The solution after one big fail in a serious relationship is to have several dates until THE ONE appears in front of her… right? So she puts herself out there but the only thing she can gather from that is that maybe she will end alone and so she takes the offer to go to this great vacation with her brother and friends…what can go wrong?
Cory Potter’s life just changed, at 35 he is traded to a new team to the Chicago Rebels, childhood rivals. He knows his life is about to change and probably not for the best, after all the fans of his new team and the press don’t like him one bit, and in this world; your image is what builds you or destroys you. But for just a moment he thought he saw the silver lining…The moment Cory saw Natalie, he was besotted, after asking around about the gorgeous goddess with a heart of gold, he learns that she is out of his reach even if he is The Great Cory Potter. So maybe the solution is to go with his sister and friends in one vacation that might take his mind of Natalie…yeah good luck with that!
Sports romance full of heart, humor, and tons of HEAT.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Major league baseball player Cory Potter isn’t just a handsome jock, but he’s a fully developed, multi-dimensional guy. Natalie is a strong, smart woman who refuses to let men walk all over her. Their relationship is intense and passionate, which made for a page-turning read. I am a huge baseball fan but you don’t have to be to enjoy this sexy, heartwarming sports romance.
OMG! This book completely slayed me!
I could seriously have taken time off work, sick, in order to read this book without a break.
Cory Potter is Prince Charming personified and he’s treated abominably. This seriously hurt my heart!
Natalie is the perfect Princess for our baseball hero. She is not a pushover by any means and takes control of her future when things seem to be spiralling downwards.
Their journey to HEA is sweet and heartwarming and utterly heartbreaking but CANNOT be missed.
What a way to be introduced to a new author!
I’m back with another review for another EPIC story from the Queen of Rom-Com, Meghan Quinn. I know, I know…you are probably saying ‘Dana, you say that with every Meghan Quinn”…well, you know what, that’s because it is the truth!!!
So, I started The Trade on 5 March at around 6:00 pm….had to stop at 11 pm; woke up at 3:00 AM! because I needed more! I adored Cory (F^cking) Potter! He was everything I thought he would be when I first “met” him in The Dugout. Ms. Quinn brought him to “life” perfectly! Throw in Natalie (wait till you meet her), she is my spirit character! These two together….HOLY BANTER!!!!
I just want to just mention that even though this book is freaking hilarious (um, I’m going to admit that I snort laughed a few times), it also has a serious side to it. Ms. Quinn brings the laughs and of course the snort laughs, but she also brings these passages that are thought-provoking and mind-blowing!
“Fear should propel us forward, not hinder us”..that right there holds so much truth!”
Meghan Quinn, I don’t know how you do what you do, but I am loving these baseball players!
The trade was a romance full of missed communications and missed cues. Neither Natalie or Cory was looking for a romance, but their attraction is insane. Yet neither can seem to get on the same page about what they are truly feeling or wanting. And, even when they find solid ground together, all is not right in Cory’s world with his new team and fans. When something has to give, will it be his love for his girl or his love for the game? Or, can he find a way to win the respect of his teammates and the most unforgiving fans in baseball as well as the heart of the woman he should have never let get away?
Cory Potter . . . swoon! I loved that he is a true gentleman . . . until he isn’t! He was kind of a dumba$$ at times, but oh how I felt for him. He was such a positive guy, and to be faced with so much constant negativity was literally killing him.
I adored that Natalie was not going to let anyone treat her like crap or make her feel like she wasn’t good enough ever again. She knew what she needed and wanted out of a relationship and refused to settle.
And Jason Orson . . yup . . .still love him!
This book was a real roller coaster of feels. Super fun ups and really emotional downs. I honestly didn’t know if Cory would ever get it together and get the ending he had worked so hard for in both his career and personal life. The Trade will suck you in and not let you go until the very last page. 5 stars!
We were given these two characters in previous books in this series and I wanted Cory’s story sooo bad and Meghan Quinn has gifted us with his story. Natalie is Jason’s sister and we also met her The Line-Up. The mixing of these two characters was serendipitous.
Cory is known for his excellent skills on the field and has absolutely no interest in being in a relationship until he starts to see his teammates and friends start to couple up. Relationships are uncharted territory for him. Natalie is coming out of a divorce. She was somewhat blindsided when her first and only love divorces her. She up for “just a fling”. So there’s the problem. She wants one thing and he wants another.
These two play the flirting game but resist for quite a while (this story is surely a slow burn). The back and forth between thee two is epic…it’s sexy and there are plenty of laughs happening. Definitely some laugh out loud moments.
Cory is definitely a swoony alpha male which is perfect for this sports romance! Natalie is often unsure of herself but when it comes to Cory she’s strong and steadfast which also made me smile while reading.
The Trade is one s-l-o-w burn romance. The flame between Cory and Natalie actually burns hot right from the very beginning, but due to a combination of insecurities, misunderstandings, and fears, neither wants to act on their feelings. The sexual tension goes on and on forever and it just about tortured me to death. When they finally get together, though, Cory and Natalie set the sheets on fire! What a payoff!
As the only single people in their friend group, Cory and Natalie are thrown together and have plenty of time getting to know each other while trying to hide their mutual attraction. I really enjoyed their easy, flirty rapport.
Cory F*cking Potter, where have you been all my life? The swoony All-Star first baseman has a strong work ethic and a gentle heart. It hurt seeing him struggle with being traded to a rival team. His rejection by his new teammates and especially the fans is brutal.
Natalie is funny, bright, and charismatic but not at all confident that she’s in Cory’s league. Despite her insecurities, she’s a strong woman who ultimately knows her worth.
Cory’s teammate, Jason, is crazy and hilarious. I loved him so much. I also crushed on Natalie’s ride or die best friend, Monica.
Between the backdrop of a Carribean paradise and the allure of professional baseball, I was sold. The humor is a little over the top in places and the story is sad at times, but the chemistry between Cory and Natalie is always hella sexy. Overall, it’s a well-balanced rom com that I quite enjoyed.
Recommended for fans of:
Baseball
Tropical vacations
The Office
When I found out The Trade was about Cory Potter? Yeah, I admit it…..I did a little jig! He was everything I had hoped for and more! Yes, The Trade is part of a series and yes, prior reading is helpful BUT….it also reads as a complete standalone so if you have yet to read the other stories in Quinn’s fabulous baseball series, it’s okay, you can jump right in.
Cory Potter, one of the top baseball players in the country is traded….to the dirtiest team in the league but it brings him back home to Chicago where he’s surrounded by his family. He’s a beast on the field and a big teddy bear off the field. Known as one of the nicest players out there, he’s thrown into the fire with the fans who hate him. He meets Natalie at a fundraiser. The sister of his teammate Jason, Natalie is newly divorced and looking to get back into the dating world. But she’s weary after she was hurt badly by her ex. These two try hard to stay away from each other but nothing could stop the freight train of their feelings. The sparks are strong and while theirs is a slow burn, when they finally give in to it, it’s explosive.
I loved everything about this story. I loved the way Cory grew not only his relationship with Natalie but also with his teammates. I loved how Natalie finally healed from her ex’s betrayal and forged a new path to her happiness. I loved how Quinn gave us plenty of time to revisit with all of our favorite baseball players and their significant others (Jason and Dottie, Knox and Emory and Carson and Millie). I loved how I laughed out loud one minute then felt a lump in my throat the next. I don’t know if this is the end of this great baseball series but personally, I’m hoping that Maddox Paige gets a story because I REALLY want more of him! 5 stars
What an amazing and emotional read that left me wanting to experience discovering this book all over again. I’ve spent the last few days thinking about this story and being unable to pick up another book. It’s not often I come across a book that I wish I could give more than 5 stars to, but this gem is definitely one! I’ve already recommended The Trade to others because everyone needs to read it!
I’ve read all of Meghan Quinn’s books around her baseball series and I have to say that I love them all, and Cory’s book was no different.
This book had me laughing out loud on many occasions. It’s also funny, romantic, heart warming and even made me shed a tear now and again. Cory FUCKING Potter is amazing and it was so nice to have his story and see his progression with his new team. Natalie is the perfect women for Cory and the fit together perfectly. I loved the angst between them at the beginning!
I can’t wait to read more of Meghan Quinn’s books!
Oh my God we finally have Cory’s story and man it was worth the wait. I loved seeing this big man weeping because of the trade but man when it comes to Natalie he is so screwed. In a way these two seem like a long time coming and boy Meghan Quinn didn’t pull any stops between them. Not only do we see the big Cory Potter fall but it is with a woman he heard about for years through Jason and wham it is explosive between them. Coming back to this team was ugly in the beginning with Cory and have to say still don’t like the fans. One thing Meghan Quinn does great is making Cory persevere and when it comes to Natalie he fights all the way even if it means his fans will always hate him. Loved it and cannot wait to see what is next in this series.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
The Trade
Meghan Quinn
Fabulous read. Love the characters and the storyline. Must read.
“What do I have to say to the fans that keep booing me?” Smiling, I say, “They can take the bat I just used to hit this team to victory and shove it right up their a****.”
I absolutely loved this book. Meghan Quinn hit it out of the park with this this funny, swoony sports romance
Cory Potter received the phone call that no baseball player wants to hear – he’s being traded to his least favorite team in the whole league after playing 10 years for the Baltimore Storm. Now he’s supposed to be happy playing for the Chicago Rebels where the press and the fans hate him and constantly boo him and write bad stories in the press about him.
Yet things get a little better when he meets Natalie, the sister of his teammate Jason Orson. Natalie is in his thoughts constantly until he discovers she’s married.
When the two end up on the same vacation together things begin to get tense but when truths are revealed Cory wonders if he may get a shot after all.
But when all the stress gets to Cory what will he be willing to let go of?
This story is another home run for Meghan Quinn!! I loved it from start to finish and I can’t wait for whatever she has coming next!
I thought Cory was a great character and I admired him for knowing he was done with flings and really wanted to find a good relationship and settle down. I also felt really sad for him with everything that the press was saying about him and how it was beginning to get to him. He was under immense pressure and he was only human.
Natalie was great and I was proud of her for sticking to her beliefs and doing what was right for her. I loved that she worked for her brother with his charity, The LineUp and how close she was to both of her brothers. I absolutely loved all of the dates and I laughed my way through them all!
The trip to St.Croix was awesome and full of revelations! I loved how Natalie was trying to show Cory what he was missing and how much Cory was really trying to hold it in and be respectful of Natalie knowing they both wanted different things! Although I think I better start watching The Office as I am like Cory and haven’t watched any of it! The last night between them was totally hot and although things went a little sideways after I was happy everything got back on track!
The first big scene at Cory’s apartment was awesome and initially my heart completely broke for Cory when he truly put his heart out and then Natalie left!! I also loved how much of a gentleman Cory was and I got why he needed to take it so slow.
The press was just relentless and was truly getting to Cory and he never told anyone how much it was stressing him out. I felt horrible when the picture of Natalie came out and Cory wanted to do whatever he could to protect her from the press and the fans. The events at Spring Training were horrible and I could tell that Cory just couldn’t deal with it anymore and the consequences broke my heart.
Things just kept getting worse for Cory and I hated how much it changed him as a person and where it briefly landed him. I was so happy when his teammates eventually got on board with him and stuck up for him but I could tell how sad he still was.
I was so happy when Cory finally did the right thing and was able to salvage everything!! I definitely did a huge happy dance!!
Can’t wait for more from this author and maybe we’ll get something on Maddox soon!