Game On

Game On is a cross between a second chance and a sports romance with emphasis on the second chance love story. I'm a sucker for second chances, but I would've liked to have seen a little more of the Great American Pastime, especially since it played such a big part in the relationship. The story is well-written and entertaining as Nate and Keely tiptoe around their attraction. It's a decent story and runs the usual formula for a second chance romance with the lead up to realizing what they want, some fun and sexy get to know you again, the required angst, and the figuring it all out, and I did like the characters. Nevertheless, I wanted something more. It's a good story, but there is absolutely nothing to set it apart and make me remember it down the road. What I ended up with was an okay story in the fair to midland range. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It is the second book in a series, but I had no problem following this one as a standalone. I would say that those who have read the first book in the series and have developed an attachment to the characters would probably enjoy this one more than I did. For me, it's just shy of pushing me over that edge. I would probably check out the next book in the series, but this one hasn't left me with a burning need to watch for it.

This is my first read by Joanne Rock and I’m surprised that she hasn’t crossed my radar before now and I will certainly be checking out other works by her. Game On is book 2 in the Texas Playmakers and I had no problem getting involved in this romance even though I haven’t read the first book in the series. This book has a lot going for it, second chance romance, sports romance and small town romance all play a factor in this love story so I’m sure Nate and Keely’s story will appeal to a very wide audience. Nate and Keely are both afraid that history will repeat itself and they will find themselves once again walking away from each other. Will Keely let Nate back into her heart when he walked away so easily last time and will Nate open up his heart once again to the woman who broke it once before. This couple have a lot of emotional hurdles to jump before they can really admit the true love they feel for each other and I really enjoyed joining their journey as they got to know each other all over again. This book is a great romance with great characters including a very meddling grandfather who seems to be the only one who see’s the love this couple are trying to hide. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

We are back in Last Stand, TX and this time Nate Ramsay gets his story. Nate comes from a family of baseball players and finally gets a chance to play in the major league but an injury sidelines him and he goes back home to Last Stand to recover. But his return stirs feelings for the girl he left behind five years ago when she chose not to follow him. Keely Harper is finally getting some stability in her life after spending most of it taking care of her younger sister, dealing with an alcoholic father as well as a struggling business in order to feed and care for everyone. The story is filled with family drama on both sides, the unknown future of Nate’s career and whether or nor Keely is ready to let go and find time to do something for herself. Feelings and fear of abandonment run deep. Though at times a little slow, it was an entertaining story . The main characters as well as the secondary ones kept the story interesting. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Tule Publishing . The opinions expressed are solely my own.