Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When Javier Vargas was traded to the Grand Rapids Bengals, he didn’t just leave his team behind; he turned his back on the love of his life. Now, shortstop Zach Martin is playing for the Bengals, as well, and Javier can’t believe he ever walked away from the scorching heat between them.

Being a Bengal brings its own complications for Zach, who’s tired of never setting down roots. Playing beside Javier, Zach is constantly reminded of their passionate nights—and the pain of his loss.

Javier screwed up one chance with Zach, and he’s not about to let a second one pass him by. With scandals swirling all around the team, Javier has to decide whether to risk the life he’s built for himself or lose the only man he’s ever loved, again.

First edition published by Resplendence Publishing, June 2012.

Book Review

Professional baseball players, like other athletes, have a harder time than many professions when coming out and that reality provides extra obstacles for Javier and Zach. The many baseball details give this book a solid setting, the characters felt real (including all the stupid mistakes people make), and the two main characters , Zach and Javier, each had their own reasons why they behaved the way they did. Their situation made me mad and I felt for them.

 

Zach still cannot get over the fact that Javier left him "for their own protection" a year ago. Zach may tell himself he's over it, even started a new relationship, but he knows that isn’t all it should be, or all he's hoping for. His current boyfriend (if you can call the douchebag that) is a Hollywood director and not only lives in a different world but wants an open relationship. Zach just isn’t able to deal with that. He wants more.

 

Javier was the one to walk away from Zach for fear he wouldn’t be able to be faithful if they had to spend any time apart. He's never stopped loving him though, and could kick himself for the mistake he made. He is very much still in love with Zach and believes he can never get him back.  But then, when push comes to shove, he figures out a way to really help his best friend and maybe future lover, and I was very touched by his sacrifice.

 

If you enjoy books about baseball players, if you like the idea of the reality of an athlete's life 'intruding' in the romance between two guys who are deeply in love, and if two men who burn up the sheets when they do get together are your think, then you will probably like this book.

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 63 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-February-2020
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Double-Header-Hardball-Book-2-ebook/dp/B084T8KGZW