REVIEW: HardBall by CD Reiss

Hardball is a standalone, sports themed erotic romance. Professional baseball player for the Dodgers, Dash Wallace is one of the sport's hottest commodities on and off the field. Like many athletes, he's a slave to his rituals and superstitions, necessary evils in his mind to keep him playing well.  One vice is a woman for each city; however, his life changes after a chance meeting with school librarian, Vivian.

Vivian comes across as a the bookish and naive female protagonist, formerly burned by love who is too complacent in her everyday life spent working and caring for her stepfather, who is in ill heath.  That fateful meeting with Dash, followed by their continued interactions sparks desire and other feelings she isn't quite ready to process.

A lot of HardBall is expected from the genre. It is pretty steamy and Dash is definitely an alpha male in and out of the bedroom. Props to Vivian, who does learn when to say, "Enough already." However, I thought she took him back too readily after his bad behavior. This is one of those relationships that readers can let pass with a fictional happily ever after even though in reality it isn't exactly a normal, healthy relationship.  Despite a marriage proposal, in real life, I doubt it would last much past the altar.  Like with most romance books, readers need a good suspension of disbelief for this one.  That said, it delivers what was promised and was a good escapism read for the end of my 2016.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @CDReisswriter




#HardBall #romance #baseball #erotic #relationships #superstitions

REVIEW: Hit Count by Chris Lynch

Hit Count explores America's love of football as well as the notable dangers associated with the beloved pastime. High schooler Arlo Brodie wants nothing more than to excel in the game that he adores. He loves getting hit hard and hitting back even harder.  Arlo's brother, Lloyd, has already quit the game because of its nasty side effects; however, Arlo can't resist the notoriety associated with his rise as "Starlo" or his father's hard won approval.

On the flip side is his mother's fear and research noting the overwhelming medical evidence exploring football's connection to head injuries and post concussion syndrome. When even Arlo's coach is tallying his hit counts, it is apparent that he is spiraling down a dangerous path wrecking not only his health and future but also his relationships and education.

This isn't the typical type of YA book that I usually pick up; however, I was curious about this one given the recent release of the film Concussion, the 50th Super Bowl game and ensuring that I can provide adequate reader's advisory to a wide range of teens with broad interests.  Overall, I found this had good pacing and characterization while exploring an important and relevant topic. I'd recommend this to a teen who enjoys realistic fiction, sports or who might be a reluctant reader.  The target audience is definitely for boys but there is no reason why a girl wouldn't find this appealing, especially if she has brothers, friends of a boyfriend who plays football.

Final rating 3.5 out of 5 stars



#HitCount #ChrisLunch #postconcussionsyndrome #football #realistic #YAlit #teen #TRC2016