RomanceReader: Book Tour: "Playing Catch" by Rachelle Ayala

NEW RELEASE...
On the field and off the field, bartender Jeanine Jewell plays, collecting one-night stands like baseball cards. She doesn’t need a man, except to curl her toes and make her scream. She’s learned the hard way that the one who cares more is the one who gets hurt—and the last thing she can handle is getting hurt, or having anyone discover her shameful secret.

Scoring women is easy for catcher Kirk Kennedy—they don’t call him “Catch and Release” for nothing. He never goes back for a repeat performance. Being traded to a new city is an opportunity for new adventures—until he runs into Jeanine and she refuses to go home with him. Intrigued, Kirk is determined to catch the elusive blonde and keep her to himself. When he proposes a wingman to wingwoman friends without benefits relationship, he’s surprised she accepts.

The no benefits clause soon falls by the wayside when neither Jeanine or Kirk can resist their explosive chemistry together. But despite the sparks between the sheets, they both refuse to acknowledge they’re anything more than friends.

Everything changes when Kirk discovers his past is the one Jeanine is hiding from.

Trigger Warning: The heroine was sexually abused by her foster father and has flashbacks.

My Review:

I love baseball so I was excited to read Playing Catch. A warning for those who are sensitive to triggers - this book deals with child and sexual abuse.

Jeanine and Kirk are both great characters. They both find themselves in a similar situations in their lives - no connections, no commitment sex. And in that way, they are perfect for each other. The characters are well developed and the backstory is well developed. The backstory is introduced over time and is effective in keeping the reader engaged throughout.

The only issue I had with how Kirk and Jeanine interacted once they had both started getting help. I felt it was counterindicated based on their histories and backgrounds and it gave me a bit of concern. But, as the story progressed and the crisis point reached, I saw where the author was headed and understood why that part of the story was included, it just rubbed me a bit the wrong way. But, in true romance novel fashion, Kirk and Jeanine find their way through their struggles and back to each other. And I really enjoyed the surprise that was waiting for Jeanine when she was ready!

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk

"A truly extraordinary story that fearlessly demonstrates the transforming power and the breathless wonder that love can bring to a life in need.” - Amber on Goodreads

"I couldn't put down this serious story about love overcoming all." - Chantel on Goodreads

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Rachelle is the founder of an online writing group, Romance in a Month, an active member of the California Writer’s Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has won awards in multicultural and historical romance.

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