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Double Play
by Jill ShalvisSeries: Pacific Heat #1
Published by Berkley on July 7, 2009
SubGenres: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback
Pages: 282
Source: Purchased
Audience: 18+/Adult
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Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He's got the arm, the experience and the wins. He's also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.
Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark and slightly attitude-ridden Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there’s more at stake than just the win, she starts to notice the handsome broad-shouldered jock in a different light.
Pace and Holly begin a seductive game in which neither wants to drop the ball, but in the face of an unexpected betrayal and challenge, they’ll have to find the courage to swing for the fences…
I was in the mood for a Baseball Romance as it’s baseball season, so I picked up Double Play, the first book in Jill Shalvis’s Pacific Heat series. Already familiar with Jill Shalvis’s writing, I knew I was going to enjoy this book because her stories are always heart-warming. Double Play immediately captured the spirit of baseball romance, putting me in the mood to attend a game this summer because it’s been a long time since I attended a baseball game. Who knows, maybe one of the baseball players will fall for a reporter, as Pace Martin did for Holly Hutchins in Double Play. =) You never know.
I definitely enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Pace and Holly because it’s what I’ve been preferring lately in romance books. It was great getting to know both characters, their faults, strengths, and chemistry. Pace has trust issues, which is understandable with Holly being a reporter. She is there doing her job, seeking the good and bad for a story, mostly the bad, since that is what sells. Pace is a dedicated baseball pitcher, sometimes working too hard, which ends up costing him. He’s grumpy but has a heart of gold, which he proves in this book, and that’s why I adored him. Holly is determined in her job but lonely, not able to make many friends or find love because her job takes a lot out of her. After what happened with her ex-boyfriend, she’s not sure if love is in the cards for her. I loved her character, especially when she realizes she wants to see the good more than the bad when it comes to Pace and his team. I didn’t think she was a bad guy at all in the story, even if others did.
The story was predictable, but I still enjoyed it. When Pace faced trouble, I knew where things were heading. Then there was Holly, who had to make a choice in her career, jeopardizing her relationship with Pace and his career when she uncovers what is happening within the team. The resolution worked out for both of them in the long run, though. What boils down to it, Holly had to tell the truth, and Pace had to realize she was not the bad guy. She helped him see baseball wasn’t everything and that love was possible, and Pace helped Holly find love after her last relationship. The best part was that the ending was very satisfying for both Pace and Holly, even without a traditional epilogue.
Overall, Double Play is an engaging baseball romance that I gladly rate four stars. Its heartfelt characters and lighthearted storytelling make it perfect for summer reading and remind me why I love Jill Shalvis’s books. The setup for the next book hints at who is getting their book, and I look forward to reading it.
P.S. My favorite moment in the book was when Pace’s teammates had a superstition going that Pace had to kiss Holly before every game, otherwise they wouldn’t win. She was a good luck charm, even if they couldn’t really trust her.
POV: Third Person (Dual POV)
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Double Play is a perfect summer baseball romance to add to your TBR list. I recommend it especially for readers new to Jill Shalvis or anyone looking for heartwarming, character-driven stories.
What to Expect:
⚾️Sports/Baseball Romance
⚾️Opposites Attract
⚾️Grumpy/Sunshine
⚾️Forced Proximity
⚾️Slow Burn
About Jill Shalvis
Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is … mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning heartwarming and full of humor novels wherever books are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. Her most recent book, Almost Just Friends, was just published last month and her next book, The Summer Deal, comes out in June.
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