Jill Shalvis, Double Play

Double Play

Jill Shalvis

Berkley, Jul 2009, $7.99

ISBN: 9780425228685

An All Star pitcher for most of his major league career, Pace Martin knows he is nearing the end of playing baseball; his playing through injuries speeds up his retirement. Currently, he has a bad shoulder that requires either extended rest or surgery before it becomes permanently damaged. Still, Pace knows his team Santa Barbara Pacific Heat needs him as their ace while they make a playoff run.

Although she prefers otherwise, reporter Holly Hutchins is assigned to interview Pace and expose team secrets. He has no patience for a journalist while she has no time for an adult playing a kid's game. However, both are attracted to one another from the first at bat. When the secrets make it into print, his teammates blames Holly, but Pace knows his beloved is highly ethical. The reporter and pitcher plan to expose the leak who obviously is someone inside the clubhouse.

This lighthearted baseball romance is a fun frolic filled with thrilling play that also showcases the extreme pressure on athletes and those who cover the players to perform now; Pace especially understands what was done before quickly becomes yesterday's news. Fast-paced throughout, fans of sports romance will enjoy going to the ballgame as this tale is a nine inning romp.

Harriet Klausner