Double Play by Jill Shalvis Series: Pacific Heat #1
Published by Berkley on 7 July 2009
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 282
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Purchase
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Getting to first base is a cinch...But getting home will take a grand slam...
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-challenged Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there's more at stake than just a win, she begins to see the jock in a different light.
Pace and Holly begin a seductive game, but in the face of unexpected betrayal and challenges, they'll have to find the courage to swing for the fences..
Double Play has delicious romance, anticipation and longing, but it also has some mystery, lots of sports and a dash of intrigue.
My Double Play review:
From the start, I really enjoyed both Pace and Holly, they were passionate about their work, and never let anything get in the way of doing the job they were paid to do… until they met each other and the attraction between them was strong, if somewhat reluctant. Holly is following The Heat through several games of the baseball season, and her speciality is ferreting out secrets. She can see why Pace has been on the covers of both sports-magazines and others in the past, besides being very good looking, he also has charm and is an intelligent man with whom she enjoys talking about a lot of things.
As Pace and Holly get to know each other better, both of them start to change, very subtly. Where there was only time and love for work before, there might just be room for something else now. Double Play is mostly light-hearted, even when it deals with doping in the sports-world, how hard it can be to deal with the media, and fans who may take their hero-worship a little too far. Seeing the two main characters open up a little bit, and their development throughout the story made it seem very realistic, and the slow burn of their romance was very well done.
Written in past tense, third person point of view, I was getting more of Pace and his feelings than Holly’s, and seeing things from Pace’s perspective was really good. There are some good dialogues as well, and of course, Shalvis’ trademark humor shines through as well.
Some of my favorite Double Play quotes:
If Pace Martin had the choice between sex and a nap, he’d actually take the nap, and wasn’t that just pathetic enough to depress hi. but his shoulder hurt like a mother and so did his damn pride.
If she had a penis, she could just walk right in and interview him in his element. Not that she wanted a penis. No thank you, they were way too much trouble.
He wondered if it gave her a headache, all that carefulness. She was certainly giving him one, and given the pain he was fighting in his shoulder, that was saying something.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Ooh, I like the sound of this one, Lexxie. I am a baseball fan, first of all. But mostly because I like to see characters grow and change and it seems Pace and Holly both do that. I’m also curious about the mystery. You’ll have to advise me on which Shalvis to read first when I get to the point where I can read her. 🙂
Happy Friday, my friend! I hope you’ve had a lovely week. We’re due for a big snow this weekend and I’m kind of excited. 🙂 My week has been busy – just as I’m sure yours has been. Hopefully we can find one another to chat and catch up in the next few days. **BIG HUGS**
We don’t have baseball here, so I’m not a fan, but I’m a sports-fan, and reading about the guys, their interactions with each others as well as the fans and the media always fascinates me. And yes, both Pace and Holy grow and change, very good read.
I will have to go through all my Shalvis books to pick one for you to start with 🙂 I hope we’ll be able to catch up and chat very soon too, my dear. *BIG HUGS*
I’ve never read Jill Shalvis before – yes, yes, I know, I should and I will, promise !
You definitely should, Iza 🙂 One of these days, eh?
Twitter: talksupeblog
I’m sure Holly got herself in a few interesting circumstances (?). And Pace is what I think athletes are, not these tail chasing manwhores (?). Right? LOL
Holly definitely got herself in a few interesting circumstances, Braine, and pace is as far from a tail chasing manwhore as is possible!
Jill Shalvis is one of those authors I’ve always heard good things about, but never tried. I think the only contemporary books sport-related (so to speak) have been Jaci Burton’s so far, and they didn’t always work well for me. Still, I’m not quitting with the genre (or Burton) yet, and I will definitely read one of Shalvis’ books sooner or later! In the meantime, I’m happy to read your reviews and know you’re having a great time with them 🙂
I’ve enjoyed so many Shalvis stories, Silvia, both with and without sporty guys or gals. I do have a special place in my heart for sports heroes, though, since I’m married to a very sporty guy for real 🙂
Have a great weekend!
I keep meaning to read something by her. The delicious romance sounds great
Yeah, Shalvis knows exactly how to keep the anticipation on a high level, Brandi 🙂
You know, I haven’t read a base ball book, I think I should look into this one. We have been dealing with doping through sports here in Aus, so I would like to see it in a book. Thank Lexie!!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
It is definitely nice to see how fiction deals with doping and all the problems surrounding it, Naomi. Have a great week.