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Suddenly Smitten #1
The Practice Proposal
Liza Sutherland isn’t looking for love. Not from a charity-auction date she didn’t even bid on and especially not with Nationals first baseman Cole Collins, the guy she obsessed over as an awkward teenager. She won’t get involved with a notorious player, no matter how attractive Cole is.
Cole Collins is up for contract renegotiation, but after too many late-night parties, he’ll need some positive publicity before he can make the roster. His agent, Frank, pitches Liza as the perfect prop…only Cole didn’t account for Liza no longer being just a teenager with a crush. She’s gorgeous and smart and he’s instantly hooked.
When Frank makes Liza a deal she can’t refuse—a bet she will fall in love with Cole or a cool half mil goes to charity—the game is on. But neither bet on the real feelings that surface. Could a fake fling turn into an official forever?
Cole Collins is up for contract renegotiation, but after too many late-night parties, he’ll need some positive publicity before he can make the roster. His agent, Frank, pitches Liza as the perfect prop…only Cole didn’t account for Liza no longer being just a teenager with a crush. She’s gorgeous and smart and he’s instantly hooked.
When Frank makes Liza a deal she can’t refuse—a bet she will fall in love with Cole or a cool half mil goes to charity—the game is on. But neither bet on the real feelings that surface. Could a fake fling turn into an official forever?
229 pages, ebook
First published March 11, 2013
88 people are currently reading
2944 people want to read
About the author
Tracy March
11 books392 followersAward-winning author Tracy March writes romantic thrillers and lighthearted romances inspired by her real-life happily ever after.
Always up for travel and adventure, Tracy has flown in a stunt plane, snowmobiled on the Continental Divide, ziplined in the Swiss Alps, and been chased by a bull in the mountains of St. Lucia. She loves Nationals baseball, Saturday date nights, and Dairy Queen Blizzards—and rarely goes a day without craving pizza.
Tracy lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with her superhero husband who works for NASA.
Always up for travel and adventure, Tracy has flown in a stunt plane, snowmobiled on the Continental Divide, ziplined in the Swiss Alps, and been chased by a bull in the mountains of St. Lucia. She loves Nationals baseball, Saturday date nights, and Dairy Queen Blizzards—and rarely goes a day without craving pizza.
Tracy lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with her superhero husband who works for NASA.
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September 18, 2013
Review posted on Way Too Hot Books
The Practice Proposal by Tracy March is perfect novel for all of you who like good romance involving good girl and womanizing sports player. Bad boy will see everything wrong in his previous relationships and good girl will find her inner bad girl. A little bit predictable, but that is not a bad thing when it comes to this type of novels - that is exactly why we read them and what we want.
If you are fan of Jaci Burton and her Play by Play series like me, you will love The Practice Proposal. Only difference is the cover - Burton's novels have those "let me lick your body - everywhere" covers. The Practice Proposal is tamer comparing to them, but story is even better, so please, hurry and pick up your copy of this novel - you can find Amazon and Barnes & Noble links in this post.
The storyline. Really, really good. There are no loose ends, maybe I would like that some things were written differently in the end, but Tracy March is woman who knows how to get you interested. Being woman herself, I believe that she knows what is one of the biggest fantasies every one of us has and she used it. Do you remember that boy you not-so-secretly liked when you were teenager? And he acted like your friend or he didn't notice you at all because you were this awkward creature with braces, pimples or no feminine curves at all? Wouldn't you just love to meet him today and let him see what did he miss? Make him beg for your attention? Yep, that fantasy!
Characters. Those of you who know me are familiar with my lack of patience for goodie two shoes/virgins/naive female characters. No, she is not virgin (thank you God), but Liza is good girl who obviously isn't aware of her appearance and how it affects opposed sex. Why did I like her? Because she is smart and independent. Cole is your typical sports player with everything that goes with that - parties and one night stands, but he is not jerk and (again, thank you God) he thinks about consequences of his actions. Don't let me start about all the reasons this man will make you swoon like sixteen year old One Direction groupie.
What are you waiting for? Read this book as soon as possible and tell us what you think. In the end, I would like to say just one more thing.
Dear Tracy, thank you for this super sweet story and I wish you lot of good books and 5-stars ratings.
The Practice Proposal by Tracy March is perfect novel for all of you who like good romance involving good girl and womanizing sports player. Bad boy will see everything wrong in his previous relationships and good girl will find her inner bad girl. A little bit predictable, but that is not a bad thing when it comes to this type of novels - that is exactly why we read them and what we want.
If you are fan of Jaci Burton and her Play by Play series like me, you will love The Practice Proposal. Only difference is the cover - Burton's novels have those "let me lick your body - everywhere" covers. The Practice Proposal is tamer comparing to them, but story is even better, so please, hurry and pick up your copy of this novel - you can find Amazon and Barnes & Noble links in this post.
The storyline. Really, really good. There are no loose ends, maybe I would like that some things were written differently in the end, but Tracy March is woman who knows how to get you interested. Being woman herself, I believe that she knows what is one of the biggest fantasies every one of us has and she used it. Do you remember that boy you not-so-secretly liked when you were teenager? And he acted like your friend or he didn't notice you at all because you were this awkward creature with braces, pimples or no feminine curves at all? Wouldn't you just love to meet him today and let him see what did he miss? Make him beg for your attention? Yep, that fantasy!
Characters. Those of you who know me are familiar with my lack of patience for goodie two shoes/virgins/naive female characters. No, she is not virgin (thank you God), but Liza is good girl who obviously isn't aware of her appearance and how it affects opposed sex. Why did I like her? Because she is smart and independent. Cole is your typical sports player with everything that goes with that - parties and one night stands, but he is not jerk and (again, thank you God) he thinks about consequences of his actions. Don't let me start about all the reasons this man will make you swoon like sixteen year old One Direction groupie.
What are you waiting for? Read this book as soon as possible and tell us what you think. In the end, I would like to say just one more thing.
Dear Tracy, thank you for this super sweet story and I wish you lot of good books and 5-stars ratings.
March 11, 2013
The Practice Proposal is such a fun story. I had a tough time pulling myself away from it and am now ready for baseball season to start! Tracy's writing is smooth, the plot moved along at a good pace and her descriptions of people and places makes you feel like you are right there in the story with the characters.
In The Practice Proposal we meet Cole Collins, a major league baseball player for the Washington Nationals and Liza Sutherland, the daughter of the owners of the Baltimore Orioles. Cole and Liza had met when they were teens and Liza had quite a crush on Cole at that time. Now they are grown up and it has been years since they have talked. Because of Cole's agent, Frank Price, the two are thrown together for a romance that neither Cole or Liza really expects to happen.
Tracy sure had me on the emotional roller coaster in this book. Both Cole and Liza have some past issues they need to deal with and it seems they are the only ones that can help each other out. I found my heart breaking and even shed a couple of tears for both of them at times. Cole and Liza also had fun and entertaining times together in which I found myself laughing out loud with them. When they forgot about the reason they were in this relationship, Cole and Liza were focused on each other, and the relationship was easy and fell into place. We don't get to read a lot of books about easy going relationships so it was refreshing. There were no overly dramatic elements that you would roll your eyes at and I loved that about Cole and Liza.
The rivalry between Cole playing for the Nationals and Liza cheering for the Orioles was a big part of the book and so much fun. If you are a baseball fan you will really enjoy that about this book. I enjoyed the secondary characters in the story, especially Liza's friend Paige. I hope there is a book in the future about her because she is a little spitfire and definitely entertains.
The Practice Proposal is a sweet romantic read. Tracy is an author that I will be checking out again in the future for sure. I highly recommend The Practice Proposal to anyone looking for a fun, flirty, heartwarming read about family, friends, and love.
Copy received from Publisher.
In The Practice Proposal we meet Cole Collins, a major league baseball player for the Washington Nationals and Liza Sutherland, the daughter of the owners of the Baltimore Orioles. Cole and Liza had met when they were teens and Liza had quite a crush on Cole at that time. Now they are grown up and it has been years since they have talked. Because of Cole's agent, Frank Price, the two are thrown together for a romance that neither Cole or Liza really expects to happen.
Tracy sure had me on the emotional roller coaster in this book. Both Cole and Liza have some past issues they need to deal with and it seems they are the only ones that can help each other out. I found my heart breaking and even shed a couple of tears for both of them at times. Cole and Liza also had fun and entertaining times together in which I found myself laughing out loud with them. When they forgot about the reason they were in this relationship, Cole and Liza were focused on each other, and the relationship was easy and fell into place. We don't get to read a lot of books about easy going relationships so it was refreshing. There were no overly dramatic elements that you would roll your eyes at and I loved that about Cole and Liza.
The rivalry between Cole playing for the Nationals and Liza cheering for the Orioles was a big part of the book and so much fun. If you are a baseball fan you will really enjoy that about this book. I enjoyed the secondary characters in the story, especially Liza's friend Paige. I hope there is a book in the future about her because she is a little spitfire and definitely entertains.
The Practice Proposal is a sweet romantic read. Tracy is an author that I will be checking out again in the future for sure. I highly recommend The Practice Proposal to anyone looking for a fun, flirty, heartwarming read about family, friends, and love.
Copy received from Publisher.
March 13, 2013
2.5 REALLY Slow Moving Stars
Hmmm, well…at least it didn't take long to read. I don’t believe I’ve ever started a review off quite like that, to be honest. It was also an entirely painless read void of any drama whatsoever. Unfortunately there en lies the problem.
I suppose a little back story’s needed here. Liza’s had a rough couple of years. Her fiancé was killed in the line of duty and she’s resigned herself to never finding love again. Cole’s an all star first baseman who’s become more famous for his exploits off the field than for his solid play on the field. In his early years Cole attended baseball camps put on by Liza’s father and the two became friends, albeit with Liza developing a good sized crush on Cole. When a date with Cole is offered at a silent charity auction, Liza’s mother takes the opportunity to bid on behalf of Liza with the hope that Liza will finally start dating again and possibly reconnect with her teenage crush. Cole’s overly involved agent pushes Cole to start publicly dating Liza because, after all, that will magically improve Cole’s public image and that lucrative new contract will be his. After turning down a second date with Cole, that same agent offers Liza a $500,000 donation to the charity she works for if she can date Cole for 2 months and not manage to fall in love with him. What’s she have to loose? Kind of like a convoluted game of romance chicken with the proceeds going to charity! Here’s the kicker; either Cole or Liza’s aware of the deal the other’s made.
For as unbelievable as this premise is, there’s little to no drama in this book and the only action takes place on the baseball field. There’s a seemingly endless amount of internal monologues where the characters have long, involved conversations with themselves but very little interaction between the two. Even when she thinks he cheated on her, the conversation basically boils down to “It’s understandable how that was taken out of context. I believe you. Darn that twitter!” Come on, people! Someone please just raise your voice or emote something! I dare you!
She feels guilty about moving on and he realizes he’s looking for a serious relationship with Liza instead of the parade of models and one night stands that’s become his norm. They both know they need to set the other straight on the circumstances leading up to the beginning of the relationship, but instead of talking to each other they keep going around and around in their own heads. Then they go over and over these facts internally until I thought about screaming, just to break up the monotony. She does eventually open up about her fiancé and he explains a little more about his difficult childhood but that’s it.
Unfortunately I never felt any kind of connection, romantic or otherwise, between Liza and Cole except a companionable friendship. The addition of a non-closed door love scene or two might’ve helped. There are past issues involving Liza’s parents and Cole, but that proved unnecessarily boring as well. The eventual drama when Cole and Liza discover the other’s “deal” came and went and by the end I simply felt…blah.
This book provided from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Hmmm, well…at least it didn't take long to read. I don’t believe I’ve ever started a review off quite like that, to be honest. It was also an entirely painless read void of any drama whatsoever. Unfortunately there en lies the problem.
I suppose a little back story’s needed here. Liza’s had a rough couple of years. Her fiancé was killed in the line of duty and she’s resigned herself to never finding love again. Cole’s an all star first baseman who’s become more famous for his exploits off the field than for his solid play on the field. In his early years Cole attended baseball camps put on by Liza’s father and the two became friends, albeit with Liza developing a good sized crush on Cole. When a date with Cole is offered at a silent charity auction, Liza’s mother takes the opportunity to bid on behalf of Liza with the hope that Liza will finally start dating again and possibly reconnect with her teenage crush. Cole’s overly involved agent pushes Cole to start publicly dating Liza because, after all, that will magically improve Cole’s public image and that lucrative new contract will be his. After turning down a second date with Cole, that same agent offers Liza a $500,000 donation to the charity she works for if she can date Cole for 2 months and not manage to fall in love with him. What’s she have to loose? Kind of like a convoluted game of romance chicken with the proceeds going to charity! Here’s the kicker; either Cole or Liza’s aware of the deal the other’s made.
For as unbelievable as this premise is, there’s little to no drama in this book and the only action takes place on the baseball field. There’s a seemingly endless amount of internal monologues where the characters have long, involved conversations with themselves but very little interaction between the two. Even when she thinks he cheated on her, the conversation basically boils down to “It’s understandable how that was taken out of context. I believe you. Darn that twitter!” Come on, people! Someone please just raise your voice or emote something! I dare you!
She feels guilty about moving on and he realizes he’s looking for a serious relationship with Liza instead of the parade of models and one night stands that’s become his norm. They both know they need to set the other straight on the circumstances leading up to the beginning of the relationship, but instead of talking to each other they keep going around and around in their own heads. Then they go over and over these facts internally until I thought about screaming, just to break up the monotony. She does eventually open up about her fiancé and he explains a little more about his difficult childhood but that’s it.
Unfortunately I never felt any kind of connection, romantic or otherwise, between Liza and Cole except a companionable friendship. The addition of a non-closed door love scene or two might’ve helped. There are past issues involving Liza’s parents and Cole, but that proved unnecessarily boring as well. The eventual drama when Cole and Liza discover the other’s “deal” came and went and by the end I simply felt…blah.
This book provided from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2020
I love me some sports romance books, but this one just did not hit the mark for me.
Liza and Cole know each other from the past. Back when Cole was at baseball training camp trying to make a name for himself and Liza was the awkward teen who swooned over him. fast forward years later and Cole is now a MLB player with a rep and Liza is trying to figure out how to move on after losing her fiance. Enter a charity event date and a bribe.
All good relationships start with bribes obviously. I just, it all seemed so forced. The charity date, Cole's manager bribing Liza to date Cole, Cole's relationship with Liza's parents, soooo much drama! And on top of that, I never felt the sparks between Cole and Liza. Cole went from being a playboy who doesn't want to settle down, to wanting a life with Liza within the same chapter. It doesn't happen that way.
I guess I just wanted more depth to these characters and I just didn't get that. There was nothing swoony about it and I just felt cheated by the end.
Liza and Cole know each other from the past. Back when Cole was at baseball training camp trying to make a name for himself and Liza was the awkward teen who swooned over him. fast forward years later and Cole is now a MLB player with a rep and Liza is trying to figure out how to move on after losing her fiance. Enter a charity event date and a bribe.
All good relationships start with bribes obviously. I just, it all seemed so forced. The charity date, Cole's manager bribing Liza to date Cole, Cole's relationship with Liza's parents, soooo much drama! And on top of that, I never felt the sparks between Cole and Liza. Cole went from being a playboy who doesn't want to settle down, to wanting a life with Liza within the same chapter. It doesn't happen that way.
I guess I just wanted more depth to these characters and I just didn't get that. There was nothing swoony about it and I just felt cheated by the end.
February 9, 2022
The Practice Proposal was kind of cute. Yet kind of predictable at the same time.
In this, you will meet Liza and Cole. Thye knew each other when they were younger until they drifted apart. Now, they are older, wiser, and back in each other's lives. He is in the MLB, and she is a charity case. Okay, not really but she did "win" him in a charity. By that, I mean her meddling mother put her name down and she somehow won a date with him. Talk about awkward.
All good things come to those who wait. Or ya know... bribe one another with fakes dates and dares. Either way, it brought them closer to one another and I was all for it. I also really, like really, wanted to know what happened in their past. Why wasn't he on good terms with her parents? What happened when she found out her fiancé died? Who helped her through it all? Which, yes, were all good questions in my mind.
Luckily, things worked out after the little drama came their way. I had a feeling that certain things were going to happen one way and then push them another. Then, of course, they would realize their true feelings and be happy once again. They just took their sweet time getting there.
In the end, it was a pretty cute book. I'm glad that I finally found the time to jump into this one and might even go to the sequel.
In this, you will meet Liza and Cole. Thye knew each other when they were younger until they drifted apart. Now, they are older, wiser, and back in each other's lives. He is in the MLB, and she is a charity case. Okay, not really but she did "win" him in a charity. By that, I mean her meddling mother put her name down and she somehow won a date with him. Talk about awkward.
All good things come to those who wait. Or ya know... bribe one another with fakes dates and dares. Either way, it brought them closer to one another and I was all for it. I also really, like really, wanted to know what happened in their past. Why wasn't he on good terms with her parents? What happened when she found out her fiancé died? Who helped her through it all? Which, yes, were all good questions in my mind.
Luckily, things worked out after the little drama came their way. I had a feeling that certain things were going to happen one way and then push them another. Then, of course, they would realize their true feelings and be happy once again. They just took their sweet time getting there.
In the end, it was a pretty cute book. I'm glad that I finally found the time to jump into this one and might even go to the sequel.
March 13, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
This is one of those books that I saw the publisher’s blurb on Facebook and I raced to buy it. I’m a sucker for any book with a baseball theme, I can’t help it. I know there are readers out there that are huge football, hockey, and basketball followers but for me, it’s always been baseball. This is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after reading The Practice Proposal I know for a fact I’ll be checking out the other offerings of Tracy March because this book is a homerun on a stick swirled in chocolate!
Liza Sutherland has endured what most people never want to face, her fiancé was gunned down in the line of duty and she hasn’t dated since. She’s fine with her life but her mother thinks otherwise and buys her a charity auction date with her teenage crush and now staring player for the Washington Nationals, Cole Collins. Cole has his own set of problems, his bad boy player reputation has caught up with him and he’s in danger of not being picked up for next season. His agent sees the charity date as a chance for Cole to clean up his act, but Cole has his own reasons for not wanting to rekindle a friendship or anything else with Liza. Too bad fate jumps in and hands them both something they don’t think they are ready for or want.
From start to finish this book had me enthralled and yes, while there was some baseball involved including a pennant race and World Series, baseball was not really the main focus. These characters just jumped off the page and into my heart. They both have dealt with some pretty big blows in their lifetime and despite that they are pretty normal well adjusted people. That’s not to say they don’t have their insecurities or hang ups, but they really work towards not letting them get in their own way. I love how from their first date, they hop right back to the closeness they shared as teenagers. Liza has a way of keeping Cole’s ego in check and calling him out and it was cute and fun to watch. I like that she sees him just as a guy not the superstar athlete he is. I like her even more for the way she gets him to open up and share his past and the way she accepts all of him. When Cole realizes something is holding Liza back, he confronts her and then sets out to help her deal with her grief. I love that he doesn’t pressure her and that he understands she needs to sort out her conflicting feelings. While he has some stellar and very romantic moments in this book, there is one scene that left me crying my eyes out and convinced me that he is one hell of a guy.
While this is a romance there is a lot of other things going on that make this book completely intriguing. There is past deceit, secret deals, returning bad influences, not to mention a pennant race between two rival teams with the hero and heroine on opposite sides. However, I can’t deny that watching these two work their way through everything wasn’t beyond satisfying. If ever two people deserved happiness, it is Cole and Liza. I also enjoyed all the supporting characters and their role in helping them find their happily ever after.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance, regardless if you like baseball or not. The Practice Proposal is one of those books that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering sometimes all in the same scene. It will most definitely touch your heartstrings and give you the same feeling you get when your team heads to the World Series two years in a row…yes, it’s really is that amazing!
4.5 Stars
This is one of those books that I saw the publisher’s blurb on Facebook and I raced to buy it. I’m a sucker for any book with a baseball theme, I can’t help it. I know there are readers out there that are huge football, hockey, and basketball followers but for me, it’s always been baseball. This is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after reading The Practice Proposal I know for a fact I’ll be checking out the other offerings of Tracy March because this book is a homerun on a stick swirled in chocolate!
Liza Sutherland has endured what most people never want to face, her fiancé was gunned down in the line of duty and she hasn’t dated since. She’s fine with her life but her mother thinks otherwise and buys her a charity auction date with her teenage crush and now staring player for the Washington Nationals, Cole Collins. Cole has his own set of problems, his bad boy player reputation has caught up with him and he’s in danger of not being picked up for next season. His agent sees the charity date as a chance for Cole to clean up his act, but Cole has his own reasons for not wanting to rekindle a friendship or anything else with Liza. Too bad fate jumps in and hands them both something they don’t think they are ready for or want.
From start to finish this book had me enthralled and yes, while there was some baseball involved including a pennant race and World Series, baseball was not really the main focus. These characters just jumped off the page and into my heart. They both have dealt with some pretty big blows in their lifetime and despite that they are pretty normal well adjusted people. That’s not to say they don’t have their insecurities or hang ups, but they really work towards not letting them get in their own way. I love how from their first date, they hop right back to the closeness they shared as teenagers. Liza has a way of keeping Cole’s ego in check and calling him out and it was cute and fun to watch. I like that she sees him just as a guy not the superstar athlete he is. I like her even more for the way she gets him to open up and share his past and the way she accepts all of him. When Cole realizes something is holding Liza back, he confronts her and then sets out to help her deal with her grief. I love that he doesn’t pressure her and that he understands she needs to sort out her conflicting feelings. While he has some stellar and very romantic moments in this book, there is one scene that left me crying my eyes out and convinced me that he is one hell of a guy.
While this is a romance there is a lot of other things going on that make this book completely intriguing. There is past deceit, secret deals, returning bad influences, not to mention a pennant race between two rival teams with the hero and heroine on opposite sides. However, I can’t deny that watching these two work their way through everything wasn’t beyond satisfying. If ever two people deserved happiness, it is Cole and Liza. I also enjoyed all the supporting characters and their role in helping them find their happily ever after.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance, regardless if you like baseball or not. The Practice Proposal is one of those books that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering sometimes all in the same scene. It will most definitely touch your heartstrings and give you the same feeling you get when your team heads to the World Series two years in a row…yes, it’s really is that amazing!
September 13, 2016
If you are in the mood for a light-hearted, feel good romance, look no further. I really enjoyed it. I am also a sports fan, so the fact the main character is a hottie baseball player was a bonus ;) This was also my first Tracy March read and was impressed with her writing style and how quickly she drew me into the storyline and kept my interest throughout. Quite the fast-paced little gem!
Liza Sutherland wins a night out with Cole Collins, an All-Star first baseman. She is freaked out because she didn't even enter the silent auction and has no desire to date, ever again! Turns out it was her mother who entered her name in the drawing. For good reason, Liza's mother desperately desires for her to get back out there and start dating again! The "reason" adds a lot to the storyline, IMHO, so no spoilers here.
Cole is a player both on and off the field. He is the black sheep of his baseball team, and is always in the news concerning his bad boy behavior due to all the partying with his long list of women, particularly the Victoria Secret model variety. It has been years since he laid eyes on Liza, the gangly 'all knees and elbows' teenage girl, wearing braces no less, who would go all gaga over him when she would come and watch him play at the summer camps her father held every year for promising young players. Cole knows he needs to be seen out and about with this well respected, virtuous woman to shake off his playboy image. He hopes she sticks around long enough after their first "auction date" to revive his career and get him through contract negotiations. At least for his sake, Liza looks nothing like the mousy girl of yesteryear!
A definite second chance romance! Glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Liza Sutherland wins a night out with Cole Collins, an All-Star first baseman. She is freaked out because she didn't even enter the silent auction and has no desire to date, ever again! Turns out it was her mother who entered her name in the drawing. For good reason, Liza's mother desperately desires for her to get back out there and start dating again! The "reason" adds a lot to the storyline, IMHO, so no spoilers here.
Cole is a player both on and off the field. He is the black sheep of his baseball team, and is always in the news concerning his bad boy behavior due to all the partying with his long list of women, particularly the Victoria Secret model variety. It has been years since he laid eyes on Liza, the gangly 'all knees and elbows' teenage girl, wearing braces no less, who would go all gaga over him when she would come and watch him play at the summer camps her father held every year for promising young players. Cole knows he needs to be seen out and about with this well respected, virtuous woman to shake off his playboy image. He hopes she sticks around long enough after their first "auction date" to revive his career and get him through contract negotiations. At least for his sake, Liza looks nothing like the mousy girl of yesteryear!
A definite second chance romance! Glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
March 12, 2013
Oh my goodness...I loved this book. I'll start by saying that I am an absolute sucker for baseball players, so this book was right up my alley. The Practice Proposal was so sweet and exactly what I look for in a short read.
Despite the length, I got a full story. I absolutely loved these characters. I almost always love the male characters more than the females, but in this one, I loved Liza too. She is such a solid character. She's likable, smart, and is cautious about getting involved with Cole. Now, Liza has known Cole from the time they were teens. They met while Cole was training in her father's baseball camp. Liza had a huge crush on Cole, who was just starting his career. Of course, Cole didn't reciprocate those feelings at the time, but now...he wants Liza.
When Liza's mom get her a date with Cole through a charity function, it's set a plan in motion. Frank, Cole's agent, also has an ideal to bring this couple together. Cole needs to clean up his image and Liza needs money for her foundation. So with Frank suggesting a game plan to both of them separately, Cole and Liza's relationship starts off based on the ideal that they will both get something out of a relationship. But the thing is, they really did fall in love. It was perfect.
There is more to the background of each character, which I enjoyed learning about and there was even a surprise that I honestly didn't see coming. I also liked Paige, Liza's friend and I'm hoping she gets a story of her own. Of course, I'm hoping that she meets one of Cole's yummy baseball player pals. *winks*
Overall, I loved this book. I flew through it within a few hours and loved every minute of the story. With likable characters and a sweet story, The Practice Proposal was certainly a home run for me. If you're looking for a short, sweet, romantic read, check this one out!
Quotes:
~While he's been working at stealing home, she has quietly stolen his heart.-Loc 2389
~"And just so you know," he said, "if you're ever thinking about it sometime...from the moment I got to know the real Liza, and every second since, I've wanted you to be my wife."
He took a deep breath and exhales loudly. "And not because of a contract." His pulse thrummed in his ears. "I don't want a new contract if I can't have you."-Loc 2722
Despite the length, I got a full story. I absolutely loved these characters. I almost always love the male characters more than the females, but in this one, I loved Liza too. She is such a solid character. She's likable, smart, and is cautious about getting involved with Cole. Now, Liza has known Cole from the time they were teens. They met while Cole was training in her father's baseball camp. Liza had a huge crush on Cole, who was just starting his career. Of course, Cole didn't reciprocate those feelings at the time, but now...he wants Liza.
When Liza's mom get her a date with Cole through a charity function, it's set a plan in motion. Frank, Cole's agent, also has an ideal to bring this couple together. Cole needs to clean up his image and Liza needs money for her foundation. So with Frank suggesting a game plan to both of them separately, Cole and Liza's relationship starts off based on the ideal that they will both get something out of a relationship. But the thing is, they really did fall in love. It was perfect.
There is more to the background of each character, which I enjoyed learning about and there was even a surprise that I honestly didn't see coming. I also liked Paige, Liza's friend and I'm hoping she gets a story of her own. Of course, I'm hoping that she meets one of Cole's yummy baseball player pals. *winks*
Overall, I loved this book. I flew through it within a few hours and loved every minute of the story. With likable characters and a sweet story, The Practice Proposal was certainly a home run for me. If you're looking for a short, sweet, romantic read, check this one out!
Quotes:
~While he's been working at stealing home, she has quietly stolen his heart.-Loc 2389
~"And just so you know," he said, "if you're ever thinking about it sometime...from the moment I got to know the real Liza, and every second since, I've wanted you to be my wife."
He took a deep breath and exhales loudly. "And not because of a contract." His pulse thrummed in his ears. "I don't want a new contract if I can't have you."-Loc 2722
March 26, 2013
I have to say even thought I am not a fan of baseball nor do I watch it, I still very much enjoyed The Practice Proposal and it's sweet plot.
After winning a charity-auction date she didn't even bid on, Liza Sutherland ends up on a date with her families rival teams baseman Cole Collins – a boy who she used to obsess over when the two were teenagers.
Cole is a playboy who manages to get involved with the wrong women at the wrong time, and get caught by paparazzi while doing so. With his Nationals contract and future on the line, Frank, Cole's agent suggests Cole to settle-down – with Liza being the perfect woman. Too bad she is no longer a teenagers but a smart, beautiful woman that he cannot help but find himself attached.
When his first attempt fails, Frank steps into the mix by offering Liza five hundred thousand dollars towards her charity if she goes out with Cole until the end of the season. But she would only get the money if she doesn't fall in love with Cole by the end of their agreement.
The Practice Proposal was a wonder story, I loved the plot and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters who were perfect in their own ways even with their own flaws. Cole the playboy who wasn't sure that he could settle-down with anyone until he reignited the passion with a girl from his past and Liza, who had already last once a man she fell in love with. They were addictive not to fall in love with both of them, and it was easy to root for both Cole and Liza till the very end. Cole was wonderful to Liza and the lengths he went to win her heart and sweep her off her feet was as sweet as it was swoon worthy.
I liked the attraction and the history between Cole and Liza. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery of what had happened between Cole and Liza's parents. Growing up poor, Cole ended up in Liza's dad's camp, fortunate enough to get funding from a anonymous donor. He was suppose to be drafted by Liza's dad's team when the Nationals drafted him first. Cole relationship with Frank was also a bit shocking, but I am glad for his happy ending.
Both of them made deals that could cost them their hearts and you cannot help but wonder how it would all come out. The ending was a bit sad, joyful and completely rewarding! I didn't need to know or enjoy baseball in order to enjoy this little gem!
After winning a charity-auction date she didn't even bid on, Liza Sutherland ends up on a date with her families rival teams baseman Cole Collins – a boy who she used to obsess over when the two were teenagers.
Cole is a playboy who manages to get involved with the wrong women at the wrong time, and get caught by paparazzi while doing so. With his Nationals contract and future on the line, Frank, Cole's agent suggests Cole to settle-down – with Liza being the perfect woman. Too bad she is no longer a teenagers but a smart, beautiful woman that he cannot help but find himself attached.
When his first attempt fails, Frank steps into the mix by offering Liza five hundred thousand dollars towards her charity if she goes out with Cole until the end of the season. But she would only get the money if she doesn't fall in love with Cole by the end of their agreement.
The Practice Proposal was a wonder story, I loved the plot and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters who were perfect in their own ways even with their own flaws. Cole the playboy who wasn't sure that he could settle-down with anyone until he reignited the passion with a girl from his past and Liza, who had already last once a man she fell in love with. They were addictive not to fall in love with both of them, and it was easy to root for both Cole and Liza till the very end. Cole was wonderful to Liza and the lengths he went to win her heart and sweep her off her feet was as sweet as it was swoon worthy.
I liked the attraction and the history between Cole and Liza. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery of what had happened between Cole and Liza's parents. Growing up poor, Cole ended up in Liza's dad's camp, fortunate enough to get funding from a anonymous donor. He was suppose to be drafted by Liza's dad's team when the Nationals drafted him first. Cole relationship with Frank was also a bit shocking, but I am glad for his happy ending.
Both of them made deals that could cost them their hearts and you cannot help but wonder how it would all come out. The ending was a bit sad, joyful and completely rewarding! I didn't need to know or enjoy baseball in order to enjoy this little gem!
April 16, 2013
Spring arrived and I was ready for some baseball – or more preferably a good baseball romance. And along came a new-to-me-author inviting me out to the ballgame. It was a winner even though it included a few strikeouts and some foul balls.
Cole and Liza met as youngsters. She crushed on him but he didn’t see her as anything more than a camp friend. Over the years, they lost touch. Now he’s a hot-shot baseball player with some major image problems. She’s grown into a beauty with a perfect image. His agent thinks she’s the answer to his problems. And wham, we’re at the ballpark with all the bases loaded. Of course, there’s some heat thrown, as well as several real zingers to keep fans on their feet. Will Cole and Liza get their homerun?
All in all, I had a fun day at the ballpark.
Cole and Liza met as youngsters. She crushed on him but he didn’t see her as anything more than a camp friend. Over the years, they lost touch. Now he’s a hot-shot baseball player with some major image problems. She’s grown into a beauty with a perfect image. His agent thinks she’s the answer to his problems. And wham, we’re at the ballpark with all the bases loaded. Of course, there’s some heat thrown, as well as several real zingers to keep fans on their feet. Will Cole and Liza get their homerun?
All in all, I had a fun day at the ballpark.
March 24, 2013
Three Stars
Quick impromptu read. Can't resist a hot baseball player. Cute, predictable, but it was far from a home run .
Quick impromptu read. Can't resist a hot baseball player. Cute, predictable, but it was far from a home run .
December 10, 2018
This one was meh. Both h/H start dating for reasons of their own, H coz his agent thinks h will clean up his party-boy image and get him a better contract, h coz his agent promises he will help her reach her fundraising targets. Both of them of course don't tell each other this. h/H met as teens when H was at her father's baseball training camp. Things have changed, our h has been grieving the death of her fiancee the past two years and H still feels inadequate. This was a sweet romance that moved fairly quickly but I didn't see or truly believe the hero had completely moved past his habit of making stupid impulsive decisions. Also it seemed each move in their relationship was choreographed by his agent which kind of left a sour taste in my mouth.
April 9, 2013
3.5 to 4 stars
Review:
I was attracted to this title for two reasons: it’s a second chance at love trope, and because hero Cole is a baseball player. I have to say, when the story starts out, our Cole is not very heroic. In fact, he’s pretty much a sleaze bag. His contract with the Nationals is in its last season, and he desperately wants to remain on the team. His behavior, however, is putting the contract renewal in jeopardy. His date with a Hollywood starlet ended in disaster, with her being busted for possession and arrested. Cole was drunk, but thankfully, he doesn’t abuse illegal narcotics, so he got off with an embarrassing headline in the newspapers and the dismay of the Nats front office. The team is big on family values and keeping everyone's noses clean, and Cole’s unruly behavior is frowned upon.
At the advice of his agent, an aggressive, wormy kind of guy, he agrees to go out with Liza Sutherland for the rest of the season. If she’ll have anything to do with him, that is. Liza’s mother runs a charity for disadvantaged boys, and through generous donations, helps send talented youngsters to baseball camps, where they can develop their talents. They also preach about the dangers of professional players doping to enhance their performance. Cole has donated a date to the organization’s charity fundraiser, and Liza is mortified when she discovers that her mother is the high bidder – and that Liza is expected to go on the date. Digging in her heels, she protests that she’s still not over her fiancé, a Secret Service agent who was killed in the line of duty. Her mother lays on the guilt trip, and Liza is forced to acquiesce. She doesn’t want to see Cole again. When she was a teen, she had a monster crush on him, and she stalked him when he attended the baseball camp that her father, a retired pro player, ran.
Sparks don’t exactly fly when Liza and Cole are reunited. Liza thinks Cole is a player, and she’s not about the fall for the gorgeous baseball star. Cole is only seeking brownie points for his contract negotiation. To the surprise of both, they enjoy their evening out, but Liza isn’t ready for any kind of commitment, so she shoots him down when he asks her out again. Then Frank, Cole’s meddling agent, approaches Liza with a deal to keep Cole out of trouble and dating her. If she’ll continue to go out with him until the end of the season, and if she doesn’t fall in love with him, Frank will donate half a mil to the charity. Liza is torn – she works for the charity and loves developing the summer camps. She hates fundraising, and she is woefully behind her goal for the year. She doesn’t want to hit her parents up for the the difference, and she already feels defensive around her coworkers because her mother runs the charity and they think she has it easy working there. Woe is Liza! What will she do! That money will help so many needy boys! Yes, yes, yes, she will sign that deal with the devil, despite her reservations.
After Liza signed the contract with Frank, I didn’t think Cole was such a sleaze. Sure, he’s continuing to see Liza for purely selfish reasons, but Liza isn’t completely without guilt. They are dating each other under false pretenses. Cole wants a new contract with the only family he has, and Liza is too proud to ask for her parents’ help with her fund raising goals. I honestly didn’t want to like either one of them, but to my dismay, I did. As the story progressed, I began to understand how important a successful outcome was to both of them, and I grudgingly began to sympathize with them. I know! I have often been accused of being gullible. Guilty as charged.
Though The Practice Proposal is a quick, easy read and doesn’t break any new ground, the story kept me engaged. The round of baseball games got a little repetitive, but the rivalry between Liza’s favorite team, the Orioles (which her parents are co-owners of) and Cole’s Nats, was fun. As both teams progress through the playoffs, Liza’s loyalties are tested. Does she root for her parents’ team, or for Cole’s? Since baseball was a big part of the story, it was fun to see Liza’s Go O’s slowly change to Go Nats!
As Cole’s motivation for wanting to stay with the Nats began to make sense to me, I started to understand why he was willing to resort to such desperate measures as to string Liza along. When he started falling for her for real, I wondered how he would ever convince her that his feelings were on the up and up after she discovered his deception. She’s finally ready to move on after Wes’ tragic death, and the guy she’s falling for is being harassed into dating her by his obnoxious agent. Ugh! That’s not going to go over well!
While the ending is a little too tidy, getting there was more emotional than I expected. Cole’s special seventh inning stretch had me kind of choked up. That’s when I finally believed that he was for real. Who declares their feelings for someone in front of forty-two thousand of their closest friends? It took a lot of guts to pull that off, and it’s one of the most romantic proposals I can remember reading. Two thumbs up for Cole!
The Practice Proposal is another great read that I recommend tossing in your beach bag. Entangled seems to be pitching out quite a few summer friendly reads, and if they keep this up, they will be my go to publisher when I’m looking for a light, satisfying and emotional read.
Grade: B
Review:
I was attracted to this title for two reasons: it’s a second chance at love trope, and because hero Cole is a baseball player. I have to say, when the story starts out, our Cole is not very heroic. In fact, he’s pretty much a sleaze bag. His contract with the Nationals is in its last season, and he desperately wants to remain on the team. His behavior, however, is putting the contract renewal in jeopardy. His date with a Hollywood starlet ended in disaster, with her being busted for possession and arrested. Cole was drunk, but thankfully, he doesn’t abuse illegal narcotics, so he got off with an embarrassing headline in the newspapers and the dismay of the Nats front office. The team is big on family values and keeping everyone's noses clean, and Cole’s unruly behavior is frowned upon.
At the advice of his agent, an aggressive, wormy kind of guy, he agrees to go out with Liza Sutherland for the rest of the season. If she’ll have anything to do with him, that is. Liza’s mother runs a charity for disadvantaged boys, and through generous donations, helps send talented youngsters to baseball camps, where they can develop their talents. They also preach about the dangers of professional players doping to enhance their performance. Cole has donated a date to the organization’s charity fundraiser, and Liza is mortified when she discovers that her mother is the high bidder – and that Liza is expected to go on the date. Digging in her heels, she protests that she’s still not over her fiancé, a Secret Service agent who was killed in the line of duty. Her mother lays on the guilt trip, and Liza is forced to acquiesce. She doesn’t want to see Cole again. When she was a teen, she had a monster crush on him, and she stalked him when he attended the baseball camp that her father, a retired pro player, ran.
Sparks don’t exactly fly when Liza and Cole are reunited. Liza thinks Cole is a player, and she’s not about the fall for the gorgeous baseball star. Cole is only seeking brownie points for his contract negotiation. To the surprise of both, they enjoy their evening out, but Liza isn’t ready for any kind of commitment, so she shoots him down when he asks her out again. Then Frank, Cole’s meddling agent, approaches Liza with a deal to keep Cole out of trouble and dating her. If she’ll continue to go out with him until the end of the season, and if she doesn’t fall in love with him, Frank will donate half a mil to the charity. Liza is torn – she works for the charity and loves developing the summer camps. She hates fundraising, and she is woefully behind her goal for the year. She doesn’t want to hit her parents up for the the difference, and she already feels defensive around her coworkers because her mother runs the charity and they think she has it easy working there. Woe is Liza! What will she do! That money will help so many needy boys! Yes, yes, yes, she will sign that deal with the devil, despite her reservations.
After Liza signed the contract with Frank, I didn’t think Cole was such a sleaze. Sure, he’s continuing to see Liza for purely selfish reasons, but Liza isn’t completely without guilt. They are dating each other under false pretenses. Cole wants a new contract with the only family he has, and Liza is too proud to ask for her parents’ help with her fund raising goals. I honestly didn’t want to like either one of them, but to my dismay, I did. As the story progressed, I began to understand how important a successful outcome was to both of them, and I grudgingly began to sympathize with them. I know! I have often been accused of being gullible. Guilty as charged.
Though The Practice Proposal is a quick, easy read and doesn’t break any new ground, the story kept me engaged. The round of baseball games got a little repetitive, but the rivalry between Liza’s favorite team, the Orioles (which her parents are co-owners of) and Cole’s Nats, was fun. As both teams progress through the playoffs, Liza’s loyalties are tested. Does she root for her parents’ team, or for Cole’s? Since baseball was a big part of the story, it was fun to see Liza’s Go O’s slowly change to Go Nats!
As Cole’s motivation for wanting to stay with the Nats began to make sense to me, I started to understand why he was willing to resort to such desperate measures as to string Liza along. When he started falling for her for real, I wondered how he would ever convince her that his feelings were on the up and up after she discovered his deception. She’s finally ready to move on after Wes’ tragic death, and the guy she’s falling for is being harassed into dating her by his obnoxious agent. Ugh! That’s not going to go over well!
While the ending is a little too tidy, getting there was more emotional than I expected. Cole’s special seventh inning stretch had me kind of choked up. That’s when I finally believed that he was for real. Who declares their feelings for someone in front of forty-two thousand of their closest friends? It took a lot of guts to pull that off, and it’s one of the most romantic proposals I can remember reading. Two thumbs up for Cole!
The Practice Proposal is another great read that I recommend tossing in your beach bag. Entangled seems to be pitching out quite a few summer friendly reads, and if they keep this up, they will be my go to publisher when I’m looking for a light, satisfying and emotional read.
Grade: B
March 31, 2013
Well I am just completely smitten. Absolutely and utterly. I adored The Practice Proposal, Cole and Liza and everything about them. So I'm gonna gush a bit and I'm gonna shake my fist at Tracy March at the same time because the woman put me in a reading funk like you wouldn't believe! 5 whole days I couldn't pick up another book after finishing The Practice Proposal. 5 days and 8 book attempts and nothing doing. And still, I had a smile on my face the whole time because it was just that great of a read.
This was one of those books that just made me... happy. It was a fun read that kept me smiling and really put me in a good mood. There's not a ton of drama, even though both of the main characters, Cole and Liza, are keeping some pretty big secrets. There are some outside meddlers keeping both of them mum on what their real motives are for being in a relationship. Basically, she's been promised a huge donation to her charity camp if she can keep from really falling in love with him and he desperately needs an image redo and someone to make him look a bit more... wholesome to the people who own his baseball team.
One of the things I loved about this one was that the hero isn't some big alpha jerk or running from his feelings and the heroine isn't a damsel in distress that needs a man to save her from her life. She's a little broken after losing her fiance years earlier but she's a strong woman who has goals and a life of her own. They're both people you can respect and that you can imagine actually being friends with and not wanting to throttle them every two seconds.
There are some really cute moments that made me snort and others that made me sigh in romance bliss as these two people went about getting to know each other in all manner of ways from campfire weenie roasts to "baseball pie wars".
I loved the two of them and how easy they were with each other. He's sexy and sweet and had a bit of an obsession with Twitter. I'm not much for Twitter myself but omg I just I loved his tweets to her. He was just such a cutie. And she's just a delightful heroine. You could see the big explosion coming from the start but even so it was just a great experience getting to the big "oh no you didn't!".
Okay, so I do have one complaint...the heat level...everything was completely fade to black. I know that's expected from the Bliss line but a little more heat would have made for an even better read for me. Yall know I love my steamy reads so it's really something that one with so little actual sexy page time got such a high rating from me. That like never happens.
If you're looking for a fun, sweet read The Practice Proposal would be an excellent pick. I swear, I'm still smiling over this one which is why it's gotten one of our "pick of the litter" awards. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of what March has to offer in the future.
This was one of those books that just made me... happy. It was a fun read that kept me smiling and really put me in a good mood. There's not a ton of drama, even though both of the main characters, Cole and Liza, are keeping some pretty big secrets. There are some outside meddlers keeping both of them mum on what their real motives are for being in a relationship. Basically, she's been promised a huge donation to her charity camp if she can keep from really falling in love with him and he desperately needs an image redo and someone to make him look a bit more... wholesome to the people who own his baseball team.
One of the things I loved about this one was that the hero isn't some big alpha jerk or running from his feelings and the heroine isn't a damsel in distress that needs a man to save her from her life. She's a little broken after losing her fiance years earlier but she's a strong woman who has goals and a life of her own. They're both people you can respect and that you can imagine actually being friends with and not wanting to throttle them every two seconds.
There are some really cute moments that made me snort and others that made me sigh in romance bliss as these two people went about getting to know each other in all manner of ways from campfire weenie roasts to "baseball pie wars".
"Haven't you ever seen Cupcake Wars? It's like that, but with pie."
Liza was waiting for the punch line, and Cole looked as though he was trying not to laugh. "You're serious?" she asked, imagining the horror she might create considering she was chronically kitchen-challenged.
"What? Are you afraid of a little friendly competition?" Paige teased.
"No," Liza said quickly. "I just hate to embarrass him."
Cole laughed and smoothed his hand up and down her back. "I'm not too worried about that."
"Whatever," Liza said, enjoying the sturdy feel of his touch. "You'd be wise not to judge me based on one flaming wiener."
Paige raised one eyebrow. "I'm not sure I want to know what that means."
"Considering we're in your kitchen," Cole said, "and you're letting Liza cook, I'm guessing you don't." He flashed Liza a knowing smile, and her heart fluttered.
"I think I might," Paige teased. "But I'm willing to risk it. There's a fire extinguisher mounted right there on the wall. Feel free to use use it when you need to."
I loved the two of them and how easy they were with each other. He's sexy and sweet and had a bit of an obsession with Twitter. I'm not much for Twitter myself but omg I just I loved his tweets to her. He was just such a cutie. And she's just a delightful heroine. You could see the big explosion coming from the start but even so it was just a great experience getting to the big "oh no you didn't!".
Okay, so I do have one complaint...the heat level...everything was completely fade to black. I know that's expected from the Bliss line but a little more heat would have made for an even better read for me. Yall know I love my steamy reads so it's really something that one with so little actual sexy page time got such a high rating from me. That like never happens.
If you're looking for a fun, sweet read The Practice Proposal would be an excellent pick. I swear, I'm still smiling over this one which is why it's gotten one of our "pick of the litter" awards. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of what March has to offer in the future.
October 11, 2020
Man. oh. Man. Cole Collins. Liza's teenage crush, only now she is no longer a teenager. She is a grown-ass-woman, as people like to say today. The story line has definitely been done before: the guy is having some difficulty with his reputation as a baseball play and he needs to somehow get a humungous lift on his career --- walk in Liza who Frank (Cole's manager) thinks could help if she can only be the respectable, young woman/love of his life. Can she and he play the role or will they fall for each other? Okay, so it's definitely not so unique, but it's still a fun, light-hearted read and I enjoyed both characters.
July 6, 2013
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
I was looking for a comfort read and a book to make me enjoy reading again and I found both in THE PRACTICE PROPOSAL by Tracy March.
Liza Sutherland is a twenty-seven-year old who is “happily” living in her own little self sustained bubble. She’s happy to watch her beloved Orioles, co-owned by her parents, and work for BADD (Be Aware of the Dangers of Doping) Athletes Foundation, founded by her mother. For the past two years her parents, John and Sylvia Sutherland, her best friend Paige, baseball, and BADD have been her life. She doesn’t date and she isn’t interested in it, after the death of the love of her life, Wes.
Cole Collins is the playboy of MLB. At twenty nine, Cole is the Nationals’ All-Star first baseman, who by all appearances has everything a man could want. Cole has a great career, dates actresses and models, and women everywhere adore him. For the past seven years, Cole has overcome a lot and fought hard to get where he is. But something is missing. He is on the cusp of having the Nationals award him a very lucrative contract. Problem... His wild ways have just caught up with him, in the form of his recent arm accessory and him driving drunk, with her having drugs in her purse.
Liza and Cole originally met each other eleven years previously, when Cole was one of the boys attending BADD’s summer baseball camp. They struck up a good friendship. In fact, Cole was Liza’s teenage crush. Cole looked at Liza’s parents as the parents he never had. To him, they were his family, until it became time for Cole to get drafted into MLB and something went wrong.
This time around, Liza and Cole come together in what I can only say is destiny. This is the story of two people who start off using the other for gain, but somewhere in the process find the missing piece in their lives. These two have emotional baggage, but together they overcome it.
Pace of the story: Perfect!!!!
Positives: The characters are ALL likeable if not loveable. Liza and Cole make a great team and couple. Cole is a great guy despite his past. He does simple romance like no one else. And when the guy proposes, he does it like no one has ever done before.
Negatives: Are you kidding? There AREN’T any!
Do I Recommend the book: Heck yeah.
Bottom Line: Tracy hit it out of the ballpark with this book. She even threw in a curveball, for good measure. (Puns intended.) You might need a tissue or two. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Source: NetGalley
by Kim
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
I was looking for a comfort read and a book to make me enjoy reading again and I found both in THE PRACTICE PROPOSAL by Tracy March.
Liza Sutherland is a twenty-seven-year old who is “happily” living in her own little self sustained bubble. She’s happy to watch her beloved Orioles, co-owned by her parents, and work for BADD (Be Aware of the Dangers of Doping) Athletes Foundation, founded by her mother. For the past two years her parents, John and Sylvia Sutherland, her best friend Paige, baseball, and BADD have been her life. She doesn’t date and she isn’t interested in it, after the death of the love of her life, Wes.
Cole Collins is the playboy of MLB. At twenty nine, Cole is the Nationals’ All-Star first baseman, who by all appearances has everything a man could want. Cole has a great career, dates actresses and models, and women everywhere adore him. For the past seven years, Cole has overcome a lot and fought hard to get where he is. But something is missing. He is on the cusp of having the Nationals award him a very lucrative contract. Problem... His wild ways have just caught up with him, in the form of his recent arm accessory and him driving drunk, with her having drugs in her purse.
Liza and Cole originally met each other eleven years previously, when Cole was one of the boys attending BADD’s summer baseball camp. They struck up a good friendship. In fact, Cole was Liza’s teenage crush. Cole looked at Liza’s parents as the parents he never had. To him, they were his family, until it became time for Cole to get drafted into MLB and something went wrong.
This time around, Liza and Cole come together in what I can only say is destiny. This is the story of two people who start off using the other for gain, but somewhere in the process find the missing piece in their lives. These two have emotional baggage, but together they overcome it.
Pace of the story: Perfect!!!!
Positives: The characters are ALL likeable if not loveable. Liza and Cole make a great team and couple. Cole is a great guy despite his past. He does simple romance like no one else. And when the guy proposes, he does it like no one has ever done before.
Negatives: Are you kidding? There AREN’T any!
Do I Recommend the book: Heck yeah.
Bottom Line: Tracy hit it out of the ballpark with this book. She even threw in a curveball, for good measure. (Puns intended.) You might need a tissue or two. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Source: NetGalley
July 27, 2015
4 stars.
My full review, including quotes, can be found on the Pretty Sassy Cool.
The daughter of a famed baseball player, Liza Sutherland has grown up around the sport her whole life. When her mother enters a charity auction bid in Liza’s name for a date, she’s less than thrilled. Liza’s still reeling from the death of her fiancé and isn’t looking for love, even with her childhood crush, Cole Collins. Before he became the bad-boy baseball superstar he is today, he attended Liza’s dad’s baseball camp, and the two struck up a friendship. Being raised by a single mother (and then his grandmother), Cole’s been through a lot and has a reputation for being a party boy. In an effort to shed his image, Cole’s manager tells him it’s time to settle down (or at least make it appear that he’s settling down), and Liza’s the perfect candidate. She’s not interested in dating, but when Cole’s manager offers a generous donation to the charitable organization that she works for–exceeding her fundraising goals and securing her job–she agrees to go out with Cole. Neither of them count on their relationship becoming real, and neither of them wants the other to find out about the the initial arrangements that got them together in the first place. You guys all know this story–the bad boy player falls for the good girl and they live happily ever after, right?
Right. But here’s the thing about this story: even though the storyline is somewhat cliché, I still loved it. There are some definite twists and turns and a little mystery thrown in to the mix. It’s a fun, sweet story, with a sexy boy and a girl I found myself rooting for.
I loved the anticipation in this story. You should remember that the Entangled Bliss titles are Fade to Black, so there’s nothing explicit, but it’s still hot. The writing was great, the story was sweet, and I think you’ll like it. I loved the proposal(s), I loved Cole (and Liza), and I loved his tweets.
My main complaint about this book (besides the fact that I wouldn’t have minded not fading to black) is the ending. I wish there was a little bit more. I hate it when the conflict is resolved and then just… the end. Regardless, I still loved The Practice Proposal and think you will, too.
My full review, including quotes, can be found on the Pretty Sassy Cool.
The daughter of a famed baseball player, Liza Sutherland has grown up around the sport her whole life. When her mother enters a charity auction bid in Liza’s name for a date, she’s less than thrilled. Liza’s still reeling from the death of her fiancé and isn’t looking for love, even with her childhood crush, Cole Collins. Before he became the bad-boy baseball superstar he is today, he attended Liza’s dad’s baseball camp, and the two struck up a friendship. Being raised by a single mother (and then his grandmother), Cole’s been through a lot and has a reputation for being a party boy. In an effort to shed his image, Cole’s manager tells him it’s time to settle down (or at least make it appear that he’s settling down), and Liza’s the perfect candidate. She’s not interested in dating, but when Cole’s manager offers a generous donation to the charitable organization that she works for–exceeding her fundraising goals and securing her job–she agrees to go out with Cole. Neither of them count on their relationship becoming real, and neither of them wants the other to find out about the the initial arrangements that got them together in the first place. You guys all know this story–the bad boy player falls for the good girl and they live happily ever after, right?
Right. But here’s the thing about this story: even though the storyline is somewhat cliché, I still loved it. There are some definite twists and turns and a little mystery thrown in to the mix. It’s a fun, sweet story, with a sexy boy and a girl I found myself rooting for.
I loved the anticipation in this story. You should remember that the Entangled Bliss titles are Fade to Black, so there’s nothing explicit, but it’s still hot. The writing was great, the story was sweet, and I think you’ll like it. I loved the proposal(s), I loved Cole (and Liza), and I loved his tweets.
My main complaint about this book (besides the fact that I wouldn’t have minded not fading to black) is the ending. I wish there was a little bit more. I hate it when the conflict is resolved and then just… the end. Regardless, I still loved The Practice Proposal and think you will, too.
March 9, 2014
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Take me out to the ballgame!
Tracy March really hits this one out of the park! The reader is immediately sucked into the life of Liza Sutherland, baseballs sweetheart and all around girl next door. She’s mourning the loss of her fiance and the last thing she wants is to hook up with her childhood crush. But manipulative family ALWAYS get their way. Soon she finds herself on a date with the very man who’s eyes she could never forget–Cole.
Liza’s character is so beautifully written and well rounded. She had the perfect combination of sassy and quirky. Because of her past relationship with Cole, her constant dialogue with him was so easy and fun that I found myself grinning the entire time I read the book! She wasn’t EVER too whiny or unlikeable. I rooted for her and genuinely felt like I could feel where she was coming from.
Cole has been a player for far too long. He needs to settle down, his manager demands it. Enter in Liza, and his world is thrown upside down. She gets him, and since he has no family, that he knows of, he really needs someone like her.
I FELL HARD for Cole. His playfulness was hilariously addicting and I couldn’t help for fall for his cocky attitude. It wasn’t overdone. He was confident and charming.
There were a few really cool twists in the story that I did not see coming. A few were abrupt but then again it was a shorter story so I get how it needed to happen where it did.
All in all a very sweet read with basically no cursing or open door sex which was another shock! Well done Miss March!
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Take me out to the ballgame!
Tracy March really hits this one out of the park! The reader is immediately sucked into the life of Liza Sutherland, baseballs sweetheart and all around girl next door. She’s mourning the loss of her fiance and the last thing she wants is to hook up with her childhood crush. But manipulative family ALWAYS get their way. Soon she finds herself on a date with the very man who’s eyes she could never forget–Cole.
Liza’s character is so beautifully written and well rounded. She had the perfect combination of sassy and quirky. Because of her past relationship with Cole, her constant dialogue with him was so easy and fun that I found myself grinning the entire time I read the book! She wasn’t EVER too whiny or unlikeable. I rooted for her and genuinely felt like I could feel where she was coming from.
Cole has been a player for far too long. He needs to settle down, his manager demands it. Enter in Liza, and his world is thrown upside down. She gets him, and since he has no family, that he knows of, he really needs someone like her.
I FELL HARD for Cole. His playfulness was hilariously addicting and I couldn’t help for fall for his cocky attitude. It wasn’t overdone. He was confident and charming.
There were a few really cool twists in the story that I did not see coming. A few were abrupt but then again it was a shorter story so I get how it needed to happen where it did.
All in all a very sweet read with basically no cursing or open door sex which was another shock! Well done Miss March!
April 4, 2013
The Practice Proposal is a totally funny and enjoyable romance. Tracy March does a fantastic job of crafting a love story about two people who are not looking for love but find it in spite of themselves. This heartwarming tale will grab your attention from the first word to the very last.
Liza Sutherland, the daughter of the Baltimore Orioles, finds herself coerced by her mother into going on an auction-won date with Cole Collins, a womanizing, party-boy baseball player with the Washington Nationals, a man whom she had a crush on as a teenager. Liza, who has enveloped her life in her goals and still feeling some grief from the loss of her fiancé a few years back, finds that her attraction for Cole has never gone away. Cole, who believes all women only want him for his fame or money, finds himself in a dilemma caused by his notorious exploits. In order to secure a contract renewal with the Washington Nationals, he must present a better public image of himself, so he agrees to a pretend relationship with Liza.
This is a sweet love story that leaves the sex behind closed doors. The lack of overt sex scenes does not detract in any way from this appealing story. This love story, which is rife with heartwarming romance, will have you glued to the pages as you root for the characters’ happily ever after. This is a feel good story that will have you smiling when you are done.
This is a must read for all true lovers of romance.
I received a copy of the book from Entangled Publishing
in exchange for my honest review.
Janna Shay
Author of Fair Play
Liza Sutherland, the daughter of the Baltimore Orioles, finds herself coerced by her mother into going on an auction-won date with Cole Collins, a womanizing, party-boy baseball player with the Washington Nationals, a man whom she had a crush on as a teenager. Liza, who has enveloped her life in her goals and still feeling some grief from the loss of her fiancé a few years back, finds that her attraction for Cole has never gone away. Cole, who believes all women only want him for his fame or money, finds himself in a dilemma caused by his notorious exploits. In order to secure a contract renewal with the Washington Nationals, he must present a better public image of himself, so he agrees to a pretend relationship with Liza.
This is a sweet love story that leaves the sex behind closed doors. The lack of overt sex scenes does not detract in any way from this appealing story. This love story, which is rife with heartwarming romance, will have you glued to the pages as you root for the characters’ happily ever after. This is a feel good story that will have you smiling when you are done.
This is a must read for all true lovers of romance.
I received a copy of the book from Entangled Publishing
in exchange for my honest review.
Janna Shay
Author of Fair Play
January 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was ok. I love the premise of two people both pretending to be in a relationship for different reasons (Cole needs to prove he is settling down in order to get a contract renewal with the Washington Nationals and Liza needs donations to secure her job at her family's foundation), but whereas ordinarily both parties go into the arrangement with full disclosure, or only one of them has an ulterior motive, in this case the fake relationship was engineered by Cole's agent, Frank.
I think Frank, a minor character, is at the heart of why I didn't warm to this book. He is totally a deus ex machina from start to finish. He comes across as quite sleazy and underhand, promising Liza $500,000 for her charity IF she doesn't fall for Cole and basically threatening her/ blackmailing her into doing what he wanted. Later we find out some surprising news about Frank which all just feels a bit too engineered, as if Tracy March couldn't think of a way out of the plot she had written and so fell upon Frank as the miracle explanation.
Cole plays for the Washington Nationals and Liza and her family are life-long Orioles supporters which adds some tension, but not much. This fell uneasily between books that are about sports with a romance and romances loosely based around sport.
There was nothing wrong with the writing, I just didn't really warm to either Cole or Liza, they were too Little House on the Prairie for my liking.
This was ok. I love the premise of two people both pretending to be in a relationship for different reasons (Cole needs to prove he is settling down in order to get a contract renewal with the Washington Nationals and Liza needs donations to secure her job at her family's foundation), but whereas ordinarily both parties go into the arrangement with full disclosure, or only one of them has an ulterior motive, in this case the fake relationship was engineered by Cole's agent, Frank.
I think Frank, a minor character, is at the heart of why I didn't warm to this book. He is totally a deus ex machina from start to finish. He comes across as quite sleazy and underhand, promising Liza $500,000 for her charity IF she doesn't fall for Cole and basically threatening her/ blackmailing her into doing what he wanted. Later we find out some surprising news about Frank which all just feels a bit too engineered, as if Tracy March couldn't think of a way out of the plot she had written and so fell upon Frank as the miracle explanation.
Cole plays for the Washington Nationals and Liza and her family are life-long Orioles supporters which adds some tension, but not much. This fell uneasily between books that are about sports with a romance and romances loosely based around sport.
There was nothing wrong with the writing, I just didn't really warm to either Cole or Liza, they were too Little House on the Prairie for my liking.
March 22, 2013
4.5 stars
Some of my favorite themes are friends to lovers and sport romances now put those together and you have a killer combination. I adored this book.
Cole and Liza may have entered their fake relationship for different reasons but in the end Love is all that matters. For Cole and Liza they had met when they were teenagers and really got to know the true selves of one another but as adults life had taken them in different directions. Thank goodness other people who they loved realized what they needed and played with fate to put them back together.
I loved the growth of this pair while they were falling in love with each other and the scene when Cole takes Liza to the cemetery be still my heart it was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
There were a few twists and turns through their journey which were hard but are part of the process to cement their path together. I absolutely loved Paige's character and I hope that she gets her own story and it be an added bonus if he too played a little baseball. Hmmmmmm. Just a thought.
Cole and Liza are a great solid couple and so worth a read to get to know them. This story is a short, easy fun read with love, heart ache, miscommunication, tears, and passion.
For more review go to Live Read and Breathe
Live Read and Breathe Giveaway
Some of my favorite themes are friends to lovers and sport romances now put those together and you have a killer combination. I adored this book.
Cole and Liza may have entered their fake relationship for different reasons but in the end Love is all that matters. For Cole and Liza they had met when they were teenagers and really got to know the true selves of one another but as adults life had taken them in different directions. Thank goodness other people who they loved realized what they needed and played with fate to put them back together.
I loved the growth of this pair while they were falling in love with each other and the scene when Cole takes Liza to the cemetery be still my heart it was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
There were a few twists and turns through their journey which were hard but are part of the process to cement their path together. I absolutely loved Paige's character and I hope that she gets her own story and it be an added bonus if he too played a little baseball. Hmmmmmm. Just a thought.
Cole and Liza are a great solid couple and so worth a read to get to know them. This story is a short, easy fun read with love, heart ache, miscommunication, tears, and passion.
For more review go to Live Read and Breathe
Live Read and Breathe Giveaway
April 1, 2013
The Practice Proposal is a very sweet romance. I was able to read it in just about one sitting. I really enjoyed the book. Cole and Liza knew each other as teenagers and were friends of a sort. Years later, Liza wins a charity auction that involves a date with Cole. Cole is now a famous baseball player who needs to spruce up his image. Both of them go into the relationship with ulterior motives, but cupid has other ideas. I loved watching them fall for each other. I also loved how Cole took things slow and allowed Liza the time to let go of her grief for her deceased fiance.
While Cole is a baseball player, it wasn't too heavy on baseball talk, so should be enjoyable for anyone. It was also a fairly clean romance. The story holds a couple of surprises that I definitely didn't see coming. I love when that happens! The other characters in the book were a lot of fun. I'm hoping that Paige gets her own story at some point. Maybe Cole has a baseball friend who needs a lady to love? Entangled Press has another great author on their hands and I look forward to reading more from Ms. March!
While Cole is a baseball player, it wasn't too heavy on baseball talk, so should be enjoyable for anyone. It was also a fairly clean romance. The story holds a couple of surprises that I definitely didn't see coming. I love when that happens! The other characters in the book were a lot of fun. I'm hoping that Paige gets her own story at some point. Maybe Cole has a baseball friend who needs a lady to love? Entangled Press has another great author on their hands and I look forward to reading more from Ms. March!
March 18, 2013
I couldn't put this book down! What a wonderful sweet, heartwarming by Tracy March! Cole and Liza knew each other when they were teenagers at her dad's baseball camp! Years later when Cole was a professional baseball player, Liza won a date with him! His agent Frank, thought she was perfect for his image! Frank manipulated both of them into dating! Cole doesn't do commitment, Liza isn't over the death of her fiancée, Cole plays for one team while Liza's parents own another, plus Frank and his manipulation!! I loved reading about their story and the obstacles that kept being thrown in their way! I can't wait to read Tracy's next book!
April 22, 2013
This is such a good, clean love story! And the fact that its based around baseball, makes it all the better! I loved the characters and how their story/relationship unfolds. There is also the element of emotion. I was in tears at one point. They were good tears. Tears brought on by the love that Cole had for Liza in helping her move on and open her heart to love. My only complaint would be the length of the book. It was too short! I wanted more detail. But it's still a great, easy read!
November 23, 2014
Cute.
Content: some innuendo, 1 fade to black sex scene (clothes comes off but then the door closes), a few swear words but over all fairly clean.
Content: some innuendo, 1 fade to black sex scene (clothes comes off but then the door closes), a few swear words but over all fairly clean.
April 4, 2013
I got a review copy from NetGalley thanks to the publisher. The Practice Proposal is the 1st book in the Suddenly Smitten series.
I really enjoyed The Practice Proposal very much. I’m a huge fan of sports romances and add in a friends-to-lovers storyline, and you have me hooked. I fell for Cole pretty quickly. Knew his bad boy image was probably overstated and just knew the real Cole would come out if he met the right woman. When Liza Sutherland entered the picture, I knew Cole had met his match. I loved that his agent, Frank set Cole and Liza up to date temporarily to help Cole secure his next contract with the Nationals. When Cole miss-steps on their first date, Frank makes Liza an offer she can’t refuse. He will give her charity $500,000 if she can date Cole until the end of baseball season without falling in love with him. I have to say I loved that Cole plays for the Nationals and Liza’s parents have ownership in the Orioles.
Cole and Liza had known each other as teenagers and the connection was still there all these years later. Cole had a bit of a challenge with Liza, as her fiancé had passes away 2 years ago, and she was convinced she wasn’t ready for another relationship anytime soon. Cole won me over completely when he was smart enough to look into Liza’s fiancé and let her openly talk about him. Really loved how sweet he was as he helped Liza move on with her life. Cole also needed Liza when he discovered a truth from his past. Cole had never known who his father was, and as a teen, Liza’s parents had always treated him like family. When he graduated from college, he lost contact with her parents and thought it was something he did wrong. Liza is there when he finds out what really went on and help him deal with the truth.
Cole and Liza had amazing chemistry and I loved watching them fall in love. Of course secrets have a way of coming out at the worst time. Both Liza and Cole have to decide if they love one another enough to get past the hurt from the secrets. Luckily they both have family and friends to help talk through so they each can see the truth. I absolutely loved Liza’s best friend Paige, and really hope we get her book in the future.
The Practice Proposal was my first book from Tracy March, but it won’t be my last. I love her writing style and really hope she writes more sports romances in the future. I’m a huge fan of sports, but baseball holds a special place in my heart since I grew up watching games with my mom. For more information about Tracy March, check out her website.
I really enjoyed The Practice Proposal very much. I’m a huge fan of sports romances and add in a friends-to-lovers storyline, and you have me hooked. I fell for Cole pretty quickly. Knew his bad boy image was probably overstated and just knew the real Cole would come out if he met the right woman. When Liza Sutherland entered the picture, I knew Cole had met his match. I loved that his agent, Frank set Cole and Liza up to date temporarily to help Cole secure his next contract with the Nationals. When Cole miss-steps on their first date, Frank makes Liza an offer she can’t refuse. He will give her charity $500,000 if she can date Cole until the end of baseball season without falling in love with him. I have to say I loved that Cole plays for the Nationals and Liza’s parents have ownership in the Orioles.
Cole and Liza had known each other as teenagers and the connection was still there all these years later. Cole had a bit of a challenge with Liza, as her fiancé had passes away 2 years ago, and she was convinced she wasn’t ready for another relationship anytime soon. Cole won me over completely when he was smart enough to look into Liza’s fiancé and let her openly talk about him. Really loved how sweet he was as he helped Liza move on with her life. Cole also needed Liza when he discovered a truth from his past. Cole had never known who his father was, and as a teen, Liza’s parents had always treated him like family. When he graduated from college, he lost contact with her parents and thought it was something he did wrong. Liza is there when he finds out what really went on and help him deal with the truth.
Cole and Liza had amazing chemistry and I loved watching them fall in love. Of course secrets have a way of coming out at the worst time. Both Liza and Cole have to decide if they love one another enough to get past the hurt from the secrets. Luckily they both have family and friends to help talk through so they each can see the truth. I absolutely loved Liza’s best friend Paige, and really hope we get her book in the future.
The Practice Proposal was my first book from Tracy March, but it won’t be my last. I love her writing style and really hope she writes more sports romances in the future. I’m a huge fan of sports, but baseball holds a special place in my heart since I grew up watching games with my mom. For more information about Tracy March, check out her website.
April 13, 2013
Though I’m not a big romance reader, there was something about The Practice Proposal that made me want to read it:
Baseball, a hot pitcher, the fact that I’m a Washington Nationals fan (and a sometimes Orioles fan), and that it’s set where I live. Oh, plus, the added side dish of romance, can’t forget that.
I don’t know what I was expecting going into The Practice Proposal, but what I got was a fun, sweet romance that I just loved loved loved, that made me want to get a hot dog, cozy up to my man at a game (sadly, he’s a Phillies fan), and cheer on these main characters while they score on each other.
Teehee.
There is so much that I loved about this book, besides all of that stuff. Liza Sutherland is a really likable and sympathetic main character. She’s the rich, daddy’s little girl you don’t hate, because she’s well grounded in ground balls and decided to make her own living (in America’s sport – baseball) because she doesn’t want to leech off the generosity of her parents’ wealth. She was engaged, but her fiancee was fatally shot in the line of duty, and she’s been grieving ever since.
Enter hot baseball pitcher, Cole Collins of the Washington Nationals. Liza and Cole used to know each other way back when, but now Cole acts affected, doesn’t get serious with girls, and parties every night. What could these two possibly have in common?
Besides being a light and enjoyably fluffy read for me, The Practice Proposal has its serious moments: Liza has to learn to let go of the grief she’s been using as a security blanket. Likewise, Cole needs to man up and drop the party facade, because he knows it’s exactly just that: a facade. It’s only when interesting circumstances throw them back together that they start seeing the light, and what a light they make! Wowza!
Overall, I loved this story, everything about it. The ONLY way this could have been better is if it had been about hockey and the Washington Capitals. Can I get a romance where Braden Holtby stars? ;) The characters felt realistic, I loved the setting (hello, I live here!) and I really loved getting to know the behind-the-scenes of the Nats (if any of it’s real…if not, just let me live my fantasy). This is one I recommend for romance lovers who enjoy a bit of sports, and some humor and tease. Tracy March hits this one outta the park.
Baseball, a hot pitcher, the fact that I’m a Washington Nationals fan (and a sometimes Orioles fan), and that it’s set where I live. Oh, plus, the added side dish of romance, can’t forget that.
I don’t know what I was expecting going into The Practice Proposal, but what I got was a fun, sweet romance that I just loved loved loved, that made me want to get a hot dog, cozy up to my man at a game (sadly, he’s a Phillies fan), and cheer on these main characters while they score on each other.
Teehee.
There is so much that I loved about this book, besides all of that stuff. Liza Sutherland is a really likable and sympathetic main character. She’s the rich, daddy’s little girl you don’t hate, because she’s well grounded in ground balls and decided to make her own living (in America’s sport – baseball) because she doesn’t want to leech off the generosity of her parents’ wealth. She was engaged, but her fiancee was fatally shot in the line of duty, and she’s been grieving ever since.
Enter hot baseball pitcher, Cole Collins of the Washington Nationals. Liza and Cole used to know each other way back when, but now Cole acts affected, doesn’t get serious with girls, and parties every night. What could these two possibly have in common?
Besides being a light and enjoyably fluffy read for me, The Practice Proposal has its serious moments: Liza has to learn to let go of the grief she’s been using as a security blanket. Likewise, Cole needs to man up and drop the party facade, because he knows it’s exactly just that: a facade. It’s only when interesting circumstances throw them back together that they start seeing the light, and what a light they make! Wowza!
Overall, I loved this story, everything about it. The ONLY way this could have been better is if it had been about hockey and the Washington Capitals. Can I get a romance where Braden Holtby stars? ;) The characters felt realistic, I loved the setting (hello, I live here!) and I really loved getting to know the behind-the-scenes of the Nats (if any of it’s real…if not, just let me live my fantasy). This is one I recommend for romance lovers who enjoy a bit of sports, and some humor and tease. Tracy March hits this one outta the park.
December 28, 2014
The Practice Proposal is truly a well written story. This was the first book I’d read from the Bliss line which is an imprint from Entangled Publishing. I wasn’t sure about reading a story with closed door love scenes. I wondered if there would be enough tension and physical awareness between the characters to make their romance believable and exciting—well, let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed in the least.
This is a sweet, sensual read. The characters are so well developed that I instantly bonded with both Cole and Liza. I enjoyed Cole’s character. His humor, his touching history, and the person he’d become from all he’d gone through in his past. His eternals were so well done that I really got to know what made him tick. Liza is an amazing heroine to match Cole. She is strong, humorous, and secure. Definitely someone you’d want to name as your friend. Together, they had amazing chemistry. And even though I admit to crushing a bit on “Crush”—Cole’s nickname—I rooted for him and Liza to achieve their HEA.
Tracy March wove an interesting story with beautiful dialogue. Her descriptive writing style flowed smoothly and put me in each scene—and there were some amazing scenes. Kudos to the first date scene by the lake—kept me smiling, the scene at the cemetery—had me tearing up, and of course the baseball games—for someone like me who isn’t athletic-minded, I can tell you I had no problem following along.
I also wanted to mention that there were some wonderful secondary characters. I really liked Liza’s parents and her best friend Paige. Each scene they were in made me smile.
This story was natural and an easy, enjoyable read. I highly recommend it :)
This is a sweet, sensual read. The characters are so well developed that I instantly bonded with both Cole and Liza. I enjoyed Cole’s character. His humor, his touching history, and the person he’d become from all he’d gone through in his past. His eternals were so well done that I really got to know what made him tick. Liza is an amazing heroine to match Cole. She is strong, humorous, and secure. Definitely someone you’d want to name as your friend. Together, they had amazing chemistry. And even though I admit to crushing a bit on “Crush”—Cole’s nickname—I rooted for him and Liza to achieve their HEA.
Tracy March wove an interesting story with beautiful dialogue. Her descriptive writing style flowed smoothly and put me in each scene—and there were some amazing scenes. Kudos to the first date scene by the lake—kept me smiling, the scene at the cemetery—had me tearing up, and of course the baseball games—for someone like me who isn’t athletic-minded, I can tell you I had no problem following along.
I also wanted to mention that there were some wonderful secondary characters. I really liked Liza’s parents and her best friend Paige. Each scene they were in made me smile.
This story was natural and an easy, enjoyable read. I highly recommend it :)
March 19, 2013
Very cute!
Review originally posted on my blog
Liza has is still mourning the death of her fiance two years ago when her mom bids on a charity auction for a date for Liza with the hottest baseball player on the rival team, Cole Collins. Even for someone that is not necessarily a huge baseball fan, this romance was very cute! Liza and Cole knew each other when Liza was an awkward teen and Cole was attending her family's baseball camp. Of course, Liza is all grown up now and definitely not looking for romance. Cole has been in trouble with his team for his partying ways and needs to show he has settled down going into the playoffs and angling for a new contract. Not only do Liza's parents own the rival team to Cole's baseball team but there is also a past with Cole and Liza's parents because Cole thought he would be drafted by Liza's dad. Despite everything, however, there is a truly old-fashioned and romantic courtship between Liza and Cole -- along with a few twists!
I highly recommend this to anyone that likes cute, sweet and clean romances, even better if you like sports themed romances. Liza and Cole were really cute together and I really liked the baseball rivalry aspect.
Review originally posted on my blog
Liza has is still mourning the death of her fiance two years ago when her mom bids on a charity auction for a date for Liza with the hottest baseball player on the rival team, Cole Collins. Even for someone that is not necessarily a huge baseball fan, this romance was very cute! Liza and Cole knew each other when Liza was an awkward teen and Cole was attending her family's baseball camp. Of course, Liza is all grown up now and definitely not looking for romance. Cole has been in trouble with his team for his partying ways and needs to show he has settled down going into the playoffs and angling for a new contract. Not only do Liza's parents own the rival team to Cole's baseball team but there is also a past with Cole and Liza's parents because Cole thought he would be drafted by Liza's dad. Despite everything, however, there is a truly old-fashioned and romantic courtship between Liza and Cole -- along with a few twists!
I highly recommend this to anyone that likes cute, sweet and clean romances, even better if you like sports themed romances. Liza and Cole were really cute together and I really liked the baseball rivalry aspect.
April 11, 2013
Good Girl .. Bad Boy .. Baseball!
This is a feel-good, sweet love story.
Liza Sutherland isn’t looking for love. Not from a charity-auction date she didn’t even bid on and especially not with Nationals first baseman Cole Collins, the guy she obsessed over as an awkward teenager. She won’t get involved with a notorious player, no matter how attractive Cole is.
Cole Collins is up for contract renegotiation, but after too many late-night parties, he’ll need some positive publicity before he can make the roster. His agent, Frank, pitches Liza as the perfect prop…only Cole didn’t account for Liza no longer being just a teenager with a crush. She’s gorgeous and smart and he’s instantly hooked.
When Frank makes Liza a deal she can’t refuse—a bet she will fall in love with Cole or a cool half mil goes to charity—the game is on. But neither bet on the real feelings that surface. Could a fake fling turn into an official forever?
image: [image error]
This is a feel-good, sweet love story.
Liza Sutherland isn’t looking for love. Not from a charity-auction date she didn’t even bid on and especially not with Nationals first baseman Cole Collins, the guy she obsessed over as an awkward teenager. She won’t get involved with a notorious player, no matter how attractive Cole is.
Cole Collins is up for contract renegotiation, but after too many late-night parties, he’ll need some positive publicity before he can make the roster. His agent, Frank, pitches Liza as the perfect prop…only Cole didn’t account for Liza no longer being just a teenager with a crush. She’s gorgeous and smart and he’s instantly hooked.
When Frank makes Liza a deal she can’t refuse—a bet she will fall in love with Cole or a cool half mil goes to charity—the game is on. But neither bet on the real feelings that surface. Could a fake fling turn into an official forever?
image: [image error]
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