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Chicago Anchors #1
Elevator Pitch
Meeting Ross Davis, professional baseball coach and my sports crush, is a funny story involving a stalled elevator, the potty dance, and an attempt to get into his hotel suite. In my defense, that last one was an accident.
He came to my room instead with a bottle of scotch and a sad soul.
My one night was not a stand, but more like a lie-in. As in, we snuggled and talked and not another thing happened.
So, nothing surprises me more than seeing him again when he becomes the manager of the Chicago Anchors, my hometown pro-team, and our paths intersect once more.
It’s here the story gets fuzzy, because Ross Davis, that sexy silver fox, has a proposal for me.
Baseball players are notoriously superstitious, and Ross is somehow convinced I’m his good luck charm. One who brings him success by sleeping with him.
Only sleeping.
The problem with this arrangement begins when those funny, fuzzy things called feelings get involved. Eventually, his elevator pitch is no longer an easy walk in the ballpark or a simple sleepover in his bed.
And I’m worried I’ll be the one left in the outfield when the season ends.
+ + +
From L.B. Dunbar comes an all-new sports romance with baseball at its heart and the sexy silver fox coaching staff as the focus of the fans.
He came to my room instead with a bottle of scotch and a sad soul.
My one night was not a stand, but more like a lie-in. As in, we snuggled and talked and not another thing happened.
So, nothing surprises me more than seeing him again when he becomes the manager of the Chicago Anchors, my hometown pro-team, and our paths intersect once more.
It’s here the story gets fuzzy, because Ross Davis, that sexy silver fox, has a proposal for me.
Baseball players are notoriously superstitious, and Ross is somehow convinced I’m his good luck charm. One who brings him success by sleeping with him.
Only sleeping.
The problem with this arrangement begins when those funny, fuzzy things called feelings get involved. Eventually, his elevator pitch is no longer an easy walk in the ballpark or a simple sleepover in his bed.
And I’m worried I’ll be the one left in the outfield when the season ends.
+ + +
From L.B. Dunbar comes an all-new sports romance with baseball at its heart and the sexy silver fox coaching staff as the focus of the fans.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2024
521 people are currently reading
3793 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
79 books3,193 followersL.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
October 16, 2024
I have to say that I was beyond pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I signed up for the ARC on a whim and am just so excited that I can now say I have read one of LB Dunbar's books! This was a wonderful intro to a new series, new world and of course new characters. I loved the concept and what an original meet cute- in a downed elevator! Sounds terrifying but LB was able to make it hilarious and real at the same time. I love these characters who have both been through so much in their lives. We have Ross who was a major league pitcher and suddenly his life is thrown upside down with the passing of his wife. Now he is coaching in the league and has not had a real relationship since Patty died. Then we have Verona (love the name) who is a sassy woman in an uber confident phase in life. Her husband also passed with some added drama beforehand. She has never really had a relationship since. One thing she has always had is a crush on Ross Davis. The way that LB intertwined these stories was wonderful!! I loved the strangers to friends to more to what are we exactly?? I loved the element of the older kids meeting- haven't read that in a story before and it felt very on point for how that could go. I loved how both of these people helped each other unlock something that they didn't realize they had locked up tight. And the spice was WOW!! Ross Davis has a very dirty mouth ladies and gents, and I am here for it :)
Verona is having an out of body experience. She is at a writer's conference on her way to her hotel room when she meets her longtime crush now coach of a baseball team Ross Davis. And she doesn't just meet him but in an elevator where she proceeds to almost pee her pants and the break into his hotel room. But now he has come over to her room and she spends the night with him. Nothing happens beyond talking and telling each other things that no one else knows. It was magical and very clearly a one-time thing. Several months later, Vee is in Arizona for spring training where Ross happens to be the new coach of their home team. She tells herself she is her because she is in the middle of a writer's block but in reality she wants to see him again. But she is stunned when he comes to her rental house and has a proposition for her. He wants to continue to spend the night with her as he now sees her as his good luck charm. She somehow is convinced of this lunacy and then things start to progress. She finds herself being more herself around him than any other man. She has to keep reminding herself that they aren't even friends, but then he starts to send mixed signals. Now she is beyond confused and they have an amazing night together, but she has to leave to go to Chicago. He can't let her go- he brings her back into his world. He wants to explore what is between them, but can she believe him after all the back and forth? Will she be able to recognize he isn't her ex-husband but a man who supports her and wants the best for her?
Ross is at a low. His team has just lost the world series. He knows he is going to get fired, and he doesn't honestly know what is next. What he doesn't expect is to get stuck in an elevator with a blonde beauty who he now finds himself in her hotel room telling her things he hasn't told anyone. They have an insane connection, but in the morning he leaves. He keeps thinking of that night for a long time trying to figure out if he could have found her or what he could have done differently but then she is at spring training where he is now coaching for their home team. He wants to see her. Scratch that he HAS to see her. So he does and he does something crazy. He proposes he continues to spend the night with her. She is his good luck charm. But he finds himself realizing that is just an excuse to spend more time with her. He hasn't felt like this since before his wife died. He wants to hold onto it but isn't sure how they can work now that reality is sinking back in. So he lets her go. They have an amazing night together and he freaks out. But then he realizes his mistake and knows in his gut he will do whatever it takes to get back in her good graces. Friend zone - check! Pining from afar- check! But then he decides he is done- he tells her how he really feels. But is he too late? Have his chances struck out or will she see that he is in it for the long haul?
I found myself laughing out loud at Vee's descriptions of being a woman and a mom. And just the embarrassing situations she found herself in had me rolling on the floor haha. The chemistry between these two felt genuine. The pace felt wonderful and natural. I wanted them to work so bad and when they did it was perfect! I am REALLY looking forward to book 2- though we don't know yet I am hoping Kip and Cassandra?? Anyone else have thoughts?
Thank you to The Author Agency and LB for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I definitely recommend this for a swoony, laugh out loud, sports romance with some wonderful characters :)
Verona is having an out of body experience. She is at a writer's conference on her way to her hotel room when she meets her longtime crush now coach of a baseball team Ross Davis. And she doesn't just meet him but in an elevator where she proceeds to almost pee her pants and the break into his hotel room. But now he has come over to her room and she spends the night with him. Nothing happens beyond talking and telling each other things that no one else knows. It was magical and very clearly a one-time thing. Several months later, Vee is in Arizona for spring training where Ross happens to be the new coach of their home team. She tells herself she is her because she is in the middle of a writer's block but in reality she wants to see him again. But she is stunned when he comes to her rental house and has a proposition for her. He wants to continue to spend the night with her as he now sees her as his good luck charm. She somehow is convinced of this lunacy and then things start to progress. She finds herself being more herself around him than any other man. She has to keep reminding herself that they aren't even friends, but then he starts to send mixed signals. Now she is beyond confused and they have an amazing night together, but she has to leave to go to Chicago. He can't let her go- he brings her back into his world. He wants to explore what is between them, but can she believe him after all the back and forth? Will she be able to recognize he isn't her ex-husband but a man who supports her and wants the best for her?
Ross is at a low. His team has just lost the world series. He knows he is going to get fired, and he doesn't honestly know what is next. What he doesn't expect is to get stuck in an elevator with a blonde beauty who he now finds himself in her hotel room telling her things he hasn't told anyone. They have an insane connection, but in the morning he leaves. He keeps thinking of that night for a long time trying to figure out if he could have found her or what he could have done differently but then she is at spring training where he is now coaching for their home team. He wants to see her. Scratch that he HAS to see her. So he does and he does something crazy. He proposes he continues to spend the night with her. She is his good luck charm. But he finds himself realizing that is just an excuse to spend more time with her. He hasn't felt like this since before his wife died. He wants to hold onto it but isn't sure how they can work now that reality is sinking back in. So he lets her go. They have an amazing night together and he freaks out. But then he realizes his mistake and knows in his gut he will do whatever it takes to get back in her good graces. Friend zone - check! Pining from afar- check! But then he decides he is done- he tells her how he really feels. But is he too late? Have his chances struck out or will she see that he is in it for the long haul?
I found myself laughing out loud at Vee's descriptions of being a woman and a mom. And just the embarrassing situations she found herself in had me rolling on the floor haha. The chemistry between these two felt genuine. The pace felt wonderful and natural. I wanted them to work so bad and when they did it was perfect! I am REALLY looking forward to book 2- though we don't know yet I am hoping Kip and Cassandra?? Anyone else have thoughts?
Thank you to The Author Agency and LB for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I definitely recommend this for a swoony, laugh out loud, sports romance with some wonderful characters :)
May 21, 2025
🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧 5 STARS (May 2025)
LISTEN! I only thought I enjoyed the heck out of this story back in October when I *read* it. Listening to Willa Jaymes & Patrick Zeller bring to life Vee & Ross, a mere 6 months after reading their story, was like a brand new experience. It’s easy to forget details about a story when you read as much as I do, and Willa & Patrick brought all the little details of this swoon worthy, heart bursting, ray of sunshine story to life in the most delightful of ways! I had such a good time with them in my ears! Well done!!
📚STORY REVIEW📚 5 STARS (first read October 2024)
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but seriously, LB Dunbar is an extraordinary writer. There is nothing this woman cannot write and write it well. She’s a queen and that’s why it is so easy to give her my reading time and my money.
This story wasn’t just a pleasure to get lost in, but the storyline itself was also one huge moment of contentment. It was fun and flirty, touching, and charming, with a whole lot of humor all mixed in. The story comes with characters who both have outside forces that have to be brought into the journey and mix together before a future can even be visible and I’m telling you kids, there is no one I trust more than Dunbar to put it all together in a mature realistic manner. And put together she did!
I felt a lot of contentment and “heart happiness” while I read this story, and that will always earn a book extra points from me. I have to feel what’s happening, or what’s the point, amirite? I wanted to be in it with these two and just be in their circle. Everything about this story was genuine but I shouldn’t really be surprised at this because that’s what Dunbar does. She writes stories about later-in-life every-day-people and she does it spectacularly. I have yet to meet a story written by her that I wouldn’t read twice! That should be all you need to know to go do the thing!
LISTEN! I only thought I enjoyed the heck out of this story back in October when I *read* it. Listening to Willa Jaymes & Patrick Zeller bring to life Vee & Ross, a mere 6 months after reading their story, was like a brand new experience. It’s easy to forget details about a story when you read as much as I do, and Willa & Patrick brought all the little details of this swoon worthy, heart bursting, ray of sunshine story to life in the most delightful of ways! I had such a good time with them in my ears! Well done!!
📚STORY REVIEW📚 5 STARS (first read October 2024)
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but seriously, LB Dunbar is an extraordinary writer. There is nothing this woman cannot write and write it well. She’s a queen and that’s why it is so easy to give her my reading time and my money.
This story wasn’t just a pleasure to get lost in, but the storyline itself was also one huge moment of contentment. It was fun and flirty, touching, and charming, with a whole lot of humor all mixed in. The story comes with characters who both have outside forces that have to be brought into the journey and mix together before a future can even be visible and I’m telling you kids, there is no one I trust more than Dunbar to put it all together in a mature realistic manner. And put together she did!
I felt a lot of contentment and “heart happiness” while I read this story, and that will always earn a book extra points from me. I have to feel what’s happening, or what’s the point, amirite? I wanted to be in it with these two and just be in their circle. Everything about this story was genuine but I shouldn’t really be surprised at this because that’s what Dunbar does. She writes stories about later-in-life every-day-people and she does it spectacularly. I have yet to meet a story written by her that I wouldn’t read twice! That should be all you need to know to go do the thing!
October 27, 2024
I thought the plot was weak. Nothing exciting really happened . Two grown up people acts like insecure teens . The characters had potential to be smart and mature , instead both were guessing , making assumptions, not communicating with each other .
October 19, 2024
I am a big LB Dunbar fan, but this one didn’t resonate with me. This has terrific spice, but lacks the true romance that we usually get in her wonderful later-in-life romances.
I loved the idea of Vee meeting her long-time sports crush in a total meet cute moment, but they never seemed to be on the same page with their situationship or relationship or whatever. As my main characters age, I expect them to mature as well and that didn’t seem to be the case for Ross. I didn’t enjoy his push and pull with her, I don’t feel like he meant it to be game playing, but it felt like it was.
I did appreciate seeing how both of these single parents handled their families after the death of their spouse and then subsequently dating. And I really loved Vee interacting with Ross’s son unexpectedly.
It was also fun to experience the crossover between this book and Sterling Streak and see events from differing perspectives.
I loved the idea of Vee meeting her long-time sports crush in a total meet cute moment, but they never seemed to be on the same page with their situationship or relationship or whatever. As my main characters age, I expect them to mature as well and that didn’t seem to be the case for Ross. I didn’t enjoy his push and pull with her, I don’t feel like he meant it to be game playing, but it felt like it was.
I did appreciate seeing how both of these single parents handled their families after the death of their spouse and then subsequently dating. And I really loved Vee interacting with Ross’s son unexpectedly.
It was also fun to experience the crossover between this book and Sterling Streak and see events from differing perspectives.
February 7, 2025
Excellent writing in this romance with the H/H being 48 and 45. I thought the whole idea of how they met was interesting and the characters were well rounded - although I didn't get a great physical picture of the heroine. Our hero though, phew...silver fox! The romance started slow burn and got extremely steamy, but it fell flat about seventy percent through for me. The low level angst just kept on going - with really nothing much happening except a lot of push/pull yes/no, between very nicely penned sex scenes. I'm afraid to say I skimmed the last five or so chapters to get to the end. It was a fun book to read though, and I'll pick up more from this author. 3.75 stars
October 19, 2024
Amazon
Vee's stuck in an elevator with her sports crush, coach Ross Davis, and she isn't sure she's not hallucinating. Too bad he ends up being kind of a jerk. So why is he showing up to her hotel room wanting to talk? Then he reverts to her original impression when he's gone the next morning without a goodbye. Oh well, it's not like she hasn't stopped thinking about him or anything...
Ross has been in a state of numbness since his wife passed. Talking to the stranger he met in the elevator was the first time he's felt his chest thaw a little since. But he left the next morning and has no intention of seeing her again. Until he does. At one of his games no less. Which is why he and his friend and fellow coach come up with this insane plan, this superstition pact. Now he just has to convince her to go along with it...and keep his hands to himself if she agrees.
I admit I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this story at first, I didn't get a great impression of Ross but boy did he redeem himself. He and Vee both had suffered the loss of their spouses, but with different reactions to that loss, though both scarred by it. I love how vulnerable Ross was with her, and how they allowed themselves to be their true selves with each other. The tension between them so built up that I just knew they were going to be explosive together and damn were they. Of course, their baggage got in the way, but his grand gesture was so sweet, and took them full circle. The supporting cast is just as interesting as Ross and Vee, and I'm definitely looking forward their stories to come.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
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October 19, 2024
Love and Baseball
Elevator Pitch takes place in the world of Major League Baseball and travels from spring training in Arizona to regular season in Chicago. It features two middle aged characters with new adult children. Ross is a 47 year old coach who is struggling with anxiety about his team's performance. Vee is a 45 year old romance novelist who is struggling with writer's block. A "meet cute" in a stalled elevator leads to a night together talking, sharing secrets, and just sleeping. When that connection and Vee's attendance at a game lead to success for Ross, he is convinced that she is his lucky charm.
The big question is how can this relationship evolve from superstition to something real. After a previous relationship with a cheating spouse and exposure to Ross's earlier relationships with models and reality TV stars, Vee is worried that she is "less than" and is very aware of her wrinkles and freckles. While Vee makes Ross feel grounded, focused and calm, he questions whether he can risk commitment and if he needs to concentrate on baseball.
The story is told from alternating points of view. You really admire Vee and her insistence that she will not settle and sympathize with her insecurities. I was very frustrated with Ross's mixed signals and his indecision. At the same time, this couple is just so likable and you will keep rooting for them to find their home base.
Elevator Pitch takes place in the world of Major League Baseball and travels from spring training in Arizona to regular season in Chicago. It features two middle aged characters with new adult children. Ross is a 47 year old coach who is struggling with anxiety about his team's performance. Vee is a 45 year old romance novelist who is struggling with writer's block. A "meet cute" in a stalled elevator leads to a night together talking, sharing secrets, and just sleeping. When that connection and Vee's attendance at a game lead to success for Ross, he is convinced that she is his lucky charm.
The big question is how can this relationship evolve from superstition to something real. After a previous relationship with a cheating spouse and exposure to Ross's earlier relationships with models and reality TV stars, Vee is worried that she is "less than" and is very aware of her wrinkles and freckles. While Vee makes Ross feel grounded, focused and calm, he questions whether he can risk commitment and if he needs to concentrate on baseball.
The story is told from alternating points of view. You really admire Vee and her insistence that she will not settle and sympathize with her insecurities. I was very frustrated with Ross's mixed signals and his indecision. At the same time, this couple is just so likable and you will keep rooting for them to find their home base.
October 13, 2024
This talented wordsmith hits it out of the park with this seasoned romance that's equal parts, sweet, steamy, and heartfelt. When Vee Huxley gets stuck in an elevator with world famous pitcher turned coach Ross Davis, to say it's a memorable event is an understatement. What's even more unforgettable is when Ross knocks on Vee's door to share a bottle of scotch and his sorrows. Nothing but talking and sleeping happens between them, and Ross is gone the next morning.
But then Ross sees Vee at a spring training game for the team he's now coaching, the Chicago Anchors. After a bad start to the early season, the Anchors win, and Ross believes Vee is his good luck charm. He believes that sleeping, and only sleeping, next to Vee is the key to his team's success. What begins as superstition turns into friendship and then something more.
I love these two characters so much! Vee and Ross both have some baggage. Not surprising, because you don’t get to four decades on this planet without it. But their personalities compliment each other, and together they manage to learn a life lesson or two. Of course things get a bit messy and complicated, but perseverance and love see them through. Full of humor, heat, and tons of heart, this one is sure to please romance readers of any age.
But then Ross sees Vee at a spring training game for the team he's now coaching, the Chicago Anchors. After a bad start to the early season, the Anchors win, and Ross believes Vee is his good luck charm. He believes that sleeping, and only sleeping, next to Vee is the key to his team's success. What begins as superstition turns into friendship and then something more.
I love these two characters so much! Vee and Ross both have some baggage. Not surprising, because you don’t get to four decades on this planet without it. But their personalities compliment each other, and together they manage to learn a life lesson or two. Of course things get a bit messy and complicated, but perseverance and love see them through. Full of humor, heat, and tons of heart, this one is sure to please romance readers of any age.
October 14, 2024
One Word: Baseball.. Okay maybe more: Silver Fox Baseball Coach
Elevator Pitch got me with that. Vee and Ross started with an interesting meet cute and later it was cute. How they helped each other out with Ross starting to manage a new pro baseball team and Vee having writers block. There were parts that were nice but this had a lot of miscommunication between them and given the fact that they were in their 40's just didn't jive with me. The moments were they talked, spent time together were cute. Overall it was ok.
Elevator Pitch got me with that. Vee and Ross started with an interesting meet cute and later it was cute. How they helped each other out with Ross starting to manage a new pro baseball team and Vee having writers block. There were parts that were nice but this had a lot of miscommunication between them and given the fact that they were in their 40's just didn't jive with me. The moments were they talked, spent time together were cute. Overall it was ok.
October 12, 2024
This is the first book in a new series by L.B Dunbar and it smacked so good. I have become quietly addicted to LB's writing, as the main character(s) are in the over 40 category and are relatable. And, come on, who doesn't love a silver fox?
So this time around, we have Ross, coach (and previous baseball player as well), widower and father of two boys. He is touted on social media as having a string of "flings" with young, model type women, and even his latest, there is quite the age gap. He meets Verona (Vee) in a "meet cute" scenario, aka elevator, and she is immediately shocked, as during his baseball career, she had quite the crush. Vee too is a widow, mother of two girls, and is the well known romance author (writing under a pseudonym). Their meet cute, or happy chance, seems them share Vee's bed (just sleeping) after Ross shows up to drown is sorrows with Vee. This leads to him getting offered the coaching position of his old team, Chicago Anchors, and there starts the whole "lucky charm" crazy arrangement, Ross pitches to Vee.
Being older, there is some heavy suitcases carried around by both Ross and Vee, and LB beautifully showcases how these are flung open and emotions become overwhelming for both our main characters. There is alot of learning, alot of healing, and to not lose focus on that winning ball. There connection was palpable, but it was trusting their hearts as well as there gut that saw them try and navigate the bases to get that win. I loved everything about this, and so look forward to seeing what's next in this series.
So this time around, we have Ross, coach (and previous baseball player as well), widower and father of two boys. He is touted on social media as having a string of "flings" with young, model type women, and even his latest, there is quite the age gap. He meets Verona (Vee) in a "meet cute" scenario, aka elevator, and she is immediately shocked, as during his baseball career, she had quite the crush. Vee too is a widow, mother of two girls, and is the well known romance author (writing under a pseudonym). Their meet cute, or happy chance, seems them share Vee's bed (just sleeping) after Ross shows up to drown is sorrows with Vee. This leads to him getting offered the coaching position of his old team, Chicago Anchors, and there starts the whole "lucky charm" crazy arrangement, Ross pitches to Vee.
Being older, there is some heavy suitcases carried around by both Ross and Vee, and LB beautifully showcases how these are flung open and emotions become overwhelming for both our main characters. There is alot of learning, alot of healing, and to not lose focus on that winning ball. There connection was palpable, but it was trusting their hearts as well as there gut that saw them try and navigate the bases to get that win. I loved everything about this, and so look forward to seeing what's next in this series.
October 25, 2024
3.5 stars
October 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ • 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
✦Series: Chicago Anchors # 1
✦POV: Dual first-person
» Vee and Ross’ elevator meet-cute was charming, and it was refreshing that they only cuddled that first night. He latches on to her as a good luck charm, but he just wants to be close to her. There were some cringey moments (this is a rom com, after all), but I loved the whole premise and progression of the plot.
» Vee was self-assured and mature; not strictly speaking as being over-40, but she was honest, likeable and relatable. I connected with her on so many levels 👏
» Ross Davis knows what to say to deliver some seriously panty-melting swoon. He took a genuine interest in Vee and her career and his attention to detail was... admirable 🫠 😂
» L.B. Dunbar writes satisfying stories that feel real and feature characters with emotional depth and compelling arcs. I’m never disappointed and Elevator Pitch continues her streak of well-loved reads.
✩ It gave me a giggle that Vee has two daughters and Ross has two sons, feeling like a modern-day Brady Bunch 😂 The way their kids’ stories are woven in was sweet and I liked that these adult children had distinct personalities.
♡ Elevator Pitch is a fun, spicy start to the Chicago Anchors series and I recommend it!
✨Thank you to L.B. Dunbar and The Author Agency for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Connect with me on Instagram for more bookish content!
✦Series: Chicago Anchors # 1
✦POV: Dual first-person
» Vee and Ross’ elevator meet-cute was charming, and it was refreshing that they only cuddled that first night. He latches on to her as a good luck charm, but he just wants to be close to her. There were some cringey moments (this is a rom com, after all), but I loved the whole premise and progression of the plot.
» Vee was self-assured and mature; not strictly speaking as being over-40, but she was honest, likeable and relatable. I connected with her on so many levels 👏
» Ross Davis knows what to say to deliver some seriously panty-melting swoon. He took a genuine interest in Vee and her career and his attention to detail was... admirable 🫠 😂
❝Damn, you’re f*cking pretty when you’re on fire.❞
… because don’t we all deserve someone who wants us when we’re a bit wild?
» L.B. Dunbar writes satisfying stories that feel real and feature characters with emotional depth and compelling arcs. I’m never disappointed and Elevator Pitch continues her streak of well-loved reads.
✩ It gave me a giggle that Vee has two daughters and Ross has two sons, feeling like a modern-day Brady Bunch 😂 The way their kids’ stories are woven in was sweet and I liked that these adult children had distinct personalities.
♡ Elevator Pitch is a fun, spicy start to the Chicago Anchors series and I recommend it!
✨Thank you to L.B. Dunbar and The Author Agency for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Connect with me on Instagram for more bookish content!
October 17, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Verona Huxley met her baseball crush, Ross Davis, in an elevator at the hotel they were both staying in Houston. They elevator stalled for ten minutes and Verona wan not feeling well, at all.
After an elevator was finally opened she rushed to her room and did her business, but the knock on her door stopped her in her tracks. There he was, freshly showered Ross Davis with a bottle of alcohol asking her for a drink and to talk.
They spend the night talking and cuddling. The day after that, he gets a call he very badly wanted. Months later, they meet again in Arizona while he’s there for spring training as the head coach for the Anchors, the team he played for eight years. They win after a series of losses, and he is convinced that she is his lucky charm.
He convinced her to spend the night in her place together, sleeping and nothing else. One night turns into a month, and they become friends. But they both want more, only Ross needs to focus on the game. When they meet again in Chicago, they start building something beautiful and mature. Verona has two daughters, and she is forty five, Ross has two sons and is forty seven. They lost their spouses to sudden deaths.
I loved how they navigated their relationship. And how Verona bonded with Harley, Ross’s son. The chemistry between Ross and Vee was undeniable and scorching.
Overall I loved this book very much and can’t wait for more in this series. If you’re looking for a MCs over forty, single mom/single dad, baseball romance then you’re going to love it.
Verona Huxley met her baseball crush, Ross Davis, in an elevator at the hotel they were both staying in Houston. They elevator stalled for ten minutes and Verona wan not feeling well, at all.
After an elevator was finally opened she rushed to her room and did her business, but the knock on her door stopped her in her tracks. There he was, freshly showered Ross Davis with a bottle of alcohol asking her for a drink and to talk.
They spend the night talking and cuddling. The day after that, he gets a call he very badly wanted. Months later, they meet again in Arizona while he’s there for spring training as the head coach for the Anchors, the team he played for eight years. They win after a series of losses, and he is convinced that she is his lucky charm.
He convinced her to spend the night in her place together, sleeping and nothing else. One night turns into a month, and they become friends. But they both want more, only Ross needs to focus on the game. When they meet again in Chicago, they start building something beautiful and mature. Verona has two daughters, and she is forty five, Ross has two sons and is forty seven. They lost their spouses to sudden deaths.
I loved how they navigated their relationship. And how Verona bonded with Harley, Ross’s son. The chemistry between Ross and Vee was undeniable and scorching.
Overall I loved this book very much and can’t wait for more in this series. If you’re looking for a MCs over forty, single mom/single dad, baseball romance then you’re going to love it.
May 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story Vibes:
The love over 40 & single parent vibes are vibing with this one! I love a good romance with older characters and lots of spicy moments! 𝙻𝙱 𝙳𝚞𝚗𝚋𝚊𝚛 nails it every time!
Audiobook Vibes:
I adored the audio! 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑍𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 + 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝐽𝑎𝑦𝑚𝑒𝑠 teamed up to absolutely deliver a home run (see what I did there 😉?) performance! Getting to know Ross & Vee through their voices was a captivating time! From the "meet cute" moment in the elevator to the banter and chemistry, they brought this story to life in the best way!
Overall Vibes:
This is a wonderful, palette cleansing romance! I loved the meet cute scene so much! As someone who has a fear of elevators (highly claustrophobic here!), I felt so much of Vee's struggle! But, it was the best scene! I adored it! I also adored Ross and Vee's banter and chemistry. These two were absolutely 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 for each other, and 𝙻𝙱 𝙳𝚞𝚗𝚋𝚊𝚛 made it happen! If you love "love after 40" romances, sports, banter and laughing, you'll want to grab this one up! I can't wait for book 2!
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story Vibes:
The love over 40 & single parent vibes are vibing with this one! I love a good romance with older characters and lots of spicy moments! 𝙻𝙱 𝙳𝚞𝚗𝚋𝚊𝚛 nails it every time!
Audiobook Vibes:
I adored the audio! 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑍𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 + 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝐽𝑎𝑦𝑚𝑒𝑠 teamed up to absolutely deliver a home run (see what I did there 😉?) performance! Getting to know Ross & Vee through their voices was a captivating time! From the "meet cute" moment in the elevator to the banter and chemistry, they brought this story to life in the best way!
Overall Vibes:
This is a wonderful, palette cleansing romance! I loved the meet cute scene so much! As someone who has a fear of elevators (highly claustrophobic here!), I felt so much of Vee's struggle! But, it was the best scene! I adored it! I also adored Ross and Vee's banter and chemistry. These two were absolutely 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 for each other, and 𝙻𝙱 𝙳𝚞𝚗𝚋𝚊𝚛 made it happen! If you love "love after 40" romances, sports, banter and laughing, you'll want to grab this one up! I can't wait for book 2!
October 19, 2024
This first book in the Chicago Anchors series. The delicious manager of the Anchors is up first. This silver fox is going to steal your heart. I can't tell you how adorable Vee is. She is such a delight. I would so want to be friends with her. She loves books and baseball my kind of person. Plus she is a romance author. She needs some inspiration and her meet cute with Ross just might give her some. I know all about sports and superstations. As fans we have them as well I'm going through that right now with my baseball team in the playoffs. If it works then I'm wearing the same thing or doing the same thing for that win so no surprise Ross will do anything to start off his homecoming winning. It's a little unorthodox, but it just might bring two people together. It's such a fun ride with plenty of heart and heat. This over 40 romance is so perfect to kick off this series. I'm already for more from the Anchors!
October 9, 2024
Who knew that an embarrassing meet cute would happen in a elevator.
Vee Huxley is a widow, a mom of two and a romance writer but when she gets stuck in an elevator with her baseball crush she never thought that her life would make such an interesting shift.
Ross Davis a retired superstar pitcher for the Chicago Anchors who just lost the World Series as a manager for the Philadelphia team but when he just wants to drown his sorrows in a bottle he winds up knocking at the door of the woman who catches his eye from the elevator little does he know that this meeting will be life
altering.
Ross sees Vee as a good luck charm but when things start to shift he knows that’s not the only thing that is happening he sees a woman that means a lot more. Vee has been hurt in the past and trust is a big factor for her but the pull to Ross is undeniable. Watching this fantastic couple overcome a lot of obstacles is amazing and knowing that together they can make it to a HEA is the cherry on top of the cake.
Vee Huxley is a widow, a mom of two and a romance writer but when she gets stuck in an elevator with her baseball crush she never thought that her life would make such an interesting shift.
Ross Davis a retired superstar pitcher for the Chicago Anchors who just lost the World Series as a manager for the Philadelphia team but when he just wants to drown his sorrows in a bottle he winds up knocking at the door of the woman who catches his eye from the elevator little does he know that this meeting will be life
altering.
Ross sees Vee as a good luck charm but when things start to shift he knows that’s not the only thing that is happening he sees a woman that means a lot more. Vee has been hurt in the past and trust is a big factor for her but the pull to Ross is undeniable. Watching this fantastic couple overcome a lot of obstacles is amazing and knowing that together they can make it to a HEA is the cherry on top of the cake.
October 17, 2024
He’s a silver fox baseball coach, she’s a romance author with writers block. They have an awkward encounter when the elevator they share stalls.
He later comes into her hotel room and they share a bed and just sleep. A winning streak happens so this gives Ross the belief that Verona is his lucky charm, and he suggests they sleep together to keep his winning streak alive.
These two are in their 40s, parents and experienced the loss of their partners. The shared experience of loss, grief, and parenting struggles brings a lovely layer to these characters. The struggles they experience are presented in a meaningful yet lighthearted way which brings levity to the story. Overall a good read with baseball and love connections, heat and passion.
Thank you @lbdunbarwrites and @theauthor.agency for the e-ARC of this story. Love a good mature love story with a hot silver fox.
He later comes into her hotel room and they share a bed and just sleep. A winning streak happens so this gives Ross the belief that Verona is his lucky charm, and he suggests they sleep together to keep his winning streak alive.
These two are in their 40s, parents and experienced the loss of their partners. The shared experience of loss, grief, and parenting struggles brings a lovely layer to these characters. The struggles they experience are presented in a meaningful yet lighthearted way which brings levity to the story. Overall a good read with baseball and love connections, heat and passion.
Thank you @lbdunbarwrites and @theauthor.agency for the e-ARC of this story. Love a good mature love story with a hot silver fox.
November 17, 2024
Is it happenstance?
Vee Huxley, a romance author stumbles into an elevator with former baseball pro, Ross Davis. Both a widow, both with two adult children. Friends to lovers. After meeting Ross.I'm am elevator, Vee never thought she'd see him again until they met again at Spring training. Her inspiration for her next novel came from Ross, baseball and so much more. While grief can creep up when finding new love, you are reminded to live in the moment, in the reality of your life.
Vee Huxley, a romance author stumbles into an elevator with former baseball pro, Ross Davis. Both a widow, both with two adult children. Friends to lovers. After meeting Ross.I'm am elevator, Vee never thought she'd see him again until they met again at Spring training. Her inspiration for her next novel came from Ross, baseball and so much more. While grief can creep up when finding new love, you are reminded to live in the moment, in the reality of your life.
July 14, 2025
Ross and Vee ❤️
Finding love again after loss is never easy but these two manage to find each other in the most normal way and then get stuck in an elevator together.
This starts them on a six month journey of ups and downs that culminates in a really cute grand gesture.
He’s 47 and she’s 45. They both lost their spouses to death. His marriage was happy hers was not. They each have adult children. They have so much in common it’s insane and it works in their favor.
I really enjoyed their journey but the back and forth was a little annoying.
Finding love again after loss is never easy but these two manage to find each other in the most normal way and then get stuck in an elevator together.
This starts them on a six month journey of ups and downs that culminates in a really cute grand gesture.
He’s 47 and she’s 45. They both lost their spouses to death. His marriage was happy hers was not. They each have adult children. They have so much in common it’s insane and it works in their favor.
I really enjoyed their journey but the back and forth was a little annoying.
October 15, 2024
Sigh, another great LB Dunbar book enjoyed! I loved Vee and Ross from their meet-cute. Vee, an author (romance of course) is a little quirky, but with the best intentions. Ross, the hot baseball coach who never expected a woman like Vee. This story is sweet, steamy full of angst and heart. This is a story of never settling and finding another chance at a great love. I am excited for more in this series.
January 4, 2025
Such a fun read. I enjoyed reading a more mature romance closer to my age and really loved the aspects of coming to terms with grief, loss, infertility, aging etc. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author. Thankful to Goodreads for the giveaway win and the opportunity to read this one.
June 8, 2025
Freaking Adorbs!
I just love this meet cute, only one bed, had a crush long ago, slow burn, silver fox meets romance writer, sports romance!!!!!
Omgosh, I can't believe how cute these two are, and the narrators completely hit home runs! Willa James and Patrick Zeller are absolutely smashing together.
I just love this meet cute, only one bed, had a crush long ago, slow burn, silver fox meets romance writer, sports romance!!!!!
Omgosh, I can't believe how cute these two are, and the narrators completely hit home runs! Willa James and Patrick Zeller are absolutely smashing together.
December 10, 2024
4.8/5🌟 Dunbar knows how to suck you in and make you escape reality. Only a few late night readings and I devoured it. I only took off a little because I hated how much back and forth they had. I wanted her to a bit stronger but also understand where her insecurities came from.
January 13, 2025
Cute over-40 story about two widowers, each with kids, navigating their work and home lives. The silver fox coach and the romance author (also a secret fan of his) were inadvertently introduced via a stuck elevator. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 22, 2025
Oh how I enjoyed Ross and Vee. They felt very real to me, their heartache, loves, worries. This is a very lovely surprised.
September 2, 2025
First, I loved that the characters are in their 40s.Vee and Ross both lost their spouses years ago. They meet by chance and Ross thinks Vee is his good luck charm. It's a bit frustrating how long that went on for, but they eventually admit their feelings. Both have fears that hold them back. luckily, they both have people in their corner to kick theirs butts on the right direction. I wouldn't have minded more interactions with their kids, especially Ross and his, to rebuild their relationship
October 16, 2024
Oh my heart! This sexy silver fox will set you on fire. I’m on my silver fox era and I’m not ashamed. I loved Ross and Vee so much. What started out as superstition became so much more. They both had their hearts broken but together they mended one another. I love baseball sports romance and this was a fabulous one.
October 20, 2024
A quirky and fun start to a new series. Emotional in parts, this book, brings family, friendship and Baseball to a new level. It did seem repetitive and dragged on at times but all in all an enjoyable read.
October 21, 2024
Hmmm…..this one lacks a lot of something. The meet-cute is just that….but the chemistry, or lack there of is odd. The quibbling over how he feels for her or how she feels for him is drawn out for far too long. In a nutshell ===> poor communication. Salacious sex galore. Ending is very reminiscent of Never Been Kissed which is mentioned (but unoriginal obvs). This one is not a hit out of the park. 2* sad sack * stars!!!!!
October 21, 2024
So Good!
This was my first LB Dunbar book and it was absolutely great! I loved, loved, loved this over 40 romance between Ross and Vee and it was extra cool that Vee was a romance author! This won’t be the last LB Dunbar book that I read.
This was my first LB Dunbar book and it was absolutely great! I loved, loved, loved this over 40 romance between Ross and Vee and it was extra cool that Vee was a romance author! This won’t be the last LB Dunbar book that I read.
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