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Richmond Rogues #1
Squeeze Play
The first in a steamy new series of romances featuring a hunky baseball team and the sirens who challenge the players in the game of love.
Risk Kincaid and Jacy Grayson have known each other since high school, when, after seeing her crying because her prom date dumped her, Risk volunteered to be her rebound guy. Whenever she broke up with someone, she could call him, and wherever he was, he'd show up for a few days to "console" her.
Years later, Risk, now a team captain of a World Series-winning baseball team, returns to their hometown of Frostproof, Florida, for a benefit. He has seen eccentric Jacy every six months or so for years, and he now plans on asking her to marry him. Jacy has never had anyone in her bed but Risk, her true love. All those boyfriends were just a way to keep him in her life. But now she is afraid of changing the status quo.
No fan of the genre should miss Angell's surefire romance, and all readers who enjoy light fare will like this amusing and sexy tale and its terrific, likable characters.
Risk Kincaid and Jacy Grayson have known each other since high school, when, after seeing her crying because her prom date dumped her, Risk volunteered to be her rebound guy. Whenever she broke up with someone, she could call him, and wherever he was, he'd show up for a few days to "console" her.
Years later, Risk, now a team captain of a World Series-winning baseball team, returns to their hometown of Frostproof, Florida, for a benefit. He has seen eccentric Jacy every six months or so for years, and he now plans on asking her to marry him. Jacy has never had anyone in her bed but Risk, her true love. All those boyfriends were just a way to keep him in her life. But now she is afraid of changing the status quo.
No fan of the genre should miss Angell's surefire romance, and all readers who enjoy light fare will like this amusing and sexy tale and its terrific, likable characters.
308 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 30, 2006
69 people are currently reading
4104 people want to read
About the author
Kate Angell
37 books590 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kate Angell lives in Naples, Florida. She’s an animal lover, avid reader, and sports fan. Bookstores are her second home. She takes coffee breaks at Starbucks. Her philosophy: Out of chaos comes calmness. Enjoy the peace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
November 11, 2012
Grade: D for lot of eye-rolling and some major ::HEADDESK::ing.
This started out as a One-Quote Review, and then four hours later I found myself in the throes of a Full Snark Bitchfest.
You’re damn right I am. Also, if you give me
cake to relax, it better not be made of Ivory Soap.
If you read the whole epic rant, you’ll see why. But here's a few teasers as evidence of my very-much-in-the-minority low grade on this.
I have two positive things to say about this book:
(1) It was only 99 cents.
(2) It wasn’t Sweet Jesus! Honey Dews! bad.
But it was close.
I know I shouldn’t judge an entire series by the first book, but since it had a multi-arc storyline, I figured one book was more than enough.
You don’t believe me, do you? DO YOU? Well, all I can say is, READ THIS:
Him: “Your first blow on my coffee turned me on.”
Her: “My nipples picked you out of the crowd.”
And that was the good part.
I present as further evidence these choice bits of WTFery:
Cringe-worthy baseball cliches, metaphors and trivia.
Weird retro product and pop culture references, e.g., Playgirl magazine.
Post-sex Cosmo quiz to determine marriage compatibility.
Fun fact: Our heroine uses a glitter pen to record their answers. I'll bet it's a Bic for Her.
Repetitive coffee-themed puns that double as sexual innuendo.
Uncontrollable nipples.
Repetitive and boring and REPETITIVE euphemisms for boy parts.
Quickies in restaurant walk-in coolers, on country-club buffet tables and behind dumpsters in alleys.
Completely out-of-character purple prose.
And, last, but very not least....
Please give me a moment, I’m going to need
another bottle. And a bigger glass.
THE FAT SHAMING.
No cheekbones AND chafing thighs? Horrors.
Holy hell — double digits AND elastic? Oh. Dear. God. She deserves every ounce of humiliation she gets - even from a man she just met hours ago:
That was just beginning of the conversation. And there's PLENTY more of it. But it's all good, because we all know that women who wear clothing sizes in double-digits are just pathetic losers, right?
::HEADDESK::
There was NO REASON to include ANY of that. None. Completely irrelevant to the story. It’s just a lazy and insulting excuse for character development.
What exactly is a ROMANCE AUTHOR trying to communicate to readers with that kind of utter BULLSHIT? Am I the only one who notices — or cares — about demeaning, misogynistic presentations of women in contemporary fiction?
!!!GAH!!!
So, as you might imagine, the negative feelings stayed with me a few days, and after a very interesting Twitter discussion, I felt compelled to do a few follow-up blog posts. Mostly snark, of course, but with some bona-fide, honest-to-god constructive criticism.
The full five-part Epic Mean Girl Rant of WTF Righteous Indignation:
(1) World Series of Romance: Squeeze Play by Kate Angell
(2) Follow-Up: Fun with Fat Shaming! (Part 1)
(3) More Fun with Fat Shaming: Group Project!
(4) Even MORE Fun with Fat Shaming: The Low-Fat/No-Fat Edition!
(5) Final Round of Fun with Fat Shaming: The Guys
This started out as a One-Quote Review, and then four hours later I found myself in the throes of a Full Snark Bitchfest.
You’re damn right I am. Also, if you give me
cake to relax, it better not be made of Ivory Soap.
If you read the whole epic rant, you’ll see why. But here's a few teasers as evidence of my very-much-in-the-minority low grade on this.
I have two positive things to say about this book:
(1) It was only 99 cents.
(2) It wasn’t Sweet Jesus! Honey Dews! bad.
But it was close.
I know I shouldn’t judge an entire series by the first book, but since it had a multi-arc storyline, I figured one book was more than enough.
You don’t believe me, do you? DO YOU? Well, all I can say is, READ THIS:
Him: “Your first blow on my coffee turned me on.”
Her: “My nipples picked you out of the crowd.”
And that was the good part.
I present as further evidence these choice bits of WTFery:
Cringe-worthy baseball cliches, metaphors and trivia.
In the heat of her hurt and anger, she hit on a drastic measure. Celibacy would get his attention, which she relayed in the baseball lingo he’d understand.
“Stevie’s temporarily out of the game. Until she’s back at bat, you won’t be rounding my bases.”
Weird retro product and pop culture references, e.g., Playgirl magazine.
In bold black across his groin ran his Bad to the Bone tattoo. Jacy traced the tattoo, remembering his recent photo shoot with Playgirl. “Did you flash Bone during your layout?”
Post-sex Cosmo quiz to determine marriage compatibility.
Fun fact: Our heroine uses a glitter pen to record their answers. I'll bet it's a Bic for Her.
Repetitive coffee-themed puns that double as sexual innuendo.
After satisfying Stall and Tate, she worked her way down the counter, pleasing the row of males vying for her attention. More sugar. More cooling blows.
Uncontrollable nipples.
Her nipples went on full alert. Points so visible it looked like she was smuggling raisins.
Repetitive and boring and REPETITIVE euphemisms for boy parts.
...His sex shot north.
...His sex started to rise.
...His sex jutted like her nipples.
...squeezed his testicles and swelled his sex.
...his sex twitched.
Quickies in restaurant walk-in coolers, on country-club buffet tables and behind dumpsters in alleys.
...She came with six strokes of his sex. He climaxed seconds thereafter.
...Again and again, he mated with her mouth.
...He took her in the missionary position.
Completely out-of-character purple prose.
The orgasms they shared went beyond the physical. Each climax embraced the collective oneness of mind and soul.
And, last, but very not least....
Please give me a moment, I’m going to need
another bottle. And a bigger glass.
THE FAT SHAMING.
...While Stevie tipped the scale at one-thirty-six, ten of those pounds lacked sinew. Brownies and cookie dough had stolen her cheekbones. Her pants wouldn’t zip. Her thighs now rubbed together.
No cheekbones AND chafing thighs? Horrors.
She slid her hands down her sides, felt the slight bulge at her waist. Was he embarrassed by her weight? Her size sixes had evolved into tens and twelves over the years, and the occasional fourteen.
Though she would have preferred a little black dress, she’d be squeezing into a conservative rose silk suit. With elastic inserts around the waistband of the skirt.
Holy hell — double digits AND elastic? Oh. Dear. God. She deserves every ounce of humiliation she gets - even from a man she just met hours ago:
“Chocolate-covered strawberries are great comfort food.”
“Find comfort elsewhere.”
“Why all the concern?” His gaze darkened to jet, dropped to her breasts, then to her belly....
That was just beginning of the conversation. And there's PLENTY more of it. But it's all good, because we all know that women who wear clothing sizes in double-digits are just pathetic losers, right?
::HEADDESK::
There was NO REASON to include ANY of that. None. Completely irrelevant to the story. It’s just a lazy and insulting excuse for character development.
What exactly is a ROMANCE AUTHOR trying to communicate to readers with that kind of utter BULLSHIT? Am I the only one who notices — or cares — about demeaning, misogynistic presentations of women in contemporary fiction?
!!!GAH!!!
So, as you might imagine, the negative feelings stayed with me a few days, and after a very interesting Twitter discussion, I felt compelled to do a few follow-up blog posts. Mostly snark, of course, but with some bona-fide, honest-to-god constructive criticism.
The full five-part Epic Mean Girl Rant of WTF Righteous Indignation:
(1) World Series of Romance: Squeeze Play by Kate Angell
(2) Follow-Up: Fun with Fat Shaming! (Part 1)
(3) More Fun with Fat Shaming: Group Project!
(4) Even MORE Fun with Fat Shaming: The Low-Fat/No-Fat Edition!
(5) Final Round of Fun with Fat Shaming: The Guys
September 20, 2009
After finishing Sliding Home a couple of days ago and loving it, I decided to start from the beginning and read this series in order. I was a little sceptical about how well the first book of the series would pan out, because sometimes it takes an author a couple of books to hit their stride with a series. But not so with Kate Angell--I think she hit a home run with this one right out of the batter's box! I just loved everything (okay, maybe 99%) about this one! Her style is so easy, breezy, and filled with humor and colorful characters so realistically written that you'll fall in love with them, and I had a very hard time finding a good place to put this one down. Now you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this one (although if you are a baseball fan you'll enjoy it even more), just a fan of sexy, hot contemporaries.
Squeeze Play tells the story of Richard "Risk" Kincaid, star center fielder of the (fictional) MLB Richmond Rogues. Risk has just finished the season in a big way, by getting the game winning hit to win the World Series for the Rogues. And to celebrate, instead of 'going to Disneyworld', he's heading to his hometown of Frostproof, Florida to appear in a charity event. With him is his brainy teammate (nicknamed 'Einstein"), shortstop Zen Driscoll. While in town, Risk is planning on reconnecting with his longtime 'rebound lover', Jacy Grayson.
Jacy and Risk have known each other all their lives, and have been friends since highschool, ever since he comforted her when she was dumped by her boyfriend (for 'drawing too much attention to herself') on the eve of the prom. Jacy's a free-spirit, the kind of girl who loves color and sparkle, wearing colorful, offbeat clothing and multicolor hair (think Cyndi Lauper). Risk doesn't mind Jacy's fashion wackiness, even if he does prefer her natural state of blond hair and big blue eyes. So they go to the prom together, Jacy surrenders her virginity to him on prom night in the backseat of his car, and they spend a wonderful, happy summer together. But by summer's end Risk, bound for college and a future in the major leagues, makes the only promise he can give: he promises to be Jacy's 'rebound lover'--anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Just call, and he'll come. And this goes on for 12 years! Anytime Jacy suffers another bad breakup, Risk is there for her, physically and emotionally. And Risk is on his way again, because Jacy has suffered another breakup.
Now, I'll admit, at first I thought "what kind of an arrangement is this? This can't be healthy, and why is Jacy using Risk this way, and why is he agreeing to it? Why is he content to be her "booty call" only? Ahh, but then the author lets you in on a little secret about Jacy, and shows you that Risk has much deeper feelings for Jacy beyond the physical, and finally after 12 years he decides to do something about it! My only problem with this was...what took them so long?
Well, in case you think this messes up the story, it doesn't (except every now and then I thought "12 years without expressing your true feelings?" Kate Angell delivers a sweet, sexy, and often poignant story, and shows what Jacy and Risk really mean to each other. Along the way there's a secondary romance that develops between Jacy's "chubby" best friend, baseball trivia expert Stevie, and Risk's teammate Zen. This romance almost overshadowed and upstaged the one between Risk and Jacy. I mean, I knew where Risk and Jacy were heading (eventually), but I wasn't quite certain what would develop between Stevie (who suffers a humiliating and emotional letdown in this book) and there-for-you-guy Zen. I loved their story--it was very sweet, and hot--until Zen momentarily lost his head, had one of those 'big misunderstanding' moments, and nearly blew it with Stevie. But this being romance, you come to expect some sort of 'conflict'--everything can't be all good times and hot sex, right?
I also loved meeting Risk's younger teammates who were in town also for the charity event--nicknamed Psycho, Romeo, and Chaser--collectively known as the "Bat Pack" due to their skills as power hitters. They were funny, incorrigible, and often reminded me of a bunch of young puppies gone wild! I loved how they often got between Jacy and Risk's relationship, insinuating themselves in their (sometimes private) business and driving the older, more mature Risk crazy with their antics. I loved how Romeo executed a "squeeze play" to finally push Risk to admit his true feelings for Jacy. Well-done, Romeo! Can't wait to read about his and hs fellow "Bat Packers" come-uppance in Curveball.
I can go on and on about this one, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. There was only a minor annoyance for me in the book, and that was the relationship between Jacy's baseball playing cousin, and his bitchy woman fiancee who liked having public sex. I think the woman was psycho, but near the end of the book she suddenly had an about face change in attitude that didn't quite ring true. But since she was a minor character, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
Now the love scenes? Hot and heavy, but nothing too explicit or erotic. Some were very playful, some very passionate, and some very romantic. Safe to say you won't be disappointed--there's plenty of lovin' going on in this book! And you get two HEAs--what more can you want?
I can't recommend this series enough, especially for those who are dying for a steamy, and often funny sports romance. I love how Kate Angell is able to give a detailed depiction of her characters, so much so that you feel like you've known them all your life. I've fallen in love with all of them! Her writing is so smooth and quick paced, you'll be half way through the book before you know what happened, and anxious to pick up the next book. I still have Curveball and Strike Zone to go, and then the short story in the anthology Santa, Honey. I hope to never run out of stories about the Rogues--keep writing Kate! 5 stars
Squeeze Play tells the story of Richard "Risk" Kincaid, star center fielder of the (fictional) MLB Richmond Rogues. Risk has just finished the season in a big way, by getting the game winning hit to win the World Series for the Rogues. And to celebrate, instead of 'going to Disneyworld', he's heading to his hometown of Frostproof, Florida to appear in a charity event. With him is his brainy teammate (nicknamed 'Einstein"), shortstop Zen Driscoll. While in town, Risk is planning on reconnecting with his longtime 'rebound lover', Jacy Grayson.
Jacy and Risk have known each other all their lives, and have been friends since highschool, ever since he comforted her when she was dumped by her boyfriend (for 'drawing too much attention to herself') on the eve of the prom. Jacy's a free-spirit, the kind of girl who loves color and sparkle, wearing colorful, offbeat clothing and multicolor hair (think Cyndi Lauper). Risk doesn't mind Jacy's fashion wackiness, even if he does prefer her natural state of blond hair and big blue eyes. So they go to the prom together, Jacy surrenders her virginity to him on prom night in the backseat of his car, and they spend a wonderful, happy summer together. But by summer's end Risk, bound for college and a future in the major leagues, makes the only promise he can give: he promises to be Jacy's 'rebound lover'--anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Just call, and he'll come. And this goes on for 12 years! Anytime Jacy suffers another bad breakup, Risk is there for her, physically and emotionally. And Risk is on his way again, because Jacy has suffered another breakup.
Now, I'll admit, at first I thought "what kind of an arrangement is this? This can't be healthy, and why is Jacy using Risk this way, and why is he agreeing to it? Why is he content to be her "booty call" only? Ahh, but then the author lets you in on a little secret about Jacy, and shows you that Risk has much deeper feelings for Jacy beyond the physical, and finally after 12 years he decides to do something about it! My only problem with this was...what took them so long?
Well, in case you think this messes up the story, it doesn't (except every now and then I thought "12 years without expressing your true feelings?" Kate Angell delivers a sweet, sexy, and often poignant story, and shows what Jacy and Risk really mean to each other. Along the way there's a secondary romance that develops between Jacy's "chubby" best friend, baseball trivia expert Stevie, and Risk's teammate Zen. This romance almost overshadowed and upstaged the one between Risk and Jacy. I mean, I knew where Risk and Jacy were heading (eventually), but I wasn't quite certain what would develop between Stevie (who suffers a humiliating and emotional letdown in this book) and there-for-you-guy Zen. I loved their story--it was very sweet, and hot--until Zen momentarily lost his head, had one of those 'big misunderstanding' moments, and nearly blew it with Stevie. But this being romance, you come to expect some sort of 'conflict'--everything can't be all good times and hot sex, right?
I also loved meeting Risk's younger teammates who were in town also for the charity event--nicknamed Psycho, Romeo, and Chaser--collectively known as the "Bat Pack" due to their skills as power hitters. They were funny, incorrigible, and often reminded me of a bunch of young puppies gone wild! I loved how they often got between Jacy and Risk's relationship, insinuating themselves in their (sometimes private) business and driving the older, more mature Risk crazy with their antics. I loved how Romeo executed a "squeeze play" to finally push Risk to admit his true feelings for Jacy. Well-done, Romeo! Can't wait to read about his and hs fellow "Bat Packers" come-uppance in Curveball.
I can go on and on about this one, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. There was only a minor annoyance for me in the book, and that was the relationship between Jacy's baseball playing cousin, and his bitchy woman fiancee who liked having public sex. I think the woman was psycho, but near the end of the book she suddenly had an about face change in attitude that didn't quite ring true. But since she was a minor character, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
Now the love scenes? Hot and heavy, but nothing too explicit or erotic. Some were very playful, some very passionate, and some very romantic. Safe to say you won't be disappointed--there's plenty of lovin' going on in this book! And you get two HEAs--what more can you want?
I can't recommend this series enough, especially for those who are dying for a steamy, and often funny sports romance. I love how Kate Angell is able to give a detailed depiction of her characters, so much so that you feel like you've known them all your life. I've fallen in love with all of them! Her writing is so smooth and quick paced, you'll be half way through the book before you know what happened, and anxious to pick up the next book. I still have Curveball and Strike Zone to go, and then the short story in the anthology Santa, Honey. I hope to never run out of stories about the Rogues--keep writing Kate! 5 stars
November 7, 2021
Pro Baseball Player Risk Kincaid has returned to his Florida hometown to see his "rebound lover" Jacy Grayson. Risk and Jacy have known each other since high school where he comforted her after a messy breakup. Since then, he has rushed to her side and into her bed each time she breaks up with her current boyfriend. Risk has decided he is in love with Jacy but is afraid to tell her. Jacy has loved Risk forever. Over the years she has made up many boyfriends and break ups just to get Risk back in her bed. How will he react when she tells him that she wants him permanently in her life?
Meanwhile, Jacy's best friend, Stephanie "Stevie" Cole has had a relationship with hometown hero Pitcher Aaron Grayson (Jacy's cousin). Their relationship has cooled in the last year. Stevie hoped that they would get back on track when Aaron came to town to help with a local fundraiser. Her hopes were crushed when Aaron announced his engagement to Natalie Llewellyn. Zen Driscoll is in town for the fundraiser too. He is attracted to Stevie and feels bad that she found out about Aaron's engagement in public. Zen befriends her and hopes to get her mind off of Aaron and onto Zen.
I admit that contemporary romance is not a favorite genre. I usually like a little more plot with the pages and pages of sex scenes. I expected this story to be light and funny, but I really didn't like some of the characters. Jacy drove me crazy. She is described as free spirit who wears mismatched clothes and changes her nail polish daily. She runs a coffee shop where she stirs sugar cubes into the coffee with her finger while the old men drool. Yuck! Risk wasn't much better. He was constantly thinking about how to tell Jacy he loved her, yet it took him a month to get around to doing it.
The secondary romance was a little better. I liked Zen and his willingness to take his time with Stevie. He also seemed the most down-to-earth baseball player out of the many who came to the fundraiser. Stevie had issues with her body image and self-esteem. I could understand that, but since it was drummed into us over and over again, it became monotonous. My rating: 2 Stars.
Meanwhile, Jacy's best friend, Stephanie "Stevie" Cole has had a relationship with hometown hero Pitcher Aaron Grayson (Jacy's cousin). Their relationship has cooled in the last year. Stevie hoped that they would get back on track when Aaron came to town to help with a local fundraiser. Her hopes were crushed when Aaron announced his engagement to Natalie Llewellyn. Zen Driscoll is in town for the fundraiser too. He is attracted to Stevie and feels bad that she found out about Aaron's engagement in public. Zen befriends her and hopes to get her mind off of Aaron and onto Zen.
I admit that contemporary romance is not a favorite genre. I usually like a little more plot with the pages and pages of sex scenes. I expected this story to be light and funny, but I really didn't like some of the characters. Jacy drove me crazy. She is described as free spirit who wears mismatched clothes and changes her nail polish daily. She runs a coffee shop where she stirs sugar cubes into the coffee with her finger while the old men drool. Yuck! Risk wasn't much better. He was constantly thinking about how to tell Jacy he loved her, yet it took him a month to get around to doing it.
The secondary romance was a little better. I liked Zen and his willingness to take his time with Stevie. He also seemed the most down-to-earth baseball player out of the many who came to the fundraiser. Stevie had issues with her body image and self-esteem. I could understand that, but since it was drummed into us over and over again, it became monotonous. My rating: 2 Stars.
September 22, 2009
3 ½ stars – Contemporary/Sports Romance
This is a cute, light, easy, upbeat read with quirky, fun characters, lots of humor, and three spicy, sweet romances going on all at once for a ‘bases are loaded’ treat!
This is a cute, light, easy, upbeat read with quirky, fun characters, lots of humor, and three spicy, sweet romances going on all at once for a ‘bases are loaded’ treat!
April 4, 2019
Delightful, funny and sometimes serious, this book is all a romance should be. We get two main couples and an interesting third, plus a cast of wonderful supporting players, The Bat Pack is amazing. Great fun and while reading you don't really know how it's going to end, except there will definitely be an HEA.
Risk and Jacy - Risk hit the World Series game willing homerun and he aimed it at Jacy. He has been Jacy's "rebound lover" since high school and somewhere along the way he decided he wants to be her "only lover". He just isn't sure that's what she wants. Jacy has loved Risk from high school. She keeps inventing guys and breakups to get Risk to come back to her. Now, all she wants is forever with only him. Could he possible want only her?
Zen and Stevie - Risk dragged him down to small town Frostproof, FL to participate in a charity event to raise money for a new recreation center. His first encounter with Stevie and he knows he has met his match, in baseball trivia at least. Stevie sees Zen and her nipples immediately point the way. Really embarrassing because she is in love with Grayson, has always been in love with Grayson, they're going to get married, right?
Grayson and Natalie - Grayson is the star pitcher and Natalie is the owners daughter. She always gets what she wants and has gotten Grayson, but she really wants Zen.
Risk and Jacy - Risk hit the World Series game willing homerun and he aimed it at Jacy. He has been Jacy's "rebound lover" since high school and somewhere along the way he decided he wants to be her "only lover". He just isn't sure that's what she wants. Jacy has loved Risk from high school. She keeps inventing guys and breakups to get Risk to come back to her. Now, all she wants is forever with only him. Could he possible want only her?
Zen and Stevie - Risk dragged him down to small town Frostproof, FL to participate in a charity event to raise money for a new recreation center. His first encounter with Stevie and he knows he has met his match, in baseball trivia at least. Stevie sees Zen and her nipples immediately point the way. Really embarrassing because she is in love with Grayson, has always been in love with Grayson, they're going to get married, right?
Grayson and Natalie - Grayson is the star pitcher and Natalie is the owners daughter. She always gets what she wants and has gotten Grayson, but she really wants Zen.
March 21, 2008
A nice, quirky contemporary romance. Squeeze Play is a good light-read...and I don't mean that in a negative way. It's just a good book when you want something that's light-hearted, funny, and romantic...not something that's an emotionally wrenching and getting-through-tragedy type of deal.
I really enjoyed the characters (most of them). Jacy was great. I loved how quirky she was and how she went her own way. She and Risk were a nice match. The supporting cast was great too. I like Stevie and Zen, and the Bat Pack - those guys (the Bat Pack) cracked me up. They were a great addition to the book. I could have done without Aaron, and definitely without Natalie, but I suppose the were necessary to the book. As for the romance, Angell played it out nicely. Having Risk and Jacy have to spend weeks together without being able to have sex was a great way to strengthen the bond between them. The secondary romance with Stevie and Zen was nice as well.
Squeeze Play was a good read If you like light-hearted romance, you'll like this one.
I really enjoyed the characters (most of them). Jacy was great. I loved how quirky she was and how she went her own way. She and Risk were a nice match. The supporting cast was great too. I like Stevie and Zen, and the Bat Pack - those guys (the Bat Pack) cracked me up. They were a great addition to the book. I could have done without Aaron, and definitely without Natalie, but I suppose the were necessary to the book. As for the romance, Angell played it out nicely. Having Risk and Jacy have to spend weeks together without being able to have sex was a great way to strengthen the bond between them. The secondary romance with Stevie and Zen was nice as well.
Squeeze Play was a good read If you like light-hearted romance, you'll like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2016
That's it strike 3! This goes into the DNF dungeon.
What have I got myself into?
In between serious angst and deep-feels books, picking up light fluff reads was always a welcome thing, but his book begs me to destroy my routine.
Let me tell you about the bunch of morons the author has created as an excuse for a cast:
Risk-
Horny. With his thoughts revolving around his woman all the time, I'm seriously having doubts about his brain's growth, not that she's complainin because he does enough thinking with the pardner down under.
Jacy-
Who does she think she is?
No. Really.
She runs a coffee shop, and what sells is her charm.
' “Little sugar for my coffee, Jacy,”
Jacy smiled at the man. “One lump or two?”
“Two, please.”
Dropping the cubes into
Stall’s black coffee, she followed with a perfectly
manicured fingertip, slowly stirring the brew.'
EWW...
' “My coffee’s too hot to drink,” said the man
beside Stall.
Risk watched as Jacy picked up Tate’s bone
china cup, puckered her lips, and blew lightly on
the opposite side from where he’d sipped. After
several seconds, she took her own tiny sip, leaving
a trace of pink lipstick on the rim.
“I think it’s ready to drink,” she said, handing
the cup back to Tate. “Let me know if it needs
another blow.” '
Thank god, Marlyn, that you didn't have Jacy for competition.
Oh, and having been a friend and lover of Risk for how long... here are her thoughts
He turned, and Jacy admired his backside. Wide shoulders, tight butt, strong legs. Her heart clenched with unrequited love. For years she’d wanted to tell him how she felt. Fear that he might walk out of her life held the words in check.
Really, you're in love with his perfect… butt cheek? See, how I just love that the author's sentences run into each other, and confuse the intent!!!! No, I'm not bothered… I'm good.
FUCKING CHRIST ALMIGHTY!!!! DON'T . JUST.
I love a good lusting, but what has love got to do with it????
Stevie-
Stephanie, actually. Tomboy baseball-trivia freak. I honestly love that image. But but but, what is annoying, is her lack of self-respect. There are enough words like, fat, heavy, comfort food and weight her, for me to want to strangle her to death.
And here's her total loss of hormonal control on display:
'Her heart slammed at the thought. Relaxed on
his stool, arms folded over his chest, Zen
watched her interact with his teammates. Beneath
his steady gaze, her nipples once again did the
unthinkable. They pointed straight at him.
His eyes widened.'
This is what thy tits remind me of-
'Holding hands with this man seemed surprisingly natural. His warmth produced a tingle along her arm, jutting straight to her breasts. Her nipples puckered beneath her tropical-print top. Zen noticed, but his gaze didn’t linger. Instead he checked the time on his wristwatch'
For fuck's sake, ever heard of a bra?
Then there's Zen
well, I give in. I've got nothing against him; neat, nice beta guy. Any grievances against him are uncalled for. He's the reason I have starred this book at two.
But even ‘he’ can't save this sinking ship.
And there are other characters I couldn't get myself concerned about...
So why the rant, for a book I didn't finish, for an average sizzle-then-fizzle story??? BECAUUUUSE it fails to fucking deliver the very same, like the coupla other books I read before this and don't mind spending a li'l extra time warning other people and letting it all out.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Bah, let's find a new book to sham.
What have I got myself into?
In between serious angst and deep-feels books, picking up light fluff reads was always a welcome thing, but his book begs me to destroy my routine.
Let me tell you about the bunch of morons the author has created as an excuse for a cast:
Risk-
Horny. With his thoughts revolving around his woman all the time, I'm seriously having doubts about his brain's growth, not that she's complainin because he does enough thinking with the pardner down under.
Jacy-
Who does she think she is?
No. Really.
She runs a coffee shop, and what sells is her charm.
' “Little sugar for my coffee, Jacy,”
Jacy smiled at the man. “One lump or two?”
“Two, please.”
Dropping the cubes into
Stall’s black coffee, she followed with a perfectly
manicured fingertip, slowly stirring the brew.'
EWW...
' “My coffee’s too hot to drink,” said the man
beside Stall.
Risk watched as Jacy picked up Tate’s bone
china cup, puckered her lips, and blew lightly on
the opposite side from where he’d sipped. After
several seconds, she took her own tiny sip, leaving
a trace of pink lipstick on the rim.
“I think it’s ready to drink,” she said, handing
the cup back to Tate. “Let me know if it needs
another blow.” '
Thank god, Marlyn, that you didn't have Jacy for competition.
Oh, and having been a friend and lover of Risk for how long... here are her thoughts
He turned, and Jacy admired his backside. Wide shoulders, tight butt, strong legs. Her heart clenched with unrequited love. For years she’d wanted to tell him how she felt. Fear that he might walk out of her life held the words in check.
Really, you're in love with his perfect… butt cheek? See, how I just love that the author's sentences run into each other, and confuse the intent!!!! No, I'm not bothered… I'm good.
FUCKING CHRIST ALMIGHTY!!!! DON'T . JUST.
I love a good lusting, but what has love got to do with it????
Stevie-
Stephanie, actually. Tomboy baseball-trivia freak. I honestly love that image. But but but, what is annoying, is her lack of self-respect. There are enough words like, fat, heavy, comfort food and weight her, for me to want to strangle her to death.
And here's her total loss of hormonal control on display:
'Her heart slammed at the thought. Relaxed on
his stool, arms folded over his chest, Zen
watched her interact with his teammates. Beneath
his steady gaze, her nipples once again did the
unthinkable. They pointed straight at him.
His eyes widened.'
This is what thy tits remind me of-
'Holding hands with this man seemed surprisingly natural. His warmth produced a tingle along her arm, jutting straight to her breasts. Her nipples puckered beneath her tropical-print top. Zen noticed, but his gaze didn’t linger. Instead he checked the time on his wristwatch'
For fuck's sake, ever heard of a bra?
Then there's Zen
well, I give in. I've got nothing against him; neat, nice beta guy. Any grievances against him are uncalled for. He's the reason I have starred this book at two.
But even ‘he’ can't save this sinking ship.
And there are other characters I couldn't get myself concerned about...
So why the rant, for a book I didn't finish, for an average sizzle-then-fizzle story??? BECAUUUUSE it fails to fucking deliver the very same, like the coupla other books I read before this and don't mind spending a li'l extra time warning other people and letting it all out.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Bah, let's find a new book to sham.
November 11, 2009
I almost gave this book 4 stars because I really did enjoy the breezy style and fun characters. I especially appreciated how Ms. Angell got her two lover together without resorting to them being mean to each other first. It seems common among romance writers to have their characters treating each other like crap as a way of providing the conflict in the story. Ms. Angell manages to avoid that trap. Unfortunately, she did fall into the "if they'd only be honest with each other there would be no story" trap. I forgive her that one because I like the characters so much. It was harder to dismiss the huge holes in the plot, which I won't go into because of possible spoilers.
I enjoyed many of the secondary characters, as well, although not Natalie. The story line involving her was distasteful, imo.
So overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the characters, but had to get over a few problems. A solid 3 stars on this book, and I'll read more by this author.
I enjoyed many of the secondary characters, as well, although not Natalie. The story line involving her was distasteful, imo.
So overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the characters, but had to get over a few problems. A solid 3 stars on this book, and I'll read more by this author.
September 13, 2020
Not keen on the main couple in this, well I disliked her more than him. The author tells us that Jacy is a free spirit, why because she dyes her hair different colours. As for Risk he loves Jacy but never seems to find a minute to tell her. It was stupid.
But my main issue with this book (and all the books in this series) is that there’s too much going on too many couples featured. The blurb refers to one couple but that’s not accurate. The story has too much happening making it a disjointed and choppy read.
But my main issue with this book (and all the books in this series) is that there’s too much going on too many couples featured. The blurb refers to one couple but that’s not accurate. The story has too much happening making it a disjointed and choppy read.
November 10, 2014
4 Very Entertaining Stars
I thought this was a cute read. It has great characters and I love a book that can make you laugh. Overly all highly enjoyable.
I thought this was a cute read. It has great characters and I love a book that can make you laugh. Overly all highly enjoyable.
March 26, 2012
3 1/2 stars. This was a fun, light, easy read that whet my appetite for more. I love romances set in the sports world, so this series is right up my alley. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 24, 2020
I will admit this book did not sit on my shelves. I only picked it because it fit a word we needed in a group….that being said I did not expect much from this book. I was very surprised. I devoured it once I started! I love the odd names we get in this book….Risk, Jacy, Zen…..so odd. Risk is really a sweet guy who you can completely see his love for Jacy when she is hurting. This is one of those books with heartbreak that turns into a GREAT love story. It helped that baseball was a theme hence the title “squeeze play”. One thing I didn’t like in this one is everything going on with some many different characters. We have Zen and
Stevie then we also have Aaron and Natalie. ….. Risk and Jacy I wish had more of a story than we got I felt like they were completely the perfect couple. The other ones paled in comparison to me. Natalie and her spoiled ass annoyed the heck out of me. I feel bad for Stevie getting dumped for someone like Natalie….who TF does that...it is weird for someone with the name Zen to be so serious. Overall this book like I said I absolutely devoured once I started I wish I had more of Risk and Jacy though they were my favorite!
Stevie then we also have Aaron and Natalie. ….. Risk and Jacy I wish had more of a story than we got I felt like they were completely the perfect couple. The other ones paled in comparison to me. Natalie and her spoiled ass annoyed the heck out of me. I feel bad for Stevie getting dumped for someone like Natalie….who TF does that...it is weird for someone with the name Zen to be so serious. Overall this book like I said I absolutely devoured once I started I wish I had more of Risk and Jacy though they were my favorite!
August 6, 2013
Well the best things I can say is that there were some truly funny moments and the secondary couple was interesting enough that I wanted to finish the book just for them. But finishing the book was a near thing. I almost 'DNF' after a particularly gross scene of sex on a public buffet table (a buffet where the food was already set out complete with ice sculptures where a party full of poor unsuspecting people were going to be eating at momentarily). Just...ick.
So I did finish it, but there are some serious flaws in the book for me.
First there is zero baseball. Part of my attraction to the book was that I wanted to read a sports romance that actually included some of the sport. The book begins just as the hero's team wins the World Series on an eye-rolling play. The bulk of the story takes place in the hero's hometown of Frostproof,FL where he plans to stay for the month helping out with a charity benefit. He brings along a bunch of players to tag along.
Second, the characters are all pretty flat. The author uses the repetitive phrases and descriptions to hammer home some very surface characterizations. Jacy like color! Stevie is fat! Zen is smart! Natalie likes public sex! But we very rarely delve beneath to get any more substance.
And third, I wasn't trilled with the main couple.
The book actually focuses on three couples.
The main couple is Jacy and Risk. He is a star baseball player who has known Jacy since they were kids. He's always been her rebound guy and has happily been on speed dial whenever she has a break up with her most recent boyfriend. Except it is a fiction both Jacy and Risk are playing out. They are both in love with each other and want more than a friends with benefits relationship.
The main issue I have with this couple is that there is no real romantic conflict for them. They are in love. The only thing holding them back is they refuse to actually talk to each other. That is it. The cop-out is that Risk has been planning to tell Jacy throughout his stay that he loves her but things kept interrupting him. On the whole I liked Risk better than Jacy.
Jacy for her part rather passively aggressively makes him take Cosmo quizzes to test their compatibility. Which further encapsulated why I really didn't care for the author's characterization of Jacy. She came off as somewhat juvenile. I would have liked to know a lot more about the supposed heroine except the fact that she liked color. The author took pains to let us know that Jacy died her hair a different color each day, we got painstaking descriptions of her eye searing and pattern-mixing (but always colorful!) clothes she wore. And her home which stood out because it had lime-green shutters. We are constantly told what a free-spirit Jacy is, but mainly through how bright her clothes were.
The second couple, Zen and Stevie, was much more interesting mainly because their conflict felt more natural. Stevie is also a long time resident of Frostproof and is in charge of the charity events. Her long time boyfriend and guy she's always know she's been going to marry since they were in high school is a star MLB pitcher, Aaron. But Aaron publicly humiliates Stevie by dumping her for another woman. Zen comes to Stevie's rescue by acting as a support system and quietly falling for her. But Stevie has a hard time letting the long-time dream of Aaron go.
I thought Zen and Stevie were tons more sympathetic and their romance more involving that Risk and Jacy's. I also thought their conflict was a real conflict. Stevie needed to get over her feelings for Aaron before she could move forward with Zen. He was a nicely authoritative beta hero. My only real issue with them was that I wanted Stevie to have more dignity. I would not have wasted my time mooning on some guy who basically dumped me in public.
I also had a huge problem with how the author presented Stevie's weight issues. Stevie always feels fat and out of shape. At one point during sex with Zen she doesn't want to be on top because she'd 'Squish him.' Mind you, Zen is a freaking professional baseball player. Big guy, ripped. So how fat is Stevie you ask? Well she's 136 pounds. Yeah, not a typo. She's 136 pounds. I don't in what universe where a 136 pound woman will squish a grown, athletic man. But ok...I guess. But the other head-scratchier is that supposedly Stevie wears a size 14. So 136 pounds and wears a size 14. What is she 4'2 with big bones?
But still, I liked them. They had a last minute Grand Mis that made me roll my eyes but by then had earned so much goodwill that I let it pass.
The final couple is Aaron and Natalie. I am not going to speak too much about them because they made me want to hork. Natalie is the owner's daughter...rich, skinny, bored, red fingernails. She likes public sex. When she isn't thinking about public, sex she's forcing her fiance Aaron into having public sex, or getting mad at him for not wanting public sex. Aaron doesn't like public sex. He feels fear and 'cold chills' and terror when contemplating the sexual tiger that his his fiancee and her public sex needs. My thought was that Aaron seriously needed to man up. If you don't want public sex then, dude, don't have it. Eventually that does happen and he cures her of her need for public sex with his dominating magic peen.
I disliked them intensely.
This is the first book in a series. But I am not interested in reading the rest. I am hanging up my cleats with this one.
So I did finish it, but there are some serious flaws in the book for me.
First there is zero baseball. Part of my attraction to the book was that I wanted to read a sports romance that actually included some of the sport. The book begins just as the hero's team wins the World Series on an eye-rolling play. The bulk of the story takes place in the hero's hometown of Frostproof,FL where he plans to stay for the month helping out with a charity benefit. He brings along a bunch of players to tag along.
Second, the characters are all pretty flat. The author uses the repetitive phrases and descriptions to hammer home some very surface characterizations. Jacy like color! Stevie is fat! Zen is smart! Natalie likes public sex! But we very rarely delve beneath to get any more substance.
And third, I wasn't trilled with the main couple.
The book actually focuses on three couples.
The main couple is Jacy and Risk. He is a star baseball player who has known Jacy since they were kids. He's always been her rebound guy and has happily been on speed dial whenever she has a break up with her most recent boyfriend. Except it is a fiction both Jacy and Risk are playing out. They are both in love with each other and want more than a friends with benefits relationship.
The main issue I have with this couple is that there is no real romantic conflict for them. They are in love. The only thing holding them back is they refuse to actually talk to each other. That is it. The cop-out is that Risk has been planning to tell Jacy throughout his stay that he loves her but things kept interrupting him. On the whole I liked Risk better than Jacy.
Jacy for her part rather passively aggressively makes him take Cosmo quizzes to test their compatibility. Which further encapsulated why I really didn't care for the author's characterization of Jacy. She came off as somewhat juvenile. I would have liked to know a lot more about the supposed heroine except the fact that she liked color. The author took pains to let us know that Jacy died her hair a different color each day, we got painstaking descriptions of her eye searing and pattern-mixing (but always colorful!) clothes she wore. And her home which stood out because it had lime-green shutters. We are constantly told what a free-spirit Jacy is, but mainly through how bright her clothes were.
The second couple, Zen and Stevie, was much more interesting mainly because their conflict felt more natural. Stevie is also a long time resident of Frostproof and is in charge of the charity events. Her long time boyfriend and guy she's always know she's been going to marry since they were in high school is a star MLB pitcher, Aaron. But Aaron publicly humiliates Stevie by dumping her for another woman. Zen comes to Stevie's rescue by acting as a support system and quietly falling for her. But Stevie has a hard time letting the long-time dream of Aaron go.
I thought Zen and Stevie were tons more sympathetic and their romance more involving that Risk and Jacy's. I also thought their conflict was a real conflict. Stevie needed to get over her feelings for Aaron before she could move forward with Zen. He was a nicely authoritative beta hero. My only real issue with them was that I wanted Stevie to have more dignity. I would not have wasted my time mooning on some guy who basically dumped me in public.
I also had a huge problem with how the author presented Stevie's weight issues. Stevie always feels fat and out of shape. At one point during sex with Zen she doesn't want to be on top because she'd 'Squish him.' Mind you, Zen is a freaking professional baseball player. Big guy, ripped. So how fat is Stevie you ask? Well she's 136 pounds. Yeah, not a typo. She's 136 pounds. I don't in what universe where a 136 pound woman will squish a grown, athletic man. But ok...I guess. But the other head-scratchier is that supposedly Stevie wears a size 14. So 136 pounds and wears a size 14. What is she 4'2 with big bones?
But still, I liked them. They had a last minute Grand Mis that made me roll my eyes but by then had earned so much goodwill that I let it pass.
The final couple is Aaron and Natalie. I am not going to speak too much about them because they made me want to hork. Natalie is the owner's daughter...rich, skinny, bored, red fingernails. She likes public sex. When she isn't thinking about public, sex she's forcing her fiance Aaron into having public sex, or getting mad at him for not wanting public sex. Aaron doesn't like public sex. He feels fear and 'cold chills' and terror when contemplating the sexual tiger that his his fiancee and her public sex needs. My thought was that Aaron seriously needed to man up. If you don't want public sex then, dude, don't have it. Eventually that does happen and he cures her of her need for public sex with his dominating magic peen.
I disliked them intensely.
This is the first book in a series. But I am not interested in reading the rest. I am hanging up my cleats with this one.
March 12, 2019
5 out of 5! This book is so good. It had me smiling and laughing out loud all the way through. I will definitely be reading thennext book in the series. I have to know what is going on with Jacy & Risk 😍😍😍
September 22, 2017
I was hoping for something closer to the Chicago Stars series, but the writing was awful, the chemistry forced, and the plot nonexistent. Would not recommend.
July 4, 2023
Really lame. Characters stereotyped. Bullshit everywhere.
September 25, 2010
Even though it has some weaknesses, I found it a pleasant, enjoyable and fun baseball romance.
STORY BRIEF:
This is the first of several books about the Richmond Rogues baseball team. This book includes three interspersed short stories about three baseball players and the women they end up with.
Risk, Jacy, Stevie and Aaron grew up in Frostproof, Florida. When Jacy was a junior in high school, her boyfriend broke up with her shortly before the prom. Risk (a senior) saw her crying on the bleachers. He joined her and said if they made out for awhile it might make her feel better. So they did, and she felt better. He took her to the prom, after which they made love for the first time. He then left town for his baseball career. During the next thirteen years, whenever Jacy and a boyfriend broke up, she called Risk. He would come to town to be her rebound lover for a few days. Now Risk has a month off and decides to spend it in Frostproof with Jacy. She called him to tell him that she and the pharmacist had recently broken up.
Zen is a Rogues player. His nickname is Einstein because he’s an expert with finances and baseball trivia. Risk talks Zen into coming with him to Frostproof for the month. Stevie (a woman) is Jacy’s best friend. They work in Jacy’s gourmet coffee shop serving coffee and home baked items. Flirting male customers frequently ask Jacy or Stevie to blow on their coffee to cool it down. Zen is attracted to Stevie after watching her blow on his coffee for him. He is also impressed that Stevie is the local baseball trivia expert. Stevie has a low self image because she feels overweight. Zen thinks she’s fine just as she is.
Aaron pitches for the Tampa Bay Bombers. He has been dating Stevie (long distance) on and off since high school. His current pet project is a fundraiser for the local recreation center. Stevie offered to organize and run the event as a way to be around Aaron more. She hopes to marry him.
The Bat Pack are three newer members to the Rogues team. They came to Frostproof for a visit as well. They are Psycho (does crazy things including being a nudist), Romeo who flirts with Jacy, and Chaser, the team catcher.
REVIEWER’S OPINION (WITH MILD SPOILERS):
A lot of different personalities and interesting events make a good story. It was above average. The Zen and Aaron stories were more entertaining than the Risk story. There was an interesting quadrangle developing with Stevie wanting Aaron who wanted Natalie who wanted Zen who wanted Stevie. Toward the end I was bothered by something Zen did. It was odd and out of character for him. I think the author should have done something more believable to create the separation.
Regarding Risk and Jacy, they didn’t have much of a story. They were secretly in love with each other, but neither of them would admit it until the very end of the book. They each thought the other wouldn’t want to hear it. There was no relationship development or interesting conversation between those two. But it was ok as a side story for the other romances.
Two reviewers did not like the idea of “giving a blow” on the coffee. I found the blow idea odd, but I’m not complaining. I hadn’t read that before, so I give the author credit for having a new idea. It’s different.
DATA:
Story length: 308 pages. Swearing language: none. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 9. Total number of sex scene pages: 24. Setting: current day Florida and Virginia. Copyright: 2006. Genre: contemporary sports romance, baseball.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Kate Angell books. Dates are copyright dates.
Boys of Summer (Richmond Rogues baseball team):
4 stars. Squeeze Play (Book 1) 2006
4 stars. Curveball (Book 2) 2007
3 stars. Strike Zone (Book 3) 2008
5 stars. Sliding Home (Book 4) 2009
3 stars. Ho, Humbug, Ho (in anthology Santa, Honey) 2009
2 ½ stars. Sweet Spot (Book 5) 2012
Other:
1 star. Calder’s Rose 2003
2 stars. Crazy For You 2005
STORY BRIEF:
This is the first of several books about the Richmond Rogues baseball team. This book includes three interspersed short stories about three baseball players and the women they end up with.
Risk, Jacy, Stevie and Aaron grew up in Frostproof, Florida. When Jacy was a junior in high school, her boyfriend broke up with her shortly before the prom. Risk (a senior) saw her crying on the bleachers. He joined her and said if they made out for awhile it might make her feel better. So they did, and she felt better. He took her to the prom, after which they made love for the first time. He then left town for his baseball career. During the next thirteen years, whenever Jacy and a boyfriend broke up, she called Risk. He would come to town to be her rebound lover for a few days. Now Risk has a month off and decides to spend it in Frostproof with Jacy. She called him to tell him that she and the pharmacist had recently broken up.
Zen is a Rogues player. His nickname is Einstein because he’s an expert with finances and baseball trivia. Risk talks Zen into coming with him to Frostproof for the month. Stevie (a woman) is Jacy’s best friend. They work in Jacy’s gourmet coffee shop serving coffee and home baked items. Flirting male customers frequently ask Jacy or Stevie to blow on their coffee to cool it down. Zen is attracted to Stevie after watching her blow on his coffee for him. He is also impressed that Stevie is the local baseball trivia expert. Stevie has a low self image because she feels overweight. Zen thinks she’s fine just as she is.
Aaron pitches for the Tampa Bay Bombers. He has been dating Stevie (long distance) on and off since high school. His current pet project is a fundraiser for the local recreation center. Stevie offered to organize and run the event as a way to be around Aaron more. She hopes to marry him.
The Bat Pack are three newer members to the Rogues team. They came to Frostproof for a visit as well. They are Psycho (does crazy things including being a nudist), Romeo who flirts with Jacy, and Chaser, the team catcher.
REVIEWER’S OPINION (WITH MILD SPOILERS):
A lot of different personalities and interesting events make a good story. It was above average. The Zen and Aaron stories were more entertaining than the Risk story. There was an interesting quadrangle developing with Stevie wanting Aaron who wanted Natalie who wanted Zen who wanted Stevie. Toward the end I was bothered by something Zen did. It was odd and out of character for him. I think the author should have done something more believable to create the separation.
Regarding Risk and Jacy, they didn’t have much of a story. They were secretly in love with each other, but neither of them would admit it until the very end of the book. They each thought the other wouldn’t want to hear it. There was no relationship development or interesting conversation between those two. But it was ok as a side story for the other romances.
Two reviewers did not like the idea of “giving a blow” on the coffee. I found the blow idea odd, but I’m not complaining. I hadn’t read that before, so I give the author credit for having a new idea. It’s different.
DATA:
Story length: 308 pages. Swearing language: none. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 9. Total number of sex scene pages: 24. Setting: current day Florida and Virginia. Copyright: 2006. Genre: contemporary sports romance, baseball.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Kate Angell books. Dates are copyright dates.
Boys of Summer (Richmond Rogues baseball team):
4 stars. Squeeze Play (Book 1) 2006
4 stars. Curveball (Book 2) 2007
3 stars. Strike Zone (Book 3) 2008
5 stars. Sliding Home (Book 4) 2009
3 stars. Ho, Humbug, Ho (in anthology Santa, Honey) 2009
2 ½ stars. Sweet Spot (Book 5) 2012
Other:
1 star. Calder’s Rose 2003
2 stars. Crazy For You 2005
August 16, 2017
Originally posted on my blog: http://feministfairytalereviews.blogs...
Let me begin by saying that I am a huge sports fan: basketball, baseball, football, soccer, you name it. If it is broadcast on ESPN or part of the Olympics, I will probably watch it and try to learn everything I can about it. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I absolutely adore sports romances. I have enjoyed the escapades of Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Chicago Stars and Rachel Gibson's Seattle Chinooks so I was excited to venture into the world of baseball with Angell's Richmond Rogues.
Squeeze Play is vibrant and funny book that gives readers three sexy love stories. I am usually not a fan of multiple romances going on at once in the same book, but Angell does a fine job balancing everything out. I really enjoyed two of the couples while the other annoyed me for a very specific reason.
Risk and Jacy's story is the primary romance of the book and the one mentioned in the summary above. At first, I was a little hesitant about the concept of their past as rebound lovers. What made me get on board with this couple is the fact that, despite their unconventional history, they both secretly love each other. Both Risk and Jacy are determined to spend as much time with the other without revealing their true feelings. Risk is a typical sports romance hero who is handsome, sweet, and funny. Jacy is a breath of fresh air for contemporary romance heroines with her Cyndi Lauper-esque style and flirty personality.
The next love story is between Zen, Risk's teammate, and Stevie, Jacy's childhood best friend. Zen has been "kidnapped" by Risk to help with a Frostproof charity event which Stevie is helping coordinate. This was my personal favorite of the three stories in Squeeze Play. Zen is my ideal guy with athleticism and intelligence along with good looks. He falls for Stevie from the moment he met her and just wants to make her happy for most of the book even if it opposes what he wants. Stevie is going through a difficult breakup with her long-time boyfriend and is struggling with her self-image. This love story is quick, but very sweet.
Stevie's ex-boyfriend, Aaron, and his fiancee Natalie are the last love story and the one that really interrupted my overall enjoyment of the book. Aaron is a major league pitcher who just lost the World Series to Risk and Zen's team. He is also from Frostproof, Florida and is in town to help with the charity event. Natalie is the daughter of Aaron's boss and is a difficult character. She comes from money and has a very dominating personality. I enjoy strong women, but Natalie's treatment of Aaron and the people of Frostproof often seemed to go into the realm of bitchiness rather than just being opinionated. There is a small attempt at redeeming Natalie near the end, but it just didn't feel realistic to me.
Besides the love stories, I enjoyed the small-town setting that Angell utilized in Squeeze Play. The people and sites of Frostproof were unique and full of life without taking away from the main storylines. I especially loved the atmosphere at Jacy's coffeeshop. All in all, this was a light, frothy, and funny romance with two great couples, intriguing side characters (love the Bat Pack!), and plenty of sweet moments. I will definitely check out more in this series!
Let me begin by saying that I am a huge sports fan: basketball, baseball, football, soccer, you name it. If it is broadcast on ESPN or part of the Olympics, I will probably watch it and try to learn everything I can about it. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I absolutely adore sports romances. I have enjoyed the escapades of Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Chicago Stars and Rachel Gibson's Seattle Chinooks so I was excited to venture into the world of baseball with Angell's Richmond Rogues.
Squeeze Play is vibrant and funny book that gives readers three sexy love stories. I am usually not a fan of multiple romances going on at once in the same book, but Angell does a fine job balancing everything out. I really enjoyed two of the couples while the other annoyed me for a very specific reason.
Risk and Jacy's story is the primary romance of the book and the one mentioned in the summary above. At first, I was a little hesitant about the concept of their past as rebound lovers. What made me get on board with this couple is the fact that, despite their unconventional history, they both secretly love each other. Both Risk and Jacy are determined to spend as much time with the other without revealing their true feelings. Risk is a typical sports romance hero who is handsome, sweet, and funny. Jacy is a breath of fresh air for contemporary romance heroines with her Cyndi Lauper-esque style and flirty personality.
The next love story is between Zen, Risk's teammate, and Stevie, Jacy's childhood best friend. Zen has been "kidnapped" by Risk to help with a Frostproof charity event which Stevie is helping coordinate. This was my personal favorite of the three stories in Squeeze Play. Zen is my ideal guy with athleticism and intelligence along with good looks. He falls for Stevie from the moment he met her and just wants to make her happy for most of the book even if it opposes what he wants. Stevie is going through a difficult breakup with her long-time boyfriend and is struggling with her self-image. This love story is quick, but very sweet.
Stevie's ex-boyfriend, Aaron, and his fiancee Natalie are the last love story and the one that really interrupted my overall enjoyment of the book. Aaron is a major league pitcher who just lost the World Series to Risk and Zen's team. He is also from Frostproof, Florida and is in town to help with the charity event. Natalie is the daughter of Aaron's boss and is a difficult character. She comes from money and has a very dominating personality. I enjoy strong women, but Natalie's treatment of Aaron and the people of Frostproof often seemed to go into the realm of bitchiness rather than just being opinionated. There is a small attempt at redeeming Natalie near the end, but it just didn't feel realistic to me.
Besides the love stories, I enjoyed the small-town setting that Angell utilized in Squeeze Play. The people and sites of Frostproof were unique and full of life without taking away from the main storylines. I especially loved the atmosphere at Jacy's coffeeshop. All in all, this was a light, frothy, and funny romance with two great couples, intriguing side characters (love the Bat Pack!), and plenty of sweet moments. I will definitely check out more in this series!
April 5, 2012
4/5 (B)
My first impression: I enjoyed this book. Of course, it wasn't perfect, but it was quick and fun. My only problem with this book is there were three storylines: 1) Risk and Jacy, 2) Zen (another baseball player) and Stevie and 3) Aaron and Natalie, and we get to follow all three in the same book. In this one, it does work because all three players are here for the same reason and the book spans a short period of time... however, I'd rather follow only the main characters and their sex scenes, instead of all three couples.
The Characters: I really enjoyed all the characters except for Natalie and Aaron. Risk and Jacy were just perfect together... Risk is the mature ball player who's been a pro long enough and the fast and edgy life is no longer appealing. Instead, he wants to make his relationship with Jacy official. I think he came across as everything to the reader - lover, big brother and friend, as well as handsome and sexy man :) I like his protective and jealous side :) Jacy was fun. She's lively, likes colors and changes... think of new-age outside, without the new-age thinking. She knows Risk is a public face with a lot of groupies, but she's confident in herself, enough not to panic and run away. She's also building her courage to tell Risk the truth - that she loves him... and that all those break-ups she had were with imaginary boyfriends, and all she wanted was Risk.
As I said, we also follow Zen and Stevie's relationship and Aaron and Natalie. I liked Zen and Stevie... Zen was the serious type, the one that doesn't simply see the outside appearance of a person. Very logical man who falls in love - always fun :) Stevie always thought she would marry Aaron, but then get dumped without notice when Aaron announced his engagement to the very rich and spoiled Natalie. It doesn't help that Stevie has gained quite a lot of weight in the past year, ever since Aaron has been distancing himself from her. I liked Stevie, she was genuine... of course, she took the break-up hard, but Zen was there for her and she quickly got over him... Aaron and Natalie were my least favorite couple... basically, I think they are fake and phony and that Aaron is very stupid. I also didn't believe in Natalie's love for Aaron at the end. We're also introduced to the Bat Pack, three young ball players with a lot of powers... their job was to provide the comedy relief and they delivered :D
I guess that's pretty much it. I think that everything tied in quite well - the characters, their relationships to each other and the events/what is happening. Like I said, I just simply didn't like Aaron and Natalie and the fact that all three couples had sex scenes. I don't know, I prefer to follow one couple... I don't mind the knowledge of them having sex, but don't like to read about it. Of course, I don't think that everyone will mind that :P
My first impression: I enjoyed this book. Of course, it wasn't perfect, but it was quick and fun. My only problem with this book is there were three storylines: 1) Risk and Jacy, 2) Zen (another baseball player) and Stevie and 3) Aaron and Natalie, and we get to follow all three in the same book. In this one, it does work because all three players are here for the same reason and the book spans a short period of time... however, I'd rather follow only the main characters and their sex scenes, instead of all three couples.
The Characters: I really enjoyed all the characters except for Natalie and Aaron. Risk and Jacy were just perfect together... Risk is the mature ball player who's been a pro long enough and the fast and edgy life is no longer appealing. Instead, he wants to make his relationship with Jacy official. I think he came across as everything to the reader - lover, big brother and friend, as well as handsome and sexy man :) I like his protective and jealous side :) Jacy was fun. She's lively, likes colors and changes... think of new-age outside, without the new-age thinking. She knows Risk is a public face with a lot of groupies, but she's confident in herself, enough not to panic and run away. She's also building her courage to tell Risk the truth - that she loves him... and that all those break-ups she had were with imaginary boyfriends, and all she wanted was Risk.
As I said, we also follow Zen and Stevie's relationship and Aaron and Natalie. I liked Zen and Stevie... Zen was the serious type, the one that doesn't simply see the outside appearance of a person. Very logical man who falls in love - always fun :) Stevie always thought she would marry Aaron, but then get dumped without notice when Aaron announced his engagement to the very rich and spoiled Natalie. It doesn't help that Stevie has gained quite a lot of weight in the past year, ever since Aaron has been distancing himself from her. I liked Stevie, she was genuine... of course, she took the break-up hard, but Zen was there for her and she quickly got over him... Aaron and Natalie were my least favorite couple... basically, I think they are fake and phony and that Aaron is very stupid. I also didn't believe in Natalie's love for Aaron at the end. We're also introduced to the Bat Pack, three young ball players with a lot of powers... their job was to provide the comedy relief and they delivered :D
I guess that's pretty much it. I think that everything tied in quite well - the characters, their relationships to each other and the events/what is happening. Like I said, I just simply didn't like Aaron and Natalie and the fact that all three couples had sex scenes. I don't know, I prefer to follow one couple... I don't mind the knowledge of them having sex, but don't like to read about it. Of course, I don't think that everyone will mind that :P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2012
The book was disappointing. The story of the main couple was boring. They loved each other and could have been more than just casual lovers years ago if they just talked to each other. No conflict there whatsoever.
The second love story wasn't much better. Stevie was insecure and had little character. I never got why she was so hung up about her ex, since he is a complete wimp. She is supposed to have been in love with him since she was twelve or so, but she manages to forget him over the course of one weekend. The wimp's new fiancee is apparently a complete nymphomaniac with a passion for public sex. According to the author, public sex is a very, very bad thing. Not sure why. Stevie's new guy is supposedly known for being levelheaded and logical, but loses his head altogether once he meets Stevie.
In the end, the weakling miraculously discovered his backbone and learned to dominate his nympho and Stevie gets to have lots of sex in the dark.
Another thing I disliked about the book was the writing style in general. The unlimited third person narrative destroyed any hope of building suspense or tension. Also, the author desperately needs to expand her vocabulary, especially as far as the sex scenes are concerned. It was always 'his sex this' and 'his sex that'. The few times the word dick was used, I almost wanted to cheer.
All in all, not a series I will continue.
The second love story wasn't much better. Stevie was insecure and had little character. I never got why she was so hung up about her ex, since he is a complete wimp. She is supposed to have been in love with him since she was twelve or so, but she manages to forget him over the course of one weekend. The wimp's new fiancee is apparently a complete nymphomaniac with a passion for public sex. According to the author, public sex is a very, very bad thing. Not sure why. Stevie's new guy is supposedly known for being levelheaded and logical, but loses his head altogether once he meets Stevie.
In the end, the weakling miraculously discovered his backbone and learned to dominate his nympho and Stevie gets to have lots of sex in the dark.
Another thing I disliked about the book was the writing style in general. The unlimited third person narrative destroyed any hope of building suspense or tension. Also, the author desperately needs to expand her vocabulary, especially as far as the sex scenes are concerned. It was always 'his sex this' and 'his sex that'. The few times the word dick was used, I almost wanted to cheer.
All in all, not a series I will continue.
August 8, 2012
Quick thought: It was a light, fun-fluffy read. Overall 3.5 stars (maybe rounding up a little more because I liked the t-ball team so much)
Small rant: I had a hard time with the 12 years of hooking up.
I mean, come one… after about two I would be pulling out my hair and jumping the dude.
But ok, I’ll go with it. I’ll get behind the fact that they’ve both been pining away for each other… been hooking up throughout it… and that he’s a fine-ass, rich baseball player but has barely looked at anyone else. Sure. Why not!
With that said – I liked it. There were a few other side stories that were more than sides… more like shared dishes that somewhat overtake the real meal. It’s not that you don’t like them… you just weren’t expecting to fill-up on them so much! But those sides are still yummy. Again, I wish the author would have focused on one main dish… [Can you tell it’s time to eat?]
The end: It had a nice little wrap-up with a bow on top. Not too much that I was rolling my eyes... well, actually... I kinda of did. Not enough to make me dislike the book though.
If you’re on the fence? If you want a little more fluff and “ah cute” then I would read this one. If you want something with a little more meat (you can take that any way you want), then I would pass for the moment.
Small rant: I had a hard time with the 12 years of hooking up.
I mean, come one… after about two I would be pulling out my hair and jumping the dude.
But ok, I’ll go with it. I’ll get behind the fact that they’ve both been pining away for each other… been hooking up throughout it… and that he’s a fine-ass, rich baseball player but has barely looked at anyone else. Sure. Why not!
With that said – I liked it. There were a few other side stories that were more than sides… more like shared dishes that somewhat overtake the real meal. It’s not that you don’t like them… you just weren’t expecting to fill-up on them so much! But those sides are still yummy. Again, I wish the author would have focused on one main dish… [Can you tell it’s time to eat?]
The end: It had a nice little wrap-up with a bow on top. Not too much that I was rolling my eyes... well, actually... I kinda of did. Not enough to make me dislike the book though.
If you’re on the fence? If you want a little more fluff and “ah cute” then I would read this one. If you want something with a little more meat (you can take that any way you want), then I would pass for the moment.
October 11, 2014
Didn't like the story. 1.5 stars. Sorry.
I just didn't connect with either of the main characters. Furthermore, half this story was kind of mixed up with the love lives of 2 side characters. Just whose story is being told here?
I didn't like the main female character because she didn't feel authentic. The quirkiness of re-dying your hair almost daily just felt like the author was trying too hard to make her seem unique, and interesting. To me it felt false.
The next character that put me off was the woman who got off on sex in public places--the lure of being discovered. She also came off as a crazy psycho. I want to read about interesting characters, not weirdos I'd move to another city to avoid.
We already know that the two main characters are in love with each other thanks to the blurb. The pacing was really slow because it took so long (until the end of the book) for them to admit it to each other and run off into the metaphorical sunset.
I think the plot would have been more interesting if what kept them apart was something to do with their personalities, and not due to some misunderstanding created for fear of rejection. I think that if the misunderstanding was cleared let's say 50 pages in, and then some other reason their relationship isn't working to be resolved the rest of the book.
Sadly, it didn't work out that way. This book isn't for me. I'm happy for those readers who were satisfied with this story.
I just didn't connect with either of the main characters. Furthermore, half this story was kind of mixed up with the love lives of 2 side characters. Just whose story is being told here?
I didn't like the main female character because she didn't feel authentic. The quirkiness of re-dying your hair almost daily just felt like the author was trying too hard to make her seem unique, and interesting. To me it felt false.
The next character that put me off was the woman who got off on sex in public places--the lure of being discovered. She also came off as a crazy psycho. I want to read about interesting characters, not weirdos I'd move to another city to avoid.
We already know that the two main characters are in love with each other thanks to the blurb. The pacing was really slow because it took so long (until the end of the book) for them to admit it to each other and run off into the metaphorical sunset.
I think the plot would have been more interesting if what kept them apart was something to do with their personalities, and not due to some misunderstanding created for fear of rejection. I think that if the misunderstanding was cleared let's say 50 pages in, and then some other reason their relationship isn't working to be resolved the rest of the book.
Sadly, it didn't work out that way. This book isn't for me. I'm happy for those readers who were satisfied with this story.
April 22, 2012
This was a cute, contemporary sports romance. Actually it was like 3 romances in one. Jacy & Risk are ostensibly the main couple, but their story didn't really grab me. I liked them both and sometimes they were fun together but they were a little frustrating too as they really only needed to have one conversation to move on with their relationship. Aaron and Natalie are the third couple, you don't really get much depth from them and their relationship quite frankly, strikes me as a little unhealthy. But I guess if it works for them, whatever. I really liked Zen & Stevie's story. Stevie is Jacy's best friend and she's a bit humiliated and feeling insecure when the story starts. For a pro ballplayer Zen is almost kind of beta and I loved their story and only wish more of the focus had been on them.
There are a lot of funny scenes. I particularly enjoyed star athlete Risk coaching the Bluebells, a t-ball team made up of six year old girls. Some of the stuff at the coffee shop fell flat for me and I could have done without Aaron and Natalie. But overall I found this a fun, quick read and will pick up another in the series when the mood strikes me.
There are a lot of funny scenes. I particularly enjoyed star athlete Risk coaching the Bluebells, a t-ball team made up of six year old girls. Some of the stuff at the coffee shop fell flat for me and I could have done without Aaron and Natalie. But overall I found this a fun, quick read and will pick up another in the series when the mood strikes me.
September 2, 2014
This was an engaging story. Kept my interest throughout. It begins with Game 7 of the World Series. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th and Risk Kincaid is at bat. He indicates where he is going to hit it in center field and, of course, it goes there. Straight for his high school friend and lover, Jacy. After the victory, most of the team heads for his hometown in Florida for a fundraiser. This is where the story takes place.
Jacy and Risk had always been just rebound lovers. Or so he thinks. She calls and he jumps. She owns a popular local coffee shop, the setting for most of the action. It revolves around the two of them admitting to each other that they really are in love and should spend their lives together.
There is a secondary story about Jacy's best friend, Stevie, and another hometown hero, Aaron. There are alot of very colorful characters here, from Jacy and her unique style to Aaron's fiancee, a team owner's daughter who is a dominatrix and exhibitionist in the extreme.
A delightful story with several HEA's. A fun read.
Jacy and Risk had always been just rebound lovers. Or so he thinks. She calls and he jumps. She owns a popular local coffee shop, the setting for most of the action. It revolves around the two of them admitting to each other that they really are in love and should spend their lives together.
There is a secondary story about Jacy's best friend, Stevie, and another hometown hero, Aaron. There are alot of very colorful characters here, from Jacy and her unique style to Aaron's fiancee, a team owner's daughter who is a dominatrix and exhibitionist in the extreme.
A delightful story with several HEA's. A fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2014
Sports romance split between friends to lovers Jacy and Risk, as well as secondary couple Stevie and Zen. Baseball player Risk always comes back to town when Jacy gets dumped by her latest lover….except there’s something she’s not telling Risk - she’s not getting dumped, that’s just her excuse to get him back in her bed. Stevie has had a long time boyfriend who inadvertently dumps her in an all too public way, and she connects with Zen, Risk’s teammate, who shows her that she’s still an attractive woman. I could go into further detail...but really not necessary. Too cutesy names, shallow storytelling, seemed to miss big plot points. Sets up a sports romance series revolving other players from Richmond Rogues, but I wasn’t that intrigued. Sweet and cute, but that’s about it. I was hoping for more, and didn’t really get it.
December 3, 2018
The Main Story of Risk and Jacy was a breath of fresh air for me, it wasn't the typical "had always been friends and were perfect for each other" story for me. I loved they thought of not themselves but each other first.
The second story line between Stevie and Zen however stole the glory from Rick and Jacy. Zen it for me, I mean I loved that guy. I mean he had everything going for me and them some. Stevie was a girl who won my heart over as well because I could relate so well with issues and being self-conscious about her weight, but I also admired how strong Stevie was and how she dealt with what was placed in front of her.
I mean I know this book wasn't perfect but it had all the right elements to make me glad that I pick it up and read it.
The second story line between Stevie and Zen however stole the glory from Rick and Jacy. Zen it for me, I mean I loved that guy. I mean he had everything going for me and them some. Stevie was a girl who won my heart over as well because I could relate so well with issues and being self-conscious about her weight, but I also admired how strong Stevie was and how she dealt with what was placed in front of her.
I mean I know this book wasn't perfect but it had all the right elements to make me glad that I pick it up and read it.
February 4, 2010
Okay, this book was awesome.
Risk has always been Jacy's rebound lover, but now he wants a more permanent position in her life. With plans to make that happen he kidnaps his teammate Zen and heads back home to Frostproof, FL. Some speedbumps occur, that put his plans on hold. Until, jealously makes the words fly out of his mouth.
Jacy lost her virginity to Risk prom night, and there has been no man since. Clinging to the lies of other men she decides that's how to keep Risk in her life, as a rebound lover.
There are many side stories in this book. It sort of like a chain reaction. I will say however that the bat pack, stole my heart. i would recommend this to anyone.
Risk has always been Jacy's rebound lover, but now he wants a more permanent position in her life. With plans to make that happen he kidnaps his teammate Zen and heads back home to Frostproof, FL. Some speedbumps occur, that put his plans on hold. Until, jealously makes the words fly out of his mouth.
Jacy lost her virginity to Risk prom night, and there has been no man since. Clinging to the lies of other men she decides that's how to keep Risk in her life, as a rebound lover.
There are many side stories in this book. It sort of like a chain reaction. I will say however that the bat pack, stole my heart. i would recommend this to anyone.
June 28, 2014
Funny, sexy with a huge serve of crazy.
National league baseballers hit town for a weekend fundraiser. One good naturedly kidnapped, one there to propose, another newly engaged to a nimphomaniac exhibitionist hung up on someone else and then three more to cause havoc.
With devastating news at the auction, injury at a softball game, a series of near misses, inability to man up, miscommunication ensues.
Delightful, touching, at times heartbreaking, often hilarious. The bond of the players & woman that upturn their lives is a train wreck that helps sort out uncertainty.
Feel great read.
National league baseballers hit town for a weekend fundraiser. One good naturedly kidnapped, one there to propose, another newly engaged to a nimphomaniac exhibitionist hung up on someone else and then three more to cause havoc.
With devastating news at the auction, injury at a softball game, a series of near misses, inability to man up, miscommunication ensues.
Delightful, touching, at times heartbreaking, often hilarious. The bond of the players & woman that upturn their lives is a train wreck that helps sort out uncertainty.
Feel great read.
July 1, 2010
This was actually pretty well done. While there are some things I don't like (like many contemporary authors, Angell's characters are incapable of feeling love without a distracting surge of lust) there were many things that I did like about this. Number 1) The hero's in this are baseball players (personal fantasy, love baseball). Number 2) The secondary romance was so strong - almost more so than the first, that you kind of get that feeling you got twice as much bang for your buck. She also juggles a LARGE cast very well.
April 15, 2010
Lots of fun to read, engaging characters and plot. Forget the unrealistic actions and events, pretend that the famous ball players are always this laid-back and accessible, and especially pretend that baseball stars prefer the hometown girls versus the big city blonde and you'll really enjoy Squeeze Play by Kate Angell. I'm putting her on my to-read list for chick-lit lite with bad boy athletes.
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