I am not a huge baseball fan but when I read Collette West’s stories about the New York Kings, I feel like I need to remedy that. This book was a home run for me…see what I did there. But seriously, I loved this story! I am a sucker for a good second chance romance and this one fits the bill in spades. This story begins with a chance or not so chance second encounter for Jilly and Hailey. Jilly, the shy and quite pitcher, is not into the social party scene yet his franchise is forcing him to branch out. When he discovers that his surprise date is his long lost first love Hailey, he sees this as a second chance he will not give up. There is a lot of hurt and confusion as to their past but they attempt to put it behind them, taking a tentative step towards their future together. But secrets are revealed, and trust is broken. Jilly hurts his throwing arm and life seems to fall apart. This story will pull your heart out emotionally and take you on a heart-warming journey to find love again.

First off, I loved the view into the baseball world you read in this book. It is a major theme and for someone who knows the sport a little, it allows for a bit of an authentic glimpse into a new sports world. You see the team dynamics, the locker room talk, the franchise aspect and community that can only be found on a sports team. The sense of family from the team is commendable and when trust is broken, it is a deep wound to overcome. Jilly is an integral part of this team and his burdens and issues affect them as a whole, leaving frustration and anger as a main source of outlet. When his arm is hurt and his mind is unfocused, it causes a team to struggle and emotions to run high.

Jilly is such a big teddy bear of a character. His is steadfast, loyal, sweet; a man longing to live a life under the radar, something he will never stop grasping for. He loves the game but not all the drama and media hype that comes with it. He is a true athlete. He is the man you want on your side in hardships  and the lover you want for your heart and bed! His silence and general shyness has always been a struggle for him. When he was younger it was the reserved nature that caused him to lose the one girl her cared about, never truly knowing how to express his feelings and desires. As he grew up and cemented in his silent ways, things have not changed. He is more reserved than ever due to the media attention thrown his way. To open his heart and change his internal reactions is a task that will take his entire focus, creating new habits and a more open life.

Hailey is the girl who just wanted to be loved by Jilly. She is quite, always retreating the stories in her mind. She is a beautiful woman, one who regrets so many things in her life. It was hard to watch two people who had so much to say to each other get caught up in their heads and never say what needed to be declared. Their relationship was up and down so much. Their history created such a foundation but the fashion in which they parted ways was heart breaking, leaving so much left unspoken. When they finally come together, it is explosive. A love filled with life and hope, but these hopes are dashed when secrets are brought to light about Hailey and she runs home away from the one that she has always and will always love. Every time they seem to attempt to come together or reach out, a mis-communication happens or something is assumed, causing them to stumble several steps back in their attempts at a happily ever after.

I loved the subtle angst and drama. It was a different flavor of drama, one that added a fresh spin on this love story. It wasn’t wild and angry but broken and sad. In a world of chaos, they chose to find one another and chase their dreams, knowing that their love for each other could never die out. The sweet moments in this story made me sigh. I loved the fabulous couple of Jilly and Hailey. They are perfect for each other, complementing and completing one another in a way that no one else could. Their chemistry is incredible and their love is deep! I loved this story and cannot wait for more of the New York Kings. Who knows, maybe I will become an avid baseball fan yet! Collette West creates a story that will leave you smiling at second chances and new love and hope! Make sure to check this book out!