Okay,
so you might be wondering if you missed some earlier news about this book, but
nope, I didn't breathe a word of it.
I
locked myself away for much of the summer writing and editing this book about a
pitcher and catcher (I know, I know, make your jokes now!) who are both
desperately unhappy in different ways. Good thing their luck turns around when
they fall in love...
This hot-headed rookie needs discipline—on
and off the field.
Pitcher
Nico Agresta is desperate to live up to his family’s baseball legacy. Since he
was a teenager crushing on his big brother’s teammate, he’s known he can’t act
on his desires. His father’s made it clear there should be no queers on the
field, but if Nico can win Rookie of the Year like his dad and brother did,
maybe he can prove he’s worthy after all.
At
34, veteran catcher Jake Fitzgerald just wants to finish out his contract and
retire. His team doesn't have a prayer of making the playoffs, but who needs
the stress? Jake lost his passion for the game—and life—after driving away the
man he loved, and he swore he’d never risk his heart again.
Then
he’s traded to a team that wants a vet behind the plate to tame their new star
pitcher. Jake is shocked to find the gangly kid he once knew has grown into a
gorgeous young man. But tightly wound Nico’s having trouble controlling his
temper in his quest for perfection, and Jake needs to teach him patience and
restraint on the mound.
When
their push and pull explodes into the bedroom, Nico and Jake will both learn
how much they’ll risk for love.
This gay sports romance features men
who have been repressing their feelings far too long, light BDSM, an age
difference, sweaty locker rooms, and a happy ending.
Sports romance books are
more fun to read than just about anything! There's something about them that is
so appealing, not only because of the athletes themselves, but it's the whole
vibe of the book. And when it's done well, like in Reading the Signs by Keira Andrews, all the better. This book was
seriously so much fun, guys! Sexy and sweet and fast paced and full of so many
feels I was a smiling mess pretty much all the way through the book. Jake and
Nico were fabulous characters and I was hooked from the first page.
We have all the good
things in Reading the Signs. An age
gap, a gay virgin, sports, a bit of BDSM but nothing too heavy, lots of sexy
times, and a sweet romance that will make your heart melt. Nico Agresta is a
rookie pitcher from a family full of sports stars. His father and brother have
both won the coveted Rookie of the Year award and his father is in the baseball
Hall of Fame. So, not much to live up to there, right? Nico isn't the best at
handling pressure, in fact he pretty much goes off the rails at the first sign
of trouble on the mound. Enter Jake Fitzgerald, a veteran catcher in the
twilight of his career. He's been traded to the Ottawa Capitals specifically to
try to get Nico under control. (and yeah, that means in more way than one!)
Jake's lost his love and passion for the game and is more than a little surly
at being traded, however his first glimpse of Nico Agresta has Jake all in a
tizzy. You see, he's known Nico for years. He used to play on the same team
with Nico's brother, Marco, years ago and remembers him as the thirteen year
old gangly kid that used to follow them around. Nico's definitely all grown up
now and the connection between these two can't be denied.
I loved the slow burn
going on in Reading the Signs. These
two guys have a boat load of issues, but nothing that's too serious or that
can't be dealt with. There's a lot of growth for both Jake and Nico, and
they're positively wonderful together. Jake in all his big, gruff, but tender
self and Nico with his endearing earnestness in all things Jake. Nico just
killed me. He's this dichotomy of sex starved man and vulnerable boy and it was
so well written! The BDSM isn't overly done and it really fit these two and
their personalities and was very believable. You can definitely see why Nico
needs a little bit of letting go and Jake is for sure all about being in
control.
The book has some
terrific secondary characters that added a lot to the whole story. Jake's mom,
Diego, Nico's sister, Val, and a whole slew of others. I'm telling you once I
started this book I couldn't put it down. It was fun and sexy and a great
example of why Reading the Signs is a
book that's not to be missed. Check this one out people, you're surely in for a
treat!
Great review ! Also love sport romance
ReplyDeleteI have read so much positive about this book. I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading it right now and loving it. Think I've found a new author to follow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review! I have Reading the Signs on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteMy great baseball memory is when Randy Johnson came on as relief pitcher in game 7 of the 2001 World Series.
I don't follow sports so no real memories.
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