BOOK REVIEW for "Bench Player (Charleston Thrashers, #2)" by Julianna Keyes

 Bench Player

(Charleston Thrashers, #2)

by Julianna Keyes

ALLISON

As Public Relations Manager for the Charleston Thrashers, 
I’m responsible for protecting the team’s reputation. 
But after our right fielder gets sent to prison and we lose the World Series, 
my own reputation takes a huge hit. There’s only one way I can save my job: 
by revamping Connor Whitman’s tarnished ex-con image. 
Keeping my eye on the ball isn’t a problem 
until I discover what’s underneath his unkempt exterior — 
a man who’s unexpectedly vulnerable and distractingly sexy. 
Now, my professionalism is sailing far into foul territory.

CONNOR

I’ve served my time, and now I’m determined to reclaim my spot in the Thrashers’ outfield. Unfortunately, the new General Manager doesn’t want an aging ex-con on the roster, 
so I have no choice but to go along with Allison’s annoying scheme. 
Her bossiness drives me crazy — 
but so do her legs and her hair and her all-too-rare smiles. 
I can’t afford to fall for anyone when my focus needs to be on baseball, 
but love is a game I’ve never played before, 
and for the first time ever, I’m out of my league.

~ BOOK REVIEW for Bench Player ~

****(4) out of 5 Stars

Sequels aren't necessarily my thing, and neither is sports; but that being said, I found myself really enjoying this book!  As with the preceding Charleston Thrashers story, this one also focuses almost exclusively on relationships among the characters, although in a somewhat different way than I had anticipated.  

We first met Connor at the end of Team Player when he finally deigns to meet with his best friend Ty who is having girl troubles.  Prior to that, he'd kept himself completely shut off from the outside world and his former life while in prison.  Even then he kind of comes across as a jerk, and that impression doesn't improve much for the first few chapters here.  Eventually, however, we get to know the real Connor and along the way start rooting for him.  

Allison is another character that we got to know fairly well in the prior book, but she really opens up to us here, showing more of her true self.  Instead of the all-business (and rather scary) woman that Connor has always know and the reader has come to expect, she comes across much deeper and more nuanced.  The fact that she even hooks up with Connor seems to come as much of a surprise to her as it does to him (and us).  I absolutely adored her relationship with Biff and all of their scenes, and I wish there had been more of them.  

I was expecting a lot more interaction between Connor and Ty.  It seemed rather odd to me that they really only interact for brief moments at the front and end of the book.  It was, however, interesting to see how Connor's relationship with the other players developed.

There was quite a bit of discussion about baseball topics, from positions and training to

politics and contracts.  But once again, this functions as backdrop and setting for the story, not the overall theme.  

Connor and Allison just naturally fall into an easy relationship with one another that is so enjoyable to witness develop.  Of course, there is drama and angst that occurs, mostly form outside sources, but also somewhat between these two.  Ultimately they do come through for each other when it matters most, and manage to get their happily-ever-after.  And it seems pretty likely that -- much like Connor's second chance at baseball -- they will truly appreciate it and make the most of it.  

I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, 
and have willingly provided and honest review.

#BenchPlayer