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Pacific Heat #2
Slow Heat
After a woman claims she’s pregnant with Wade O’Riley’s love child, Major League Baseball’s most celebrated catcher and ladies’ man is slapped on the wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team’s publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.
When Wade needs a date for a celebrity wedding, Sam steps up to the plate as his “girlfriend.” But given her secret crush on him and that one awkward night a year ago in a stuck elevator with too much scotch, the whole thing is an exercise in sexual tension.
Wade is thrilled when the pretense turns into an unexpected night of hot passion. But the next day Sam is back to her cool self. As a catcher, Wade’s used to giving the signals, not struggling to read them. Now, to win the love of his “pretend” girlfriend, he needs a homerun—even it involves stealing a few bases…
When Wade needs a date for a celebrity wedding, Sam steps up to the plate as his “girlfriend.” But given her secret crush on him and that one awkward night a year ago in a stuck elevator with too much scotch, the whole thing is an exercise in sexual tension.
Wade is thrilled when the pretense turns into an unexpected night of hot passion. But the next day Sam is back to her cool self. As a catcher, Wade’s used to giving the signals, not struggling to read them. Now, to win the love of his “pretend” girlfriend, he needs a homerun—even it involves stealing a few bases…
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2010
221 people are currently reading
3913 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
381 books13.7k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
May 27, 2010
Rule #1 Don't just end a book, give me a little bit of an epilogue.
Rule #2 And if you end a book abruptly, put the next book in the series out within the next few months and don’t make us wait over a year.
The abrupt ending is what earned this book a 3 star. I was so mad when I finished last night that if I had rated it at that time, I would have given it a 2 star...
Wade and Sam said their I love you's at the end, and it just ended. There was no "six weeks later blah blah blah....I have to have a little closure. What happened to the drunken dad, what happens to the nephew that came to live with her, does she start her own PR firm. Another thing that bothered me was Wade kept trying to get her to have sex in bed, since they did it in an elevator, bathroom, and the back seat of a Honda, and when they finally did. Shalvis just glossed over it. She mentioned it several times like there maybe something to Sam's avoidance to sleeping with Wade in a bed, then boom NOTHING. It didn't need to be smutty, but if you build it up and make it an issue at least write about it.
About 2/3'rds of the way through the book seems rushed, like she just wanted it to end.
I was so disappointed that I am not sure that I want to read any more books in this series. Which is so sad because I love sports romances!
Rule #2 And if you end a book abruptly, put the next book in the series out within the next few months and don’t make us wait over a year.
The abrupt ending is what earned this book a 3 star. I was so mad when I finished last night that if I had rated it at that time, I would have given it a 2 star...
Wade and Sam said their I love you's at the end, and it just ended. There was no "six weeks later blah blah blah....I have to have a little closure. What happened to the drunken dad, what happens to the nephew that came to live with her, does she start her own PR firm. Another thing that bothered me was Wade kept trying to get her to have sex in bed, since they did it in an elevator, bathroom, and the back seat of a Honda, and when they finally did. Shalvis just glossed over it. She mentioned it several times like there maybe something to Sam's avoidance to sleeping with Wade in a bed, then boom NOTHING. It didn't need to be smutty, but if you build it up and make it an issue at least write about it.
About 2/3'rds of the way through the book seems rushed, like she just wanted it to end.
I was so disappointed that I am not sure that I want to read any more books in this series. Which is so sad because I love sports romances!
February 5, 2010
This was a fun, sexy read, loaded with sexual tension, and with enough backstory on the very likable characters to make everything believable. If you've read the previous book in the series (Double Play), you'll love this one. And if you're a baseball fan, you'll enjoy it even more.
Thirty-two year old heartthrob Wade O'Riley is the star catcher of the MLB Pacific Heat. He's a bit of a happy go lucky, free-spirited ladies' man. When a stalkerific fan of the team wrongly accuses him of being the father of her love child, management and the team's corporate sponsors are not amused. They want Wade to clean up his act, and to make it look like he has a stable love life and to clean up his image, they devise a plan. They decide that the team's publicist (and owner's daughter), Samantha McNead, become his "pretend" girlfriend for a month. If it looks like Wade has a steady girl, then he won't come off as such a party animal, and the sponsors will be happy.
Hard working 29 year old Samantha's all for doing her job, but pretending to be Wade's girlfriend is going to be a tough assignment. She's known Wade for four years, and has had a secret crush on him for a while. And while it may look like these opposites (she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, he was working class and often lived hand-to-mouth) get along like oil and water, it's really just sexual tension. That tension was eased somewhat when the two were trapped in a stalled elevator a year ago, and ended up having a liquor-fueled sexual tryst. If they are now forced to "pretend' to be lovers, will it soon become a reality? Wade has always been a 'player', never committting to anything in his life other than a good time. Will Sam do something as foolish as giving her heart to someone who cannot reciprocate?
I really enjoyed this one. It had everything I like in a good contemporary story--fast pace, good, strong character development, and a believable plot. And loaded with heat between the H/h. And the good thing is, unlike Double Play, you don't have to wait too long for the love scenes, which were verrry steamy and took place in some unusual places. And just when things were moving along very nicely and I was wondering where JS was taking the reader next, she threw in a couple of curveballs by introducing Sam's unwanted 10 year old nephew to the story, as well as Wade's troublesome (but kind of funny) alcoholic father. These two characters and their troubles really helped to cement the relationship between Wade and Sam, making it an emotional as well as physical relationship.
So, readers looking for a fun, often humorous, sexy read, should enjoy this one. It was all set to earn a 4 1/2 rating from me, but then JS did the unthinkable and left a big old cliffhanger, with no epilogue! Grrr! I hate that. Hopefully she'll make up for that glaring error in the next book. 4 stars.
Thirty-two year old heartthrob Wade O'Riley is the star catcher of the MLB Pacific Heat. He's a bit of a happy go lucky, free-spirited ladies' man. When a stalkerific fan of the team wrongly accuses him of being the father of her love child, management and the team's corporate sponsors are not amused. They want Wade to clean up his act, and to make it look like he has a stable love life and to clean up his image, they devise a plan. They decide that the team's publicist (and owner's daughter), Samantha McNead, become his "pretend" girlfriend for a month. If it looks like Wade has a steady girl, then he won't come off as such a party animal, and the sponsors will be happy.
Hard working 29 year old Samantha's all for doing her job, but pretending to be Wade's girlfriend is going to be a tough assignment. She's known Wade for four years, and has had a secret crush on him for a while. And while it may look like these opposites (she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, he was working class and often lived hand-to-mouth) get along like oil and water, it's really just sexual tension. That tension was eased somewhat when the two were trapped in a stalled elevator a year ago, and ended up having a liquor-fueled sexual tryst. If they are now forced to "pretend' to be lovers, will it soon become a reality? Wade has always been a 'player', never committting to anything in his life other than a good time. Will Sam do something as foolish as giving her heart to someone who cannot reciprocate?
I really enjoyed this one. It had everything I like in a good contemporary story--fast pace, good, strong character development, and a believable plot. And loaded with heat between the H/h. And the good thing is, unlike Double Play, you don't have to wait too long for the love scenes, which were verrry steamy and took place in some unusual places. And just when things were moving along very nicely and I was wondering where JS was taking the reader next, she threw in a couple of curveballs by introducing Sam's unwanted 10 year old nephew to the story, as well as Wade's troublesome (but kind of funny) alcoholic father. These two characters and their troubles really helped to cement the relationship between Wade and Sam, making it an emotional as well as physical relationship.
So, readers looking for a fun, often humorous, sexy read, should enjoy this one. It was all set to earn a 4 1/2 rating from me, but then JS did the unthinkable and left a big old cliffhanger, with no epilogue! Grrr! I hate that. Hopefully she'll make up for that glaring error in the next book. 4 stars.
April 5, 2010
The second book in the Pacific Heat series pleased me much more than the first, Double Play. We first met Sam, the Heat's publicist, and Wade, the Heat's catcher in book one. They shared a hot somewhat tipsy one-nighter in that one, and neither has really gotten over it. Sam views it as a mistake and want to forget it—but can’t. Wade just can’t figure out whey he cant forget it. He’s a playboy, and had no problem with the steady flow of women constantly dropped in his lap due to his fame. However, since that night with Sam, he’s not been with anyone else. (He earned bonus points with me here)
The team owner—and Sam’s father—comes up with a plan to improve Wade’s image. He wants Sam to pose as Wade’s girlfriend for a period of time to try to get positive press. Wade is all for it, but Sam is worried she’ll really fall for him.
I just really liked Wade from the beginning. He’s extremely charming, and considerate of Sam’s feelings. Oh and not to mention he’s of course celebrity-gorgeous. They both end up liking each other. A lot. Sam and Wade are also both dealing with personal issues with their families, which I think shows more of their character.
Overall this is a fairly light read. It has way less baseball filler in it than the first book. There is a lot of tension and steam, and you don’t have to wait til 2/3 to get it. Ms. Shalvis is queen of the teaser sex scene (and public sex), I’ve found—but not here.
The team owner—and Sam’s father—comes up with a plan to improve Wade’s image. He wants Sam to pose as Wade’s girlfriend for a period of time to try to get positive press. Wade is all for it, but Sam is worried she’ll really fall for him.
I just really liked Wade from the beginning. He’s extremely charming, and considerate of Sam’s feelings. Oh and not to mention he’s of course celebrity-gorgeous. They both end up liking each other. A lot. Sam and Wade are also both dealing with personal issues with their families, which I think shows more of their character.
Overall this is a fairly light read. It has way less baseball filler in it than the first book. There is a lot of tension and steam, and you don’t have to wait til 2/3 to get it. Ms. Shalvis is queen of the teaser sex scene (and public sex), I’ve found—but not here.
August 24, 2024
Really enjoyed this followup to Double Play. There was the correct baseball:romance ratio, in that Jill Shalvis is either a baseball fan or did her research. It was plenty hot (hat tip to the car sex scene) and the characters were good, including the kid. Really wish she’d written more of these!
May 23, 2012
This was not what I had hoped. To be fair, I should lay it out there that I'm crushing hard on the Toronto Blue Jays right now, which was mainly the whole purpose for reading this story, so I had some high expectations. I liked the premise. It had baseball. It was in my library's digital section waiting to be checked out. I figured why not? I was itching for some really feel good, sexy, studtastic, heart stopping romance with an MLB player and I had high hopes that this would cure my crazy need.
It didn't.
I liked Sam. I liked Wade. I just felt there could've been MORE. More everything. More tension. More witty banter. More sizzle. More, more, more. The best way to describe this for me is push and pull. Like Sam and Wade were pushing to get their story told, to have their characters really blossom and then suddenly they'd be pulled back. I felt that constantly. A constant tease... Like, oohh it's about to get good, aaaand... everything would pull away to the land of "Not Interesting Enough".
I thought it could've been over a lot sooner than it was. To me it seemed like the issue of pretending to be in a relationship or to not pretend and just be in one came up a dozen times and wasn't properly addressed ever. This is where the push and pull was intense. Moreoever, it felt like there were two break ups in different chapters. Same deal, just repeating itself for more intensity, but it wasn't intense at all. I thought the bit with Tag was random and thrown in. I thought the same way about Wade's father suddenly becoming part of the plot. I liked Sam, but I also thought she had some crazy WTF moments. Girls like that give normal girls a bad rap. She had unreasoned, out of nowhere attitude towards Wade at random times. It could've been for extra angst, drama and tension, but mostly it just felt strange and out of place.
I found it hard to stay focus while reading. It took a lot of energy to really get into, and that's not how I want my books to be. Basically, I wanted a lot and instead I found little. And there were times where things were kind of coming together and making sense, but then it would just stop suddenly and I'd be left feeling really unsatisified. Or, in baseball analogy: I felt there were many perfect "pitches" for some stellar "home runs", but instead, Sam and Wade are wandering around left field.
Sorry... I wanted to like it but this just didn't hit it out of the park for me.
It didn't.
I liked Sam. I liked Wade. I just felt there could've been MORE. More everything. More tension. More witty banter. More sizzle. More, more, more. The best way to describe this for me is push and pull. Like Sam and Wade were pushing to get their story told, to have their characters really blossom and then suddenly they'd be pulled back. I felt that constantly. A constant tease... Like, oohh it's about to get good, aaaand... everything would pull away to the land of "Not Interesting Enough".
I thought it could've been over a lot sooner than it was. To me it seemed like the issue of pretending to be in a relationship or to not pretend and just be in one came up a dozen times and wasn't properly addressed ever. This is where the push and pull was intense. Moreoever, it felt like there were two break ups in different chapters. Same deal, just repeating itself for more intensity, but it wasn't intense at all. I thought the bit with Tag was random and thrown in. I thought the same way about Wade's father suddenly becoming part of the plot. I liked Sam, but I also thought she had some crazy WTF moments. Girls like that give normal girls a bad rap. She had unreasoned, out of nowhere attitude towards Wade at random times. It could've been for extra angst, drama and tension, but mostly it just felt strange and out of place.
I found it hard to stay focus while reading. It took a lot of energy to really get into, and that's not how I want my books to be. Basically, I wanted a lot and instead I found little. And there were times where things were kind of coming together and making sense, but then it would just stop suddenly and I'd be left feeling really unsatisified. Or, in baseball analogy: I felt there were many perfect "pitches" for some stellar "home runs", but instead, Sam and Wade are wandering around left field.
Sorry... I wanted to like it but this just didn't hit it out of the park for me.
August 18, 2018
Most people know Wade O'Riley as a laid-back guy, an easygoing charmer, popular with the ladies and the best defensive catcher in Major League Baseball. His team, the Heat, is watched more closely because they're a young team and already had a scandal before. So when a crazy fan claim (falsely) Wade got her pregnant, it's up to Samantha McNead, publisist for the Heat, to save the day.
To save Wade's reputation and make him appear like a good boy to the press, they're gonna pretend to date for a month. Attend events with a sexy athlete on her arm is not supposed to be tough, but the man drive her crazy calling her Princess and Sam is trying to keep things professional between them, after things went less professional (involving a drunk night and an elevator). Too bad it was the most erotic and sensual experience of her life. Makes it harder for her to stop thinking about him and stop wanting him. Wade's flirty, misbehaving and cocky attitude doesn't makes it easier either.
Jill Shalvis does sexy and funny really well. But when it comes to feelings, it's even better. I think that one of the most interesting things about romance novels, it's learning why a character is like he or she is and how they act and react when lust and love come into play. At first impression, Sam appear as a tough-as-nails woman but the more we know her and the more we see her vulnerable side. And that's why she wanted to pretend her one-night stand with Wade didn't happened and wasn't a big deal. She was trying to protect her heart. I understand her need to stay in control and to not open her heart. It's because she knows she's gonna feel too much, give too much and will be badly burned afterwards. I also totally understand the hero for not wanting a relationship. His desire for a stress-free life and not wanting to be responsible for someone else.
The push and pull between Sam and Wade gets old a little too fast but the arrival of Sam's nephew in their lives gave a second wind to the story. I wished there was more baseball time in it too. But we can never go wrong with a Jill Shalvis' book :)
P.s Thanks to my sister who let me borrowed her computer so I could write this review. Mine is gonna have to go to the "electronic doctor" :(.
To save Wade's reputation and make him appear like a good boy to the press, they're gonna pretend to date for a month. Attend events with a sexy athlete on her arm is not supposed to be tough, but the man drive her crazy calling her Princess and Sam is trying to keep things professional between them, after things went less professional (involving a drunk night and an elevator). Too bad it was the most erotic and sensual experience of her life. Makes it harder for her to stop thinking about him and stop wanting him. Wade's flirty, misbehaving and cocky attitude doesn't makes it easier either.
Jill Shalvis does sexy and funny really well. But when it comes to feelings, it's even better. I think that one of the most interesting things about romance novels, it's learning why a character is like he or she is and how they act and react when lust and love come into play. At first impression, Sam appear as a tough-as-nails woman but the more we know her and the more we see her vulnerable side. And that's why she wanted to pretend her one-night stand with Wade didn't happened and wasn't a big deal. She was trying to protect her heart. I understand her need to stay in control and to not open her heart. It's because she knows she's gonna feel too much, give too much and will be badly burned afterwards. I also totally understand the hero for not wanting a relationship. His desire for a stress-free life and not wanting to be responsible for someone else.
The push and pull between Sam and Wade gets old a little too fast but the arrival of Sam's nephew in their lives gave a second wind to the story. I wished there was more baseball time in it too. But we can never go wrong with a Jill Shalvis' book :)
P.s Thanks to my sister who let me borrowed her computer so I could write this review. Mine is gonna have to go to the "electronic doctor" :(.
July 4, 2016
Well Jill Shalvis did it again, and by did it again I mean wrote another book that I will want to read a reread for many of the curl up in the bed and read nights to come. One of the great things about this book was that going into it you had knowledge of the characters, and a true connection to them. I love books were you feel as if you know the characters because you got to see them through others eyes. The writing again was superb and had amazing flow. Never once did I feel as if the story lagged or lost my attention. The HEA of this book first shows up in the Double Play book 1 in the Pacific Heat series, and let me tell you they don't disappoint. All the old players are back minus a few here and there, and few are added making this an equally great book to its predecessor. To me this book felt it didn't have as much baseball in it, but of course I could very well be wrong.
A man like Wade O'Riley would be my ideal kind of hero, and he was a great one especially for Sam. They fit into each other like a puzzle pieces, where she was serious and exact he was easygoing and unconcerned. He walked though life letting almost everything role of his back because freedom was life to him and baseball was the air that kept him alive to live it. He thought he had it all till Sam melted his heart and the bubble of easy living he kept himself in. Until Sam he never realized how complicated and hard could be exactly what he needed.
I loved how upfront they both were, how they communicated, because it felt so very real, and well was very refreshing to read. It wasn't about secrecy and needing to keep things so far apart because they both kind of got that it couldn't be done and gave up fighting it. And then there was TAG oh love his little heart. I would just love to see how Tag is all grown up and if the author kept the story up long enough to write his story then I would just be beside myself.
This was great addition to the series and hope it's a promising start for more to come.
A man like Wade O'Riley would be my ideal kind of hero, and he was a great one especially for Sam. They fit into each other like a puzzle pieces, where she was serious and exact he was easygoing and unconcerned. He walked though life letting almost everything role of his back because freedom was life to him and baseball was the air that kept him alive to live it. He thought he had it all till Sam melted his heart and the bubble of easy living he kept himself in. Until Sam he never realized how complicated and hard could be exactly what he needed.
I loved how upfront they both were, how they communicated, because it felt so very real, and well was very refreshing to read. It wasn't about secrecy and needing to keep things so far apart because they both kind of got that it couldn't be done and gave up fighting it. And then there was TAG oh love his little heart. I would just love to see how Tag is all grown up and if the author kept the story up long enough to write his story then I would just be beside myself.
This was great addition to the series and hope it's a promising start for more to come.
July 16, 2016
This book was Slow but it lacked the Heat. Should be sent down to the minors.
Shalvis might be a good author but she lacks the knowledge to write about baseball or she ought to get an editor who knows baseball to help her out. The errors I saw were:
"3rd plate"-do you mean 3rd base??? Come on
"bull pen"-"bullpen" is one word.
She has Wade going straight to the Majors right out of college. Rarely ever happens.
At one point in the book Wade spent 2 years in Denver before going to Santa Barabara and in another it said 4 years. You can't be a free agent in baseball till you 6 years of major league service
During the story there was talk about Wade being put on the DL and as a result being out of action for a couple of days. If you are put on the DL you are out of action a minimum of 15 days.
I am so looking forward to the baseball season and in my desperate need to read something to do with baseball I think I went too far with this one.
Written for teenage girls not old guys who love baseball.
Shalvis might be a good author but she lacks the knowledge to write about baseball or she ought to get an editor who knows baseball to help her out. The errors I saw were:
"3rd plate"-do you mean 3rd base??? Come on
"bull pen"-"bullpen" is one word.
She has Wade going straight to the Majors right out of college. Rarely ever happens.
At one point in the book Wade spent 2 years in Denver before going to Santa Barabara and in another it said 4 years. You can't be a free agent in baseball till you 6 years of major league service
During the story there was talk about Wade being put on the DL and as a result being out of action for a couple of days. If you are put on the DL you are out of action a minimum of 15 days.
I am so looking forward to the baseball season and in my desperate need to read something to do with baseball I think I went too far with this one.
Written for teenage girls not old guys who love baseball.
March 23, 2016
The relationship was too much off or on, up and down. Liked the first bk so much better.
October 19, 2024
This one didn't have the chaos of book 1 to really draw me in and pull me through, although it was, of course, readable and fun. I only got invested once Tag appeared, and I cared more for that little kid than either of the MCs if I'm being completely honest. The pacing at the end was also wonky, especially with the lack of an epilogue clearly resolving the action of this duology.
June 13, 2022
Entretenida, me gusto la dinámica de la pareja y mi personaje favorito fue Tag.
Entertaining, I liked the couple chemistry and my favorite character was Tag.
Entertaining, I liked the couple chemistry and my favorite character was Tag.
January 9, 2022
Wade is a MLB star. He also really, really likes women. So when he is accused of fathering someone's baby, it is time for an image overall stat. Enter Sam, the team's publicist who also has her own history with Wade (and she is making amends- of a sort- for something her asshole brother did). In helps that Sam has a crush on Wade and vice versa. They begin a "pretend" relationship.
I had a hard time getting into this. I couldn't connect with the main characters. I also felt the additions of Tag (Sam's nephew) and John (Wade's alcoholic father) distracted from the story. The ending was abrupt, but by that time I didn't care too much.
I had a hard time getting into this. I couldn't connect with the main characters. I also felt the additions of Tag (Sam's nephew) and John (Wade's alcoholic father) distracted from the story. The ending was abrupt, but by that time I didn't care too much.
February 9, 2010
Samantha McNead, superstar publicist for the Heat, a professional baseball expansion team has been called upon to handle a very sticky PR nightmare. It involves Wade O’Riley, the best defensive catcher in Major League Baseball. Because of Wade’s over abundant and very public playboy lifestyle, and being accused of fathering a child with a team groupie, Samantha has to do some major damage control. One of the corporations who endorses the Heat has a new conservative CEO with high family values who is more than upset with the scandal surrounding Wade, even though he is innocent of all wrong doing. Samantha’s father is one of the owners of the Heat and wants her to be Wade’s pretend girlfriend for a month until the scandal dies down. She’s mortified by having to play this role, but because she takes her job seriously, she has no choice. Things would be a lot better if she hadn’t made a major mistake where she and Wade spent a drunken night together stuck in an elevator having crazy monkey sex. But she’ll make this sacrifice and make sure that Wade keeps his hands to himself from here on out.
Wade is over the moon at having Samantha as his mock girlfriend. He can’t get over the incredible passionate night they shared and would love nothing more than to have many more nights with her. He’ll try his best to seduce the very buttoned up and professional Samantha at his friend’s upcoming wedding. But, Samantha is so stand-offish unless they are in public and surrounded by the paparazzi. If Wade has his way, he’ll find another elevator and show her how explosive they can be together.
Samantha is close to her sexual breaking point because Wade is always right by her side, teasing, flirting and whispering sexual innuendos about their elevator ride to the point where she can’t handle it. She does something very stupid at the wedding reception they attend together, where they act out another extended scene sex fest in a bathroom, of all things. Wade is ecstatic, while Samantha not so much. Because they must act like they are in love, she has no choice but to put up with Wade. His feelings for Samantha have changed and he wants to make their pretend relationship a reality.
Things become every stressful when Wade’s alcoholic father shows up on his doorstep, as well as Samantha’s ten-year-old nephew, Tag. With no other choice, both Samantha and Wade have a whole slew of new issues to deal with. Wade wants to work on things with Samantha, and even though she is all for spontaneous sex, he wants more than just a few weeks of mind blowing love making. He now wants forever with Samantha and has to figure out a way to show her.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read such a combustible and sexy romance such as SLOW HEAT. This latest contemporary baseball romance is near perfect in its telling. If you love baseball, a hero who is an adorable take charge type of guy, and a heroine who tries her best to do the right thing, but can’t help but fall for the charms of the playboy type hero who makes her all hot and bothered, you need to read SLOW HEAT.
What I adored most of all is the fact that even though Samantha constantly tries to keep Wade at arm’s length, he keeps pushing in such a way that he isn’t too aggressive or he-man forceful. Wade enjoys loving life, from playing baseball to having a bad fast food addiction. When he wants something as bad as he wants Samantha, he won’t let her go. They are two very different sides of a coin because their outlook on life and personalities are the total opposite from one another. They should clash, but they don’t. Wade is there to help Samantha loosen up and help her with Tag, a confused and lonely boy whose parents act like he doesn’t exist. In turn, Samantha is there to show Wade the way he handles his drunk of a father. One of Wade’s faults is that he’s generous to a fault, but thinks as long as he hands out money, he’s doing the correct thing. These two begin to lean on each other and from that they grow into better people.
The dialogue and secondary characters also make SLOW HEAT over all fun reading. The love scenes between Samantha and Wade are hot, sweet and so very addicting. You can’t help but want even more between these two.
Jill Shalvis has written one very satisfying read with this second title in her baseball series. I would recommend you read the first book, Double Play where Samantha and Wade are introduced.
Wade is over the moon at having Samantha as his mock girlfriend. He can’t get over the incredible passionate night they shared and would love nothing more than to have many more nights with her. He’ll try his best to seduce the very buttoned up and professional Samantha at his friend’s upcoming wedding. But, Samantha is so stand-offish unless they are in public and surrounded by the paparazzi. If Wade has his way, he’ll find another elevator and show her how explosive they can be together.
Samantha is close to her sexual breaking point because Wade is always right by her side, teasing, flirting and whispering sexual innuendos about their elevator ride to the point where she can’t handle it. She does something very stupid at the wedding reception they attend together, where they act out another extended scene sex fest in a bathroom, of all things. Wade is ecstatic, while Samantha not so much. Because they must act like they are in love, she has no choice but to put up with Wade. His feelings for Samantha have changed and he wants to make their pretend relationship a reality.
Things become every stressful when Wade’s alcoholic father shows up on his doorstep, as well as Samantha’s ten-year-old nephew, Tag. With no other choice, both Samantha and Wade have a whole slew of new issues to deal with. Wade wants to work on things with Samantha, and even though she is all for spontaneous sex, he wants more than just a few weeks of mind blowing love making. He now wants forever with Samantha and has to figure out a way to show her.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read such a combustible and sexy romance such as SLOW HEAT. This latest contemporary baseball romance is near perfect in its telling. If you love baseball, a hero who is an adorable take charge type of guy, and a heroine who tries her best to do the right thing, but can’t help but fall for the charms of the playboy type hero who makes her all hot and bothered, you need to read SLOW HEAT.
What I adored most of all is the fact that even though Samantha constantly tries to keep Wade at arm’s length, he keeps pushing in such a way that he isn’t too aggressive or he-man forceful. Wade enjoys loving life, from playing baseball to having a bad fast food addiction. When he wants something as bad as he wants Samantha, he won’t let her go. They are two very different sides of a coin because their outlook on life and personalities are the total opposite from one another. They should clash, but they don’t. Wade is there to help Samantha loosen up and help her with Tag, a confused and lonely boy whose parents act like he doesn’t exist. In turn, Samantha is there to show Wade the way he handles his drunk of a father. One of Wade’s faults is that he’s generous to a fault, but thinks as long as he hands out money, he’s doing the correct thing. These two begin to lean on each other and from that they grow into better people.
The dialogue and secondary characters also make SLOW HEAT over all fun reading. The love scenes between Samantha and Wade are hot, sweet and so very addicting. You can’t help but want even more between these two.
Jill Shalvis has written one very satisfying read with this second title in her baseball series. I would recommend you read the first book, Double Play where Samantha and Wade are introduced.
April 27, 2014
3.5 stars
SLOW HEAT was an enjoyable read. With finals coming up, it has been hard for me to lose myself in a book, but I managed to enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the contrast between Wade and Sam. Wade’s easy going ways is something Sam has never been able to give into.
***Slight Details***
After bad press, which really was not a focus for the story, the team makes Wade take Sam as his girlfriend for a month.
A lot happens in that month. Wade and Sam’s bickering relationship finds itself shifting into more and Sam starts breaking away from her family’s hold on her while Wade’s father comes back into his life.
They both learned from the other and great through this book. Wade realized the easy, carefree life isn’t what he wants anymore and he learns to give his father another chance.
When Sam’s nephew comes to live with her, Sam realizes her own dreams of a PR firm and to not let her family push her around. She fights it, but eventually lets herself fall for Wade.
It takes them a while to work through their emotions after the month and to believe there is something more.
SLOW HEAT was an enjoyable read. With finals coming up, it has been hard for me to lose myself in a book, but I managed to enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the contrast between Wade and Sam. Wade’s easy going ways is something Sam has never been able to give into.
***Slight Details***
After bad press, which really was not a focus for the story, the team makes Wade take Sam as his girlfriend for a month.
A lot happens in that month. Wade and Sam’s bickering relationship finds itself shifting into more and Sam starts breaking away from her family’s hold on her while Wade’s father comes back into his life.
They both learned from the other and great through this book. Wade realized the easy, carefree life isn’t what he wants anymore and he learns to give his father another chance.
When Sam’s nephew comes to live with her, Sam realizes her own dreams of a PR firm and to not let her family push her around. She fights it, but eventually lets herself fall for Wade.
It takes them a while to work through their emotions after the month and to believe there is something more.
November 9, 2014
The heat between Wade and Samantha is fairly combustible!
Wade was a big old boy-man for me- his laid back lifestyle, fast food addiction and playboy ways. Yet when Samantha tries to push him way, he worms his way into her heart by giving her space and not pushing too aggressively. For two lonely individuals, their romance is coupled with trying to build a family. Wade is there for Samantha when he becomes the father-figure to Tag, Sam's lonely and neglected nephew. Similarly, Sam's compassion is the catalyst for the reconciliation between Wade and his long estranged Dad.
3.5 Stars
Wade was a big old boy-man for me- his laid back lifestyle, fast food addiction and playboy ways. Yet when Samantha tries to push him way, he worms his way into her heart by giving her space and not pushing too aggressively. For two lonely individuals, their romance is coupled with trying to build a family. Wade is there for Samantha when he becomes the father-figure to Tag, Sam's lonely and neglected nephew. Similarly, Sam's compassion is the catalyst for the reconciliation between Wade and his long estranged Dad.
3.5 Stars
January 11, 2010
I wasn't sure about Wade in the first book, but I'm happy to report Shalvis delivered.
I really liked both main characters. Sam and Wade had chemistry in spades.
I think one of the things I liked best about this novel is that there wasn't really an outside force keeping the two separated. They each had to overcome their own personal issues in order for them to be together, but there wasn't anything outside of that keeping them apart.
I really liked both main characters. Sam and Wade had chemistry in spades.
I think one of the things I liked best about this novel is that there wasn't really an outside force keeping the two separated. They each had to overcome their own personal issues in order for them to be together, but there wasn't anything outside of that keeping them apart.
September 15, 2011
I really liked this book and would have rated it four stars, but the end fell flat, and I really wanted an epilogue! I would have edited the book differently myself...it was too repetitive and slow in some areas and the ending need to be "beefed" up a bit, because while I enjoyed most of the book, the ending felt uninspired and hence the three stars...
July 2, 2015
I haven't laughed this much in a long time reading a book. Sam and Wade just click sooooo well, and I knew I would love Sam from the moment her 'crush' was introduced in Double Play. All the characters in both these books are a lot of fun. The book was just hard to put down and I hated that it ended. I hope to see more of this team in the future .....
July 22, 2011
WOW! Great great great! Another good one with a very hot player, a sweet and strong PR and a wonderful little boy totally irresistable!
Recommend it.
I'm sorry Jill Shalvis didn't go on with this series because I love it so much!!!!
Recommend it.
I'm sorry Jill Shalvis didn't go on with this series because I love it so much!!!!
November 1, 2011
YAY! I have been blessed by reading so many wonderful books back to back. I am so glad the second book of this series was just as good as the first book.
I have found a new author to add to my list of get all her books!
I have found a new author to add to my list of get all her books!
May 2, 2017
Me gusto como se fueron enamorando los protagonistas, amé a Wade
Tiene un final feliz, pero a mi me habría hecho más feliz un epilogo, así sea tres meses después
Tiene un final feliz, pero a mi me habría hecho más feliz un epilogo, así sea tres meses después
October 7, 2017
I liked this story of Wade, the Heats' catcher, and Samantha, the publicist. Mostly. I adored Wade's vulnerability offsetting his strength. And Sam. Well, she was in denial practically until the last scene on the last page. I was beginning to give up on her. Although Wade never did. Why, I don't know. Most guys would have. True love, I suppose. I enjoy baseball stories. So I'm looking forward to the next one. And I loved her baseball quotes before each chapter. I had to read that, even though I wasn't starting the chapter yet! Gave me a chuckle.
August 17, 2024
I've only had Tag for a day and a half, but if anything happened to him I'd kill everyone in this room and then myself
January 29, 2023
Loved this book! I was happy for a sequel to the first book in the series because I wanted to see where Sam and Wades relationship went! And it did not disappoint.
July 17, 2011
4.00 Stars – Contemporary Sports Romance!
Samantha McNead is the erudite publicist for the Pacific Heat, a rising baseball team in California. She is a career oriented, head-strong female who grew up in a family of alpha males of a father and brothers.
Wade O’Riley is the star catcher of Pacific Heat, who is not only accomplished in catching fast balls for his team but also female fan following who constantly jumps towards him.
When Wade faces a small PR situation caused by a crazy fan, Sam is allocated to come forward to be his fake stable girlfriend at least for a month to cover his much deserving Casanova image.
As simple as it may sound, it is not easy for these two polar opposites to do the bidding of a fake relationship and walk off without a scratch when time expires since they have a history which they are trying to forget or pretend didn’t exist.
Needless to say, I loved Ms. Shalvis’s writing style. There were massive flirting and witty taunting banters between the two patragonists which immediately attracts the readers from the very beginning to the end. There were lovely innovative situations which were not only limited to baseball ground. The story moves around various settings which was important to make the love story convincing since we were dealing with a disreputable light-hearted playboy who already had his fair share of many women in his life. The secondary characters were simply assets to the story and helped to preserve the funny aspect and build up the sexual and emotional tensions between the characters.
I simply loved Wade. He is one very lovely silver tongued flirt who knows quite a way to win up a lady’s heart with his years and years of practice. I was no immune as well! I also adored Samantha, who just like Shalvis’s other heroines was a strong woman in a man’s world doing her job with effortless feminine appeal and an unyielding work ethic. Sam knows how Wade is and has her reasons to keep a good emotional distance with him. If I have to put a finger at the reason why these two might face an obstacle in their happily ever after might be because Wade has always been a sweet talker with the ladies while Samantha is a pragmatic and a sensible woman who was not deterred with all the attention she was getting from the unattainable Wade, who might have to make more effort to rise in Samantha’s world!
All in all, it is a fantastic contemporary romance with likable characters and a very decent character-driven plot. Once again I was mesmerized with the lovely Jill Shalvis trademark lettering.
Very highly recommended!
February 14, 2010
A good barometer for me about whether a book is good or not is the amount of time it takes for me to finish. Now this comes with a caveat: 1. I like the book so much I finish it in one day and 2. I finish the book so fast that I am sad when it’s over so I don’t want to finish it so fast. So what’s a reader to do?
Slow Heat took me a day to finish so to say I enjoyed the book is an understatement. Now I do admit to being partial to a sports-themed contemporary romance, but seriously this book hit a home run out of the park for me right from the first chapter.
Shalvis starts each chapter with a baseball quote and chapter one’s quote had me smiling. Confucius say: “Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk.”
This is the second book in the Pacific Heat baseball series (Double Play was book one), and although it is not necessary to read the first book, Wade and Sam do make their debut in the first book, so it helps.
Major League Baseball bad boy, catcher for the Santa Barbara Heat, Wade O’Reily is a player on and off the field. He’s had some bad press lately and the Heat's owners want him to clean up his act - Now!
Heat publicist Samantha McNead is great at her job, a true professional and she would be willing to do just about anything for the team she loves. So the wheels are set in motion as Sam and the sexy catcher agree to a scheme requiring them to play pretend boyfriend/girlfriend for a month. The game plan is to get him some positive press, to appease the team owners by toning down his playboy image.
It’s not exactly going to be a hardship for Sam cozying up to the sexy-as-sin Wade and they do have a past including a drunken tryst in an elevator, something Sam’s head wants to forget, but her body remembers all to vividly. This pretend relationship is strictly for show because first and foremost Wade is a player, who has no interest in the long-term and Sam realistically knows they have no future, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
The story is full of witty dialogue and sexual innuendo and the chemistry between Wade and Sam is off the charts. Wade is yummy, sexy and scrumptious and so cute you can’t help but fall in love with him. Turns out Sam couldn’t help herself either.
Slow Heat will not disappoint and my only complaint was that the ending came waaaaay to soon. I needed more!
Slow Heat took me a day to finish so to say I enjoyed the book is an understatement. Now I do admit to being partial to a sports-themed contemporary romance, but seriously this book hit a home run out of the park for me right from the first chapter.
Shalvis starts each chapter with a baseball quote and chapter one’s quote had me smiling. Confucius say: “Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk.”
This is the second book in the Pacific Heat baseball series (Double Play was book one), and although it is not necessary to read the first book, Wade and Sam do make their debut in the first book, so it helps.
Major League Baseball bad boy, catcher for the Santa Barbara Heat, Wade O’Reily is a player on and off the field. He’s had some bad press lately and the Heat's owners want him to clean up his act - Now!
Heat publicist Samantha McNead is great at her job, a true professional and she would be willing to do just about anything for the team she loves. So the wheels are set in motion as Sam and the sexy catcher agree to a scheme requiring them to play pretend boyfriend/girlfriend for a month. The game plan is to get him some positive press, to appease the team owners by toning down his playboy image.
It’s not exactly going to be a hardship for Sam cozying up to the sexy-as-sin Wade and they do have a past including a drunken tryst in an elevator, something Sam’s head wants to forget, but her body remembers all to vividly. This pretend relationship is strictly for show because first and foremost Wade is a player, who has no interest in the long-term and Sam realistically knows they have no future, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
The story is full of witty dialogue and sexual innuendo and the chemistry between Wade and Sam is off the charts. Wade is yummy, sexy and scrumptious and so cute you can’t help but fall in love with him. Turns out Sam couldn’t help herself either.
Slow Heat will not disappoint and my only complaint was that the ending came waaaaay to soon. I needed more!
December 24, 2010
Batter up!!
This is the second book in the series and I loved the first book, Double Play, and I was very happy to discover this one is not only just as good, but better.
Samantha McNead is a PR rep who works for a Major League Baseball team, the Santa Barbara Heat. Not only was Sam born into baseball, but she loves her job and is good at it. Wade O'Riley is the team's catcher. He's got a bit of a reputation as a playboy, and there's been a scandal involving a woman with a false claim that she's pregnant with his child. The Heat decide Wade needs some good PR for once and Sam is just the woman for the job. She is to pose as his girlfriend for a month. What many people don't know that one drunken night they slept together. Now with all the pretending, will the two end up involved?
I loved this story!! I fell for Wade from the first book. You could see their was a spark but both were so willing to leave it alone. Wade is a easy-going, down-to-earth, and giving man despite his fame. Sam, however, was his opposite. She tended to be a little bit on uptight side of things. All in all she loved her job and cared about all the players. I agreed on her reasons to try to fight the relationship with Wade, but Wade would not give up and I loved him more for that. *squee* I enjoyed Sam and Wade's interaction together. They had a lot of sexual tension, humor and the emotions they experienced. Of course again, Jill Shalvis can bring the laugh out loud humor.
There were a few surprises that were thrown into the book and I loved that. It never had a dull moment. The only thing I felt surprises never really got wrapped up. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to assume everyone lived happily ever after (but I did that anyway). I also was interested in some of the other players and wondering if they will also have a book.
I loved this book more than the first only because I love Wade. I mean who wouldn't want a sexy former player that turns into a one woman man. Not only that but the way he was with her was sweet. I also found myself saying "awwww" through story. I love stories with happy endings and Jill Shalvis can deliver them.
Slow Heat was a fun, sexy and kept me turning the pages, I can't recommend this enough. I really enjoyed it to the very last page. *sigh* Jill Shalvis is always on my to read list.
This is the second book in the series and I loved the first book, Double Play, and I was very happy to discover this one is not only just as good, but better.
Samantha McNead is a PR rep who works for a Major League Baseball team, the Santa Barbara Heat. Not only was Sam born into baseball, but she loves her job and is good at it. Wade O'Riley is the team's catcher. He's got a bit of a reputation as a playboy, and there's been a scandal involving a woman with a false claim that she's pregnant with his child. The Heat decide Wade needs some good PR for once and Sam is just the woman for the job. She is to pose as his girlfriend for a month. What many people don't know that one drunken night they slept together. Now with all the pretending, will the two end up involved?
I loved this story!! I fell for Wade from the first book. You could see their was a spark but both were so willing to leave it alone. Wade is a easy-going, down-to-earth, and giving man despite his fame. Sam, however, was his opposite. She tended to be a little bit on uptight side of things. All in all she loved her job and cared about all the players. I agreed on her reasons to try to fight the relationship with Wade, but Wade would not give up and I loved him more for that. *squee* I enjoyed Sam and Wade's interaction together. They had a lot of sexual tension, humor and the emotions they experienced. Of course again, Jill Shalvis can bring the laugh out loud humor.
There were a few surprises that were thrown into the book and I loved that. It never had a dull moment. The only thing I felt surprises never really got wrapped up. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to assume everyone lived happily ever after (but I did that anyway). I also was interested in some of the other players and wondering if they will also have a book.
I loved this book more than the first only because I love Wade. I mean who wouldn't want a sexy former player that turns into a one woman man. Not only that but the way he was with her was sweet. I also found myself saying "awwww" through story. I love stories with happy endings and Jill Shalvis can deliver them.
Slow Heat was a fun, sexy and kept me turning the pages, I can't recommend this enough. I really enjoyed it to the very last page. *sigh* Jill Shalvis is always on my to read list.
February 18, 2010
3.5*
***Every review will have at least some spoilers. Read at your own risk.***
Overall I enjoyed this book. I have some nit-picking criticisms, but mostly it was a fun read. My biggest criticism is the pacing of the book. It starts out fast and slows down dramatically about halfway through the book. This is a book without much of a plot outside of watching Samantha and Wade "figure it out" over the course of 5 or 6 weeks. The readers, and in fact everyone except them, have it all figured out at the beginning of the book, but that's okay. What's not okay is that the story hits a point and then spins its wheels for chapter after chapter.
One reason this happens is the introduction of two secondary characters: Sam's 10 yr old nephew, Tag, and Wade's alcoholic father, John. I thought both characters were cliched and added little to the story except to built tension for the main characters. While I appreciate that Sam and Wade didn't verbally abuse each other or get caught up in a "manufactured disagreement" to produce tension, the addition of the side characters simply distracted from the relationship. (Part of this is personal taste. I have five wonderful children, but I read romances in part as a break from the tension and stress of raising them. I usually don't want troubled-kid stories in my romances.) I also thought Sam's relationship with Tag wasn't realistic, but Wade's was more believable.
All that said, there was still something endearing about the main characters and their relationship, and I recommend this book as a quick, fun read.
***Every review will have at least some spoilers. Read at your own risk.***
Overall I enjoyed this book. I have some nit-picking criticisms, but mostly it was a fun read. My biggest criticism is the pacing of the book. It starts out fast and slows down dramatically about halfway through the book. This is a book without much of a plot outside of watching Samantha and Wade "figure it out" over the course of 5 or 6 weeks. The readers, and in fact everyone except them, have it all figured out at the beginning of the book, but that's okay. What's not okay is that the story hits a point and then spins its wheels for chapter after chapter.
One reason this happens is the introduction of two secondary characters: Sam's 10 yr old nephew, Tag, and Wade's alcoholic father, John. I thought both characters were cliched and added little to the story except to built tension for the main characters. While I appreciate that Sam and Wade didn't verbally abuse each other or get caught up in a "manufactured disagreement" to produce tension, the addition of the side characters simply distracted from the relationship. (Part of this is personal taste. I have five wonderful children, but I read romances in part as a break from the tension and stress of raising them. I usually don't want troubled-kid stories in my romances.) I also thought Sam's relationship with Tag wasn't realistic, but Wade's was more believable.
All that said, there was still something endearing about the main characters and their relationship, and I recommend this book as a quick, fun read.
May 28, 2011
The second book about the Pacific Heat baseball team, this one features the laid back, charming catcher, Wade and the uptight, controlling team publicist (and team owner's daughter) Samantha. They have a history of one wild and wildly unforgettable sexual encounter but have since been trying to act as if it never happened. Sam is pressured by her family to pose as Wade's girlfriend in an effort to quiet the negative publicity around a false accusation that he impregnated a fan/stalker. Wade is interested in renewing their sexual relationship, while not addressing that his feelings for Sam are much more than sexual. Sam resists his efforts briefly, then tries to make sense of their relationship and not lose her heart and sense of control over her life.
As with the first book in this series, the depiction of the day to day lives of the professional baseball players was both fun and interesting to read about. Toss in an endearing 10 year old nephew who is dumped on Sam's doorstep and Wade's estranged father who now wants to mend fences, and it was an fully engaging, very enjoyable story. I did find the ending rather abrupt. I would have preferred a bit more of showing where the characters were headed, though of course you know they are headed straight to their HEA. I just like seeing a bit more of how that will look.
I don't know that there are any more books due to come out in this series, but I would be happy to read any future installments. Both Double Play and Slow Heat were solid, interesting and rewarding stories.
As with the first book in this series, the depiction of the day to day lives of the professional baseball players was both fun and interesting to read about. Toss in an endearing 10 year old nephew who is dumped on Sam's doorstep and Wade's estranged father who now wants to mend fences, and it was an fully engaging, very enjoyable story. I did find the ending rather abrupt. I would have preferred a bit more of showing where the characters were headed, though of course you know they are headed straight to their HEA. I just like seeing a bit more of how that will look.
I don't know that there are any more books due to come out in this series, but I would be happy to read any future installments. Both Double Play and Slow Heat were solid, interesting and rewarding stories.
July 24, 2012
Man, this was SO good. I was very eager to read this after finishing Double Play, and Ms. Shalvis delivered in spades.
I do so enjoy the pretend-relationship-becomes-real theme--this is a great rendition.
Wade is the laid-back, gorgeous, talented catcher for the Heat. He's known as a bit of a player. Sam's the publicist for the Heat and has been nursing a huge crush on Wade for eons, but she's a pro and knows how to play it cool. Then when some bad publicity prompts them to start a pretend relationship, they both find that maybe they want more than pretend.
Ms. Shalvis does such a fantastic job with making Wade, Sam, and the other characters come to life. They're warm, funny, fascinating. They're able to reveal some vulnerabilities in a way that makes me sympathize with them, even though there's a world of difference between such famous, beautiful people and ordinary me--I like them, and couldn't stop reading.
I confess that we had to run some errands to day, and couldn't resist pulling this out at red-lights just to sneak another page or two. And of course, had to tamp down my frustration that the lights weren't longer ;)
Definitely a keeper.
I do so enjoy the pretend-relationship-becomes-real theme--this is a great rendition.
Wade is the laid-back, gorgeous, talented catcher for the Heat. He's known as a bit of a player. Sam's the publicist for the Heat and has been nursing a huge crush on Wade for eons, but she's a pro and knows how to play it cool. Then when some bad publicity prompts them to start a pretend relationship, they both find that maybe they want more than pretend.
Ms. Shalvis does such a fantastic job with making Wade, Sam, and the other characters come to life. They're warm, funny, fascinating. They're able to reveal some vulnerabilities in a way that makes me sympathize with them, even though there's a world of difference between such famous, beautiful people and ordinary me--I like them, and couldn't stop reading.
I confess that we had to run some errands to day, and couldn't resist pulling this out at red-lights just to sneak another page or two. And of course, had to tamp down my frustration that the lights weren't longer ;)
Definitely a keeper.
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