Reviews

Playing Ball by Marguerite Labbe, Shae Connor, Kate McMurray, Kerry Freeman

marlobo's review

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3.0

One Man to Remember by Kate McMurray - 3 stars

Home Field Advantage by Shae Connor - 3,5 stars

The Last Road Trip by Kerry Freeman - 3 stars

Wild Pitch by Marguerite Labbe - 3 stars

suze_1624's review

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4.0

This anthology has 4 stories, each a good novella size so you get a good shot at the story. All are well written, tackling different aspects of baseball, all are good enjoyable stories.

One Man to Remember
Based in the late 1920's, the tale of Skip and Walt evokes the difficulties, perils and bravery faced by gay people in that era. I learnt all about Murderers Row and the prohibition speakeasys. Thought provoking story.

Home Field Advantage
Contemporary story about Toby (grandson of team owner) and new player Caleb  being outed by a sneaky reporter. Despite their initial attraction, Toby had tried to back off but after a game injury, they are careless whilst Caleb is still in hospial. Defying his grandfather, Toby makes an impassioned speech despite disinheritance threats. Nice story, for when sugary sweet is what you need.

One Last Road Trip 
A tale from the retirement end of Baseball. Jake has played his last season and is heading home to retire - and find if his lost college love, Mikko, will let him back in. On the way he visits his ex wife and then his two children, as well as his past and all the Mikko memories - including how he hadn't been able to step up to the plate for Mikko.
I liked that the MC's were older - and Jake's travelling companions! 

Wild Pitch
Two retired players are now partners at a little league training centre. Ruben has come out after divorcing his wife. Alan is raising his 4 sons after the death of his wife. Unresolved feelings from two intimate instances are still causing friction years later. Ruben and Alan are now at a make r break point in their relationship

calila's review

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4.0

This was an enjoyable read. I'm not the biggest baseball fan so I expected it to be a little harder to get through, but it wasn't at all. I liked all four stories, and all 8 MCs. I can't pick a favorite because I enjoyed them all really. I'd love to see them expanded on a little, and find out what happens next. I want to know more.
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