Double Play

Double Play is the first in a new baseball series by Jill Shalvis. From the back cover.~

Getting to first base is a cinch…But getting home will take a grand slam…

Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He’s got the arm, the experience, and the wins. He’s also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.

Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark, and slightly attitude-challenged Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there’s more at stake than just a win, she starts to see the handsome, broad-shouldered jock in a different light.

Pace and Holly begin a seductive game, but in the face of unexpected betrayal and challenges, they’ll have to find the courage to swing for the fences…

Jill Shalvis combines two of my favorite things with Double Play: romance and baseball. Pace Martin is one of the best pitchers in the league. However, no one knows that he has a shoulder injury that could affect the Heat’s chances for the World Series this year. Holly Hutchins is a reporter sent to do a story on the star players from the Heat, especially Pace Martin, who almost never gives an interview. Holly can tell that Pace is trying to hide something from their very first meeting. Pace thinks Holly is a royal pain in the butt from their very first meeting. However, the more time they spend together, the more they become attracted to one another. Following a heated kiss in the Heat’s locker room, Holly and Pace battle their attraction for one another as Pace continues to try and hide his injury. Holly and Pace continue to grow closer, and when they finally give into their attraction, their passion is electrifying.

I’ve loved every book I’ve ever read by Jill Shalvis, and Double Play is another winner. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Slow Heat, which comes out in February 2010.