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abdem3's review
4.0
I received An Advanced Readers Copy from First To Read in exchange for my honest review
I really liked this book. It is the first book but Jaci Burton that I have read but now that I have I can not wait to get my hands on the rest of the books from this series.
In this book we meet Trevor who is a football and baseball player. We meet Haven who is a sports reporter having a hard time dealing with the death of her father.
When Trevor gets a call from Haven's mom telling him how worried she is about Haven, Trevor decides the best thing to do is to have Haven do a feature on him. This will give her something else to do and also give him a reason to have her close to him so he can make sure she is having some fun.
As Haven starts to move on from her father's death she begins to fall in love with Trevor but that could all come to an end if Trevor can not deal with issues from his past.
I really liked this book. It is the first book but Jaci Burton that I have read but now that I have I can not wait to get my hands on the rest of the books from this series.
In this book we meet Trevor who is a football and baseball player. We meet Haven who is a sports reporter having a hard time dealing with the death of her father.
When Trevor gets a call from Haven's mom telling him how worried she is about Haven, Trevor decides the best thing to do is to have Haven do a feature on him. This will give her something else to do and also give him a reason to have her close to him so he can make sure she is having some fun.
As Haven starts to move on from her father's death she begins to fall in love with Trevor but that could all come to an end if Trevor can not deal with issues from his past.
covall's review
3.0
It was good, but I think I was bored during most of this book or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a sports romance. Trevor was probably just a little too perfect. He was always asking Haven to taking about hey grief. I like this series, but I think I need to get back to some fantasy stuff that isn't quite as predictable.
chelsfoust's review
5.0
Another home run/touchdown for Burton! Wow this book was hot hot hot, and hot! The budding relationship between Trevor and Haven was amazing to watch and easy to read. The secret that finally comes out was amazing and I love how such a serious issue was woven into the book. I loved how the games that Trevor played weather baseball or football, Haven described and made me want to watch the games right along while reading. I want to meet all the characters, if someone could just put me into a Jaci Burton Play by Play book, and I could me my love and become friends with all the wives, girlfriends, and teammates- well I would just be oh so happy! The grief that Haven felt was so intense that it took time to finally work through it, and I love that Trevor stepped right up and helped her through it all. He was perfect as a man, tough, loving, honest (yes even with the secret), sexy, talented-just perfect!
kathydavie's review
2.0
Eighth in the Play-by-Play romantic sports series and revolving around friends and family in the sports field. The couple focus is on Haven Briscoe and Trevor Shay.
My Take
The way Straddling the Line started off…I dunno. I liked that Trevor was involved enough to want to help Ginger, but Haven irritated the hell out of me. She's had her "dream job" for…oooh…six whole weeks! And she's whining on and on about it. Admittedly she is whining on about how much she misses the dad who has been dead for less than a year. This tells me he's been dead a lot longer than six weeks. It may not be a whole 52 weeks yet, but, ahem. Didn't she miss her dad before she took this job? Supposedly she's a smart woman, so why doesn't she act it? Why isn't she thinking this through? Getting some help instead of whimpering about fleeing home?
The way it sounded at the start with Ginger's worries, Haven's been on the job for months. Maybe even several years, so when I learn it's been less than six weeks…WTF? I'm sorry but this simply isn't plausible. Nor does Trevor's house/neighborhood sound plausible. Oh, yeah, I can see his having a mansion with four acres, but not that it's one of six houses (just as big) on his side of the street. How long is this block, anyway?
She goes on about how this isn't the right career for her, but gives some lame reasons most of it being that she misses daddy. Who, of course, loved sports and taught Haven to love sports as well. Well, yes indeedy, I can see why sports journalism just isn't for her. *Nnnngh, must pull tongue out of cheek…nnnnnggggghhhh*
Burton did a nice job of stretching the suspense, starting with very, very, very low-key mentions of Trevor's disliking academics but needing to keep that scholarship.
What I do like about the entire series is the insight into sports from behind-the-scenes. I do like those peeks at the inside! Liz is a crack-up with her real approach to having her baby daughter. She adores her, but is totally upfront about the negatives of babies. LOL, this group of ladies is going to be very good for Haven.
The sex scenes are fine. I enjoyed the scavenger hunt. The interactions between Trevor and his friends are great, very heartwarming. And Trevor is such a sweet guy helping people out, taking care of them. I also like the ideas Haven comes up with for more interviews. Interesting point about zoos.
It's an okay story. Sweet, but so obvious with minor change-ups in the basic storyline. Some of those change-ups are good, but I think Burton is starting to lose steam. Trevor's pushing Haven away is klutzy, and his reactions to some of Haven's questions are too abrupt. They seem out of character for the guy. Then there are the usual doubts about if the other party is attracted to them, which have a rote feel to them. They feel plopped in. Although I did enjoy Haven's suggestion at the restaurant. Definitely not your usual feminine reaction, lol.
The Story
Haven has a dream job working as a sports journalist in New York City, but her grief over her dad's death has left her anchorless. It was Ginger who inspired Trevor to help her out. An interview the networks have been wanting for years. And he only wants Haven to interview him.
It's an encounter that brings back memories with a new perspective for Trevor — Haven's always wanted Trevor…
The Characters
Haven Briscoe is the daughter of Bill Briscoe with a dual degree in journalism and special education who used to tutor jocks who needed the help. Yep, Trevor was one of 'em. The recently deceased Bill who "had been more than just a dorm parent" for too many of the boys who went through the University of Texas. Ginger Briscoe is the widow and Haven's worried mother who's gone back to school herself.
Trevor Shay is a nice guy, extremely arrogant, but in a nice way, a man who knows what he wants. He plays for the St. Louis Rivers baseball team during their season and is a tight end for the Tampa Hawks during their season. Zane Mellon is pre-med and his younger brother, okay, half-brother, of whom Trevor is incredibly proud. Seems Zane adores him right back. Their mother is a hairstylist. His father…well, he doesn't talk about him.
Hammond is Trevor's chef. He's married to Lyla, and they're taking care of two of their grandkids. Jasmine is their troubled daughter. Bradley Rayburn is his lawyer, in on his secret.
The Rivers baseball team in St. Louis
Tennessee "Ten-Spot" is a teammate, friend, and the birthday boy. Gavin Riley (Changing the Game, 2; he and his sports agent wife, Liz, have a little girl, Genevieve) still plays first base; Dedrick Coleman is on third; Chase Henderson is the new hotshot shortstop; Garrett Scott (Thrown by a Curve, 5; Alicia Riley is the fiancée he's marrying at the end of the season and the team physical therapist) is pitching; Manny Magee is the grouchy coach; and, Sanchez.
The Hawks football team in Tampa
Barrett Cassidy is the safety (his brother Grant plays quarterback for St. Louis and his brother Tucker plays basketball); JW Zeman is their quarterback; Brady McCall is the wide receiver; George is the coach who warns him of Warrell Timmons, a hotshot rookie tight end who also works as a receiver; George is the offensive coach married to Amanda; Elvin Detteridge is the wide receiver, and Allison is his girlfriend; Mowery and his very-pregnant wife, Luisa Wilson; Brady McCall and Felicia; Rodney is one of the offensive lineman, and his wife is Tania Ford; Larry is the receivers coach and Sally is his wife; and, Louis Trammell with his wife, Vivian.
Quarterback Mick Riley shows up with Tara (Perfect Play, 1) who mentions Nathan, her college-age son along with her toddler, Sam. Jenna sings and has a musicians' club while Tyler plays hockey (Taking a Shot, 3). Football-playing Cole Riley is here with his PR managing wife, Savannah, (Playing to Win, 4).
Audrey and Petra are a couple of pickups. Jerome Kayman was a high school rival set up by the scheming Heather Whitfield. Chad and Lauren work at one of Trevor's favorite restaurants. Wanda Dixon and Cathlyn Simms are a couple of Ginger's friends. Ralph owned the luncheonette where Trevor used to eat a lot with his friends and teammates in college — Garrett, Gray Preston (One Sweet Ride, 6, shows up with his wife, Evelyn; they have a baby boy, Lucas), and Drew Hogan (Melting the Ice, 7; he makes an appearance with his fiancée, Carolina). Denise Lancaster works with dyslexic students.
Chandler Adams is Haven's boss at the network. Andy is the head cameraman.
The Cover
The cover is of a glistening and bare-chested Trevor in jeans, hauling his equipment and standing against a rough concrete background.
The title is true enough, for Trevor is Straddling the Line between baseball and football.
My Take
The way Straddling the Line started off…I dunno. I liked that Trevor was involved enough to want to help Ginger, but Haven irritated the hell out of me. She's had her "dream job" for…oooh…six whole weeks! And she's whining on and on about it. Admittedly she is whining on about how much she misses the dad who has been dead for less than a year. This tells me he's been dead a lot longer than six weeks. It may not be a whole 52 weeks yet, but, ahem. Didn't she miss her dad before she took this job? Supposedly she's a smart woman, so why doesn't she act it? Why isn't she thinking this through? Getting some help instead of whimpering about fleeing home?
The way it sounded at the start with Ginger's worries, Haven's been on the job for months. Maybe even several years, so when I learn it's been less than six weeks…WTF? I'm sorry but this simply isn't plausible. Nor does Trevor's house/neighborhood sound plausible. Oh, yeah, I can see his having a mansion with four acres, but not that it's one of six houses (just as big) on his side of the street. How long is this block, anyway?
She goes on about how this isn't the right career for her, but gives some lame reasons most of it being that she misses daddy. Who, of course, loved sports and taught Haven to love sports as well. Well, yes indeedy, I can see why sports journalism just isn't for her. *Nnnngh, must pull tongue out of cheek…nnnnnggggghhhh*
Burton did a nice job of stretching the suspense, starting with very, very, very low-key mentions of Trevor's disliking academics but needing to keep that scholarship.
I do like this one…
"Think of it as honoring your dad whenever you cry for him."
What I do like about the entire series is the insight into sports from behind-the-scenes. I do like those peeks at the inside! Liz is a crack-up with her real approach to having her baby daughter. She adores her, but is totally upfront about the negatives of babies. LOL, this group of ladies is going to be very good for Haven.
Trevor points out that she never has to let go of her memories of her dad, she just has "to let go of the pain".
The sex scenes are fine. I enjoyed the scavenger hunt. The interactions between Trevor and his friends are great, very heartwarming. And Trevor is such a sweet guy helping people out, taking care of them. I also like the ideas Haven comes up with for more interviews. Interesting point about zoos.
It's an okay story. Sweet, but so obvious with minor change-ups in the basic storyline. Some of those change-ups are good, but I think Burton is starting to lose steam. Trevor's pushing Haven away is klutzy, and his reactions to some of Haven's questions are too abrupt. They seem out of character for the guy. Then there are the usual doubts about if the other party is attracted to them, which have a rote feel to them. They feel plopped in. Although I did enjoy Haven's suggestion at the restaurant. Definitely not your usual feminine reaction, lol.
The Story
Haven has a dream job working as a sports journalist in New York City, but her grief over her dad's death has left her anchorless. It was Ginger who inspired Trevor to help her out. An interview the networks have been wanting for years. And he only wants Haven to interview him.
It's an encounter that brings back memories with a new perspective for Trevor — Haven's always wanted Trevor…
The Characters
Haven Briscoe is the daughter of Bill Briscoe with a dual degree in journalism and special education who used to tutor jocks who needed the help. Yep, Trevor was one of 'em. The recently deceased Bill who "had been more than just a dorm parent" for too many of the boys who went through the University of Texas. Ginger Briscoe is the widow and Haven's worried mother who's gone back to school herself.
Trevor Shay is a nice guy, extremely arrogant, but in a nice way, a man who knows what he wants. He plays for the St. Louis Rivers baseball team during their season and is a tight end for the Tampa Hawks during their season. Zane Mellon is pre-med and his younger brother, okay, half-brother, of whom Trevor is incredibly proud. Seems Zane adores him right back. Their mother is a hairstylist. His father…well, he doesn't talk about him.
Hammond is Trevor's chef. He's married to Lyla, and they're taking care of two of their grandkids. Jasmine is their troubled daughter. Bradley Rayburn is his lawyer, in on his secret.
The Rivers baseball team in St. Louis
Tennessee "Ten-Spot" is a teammate, friend, and the birthday boy. Gavin Riley (Changing the Game, 2; he and his sports agent wife, Liz, have a little girl, Genevieve) still plays first base; Dedrick Coleman is on third; Chase Henderson is the new hotshot shortstop; Garrett Scott (Thrown by a Curve, 5; Alicia Riley is the fiancée he's marrying at the end of the season and the team physical therapist) is pitching; Manny Magee is the grouchy coach; and, Sanchez.
The Hawks football team in Tampa
Barrett Cassidy is the safety (his brother Grant plays quarterback for St. Louis and his brother Tucker plays basketball); JW Zeman is their quarterback; Brady McCall is the wide receiver; George is the coach who warns him of Warrell Timmons, a hotshot rookie tight end who also works as a receiver; George is the offensive coach married to Amanda; Elvin Detteridge is the wide receiver, and Allison is his girlfriend; Mowery and his very-pregnant wife, Luisa Wilson; Brady McCall and Felicia; Rodney is one of the offensive lineman, and his wife is Tania Ford; Larry is the receivers coach and Sally is his wife; and, Louis Trammell with his wife, Vivian.
Quarterback Mick Riley shows up with Tara (Perfect Play, 1) who mentions Nathan, her college-age son along with her toddler, Sam. Jenna sings and has a musicians' club while Tyler plays hockey (Taking a Shot, 3). Football-playing Cole Riley is here with his PR managing wife, Savannah, (Playing to Win, 4).
Audrey and Petra are a couple of pickups. Jerome Kayman was a high school rival set up by the scheming Heather Whitfield. Chad and Lauren work at one of Trevor's favorite restaurants. Wanda Dixon and Cathlyn Simms are a couple of Ginger's friends. Ralph owned the luncheonette where Trevor used to eat a lot with his friends and teammates in college — Garrett, Gray Preston (One Sweet Ride, 6, shows up with his wife, Evelyn; they have a baby boy, Lucas), and Drew Hogan (Melting the Ice, 7; he makes an appearance with his fiancée, Carolina). Denise Lancaster works with dyslexic students.
Chandler Adams is Haven's boss at the network. Andy is the head cameraman.
The Cover
The cover is of a glistening and bare-chested Trevor in jeans, hauling his equipment and standing against a rough concrete background.
The title is true enough, for Trevor is Straddling the Line between baseball and football.
bitterlina's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
romancejunkie1025's review
5.0
as always a beautiful and sensual story with lots of fun and sexiness
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review
4.0
After the death of her father, sportscaster Haven Briscoe feels like her job may be in jeopardy until she lands the perfect assignment following Trevor Shay while he plays both professional football and baseball. But when a secret that Trevor as kept under wraps might need to be revealed can he trust his college mentor's daughter? Or will this be the one thing he holds back and is the cause to end the relationship that has become more than just work? While not as in your face as the others in the series, Jaci Burton writes such heart warming and honest connections that the reader will not help but fall in love with.
bookloverchelle's review
4.0
Another fun, sexy story in the continuation of the Play by Play series from Jaci Burton. Trevor seems to have it all, successful careers in both professional baseball and football, but when he hears that the daughter of his recently deceased mentor isn’t doing well he knows he has to step in and help any way he can. Haven is a sports journalist on the verge of losing her job because she’s having a hard time moving on from the death of her father. When the interview of a lifetime comes her way, she knows it’s her last chance to prove herself. She’s known Trevor for years, from when she tutored him in college, and has had feelings for him for years but suddenly being so close to him with all access puts those feelings front and center. Trevor may be willing to help Haven through such a difficult time but he is hiding a secret that almost no one knows and he can’t let one journalist, even a close friend, discover the truth. Ms. Burton does a great job of combining sports with some super sexy heroes and some sweet and tough women who bring them to their knees. Another great read!