The Backup Plan: King Sports, Book 1

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 1,464 ratings

Price: 17.46

Last update: 12-23-2024


About this item

Thad

Failing to make it in pro ball left me absolutely devastated. Baseball has been my life, my dream, but it’s time to move on.

Becoming a sports agent was always my back-up plan, and now that I’m interning at the biggest queer-focused firm in the country, I’m doing my best not to let my bitterness toward baseball affect my future.

That’s really difficult when I’m assigned to babysit Kelley Afton, hotshot rookie pitcher for Philly. He has everything I ever wanted, and he doesn’t even appreciate it. I didn’t become an agent so I could soothe the ego of diva athletes.

His constant need for validation from others frustrates me to no end, but that’s probably a good thing. Because if he didn’t have that, I’d find him irresistibly my type.

Attraction could lead to crossing lines which would put my position at King Sports in jeopardy, and I can’t have that.

I don’t have a backup for my backup plan.


Top reviews from the United States

Vanessa G
5.0 out of 5 stars .
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
Another one! It was such a great read! I finished it in one sitting, couldn’t put it down!

I absolutely love Thad & Kelley. These two have been on my mind since Can’t Say Goodbye, and I’m so happy that their story is here!
They are adorable. My beautiful Kelley, I just love him so much.

It was wonderful to see Brady & his boys again. (They are a top favorite of mine from Eden’s story) and my baby Damon ❤️❤️ there will never be enough Damon camos in my opinion.
Sindu
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun agent/athlete, baseball romance!
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
"No matter where we go from here, what happens with either of our careers, I just wanted you to know that you’re loved."

Thad's spent his whole life wanting to be a professional baseball player. When he finally acknowledges that he's just not good enough to make it, he turns to his backup plan of being a sports agent. But it's hard to let go of all that grief and resentment of not accomplishing his dream. And no one stirs up those negative feelings quite like hotshot pitcher, Kelley Afton. When he's forced to babysit Kelley in a remote cabin for two weeks, all those feelings get stirred up. But as Thad gets to know him, he comes to like Kelley for who he is. And when his attraction is reciprocated, these two fall into bed together knowing that it can't got anywhere. But those feelings don't stop growing and soon they need to figure just how hard they're willing to fight to be together.

"He is the only person I can trust with this. The only person who lets me take those self- preservation walls down and let go."

One of my favorite things about this book was the mental health rep. Kelley's spent his whole life with anxiety issues and when he decides to come out publicly, it exacerbates all his feelings and sets him off on a spiral that he can't get out of. His feelings and that balance between overthinking the unknown and needing to know the truth even if it's hard felt so real. At first, Thad let his own feelings stop him from understanding that part of Kelley, but once he does, he becomes a safe, non-judgemental place for Kelley to just be himself.

"I’ve spent my whole life wanting to be the middle of the pack. I’ve wanted to be good enough but not one of the greats because I’ve always thought the higher you are, the harder the fall. But with Kelley, I might be ready to fall."

The way these two helped each other become better people was also wonderful. Kelley helped Thad realize that just coasting wasn't going to get him far in life and that he actually had to fight for the things he wanted. The Thad from the first half could be frustrating at times. But as he grew up and learned to take charge of his life, he became the steady, supportive presence that Kelley needed. And in return he gave Kelley a space where he was free to explore who he is outside of being a baseball player and gave him the courage to just let go for the first time in his life.

"He might be kissing me to set me free, but all it’s doing is locking up my heart and throwing away the key."

I was also glad that they didn't rush into the big "I love you" moment after just a few weeks of being together. For a second there, it really looked like they were heading that way, but I'm glad we got to see them be together for a while before that moment. It made it more special and meaningful for me. And of course, it's always great to see Damon. His people never stop giving him a hard time, and Thad and Kelley really put him through the wringer. But he's a big softie at heart, and he does his job as head matchmaker very well.

"Falling in love is easy. Keeping it is work, and Thad shows me every day that he’s willing to do whatever it takes."

This agent/athlete romance was a fun start to the King Sports series! I'm so excited to see what comes next for this world. Personally, I'm hoping it's going to be about Lincoln and Archer because that's sure to be an interesting story!
Becca Cruz
5.0 out of 5 stars This one was both sweet and hot!
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
This is the first book in the King’s Sport series. To me that means more Damon and possibly Maddox cameos which is just what I need. Thad and Kelley are hot together, despite their rocky start. The beginning of this book was funny, especially if you’ve read Can’t Say Goodbye. After he got over his issues, I really loved how Thad was with Kelley. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
bexbookrex
5.0 out of 5 stars Secrets and steam
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
The Backup Plan by Eden Finley is an awesome romance about a slightly disgruntled intern at a sports agency (Damian King's sports agency, if you remember Finley's Fake Out) and a fairly anxiety ridden baseball pitcher. It's a fun story with secrets and s3x and love.
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Steam - ????????????????????
Humor - ????????????????
Angst - ????????????
Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lisa L Teetz
4.0 out of 5 stars King Sports!
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2024
I was so excited to learn that the author was doing a news series centered around Damon King, where my love for her books began. I really enjoyed Thad and Kelley's story. Poor Kelley was struggling so much with having recently come out and couldn't stop spiraling. Thad and Brady took him off the grid for a few weeks where Thad and Kelley started to connect. They were really sweet together. I loved all the cameos, especially seeing Brady and his men again and the ending was super adorable. I'm really excited to see where the author takes the series next!
Justine
5.0 out of 5 stars Thad and Kelley!! ????
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
Oh man. What a start to this new series! It is perfect. Not only do we get cameos of previous characters, but we get a whole new set of guys to fall in love with. Thad acted ugly at the beginning, but as soon as his perception changes, he is a wonderful character. He is the perfect match for anxious, sweetheart Kelley. I liked the pace of their relationship and their dedication to each other, as well as their careers. There is of course some spice, as well as sweetness that is to be expected from an Eden Finley book. Overall, the backup plan is a wonderful read! I look forward to whoever we get blessed with next!
R.M.
3.0 out of 5 stars 3 ⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
I normally enjoy sports romance and this author in particular but this story and maybe even series was a lot of the same. It wasn’t bad but also nothing to get excited about.
Amity Tribby
5.0 out of 5 stars Turning Pages
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2024
Kelley and Thad sure started off on the wrong foot. I was curious how they were gonna be able to go from that to more, but it was really beautiful to see. They had so much in common, and I enjoyed watching them connect on that level. I felt bad for some of the things Thad had to deal with along the journey. I was glad they were able to help each other move forward stronger than ever. Separations are always hard, but this one was helpful to them really knowing how they felt. Damon is the same as always, and it is a joy to have him around again! Can't wait for the next.

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