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
5.0 out of 5 stars .
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.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun agent/athlete, baseball romance!
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!
5.0 out of 5 stars This one was both sweet and hot!
5.0 out of 5 stars Secrets and steam
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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