The Dugout

ok, well, it could've been worse.

i really hated this book at first. it's hard to get through the first few chapters, and i can't even begin to explain how much i hate this whole ‘i'm different from other girls because i'm a girl who likes baseball' concept.

but

there are cute moments. i like the friendship they developed at first, and i was actually enjoying reading that period when they'd become friends and were beginning to develop feelings for each other. it was good, wholesome baseball-ness.

and then it wasn't and it dropped from 3 to 2 stars

by the way: only major leaguers have a lot of $$$. minor leaguers are paid dust and often have to resort to getting part-time jobs to make ends meet, unless they come from a wealthy family/organisation. otherwise, the baseball in this book is accurate, which is why i have to give it more than one star.

I'm reading the Brentwood Boys series right now and out of all the books I've read in the series, thus far, this was my favorite! So often awkwardness between 2 people at the meet-cute stage really makes me feel uncomfortable, but these two characters are so adorable. How can you not love them both? I actually cried and laughed so much while reading this book that I became sad as it was winding down to the end. Thankfully, with the series we'll be reading more about them. I would definitely recommend this stand-alone to anyone who loves romcoms and baseball romance.

This was so good!!! Carson was so funny and charming. Chip on his shoulder, and let's his emotions get the best of him.

Milly is all about baseball. She knows the mechanics better than anyone, and is trying to break the mold for female coaching.

Carson is first not willing to give her a shot after coming back from an injury, but ultimately does once he sees she knows her stuff.

Was reallllllly hoping there wouldn't be a TAB, but such is life. The slow grand gesture was sweet, and we are glad for a happy ending. Milly deserves the best so I think Carson (once he got his head on right) is the best for her.

I'm giving it a 3 (rounding up honestly) because I loved Milly and I was sucked in hard for the first half.

But Carson was a walking red flag for me from page one. He totally outed himself as a giant man child who can't help but be an asshole to others when he's going through something. But like ok he maybe he was just grumpy, and he was self aware and seemed to want to change so I let it go.


Mentally insert Tyra Banks we were all rooting for you here

SILLY ME I WAS RIGHT HE'S A DICKHEAD AND MILLY SHOULDN'T HAVE FORGIVEN HIM. Sorry but going through a hard time isn't a good reason to treat good people like shit.

So Carson's a clown he gets no stars. I loved essentially every other character Milly was such a sweetie, Dennis was the cutest, her best friends were awesome, her brothers were awesome. They all get 4 stars at least.

4.5/5