About the Book

My name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis.

I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions.

I'm starting this season as the worst.

And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez.

She walked into my life with her mile long legs and dark brown waves, and threw me the curviest of all curve balls. Overnight my ability to pitch disappeared with my ability to charm, and I found myself riding a one way ticket to being the most expensive bench warmer in the M.L.B.

The only solution: to get Payton to fix what she broke, something she agrees to on one very easy condition.

Before long, what started as a way to get my pitch back, soon turns into any excuse I can find for us to spend time together.

Before long, I have everything I didn't even realize I wanted.

Now I just need to prove to her that while I exist without baseball, I can’t live without her.

Payton Lopez might have thrown me a curve ball, but I’m pitching it right back.

The Shake Off is a grumpy / sunshine, friends with benefits, sizzling TikTok sensation. Perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Elle Kennedy

Review

The Shake Off could have easily been one of my favorite sports romances of the year. Unfortunately, the characters drag this book down. Let’s start with the MMC—Ace. I liked him well enough until too much time was spent with him. He came across as extremely immature, and honestly not a great communicator. After a terrible game, he storms Payton’s apartment and blames her for everything. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

As for Payton, I liked her a lot more than Ace. The problem is her relationship with Ace. Sure, there’s some great chemistry between them; however, the real genuine connection is missing. My feelings could be that way because often I felt Payton to be too good for Ace.

Another issue I had with the book is Payton’s friends— specifically Payton’s friend’s romantic partners. Their dedication to winning came at the expense of Payton. When it eventually came time to apologize, it felt rushed and weak. They said hurtful things to Payton; she should have not forgiven them so easily.

Final Analysis

The Shake Off is entertaining, however; it loses momentum with weak and frustrating characters. There are several apologies directed at the FMC and all of them seemed bland. As for the romance, it feels weak and relies heavily on attraction to sell it.

Buy on Amazon