ARC REVIEW: "Stealing Second" by Alison Packard

STEALING SECOND

by Alison Packard

Feeling the Heat series, book 5

Katherine Whitton doesn’t purposely avoid men and relationships, but she doesn’t mind that side effect of immersing herself in her job with the San Francisco Blaze. Years ago she was betrayed by her one true love, and she’s never fully recovered, though she’s tried by building a new life in a city she loves.

It’s taken seventeen years for Tom Morgan to get over Katie—Katherine now. Sober now and faced with the incredible opportunity to manage the Blaze, he thinks he’ll finally be able to handle working with this beautiful woman without falling to pieces…as long as she doesn’t get too close.

A crisis with the team's star pitcher forces Tom and Katherine to put in long hours together. Years of animosity melt away as the sexual tension between them ignites. But it’ll take more than scorching kisses to avoid the wreckage of the past. And neither Tom nor Katie are sure they’re ready to trust each other or risk their hearts for a second chance at happiness.

Second chance romances really feed my soul.  It appeals to the romantic in me and nurtures my belief that true love will prevail.  So, when I saw this book up for review of Netgalley, it was a no-brainer. 

Katie and Tom met in high school.  She came from a family that had lots of money, and he did not.  He already struggled with feelings of inadequacy, but he was a great baseball player with a lot of potential.  His future was bright.  He had his sport and he had his one true love.  And then he didn’t.  

Fast forward years and now Katherine is an executive with the San Francisco Blaze.  He is the recently recruited Manager for the baseball team.  They are bound to interact.  For a while, they do in a formal manner but a last minute change of plans puts Katherine on the road with Tom.  

This is not a new story.  Actually, it is a traditional trope.  However, I love that the characters are older, but their relationship is still carries the sweetness and tenderness of first love.  The question is how do they navigate this relationship as adults, not as innocent teens.  

One of the things I like most about Alison Packard’s books in this series is that she is a real sports fan.  Her stories do not just give lip service to the game, but is rooted squarely in the sport.  The game is as much a player in the story as the characters.  You can feel the author’s appreciation.  

IN A NUTSHELL: 
This book moved me, thrilled me, and made me want to go all-in for this couple. 

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where she’s still getting used to the blistering summers and the slot machines in every grocery store. 


When not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and supports her book and chocolate habits, Alison spends most of her free time writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Find her at:  Website | Twitter

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.