I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the first book in the series. Until the last couple of pages, I didn't feel the couple at all.

I think the issue was that we didn't know the cause of Connor's anger issues until far too late in the story. We're told that he's dealt with them, but not shown it; on the first date, even that's thrown into question. It seems pretty reasonable for Reggie to question getting into a long-term relationship here. Meanwhile, when we do find out the original source, it's quite relatable! Most people get mad at the idea of a six-year-old being hurt.

I also didn't find the second breakup believable. The first one, the long-distance part was complicated by the anger issue and they hadn't gotten very emotionally invested yet, so I understand why the characters would just let the split go. But the second? A single clear-as-mud phone call and that's it? I guess as someone who was in a 3.5 year successful long-distance relationship I don't see why this can't work. It's not like Connor wouldn't still look for local work and find something in another few months, and in the meantime you can always arrange meeting up when the tour is near or make a few long weekends here and there.

This ruined the ending a bit too in my opinion; it kinda felt like Reggie was saying "Take this local job I've arranged for you or else it's over!" ( )

I liked this. It started off with Connor and Reggie getting together, but Connor had some serious issues that he needed to work out. Connor was not in a place to be in a relationship. When they come together a couple of years later, things are finally on the right track. There were still some issues to be worked out, such as lack of communication, but these two fell hard for each other and fought for what they deserved. Reggie was a great friend to Ian, and I loved seeing Ian as the great friend to Reggie. I continue to love the whole softball team group. ( )