I am just sitting here processing. My heart is so invested in the story of Grant and Declan and their spring training fling that kind of gets out of control. I felt all of the tension, passion, and unexpected feelings along with them. I smiled, I laughed, I swooned. My heart hurt for them at times and celebrated at others. These two make a magical combo that made me fall in love with both of them.

Grant Blackwood is the rookie catcher hoping to earn his slot on the San Francisco Cougars during spring training. He is outgoing, a little awkward, and in awe that he is finally making it. He knows he needs to stay focused and meet his goals. And he is well aware he needs to get over the little crush he has on the shortstop, Declan Steele, who also happens to be the other gay player on his new team. But meeting him in person just solidifies the fact that it will be another challenge. 

Declan is a three-year veteran of the team. He is confident, witty, disciplined, controlled, and private. He plays during the offseason but maintains focus when it is time to get down to business. He never saw the rookie coming. The one that finds his way into his workouts, and starts to get him to open up, and makes him want him when he shouldn't. But these two keep finding themselves giving into the flirting, the attraction, and the sexual tension. 

A kiss leads to an offer Declan cannot refuse. They have rules, stipulations, and a timeline. All should be fine...just fine...

Before they know it they are on a runaway train they cannot seem to stop because not everything is really in their control. 

Oh, how I loved both Grant and Declan. Each of them has past issues that have shaped them and color their decisions. Grant is more inexperienced, but he is no pushover. He knows what he wants, how he wants it, and is not afraid to push, flirt, talk about it, or act on it. Declan is more jaded and is a man who likes to hold onto iron will control, but Grant has the ability to shatter it. He cracks his defenses, challenges him, and also makes him feel protective. I loved Declan's patience and understanding despite his out-of-control need. They balance each other out and bring out the best in the other. Their chemistry sizzles. Their connection is intense and based on more than just the physical. They are volatile and passionate, but also sweet and tender. Their banter is snappy, flirty, and dirty, but they also actually talk about issues and real things. It feels like they are the right person at the wrong time and in the wrong circumstances.

Rules can be necessary, but sometimes they get bent or broken. Sometimes the initial parameters exceed all expectations. 

They have big goals for their lives and stress, but they also have personal needs as well. But they are also living in a pressure cooker trying to do their best in spring training to keep their slot on the team while also keeping their extra-curricular activities a secret. It is a rollercoaster of emotions and self-discovery that will eventually have to come to a turning point. But which way will it go? 

This is a heartfelt, witty, passionate, forbidden, teammates and friends-to-lovers M/M romance with two amazing leading men. Both have painful pasts and bright futures. Both have wants and needs, but also know that baseball should be their focus while in their prime. It's about priorities, finding moments, and making the most of situations. But sometimes when rules get broken, someone has to pay the price. 

Oh my...my heart just stopped as this one ended. Even though we have seen glimpses of these two in some of the other M/F books of this series, it did not make it any less tension-filled or dramatic. It is interesting finding out how much was going on under the radar and their secrets.  I am so attached to these guys and wondering where the rest of their story will eventually take them. This book is also filled with old friends and other colorful characters adding depth, support, and some external drama. I would be interested in more with some of these side characters. 

This story ticked all my boxes with lovable characters, humor, steam, swoon, and angst. I cannot freakin' wait for book two, Winning With Him.