Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Review: The Shortstop by AM Madden
“Quint and Annie sitting in a tree…K.I.S.S.I.N.G.”
Quint Lawson and Annie Weber heard that childhood song over and over and it never bothered them. Even though Quint was only five, Annie wasn’t just his neighbor. She would become his best friend and the love of his life. Annie wasn’t interested in dolls, or girly things when growing up. A tomboy at heart, having a boy as a best friend suited her just fine. That same boy captured her heart.
Quint had two passions, his girl and baseball. From kindergarten to college, Quint tore up every baseball diamond he played on. His position was shortstop. His talent was undeniable. Professional ball was most definitely in his future, and he was ready for it. Annie would be right by his side.
When everything in life is perfect, it’s hard to imagine heartbreak in any form. Quint wasn’t immune to its power. This shortstop had no idea what any form of heartbreak could do to his perfect world. When it hit, there were many casualties left in its wake…the most important one was Annie.
Can a person be prepared for, understand, or even endure a misfortune if they’ve never experienced one before? In Quint Lawson’s case the answer is no.
The Shortstop is a contemporary romance stand alone novel meant for readers who are 18+ due to mature content.
5 Fantastic Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane
I have to admit that the reviews for this one more than piqued my curiosity. I was scared to read it because some implied there was cheating and I have a hard time swallowing that, but I dug in anyway. And damn, am I glad I did!
This is a fantastic read! Quint Lawson and Annie have been all things for each other since they were toddlers. Both have dreamt of the day Quint could live out his dream to play professional baseball. They've graduated from college and Quint is about to take on the position of shortstop for a minor league team in Baltimore. But there is talk that he will be brought up to the Orioles shortly. He and Annie are both excited and a little overwhelmed with all the attention Quint is receiving. Their parents, who are best friends provide support. Their best friends, Daphne and Billy have an on/off again relationship but would do just about anything for them.
There was never a question whether Annie would be my wife. There wasn't even a question that I would be playing ball in some capacity.
But it doesn't take long for Quint to catch the eye of the Yankees-this team is his ultimate dream-the one he dared himself to dream about. And they want him. And offer big bucks. They tell him not to be surprised if he is their franchise player before long. The press is wild about him and follow him and Annie everywhere.
"Q, you don't have to worry about me. I can handle all the craziness. I've had some experience with it so far," I tease, referring to his many, many pushy groupies.
"Q, I believe in us. You and I are solid. Tornados can easily destroy a weak foundation that wasn't built to withstand ti. I dare anyone to try to take us down." Uh oh..be careful what you wish for...
Annie takes care of all of Quint's personal details while planning their wedding. The dress is bought, the date is saved and things could not be better.
"Through it all, my only concern is that you're okay. None of this will be worth it to me if you aren't happy."
Right a bout 50% into this book, I knew, I just knew the other shoe was going to drop. It didn't just drop; it plummeted right along with my stomach. Quint's injury is potentially the kind to kill his career as a player. It seemed as if the moment he was hurt he completely changed. My Quint love fest turned quickly to disdain and then to all out hatred. He is horrible to those who love him-Annie, his parents, Billy, his teammates. I understand that he is hurting; both physically and mentally, but dear lord no one escapes his rage. Since this story is told from both POV's, we can get inside Quint's head and know his thoughts.
Why can't she be enough for me? It shouldn't matter if I play baseball or flip burgers, having her in my life should be enough. What the F*@k is wrong with me? Why can't I be content without my career?
Hmmm..I'm asking my self the same things. I know that for Quint he sees his self worth in his ability to play ball, so for him to be this shattered he feels worthless and won't let Annie be brought down in his misery. He truly thinks she will be better off without him.
"I can't do this," he suddenly says so quietly, I barely hear him.
"Do what?"
"Us."
Annie is broken and left bleeding. I couldn't stop wiping the steady tears rolling down my cheeks. But thenI got to "that part". There are no words to describe the chest pains I had. I hated Quint, I felt sick to my stomach. I wasn't sure I could keep reading this book.
She's always been my heart, but baseball was my blood. One doesn't work without the other.
Now I am someone who more than occasionally reads the ending first. No judging....But as much as I wanted to, I wouldn't let myself.
Sometimes love isn't enough. I broke her trust. I broke her heart.
I picked my kindle back up and my broken, crushed heart was put back together again. I honestly could not see how things could ever be the same for Annie and Quint again. But trust me, there are twists and turns to this story that you just will not see coming. And they are so good. My soul was repaired, my heart was mended. The epilogue was beautiful and more than I could have hoped for-this one has it all! The angst that will make you reach for your antacid tabs, the sex that will have you chewing ice cubes, the suspense that will have your squirming in your chair dying to know how this is all going to play out. This one is a definite recommended read! Bliss!
I thank God for bringing him back to me.
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