I live and breathe baseball. 99% of my free time in the spring, summer and fall is spent watching my boys either play or practice baseball. So when J. Sterling said she was writing a book where one of the main characters was a baseball player, I about jumped out of my seat in anticipation. Then when she asked me to read an advanced copy, I about peed my pants. I am honored, elated, and nervous that this review will not do it justice.In short, I LOVED it! I devoured it. It provided a rollercoaster of emotions that brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.
First, we have Jack Carter, the infamous baseball player. Egotistical, cocky, a typical player...I hate him. No, I love him. No, no...I REALLY hate him. No wait...I love him. Ack! I couldn't make up my mind. His actions and choices had me swooning one minute and then the next I wanted to punch him in the face. In the end, he won me over, but it was quite the ride.
Next we have Cassie Andrews. Fiesty, fun, and a talented photographer...she's been hurt in the past by people she loves and when Jack shows a liking to her, she has a hard time letting him in.
I think that where J. Sterling really shined was in her ability to create side characters you could love and and characters you could hate. Melissa (besides having an awesome name) was supportive, caring, and critical to the story line. She was everything a best friend should be. And then there is Chrystle. I think Chrystle can be added to my list of favorite characters to hate. From the minute she was introduced in the story, she made my skin crawl. I wanted to punch her, I wanted to scream at her, and she was the reason that I almost threw my Kindle against the wall.
I really think that Miss Sterling has grown in her writing in The Perfect Game. She allowed characteristics of herself to shine through the characters, she stepped out of the box with a couple sex scenes, and her level of writing has matured.
I gave this book 5 stars for it's ability to grab my attention, hold my attention, and keep me entertained. It was in J. Sterling's ability to physically make me cry that the 5th star was awarded. The fact that I could relate to the characters in such a way to hurt when they hurt and cry when they cry was the turning point for me.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants a love story with character, a little bit a angst, emotion, and an ending that will leave you satisfied.