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Balls in Play #1
Anything but Minor
“She’s a nerd.�
“H!�
“Okay, she’s a flight instructor.�
“Bٳٱ.�
“He’s a ballplayer.�
“The best that ever was.�
“Technically, you aren’t according to MLB stats.�
“See? Total nerd. She also has no filter.�
“He’s no southern gentlemen.�
“I had one last season to prove my worth.�
“I’d never seen a game.�
“He told me he was a player.�
“She told me she was a lesbian.�
“But you fell in love with me anyway.�
“Yeah, baby, I totally did.�
“H!�
“Okay, she’s a flight instructor.�
“Bٳٱ.�
“He’s a ballplayer.�
“The best that ever was.�
“Technically, you aren’t according to MLB stats.�
“See? Total nerd. She also has no filter.�
“He’s no southern gentlemen.�
“I had one last season to prove my worth.�
“I’d never seen a game.�
“He told me he was a player.�
“She told me she was a lesbian.�
“But you fell in love with me anyway.�
“Yeah, baby, I totally did.�
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2016
1169 people are currently reading
7810 people want to read
About the author
Kate Stewart
51books23.4kfollowersUSA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in
North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blueridge
Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as
well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was
named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and
Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the ŷ Choice awards
for best contemporary romance of 2017. The Ravenhood Trilogy,
consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, has become an
international bestseller and reader favorite. Her holiday release, The Plight
Before Christmas, ranked #6 on Amazon’s Top 100. Kate’s works have
been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News,
Huffington Post and translated into a dozen languages.
Kate is a lover of all things �80s and �90s, especially John Hughes films and
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
Contact Kate- [email protected]
Facebook Group: ...
Newsletter signup:
...
Website-
Facebook-...
Instagram:
North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blueridge
Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as
well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was
named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and
Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the ŷ Choice awards
for best contemporary romance of 2017. The Ravenhood Trilogy,
consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, has become an
international bestseller and reader favorite. Her holiday release, The Plight
Before Christmas, ranked #6 on Amazon’s Top 100. Kate’s works have
been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News,
Huffington Post and translated into a dozen languages.
Kate is a lover of all things �80s and �90s, especially John Hughes films and
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
Contact Kate- [email protected]
Facebook Group: ...
Newsletter signup:
...
Website-
Facebook-...
Instagram:
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,194 reviews
September 16, 2017
5 stars!!!
Anything but Minor is one of those books that has it all. It’s laugh out loud funny, sweet, swoony and steamy. Nothing is better than finishing a book and thinking ‘I loved everything about this,� and that’s exactly what I thought after I finished this book. AbM is a sports romance, a romantic comedy, and it has one of my favorite tropes- where the ‘nerdy� girl gets the cool guy.
Alice has left Ohio for a new adventure in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. She is a pilot/flight instructor at a new place in Charleston. Alice truly is up for an adventure and wants to explore her new city. Which is how she meets minor league baseball player, Rafe Hembrey.
Alice finds herself at a local baseball game sitting next to a woman named Dutch when she first sees Rafe play. She is enamored with him at first sight, and he notices her, too. Later when she goes for drinks at a local bar, Rafe is there. I would love to say these two hit it off from the start, but that wouldn’t be 100% truthful.
Rafe ‘Bullet� Hembery is a local sports star. He had his chance to go to the majors when he was younger, but he couldn’t take it. This is his year. This is the year everyone knows it will happen for him. This is not the year he needs to start a relationship. Rafe knows he needs to focus on his game, but how can he possibly do that with Alice around? Not only is she beautiful, but she’s smart, quirky and fun.
Watching things progress between these two was so much fun. I loved the beginning moments where they’re just starting to get to know each other. I loved seeing their relationship grow into so much more than just fun and flirty friendship. I loved it all.
Rafe and Alice’s love story was magical- and comical. I can’t count how many times I laughed during this story. It was so much more than just a funny book, though. I fell in love with these characters. And it wasn’t just the main characters. There were a plethora of side characters that were so fantastic and added so much to the story. Andy, Dutch, Kristina, Alice’s mom.
Rafe Hembrey is a wonderful hero, but I can’t help but share my love for all things Alice. To me, she stole the show. Alice is a hoot. Her crazy antics made me laugh non-stop. I loved her addiction to google, 80’s movies and her nervous tendencies. She really went out of her comfort zone to try something new and I admired that about her. I truly loved her outlook on life and how she was determined to make every day her best day. Alice really is the best!
With Anything but Minor, Kate Stewart proved that she really can write anything. Emotional stories, angsty books, erotica, and now- sports romance/comedy. I love all her books, but AbM is by far one of my favorites of hers. If you’re looking for a story to fall in love with that has the best heroine ever, a wonderful hero, and lots of laughs and love- this is one I highly recommend!
Anything but Minor is one of those books that has it all. It’s laugh out loud funny, sweet, swoony and steamy. Nothing is better than finishing a book and thinking ‘I loved everything about this,� and that’s exactly what I thought after I finished this book. AbM is a sports romance, a romantic comedy, and it has one of my favorite tropes- where the ‘nerdy� girl gets the cool guy.
Alice has left Ohio for a new adventure in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. She is a pilot/flight instructor at a new place in Charleston. Alice truly is up for an adventure and wants to explore her new city. Which is how she meets minor league baseball player, Rafe Hembrey.
Alice finds herself at a local baseball game sitting next to a woman named Dutch when she first sees Rafe play. She is enamored with him at first sight, and he notices her, too. Later when she goes for drinks at a local bar, Rafe is there. I would love to say these two hit it off from the start, but that wouldn’t be 100% truthful.
Rafe ‘Bullet� Hembery is a local sports star. He had his chance to go to the majors when he was younger, but he couldn’t take it. This is his year. This is the year everyone knows it will happen for him. This is not the year he needs to start a relationship. Rafe knows he needs to focus on his game, but how can he possibly do that with Alice around? Not only is she beautiful, but she’s smart, quirky and fun.
Watching things progress between these two was so much fun. I loved the beginning moments where they’re just starting to get to know each other. I loved seeing their relationship grow into so much more than just fun and flirty friendship. I loved it all.
Rafe and Alice’s love story was magical- and comical. I can’t count how many times I laughed during this story. It was so much more than just a funny book, though. I fell in love with these characters. And it wasn’t just the main characters. There were a plethora of side characters that were so fantastic and added so much to the story. Andy, Dutch, Kristina, Alice’s mom.
Rafe Hembrey is a wonderful hero, but I can’t help but share my love for all things Alice. To me, she stole the show. Alice is a hoot. Her crazy antics made me laugh non-stop. I loved her addiction to google, 80’s movies and her nervous tendencies. She really went out of her comfort zone to try something new and I admired that about her. I truly loved her outlook on life and how she was determined to make every day her best day. Alice really is the best!
With Anything but Minor, Kate Stewart proved that she really can write anything. Emotional stories, angsty books, erotica, and now- sports romance/comedy. I love all her books, but AbM is by far one of my favorites of hers. If you’re looking for a story to fall in love with that has the best heroine ever, a wonderful hero, and lots of laughs and love- this is one I highly recommend!
August 8, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
If you haven’t read anything by this author, 'Anything but Minor' is the perfect book to start with. Kate’s Stewart’s storytelling really appeals to me, so when I heard her new book is not only an entertaining as hell read, but also a fantastic rom com, I just knew I had to get my hands on it. I love romantic comedies and Kate Steward delivered a perfect one � funny and steamy with two endearing characters and delightful dialogue and banter.
Alice left Ohio and has moved to Charleston, South Carolina in search of a new life full of adventure. Growing up with a strict mother who kept her sheltered from all the great things, Alice is really looking forward to be free and live her own life. Wanting to try something new, Alice finds herself at a local baseball game for the local minor league team. There she meets Rafe, who seems to be attracted with Alice as much as she is with him.
Rafe ‘Bullet� Hembery is the local star pitcher. Years ago he had the chance to be in the major league team, but something happened and he missed the chance. This year, seems to be the lucky year for Rafe, the year when his biggest dream will come true. His fans know and he knows it as well, so he only has to stay focused. But is hard to stay focused when you’re around Alice. Rafe wants Alice is his bed and he makes it clear from the beginning, but Alice is not that type of girl who sleeps around. If at the beginning, Alice believes Rafe is an irresponsible womanizer, as she gets to know him better she realizes that there is more to Rafe than he lets on. Rafe knows now it’s not the perfect time for a relationship, but as he gets to know Alice better he finds out Alice is special, that she is funny, sweet and smart and perfect for him in every way.
This was such a great read! It made me smile, laugh and swoon from the beginning until the end. What made this book enjoyable to me was the way the humor and steam were perfectly blend. I love this author’s sense of humor and strong relatable heroines as much as I love her swoon-worthy heroes. I loved Alice and Rafe individually and I loved them together. Alice was a fantastic heroine. She was smart, nerdy, quirky and really adorable and I honestly had a blast being in her head. I loved her personality, her cool job as a flight instructor, how courageous she was to move away and live her life on her own, the fact that she loved old 80’s movies and last, but not least her addiction to Google. I enjoyed how loud and opinionated she was at times and I absolutely loved how she lived her life - to the fullest. I have to say I appreciated the fact that she wasn’t naïve or immature in any way, even if she was in some way innocent. She could have easily been, but fortunately for me she wasn’t portrayed in such a way.
Rafe was a great hero as well and I have to say I really liked the fact that he wasn’t portrayed as an asshole. He was sweet, friendly, thoughtful, considerate and overall I really liked him, but I wouldn’t have minded his character to be a little more developed.
Alice and Rafe’s relationship development was fantastically done and it was without a doubt my favorite aspect of this story. Their relationship progressed naturally and I had such a great time being in their heads as they became more than friends. It was wonderful to witness the transition from friends to lovers between them. I loved the witty, entertaining dialogue between them, the sexual innuendos that made me grin so many times and all the sweet and sexy moments between them as the story unfolded. Trust me when I say it was very easy for me to fall in love with both of these characters.
I mentioned above how steamy this story was…and yeah, it really was. The sexual encounters between Alice and Rafe were well written and so very sexy, maybe because the chemistry between them was palpable and so well done from the beginning. The cast of supporting characters were engaging, fantastically written as well and I’m so looking forward to read their own stories in the near future.
All in all, 'Anything but Minor' was a wonderful romantic comedy. If you love quirky heroines, sweet and sexy heroes and delightful dialogue then you don’t want to miss this one!
If you haven’t read anything by this author, 'Anything but Minor' is the perfect book to start with. Kate’s Stewart’s storytelling really appeals to me, so when I heard her new book is not only an entertaining as hell read, but also a fantastic rom com, I just knew I had to get my hands on it. I love romantic comedies and Kate Steward delivered a perfect one � funny and steamy with two endearing characters and delightful dialogue and banter.
“This woman was insane, but the kind of insane you gravitated toward. There was nothing generic about her. She didn’t hold back on anything, not her wrath, her opinion, or her compliments, which she gave freely.�
Alice left Ohio and has moved to Charleston, South Carolina in search of a new life full of adventure. Growing up with a strict mother who kept her sheltered from all the great things, Alice is really looking forward to be free and live her own life. Wanting to try something new, Alice finds herself at a local baseball game for the local minor league team. There she meets Rafe, who seems to be attracted with Alice as much as she is with him.
Rafe ‘Bullet� Hembery is the local star pitcher. Years ago he had the chance to be in the major league team, but something happened and he missed the chance. This year, seems to be the lucky year for Rafe, the year when his biggest dream will come true. His fans know and he knows it as well, so he only has to stay focused. But is hard to stay focused when you’re around Alice. Rafe wants Alice is his bed and he makes it clear from the beginning, but Alice is not that type of girl who sleeps around. If at the beginning, Alice believes Rafe is an irresponsible womanizer, as she gets to know him better she realizes that there is more to Rafe than he lets on. Rafe knows now it’s not the perfect time for a relationship, but as he gets to know Alice better he finds out Alice is special, that she is funny, sweet and smart and perfect for him in every way.
This was such a great read! It made me smile, laugh and swoon from the beginning until the end. What made this book enjoyable to me was the way the humor and steam were perfectly blend. I love this author’s sense of humor and strong relatable heroines as much as I love her swoon-worthy heroes. I loved Alice and Rafe individually and I loved them together. Alice was a fantastic heroine. She was smart, nerdy, quirky and really adorable and I honestly had a blast being in her head. I loved her personality, her cool job as a flight instructor, how courageous she was to move away and live her life on her own, the fact that she loved old 80’s movies and last, but not least her addiction to Google. I enjoyed how loud and opinionated she was at times and I absolutely loved how she lived her life - to the fullest. I have to say I appreciated the fact that she wasn’t naïve or immature in any way, even if she was in some way innocent. She could have easily been, but fortunately for me she wasn’t portrayed in such a way.
“I’m happy. For the first time in a long time, I’m happy. You showed me what it looks like and then you became a reason.�
Rafe was a great hero as well and I have to say I really liked the fact that he wasn’t portrayed as an asshole. He was sweet, friendly, thoughtful, considerate and overall I really liked him, but I wouldn’t have minded his character to be a little more developed.
Alice and Rafe’s relationship development was fantastically done and it was without a doubt my favorite aspect of this story. Their relationship progressed naturally and I had such a great time being in their heads as they became more than friends. It was wonderful to witness the transition from friends to lovers between them. I loved the witty, entertaining dialogue between them, the sexual innuendos that made me grin so many times and all the sweet and sexy moments between them as the story unfolded. Trust me when I say it was very easy for me to fall in love with both of these characters.
I mentioned above how steamy this story was…and yeah, it really was. The sexual encounters between Alice and Rafe were well written and so very sexy, maybe because the chemistry between them was palpable and so well done from the beginning. The cast of supporting characters were engaging, fantastically written as well and I’m so looking forward to read their own stories in the near future.
All in all, 'Anything but Minor' was a wonderful romantic comedy. If you love quirky heroines, sweet and sexy heroes and delightful dialogue then you don’t want to miss this one!
February 9, 2017
5++++++++++RAFE HEMBRY IS ALL MINE STARS
{Beta Read}
It was selfish of me to ask her to take me the way I was, with only the time I could give, but I wanted her in a way I could never explain, or try to. She had so much strength, so much ability. She was so fiercely independent at times I couldn't believe she could need anyone at all. But she trusted me, she looked out for me and when we were together I could feel her need for me. She was everything I'd ever wanted and never thought I would find in a woman.
So I happen to really love Kate Stewart to the moon and back. She's honestly the most genuine and beautiful person inside and out. And she's so FLIPPING HILARIOUS. I told her that she should try her hand at writing a RomCom and how I just love those and sports themed romances. Wouldn't you know she already had Anything But Minor in that brilliant and beautiful mind of hers!!!!!
I 100% LOVED THIS BOOK TO PIECES!!!!!!! From beginning to end it was PERFECTION!! Kate has always been one of my favorite authors and is a very gifted and versatile writer, but I truly feel that ROMCOM is her niche!! This book is equivalent to a World Series win for Kate Stewart!! I laughed so hard and fell madly in love with RAFE HEMBRY!!!! Not only did Kate deliver a superb story but she also created one of the most loveable and unforgettable heroines I have come across to date. Alice Boyd was adorably geeky and quite the google search expert. I loved her exuberance and vivaciousness. She was always willing to try something new and I admired her for her courage to just pack up and move to a place where she had not one friend or family member there to support her.
Alice lands a job at Boeing as a flight instructor in Charleston, South Carolina. She’s leaving her hometown and excited to be starting her new life. She decides to go on a little tour of the Downtown area and stumbles upon a flyer for an upcoming Swampgators baseball game. Little did she know that this flyer would change her life forever.
Rafe Hembry is the up and coming star player for the Swampgators. Major League talent scouts have him on their radar. The moment he spots Alice in the stands, he feels an instant attraction and she definitely is awestruck at the sight of Rafe. Alice is quite the klutz and it’s almost a given that she will land herself in an embarrassing situation and oftentimes it happens whenever Rafe is around. The two become fast friends but always with the undercurrent of pure want between them. No matter how hard Rafe tries to seduce her, Alice is fearful that she will be just a passing fancy for him and she’d rather hold on to the friendship they share than to lose him to a moment of lust. But as time passes they both realize that there is something pretty special building between them and neither will be able to deny their attraction any longer.
When Rafe and Alice give in to their burning passion for each other I may have felt myself about to combust from the explosive heat generated between them. Holy Hell, get ready to feel the earth move and bookcases fall!!! And once things start to get serious between them, I was a swooning mess!!
This is a book to be savored and I promise you that the story hooks you in from the beginning and will have you laughing, panting, and maybe even shedding a few tears of joy when all is said and done. It is definitely a book that I will be revisiting quite often.
If you’ve never read anything by Kate Stewart, I highly recommend that you start with this one right here. It’s the PERFECT summer read!!!
ANYTHING BUT MINOR is available NOW!!!
Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
Amazon CA
Kobo:
{Beta Read}
It was selfish of me to ask her to take me the way I was, with only the time I could give, but I wanted her in a way I could never explain, or try to. She had so much strength, so much ability. She was so fiercely independent at times I couldn't believe she could need anyone at all. But she trusted me, she looked out for me and when we were together I could feel her need for me. She was everything I'd ever wanted and never thought I would find in a woman.
So I happen to really love Kate Stewart to the moon and back. She's honestly the most genuine and beautiful person inside and out. And she's so FLIPPING HILARIOUS. I told her that she should try her hand at writing a RomCom and how I just love those and sports themed romances. Wouldn't you know she already had Anything But Minor in that brilliant and beautiful mind of hers!!!!!
I 100% LOVED THIS BOOK TO PIECES!!!!!!! From beginning to end it was PERFECTION!! Kate has always been one of my favorite authors and is a very gifted and versatile writer, but I truly feel that ROMCOM is her niche!! This book is equivalent to a World Series win for Kate Stewart!! I laughed so hard and fell madly in love with RAFE HEMBRY!!!! Not only did Kate deliver a superb story but she also created one of the most loveable and unforgettable heroines I have come across to date. Alice Boyd was adorably geeky and quite the google search expert. I loved her exuberance and vivaciousness. She was always willing to try something new and I admired her for her courage to just pack up and move to a place where she had not one friend or family member there to support her.
Alice lands a job at Boeing as a flight instructor in Charleston, South Carolina. She’s leaving her hometown and excited to be starting her new life. She decides to go on a little tour of the Downtown area and stumbles upon a flyer for an upcoming Swampgators baseball game. Little did she know that this flyer would change her life forever.
Rafe Hembry is the up and coming star player for the Swampgators. Major League talent scouts have him on their radar. The moment he spots Alice in the stands, he feels an instant attraction and she definitely is awestruck at the sight of Rafe. Alice is quite the klutz and it’s almost a given that she will land herself in an embarrassing situation and oftentimes it happens whenever Rafe is around. The two become fast friends but always with the undercurrent of pure want between them. No matter how hard Rafe tries to seduce her, Alice is fearful that she will be just a passing fancy for him and she’d rather hold on to the friendship they share than to lose him to a moment of lust. But as time passes they both realize that there is something pretty special building between them and neither will be able to deny their attraction any longer.
When Rafe and Alice give in to their burning passion for each other I may have felt myself about to combust from the explosive heat generated between them. Holy Hell, get ready to feel the earth move and bookcases fall!!! And once things start to get serious between them, I was a swooning mess!!
This is a book to be savored and I promise you that the story hooks you in from the beginning and will have you laughing, panting, and maybe even shedding a few tears of joy when all is said and done. It is definitely a book that I will be revisiting quite often.
If you’ve never read anything by Kate Stewart, I highly recommend that you start with this one right here. It’s the PERFECT summer read!!!
ANYTHING BUT MINOR is available NOW!!!
Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
Amazon CA
Kobo:
August 26, 2016
➦This is a type of story that is certainly enjoyable to read but not very memorable. In fact, if I'm being honest, in a couple months time the only thing that I'll probably remember from this book will be the heroine who pisses herself when she gets nervous. The heroine here is entertaining and unique, that's for sure.
➦There is some fun banter and a couple of hot scenes... BUT WAIT! There's a big conflict here! How on earth can you be with someone who is about to be drafted into a major baseball league and make a shit ton of money? I mean, it's not like you are single and hate your job anyways and can relocate and may be find a different job closer to
�Will they figure it out in the end? I'm on stand by with a medal, in case they do.
➦To sum it up, I liked the book but it was lacking angst for me. Or the reason behind so called angst.
August 14, 2016
Katerina's Heart vs Katerina's Brain, Episode 2
Narrator: Brain and Heart engaged in a vivid argument regarding 's rating.
Heart: 4 stars and I won't negotiate it!
Brain: You can't be serious!! The heinous cover is reason enough to subtract at least one star! How did you even convince me to read this book?
Heart:
Brain: ...
Heart: Fine, I thought it would be unfair to not give it a shot just because of the naked dude on the cover! We were told it would be a funny, cute and sexy sports romance and that's what we got, right?
Brain: Allow me to express some objections!
Heart: Here it comes
Brain: The pacing was inconsistent!
Heart: I don't care!
Brain: Alice could be silly in a not-adorable way!
Heart: She wanted to live and she did it, that's admirable! I know people who do nothing but sit on their butt and read all summer long!
Brain:
Heart: That's so typical of you. You never consider my feelings!
Brain: And I won't start now. As I was saying, Alice was too much and Rafe bipolar! He could be really sweet and caring and in the next chapter he would become distant and cold for no obvious reason!
Heart: But he made up for these mistakes!
Brain: Don't pretend that you weren't hurt, I know you were!
Heart: Fine, I was, but then he'd do something adorable and I would forgive him! Plus, he's hot!
Brain: Can't argue with that...
Heart: *sings off-tune* Off with his shirt
Brain: *reluctanlty continues* Strip him down
Don't be shy boys, go to town
I'll bet that chest
Is heaven blessed
So firm and put
Heart: So, 4 stars right? We laughed, we swooned, we had a great time!
Brain: No, I am not completely satisfied!
Heart: 4!
Brain: 3!
Heart: 3.5!
Brain: Deal!
Heart:
There are no half stars! So, it's 4!
Narrator: Brain lost the fight, but the war was not over yet. One day, Brain would dominate Heart and they would stop reading cheesy romances and chick lit and all that jazz. But today was not that day.
P.S. If you want to read the first episode, click here!
Narrator: Brain and Heart engaged in a vivid argument regarding 's rating.
Heart: 4 stars and I won't negotiate it!
Brain: You can't be serious!! The heinous cover is reason enough to subtract at least one star! How did you even convince me to read this book?
Heart:
Brain: ...
Heart: Fine, I thought it would be unfair to not give it a shot just because of the naked dude on the cover! We were told it would be a funny, cute and sexy sports romance and that's what we got, right?
Brain: Allow me to express some objections!
Heart: Here it comes
Brain: The pacing was inconsistent!
Heart: I don't care!
Brain: Alice could be silly in a not-adorable way!
Heart: She wanted to live and she did it, that's admirable! I know people who do nothing but sit on their butt and read all summer long!
Brain:
Heart: That's so typical of you. You never consider my feelings!
Brain: And I won't start now. As I was saying, Alice was too much and Rafe bipolar! He could be really sweet and caring and in the next chapter he would become distant and cold for no obvious reason!
Heart: But he made up for these mistakes!
Brain: Don't pretend that you weren't hurt, I know you were!
Heart: Fine, I was, but then he'd do something adorable and I would forgive him! Plus, he's hot!
Brain: Can't argue with that...
Heart: *sings off-tune* Off with his shirt
Brain: *reluctanlty continues* Strip him down
Don't be shy boys, go to town
I'll bet that chest
Is heaven blessed
So firm and put
Heart: So, 4 stars right? We laughed, we swooned, we had a great time!
Brain: No, I am not completely satisfied!
Heart: 4!
Brain: 3!
Heart: 3.5!
Brain: Deal!
Heart:
There are no half stars! So, it's 4!
Narrator: Brain lost the fight, but the war was not over yet. One day, Brain would dominate Heart and they would stop reading cheesy romances and chick lit and all that jazz. But today was not that day.
P.S. If you want to read the first episode, click here!
June 25, 2017
5+ 'No end' Stars!
This is my first book by Kate Stewart, can you believe it? I saw a while ago many of my friends/bloggers raving about Anything but Minor. Many of them gave this novel high ratings and let me tell you, now I understand why. I ADORED every single word of this!
Anything but Minor is the first installment of Kate's Balls in Play series and it tells the story of Rafe 'Bullet' Hembrey (the hot and funny minor league baseball player that is now at his best to take a step further in his career and things get interesting when "Lesbian Alice" turns his world upside down) and Alice Boyd (a nerdy young woman and flight instructor who is ready to have the world at her feet after having a very lonely life; little does she know how certain playboy will change everything for her..).
“I’m not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe.�
“I’m pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice.�
This book is the perfect rom com: it's extremely funny, smart and smoking hot! Anything but Minor starts with a very engaging plot: a sports romance where the nerdy girl gets the forever-playboy to fall in love with her. Rafe and Alice have an out-of-this-world chemistry, the sexual tension is there from the beginning and their dialogues are full of banter. As the movie junkie that I am, can I say I loved all the movie references? I can totally identify myself with Alice lol This is the perfect love story, with a great outline and incredible main and secondary characters.
There was just something about her I couldn’t shake. Maybe it was her innocence, her honesty, or maybe it was just her.
“Don’t move. I’m going to take a shower and then undress you again.�
“O첹.�
“Wow, we made you agreeable, too.�
“Stop referring to your junk as another entity, Rafe. It’s creepy.�
“We’ll shut you up again soon.�
I loved that our protagonists started as friends and not directly as lovers. Obviously, the tension between them started the first moment they see each other but I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. They give us extraordinary moments together and when they finally have sex, OH MY GOD. The sex was absolutely amazing and off-the-charts hot! And when you mix that with super-funny moments and strong feelings getting involved? Even freaking better!
“I, Alice Boyd.�
“I, Alice Boyd.�
“Do solemnly swear.�
“Do solemnly swear,� I said in a dull monotone.
“To praise the penis of Rafe Hembrey.�
“To praise the penis of Rafe Hembrey.�
“I promise to love, honor, and cherish his penis and only his penis.�
“Are you serious right now?�
“You called my penis Jake Ryan.�
“It’s the highest of compliments, I swear.�
“You were made for me. You fit me like a glove. I want you always to remember that.� He leaned in and sucked on my shoulder as his hot gaze burned me. “I love you. I love your body. I love being inside this pussy. You. Are. Everything. My everything.�
These two are so sexy and hilarious! And.. can I have Rafe Hembrey please? Pretty please? I am so in love/lust with this man, seriously! I love when a novel makes me fall in love with the characters and when it makes me feel every emotion possible and this did it for me: I laughed, I cried and I did everything in between too lol Anything but Minor is one of my favorite reads this year and my favorite comedy, for sure! I cannot wait for the next book!
“What has gotten into you, Rafe Hembrey?�
“I’m happy. For the first time in a long time, I’m happy. You showed me what it looks like and then you became a reason.�
Therefore, I am rating Anything but Minor with 5+ STARS: there was no single doubt that I would be rating it with my special 6 star rating because it definitely deserves it! I felt everything with this book, I loved the writing style and how Kate developed the plot and the love story! Who complains about that? Who complains about Rafe Hembrey and all the fantastic moments he gave us with Alice? Not me! So, of course, I highly HIGHLY recommend it!
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This is my first book by Kate Stewart, can you believe it? I saw a while ago many of my friends/bloggers raving about Anything but Minor. Many of them gave this novel high ratings and let me tell you, now I understand why. I ADORED every single word of this!
Anything but Minor is the first installment of Kate's Balls in Play series and it tells the story of Rafe 'Bullet' Hembrey (the hot and funny minor league baseball player that is now at his best to take a step further in his career and things get interesting when "Lesbian Alice" turns his world upside down) and Alice Boyd (a nerdy young woman and flight instructor who is ready to have the world at her feet after having a very lonely life; little does she know how certain playboy will change everything for her..).
“I’m not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe.�
“I’m pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice.�
This book is the perfect rom com: it's extremely funny, smart and smoking hot! Anything but Minor starts with a very engaging plot: a sports romance where the nerdy girl gets the forever-playboy to fall in love with her. Rafe and Alice have an out-of-this-world chemistry, the sexual tension is there from the beginning and their dialogues are full of banter. As the movie junkie that I am, can I say I loved all the movie references? I can totally identify myself with Alice lol This is the perfect love story, with a great outline and incredible main and secondary characters.
There was just something about her I couldn’t shake. Maybe it was her innocence, her honesty, or maybe it was just her.
“Don’t move. I’m going to take a shower and then undress you again.�
“O첹.�
“Wow, we made you agreeable, too.�
“Stop referring to your junk as another entity, Rafe. It’s creepy.�
“We’ll shut you up again soon.�
I loved that our protagonists started as friends and not directly as lovers. Obviously, the tension between them started the first moment they see each other but I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. They give us extraordinary moments together and when they finally have sex, OH MY GOD. The sex was absolutely amazing and off-the-charts hot! And when you mix that with super-funny moments and strong feelings getting involved? Even freaking better!
“I, Alice Boyd.�
“I, Alice Boyd.�
“Do solemnly swear.�
“Do solemnly swear,� I said in a dull monotone.
“To praise the penis of Rafe Hembrey.�
“To praise the penis of Rafe Hembrey.�
“I promise to love, honor, and cherish his penis and only his penis.�
“Are you serious right now?�
“You called my penis Jake Ryan.�
“It’s the highest of compliments, I swear.�
“You were made for me. You fit me like a glove. I want you always to remember that.� He leaned in and sucked on my shoulder as his hot gaze burned me. “I love you. I love your body. I love being inside this pussy. You. Are. Everything. My everything.�
These two are so sexy and hilarious! And.. can I have Rafe Hembrey please? Pretty please? I am so in love/lust with this man, seriously! I love when a novel makes me fall in love with the characters and when it makes me feel every emotion possible and this did it for me: I laughed, I cried and I did everything in between too lol Anything but Minor is one of my favorite reads this year and my favorite comedy, for sure! I cannot wait for the next book!
“What has gotten into you, Rafe Hembrey?�
“I’m happy. For the first time in a long time, I’m happy. You showed me what it looks like and then you became a reason.�
Therefore, I am rating Anything but Minor with 5+ STARS: there was no single doubt that I would be rating it with my special 6 star rating because it definitely deserves it! I felt everything with this book, I loved the writing style and how Kate developed the plot and the love story! Who complains about that? Who complains about Rafe Hembrey and all the fantastic moments he gave us with Alice? Not me! So, of course, I highly HIGHLY recommend it!
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July 3, 2017
4 "No End" Stars!
Many people will not read this book because of the cover lol. But I'm telling you guys, this book is so worth it! I enjoyed and not just because it's a pretty guilty-pleasure book, but because it's just one of those stories that have the ability to steal my heart away.
The story was told from each of the main characters' POV, pilot instructor Alice Boyd and Swampgator baseball pitcher Rafe Hembrey. Alice left her hometown and went to Charleston to "stay away" from her strict mom and basically live her life to the fullest. There, she met the sexy playboy baseball star Rafe who made it a point right after their first meeting that he was attracted to her and he wanted them to hook-up. Alice resisted him at first, but because Rafe was just too difficult to avoid, and because she promised a woman named Dutch to watch every Swampgator game, she soon fell for him.
Their love story was so plain and simple and I still loved it. There's just something about Rafe and Alice's chemistry that is so addictive. I loved their push and pull relationship, the way they handled the obstacles around them, and how they became better persons even if their family was not perfect.
Anything But Minor is a light-hearted, sexy New Adult sports romance that didn't fail to capture my heart from start to finish. Rafe was not a perfect male lead. At times he was being an asshole, but he was a redeemable character. Alice, on the other hand, was such a quirky character and she's the kind of person that I would really love to be friends with. NA fans, you don't want to miss this book!
Many people will not read this book because of the cover lol. But I'm telling you guys, this book is so worth it! I enjoyed and not just because it's a pretty guilty-pleasure book, but because it's just one of those stories that have the ability to steal my heart away.
The story was told from each of the main characters' POV, pilot instructor Alice Boyd and Swampgator baseball pitcher Rafe Hembrey. Alice left her hometown and went to Charleston to "stay away" from her strict mom and basically live her life to the fullest. There, she met the sexy playboy baseball star Rafe who made it a point right after their first meeting that he was attracted to her and he wanted them to hook-up. Alice resisted him at first, but because Rafe was just too difficult to avoid, and because she promised a woman named Dutch to watch every Swampgator game, she soon fell for him.
Their love story was so plain and simple and I still loved it. There's just something about Rafe and Alice's chemistry that is so addictive. I loved their push and pull relationship, the way they handled the obstacles around them, and how they became better persons even if their family was not perfect.
Anything But Minor is a light-hearted, sexy New Adult sports romance that didn't fail to capture my heart from start to finish. Rafe was not a perfect male lead. At times he was being an asshole, but he was a redeemable character. Alice, on the other hand, was such a quirky character and she's the kind of person that I would really love to be friends with. NA fans, you don't want to miss this book!
October 29, 2016
Title: Anything But Minor
Series: Balls in Play #1
Author: Kate Stewart
Release date: July 15, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
I'm not gonna lie, this smokin' cover had a big part in convincing me to read this book. And don't even pretend that you didn't do a double take when you saw it. *cheesy grin* This is my first read by Kate Stewart believe it or not. I've been telling myself to check her work out for a while now, so when I saw this sports romance announced I jumped on it. Let me say right off the bat (no pun intended) that if you're looking for a fun rom-com with loads of steam then stop right here. This book delivers! Sexy, swoony, and infused with humor, this book is guaranteed to delight your senses.
What was my favorite thing about this book? Alice.
This. Woman. She walked onstage, stole the spotlight, and got a standing ovation from me. Why did I love her? Let me count the ways.
She was intelligent. Not only was she extremely smart, but she was one of my favorite types of heroines: a nerd! She had a google addiction and liked to learn obscure facts on a daily basis. She loved old 80's movies and had a VHS collection of them that she watched an obsessed over. She was just a shade socially awkward and clumsy. Add up all of her quirks and she was one hot mess of fun.
She respected herself. This was one of those kickass heroines that regularly put the cocky man who was used to getting his way in his place. She wasn't stupid enough to fall into his bed just because he told her a few practiced lines and flattered her. I lost count of how many times I sat back in shock and started laughing at how perfectly she owned him like a boss. And all he could do was keep coming back for more.
She was a flight instructor! I love any book where the heroine works in a male dominated field, but I was especially loving the fact that she was a pilot.
Overall, she was just this fascinating mix of contradictions and unique qualities. She had a fresh innocence and honesty to her that was so appealing. She said what was on her mind and what she wanted with no artifice. She may have been inexperienced because of her strict upbringing, but she was shedding all of her inhibitions, embracing life, and finding joy in every day.
I'd been dying in a gray hell, longing for a taste of everything for as long as I could remember, and I would take a bite out of it all.
Rafe is a pitcher in the Minor leagues and known for seeing women as nothing more than a temporary good time. His focus has always been on his career, and he's never found anyone that's made him re-think his stance on casual sex. When Alice comes to town and has a couple of embarrassing mishaps with him, he's drawn to her sweetness and straightforwardness. But all the attraction in the world won't convince her to be just another one of his women. I loved the fact that Alice and Rafe started out as friends. It forced him to get to know her at a deeper level and it was hilarious to see him trying to hide his true feelings and keep cool in front of her.
The way their relationship naturally developed was highly entertaining, filled with sexy innuendo and naughty temptations. And to see them evolve into a deeper understanding of one another was a beautiful thing. She made him want to be the best version of himself that he could be to deserve her.
The side story with Rafe's friends was well done, adding a hint of conflict and depth to the overall plot. I would love to see each of them get their HEA in the future! If this is an example of what Kate Stewart has to offer, than sign me up for every book she releases in the future. I was just that impressed and captivated with this! If you love sports romance, quirky heroines, and rom-coms that will keep you smirking and giddy from one minute to the next...read this book!
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October 21, 2020
4 stars
I kinda loved this.
I absolutely loved the heroine and how self sufficient she was. She was so positive, active, full of energy, no pretence and no drama. I loved her.
The relationship that developed between the leads was also unconventional if you're used to the traditional NA sports romance routine.
This was an easy, feel good read but not so much that it borders on cheesy or that is feels superficial.
Definitely a good surprise.
I kinda loved this.
I absolutely loved the heroine and how self sufficient she was. She was so positive, active, full of energy, no pretence and no drama. I loved her.
The relationship that developed between the leads was also unconventional if you're used to the traditional NA sports romance routine.
This was an easy, feel good read but not so much that it borders on cheesy or that is feels superficial.
Definitely a good surprise.
July 16, 2016
4.5 stars!!!
I always know one thing going into a Kate Stewart book: she's gonna leave me with a big old smile on my face.
"I'm not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe."
"I'm pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice."
Anything But Minor is about a woman named Alice who has left Ohio to live in Charleston and has a new career as a flight instructor. Having been sheltered by her mother her entire life, Charleston is Alice's chance to live free and discover new things. On a whim, she attends a baseball game for the local minor league team where she meets Rafe, the star pitcher. Rafe makes it clear from the beginning he is interested in Alice, but Alice wants something more substantial than a fling. The two agree to be friends but there is an attraction between them that Rafe doesn't want to deny.
�
"I may be wrong about you, I think. I thought you were one of those bone-headed, stupid athletes who only cared about baseball and women. But I have a feeling you're worth knowing."
I really loved reading the progression of the relationship between Rafe and Alice, their adventures together and the little moments where they got to know each other. Alice is quirky and nerdy and I loved her. I loved that Rafe embraced her nerdiness and quirks, and he saw how her past made her the woman she was. Rafe, he was quite the hero. Friendly, strong, and determined, I also loved that he was a big dude! Cause I like my alpha males and all.
The side characters are a delightful cherry on top and I am dying to see them again. I really want to see more from Kristina as I adored her friendship with Alice. The VHS tapes at the beginning of the chapters were another awesome touch to the book, in fact this entire book just made me want to sit down and watch 80's movies.
Another great book from Kate Stewart and I look forward to what's to come!
"I've got you."
"I've got you, too."
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I always know one thing going into a Kate Stewart book: she's gonna leave me with a big old smile on my face.
"I'm not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe."
"I'm pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice."
Anything But Minor is about a woman named Alice who has left Ohio to live in Charleston and has a new career as a flight instructor. Having been sheltered by her mother her entire life, Charleston is Alice's chance to live free and discover new things. On a whim, she attends a baseball game for the local minor league team where she meets Rafe, the star pitcher. Rafe makes it clear from the beginning he is interested in Alice, but Alice wants something more substantial than a fling. The two agree to be friends but there is an attraction between them that Rafe doesn't want to deny.
�"I may be wrong about you, I think. I thought you were one of those bone-headed, stupid athletes who only cared about baseball and women. But I have a feeling you're worth knowing."
I really loved reading the progression of the relationship between Rafe and Alice, their adventures together and the little moments where they got to know each other. Alice is quirky and nerdy and I loved her. I loved that Rafe embraced her nerdiness and quirks, and he saw how her past made her the woman she was. Rafe, he was quite the hero. Friendly, strong, and determined, I also loved that he was a big dude! Cause I like my alpha males and all.
The side characters are a delightful cherry on top and I am dying to see them again. I really want to see more from Kristina as I adored her friendship with Alice. The VHS tapes at the beginning of the chapters were another awesome touch to the book, in fact this entire book just made me want to sit down and watch 80's movies.
Another great book from Kate Stewart and I look forward to what's to come!
"I've got you."
"I've got you, too."
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
November 18, 2016
Do you trust me?
Well…do you trust me? I’m sure you’re all saying…sure Sassy, in a very superficial (here she goes again with her dribble about who knows what) way. Do you think we hear “Do you trust me?� � or- “Don’t you trust me?� too much? Are we handing over our trust without thought? Do we know a pilot before we board a plane and whether that man or woman deserves our trust? Or the driver in the car behind who may or may not have had enough sleep? I think we’ve stopped trusting in some respects and moved it to hope. We hope that the pilot/driver is deserving of the trust we put in them.
I think trust must be earned. Trust should come after a person has seen you at your best and been proud to know you. Seen you at your nastiest and trusted that you’ll eventually get over yourself. Seen you nervous and held your hand. The person who wipes your tears and gives you a hug even if the tears are only there because the navy blue handbag you’d been eyeing for months has sold out and is discontinued. The person I trust the most earned it because he can keep a straight face while I tell him about cockroaches with spray tans, love at first sight, "vegetarian" vampires, motorcycle men with soft spots and even Scottish highland lairds who find a wee lassie to wrap in his kilt. That's not the only reason why I trust my hubby, he's earned it in hundreds of ways on hundreds of days. Luckily my hubby loves me even if I am a book nerd…or maybe it’s because.
Ok, I did it again…I went off on a tangent that has practically nothing to do with the storyline…but it kind of does. How do you trust your heart to someone you think is too good for you or way out of your league? In Anything but Minor both the hero and the heroine have to learn to trust the feelings that have developed between them. When you’re looking at a woman who sets your heart alight, makes every day your best and thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread…how do you live up to that? When you’re looking at a man who has the opportunity of a lifetime away from you…how do you trust that he’s thinking about you as much as you’re thinking about him? Anything but Minor gets right to the heart of trusting someone and knowing whether you’ve put that trust in the right person.
You won’t believe this (after all that heavy stuff I just spouted) but this book is by far one of the funniest books I’ve read this year. More than once I had tears pouring out of my eyes I was laughing so hard. The main chick in this book, Alice is an absolute crack up. She is on a mission to make every day the best day of her life. After growing up in a house with a bitter, self-righteous single mother, Alice has had enough and decides to take a job in a different town to spread her wings. She wants to experience all the things she’s been too scared to try in fear that God will strike her down for wicked thoughts. Alice has been lonely up till now and with this new move she wants to meet new people and have new adventures. When looking for her next adventure she ends up at a ball park watching her first game of baseball. The pitcher is awesome and she can’t believe it when she meets him at a bar afterwards…and completely humiliates herself.
Rafe can’t believe this woman. She’s an absolute cutie and he wants her in a bad way. The things she does and says crack him up and make him feel things but he’s just about to get signed up for the majors and can’t afford to split his attentions. He tries to talk her into having a short term relationship aka a “quickie� but she wants no bar of him. Well, doesn’t she look a lot more appealing all of a sudden? He realises pretty quickly that he doesn’t want the short term relationship anymore, he wants every day to be their best day together.
Kate Stewart has again given us a brilliant story. Anything but Minor is funny, sweet, steamy and heartwarming. This was another story where my boys had to know why I'm laughing so hard? My oldest who is 13 does the whole, rolling his eyes...knowing it's a love story so it can't be THAT funny. My nearly 10-year-old doesn't have the eye rolls but he does have the thong ready to wack cockroaches that have snuck in and are really funny. Of course, hubby knew there was no way I'd be laughing if there was a cockroach in my bedroom. It’s not all fun and it’s not all serious, it’s a wonderful blend of both that left a smile on my face and my heart fluttering. This story is a winner…cockroaches with fake tans and all.
To buy Anything but Minor from Amazon -
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
July 27, 2017
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a super sweet, funny, and sexy read. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Initially, I had thought this was a erotic short story just by looking at the cover. It's a hot picture, but not normally what we see on a contemporary full length romance. I know, I know -- I am a judgy person ;). This doesn't get all that deep, but it served its purpose in making me happy while reading it. I'd definitely recommend for in-between some heavier reads!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alice and Rafe's story. Alice is new to town, and ends up at a minor league baseball game where she is befriended by an older woman. This woman ends up giving her a season seat, so she is thrown into the new sport. She finds herself at a pub that is owned by one of the players, and she meets Rafe who is the star pitcher. Sparks fly instantly, but Alice has stereotyped him as a manwhore (which wasn't far off) and isn't interested in a ONS. There is some pursuing going on, a friendship is formed, and then they get together and fall in love....and they eventually get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Alice and Rafe's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. They take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Rafe. I liked him. I took a little bit to come around to liking him, but I ended up really liking his relationship with the h and how he treated her.
h rating: 4 stars. Alice. She was super cute in her Google obsession. I especially loved it when they were going to his house to have sex for the first time and she is googling ways to blow his mind! Too cute.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some steamy scenes and chemistry.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are mentioned and then after a std status and birth control talk they go without. I don't remember any mention of past practices.
OW/OM drama: Very mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Mild
Closure: This actually had some good closure with a cute jump ahead epilogue and a HEA ending! Just what I like ;)
How I got it: I paid the $2.99 on Amazon.
Safety: I'd say that this should be Safe for most readers.
Overall Opinion: This was a super sweet, funny, and sexy read. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Initially, I had thought this was a erotic short story just by looking at the cover. It's a hot picture, but not normally what we see on a contemporary full length romance. I know, I know -- I am a judgy person ;). This doesn't get all that deep, but it served its purpose in making me happy while reading it. I'd definitely recommend for in-between some heavier reads!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alice and Rafe's story. Alice is new to town, and ends up at a minor league baseball game where she is befriended by an older woman. This woman ends up giving her a season seat, so she is thrown into the new sport. She finds herself at a pub that is owned by one of the players, and she meets Rafe who is the star pitcher. Sparks fly instantly, but Alice has stereotyped him as a manwhore (which wasn't far off) and isn't interested in a ONS. There is some pursuing going on, a friendship is formed, and then they get together and fall in love....and they eventually get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Alice and Rafe's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. They take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Rafe. I liked him. I took a little bit to come around to liking him, but I ended up really liking his relationship with the h and how he treated her.
h rating: 4 stars. Alice. She was super cute in her Google obsession. I especially loved it when they were going to his house to have sex for the first time and she is googling ways to blow his mind! Too cute.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some steamy scenes and chemistry.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are mentioned and then after a std status and birth control talk they go without. I don't remember any mention of past practices.
OW/OM drama: Very mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Mild
Closure: This actually had some good closure with a cute jump ahead epilogue and a HEA ending! Just what I like ;)
How I got it: I paid the $2.99 on Amazon.
Safety: I'd say that this should be Safe for most readers.
August 20, 2016
3.5 Stars...
Anything But Minor is Kate Stewart's latest offering. After reading and enjoying Loving The White Liar (We even get a brief cameo of the couple of that book in this one) I knew that I had to add this book to my neverending "TO-READ" list...
"The woman had managed to piss me off twice since I met her and had made a fool of me. Oh yes, there would be fucking"
Alice left Ohio and her mother's overbearing attitude to strike out on an adventure and finally be the Alice she was meant to be. Everyday she discovers something new, which leads her to a baseball game and Dutch. Mistakenly sitting in Dutch's dead husband's seat a friendship is built which leads her to one sexy as sin pitcher Rafe Hembrey. Rafe is a bit of a playboy and not someone Alice dares to get involved with. Alas, fate has other plans and soon the sparks are flying between these two....
"Well, have faith, Rafe. If a fourteen-inch seahorse can be monogamous, I’m sure there’s hope for you."
I enjoyed this one a lot. Alice was one of the best heroine's I have read in AGES. She was funny, and quirky (without being annoying) She had self respect and didn't just fall into Rafe's crotch the minute he said "hello" She really made the book for me. Rafe I liked a little less than Alice. It took me a little time to warm to him. He was a player, and to be honest I am getting a little tired of the whole "sports hero player gig" that seems to be in almost EVERY sports romance written lately.
As much as I did enjoy this one, it did lose a star and a half for a few issues I had. There is a scene that annoyed me that involved another woman. Normally I don't concern myself with wondering about things that don't happen on the actual pages of the book (why bother right? If it was important to the story it would be included) That said there is a scene where Rafe leaves Alice to apparently go play "naked poker" with a woman whose ass he slapped earlier in front of Alice. The reason why I felt we needed clarification on whether he went back and played with the OW or not was because he was trying to present a non-player facade to Alice and if he did indeed go and play naked poker than he loses some points in my eyes for continuing his player ways while claiming to want Alice.
Another thing that made NO SENSE to me was the whole "Kristina" situation. Until 80% of the book I never got an inkling that she was in love with Rafe. Even when her and Alice have a conversation about Rafe and whether they have ever slept together, she says she is hung up on "someone else" Even when Andy was angry at Rafe because he has a thing for Kristina, I was SURE she was in love with someone different and Andy was wrong. In FACT I actually thought she was in love with Andy. Then BAM, at 80% she is declaring these feelings of love. It just seemed SO unnecessary since she was Alice's friend and never caused any tension or trouble over the course of the book. I honestly am still scratching my head over the whole point of that plotline. Lastly the whole revelation about Dutch was a little too out of left field for me. I mean one would think SOMEONE would have brought it up before the very end of the book. I am not sure why it needed to be this big secret.
So I know it sounds like a had a lot of problems with this one, but all those mentioned above where just annoyances in the big picture. I really did enjoy this one, and I really do enjoy this authors writing. I laughed my butt off SO many times. A hearty two thumbs up...
Anything But Minor is Kate Stewart's latest offering. After reading and enjoying Loving The White Liar (We even get a brief cameo of the couple of that book in this one) I knew that I had to add this book to my neverending "TO-READ" list...
"The woman had managed to piss me off twice since I met her and had made a fool of me. Oh yes, there would be fucking"
Alice left Ohio and her mother's overbearing attitude to strike out on an adventure and finally be the Alice she was meant to be. Everyday she discovers something new, which leads her to a baseball game and Dutch. Mistakenly sitting in Dutch's dead husband's seat a friendship is built which leads her to one sexy as sin pitcher Rafe Hembrey. Rafe is a bit of a playboy and not someone Alice dares to get involved with. Alas, fate has other plans and soon the sparks are flying between these two....
"Well, have faith, Rafe. If a fourteen-inch seahorse can be monogamous, I’m sure there’s hope for you."
I enjoyed this one a lot. Alice was one of the best heroine's I have read in AGES. She was funny, and quirky (without being annoying) She had self respect and didn't just fall into Rafe's crotch the minute he said "hello" She really made the book for me. Rafe I liked a little less than Alice. It took me a little time to warm to him. He was a player, and to be honest I am getting a little tired of the whole "sports hero player gig" that seems to be in almost EVERY sports romance written lately.
As much as I did enjoy this one, it did lose a star and a half for a few issues I had. There is a scene that annoyed me that involved another woman. Normally I don't concern myself with wondering about things that don't happen on the actual pages of the book (why bother right? If it was important to the story it would be included) That said there is a scene where Rafe leaves Alice to apparently go play "naked poker" with a woman whose ass he slapped earlier in front of Alice. The reason why I felt we needed clarification on whether he went back and played with the OW or not was because he was trying to present a non-player facade to Alice and if he did indeed go and play naked poker than he loses some points in my eyes for continuing his player ways while claiming to want Alice.
Another thing that made NO SENSE to me was the whole "Kristina" situation. Until 80% of the book I never got an inkling that she was in love with Rafe. Even when her and Alice have a conversation about Rafe and whether they have ever slept together, she says she is hung up on "someone else" Even when Andy was angry at Rafe because he has a thing for Kristina, I was SURE she was in love with someone different and Andy was wrong. In FACT I actually thought she was in love with Andy. Then BAM, at 80% she is declaring these feelings of love. It just seemed SO unnecessary since she was Alice's friend and never caused any tension or trouble over the course of the book. I honestly am still scratching my head over the whole point of that plotline. Lastly the whole revelation about Dutch was a little too out of left field for me. I mean one would think SOMEONE would have brought it up before the very end of the book. I am not sure why it needed to be this big secret.
So I know it sounds like a had a lot of problems with this one, but all those mentioned above where just annoyances in the big picture. I really did enjoy this one, and I really do enjoy this authors writing. I laughed my butt off SO many times. A hearty two thumbs up...
July 14, 2016
5+++~Be Mine Stars
(ARC kindly provided by author <3)
Laugh out loud and utterly fantastic. Anything But Minor was everything I've been craving and much more. Kate Stewart has proven once again that not only is she a talented author but that she's also damn funny too!!
This book delivered nothing but a good time! A total home run of a book!!!!
Alice left her hometown behind and has moved to Charleston, South Carolina in search of a new life full of adventure. She grew up with a mother who was very strict and kept Alice sheltered from most things in life. Now Alice is ready to break free, with a wonderful list in hand of new things she wants to try.
From the moment Alice steps down from the airplane, she starts to fall in love with Charleston, and we go along with her. The beautiful setting is so enchanting, it makes you want to hop on a plane, and go visit.
In the spirit of trying new things, Alice finds herself at a local baseball game, where a strange older woman offers her a weekly seat to watch the games of their home team with her. And it is at that ballgame where Alice gets mesmerized by the most beautiful man she's ever seen; Rafe Hembrey.
This is Rafe's year, the year he's been waiting for to sign with a major league team. His stats are better than ever, his career at its' peak, and everyone knows that sooner or later he's getting that call. Which is why he can't afford to get distracted by the bombshell/nerd/ Google obsessed woman he just met at one of his games.
Alice knows Rafe has a reputation of love 'em and leave 'em, and she also knows that he might be leaving Charleston soon. So, after a few friendly dates, and even though the attraction is out of control intense between them, Alice decides she'd rather not lose Rafe's friendship since she knows all she can get from him is amazing sex. But Rafe has other plans, he wants in Alice's pants, but every minute he spends with her, makes him realize that he might actually want more.
This story was as sweet and decadent as eating a chocolate cake, but without feeling guilty about the calories. The characters, the hilarious plot, and the setting made a magical combination that will charm the hearts of anybody who reads it.
Rafe was sexy and delicious, but Alice was my most favorite thing about this book. Her character was totally adorable, smart and also very empowering, we need more female characters like her in books.
Anything But Minor is a book that will leave you feeling happy. A book that you would want to share, gift and recommend, because it's so full of laughs and soul. This book is one item I'll have on my Christmas list to give to all my friends. I just LOVED it!!!
(ARC kindly provided by author <3)
Laugh out loud and utterly fantastic. Anything But Minor was everything I've been craving and much more. Kate Stewart has proven once again that not only is she a talented author but that she's also damn funny too!!
This book delivered nothing but a good time! A total home run of a book!!!!
Alice left her hometown behind and has moved to Charleston, South Carolina in search of a new life full of adventure. She grew up with a mother who was very strict and kept Alice sheltered from most things in life. Now Alice is ready to break free, with a wonderful list in hand of new things she wants to try.
From the moment Alice steps down from the airplane, she starts to fall in love with Charleston, and we go along with her. The beautiful setting is so enchanting, it makes you want to hop on a plane, and go visit.
In the spirit of trying new things, Alice finds herself at a local baseball game, where a strange older woman offers her a weekly seat to watch the games of their home team with her. And it is at that ballgame where Alice gets mesmerized by the most beautiful man she's ever seen; Rafe Hembrey.
This is Rafe's year, the year he's been waiting for to sign with a major league team. His stats are better than ever, his career at its' peak, and everyone knows that sooner or later he's getting that call. Which is why he can't afford to get distracted by the bombshell/nerd/ Google obsessed woman he just met at one of his games.
Alice knows Rafe has a reputation of love 'em and leave 'em, and she also knows that he might be leaving Charleston soon. So, after a few friendly dates, and even though the attraction is out of control intense between them, Alice decides she'd rather not lose Rafe's friendship since she knows all she can get from him is amazing sex. But Rafe has other plans, he wants in Alice's pants, but every minute he spends with her, makes him realize that he might actually want more.
This story was as sweet and decadent as eating a chocolate cake, but without feeling guilty about the calories. The characters, the hilarious plot, and the setting made a magical combination that will charm the hearts of anybody who reads it.
Rafe was sexy and delicious, but Alice was my most favorite thing about this book. Her character was totally adorable, smart and also very empowering, we need more female characters like her in books.
Anything But Minor is a book that will leave you feeling happy. A book that you would want to share, gift and recommend, because it's so full of laughs and soul. This book is one item I'll have on my Christmas list to give to all my friends. I just LOVED it!!!
July 13, 2016
5 “We were never meant to be friends.� STARS
This book is a Grand Slam! Bases fully loaded, batter up knocks it out of the park, home run!! **Crowd Goes Wild**!!!! Kate Stewart is a fav-author, a go-to, and when I heard she was writing a Sports Romance/RomCom, I could not wait!! Boy, did she deliver!!
This was nostalgic, reliving my youth, as I’m a huge John Hughes fan. Kate dedicates this book to him [and Patty � yay!]. I grew up on his teen movies. The film references alone make this a hit, but barely scratches the surface of all the awesomeness of this book!
Alice Blake is a pilot and flight instructor, Queen of Google (you have to read the book to get it) and a nerd with a quest to take life by the horns. She lives a repressed, sheltered life back in Ohio and is now embarking on a new journey with a new home and new job in Charleston.
This is where she meets Rafe ‘Bullet� Hembrey, minor league pitcher, team star, and all around hottie. This is Rafe’s year –hopefully being called up to the major league. Baseball in Rafe's blood and making the major league is THE dream.
When he meets Alice, she certainly gets his attention but he’s not looking for serious. He wants to fuck her. He doesn’t have time for a relationship, his career comes first. Alice can't deny the attraction to Rafe and if she's honest, she wants more but she also doesn't want her heart broken. The two embark on a friendship that grows into…well, you get the picture.
Rafe is a magnificent hero. Let’s see, he’s a sexy athlete, cocky, funny and got heart. What more could you ask for? And Alice is simply irresistible. I just got Alice. She was funny, lovable and oh so adorable.
“I’m not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe.�
“I’m pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice.�
"Best day of my life."
This book had EVERYTHING I love in an awesome read! Laughs, the squees and the swoons, sweetness, angst, a connection to both characters and the story. If you haven’t experience Kate Stewart yet, what are you waiting for?! This is a must read.
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
This book is a Grand Slam! Bases fully loaded, batter up knocks it out of the park, home run!! **Crowd Goes Wild**!!!! Kate Stewart is a fav-author, a go-to, and when I heard she was writing a Sports Romance/RomCom, I could not wait!! Boy, did she deliver!!
This was nostalgic, reliving my youth, as I’m a huge John Hughes fan. Kate dedicates this book to him [and Patty � yay!]. I grew up on his teen movies. The film references alone make this a hit, but barely scratches the surface of all the awesomeness of this book!
Alice Blake is a pilot and flight instructor, Queen of Google (you have to read the book to get it) and a nerd with a quest to take life by the horns. She lives a repressed, sheltered life back in Ohio and is now embarking on a new journey with a new home and new job in Charleston.
This is where she meets Rafe ‘Bullet� Hembrey, minor league pitcher, team star, and all around hottie. This is Rafe’s year –hopefully being called up to the major league. Baseball in Rafe's blood and making the major league is THE dream.
When he meets Alice, she certainly gets his attention but he’s not looking for serious. He wants to fuck her. He doesn’t have time for a relationship, his career comes first. Alice can't deny the attraction to Rafe and if she's honest, she wants more but she also doesn't want her heart broken. The two embark on a friendship that grows into…well, you get the picture.
Rafe is a magnificent hero. Let’s see, he’s a sexy athlete, cocky, funny and got heart. What more could you ask for? And Alice is simply irresistible. I just got Alice. She was funny, lovable and oh so adorable.
“I’m not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe.�
“I’m pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice.�
"Best day of my life."
This book had EVERYTHING I love in an awesome read! Laughs, the squees and the swoons, sweetness, angst, a connection to both characters and the story. If you haven’t experience Kate Stewart yet, what are you waiting for?! This is a must read.
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
August 28, 2016
RATING: 5+ “No end� Hearts!! :D <3
Anything But Minor is an easy, enjoyable read, giving us two equally quirky protagonists who bring a number of laugh out loud moments with their banter and a romance that combines the best of sweet and sexy as it transitions from friendship to intimacy.
“You could really fuck me up, Rafe.�
He only hesitated a second before he promised me, “I’ve got you.�
“I’ve got you, too.�
Alice makes us fall in love with her the moment she steps on page, a scene-stealer with her love of 80’s movies and penchant to Google everything that piques her interest. Though her strict upbringing kept her from experiencing the rambunctiousness that comes with being a teenager, she still somehow emerges with the ability to approach every situation in her adulthood with a joy for life we can only admire. She holds her head up high even when her new adventurous nature lands her in unexpected—albeit comical—predicaments time and again.
She had a way of making me feel...everything, and not in small doses, but all at once.
Rafe is everything a swoon-worthy sports romance hero should be; loyal, self-assured, and completely possessive, ensuring we’re as much impassioned by his determined seduction as is Alice. While he would have many a single lady clamoring for his attention, he only has eyes for Alice even when she continuously rejects his efforts to make her fall into his bed. While the romance is of the slow burn variety, we’re thankfully spared chapters of angst, instead Ms. Stewart allows us to sit back and simply enjoy their friendly flirtation and sexy come-ons until reaching the precipice of their sexual tension.
“I think you’re the most beautiful man on the planet. I think you’re a superior athlete. I think you play dumb a lot to keep from having to explain yourself. I think you’re passionate and considerate. I think you’re an amazing lover. I think you’re all heart on the ballfield and have a guarded heart off it...I think you’re incredible, Rafe Hembrey.�
Overall, Anything But Minor is the kind of romance that brings a smile to our faces as much as it does a blush to our cheeks, anchoring both longtime readers of Kate Stewart and those new to her work (like myself) as eternal fans.
Other Fave Quotes:
“I’m not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe.�
“I’m pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice,� he said in a whisper.
“If you keep waiting, baby, I’ll keep coming home.�
“I’ve got you.�
“I fucking love you.�
“The world could disappear tomorrow and I’d only worry about a fucking tiny list of people. But the thing I would need in order to breathe again would be to see your face.�
“Best day of my life.�
“Every day.�
“You were made for me. You fit me like a glove. I want you to always remember that.�
“You. Are. Everything. My everything.�
貹ڱ?�
Ԩ?�
“Why me?�
“It could only be you.�
Posted: August 26, 2016
August 27, 2016
4,5 STARS
I enjoyed this story and especially the characters!Anything But Minor has everything I needed a perfect dynamic between the characters,a fantastic romance and an original story!Love the writing and I'm glad that I found another new author to me!!!
"I'm not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe."
"I'm pretty sure I just want you to think of me,Alice."
Rafe and Alice are an amazing combination!Their chemistry is off the charts and the development grows slowly,which make me love them even more!They're playful and flirty together and this make their relationship entertaining!Rafe make me swoon all the time!He is perfect, and Alice is sweet.These two are simply adorable!!
"I fell for you the way you are."
"That's selfish."
"And I always will be when it comes to you."
It’s a fun read,fast paced,well-written with interesting characters!Now I can understand why my friends told me about this author!!
I enjoyed this story and especially the characters!Anything But Minor has everything I needed a perfect dynamic between the characters,a fantastic romance and an original story!Love the writing and I'm glad that I found another new author to me!!!
"I'm not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe."
"I'm pretty sure I just want you to think of me,Alice."
Rafe and Alice are an amazing combination!Their chemistry is off the charts and the development grows slowly,which make me love them even more!They're playful and flirty together and this make their relationship entertaining!Rafe make me swoon all the time!He is perfect, and Alice is sweet.These two are simply adorable!!
"I fell for you the way you are."
"That's selfish."
"And I always will be when it comes to you."
It’s a fun read,fast paced,well-written with interesting characters!Now I can understand why my friends told me about this author!!
July 14, 2016
5 "I Have A Feeling You Are Worth Knowing" STARS!
(ARC provided by author)
Alice Boyd is a beautiful woman from Dayton, Ohio who has always been obsessed with flying & becoming a pilot. She just took a job as a flight instructor for the new Boeing plant in Charleston, SC & will head up their flight simulation program. She is super excited to move to a new city & experience new things. While out one evening, Alice decides to attend a baseball game for Charleston's home team the Swampgators. It's their first home game & she loves it!
She right away notices the gorgeous pitcher who seems to be looking right in her direction. She soon learns his name is Rafe Hembrey. Rafe has the best stats of any pitcher in the minors, & with his talent he's expected to be called to the majors any day now. This is his season to prove himself.
Rafe is a sexy, arrogant athlete/ladies man used to getting what he wants, & he's decided after meeting this stunning blonde, he has to have her in his bed. He goes after Alice hard & his usual charms don't work right away. Alice is quirky & has no filter. She's hilarious & fun to be around and Rafe just wants more of her in every way. He pursues her & she eventually gives in because HELLO... he's absolutely beautiful & paired with his personality he's irresistible.
-I'd been thoroughly kissed. The kind of kiss a woman begs life for, the kind of kiss that keeps the sexual imagination spinning for months, even years.
-I was fucking consumed with thoughts of her.
-I had to have that woman.
-I'd always been loyal to my game, my attention never swayed, ever. Kissing Alice the way I had with several innings left to pitch was the first time I'd ever betrayed my first love. And it felt fucking amazing.
They soon really fall hard for one another & have to deal with the fact that their relationship may be temporary if Rafe gets called up to the majors. Suddenly Rafe's priorities begin to shift as Alice becomes essential to his happiness.
I loved this book so much! It's my favorite by Kate Stewart. Rafe Hembrey is dreamy perfection. I was swooning throughout this book & couldn't put it down. It has everything I love in a fabulous book. It has a delicious alpha male, plenty of steamy hotness, & is laugh out loud funny. The perfect summer read! :D
-"I'm happy. For the first time in a long time, I'm happy. You showed me what it looks like and then you became a reason."
-"You. Are. Everything. My everything."
(ARC provided by author)
Alice Boyd is a beautiful woman from Dayton, Ohio who has always been obsessed with flying & becoming a pilot. She just took a job as a flight instructor for the new Boeing plant in Charleston, SC & will head up their flight simulation program. She is super excited to move to a new city & experience new things. While out one evening, Alice decides to attend a baseball game for Charleston's home team the Swampgators. It's their first home game & she loves it!
She right away notices the gorgeous pitcher who seems to be looking right in her direction. She soon learns his name is Rafe Hembrey. Rafe has the best stats of any pitcher in the minors, & with his talent he's expected to be called to the majors any day now. This is his season to prove himself.
Rafe is a sexy, arrogant athlete/ladies man used to getting what he wants, & he's decided after meeting this stunning blonde, he has to have her in his bed. He goes after Alice hard & his usual charms don't work right away. Alice is quirky & has no filter. She's hilarious & fun to be around and Rafe just wants more of her in every way. He pursues her & she eventually gives in because HELLO... he's absolutely beautiful & paired with his personality he's irresistible.
-I'd been thoroughly kissed. The kind of kiss a woman begs life for, the kind of kiss that keeps the sexual imagination spinning for months, even years.
-I was fucking consumed with thoughts of her.
-I had to have that woman.
-I'd always been loyal to my game, my attention never swayed, ever. Kissing Alice the way I had with several innings left to pitch was the first time I'd ever betrayed my first love. And it felt fucking amazing.
They soon really fall hard for one another & have to deal with the fact that their relationship may be temporary if Rafe gets called up to the majors. Suddenly Rafe's priorities begin to shift as Alice becomes essential to his happiness.
I loved this book so much! It's my favorite by Kate Stewart. Rafe Hembrey is dreamy perfection. I was swooning throughout this book & couldn't put it down. It has everything I love in a fabulous book. It has a delicious alpha male, plenty of steamy hotness, & is laugh out loud funny. The perfect summer read! :D
-"I'm happy. For the first time in a long time, I'm happy. You showed me what it looks like and then you became a reason."
-"You. Are. Everything. My everything."
October 17, 2019
Stewart is insanely talented and I love that her heroines are strong, intelligent, & opinionated. I just wish she had a more diverse setting/characters and not have everything be so...white.
October 12, 2016
"I think you’re incredible, Rafe Hembrey."
Sweet story. Lovely characters. Simple but enjoyable!
The book started off pretty well and I was hooked instantly. But around 40% of it, I felt like there still wasn’t much going on here. The story moved quite slowly, plus I didn't enjoy Alice's character as much as I did in the first few chapters. She got on my nerves most of the time. For me, embarrassing herself over and over again wasn't funny, not cute, and no, not sexy at all.
I have to admit, at first, I really thought that this book would end up being another one of my so-so reads, 3 stars was the most I could give it. But who would have thought that the remaining story would prove me wrong! Gosh, it was like reading another story—a complete different one! It really picked up and I couldn’t be more satisfied with Rafe and Alice’s relationship and also the direction of the plot toward the end.
Somehow, I started to warm up to Alice at somewhere around the middle of the third quarter of the book, and I grew to admire Rafe more and more with each passing page. I like his patience and his persistence. When he set his mind on Alice, he never once gave up on her. She seemed to keep him at arm’s length at all times, but that didn’t stop him from trying to win her heart. I loved that he never wavered in his feelings for her. Not one bit.
The last 20% wasn't what I expected, of course, in a good way. It literally touched my heart in a way that I didn’t even believe it myself.
Although this wasn't earth-shattering love story, it was certainly a heartwarming one that put a big smile on my face when I finished reading it.
If you're looking for a cute romance novel with some belly laughs, some emotional moments, and plenty of smoking hot sexy times, then pick up this one. It’s for you! Anything but Minor will definitely not let you down!
August 20, 2016
4 �'s
The title of the book is very apropos, not only for Rafe's baseball career but for the relationship between Rafe and Alice.
Alice has grown up extremely sheltered and now it's her time to fly...literally. She's a pilot and new flight instructor for Boeing in South Carolina. All by herself in a new city, she will try anything and everything and that includes going to her first baseball game.
That's where she sees Rafe for the first time and later "meets" him by spitting out her beer and peanuts all over him! Let me just tell you that these types of situations are pretty constant in this book. At first, a little awkwardly funny but others... Well, let's just say I'm glad there weren't more of them. (However, the "noseeums"...brilliant!! I'm still busting up over that one!)
But even with all that, it's hard not to like Alice. She is so full of life and nothing seems to get her down. She certainly doesn't seem to fear new things. I guess her "google addiction" helps in that regards.
And boy does Rafe want her. The shining star of the Swampgators. the minor baseball league in town, he's due to be called up to the majors. It's simply a waiting game...one he wants to fill his off time with Alice.
But she's on to him and comes up with some hilarious antics to waylay his charms. Thankfully, she can't hold off for too long.
I really loved Alice's innocence but I connected with her and her love of movies. I mean, who doesn't love Jake from Sixteen Candles? And it made me laugh at Rafe's (not real) jealousy.
There's some interesting twists in a few of their dating adventures but we are all waiting for the same thing...the call. And when it happens? Yea...it goes just like you think it would.
But no worries...the ending and epilogue will have you cheering and yea, maybe cringing a little but it's a good cringe...this time. ;)
You just can't go wrong reading Kate Stewart's books so don't let this one pass you by!
The title of the book is very apropos, not only for Rafe's baseball career but for the relationship between Rafe and Alice.
Alice has grown up extremely sheltered and now it's her time to fly...literally. She's a pilot and new flight instructor for Boeing in South Carolina. All by herself in a new city, she will try anything and everything and that includes going to her first baseball game.
That's where she sees Rafe for the first time and later "meets" him by spitting out her beer and peanuts all over him! Let me just tell you that these types of situations are pretty constant in this book. At first, a little awkwardly funny but others... Well, let's just say I'm glad there weren't more of them. (However, the "noseeums"...brilliant!! I'm still busting up over that one!)
But even with all that, it's hard not to like Alice. She is so full of life and nothing seems to get her down. She certainly doesn't seem to fear new things. I guess her "google addiction" helps in that regards.
And boy does Rafe want her. The shining star of the Swampgators. the minor baseball league in town, he's due to be called up to the majors. It's simply a waiting game...one he wants to fill his off time with Alice.
But she's on to him and comes up with some hilarious antics to waylay his charms. Thankfully, she can't hold off for too long.
I really loved Alice's innocence but I connected with her and her love of movies. I mean, who doesn't love Jake from Sixteen Candles? And it made me laugh at Rafe's (not real) jealousy.
There's some interesting twists in a few of their dating adventures but we are all waiting for the same thing...the call. And when it happens? Yea...it goes just like you think it would.
But no worries...the ending and epilogue will have you cheering and yea, maybe cringing a little but it's a good cringe...this time. ;)
You just can't go wrong reading Kate Stewart's books so don't let this one pass you by!
July 12, 2016
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
~LOVE! LOVE!!!! LOVE!!! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!! I HAVE MAJOR LOVE FOR THIS BOOK AND THIS AUTHOR!!!!! <3 Full Review to Come. In the meantime, KATE STEWART gifted her readers our very own JAKE RYAN..... so much love for RAFE HEMBREY!! (If you don't know who Jake Ryan is then YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK and need to GOOGLE) LOL
~LOVE! LOVE!!!! LOVE!!! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!! I HAVE MAJOR LOVE FOR THIS BOOK AND THIS AUTHOR!!!!! <3 Full Review to Come. In the meantime, KATE STEWART gifted her readers our very own JAKE RYAN..... so much love for RAFE HEMBREY!! (If you don't know who Jake Ryan is then YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK and need to GOOGLE) LOL
August 17, 2016
** 4,5 "HILARIOUS AND SEXY ROMANCE" stars **
This was such a funny and light read full of romance and hotness, exactly what I needed to get over CoHo’s latest book that wrecked me so much !
The story :
We’re following Alice, 24, who’s moving to Charleston to start her new job as a flight instructor and get away from her overbearing and strict mother. There, she finally takes control of her life and decides to roam the city on her own, and that’s how she ends up at a local baseball game where she meets the famous Rafe “Bullet�. It’s insta attraction, but Alice is no fool and decides they’re only going to be friends, but Rafe, despite having to concentrate on his game this year, doesn’t see it that way.
The characters :
Alice ! God, did I love this girl ! I might have a little crush on her, really ! She was the highlight of this book ! First, I loved how independent she was, how she’s not afraid to do things on her own without any regard to what others might think of her and I really admired that about her. Then, she was also freaking hilarious with her weirdness and her non-stopping Googling about everything and anything, and how much of a nerd she was with her love for 80’s movies. She had me literally laughing my ass off several times ! She was just so real, funny and cute ! Another one of her qualities was her honesty : she would always be straightforward with everyone and especially Rafe, always speaking her mind whether it’s random or has an actual purpose.
Can I have you for myself Rafe ? That guy was truly amazing ! He was such a sweetheart, willing to help others but also dedicated to his passion : baseball. But he was also very cocky, sexy and funny in his own way. I loved how he played along with Alice and her constant random facts after Googling them. He was also set on making Alice his, being hot but also romantic, showing her that she’s not alone here and that she can count on him at any times. I liked that Rafe wasn't the typical overbearing alpha male, he was a bit jealous at times, but he was never too possessive and never manhandled Alice.
The side characters were nice but maybe not well enough developed so that it made it hard to really connect with them, but it was okay because the main focus was on Alice and Rafe, and THEY were great !
The romance :
I absolutely loved Alice and Rafe’s relationship from beginning to end ! They first start off just being friends, even if form first sight, Rafe is hell bent on having sex with her, but she just wants them to be friends so he goes with it for a time. What had me invested was how they slowly built their connection, how they actually spent time together, doing activities and outings to get to know each other better : and most of the time, I would end up laughing so hard ! But ultimately, the sexual tension between them got the better of them and it was HOT !! They really had great chemistry, and I loved how each made an effort to discover the other’s passion : flying for one and baseball for the other. They had actual conversations, most of the time on random facts just because Alice loves them, but also deeper ones about their career and future, their worries and fears, they would share really everything, they were a true team ! At times, they were just so cute together !
Overall, if you’re looking for a light and hilarious romance with some sexiness and a strong and funny MC, this book is made for you ! Don’t be put off by the ugly cover, this book is so refreshing and allows you to have such a fun time !
This was such a funny and light read full of romance and hotness, exactly what I needed to get over CoHo’s latest book that wrecked me so much !
The story :
We’re following Alice, 24, who’s moving to Charleston to start her new job as a flight instructor and get away from her overbearing and strict mother. There, she finally takes control of her life and decides to roam the city on her own, and that’s how she ends up at a local baseball game where she meets the famous Rafe “Bullet�. It’s insta attraction, but Alice is no fool and decides they’re only going to be friends, but Rafe, despite having to concentrate on his game this year, doesn’t see it that way.
“I’m not sure what you want me to think of you, Rafe.� “I’m pretty sure I just want you to think of me, Alice,� he said in a whisper.
The characters :
Alice ! God, did I love this girl ! I might have a little crush on her, really ! She was the highlight of this book ! First, I loved how independent she was, how she’s not afraid to do things on her own without any regard to what others might think of her and I really admired that about her. Then, she was also freaking hilarious with her weirdness and her non-stopping Googling about everything and anything, and how much of a nerd she was with her love for 80’s movies. She had me literally laughing my ass off several times ! She was just so real, funny and cute ! Another one of her qualities was her honesty : she would always be straightforward with everyone and especially Rafe, always speaking her mind whether it’s random or has an actual purpose.
Rafe: What the hell are you doing?
Alice: I’m Googling.
Rafe: That’s a thing?
Alice: For me it is.
Rafe: Do you have ADD?
Alice: You would think that but...no. This is my normal.
Can I have you for myself Rafe ? That guy was truly amazing ! He was such a sweetheart, willing to help others but also dedicated to his passion : baseball. But he was also very cocky, sexy and funny in his own way. I loved how he played along with Alice and her constant random facts after Googling them. He was also set on making Alice his, being hot but also romantic, showing her that she’s not alone here and that she can count on him at any times. I liked that Rafe wasn't the typical overbearing alpha male, he was a bit jealous at times, but he was never too possessive and never manhandled Alice.
The side characters were nice but maybe not well enough developed so that it made it hard to really connect with them, but it was okay because the main focus was on Alice and Rafe, and THEY were great !
“Don’t move. I’m going to take a shower and then undress you again.� “O첹.� “Wow, we made you agreeable, too.� “Stop referring to your junk as another entity, Rafe. It’s creepy.� “We’ll shut you up again soon.�
The romance :
I absolutely loved Alice and Rafe’s relationship from beginning to end ! They first start off just being friends, even if form first sight, Rafe is hell bent on having sex with her, but she just wants them to be friends so he goes with it for a time. What had me invested was how they slowly built their connection, how they actually spent time together, doing activities and outings to get to know each other better : and most of the time, I would end up laughing so hard ! But ultimately, the sexual tension between them got the better of them and it was HOT !! They really had great chemistry, and I loved how each made an effort to discover the other’s passion : flying for one and baseball for the other. They had actual conversations, most of the time on random facts just because Alice loves them, but also deeper ones about their career and future, their worries and fears, they would share really everything, they were a true team ! At times, they were just so cute together !
Alice: Do you believe in God?
Rafe: What? Why?
Alice: I just want to know.
Rafe: Isn’t this a conversation for after sex.
Alice: You always fall asleep after sex.
Rafe: Exactly.
Alice: Rafe!
Overall, if you’re looking for a light and hilarious romance with some sexiness and a strong and funny MC, this book is made for you ! Don’t be put off by the ugly cover, this book is so refreshing and allows you to have such a fun time !
July 28, 2016
Let me begin by saying I love Kate Stewart’s books, just as much as I love Angelica Chase’s books. As you probably know, these two authors are one in the same. I read Angelica first and let me tell you, those books are off the chart hot and suspenseful. Then I discovered Kate and those books are full of FEELS. So when Kate said, I am going to do funny, a sports book, a rom-com-sports book. I can’t remember exactly how she phrased it, but it made me LOL and I was like yeah, she is going to kill this book…AND SHE DID!
Let’s talk about Alice, because she is probably one of my favorite heroines ever. If she were real, I would track her down and become her bestie. She is genuine, funny and had this vulnerability to her that just made me want to protect her. She has just moved to Charleston, SC when we meet her. Starting a new job, new life, and alone, but so freaking brave! She decides to put herself out there and attends a baseball game.
HELLO RAFE! Yes, he is a baseball player, cocky, sexy, you know the type. Forces bring them together and Alice and Rafe meet. It’s not love at first sight, but it’s definitely lust at first sight. So another reason I love Alice, despite her attraction she shuts him down. He is a love’m and leave’m type and she is looking for more.
A friendship of sorts brews between these two, throw in the LMAO for reals moments and sexual tension and I was in LOVE with this story! I loved the slow build between Rafe and Alice. She just brought out the best in everyone around her and these moments made me smile so big. I really loved how this book made me LOL for real, not “oh this book is fun� no, this book will make you laugh out loud and then look around to see if anyone noticed.
Sounds perfect right, but I know my smutty friends are probably wondering if there is any sexy times thrown in and Kate more than delivered. When things ignite between these two it’s off the charts, but not over the top. These moments were sexy as sin, but also sweet and I could feel their love.
If you are looking for a book that will make you fall in love, laugh out loud and swoon, read Anything but Minor. Kate has proven once again she can write anything! ANYTHING, which impresses me to no ends since I am a HUGE romantic comedy fan!
July 12, 2016
Anything but Minor is a refreshing, amusing romance with lots of flirting, witty banter, and likable characters.
Rafe is a minor league baseball player. He's got the whole package and good looks to boot. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, sophisticated woman. Alice works as a flight instructor. She was raised by a single overprotective mother but now she feels ready to open her wings and make her personal revolution by working and living on her own. When they meet, Alice tries not to get distracted by Rafe's dazzling good looks but she quickly discovers how funny and sweet-natured he is and she's starting to fall for him—hard. Rafe is intrigued by the sexy nerdy girl…getting involved with her is everything he shouldn't do, yet the attraction might be too strong to resist. The sexual tension between them is about to drive Rafe to his knees.
Rafe and Alice had great banter going between them and the relationship grew slowly, which intensified the sizzling and the chemistry. They had some pretty serious, yet playful and flirty conversations, and you could just see that they were growing closer and closer the more time they spent around each other.
All in all, I really loved this book…Great characters, interesting plot, sizzling love scenes and a sigh-worthy HEA. It’s a fun read, well-written. I was not expecting such quality from a contemporary romance. I highly recommend it as an entertaining contemporary romance.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Rafe is a minor league baseball player. He's got the whole package and good looks to boot. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, sophisticated woman. Alice works as a flight instructor. She was raised by a single overprotective mother but now she feels ready to open her wings and make her personal revolution by working and living on her own. When they meet, Alice tries not to get distracted by Rafe's dazzling good looks but she quickly discovers how funny and sweet-natured he is and she's starting to fall for him—hard. Rafe is intrigued by the sexy nerdy girl…getting involved with her is everything he shouldn't do, yet the attraction might be too strong to resist. The sexual tension between them is about to drive Rafe to his knees.
Rafe and Alice had great banter going between them and the relationship grew slowly, which intensified the sizzling and the chemistry. They had some pretty serious, yet playful and flirty conversations, and you could just see that they were growing closer and closer the more time they spent around each other.
All in all, I really loved this book…Great characters, interesting plot, sizzling love scenes and a sigh-worthy HEA. It’s a fun read, well-written. I was not expecting such quality from a contemporary romance. I highly recommend it as an entertaining contemporary romance.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 14, 2016
It's Live ->
I Loved it !!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Kate Stewart has wowed me once again.
In the past Kate has made me swoon, made me think, and made me cry (DAMN you woman!!!) With this book, she has officially made me laugh until it hurts. (Thankfully there was no peeing involved - at least not on my end of things)
This book is a little crazy, a lot sweet and packed with so much understated (and some over-the-top) emotion ... this is so much more than your run-of-the-mill sports themed RomCom.
I would list everything I love about this book, but there would be nothing leftover - it's simply one of the best!
Now - go read it!
An advanced copy was received for review. Thank you!
I Loved it !!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Kate Stewart has wowed me once again.
In the past Kate has made me swoon, made me think, and made me cry (DAMN you woman!!!) With this book, she has officially made me laugh until it hurts. (Thankfully there was no peeing involved - at least not on my end of things)
This book is a little crazy, a lot sweet and packed with so much understated (and some over-the-top) emotion ... this is so much more than your run-of-the-mill sports themed RomCom.
I would list everything I love about this book, but there would be nothing leftover - it's simply one of the best!
Now - go read it!
An advanced copy was received for review. Thank you!
July 27, 2016
4.5 "It was the best day of my life" Stars!
I loved Alice and Rafe!! This was one of those stories that just does it for you, you come away from it feeling so good. After reading so much dark, torturous romances, this book became the perfect palate cleanser...this sports romance was just what I needed. I swooned, I laughed, I enjoyed every minute of it!
It's not often I read a book and fall in love with both the hero and the heroine! I usually love the hero but sort of dislike the heroine. Or I love the heroine but the hero just isn't doing anything for me. But AbM had both. Believe me when I say I fell in love with Rafe and Alice.
I'm a sucker for the bad boy, dirty talking, alpha male, asshole hero, but I also love the sweet guys. The guys like Rafe that doesn't need to exude the bad boy persona to make you swoon. Rafe was a naughty, charming and just a lovable type of guy.
Alice was my fave! I love the nerdy girl heroine! Probably because I've felt a bit nerdy all my life so I completely empathized with Alice! I felt like I understood her and all her unique, funny quirks. I literally found myself laughing out loud and their relationship wasn't just passionate, but it was funny and cute.
If you like romantic comedy and you're into sports romance then this is the perfect summer, fall, beachy, vacation or "anytime" read and the best thing is who doesn't love the storylines where the nerdy girl gets the cool, hot athlete. Prepare to laugh and fall in love.
*ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review!*
I loved Alice and Rafe!! This was one of those stories that just does it for you, you come away from it feeling so good. After reading so much dark, torturous romances, this book became the perfect palate cleanser...this sports romance was just what I needed. I swooned, I laughed, I enjoyed every minute of it!
It's not often I read a book and fall in love with both the hero and the heroine! I usually love the hero but sort of dislike the heroine. Or I love the heroine but the hero just isn't doing anything for me. But AbM had both. Believe me when I say I fell in love with Rafe and Alice.
I'm a sucker for the bad boy, dirty talking, alpha male, asshole hero, but I also love the sweet guys. The guys like Rafe that doesn't need to exude the bad boy persona to make you swoon. Rafe was a naughty, charming and just a lovable type of guy.
Alice was my fave! I love the nerdy girl heroine! Probably because I've felt a bit nerdy all my life so I completely empathized with Alice! I felt like I understood her and all her unique, funny quirks. I literally found myself laughing out loud and their relationship wasn't just passionate, but it was funny and cute.
If you like romantic comedy and you're into sports romance then this is the perfect summer, fall, beachy, vacation or "anytime" read and the best thing is who doesn't love the storylines where the nerdy girl gets the cool, hot athlete. Prepare to laugh and fall in love.
*ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review!*
July 15, 2016
I’ve got a cure for anything that ails you, and it’s called Anything But Minor. Kate Stewart knocks it out of the park in this feel-good sports romance that’s hilarious, sweet, and deliciously sultry.
I have the biggest girl crush on nerdy Alice! Her crazy antics seriously left me in tears. I love her Google addiction, her obsession with 80s movies, her sassiness, her truthfulness, and especially her imperfections. Most of all, I appreciate the way she fearlessly embraces every opportunity. Her ability to end even the crappiest day by declaring it the best day ever is so stinking endearing.
Rafe? Well, he’s only the most lovable piece of athletic man candy to cross my Kindle in awhile. He has no ego, no pretense, and he’s completely enamored with my girl, Alice. She’s a smart flight instructor (à la Kelly McGillis in Top Gun), he’s a gifted minor league baseball player, and together they create some intense chemistry. The bedroom scenes may pack a bit of heat, but there’s a surprising amount of humor mixed in.
There are a couple of minor characters that might have enhanced the story even more if better utilized, but the book doesn’t lack for interesting supporting characters. I especially loved Dutch, the faithful baseball fan, as well as Rafe’s best friend, Andy.
The book takes place in Charleston, South Carolina, and you can tell the author has an affinity for the area. The city is almost a character unto itself, and seeing the town through Alice’s eyes makes her a fantastic tourist guide.
Anything But Minor is an utterly enjoyable book that combines the best of comedy and romance. I highly recommend it if you’re looking a light pick-me-up that will make you smile and swoon.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic comedy
Nerdy heroines
The 80s
Cheers
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
I have the biggest girl crush on nerdy Alice! Her crazy antics seriously left me in tears. I love her Google addiction, her obsession with 80s movies, her sassiness, her truthfulness, and especially her imperfections. Most of all, I appreciate the way she fearlessly embraces every opportunity. Her ability to end even the crappiest day by declaring it the best day ever is so stinking endearing.
Rafe? Well, he’s only the most lovable piece of athletic man candy to cross my Kindle in awhile. He has no ego, no pretense, and he’s completely enamored with my girl, Alice. She’s a smart flight instructor (à la Kelly McGillis in Top Gun), he’s a gifted minor league baseball player, and together they create some intense chemistry. The bedroom scenes may pack a bit of heat, but there’s a surprising amount of humor mixed in.
There are a couple of minor characters that might have enhanced the story even more if better utilized, but the book doesn’t lack for interesting supporting characters. I especially loved Dutch, the faithful baseball fan, as well as Rafe’s best friend, Andy.
The book takes place in Charleston, South Carolina, and you can tell the author has an affinity for the area. The city is almost a character unto itself, and seeing the town through Alice’s eyes makes her a fantastic tourist guide.
Anything But Minor is an utterly enjoyable book that combines the best of comedy and romance. I highly recommend it if you’re looking a light pick-me-up that will make you smile and swoon.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic comedy
Nerdy heroines
The 80s
Cheers
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
September 14, 2016
Wow, it only had 280 pages?! Felt like so much more...
Yet another story that I feel was way too long. Or maybe the characters weren't as fun as I hoped. Or the plot... Or their relationship...
Anyway, it was pretty boring.
There were stuff that I enjoyed (particularly her humor) and the idea that women are badasses. And I appreciated the lack of drama (maybe "lack" is a strong word, I needed something that says "not as much as I expected").
Still, it wasn't a bad contemporary romance. Nothing wow, the junk-food kind of read, but good enough to try out I guess.
Yet another story that I feel was way too long. Or maybe the characters weren't as fun as I hoped. Or the plot... Or their relationship...
Anyway, it was pretty boring.
There were stuff that I enjoyed (particularly her humor) and the idea that women are badasses. And I appreciated the lack of drama (maybe "lack" is a strong word, I needed something that says "not as much as I expected").
Still, it wasn't a bad contemporary romance. Nothing wow, the junk-food kind of read, but good enough to try out I guess.
July 17, 2016
Can I start off by admitting that I am not a huge rom-com fan? Whew. Now that I have gotten that off of my chest, let’s begin.
Anything but Minor pairs Alice, the nerdy and somewhat inexperienced heroine who is new in town, and Rafe, the minor league star � destined to play in the majors. Oh, and let’s just say there isn’t an inexperienced bone in his delectable body.
Alice knows a man like Rafe is one that means certain heartache, but she can’t seem to deny him the request of friendship, even if that is the last thing Rafe really wants. But friends it is � for now � at least for a little bit... okay, so not so much friends... only. These two find it is far more difficult to keep things strictly platonic once they feel the heat from the first kiss.
I loved this book. I don’t always find books all that funny, funny enough to really laugh out loud. But with ABM, I had to put down the Kindle and just give into the hysterics. I can’t remember the last time I laughed more in my life while reading a book. Between the laughing and the huge smile on my face as I read the final pages of this book, I was one happy camper. Kate Stewart nailed her first rom-com. It was absolutely perfect. I can’t find one fault with this book other than it ended and I didn’t want it to.
Rafe was perfect. Alice is now sitting pretty as one of my most favorite heroines. And this book. This amazing, sweet and steamy read. This is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME. I loved every second, every word, every awkward moment.
Read this. Now. Be ready to laugh and swoon as you experience falling in love, Kate Stewart style.
Anything but Minor pairs Alice, the nerdy and somewhat inexperienced heroine who is new in town, and Rafe, the minor league star � destined to play in the majors. Oh, and let’s just say there isn’t an inexperienced bone in his delectable body.
Alice knows a man like Rafe is one that means certain heartache, but she can’t seem to deny him the request of friendship, even if that is the last thing Rafe really wants. But friends it is � for now � at least for a little bit... okay, so not so much friends... only. These two find it is far more difficult to keep things strictly platonic once they feel the heat from the first kiss.
I loved this book. I don’t always find books all that funny, funny enough to really laugh out loud. But with ABM, I had to put down the Kindle and just give into the hysterics. I can’t remember the last time I laughed more in my life while reading a book. Between the laughing and the huge smile on my face as I read the final pages of this book, I was one happy camper. Kate Stewart nailed her first rom-com. It was absolutely perfect. I can’t find one fault with this book other than it ended and I didn’t want it to.
Rafe was perfect. Alice is now sitting pretty as one of my most favorite heroines. And this book. This amazing, sweet and steamy read. This is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME. I loved every second, every word, every awkward moment.
Read this. Now. Be ready to laugh and swoon as you experience falling in love, Kate Stewart style.
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