A Winning Season by Rochelle Alers finds Zoey Allen at her wits end. After the death of her parents ten years earlier, she took custody of her half-
brothers, who were much younger than her. Now one is away in the military, but sixteen-year-old Harper is acting out, disobeying Zoey’s rules and giving her an attitude. When he tries to steal his new neighbor’s car, she’s had enough. She doesn’t expect her new neighbor to draw her attention.
Baseball star Sutton Reed has returned to his hometown. It’s only supposed to be temporary, and he certainly has no plans to fall for his new neighbor. But when Harper attempts to take his car for a joy ride, he realizes that the teen needs a mentor. When Zoey confesses how bad things have gotten, Sutton decides to take him on and guide him. He also lets Zoey know that it’s ok to have her own life and her own dreams, that they don’t have to revolve around her brothers.
I found Zoey to be a bit irritating at times. She was frustrated with Harper, but she doesn’t really put her foot down with him. She seems relieved to have Sutton deal with him, but then gets jealous over how quickly the two bond and how Harper opens up to him.
I liked Sutton, up until he decides to push Zoey into dealing with her long-lost mother. Zoey was the one left behind, so I felt it should have been her choice in how to deal with her. I understood what he was trying to do, but I didn’t like how he went about it. He lost a couple of points with me because of that.
A Winning Season has interesting characters that readers will sympathize with and may be able to relate to. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy small town romances, or opposites attract stories.
Book Info:
Publication: September 1, 2020 | Harlequin Special Edition | Wickham Falls Weddings #10
Baseball ace Sutton Reed’s returned home triumphant after years in the majors. When he moves next door to a troubled young man, he’s determined to help—for the boy’s sake and for the boy’s gorgeous older sister, Zoey Allen. After sacrificing everything to keep her family together, Zoey has no time for romance…even with a hometown hero. But will this unlikely combo be the home run love story they all deserve?
