The Man For Me

October 6, 2008
Writer J.T. Green desperately wants to be taken seriously at national weekly Sports Today
, both for her and her father (the Coach), but a locker-room mishap lands her a losing assignment covering a dead-end local baseball club, the Gilbeytown, Pa., Beavers. Unbeknownst to her and her editor, famous pitcher Tommy Bainbridge is in town, and he's determined to help the Beavers kick their losing streak. Tommy and J.T. fall for each other, but their careers and trust issues make it impossible for them to commit; soon, however, J.T. uncovers a conspiracy threatening the Beavers that could drag her and Tommy down with it. Bruce (Who Wants to Be a Sex Goddess?
) is in good form with this sports romance, keeping the baseball in the forefront without getting technical. Tommy is an almost absurdly good guy—humble, honorable, an old school sportsman—and J.T. is a strong foil—independent, indomitable and sexily vulnerable. Though readers may wonder at some of the loose ends, the novel's smalltown setting, vibrant supporting characters and modest aspirations make this a charming exploration of love and baseball.

December 1, 2008
After a picture of her, seemingly naked, with a couple of athletes appears in a tabloid, sports reporter J. T. Green is sent by her boss to the hinterlands of Pennsylvaniato cover the Beavers, an independent baseball team at the bottom ofits league. Tommy Bainbridge is taking a few days off in his hometown. His pitching days for the majors are about to become a memory. Givenhis injuries andage, he has decided to retire and move back home. Whilewaiting for his replacement to be announced, he is laying low and keeping mum. J. T. shows up, and Tommy hits on her.The next day, he finds out she is a reporter and is immediately suspicious. This could be the scoopthat would make her career if only J. T.knew what Tommy wasup to.Tommy and J. T. start off on the wrong foot but soon find common groundin Brucesheartwarming account of a team and a town struggling to survive.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)