The Back Up Plan | Eden Finley

I feel as though I have been waiting for this series forever….or at least since I read Fake Out in 2020 and for King Sports to come to fruition! 

Thad had big plans of playing major league baseball, and put his heart and soul into it.  His back up was to be a sports agent, and when he needs to fall back on his back up plan….WHELP he is not happy about it.  While off the bat Thad is extra grumpy with a major attitude that more that we got to know him the more I understood where he was coming from.  He is a lot more dynamic than I think anyone gave him credit for, too.  He is genuine and cares about those close to him and really just doesn’t want to let people down. 

Kelley Afton is a major league pitcher and most people think he is living the best life ever.  But after coming out, the stress is really wearing on him.  Kelley’s need to please people and be so worried about what people are saying is totally relatable and my heart hurt for him.  The way that Finley described his anxiety and mental health really resonated with me.  I also appreciated that Kelley sought the help that he needed and advocated for his needs.  

I love this premise of forced proximity … .and throw Brady into the mix and you know that it is going to be a good time (to say that Brady reminds me of his dads is an understatement and I love him based on his similarities to them!). The witty banter and chemistry that Thad and Kelley have is off the charts, and when they finally give in.  YES, please! While they attempted for a while to ignore the chemistry, bond and friendship they couldn’t stay away from one another for long.  There is so much to love about this book and I cannot recommend this book more!

BOOK STATS:

• Rating: 4.75
• POV: Dual first person
• POP: 23%
• Series: King Sports (bk #1) 
• Type of Series: Interconnected Stand alone
• Tropes: Rivals to lovers, frenemies to lovers, close proximity, workplace romance, MM romance, hurt/comfortRelease Date: 11/7/24
• Available on Kindle Unlimited