The perfect game book 3

He also understood hardship. Trust finally comes into play when Pauly has a choice to make and puts everything on the line with Ian. As the season ends and dreams come true, other choices need to be made and Pauly has to decide if she really wants to do it without Ian by her side. Or does she? This story had a little bit of everything in it. I admired that Elley Arden was able to convey all kinds of emotions from her characters … happiness, sadness, fear, insecurities, determination, angst and, finally, love.

She was able to tell this story in a way that you were rooting for both Ian and Pauly but for different reasons and had me hoping that they both got what they were striving for.

I guess you could say that I was really a cheerleader throughout this story. But, what I loved most was, once they were on the same page, that they admitted to their feelings, they were committed … there was no one from their past that tried to break them up, there was nothing that truly tore them away from each other and, in the end, they were there for each other.

I really enjoyed the final book in the Arlington Aces and hope to read more from Ms. Review copy provided for a voluntary review. This one is about baseball, and I wanted to read it because it centers a Black woman pitcher determined to make it in a sport that is very much a boys club. I love women in sports stories, always have. And I loved those aspects of this book, loved watching her determination, her stubborn and intense confidence in her abilities, her grappling with misogyny.

I loved the bits about her relationship with her family, and how she struggled, socially, because she took herself so seriously. She was by far my favorite part of the story, and her personal arc in the sport aspect of the story, which was all about building trust and connection with the catcher she was working with and figuring out how they could succeed together, was the kind of women in sports story that is exactly what I love.

There was something missing in his characterization for me. I think it felt too easy, too hand wavy, both for what his issues were and for his arc of change. He comes from a family of alcoholics and drinks very heavily and then can just give it up cold turkey?

He goes from coping with difficult traumatic stuff by hiding his head in the sand to openly facing his problems, because of the love of a good woman? It all felt too easy and unearned.

That moment is described in the next paragraph. There is a moment in The Perfect Game that I found very hurtful and problematic. In this moment, the heroine asks the hero if his mother is a good person.

He replies that his mother is bipolar and committed suicide. This is a deeply ableist and harmful idea to put into the world, and one that is likely to be hurtful to readers who have connections to mental illness.

It demonizes mentally ill parents and parents who commit or attempt suicide. As a reader with mental illness, who has parents who are mentally ill, and has family members who committed suicide, I found it extremely harmful to read.

It is something that would be fairly easy to change without altering the plot or significant aspects of the story; the lead in to him talking about his mom could just be a different one. I wrote to the publisher asking them to consider changing it. I held off posting my review until the book released, in the hope that they decided to do so.

I did not receive a response from them, so I am posting the review; I will change the review if I hear that this has been removed from the story. This moment in the story tanked it for me. Any thought I had of rooting for him as a character, any desire I had for them to make it as a couple, was gone.

In this moment, he erased all my good will towards him as a character. There is another deeply ableist moment, late in the book, where a physically disabled minor character is introduced purely to create a moment of pity and sentimentality for the abled characters. It made me want to toss the book across the room. It was an incredibly blatant use of disability as a cheap plot device, and it was painful to read.

Trigger Warnings: Detailed description of addiction. Family dynamics related to addiction. Pauly Bryne is a starting pitcher in professional baseball for the Arlington Aces, an Independence League. Ian Pratt is the replacement catcher that she's always harbored a grudge against after taking his unsolicited advice, the wrong way.

Her regular catcher has been sidelined for failing a drug test, so she's stuck with Ian and she's very vocal about her displeasure. Pauly's motto is She relies on the team's scouting report and Ian relies on his observations and gut instincts.

They're like oil and water, but Pauly's singular goal is to make it to the majors. For Pauly, it's her first and only love -- it's what she and her family always dreamed of and sacrificed for her entire life. Of course, Ian is the total opposite -- he wings it -- because for him, it's just a fun game to play. Because failure is not an option Pauly knows she needs to keep her eyes on the ultimate goal, so she takes the advice of her coach to bond with Ian by inviting herself along to Ian's 3-day bros getaway.

The bros quickly abandon Ian to his fate! The getaway opens Pauly's eyes when she connects with Ian on a personal level and she gets glimpses of the real Ian behind the facade he presents to the world.

Ian teaches her techniques to relax and encourages her to trust him on game days. Ian discovers that Pauly's anal tendencies definitely have a time and place where it can be extremely beneficial. Their bonding ignites a long dormant smoldering flame and exposes their repressed attraction to each other. Their near miss sexy moments leads to the discovery of something meaningful happening between the two of them -- forever. I loved this story and would love to see what happens next for this couple.

If you are a fan of baseball or you were a fan of Pitch on FOX and the character Ginny Baker, I think you'll enjoy reading this sweet love story. Char 1RadReader What a really interesting and fun book of two people who come together over the love of a sport.

One taking it on as pure enjoyment and making the team, Ian Pratt. The other, Pauly Byrne she had to fight and claw her way in the all-male sport until she came along. It really bothered her that second string catcher, Ian, was so laid back when they had a job to do. Then, his back up ends up on the disabled list so that only leaves Ian Pratt. Which to hear her say it, it sounds like a four-letter word. She is not happy. Pratt has never had a problem with her, in fact, he tried to help her on day one until she bit his head off.

From then on acting like she was better than most of the team, well except for the MLB players that had been dropped down for any reason. So, he just kept his distance.

Now, however, she needed something from him if only cooperation. See how these two learn to work together. Overcome their differences. They would be wrong. Jack will still piss you off but not in the way he did in book one or two. There is no doubt in my mind that these two genuinly love and belong to each other, and J. For fans of Dean and Melissa, don't worry, Sterling gives us an HEA for these two and I'm glad that they finally go their act together because I was wanting to rip my hair off if I didn't get some kind of closure for these two.

The Sweetest Game was a sweet ending for a series that I discovered this year, and ended up loving. This series is definitely worth all the quarters in the world and if you're a fan of The Game series you'll definitely want to read this. Now I must wait to find out if or when Chance's books will be released. You'll have to read this book to find out who Chance is. View 1 comment. A wonderful conclusion for this series.

On some reason, Jack and Cassie grew on me despite of the headaches they gave me. Seeing them more matured than ever is simply enough to make me happy. I finally get to appreciate them. Especially Jack Carter and I ended up liking his character. Out of the three books, this is probably my favorite because the drama is better than the previous two books. Overall, I enjoyed the series. View all 4 comments. Dec 25, Anne OK rated it it was amazing Shelves: reads.

For me this was the best of the three -- probably because Jack finally proved his worth. This series of books is everything that makes reading delightful in contemporary romance -- with the added specialty of sports-themed.

I loved it all -- the good, the bad, the ugly and especially the perfect and "sweetest" happily ever after between Jack and his Kitten. It was a joy to watch these two grow from young college students into the capable and responsible adults they became.

There are so many wond For me this was the best of the three -- probably because Jack finally proved his worth. There are so many wonderful characters to love in this group of books. Each add there own personal and special touch to the storyline. Kudos to the author for wonderfully written and fun-to-read entertainment from start to finish. Dec 24, Lindsay rated it really liked it Shelves: reviews , sports-athletes , baseball.

I have to say that while I knew there was a third book in the works, I thought it was going to be about Jack's brother. And I was fine with that. I wanted his story. I wasn't anticipating a third book about Cassie and Jack when I felt the second book wasn't needed.

But, I'm apparently glutton for punishment because I gave in and read this anyway. Just reading the synopsis told me that something was going to happen to Jack's career and that would cause angst for him and Cassie. And it didn Well And it didn't disappoint in that. As soon as it became apparent what would happen, I knew he would turn into the patient from h3ll and become the biggest jerk going.

And he proved me right. He was downright awful. I was close to hating him again. But I was still left feeling like it wasn't needed. I was happy with their HEA at the end of book 1.

Then I was satisfied with their HEA at the end of 2. So I'm not entirely sure why this one was needed. However, from the epilogue, I did get the impression that their son Chance would end up with a book. And I would be interested in reading about him. And speaking of other characters, I have to touch on Dean and Melissa.

Both as just friends of Jack and Cassie then as the possible love connection. But with 3 books under my belt of watching them dance around each other, I lost my patience with them. I came to extremely dislike Melissa. I still loved Dean and thought he deserved better than how Melissa treated him.

I was standing up and cheering for him when he even realized that he deserved better. So, while I would have loved a Dean book, I'm also glad that I didn't get one because if Melissa ticked me off this much as just a secondary character, I would be beside myself wanting to go Queen of Hearts on her as a main character. Oct 23, TeriLyn rated it really liked it. I'm so happy J. Sterling gave us The Sweetest Game. After being disappointed with book 2 in this series, I was cautious about getting my hopes up for book 3.

The Sweetest Game is absolutely worth reading if you're a fan of Jack and Cassie. The story allows us to experience Jack and Cassie's marriage, baseball, and subsequent events. I loved The Perfect Game so reading this made it all that much better for me. I honestly could skip right over book 2 if I ever wanted a Jack and Cassie re-read. If I'm so happy J. If you felt like me after book 2, don't give up, The Sweetest Game is perfectly sweet.

They're the same two characters I fell in love in TPG but they're growing up together. They've finally fully embraced one another and the trust they have in their feelings and their relationship. They were strong, Cassie especially. There were times when I thought "Jack is such a fool for his behavior" but Cassie changed that perception.

That's Jack; protective, loyal, and fierce. Those qualities are a recipe for a total hot head who doesn't navigate feelings well. Cassie realizes this and does exactly what she knows Jack needs. I finally caught on that Cassie is protective, loyal, and fierce too.

Just in a much more reserved, quiet way. Melissa and Dean are back to their story is weaved through Jack and Cassie's. It's really sweet. The whole book is heartwarming and about growing up, realizing what is most important in your life and working to maintain that peace that you've found with your partner. I loved it. The epilogue was fantastic too. The Sweetest Game is an outstanding ending to Jack and Cassie's journey. View all 6 comments. Dec 12, RCA rated it it was amazing. I love this book.

Newport Beach, Jack being a dick, Jack being a great hubs, Jack being a great father. Best Epi ever. Jack and Cassie has been through so many trials and tribulations that I could not wait to see where their story would go and how it would end. This book starts after their wedding and ends with an Epi from their 17 year old son Chance.

Thank you Jenn Sterling for giving me a female character lead who is a strong, mature, professional, confident working woman. Thank you for bringing the couple full circle in love and life. Watching them grow and strengthen their love was simply fantastic.

I am not going to lie, I love baseball and this book made me feel like a real game insider which made the ride all that more enjoyable for me. Though I'm sad their story is over, I feel complete. The epilogue in this book brought such beautiful closure to their story that I can sleep well tonight knowing the Carter's are a complete strong family unit. Merry fucking Christmas to us! May 04, Beth Hudspeth rated it it was ok Shelves: reads. I finished. Now I can get on with my life.

Dec 26, Jennifer Reyes rated it it was amazing. To be quite honest I was excited to be getting more of Cassie and Jack's story as I will always want more of them, BUT I was a little scared as to WHAT this third book would deal with, or that it would have some unnecessary drama added to it to make it 'interesting'. I am quite happy to say that it is not the case! This is the perfect ending to this series, I finally felt a sense of closure when finishing the book. I felt as if it was the right time to say goodbye to them.

When I first read The Perfect Game I was taken through an emotional roller coaster of emotions, you can read all about that in my review for that book. I wanted to strangle him for all the pain he put Cassie and himself through, but I will say he won me over once again and even redeemed himself in The Game Changer.

I was so excited to find it on my kindle when I awoke on Christmas day, and dove straight into it. From the start I was hooked and immersed into Cassie and Jack's world, I felt as if I was reunited with long lost friends. We got to a part of their wedding, finally making their love official. We also got to witness what life as a 'baseball wife' is like and the struggles that come with the territory. And what story would be complete without some drama! We get a small scare and drama.

This part of the book made me want to choke Jack for the way he was acting. Total jerk mode!! But then again I understood a bit where he was coming from. Never the less we see the transition of their life from dating to marriage and everything that comes afterwards. One of my favorite parts of this book was seeing Dean and Melissa's relationship unfold. I can understand now why J. Sterling said she was having trouble writing a whole book just about these two. But the amount of information she gave us into their relationship seemed like just enough for us to.

I felt so bad for Dean, he is so sweet and loving but also somewhat innocent in the way he pursued Melissa.

Gran and Gramps always seem to know the perfect thing to say to make these guys fall into place and realize what is right in front of them! I think the reason being that we got such a wonderful and perfect ending to their stories. I am beyond thrilled that J. Sterling gave us this book!! If you have NOT read this series I highly recommend it!! Go fall in love with Jack F'n Carter today! I was so happy that Jack returned to SoCal, but bummed that he did not become a Dodger! Dec 11, Holly rated it it was amazing.

Ahhhhh this read was bittersweet for me! While I loved it and and thought it was the perfect ending to Jack and Cassie's story, I was sad knowing it was the final book. This really was a perfect ending to this series. Jack F'n Carter will always be one of my boo Ahhhhh this read was bittersweet for me!

Jack F'n Carter will always be one of my book boyfriends and I'm ok knowing that whenever I really miss him, he's never more than a reread away Dec 12, Christine rated it it was amazing Shelves: favorites. What a great ending to Jack and Cassie's story!! I really loved this series and enjoyed the ride Jenn took us on. Thank you for giving us Jack F'n Carter!!! Dec 05, K3 rated it it was amazing.

I had to get you back. Nothing comes easy. I fuck things up. He has literally punched us in the stomach with some of his life altering decisions he has made. In the Perfect Game, Jack lost Cassie but eventually was able to win her back.

I am not ashamed to admit this but I completely ignored my family to read, get sucked into and finish this book. You felt his pain, his struggle and his fear but throughout it all, you always feel his love for Cassie.

There are always ups and downs with the good always comes the bad. In this final installment you really see how much both Jack and Cassie have grown, individually and together. Dean and Melissa. I fell more in love with Dean.

The whole Melissa and Dean situation, my heart and stomach dropped.. I was like "Yes, you go Dean! The advice that Gran and Gramps give.. Especially the ones rooted in fear. You feel the most for them. It is insane and honestly the ONLY series that does that to me. We know their past, we live through their present and we get a peek into their future.

Jenn Sterling has hit a homerun with this one. Bravo Bravo Bravo!! This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Story Line: 5 stars out of 5. This book was my favorite of all the series. I really enjoyed most of the book. There were some scenes that really upset me.

There were also still funny moments in the book as well. I also loved the sickeningly sweet moments in this novel as well. In the beginning of this book I didn't like the way that Jack treated Cassie. He did something stupid and he broke his hand. He couldn't play the game he loved. He started treating Cassie badly.

He was upset with himself for being so stupid. He started pushing her away. He gave her the silent treatment most of the time. When he did talk to her he was being a jerk. I really didn't like the way that he acted either. Dean came out to try to help snap Jack out of what was going on with him. Jack also treated him horribly. Dean gave him a letter from Gran.

That helped Jack snap out of it. He also helped Dean with his girl problems. Dean ended up exploding on Melissa.

I understand why he did it. I was actually happy that Dean did that. He was too sweet. That just proved that he was able to stand up for himself. Jack apologized to Cassie after that and promised to never treat her like that again. Jack started to train again to get his pitching arm back up to speed.

He started making progress, but the Mets decided to trade him. They gave him two options to go to a team in Canada or to go to one in California. Jack chose to move back to California. Cassie found out that she was pregnant while she was packing to move back to California. Jack's reaction was really sweet. Cassie was okay with leaving her dream job.

She wanted to be there for her man. In the second half of the book the baby was born. Jack showed his vulnerability. He was scared that he was going to be a bad father. He proved that he was an amazing father. He decided to quit playing baseball when his son, Chance, was five years old. He wanted to be there for his son. The last chapter switched to his son's point of view. I really enjoyed that. I loved reading Jack and Cassie's story.

Characters: 5 stars out of 5. Cassie was still amazing throughout this book. She is still a strong character for me. She had to endure through so many trials in this book because of her husband. Being married sometimes is hard, but she persevered.

Her reactions still made me laugh. In the end she also became an amazing mother. I was happy with the way her story ended. Jack made me angry in the beginning of the book. I still loved him though. He really is a sweetheart. I want a man just as sweet and protective as he is in my life. I think everyone deserves that.

I didn't like the way he acted because of his stupidity. You don't treat people badly because of something you done, but that's exactly what he did. He did redeem himself when he apologized. I was also happy with what an amazing father he became. You just listen to your heart, follow it, and take chances. Always take chances. Dec 29, We like it big book blog rated it it was amazing. Hitting that final page of The Sweetest Game was definitely a bittersweet moment.

This final installment to the Perfect Game series was perfectly done and I applaud J. Sterling for giving these two beloved characters the ending they so greatly deserved. This final book was filled with tons of amplified swoon worthy moments which made be completely fall in love with Jack f'n Carter all over again.

The love between him and Cassie was clearly demonstrated by selfless acts and professions of their co Hitting that final page of The Sweetest Game was definitely a bittersweet moment.

The love between him and Cassie was clearly demonstrated by selfless acts and professions of their commitment to one another. I thought the author did a fabulous job solidifying their promise of forever. There were some parts in this book that had tears threatening to spill from my eyes;emotionally charging words that had me clenching my hand over my heart.

I felt for Cassie and I was so afraid of the road that J. Sterling would take them on. This is exactly what I loved about this book, it had just the right balance to make this believable, almost so believable that I felt I was right there with them.

They completed this conclusion. I will greatly miss these characters and their wonderful story. But I am so proud and quite frankly relieved because there have been a couple as of late that have disappointed me of how J. Sterling closed out their story. I am ecstatic that she gives us an epilogue that leaves the future of this Perfect Game family wide open- one that has me and I'm sure many others excited.

J Sterling. The Perfect Game. Dec 25, Chrissy rated it it was amazing Shelves: series , read-in , favorite-books. Such an amazing end to an amazing series. This was the perfect ending to a series, and to a Christmas day. This story spans a lot of years and starts off with their wedding day, and ends in such an amazing way. She is one strong girl, but stronger with Jack by her side. We also got to see Melissa and Dean..