"Grand Slam" by J.T. Cheyanne ~ Blog Tour, Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Title: Grand Slam
Author: J.T. Cheyanne
Genre: Gay Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Laz & Lachi Publications, LLC
Release Date: April 20, 2013
Heat Level: Sizzling
Length: 165 pages

Buy Links: Amazon | ARe | B&N

All of his life, Spencer Hightower dreamed of playing baseball in the Major Leagues. He survived growing up gay in rural Alabama due to his impressive skill on the baseball diamond. Now living in Rhode Island and playing for the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox, he's only a few steps away from his goal.

Brock Kinkaid, CPA, faced each day with a smile that hid his deepest desire. He wanted to be a father. Unfortunately, the gay men he knew were not into the daddy scene. Resigned to being childless, he lavished his attention on his niece and nephew. When Corey won tickets to see the local baseball team in action, they suckered him into taking them despite the fact he loathed the game. Who would have guessed one home run ball would change everything?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Anna Kate stood beside them an arm wrapped around each leg. She beamed up at them.

“When you gets married, can I be the flower girl? I want a really pretty dress that goes all the way to the floor and has lots of ruffles. It don’t has to be pink, ‘cause I know boys don’t like pink.” Her head swiveled back and forth. “Can I, please?”

Brock crouched beside the girl and Spencer mimicked his pose.

“Anna, baby. Spencer is my boyfriend, that doesn’t mean we’re getting married. We have to get to know each other a little better.”

“But, I wants him to be my Unca Spencer. I like him and he makes you smile when he kisses you. He doesn’t make you upset like that bad Nolan did.” Small hands cupped her uncle’s cheeks. “I really, really want that dress, Unca Brock, and Mommy will have to buy it if you gets married.” Her voice lowered to a whisper. “You know, I can’t wait for her to gets married because hell is made of fire and she said it would be frozen before she gots married again.”

The burst of laughter exploded before Spencer thought to stop it. Brock’s lips twitched as he struggled to maintain a straight face. “Well then, sweetheart, if I get married, I promise you’ll get to pick the dress you want.”

Happy, the youngster patted her uncle’s cheek.

Blond curls swiveled and a flushed cherub cheek pressed against Spencer’s cheek. “Will you buy me a candy bar?”

Both men stood, took a hand and joined the line. Fifteen dollars later, they stepped away from the counter.

“Thanks Unca Spencer. Don’t tell mommy you boughts it. She said it would ruin my dinner.” With a giggle, she darted off behind the bleachers to play, chocolate firmly in hand. Stunned, Spencer stared after her.

“Did I just get played by a four-year-old?”

Brock laughed and moved in the direction of the bleachers. “Yeah, you did.”

Somehow, the geek had gotten the jock.

... and, whatever you're thinking right now, let me tell you - you're probably wrong. Because this book is way better, and definitely far more refreshing than you'd expect just by reading the blurb.

Yes, Spencer is a semi-pro baseball player. Yes, Brock is a CPA - and, he hates baseball. But, honestly, that's about it when it comes to the cliché athlete/geek story.

Although Spencer always dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues, he's far from the usual in-the-closet jock, looking for some fun & partying around. And, although Brock does want to become a dad, there's so much more to him than that.

Actually, Brock made me fall in love from page one. He's simply adorable! Such a sweet, loving guy, carrying all those insecurities around... He's incredible with kids, and wants a family of his own, but can't find the right guy to have it with. And then he meets Spencer... Now, Spencer seemed all cocky at the beginning, but didn't hesitate to show his warmer, gentler side. I loved them both so much, and I simply adored them together!

Overall, Grand Slam is a sweet, hot, refreshing read. It's definitely not a coming-out story, as MCs are out, proud & (mostly) accepted. Isn't that great for a change? No hiding, denying, no double-life... Amazing! Grand Slam has all the right elements - likable characters, chemistry, romance, drama, nice side characters, sweet epilogue... So, what bothered me?

Honestly, there were times when story turned from sweet to toothache sweet. There were times when miscommunication was just a bit too much. There were times when things did not sound exactly plausible. There were some issues (Brock's ex, for one) I wish were addressed properly. And, Spencer said "Sexy" one time too many somewhere along the way.

Still, none of that managed to ruin the book for me. No way! I enjoyed reading it, loved those two guys, had an amazing time and I'd do it all over again! Just the fact that they are both openly gay, comfortable with who they are, and so good together bumped Grand Slam up on my list!

*** Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ***

After a lifetime of reading and at the suggestion of friends, J.T. finally put fingers to keys and started writing her own stories. It's been a wildly amazing ride full of tears, exhilaration and plain old hard work. Thankfully, her three beautiful children support her craziness and encourage her to continue something she loves. While they both have solo work, J.T. also writes with V.L. Moon and she thrives on the work they do together. What a small world it is indeed Mr. Disney when a small town girl from Alabama can find and write with a big city girl from England. What a ride it has been and continues to be!

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