Review: Lovable Hero But a Frustrating Heroine at Times
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 30, 2013
As the second book in the Diamonds and Dugouts series we get to revisit the Boys of Summer as they're on the hunt for the women of their dreams.  Playing the Field features an older woman, younger man theme and realistically displays all the issues pertaining to a single mother and the perceptions of what a young man wants out of life.  The romance of upbeat and confident JP and the overly cautious Sonny, who's quick to assume the worst, is a slightly rocky one that's both sweet and teeming with sexual tension.  From start to finish it's a fun story that had me falling completely for JP while being left frustrated by Sonny at times.Sonny is a strong-willed woman who's devoted her whole life to her son, Charlie.  She's neglected her own love life to make his dreams come true when possible.  She's been hurt emotionally numerous times throughout her life and it's made her completely suspicious of everything that remotely promises to bring her happiness.  She was immediately attracted to JP but fought against him every step of the way using her son as a shield.  JP did everything to prove himself but Sonny was a hard one to win over.  Even when they appeared to be heading towards a HEA she overreacted in a childish way that left me disappointed in her.  It took a grand gesture to finally convince her and though their HEA was satisfying, I still think JP deserved a bigger apology from her.JP is the ideal hero, charming and sexy.  He's young in years but mature in his heart and soul.  He knows what he wants out of life and who he wants in it.  He's immediately drawn to Sonny and has no problem becoming an instant father to Charlie.  He's immensely good interacting with Charlie and though he longs to jump Sonny's bones he understands she's gun shy and is willing to take their relationship slowly.  Watching him woo her makes him even sexier as he shows a sweet and caring side in his dealings with her, right alongside the overpowering sexiness that radiates off him.  His grand gesture was especially endearing though unnecessary as their falling out was clearly Sonny's fault.  It just shows how important she and Charlie are to him that he was willing to take the steps necessary to bring them all back together.This story brought a smile to my face as JP and Sonny were a delightfully compatible couple.  Their sexual interludes were steamy but not too hot.  The majority of their time together was spent getting to know each other which allowed us to get to know them.  Not only do we get to meet a wonderful main couple but we get glimpses of the other ball players who are all charming and sexy themselves.  I can see many wonderful stories still to come in this series as these players are to die for.  Barring my momentary unhappiness with Sonny I found this story a wonderful read and can't wait for the next installment.