Straddling the Line

Play by Play, Book 8

By: Jaci Burton

Narrated by: Lucy Malone

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

Haven Briscoe has finally landed a dream job as a sportscaster for a major network. But she hasn't been able to move past the recent death of her beloved father, and it's affecting her career. A plum assignment following the daily life of sports superstar Trevor Shay might be just the inspiration she needs. Trevor will do anything to spark life back into Haven, including letting her into every aspect of his world. The chemistry between them flames higher than one of Trevor's home runs and faster than his dashes to the end zone. But as they grow closer, Haven stumbles onto Trevor's closely guarded secret, one he's hidden his entire life. And despite his protests, now it's Haven's turn to put everything on hold to help Trevor. Will he let her in and trust her with a secret that could blow his professional and personal world apart? Contains mature themes.

©2014 Jaci Burton (P)2014 Tantor Media

Loved Trevor - Needed Real Plot

I thought that Trevor (professional athlete) was the most likable male character in this series since Mick; strong, caring and non-violent (not hitting or domination). Haven was a sympathetic character, a twenty something woman trying to move on with her life after the death of her father.

Straddling the Line could have been an excellent book if there had been an actual plot and more character development. There were fun moments as Haven & Trevor got to know each other and too many explicit sex scenes to count. Trevor's big secret was easy to guess and fix; a person with that much money could have conquered the issue easily.

Unfortunately, too many of the male characters in this series were carbon copies: gorgeous, sexy, promiscuous men who make millions, care about their parents, siblings and/or friends yet see women as conquests & bimbos. Hardly good husband material...

When couples from previous books made appearances, the women are concerned about balancing children & careers and supporting their men. In contrast, the men seem to make their own careers a priority. Conspicuously, none of the men were willing to give up "playing sports" to be a full-time father, expecting others to help raise their children.

I believe Jaci Burton is talented, with the ability to create more complex and balanced characters. I would enjoy a series with older, more mature male characters who view women as equals.

Straddling The Line

Loving this series! Trevor Shay not only plays pro baseball but he also plays pro football and plays both in top form. When he finds out his college mentor (who died about a year ago) daughter is having troubles he steps in. She is a journalist and he put himself on the line and offers an indepth interview but only if she does it. Soon the chemistry between them cannot be denied but will they be able to sustain it?

Hard to listen to narrator

I actually couldn’t finish reading this book even though there was nothing wrong with the storyline. The narrator always sounded like she was about to break into a fit of coughing because her voice was so tight and strained. I found it very disconcerting and unpleasant.

Another "I love him /her, but I can't tell them"

Please, get back to the having great sex and loving it theme that hooked me on the series. This job conflict of interest crap is getting very old. Thanks for making education look glamorous. It isn't. Too many students per teacher really lowers the job satisfaction and effectiveness.

Loved it!

Love how the Rileys made a guest appearance. Loved how a secret can bring them together instead of wrenching them apart. Can't wait for the next one.

Really could have been better....

I really wanted to like this book. These have always been a must buy for me but this one should have just been a series catchup novella. It seems every couple of chapters old characters showed up. At least one from every book. If I had listened to them all in a row I might have liked it better but I didn't and it was very distracting trying to remember the other stories. No real chemistry this time. This one is going back. I'm not sure if I'll buy the next one.