Review: Caught in The Game
CAUGHT IN THE GAME - Cassie Verano
Independently Published
BUY
May 2021
Contemporary Romance
REVIEWER: Shirley Fleming | RATING: A
REVIEW: Stormi Knight is finally free from the toxic relationships her marriage had become. Is she free when her ex-husband is still holding her hostage even though they are divorced? His threats of retribution prevent her from moving on and forging a new relationship. That is until she met Juan Carlos ā€œJCā€ Pena. The star shortstop is arrogant and full of self-importance when he and Stormi first meet. Once they get to know each other, the attraction is off the charts. With her ex ever-present in the back of her mind, Stormi is reluctant to get involved. But the attraction is too strong to ignore. Of course, Stormi and JC fall in love, and her ex appears to restate his threat. With her future at stake and fed up with being controlled by fear, Stormi contacts the only person who can stop her ex in his tracks.

Stormi is a very shrewd businesswoman. Her night club, Stormy Nights, is thriving. She has a heart of gold, and her employees love her. But she has one weakness; she allows herself to be intimidated by her ex-husband. JC is a first-rate shortstop for the Rattlers in the city of Diamond Lake. JC is arrogant and feels that he is the only reason the Rattlers are winning. He has to learn that there is no ā€˜I’ in team.

CAUGHT IN THE GAME is my first book for this author, but the story is very captivating. There is a lot of drama, highs and lows, a ton of heat, and mental abuse. Abuse is just as harmful, whether it is physical or mental. The author gives us a glimpse into the vice-like hold one person can have on another. Stormi suffers manipulation and abuse from her ex-husband until she finds something worth fighting for; a normal relationship with a man she cares deeply for. This book is well written with unforgettable characters whose verbal and physical exchanges keep you interested and reading. The scenes are so tangible you can feel the emotion emanating from the multifaceted characters. The road to love is sometimes bumpy but worth it. Kudos to Cassie Verano for a realistic and captivating story!

CAUGHT IN THE GAME is Book #1 in the Diamond Lake Rattlers series and a fantastic read. I recommend it to all who are die-hard fans of happy endings. This sports romance will not disappoint. This is my first book by Ms. Verano, but it will not be my last. I look forward to reading more of her well-crafted stories. Also, read Book #2 in this series, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GAME. It promises to be another attention getter.

1st June 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
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