Caitlin (The Love Librarian)'s Reviews > The Problem with Players

Nathan and Avery owned my heart! Nathan and Avery fell in love one summer when they were 18. That changed when Nathan left for the league, and left Avery heartbroken. Now, Avery is the head coach of the high school baseball team and a recent runaway bride. Nathan has been back in town after a baseball injury, and he threw himself head first into working full time on his family's farm. That is, until the high school brings him in to be another coach on the baseball team. When I tell y'all Avery was not happy, that is an understatement. I love that her heartbreak and strong dislike were apparent, and it took her awhile to let herself be open enough to accept his apologies, friendship, and eventual love. While Nathan is willing to accept friendship and co-coaching for now, he has no doubt in his mind that Avery is his home, if only she would take a risk on him again.

I was emotional this entire story. Avery and Nathan's battles with depression resonated with me deeply, from showing how hard it is to get up in the morning to feeling ashamed to ask for help. The author did a great job at showing Avery's healing process. She needed more than Nathan's love to cope and the author did a great job at realistically portraying that.

Now - the romance? TOP TIER. Past hurt aside, Avery and Nathan were perfect for each other and had some good behind chemistry both on the field and in the bedroom. Nathan's humor and corniness was the perfect match for Avery's grumpy side. It was so sweet when they would laugh together because it was clear that they found a "home" in each other, and they took the time to make sure their relationship had a sturdy foundation before truly giving their love a second chance.

TROPES: small town, close knit family, runaway bride, sports romance (H/h are baseball coaches, H is a former MLB player), grumpy/sunshine, second chance, roommates, "it's always been you", caretaking, mental health representation

TRIGGER WARNINGS: panic/anxiety attacks, mentions of suicide/suicidal ideations, depression, death of a parent, substance abuse, parental abandonment (side character)