Reading the Signs
by Keira Andrews
Length: 293 pages
Genres: Gay (M/M), Contemporary, Sports, Romance.jpg){kind=spacer}
This hot-headed rookie needs discipline—on and off the field.
Pitcher Nico Agresta is desperate to live up to his family’s baseball legacy. Since he was a teenager crushing on his big brother’s teammate, he’s known he can’t act on his desires. His father’s made it clear there should be no queers on the field, but if Nico can win Rookie of the Year like his dad and brother did, maybe he can prove he’s worthy after all.
At 34, veteran catcher Jake Fitzgerald just wants to finish out his contract and retire. His team doesn't have a prayer of making the playoffs, but who needs the stress? Jake lost his passion for the game—and life—after driving away the man he loved, and he swore he’d never risk his heart again.
Then he’s traded to a team that wants a vet behind the plate to tame their new star pitcher. Jake is shocked to find the gangly kid he once knew has grown into a gorgeous young man. But tightly wound Nico’s having trouble controlling his temper in his quest for perfection, and Jake needs to teach him patience and restraint on the mound.
When their push and pull explodes into the bedroom, Nico and Jake will both learn how much they’ll risk for love.
This gay sports romance features men who have been repressing their feelings far too long, light BDSM, an age difference, sweaty locker rooms, and a happy ending.
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3 of 5 stars
Reading the Signs is a light, fast paced romance. Nico and Jake have good chemistry and the best friend's little brother connection makes their age-gap attraction both sexy and adorable. I'm a baseball fan, so the mental picture of Jake's tall and broad catcher's body paired with Nico's shorter build and spitfire personality was a bit non-traditional and 100% worked for me. It's always fun to read about characters who color outside the lines.
The story felt a little rushed in places. Personally, I would have liked to see their relationship develop a bit more before the big reveal, but it's not bad as-is. The supposed "light BDSM" is essentially non-existent—I'd describe it more along the lines of bedroom powerplay with a side of workplace slap and tickle than kinky—but it's still fun to see two guys having a good time and exploring new things together.
All in all, Reading the Signs is a solid story and a great way to while away an afternoon. Maybe not a grand slam, but most certainly another home run from Keira Andrews.
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal, and fantasy fiction, and—although she loves delicious angst along the way—Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”
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