Review: Taking a Second Shot

Taking a Second Shot book cover on blue background

This is the second book that I chose for the HQN Shameless Romantics Library Reading Challenge this month and it's exciting to read a book from a debut author!

Taking a Second Shot by Leslie DeVooght is an insightful look into the world of a professional soccer player. I also love the double entendre of the title and how it applies to the characters, especially with the book featuring two athletes as they navigate their particular sports and their lives.

Many thanks to Harlequin Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: mentions of yoga

Book Synopsis

Can he convince her that he’s playing for keeps?

Struggling professional soccer player Rainey Allen has come to her grandparents’ small town in Georgia to train—certainly not to coach kids. But when a grief-stricken little boy gets excited about playing with her, she can’t refuse. Even if his uncle is Scott Wilcox, the source of Rainey’s worst preteen memory. Once on track to be a professional athlete himself, Scott is grappling with his new life as the high school baseball coach and guardian of his orphaned nephew. But as playing soccer puts the light back in Henry’s eyes, old wounds begin to heal. When Rainey gets her big break, will she give up on her dreams…or leave behind the family who stole her heart?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What an interesting glimpse into the world of professional women's soccer! I appreciated learning more about this sport, along with the rigours and demands of what would be expected to perform well as an athlete. At the same time, it was lovely getting to know a former baseball player and his nephew as they navigated grief and loss together. It was also touching that years after a failed experience with one another in school, Rainey and Scott were able to move beyond their past and forge a friendship that could help them serve the athletic needs of their community, along with Scott's nephew, Henry.

While the timing hasn't been quite right for Rainey and Scott, it’s clear that they both had a heart for serving others and in placing other's needs above their own. Their selflessness and willingness to step up to God's call on their lives made them endearing characters. While Rainey would definitely be an aspiration to look up to in terms of her athletic and culinary prowess, her vulnerability also made her relatable. If you enjoy stories about athletes and what it means to surrender your dreams to God, Taking a Second Shot shows that there is always another opportunity if we are willing to take it.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

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