It’s review time again and releasing today is Christmas Curveball by Shari Mikels.  If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance, this is a must-buy.

*****

When newly single Rachel Tanner finds out that pro pitcher Kevin Ganlin has come home to recover from an injury, her heart skips a beat. She’s loved him from afar since her preteen years, never bold enough to let him know.

Kevin is less than thrilled when Rachel shows up at his doorstep. She’s his best friend’s little sister and officially off-limits. Besides, he’s staring early retirement in the face, a one-man pity-party with no interest in anything more serious than quick flings on the road. Until an icy mishap lands Rachel cozied up on his sofa, irresistible in his practice sweats.

A little game of Truth or Truth reveals much more than Rachel had ever dared to hope and leads to a midnight make-out session that leaves them both panting. But can she trust that he’s truly changed his ways? This Christmas, Kevin will do whatever it takes to make Rachel understand she’s the only one for him.

Rachel has loved Kevin for years but he’s always been out of her league … and then he became a MLB pitcher, with all the women that go along with the job.  After living through a marriage to a cheating husband, the last thing she wants is a man with “varied tastes”.  I felt for Rachel every step of the way – from her unrequited love to the chance it could be more to the possibility of it all falling apart (a very obvious plot point but one that Mikels makes work with her engaging characters and deft story-telling).  And I loved Kevin’s development – facing his early retirement, his feelings for Rachel, and where he wants his life to go.  He’s hunky, sweet, conflicted and fun.

Christmas Curveball has warmth, humor and charm and, at just over 100 pages, is the perfect quick romance break when you need to get away from the holiday rush.  You know going in where everything will lead but Rachel and Kevin are so likeable that you gladly follow right along every step of the way.