I enjoyed this installment in the Diamond Brides series. The characters and their struggles to admit their deepest secrets seemed quite realistic. I also enjoyed the slower pace of the relationship established through the first half of the book. Another nice, easy read. ( )

This is the 3rd book in this series and the 2nd one that I have been fortunate to review for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I really like how natural and down to earth this story was. So many people fear the brutal torment that they may have to face because of their weaknesses or beliefs. And finding the courage to trust someone enough with your secrets and being accepted for them is even rarer. Hope I get to read the next one too. ( )

Tyler Brock, Emily Holt

I really liked Tyler and Emily. They are cute together and have strong chemistry. I think the ending was kind of perfect and very believable for the characters. I've enjoyed this book quite a bit. 3.5 Stars ( )

A fairly standard romance novel, the main characters are thrown together by circumstance and kept apart by insecurities on both sides. Most of which could be quickly overcome if they were honest with each other.

I found most of the book a good read, but the end was more than a little forced. One moment they’re not talking to each other, and the next everything is fine and they live happily ever after.

In short, a fun little read for a few hours of entertainment. ( )

Reaching First is the third novel in the Diamond Brides series by Mindy Klasky.

Plot:
On the surface, Tyler Brock has pretty much everything: a successful career as a baseball player, money, good looks. But he is hiding something from the world: the fact that he can’t read. But since he knows his surroundings, that is not that much of an issue. But then he gets transferred to a new team in Raleigh. And just before he leaves, he gets into a bar fight and now has to serve a hundred hours community service. Which he is supposed to fulfill at Emily Holt’s project of building a support center for veterans and their families. Tyler and Emily are immediately drawn to each other. But when Emily starts asking Tyler for work that requires him to read, they start clashing. And things aren’t made easier by the fact that Emily isn’t entirely upfront about everything, either.

Reaching First was a quick, entertaining read that is pretty much a standard romance. Nothing much will surprise you, but it mostly achieves what it sets out to do. The ending is a little quick and a little too sweet, but other than that it was enjoyable, if not very memorable.

Read more on my blog: http://kalafudra.com/2014/08/27/reaching-first-mindy-klasky/ ( )