Tour Review & Giveaway: The Changeup (Men of the Show #1) by Rhonda Shaw

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Playing for keeps

After nine years of striking out in the dating department, Maddie Hamlin is throwing in the towel. But just as this mom resolves to remain single, she meets sweet and sexy pitching phenom Chase Patton at a family dinner. He’s perfect for her--aside from the fact he’s only twenty-two.

Chase knows he should be focusing on his rookie year with the Detroit Rockets, but he can’t stop thinking about Maddie. He doesn’t care that the beautiful school counselor is twelve years older, and he’s already lost his heart to her adorable daughter. When an incredible date leads to an incredible night of passion, he knows he never wants to let her go.

But dating in the media spotlight is a whole new ball game. Maddie quickly discovers that not everyone accepts their unconventional relationship and that finding love may mean losing everything else.

Review:
I admit I've never been a great fan of big age differences between my main characters, though Rhonda Shaw has done a superb job with The Changeup.

It is Chase first year as pitcher with the Detroit Rockets, so all his focus is on baseball. No bars, booze or groupies for this man. Which went alright until he met Maddie. Ever since he can not get her and her daughter Bree out of his mind and he feels the need to pursue that. Only thing is that Maddie has quite the problem with their age difference, seeing him as just a kid.

Add the fact that she has just given up on men as it seems she can not find someone worth it. Though Chase is quite different. He pays attention to her daughter and he cares about Maddie's feelings and what she wants. If he was ten years older he would be perfect. Still it is only the age thing that is holding her back, and she is afraid what other people will think.

The way these two met was a bit strange as Maddie's niece brought Chase as her date to a family dinner. Now apparently they weren't dating, still it felt weird and I could totally understand the animosity of Maddie's family when they found out she and Chase were dating. I also understand why the author chose for this kind of meeting, it still left me with a feeling of not-quite-right.

Other than that I really liked the story. Chase is simply amazing. He really took his time getting to know Maddie and Bree. There were all these sweet little moments which made the story seem more believable and real. I also loved how mature and responsible he was for his age. If he wants something he will give it his all, no holding back. I like that attitude, which he really needed as Maddie often was being difficult and resistant.

I had more problems with Maddie. It always came back to that age thing. In the end she could get over it, but she is always afraid what other people might think and then used it as an excuse when things were not going perfectly to end it between. Which is simply ridiculous, because she didn't even give Chase a real chance. At least that is how I felt it. What I did like about Maddie was how everything she did and every decision was with the thought of wanting the best for her daughter. She is very protective over her little cub.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. Chase was definitely my favourite and Maddie just needs to be a bit more positive. The baseball scenes were written very well as in I could understand what was going on (I know pretty much nothing about baseball). A good portion of the drama, the 'best' best friend, crazy family members and plenty of love that will keep you turning page after page.

Connect with Rhonda Shaw:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

**GIVEAWAY**

$25 Amazon giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click the image for the full tour list

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