I loved this book a lot! It’s a book I’ve had on my radar since its release last year but hadn’t gotten around to reading. I’d seen so many good things said about it on social media, and now I completely understand the hype. This book was delightful from start to finish. It’s chock full of trans/queer joy, loads of baseball, found family, and the sweetest slow burn romance. Even given the state of the country right now, it still made me believe that a future where someone like Gene could realize their dream is entirely possible. In a way, I’m glad I waited to read it because I need that kind of hope and joy right now. 

Gene Ionescu is precious, and I will protect that man at all costs. Baseball was in his blood; his love for the game leapt from the pages. I loved his raw determination to make a space for himself in a space not typically welcoming for a trans person. He’s bounced around and worked his butt off to get where he was and he carved out a perfect little niche for himself. His optimism was unmatched, and it was easy to get swept up in it all as you’re reading. 

When his ex-teammate and rival, Luis Estrada, is traded to Gene’s team, Gene’s whole equilibrium is thrown off. Partly because of how things ended between them the last time they were teammates, partly because of how standoffish Luis is now, and mostly because of how attractive Gene finds Luis now. I loved seeing them slowly rebuild that friendship as they figured out how to work together again. Gene tried to be mean at first, but it’s not his nature and as he caught glimpses of what Luis was battling, he couldn’t help but support him. The romance was such a slow burn, but it was the sweetest, softest thing, and the payoff was more than worth it. I loved these two together so much. 

I also loved the baseball of it all. Even if you don’t love baseball, I think you might find yourself with a new appreciation for the game after following the Beavers for a season. I love a good underdog story, and between Gene and the Beavers as a team, this book delivered. I loved the side stories with Gene’s teammates. His friendship with Vince was excellent, and I loved the relationship Gene had with Baker, his coach. All of these different things wove together so seamlessly to create something really special. Gene and Luis will always have a special place in my heart.