#MFRWHooks for ~~I think I love you~~ 16/09/15 #amreading #Reading

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook

He took her hand and excused himself while getting through the crowd. No way was the party

nearly over. Rather the opposite, she thought. This party was about to warm up.
Without her.
She couldn’t believe it. Her chance to meet someone from the football scene, and she was
leaving because of a stinking headache. She was cursed to end up old and on her own.

And that thought hurt.

It was a short walk to his car. Sarah relished the feel of fresh air against her face. A breeze off the

ocean sent a sudden chill down her back. Sensing it, Markus put an arm around her shoulder.
An hour and a little snooze in a car later, they arrived in front of her place. Her little house which
she was so proud of. At least something that she had achieved in life. Fair enough, Markus had helped her when she’d hit financial problems, but it was a success that nobody in her family had been able to accomplish.
At least if she’d grow old alone, she’d do it owning a house. A smile lingered on her lips.
Markus got out of the car and opened the passenger door for her.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Then she leaned forward, quickly slipped into her shoes, before she got out and walked to the front door. The sound of Markus’ steps told her that he was following. Half of her appreciated his thought of making sure she was safe, the other half was too tired to care or think. She rubbed her eyes with the ball of her hand before she turned and met Markus’ eyes.“Thank you, Marky,” she said softly. “Thanks for taking me home.”

Nodding, he came closer, took the key from her, and unlocked the door. “Have a good snooze, baby.
And call me in the morning.”
She bit her lip and took the keys. “I will,” she replied.
Sarah had to close her eyes for a moment. The situation was so unfamiliar to her that she needed a second to refocus. It wasn’t unusual for Markus to give her a lift home and drop her off at the door, but it was unusual for her to have every nerve in her body responding to his nearness. Somehow, his
familiar scent affected her tonight, and she had no idea why. She even had to lock her knees to

withstand the look in his eyes.

And before she knew it, her mouth was on his.

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHooks for ~~I think I love you~~ 09/09/15 #amreading #Reading

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook
She stood and saw Oliver come over. “Please don’t tell him,” she whispered.
“What’s up?” Oliver asked.
“Saz drowned her sorrow in some red last night after finding out Timmy cheated on her,” Markus explained.
Sarah slapped him against his chest. “I asked you not to say anything,” she said through gritted teeth.
Markus cocked an eyebrow. “I thought you meant the chocolate.”
Oliver laughed and pulled Sarah into a hug. “I told you—”
“Don’t say it,” she mumbled against his chest.
“You should try—”
Sarah placed a finger on his lips. “Just tell the happy couple congratulations, and I’ll catch up with them when they get back from their honeymoon.”
“You really are out of it, sweet pea. They left about half an hour ago.”
She sighed again. “Even better. I don’t have to feel guilty.”
Oliver placed a kiss on Sarah’s forehead.
“Honey, you’d better go and have a dance with Tamara,” she whispered. “I know you two have issues, but try to put it aside. She seems a bit lonely.”
He followed her gaze before he said, “Hope you feel better soon.”
She nodded and then followed Markus towards the doors. Again, she noticed how sensational he looked in that tuxedo, the white shirt, and the dark grey tie. His blond hair was cut short and the usual slight wave was gone. She liked it when his hair was a bit longer. It gave him that mischievous look that she’d known since childhood. That same look in his blue eyes that had radiated trouble fifteen years ago, when he’d taken her hand and led her to the top of a diving board with the words Let’s go flying.

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 02/09/15 #amreading #mustread

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook
Sarah let out another long breath before she decided what to tell him, if anything at all. Markus had always been a very good friend. More than that. He’d always been there for her, during good and bad times. Especially during bad times.
“I walked in on Timmy with another woman yesterday afternoon,” she said, barely audible, more embarrassed than hurt.
Markus leaned back and met her gaze. Like so often, his beautiful blue eyes conveyed such warmth and understanding.
“Ouch!” he whispered.
“C’mon, say it,” she coaxed.
“Say what?”
“You know what. The I told you so.”
The words stung like acid in her stomach. Yes, he had told her more than a couple of times that there was something iffy about Timmy. Even Ty and Oliver had noticed the vibes, but she’d been happy the last four months. She hadn’t expected that one. Not at all.
So last night she’d drowned her sorrow in that one glass of red wine too many and was paying for it now.
Markus gently pulled her a little bit closer. “I’m not saying any such thing.”
“I deserve it, though.”
A smile tugged at his lips. “Baby, no you don’t. The only person deserving something is Timmy. And that’s a big fist connecting with his face.”
Sarah laughed, but regretted it straight away. “Oh my God, Marky. Don’t make me laugh, please. I’ve got the worst hangover ever. The last glass of the red wine last night didn’t agree with me.”

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 26/08/15 #amreading #mustread

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook
Jealous?
Couldn’t be. She’d never been jealous of Markus’ girlfriends before, so why would she be today? Damn, she wished that girl would leave him be.
A long sigh escaped her.
Tired, she squeezed another little bit of lemon into her tea as she watched all the couples on the dance floor.
“Aww, baby, that’s your second cup of tea now. What’s the matter?” Markus asked as he sat next to her.
Startled, Sarah nearly spilled the tea. Yet, the few simple words and his presence made her feel better already.
As long as she was able to remember, Markus had called her baby. Initially, it had annoyed her, because she’d been so proud of having finally reached teenage years, but nowadays…nowadays she reeled in the comfort of their closeness. Tilting her head slightly to look at him, she let out a little sigh. He laughed and placed his arm around her for a little hug.
“Want to dance?”
His mouth was so close to her ear, she could feel his breath on her skin as he spoke. A little shiver went down her spine, and it took her by surprise. She’d known Markus for almost twenty years, and she couldn’t remember her body responding to him like this. It was a bit eerie. The combination of red wine, hangover, and the Panadol was obviously too much for her. After all, they’d shared lunches together at school, went together to movies or concerts, shared heartaches, and even their first kiss celebrating Mark’s thirteen’s birthday. Both decided then and there that it wasn’t for them. In all fairness, it’d been their third kiss, but they were about five years old when their mouths had accidentally met for the first time, and Markus had given her a wet, sloppy kiss in Kindergarten as well when she’d fallen off the slide.
So why was her body betraying her today?

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 19/08/15 #amreading #mustread

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook

As Sarah Winter walked down the aisle, she was too worried to look around, too frightened to miss or lose the rhythm of her step. She’d practiced this more than she liked to remember; the last thing she wanted was to get it wrong. Only she’d practiced without this darn headache. And without her heart aching.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to relax and followed her instincts. It couldn’t be that hard, after all.
When she arrived at the front, she moved to the side and finally dared to steal a glance at the guys. She almost needed a second look to take in how good Markus looked that day. As much as she tried, she came up with a blank when it came to seeing him in a tux. Not even for his sister’s wedding had he dressed up so nicely. Not in a tux, anyway.
Oh my Lord.
The two shared a quick smile before the minister started, and she tried her best to focus on the service.

 ☆ new release ☆

 

Get hooked on "Innocent Tears" 11/03/15 - #MFRWHooks #Reading

 

Welcome to another MFRWHook!

 

"Innocent Tears" is set in Melbourne / Australia

             

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

BLURB:

Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.

With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.

But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.

 

 

Today's hook:  

“Mum had to take medicine which made her lose her hair, and then she went to hospital, but never came back home,” Nadine said while breaking up some biscuits into pieces for her dolls.

Emma’s heart sank within her. Inwardly annoyed with herself for being so nosy, she sighed. After all, it wasn’t any of her business. She stroked Nadine’s hair. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean

to upset you.”

The girl placed the glass of milk back onto the table, and with a weary smile she looked at Emma. “That’s okay,” she said quietly. “Would you like to see a photo of my mum?”

Emma tilted her head to the side. “I’d love to.”

Nadine hopped off the chair and as quickly as she had previously retrieved her bag with dolls out of the other room, she returned with a framed photo.

“That’s Mum and me on my birthday. I’m six!” Nadine beamed.

“She’s beautiful.”

“Grandma says she’s in heaven, but I know she’s with the rainbow fairies now.”

Emma smiled at that thought. “That’s the fairy with the boy who didn’t want to grow up, isn’t it?”

Nadine’s eyes opened wide. “No! That’s a tinker. Mum is now up in a rainbow and creates the beautiful colours in the sky.”

The girl held onto the frame tight, and it caused Emma’s chest to squeeze as she thought of her own mother. “How long are you staying here in Melbourne, Naddie?”

“Don’t know.” And while slowly taking the photo back into the other room, she whispered more to herself than Emma, “I probably won’t go back home again.” She stopped in the doorway

and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I miss her so much,” she added quietly.

 

 

 

 

 

5 Stars:

I am a big fan of Miss Blobel's work. I love her characters and get so into their lives and how that comes together and culminates in the end. I loved Flynn and his apprehension about having to be a new Dad to a child he had never met. Emma's involvement and her torment of having to chose the right man. Jack's dormant abusive behavior and Teresa indifference to Nadine, who by the way was a very endearing child. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kudos to its author!!

4 Stars:

A very good story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. A fairly predictable ending but who doesnt like a happy ending?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"LET ME LOVE YOU" ~~ Oliver Dempsey, pitcher for a Melbourne baseball club, loves the women, and they love him… #TeamLimitless

 

 

 

 

Let Me Love You

By Iris Blobel

Blurb:

Oliver Dempsey, pitcher for a Melbourne baseball club, loves the women, and they love him…

But he keeps them at an arm’s length, and when he meets Tamara, he’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for her.  Told by his coach that she’s off limits, only draws him in more.

Tamara Amis moved to Melbourne to find some distance between her past and herself…

With the help of her uncle, the coach of a Melbourne baseball club, she quickly finds a job, and a place to live. Yet, one meeting with the handsome pitcher stirs unexpected emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.

It’s Oliver’s injury that brings them together, but as they find out about each other’s pasts, how can they be ready to share a future?

 

Buy Links:

Publisher: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/product/let-me-love-you/

Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Aq2J7r

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1AzCCfB

 

 

Excerpt:

 Sweat ran down Oliver’s back, soaking his shirt. He’d been on the field for a couple of hours, but frustration grew in him with every ball he missed. He placed his hands on his knees and took a deep
breath, fixing his stare at the ground. For Pete’s sake, he was a pitcher, not a hitter, and well known for his fastballs as well as his perfect curveballs. Alas, he had neglected his hitting. Today, his swing was below average, and, unable to focus, he walked over to the bench where he spotted Coach Becker shaking his head towards him.

Pointing his finger back towards the field, the coach said, “Head right back out there, Oliver. You need to improve your hand-eye coordination. I want to see more, and better.”

Oliver cursed under his breath. “It’s not going to happen. My shoulder’s killing me. It’s been a long day.”

Coach Erik Becker rubbed his face.

“It’s not gonna happen today,” Oliver persisted.

With a grimace on his face, his coach nodded.

"Righteo, call it a day. But I want you back out there again in the morning, though.”

Oliver eased off his gloves and shoved them into his back pocket, before removing his helmet.

The coach gave him a gentle slap on his back. “I need you to concentrate more tomorrow. Remember what I told you. You need to focus on your proper stance as well as swinging the bat. Keep your eye on the ball as it comes towards you. Try to connect the bat with the ball, preferably at the fat of the bat. We have a game coming up soon. Go and deal with the shoulder issue. Check in for a massage.”

Oliver wiped his forehead with his arm when he noticed a woman standing in the coach’s shadow. Raising his eyebrows, he nodded towards her as to ask who she was.

Erik turned slightly. “Oliver, this is my niece, Tamara. She’s moved here from Perth. Tamara, this is Oliver.”

Oliver extended his hand towards her. “Nice meeting you.”

She ignored his hand and took a step back. Taken aback by her reaction, Oliver instinctively checked his hand for dirt or sweat. Questioningly, he looked at his coach.

Erik ignored the situation and simply said, “Have your shower and see me before you head off to discuss your training schedule.”

Nodding, Oliver took another quick look at Tamara. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and he was puzzled by her expression. It seemed as if her intense blue eyes were trying to hide something. The distant look in them was almost mysterious, and combined with her body language, he couldn’t help but get the impression something was wrong. She was very guarded.

With one last look towards Tamara, Oliver turned and left.

As soon as he got to the locker room, he peeled off his t-shirt. Pain shot through him the instant he lifted his right shoulder. He’d been ignoring the twinge during the training session, but knew he had to have it looked at. The fucking skateboard rider had nearly knocked him over the previous day when he came out of nowhere. Oliver hadn’t had a chance to move out of the way fast enough and slammed his shoulder into a post.

He slowly stripped out of his track pants before grabbing a can of Coke out of his bag. Leaning against the wall, he chugged half of the drink while enjoying the quietness around him. Everyone else was still out on the field trying to please Coach Becker. He choked a laugh, hoping his mates would put Erik in a better mood than he had. They had a few important games over the next few weeks before the season ended, and for the first time in years, the club was doing well.

As he walked to the showers, he thought about his training session and wondered whether his shoulder was to blame for the bad hits, or his lack of training. But who was he kidding, he always liked to throw everything he had at people, yet was hopeless in receiving anything thrown at him. That applied in baseball and in life. When he’d been to see his first baseball game as a kid in Los Angeles, he’d known he was born to pitch.

 

 

RELEASE DAY: "Let Me Love You" ~~ #Newrelease #MFRWAuthor

 

 

 

 

Let Me Love You

By Iris Blobel

Blurb:

Oliver Dempsey, pitcher for a Melbourne baseball club, loves the women, and they love him…

But he keeps them at an arm’s length, and when he meets Tamara, he’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for her.  Told by his coach that she’s off limits, only draws him in more.

Tamara Amis moved to Melbourne to find some distance between her past and herself…

With the help of her uncle, the coach of a Melbourne baseball club, she quickly finds a job, and a place to live. Yet, one meeting with the handsome pitcher stirs unexpected emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.

It’s Oliver’s injury that brings them together, but as they find out about each other’s pasts, how can they be ready to share a future?

 

Buy Links:

Publisher: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/product/let-me-love-you/

Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Aq2J7r

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1AzCCfB

Kobo Books:

Barnes & Noble:

 

 

Excerpt:

 Sweat ran down Oliver’s back, soaking his shirt. He’d been on the field for a couple of hours, but frustration grew in him with every ball he missed. He placed his hands on his knees and took a deep breath, fixing his stare at the ground. For Pete’s sake, he was a pitcher, not a hitter, and well known for his fastballs as well as his perfect curveballs. Alas, he had neglected his hitting. Today, his swing was below average, and, unable to focus, he walked over to the bench where he spotted Coach Becker shaking his head towards him.

Pointing his finger back towards the field, the coach said, “Head right back out there, Oliver. You need to improve your hand-eye coordination. I want to see more, and better.”

Oliver cursed under his breath. “It’s not going to happen. My shoulder’s killing me. It’s been a long day.”

Coach Erik Becker rubbed his face.

“It’s not gonna happen today,” Oliver persisted.

With a grimace on his face, his coach nodded.

"Righteo, call it a day. But I want you back out there again in the morning, though.”

Oliver eased off his gloves and shoved them into his back pocket, before removing his helmet.

The coach gave him a gentle slap on his back. “I need you to concentrate more tomorrow. Remember what I told you. You need to focus on your proper stance as well as swinging the bat. Keep your eye on the ball as it comes towards you. Try to connect the bat with the ball, preferably at the fat of the bat. We have a game coming up soon. Go and deal with the shoulder issue. Check in for a massage.”

Oliver wiped his forehead with his arm when he noticed a woman standing in the coach’s shadow. Raising his eyebrows, he nodded towards her as to ask who she was.

Erik turned slightly. “Oliver, this is my niece, Tamara. She’s moved here from Perth. Tamara, this is Oliver.”

Oliver extended his hand towards her. “Nice meeting you.”

She ignored his hand and took a step back. Taken aback by her reaction, Oliver instinctively checked his hand for dirt or sweat. Questioningly, he looked at his coach.

Erik ignored the situation and simply said, “Have your shower and see me before you head off to discuss your training schedule.”

Nodding, Oliver took another quick look at Tamara. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and he was puzzled by her expression. It seemed as if her intense blue eyes were trying to hide something. The distant look in them was almost mysterious, and combined with her body language, he couldn’t help but get the impression something was wrong. She was very guarded.

With one last look towards Tamara, Oliver turned and left.

As soon as he got to the locker room, he peeled off his t-shirt. Pain shot through him the instant he lifted his right shoulder. He’d been ignoring the twinge during the training session, but knew he had to have it looked at. The fucking skateboard rider had nearly knocked him over the previous day when he came out of nowhere. Oliver hadn’t had a chance to move out of the way fast enough and slammed his shoulder into a post.

He slowly stripped out of his track pants before grabbing a can of Coke out of his bag. Leaning against the wall, he chugged half of the drink while enjoying the quietness around him. Everyone else was still out on the field trying to please Coach Becker. He choked a laugh, hoping his mates would put Erik in a better mood than he had. They had a few important games over the next few weeks before the season ended, and for the first time in years, the club was doing well.

As he walked to the showers, he thought about his training session and wondered whether his shoulder was to blame for the bad hits, or his lack of training. But who was he kidding, he always liked to throw everything he had at people, yet was hopeless in receiving anything thrown at him. That applied in baseball and in life. When he’d been to see his first baseball game as a kid in Los Angeles, he’d known he was born to pitch.