Though I’m not a big romance reader, there was something about The Practice Proposal that made me want to read it:Baseball, a hot pitcher, the fact that I’m a Washington Nationals fan (and a sometimes Orioles fan), and that it’s set where I live. Oh, plus, the added side dish of romance, can’t forget that.I don’t know what I was expecting going into The Practice Proposal, but what I got was a fun, sweet romance that I just loved loved loved, that made me want to get a hot dog, cozy up to my man at a game (sadly, he’s a Phillies fan), and cheer on these main characters while they score on each other.Teehee.There is so much that I loved about this book, besides all of that stuff. Liza Sutherland is a really likable and sympathetic main character. She’s the rich, daddy’s little girl you don’t hate, because she’s well grounded in ground balls and decided to make her own living (in America’s sport – baseball) because she doesn’t want to leech off the generosity of her parents’ wealth. She was engaged, but her fiancee was fatally shot in the line of duty, and she’s been grieving ever since.Enter hot baseball pitcher, Cole Collins of the Washington Nationals. Liza and Cole used to know each other way back when, but now Cole acts affected, doesn’t get serious with girls, and parties every night. What could these two possibly have in common?Besides being a light and enjoyably fluffy read for me, The Practice Proposal has its serious moments: Liza has to learn to let go of the grief she’s been using as a security blanket. Likewise, Cole needs to man up and drop the party facade, because he knows it’s exactly just that: a facade. It’s only when interesting circumstances throw them back together that they start seeing the light, and what a light they make! Wowza!Overall, I loved this story, everything about it. The ONLY way this could have been better is if it had been about hockey and the Washington Capitals. Can I get a romance where Braden Holtby stars? ;) The characters felt realistic, I loved the setting (hello, I live here!) and I really loved getting to know the behind-the-scenes of the Nats (if any of it’s real…if not, just let me live my fantasy). This is one I recommend for romance lovers who enjoy a bit of sports, and some humor and tease. Tracy March hits this one outta the park.
