Center Stage

By Mindy Klasky

A hot contemporary baseball romance by USA Today bestselling author Mindy Klasky.

Actress Lindsey Ormond has always followed the rules – be nice, keep quiet, and never, ever get involved with a bad boy. But her good behavior has yielded lousy results – she’s been left at the altar for the second time in two years.

Raleigh Rockets center fielder Ryan Green keeps life simple – play ball, have fun, and keep an eye on his recently widowed father. When Ryan attends Lindsey's disaster of a wedding, another sizzling task hits his to-do list – help Lindsey learn how to break the rules.

Before long, Ryan is showing Lindsey just how much fun she's been missing – in the bedroom and beyond. But Lindsey's brother Zach (part of the Rockets' management team) disapproves of their new relationship. And Zach just offered Ryan's father the job of a lifetime.

When the conflict moves center stage, will Ryan choose Lindsey? Or will his obligations to the Rockets and his father send Lindsey back to her stifled life alone?

Diamond Brides Baseball Series (each volume can be read on its own, and the series can be read in any order):

Perfect Pitch (DJ Thomas and Samantha Winger)
Catching Hell (Zach Ormond and Anna Benson)
Reaching First (Tyler Brock and Emily Holt)
Second Thoughts (Nick Durban and Jamie Martin)
Third Degree (Josh Cantor and Ashley Harris)
Stopping Short (Drew Marshall and Jessica Barnes)
From Left Field (Adam Sartain and Haley Thurman)
Center Stage (Ryan Green and Lindsey Ormond)
Always Right (Kyle Norton and Amanda Carter)

(Alpha hero, alpha male hero, bad boy hero, millionaire hero, billionaire hero, sports hero, athlete romance, baseball romance, sports romance, contemporary romance, hot contemporary romance, hot romance, sexy romance, spicy romance, strong heroine, strong female lead, major league, baseball, sports, sport, beach read, love story, value, bride, wedding, Raleigh, North Carolina, rich, wealthy, office, workplace, jilted bride, left at the altar, best friend's sister, little sister, good girl, rules follower, following the rules, actress, actor, theater, theatre, beach, Ferrari, sports car)

Fiction -> Romance -> Sports Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Baseball Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Athlete Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Hot Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Sexy Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Spicy Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Contemporary Romance
Fiction -> Romance -> Hot Contemporary Romance
Fiction -> Sports

Similar authors:

Bella Andre
Kate Angell
Jaci Burton
Carly Phillips
Jill Shalvis

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mindy Klasky
• Release date: Jan 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781611384420

Mindy Klasky

Mindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice. When Mindy isn't "traveling" through writing books, she quilts, cooks and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. You can visit Mindy at her Web site, www.mindyklasky.com.

Reviews for Center Stage

[riikkat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lindsey's love life is truly a mess. She's left at the altar by her boyfriend -again-, the second incident in just two years. Ryan, Lyndsey's brother's friend just follows her home to see she's ok, but almost accidentally gets Lindsey thinking what she really wants out of her life.I have read quite a few books of the series so far and this installment wasn't at all bad. I thought the romance between Ryan and Lyndsey was really sweet. I really liked them both. However, the drama at the end felt forced and I think the whole book would have been a lot better if the whole thing had played out differently.

[krow134 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ryan and Lindsey are now my second favorite couple!! Drew and Jessica is still my most favorite!! I really enjoyed this book. This series is fantastic! You really need to read them beginning to end! Ms. Klasky is just a wonderful writer. Keeps my interest and I always look forward to the next book.

[mommaof5-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from librarything in exchange for a fair & honest review. It was a quick read - one evening after kids activities is all it took. I liked that and I felt inspired to keep reading until it all kind of fell apart. The tension between Zach and Ryan was weird. Yes, I get the overprotective brother bit but yep, we can be friends until you are with my sister then we can't until you want to marry her then we can. Whiplash! Too quick are those feelings thrown about in my opinion.And I liked the relationship until they stopped talking. Really? He gets hurt and no word from her? And he loves her so completely but messes up everything to protect his dad? Unless his dad is incapable of living alone and being responsible for himself, you would never do this. So if you don't mind a frustrating read, by all means proceed. Just not believable at all.

[hellonicole_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Mindy Klasky's Diamond Brides series has become like an old friend I run into once a month. Warm, comforting, uncomplicated. These books are all quick, enjoyable reads.mit does, however, feel like each book gets a bit shorter, the relationships a bit more rushed than the last.

[romwrit · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The premise of the book was inviting, the dialogue was interesting enough, and the writing was good. However, the brevity of the book was rather disappointing. I wished the relationship had taken longer to develop. As is, it was hard for me to gain any excitement about the characters finally getting together. Considering what the heroine had been through, I think there should've been more between the first "I need to try to get over what's happened" kiss vs. the real deal. I understand it's a novella, but I needed more in order to connect to her and root for her to finally have her happily ever after. Also, the conflict itself was too brief. They weren't apart long enough for me to start wishing for the reconnection. It seemed to happen too quickly; just like the acceptance of the overprotective brother. Overall, I was not disappointed in the book. It has great potential, but was missing something for my personal taste. I think this would've been much better if it had been written as a novel. The situation the bride was in, and her past, was too critical to be written as a novella.

[labrat35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. A quick but enjoyable read - love this series.

[loribivens · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really like the Diamond Brides series, but I feel like they have dropped back off after Left Field. They have become shallow and repetitive again, which is sad because some of the installments have been really great. This was definitely not a favorite.

[jaelquinn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's fluffy, light and hot. Exactly as advertised. Easy to read, some conflict and excitement to spice it up, characters aren't that deep, but if you want a fast read, where you don't know the outcome and just want to escape into baseball and romance, you have it all here. Not amazing, but not terrible either.

[jurai2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Center Stage is a contemporary romance that was quick and fun to read, though not terribly original. The book starts out at a wedding, with the main male character Ryan at his best friend's sister's (the main female character Lindsey) wedding, and we learn that Ryan is hardly the commitment type. Lindsey's fiance leaves her at the alter and Ryan, out of concern for his friend's sister, takes it upon himself to watch over Lindsey. Romance develops, complete with some steamy scenes, though other than a few genital descriptions, nothing 'R' rated. It was fun to see how good girl Lindsey forced herself out of her comfort zone, not only in the aspect of dating, but with her life and career plans in general.This book is part of a series, but having not read any of the previous books, I'm not sure if it's important to read them in order. I get the impression that some back story that is mentioned in this book is what previous books' plots were, but I didn't feel as though I was missing out on any vital pieces of information.I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[lms8esmith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have enjoyed getting to know the characters in the Diamond Brides series, and Center Stage was no different. I liked that Lindsey wanted to live life on the wild side, and I was glad that Ryan was willing to help her. Since the two have known each other for several years, it was not difficult to believe that they had chemistry. (What woman wouldn't want Ryan?) I rated this one lower because I had a hard time with Zach butting into their relationship, and I certainly didn't enjoy Ryan and Lindsey not speaking to each other. Overall, a decent addition to this series.

[jkgrage · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. She really helped you get to know her characters so you truly cared whether they ended up together. I don't love quick, 'tie it all up in a pretty bow' endings but accepted it with this one. A fun, sweet read.

[lulu150 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have been lucky enough to read all of the Diamond Brides Series so far and I have really enjoyed them. In this book I loved the fun interaction between Ryan and Lindsay. I also felt that the ending did get rushed a little in this one. I wish there had been a little bit more between the two of them. I cannot wait for the next one!

[wendyk_40 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this ebook for the purpose of a review. I finished it in one setting. It's a quick easy ready. Set in NC, you watch as a Lindsey deals with her 2nd time being left at the alter. Ryan is there to help her be the bad girl she's never been. I loved the story, even though I hated to see it end. I would have been happier if it'd lasted a few more chapters. The ending did feel a bit rushed but overall it's a very enjoyable quick read. I am eager to read more from this author and more in this series. While this is book #8 in the Diamond Brides series I did not feel lost. If you are looking a fun, fast, read then Center Stage is the perfect story for you! Fans of baseball romances will want to add this series to their reading list, I know I'm eager to find out more about the whole team.

[books007_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I just didn't love it. It's a sweet, low angst, baseball themed romance set in NC. Not much more to say about it that the book summary doesn't already describe. Not really a Bad read just missing the hook that reels you in. It is a part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

[fiaerfly-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a quick, fun read. I loved how Lindsey was able to start letting go of the rules and start to go after what she wanted. Ryan supported her through this process. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read more in the series.

[stacey68-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have read this entire series and each book is good in its own right. But I think tjis one is my favorite

[crazy4reading · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another Diamond Brides book. This one was okay. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other ones I have read. Center Stage is about the Rockets Center Fielder Ryan Greene and Zach Ormond's little sister Lindsey who is an aspiring actress. It all starts after Lindsey is left at the altar again. Ryan sees how she is driving and decides to follow her to make sure she is okay. The story is not as great as the first couple of books. It was a very quick read.

[krista.m · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Baseball romance: I never knewThis book has been my first experience with the “baseball romance” genre. I was previously unaware this genre existed and have been quite amused by this fact throughout the book. What I liked best:* The characters were likeable – not too perfect, but not too real. * The pace and flow of the story was just right. There were challenges for the protagonists to overcome, but these challenges were not too difficult. Nowhere did the story get “stuck” or bogged down in detail.* There was a good amount of humour. The main character’s internal dialogue was cute and at times laugh-out-loud (especially when trying to think like a “bad girl”). I hope this was intentional!What kind of bugged me:I was confused by the time period that the book was set in, and although this didn’t impact on the telling of the story in any way, it was enough to distract me all the way through. Some of the details of the story read like the characters were teenagers during the late 80s or early 90s (talk of “pinball arcades” and “TP-ing”), but they are too young for that to have been the case.Verdict:Am I now hooked on “baseball romance”? Nah. But I will definitely keep this author in mind the next time I want a fun, unchallenging and “guilty pleasure” read.DisclaimerI received a free copy of this e-book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[kmt01_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although rather brief, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, after reading all the books in the series, I have decided this one is my favorite. Things happen quickly and issues are resolved fast, but that is the nature of a short book, and this book is not very long. I wish it could have gone on longer, but most of the books in the series are short and are meant to be read quickly. In this story, Lindsey Ormond has been left a second time at the altar by another scared guy. Ryan Green, of the Raleigh Rockets, attended the wedding because he is good friends with Lindsey’s brother Zach, part of the Rockets management team. Every team member knows Lindsey is off limits to them, but Ryan and Lindsey hit it off wonderfully after Lindsey second botched wedding. This is their story—and the story of how Zach and everyone else came to accept them as a couple. I enjoyed watching the chemistry between Lindsey and Ryan develop and how their relationship grew and flourished. I did find it confusing to watch just how quickly Zach dropped his anger and frustration at seeing the couple together but figured the author had to quickly get over this or hold up the story. I like the fact that the story was short and definitely sweet, and could almost be read in one sitting. Still, despite the brevity, the author managed to pack a big punch into the tale. I think any reader who enjoys a good romance will like this one. I know I did. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[cathygeha · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fun read! Lindsey Ormond is a good girl finally deciding to stretch her bad girl wings after being dumped for the second time at the altar on her wedding day and she finds the perfect person to help her do so in center fielder, Ryan Green, who just happens to follow her home from the wedding that never happened. Ryan and Lindsey’s story is fun and warm and filled with entertaining experiences and dialogue for the reader to enjoy. Lindsey has career troubles to deal with while Ryan tries to find a way for his father to find purpose again. Lindsey’s brother causes a kink in their relationship for awhile but eventually the two end up in a happily ever after situation as they so deserve to!

[ash_p-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Loved the rapport between Ryan and Lindsay. Just don't understand stand how he can start out being so wonderfully understanding and supportive and end up being such a wuss before he grows a pair once again. Lindsay you should have given him a bit more of a tough time before giving in. Should have made him work for it a bit more. But all in all a good read.

[stacejb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So I was really enjoying this story until the end. Lindsey had just been left at the alter weeks earlier and she's already able to jump into a committed relationship with Ryan? It was just too unbelievable. I get that they've known each other for awhile, but it was still hard to buy.My second issue is the conflict between Zach and Ryan. Zach, being the overprotective older brother, disapproves of Lindsey jumping into another relationship. Then all of a sudden he approves? After having a conversation with Ryan that we, the readers, weren't privy to? What would have resolved that was if we got to read about their conversation. What was said to change Zach's mind? But we're not shown this, and I found it disappointing.I'm used to the rushed endings in this series, but in this case, it just ruined the book for me.

[ashpreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Loved the rapport between Ryan and Lindsay. Just don't understand stand how he can start out being so wonderfully understanding and supportive and end up being such a wuss before he grows a pair once again. Lindsay you should have given him a bit more of a tough time before giving in. Should have made him work for it a bit more. But all in all a good read.