This book was absolutely amazing. I couldn't put it down and finished it within two days. Gene is the first transgender man to play professional baseball. I love stories of trans characters achieving their dreams, especially in sports since that is something I gave up when I came out. I grew up on soccer but it is not hard to fall in love with Gene and his drive in this story.

Romance between a cis man and trans man is not often written about in the way Hoffman did. The fact that Gene was comfortable enough with his body was something you do not often see in intimacy. As a trans guy I love the freedom to not be what society wants Gene to be and the acceptance of his team not caring how naked he walks around the locker room.

I love the raw feeling of hope and learning to want more for yourself, while at the same time learning to carve your own path and not the one that is expected of you like Luis did. There are real discussions about topics much as mental health, panic attacks, transphobia, and societal expectations but so much more queer joy, hope, and expression.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing and KT Hoffman for the early access ARC in exchange for an honest review.