Monday, April 16, 2012

The Long Shot-Ellen Hartman

The Long Shot


Ellen Hartman

Harlequin SuperRomance, May 1 2012, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373717774



Milton High School Principal Ty Chambers informs guidance counselor Julia Bradley that all sports programs were cut due to the austere budget. However, as a former player on a championship team, he also proudly says that the boys’ basketball program received funding from its boosters group. Julia, the coach of the girls’ team bets Ty that her squad makes the State tournament and her boosters will fund the trip. Her brother Henry suggests she turn to retired professional basketball player Deacon Fallon as her assistant.



Though he loathes his hometown of Milton, New York, Deacon agrees to coach the team to help his younger brother Wes who requires community service for a stunt that led to his suspension from college. Julia tricks him as he thought it would be the boys’ team and besides none of the players appear interested in basketball. However, when Ty arrives to honor the school hero and mentions Coach Simon, Deacon says he is behind schedule so he needs to meet with his players as the “Basketball Brothers” will lead the girls’ team. As they work together, Deacon and Julia fall in love, but each has issues to overcome.



The support cast makes for a strong romance as readers obtain a close look at the importance of sports in the lives of students and a community. Faster than a Magic Johnson Laker fast-break, fans will enjoy this fine tale as the older counselor and the younger athlete fall in love while coaching the girls’ team.



Harriet Klausner



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