Playing for First — Chris Paynter

Lisa Collins feels she has it all as an Indianapolis sportswriter covering the city's minor league baseball team and as a freelancer for the newspaper. Her best friend, bar owner Frankie Dunkin, helps keep her grounded and sane. Her life is uncomplicated-that is until Amy Perry enters her world. Amy, the all-star first baseman for a professional women's baseball team, dreams the dream most boys do-to play in the major leagues. The Cincinnati Reds are about to give her that chance. While covering Amy's ascent through the minor league system, out-and-proud Lisa finds herself falling for the closeted first baseman. But as they begin a relationship, something unexpected happens: Lisa realizes her feelings for Frankie Dunkin run much deeper than friendship. With Amy facing harassment from her male teammates in her quest to break through the gender barrier, Lisa is torn between supporting her and exploring her feelings toward Frankie. Frankie has her own demons to face as painful physical and emotional scars from her past haunt her. Despite the myriad conflicting emotions raging in Lisa's life, one thing is clear-Frankie and Amy are Playing for First in her heart.