Stepping up to the Plate

Title: Stepping up to the Plate

Author: J.M. Snyder

Publisher: Lulu Press

ISBN: 978-1-4303-0651-1

Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Interracial

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

At sixteen, Stacy dropped out of school and now at twenty, he lives every day as it comes. However, things are starting to look pretty bleak with an abusive boyfriend. So his mother decides to step in and registers him to get his GED, despite Stacy’s reluctance. However, Stacy wants to prove that he can do something with his life, and he doesn’t want to let down his friend Ange – who has been the only constant thing in his life. At school, Stacy meets Darian, a wood shop worker and a person who suddenly becomes the most important person to ever enter his life.

Stepping up to the Plate is a trademark J.M. Snyder story; filled with emotional and raw characters and a thrilling plot line that keeps you glued to your seat. Stacy is an interesting character that can frustrate you to no ends. But his determination, and his obvious need to do better in life, is really heart-warming and very inspirational. Darian is a wonderful character, and a lovely contrast to Stacy’s personality. Darian is a character you can appreciate because whilst he helped Stacy rebuild his life, he helped him because he had faith in Stacy and wanted him to succeed. The author wields a lot of emotion in her story that makes the imagery very vivid and lovely to read. I think my only downside was Ange – out of all the characters, he was the one I fell in love with and I felt rather sad for him, despite the fact I’ve read the sequel. However, Stepping up to the Plate is a wonderful story rich in characterisation and story.