My rating: 3.5/5 starst
The Windy City has become one of my absolute favorite series from 2025 and 2026. When I heard about the spin-off, I was over the moon! The characters, tropes, behaviors, hidden messages, and social issues that Liz addresses are brilliant and exceptionally well-written. They make you fall in love not only with the entire series but also with her writing style.
“In Her Own League” tells the story of Monty and Reese as they navigate their whirlwind, forbidden romance.
Monty, well-known and beloved, is Miller’s dad—a hot and charismatic coach who treats the members of his team like family. He is a modest man who is passionate about his work and has sacrificed his own career to raise his daughter.
Reese is the new owner of the team, having inherited her passion for sports from her grandfather. Being a woman in this field is not easy, and Reese has seen this firsthand through personal experiences. However, her passion and commitment go beyond the challenges posed by male toxicity, and she is determined to prove that a woman can succeed in professional baseball. I was drawn to her from the start because I could see that for her, the team is not just a business; it’s something much deeper. It represents years of dedication, including time spent on the road with her granddad, where she learned how the sport can be built from the ground up through hard work and knowledge.
When Reese’s idealized image of Monty is shattered, she realizes the man he truly is, making it difficult for her to maintain a strictly business relationship. His generosity, dedication, and willingness to help, along with his charming personality, are just a few of the traits that Reese finds irresistible. Consequently, their forbidden romance begins, catching them off guard and transforming their perspectives and priorities. Perhaps you think that baseball is their top priority, but think again.
I loved Monty and Reese both as individuals and as a couple, but I gave the book only 3.5 stars because it felt too long for the story being told. I enjoyed how they grew closer and discovered things about each other that broke their misconceptions. I also appreciated their relationship with the team and how Monty included Reese in his family. However, overall, the book was just too long.
The main point I want to highlight is Reese’s struggle in the business world, particularly regarding how she was treated by men, the media, and society in general. It was incredibly frustrating to hear her being told that she wasn’t ready, that the field wasn’t suitable for her, and that she needed to find something more appropriate for women. This not only upset me but also motivated me to encourage Reese to keep her head up and persevere.
Additionally, Monty was admirable in the way he handled these situations; he was Reese’s number one fan, believing in her and empowering her to trust her instincts. This is the essential message that women should take from this book: to seek out men who exhibit this kind of supportive behavior. It is crucial to believe in ourselves and to pursue this path, as it is the right one.
Ramonisme 