Whenever Samantha James enters a room, heads turn. How could they not? This slender redhead has the looks that make even the most reserved man swoon. Following her dream, she starts her own advertising firm which quickly becomes the talk of the town. Add her keen business sense in the boardroom coupled with her charming personality and you get as close to perfection as humanly possible.

Jarrett Corliss has his work cut out for him. Recovering from a shoulder injury, he knows that his days in the Major Leagues are numbered. Traded to the Rainiers, a team whose name is synonymous with scandal, this farm boy at heart has to get his game on if he wants to continue playing with the big dogs. Of course, it doesn't hurt that his rock-hard body and his seductive boy-next-door grin make him the hottest hitter among the club's lady fans. At least something is working in his favor.

As part of a last-ditch effort to save the team, the owner hires Samantha's advertising firm to help dissuade their notorious image with one caveat, no fraternizing with the players. Too bad Jarrett, their hottie starting pitcher, doesn't want to play by the rules. Striking a deal to help her with the campaign, he steals first base and manages to score her heart. How can she possibly separate business from pleasure without losing herself in the process? Why can't this country boy take no for an answer and stop throwing her a curveball just when she thinks she has it all figured out? Will Jarrett wind up with a no-hitter or can he land that out-of-the-ballpark homerun?

MAN OF THE YEAR is the first novel by newcomer Lisa Ruff who delivers what is certain to be a string of hits. From the field to the bedroom, Lisa throws the perfect pitch that will no doubt score her a place in this summer's starting line-up.