Buckeye

From international bestselling author, Casey Morales . . .
A traded player, a children's home, and a love to defy all odds.
Climbing the ladder of professional baseball is hard. As one of the only openly gay players in the league, Nick Dunlap's path is rockier than most.
When Nick is traded mid-season, despite a team-leading batting average, everyone knows his "open secret" is to blame.
He flies to Ohio in hopes of a fresh start but finds so much more.
On his second day in Columbus, Nick agrees to visit a non-profit whose mission is to counsel children and families. Speeches are made, balls are signed, and before the day ends, Nick meets Ethan, a troubled eight-year-old boy who hasn't spoken in months.
Nick's heart yearns to aid the lost boy.
Then he meets Dr. André Martin, a French psychiatrist with flowing salt-and-pepper hair and kind smile. André has been on the staff of the non-profit for over twenty years and questions Nick's sincerity, thinking he is little more than a grandstanding player looking for photo ops.
Until Nick returns the next day . . .
Buckeye is a heartwarming story of a man finding love in the most unexpected places. Themes include found family, hurt/comfort, an age gap romance, children in need, and so much more.
If you enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue and Call Me By Your Name, you'll love Buckeye.
Note: There are themes and scenes depicting the lives of children and adults with troubled pasts. Some overcome their challenges, while others struggle.