Author Kei Swanson

The Words Of The Pitcher, by Kei Swanson.

Kentaro Ikuta, unable to speak English, becomes the star pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. Claire Ferris is chosen to act as his interpreter and English teacher. Through their difficulties, they fall in love only to find that an arranged marriage awaits him. Will honor prevail and force him to leave his love behind?

“THE WORDS OF THE PITCHER is my first published novel and I'm excited to share the story of Claire Ferris and Kentaro Ikuta with the world... I want people to enjoy reading about the culture of the Japanese people.” -- Author, Kei Swanson

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"Claire Ferris is a doctoral candidate diligently working on her dissertation. She is so dedicated that her advisor Dr. Ramstein wants her to take a break and make use of a unique opportunity. The Cleveland Chiefs have hired a brand new starting pitcher who hails from Japan. Kentaro Ikuta has not been satisfied with the translators hired to assist him. With Claire's knowledge of Japanese culture and language, she is the perfect candidate to become his translator.

At first, Claire is highly skeptical. She knows next to nothing about baseball and traveling with the team to spring training will just take her away from her dissertation. However, once Claire meets Kentaro she is intrigued by the man. Both find themselves intensely aware of each other.

This potential attraction could cause numerous problems. Although his feelings are quickly engaged, how can Kentaro form a long-term relationship when his father has signed a marriage contract that promises him to another?

WORDS OF THE PITCHER is a beautiful and touching look at cross-cultural relationships. Author Kei Swanson gives an intimate and wonderful look into the minds and souls of two special individuals."

Jill M. Smith, ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE

“THE WORDS OF THE PITCHER is a well-written story of two people from entirely different backgrounds who find a love that transcends those differences. The dialogue is exceptionally good and Ms. Swanson has an excellent knowledge of baseball as well as the city of Cleveland. Kentaro and Claire are both extremely likable people who draw you into the story immediately by their attraction to each other. There are a few secondary characters who stand out, including the dastardly Jason Stewart, an old family friend of Claire's and Kentaro's intuitive sister, Takahiko."

Jani Brooks, reviewer for Romance Communications

"In a charmingly unique romantic tale, debut author Kei Swanson intertwines her love of exotic Japanese culture with the All-American past-time of baseball to create her new novel, "Words of The Pitcher." Swanson knocks one out of the park with this intriguing, sensual story of multi-cultural love."

Reviewed by Sharon Galligar Chance, Times Record News, Wichita Falls, Texas, BookBrowser.com

"Words of the Pitcher is a good, solid romance that is delightfully different from the many homogeneous offerings found on the bookstore shelves."

Laura Novak, The Romance Journal