Gosh I Wish I was a Good Writer

This is my second Vanessa North book. I can't figure out why when North writes something that normally drives me crazy she makes it work in a big way. The main characters fell for each other very soon after they meet, my pet peeve. But North made them work for a relationship that was honest and they both had to grow. Ben and Dave were likable, wow I rooted for them. A few times I think I got a bit misty. Ben's secrets and fears were real and felt extremely valid to me. North has a knack of writing sports scenes well enough to be visual.
Lastly, all of us could use a friend like Eddie. Wonderful character!