Tag Archives: Men of Summer

All In With Him (Men of Summer 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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ALL IN WITH HIM (Men of Summer 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58457792

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2021

Once upon a time all I needed was baseball, friends and extracurricular activities. Then everything changed when Declan Steele stormed into my life and upended all my priorities with his heart, his love, his passion.

So my next five-year plan will include this new ground rule—Love big.
Only, that’s easier said than done when my man and I come face to face with hard truths and new troubles about what it means to be all in.

That’s when I learn that finding love isn’t the hardest part.
Keeping it is.

All In with Him is the final novel in the Men of Summer series, and should be read following Winning With Him.

••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL IN WITH HIM is the third and final instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, LBGTQ romance series focusing on professional baseball players. This is the continuing story of short stop Declan Steele, and catcher Grant Blackwood. ALL IN WITH HIM should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two WINNING WITH HIM in which the series was advanced approximately five years.

NOTE: ALL IN WITH HIM contains scenes of MM sexual situations, If you have not read any of the previous instalments there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) with a final chapter by River, ALL IN WITH HIM continues to focus on the relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and catcher Grant Blackwood. Having lived most of his life in a dysfunctional family, Declan struggles with the possibility of losing the man that he loves. Now cross-town rivals, Declan and Grant become the focus of media rumor, as it pertains to their relationship and how it may affect the game going forward. Grant is a man who wants it all, Decan battles between head and heart believing his earlier years had not prepared him for a future with love.

ALL IN WITH HIM is a story of relationships and friendships, family and happily ever after. The relationship between Declan and Grant is one of acceptance and love-the author has created a world wherein same sex relationships are commonly accepted and approved without the perils of homophobia or discrimination. The secondary characters included several teammates and friends including River and Owen. The premise is heart warming; the romance is edgy; the characters are energetic and colorful. A number of epilogues advance the story several years.

My only complaint was a lack of resolution to the accusations against Grant Blackwood, accusations that could have affected the game of baseball, going forward.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scoring With Him
Winning With Him

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Winning with Him (Men of Summer 2) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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Winning with Him (Men of Summer 2) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

 

 

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Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56076131

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 3, 2021

Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I’m about to fail at it again.

The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I’ve got to resist.

A guy who’s asking me to make the toughest choice ever.

But how do I become the man I want to be…with him or without him?

Trouble is, I can’t seem to get Declan out of my head, even if I stand to lose everything I’ve worked for my entire life…

•••••••

REVIEW:WINNING WITH HIM is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, LGBTQ, baseball romance series focusing on short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant’s story begins in the prequel novella CRUSHING ON HIM but you do not have to have read the novella to understand or follow the current story line WINNING WITH HIM should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading SCORING WITH HIM for back story and cohesion as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one.

NOTE: WINNING WITH HIM focuses on two gay men in professional sports including graphic scenes of same $ex situations. If you have not read book one SCORING WITH HIM there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) covering approximately five years, WINNING WITH HIM follows the struggling relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant Blackwood was heart broken when a text, during the off season, from Declan Steele declared he was no longer interested in a long distance relationship. Five years would pass wherein our couple would occasionally meet up for a hand shake or a drink but during those five years neither Grant nor Declan ever forgot about one another. Home for the Christmas holidays found Declan declaring his love for a man he thought may never forgive him, but a man who had stolen his heart, like no one else. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Grant, as they learn to navigate a world of endless possibilities and a potential long distance relationship.

WINNING WITH HIM covers five years in the life wherein the reader is only given a glimpse into the lives of our story lines heroes. From Declan’s dysfunctional father, and Grant’s success on the field, and desire to help out the LGBTQ youth, the author reveals a little more about our story line couple as they work behind the scenes without one another. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top , sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Grant’s best friend Reese, and her brother River; Declan’s best friends Emma, and her brother, professional hockey player James Fitzgerald; and several members of the San Francisco Cougars: Crosby Cash, Sullivan, Miguel, and Chance Ashfordl Declan’s parents, and Grant’s mother and step-father.

WINNING WITH HIM is a story of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people focusing on their professional careers but therein lies a bit of a problem. A five-year separation meant limited information, information that would have allowed the reader to witness the character’s growth and development, and not just the revelations and quick observations from our story line couple. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are charismatic and colorful.

WINNING WITH HIM ends on a happily ever after for now- the author has plans for at least one more instalment.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one SCORING WITH HIM

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Scoring with Him (Men of Summer 1) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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Scoring with Him (Men of Summer 1) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play/ Apple/

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55976382-scoring-with-him

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2021

Falling for the rookie wasn’t part of the plan.
As a pro athlete, I have one unbreakable rule when it comes to men — Don’t date another baseball player.
Good thing I haven’t been tempted once in four years in the majors.
Until the day a rising star walks into my locker room. Outgoing, affable, and sexy-as-sin, Grant has confidence and talent for miles. He seems to get me too, maybe because we each have our fair share of secrets and scars — ones we’ll both fight to protect.
But, I’ve got far too much trouble in my past to want to bring any into my present.
All the more reason to resist the kind of dirty deeds his lips and eyes promise.
Even after I plant a scorching, hot kiss on the rookie one night after a game.
Even after he sends me the world’s sexiest selfie.
But when Grant reveals his biggest secret, I’m so damn ready to rip up the rulebook.
Turns out he’s a virgin and he wants me to help him get around all the bases.
The only rule? Don’t fall in love with him as we go.

•••••••

REVIEW:SCORING WITH HIM is the first full-length instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, MM, LGBTQ romance series. This is the continuing story of twenty six year old, short stop Declan Steele, and twenty-two year old, rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant’s story begins in the prequel novella CRUSHING ON HIM but you do not have to have read the novella to understand or follow the current story line.

CRUSHING ON HIM prequel is FREE: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

NOTE: SCORING WITH HIM focuses on two gay men in professional sports including graphic scenes of same $ex situations.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) SCORING WITH HIM follows the forbidden relationship between San Francisco Cougars’ twenty six year old, short stop Declan Steele, and twenty-two year old, rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Both Declan Steele, and Grant Blackwood are open about their sexual orientation but when Grant is called up to the majors, on the same team as his idol Declan Steele, all bets are off when Declan begins to flirt with the team’s newest rookie. Hoping to avoid any unwanted publicity, Declan and Grant keep their relationship a secret, a relationship with a timeline as Declan teaches the ‘rookie’ about more than just baseball and the major leagues. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Grant, and the fall-out as Grant’s place on the team isn’t guaranteed, and Declan declares their relationship over.

Grant Blackwood is a rookie in more ways than one having never had a same sex relationship until meeting Declan Steele. Nothing only does Grant idolize his teammate but Grant has crushed on the guy for as long as he can remember. Pre-season sees Grant struggling to make the team but Declan’s about to reveal that more than Grant could have imagined.

The relationship between Grant and Declan is a M/M relationship ; a forbidden relationship in as far as both men work and play for the same team. Author Lauren Blakely’s series of same-$ex stories does not focus on homophobia or hate but on a world where being gay and lesbian is always accepted. As Declan and Grant begin their relationship behind closed doors, Declan learns that his time with Grant has come to an end. The $ex scenes are descriptive, passionate, detailed and erotic.

We are introduced to Grant’s best friend Reese, and her brother River; Declan’s best friends Emma, and her brother, professional hockey player James Fitzgerald; and several members of the San Francisco Cougars: Crosby Cash, Sullivan, Miguel, and Chance Ashford.

SCORING WITH HIM is a story of first loves, first relationships, friendships and sport. A story of anxious moments, trepidation, uncertainty and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is spicy and hot; the characters are energetic, real and lost. SCORING WITH HIM ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Dirty Little Lies (Men of Summer #3) by Lora Leigh-a review

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DIRTY LITTLE LIES (Men of Summer #3) by Lora Leigh-a review

Dirty LIttle Lies

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30, 3016

THE HEART HAS ITS SECRETS.
Zack Richards knows he’s asking for trouble. Trying to protect a member of the notorious Maddox family could get a man killed—even a battle-scarred, muscle-ripped alpha like Zack. But the woman who has captured his wildest fantasies is nothing like the rest of her power-hungry clan. She’s innocent, beautiful, and has quickly become the one shining light in his dark, desperate world. The only woman worth fighting for…and dying for…

BUT PASSION NEVER LIES.
Her name is Grace Maddox—and everybody knows that she is a marked woman. Targeted for her family’s sins and hunted like a wild animal, Grace has no choice but to accept Zack’s protection. In his arms, she finally feels safe. In his eyes, she sees an insatiable desire that mirrors her own. But the truth is dangerous—and could end up tearing them apart. Will surrendering to Zack end up being the biggest mistake of Grace’s life?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: DIRTY LITTLE LIES is the third installment in Lora Leigh’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, romantic suspense series. This is Zack Richards and Grace Maddox’s story line. DIRTY LITTLE LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person points of view DIRTY LITTLE LIES focuses on the hunt for the truth. Someone has targeted Grace Maddox and our heroine is but a small diversion in a larger plot conspiring against two families, power and control. Enter Zack Richards, the man who has loved Grace Maddox for a number of years, and the man who is willing to place himself in danger to protect Grace from the person(s) intent on destroying her life. What ensues is the search for the truth; the uncovering of years of lies and deceit; and the heartbreak of betrayal and loss.

The relationship between Grace and Zack is one of unrequited love. Grace has loved Zack since she was a young child but has never felt Zack’s love and acceptance in return. Zack is a man determined to keep his distance; his secrets could destroy Grace, and with it any love the couple would have shared if given the chance. The $ex scenes are intense and erotic.

DIRTY LITTLE LIES is a detailed story line with an infinitely large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, and herein lies a bit of a problem: too many characters, too many potential sub plots and ongoing issues, and too many marriages, affairs, half-siblings, and extended family members requiring an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the connections and relations. DIRTY LITTLE LIES is a story of romance and suspense but I found myself lost too many times trying to keep straight the relationships, the names and the affiliations thusly forgetting there was a building story behind the numerous characters.

DIRTY LITTLE LIES is an exciting and sexy story of betrayal, deceit and lies; of family and deception; of forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and imaginative; the romance is emotional and intense; the characters are spirited, tenacious and impassioned. Lora Leigh’s DIRTY LITTLE LIES is a provocative tale about greed, tragedy and ultimately, revenge.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Loving Lies
Wicked Lies
Dirty Little Lies

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wicked Lies (Men of Summer #2) by Lora Leigh-a review

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WICKED LIES (Men of Summer #2) by Lora Leigh-a review

Wicked Lies

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2015

HE’S TEMPTING FATE
Jazz Lancing is the stuff of legends. A mountain-bred ex-Navy SEAL with rugged dark looks, a tall muscled frame, and gorgeous blue eyes, he can have any woman he wants in the state of Tennessee. Except Annie Mayes. The beautiful, innocent teacher refuses to fall for Jazz because she’s hiding a secret more powerful than her own temptation …
SHE’S IN TOO DEEP
Jazz knows that Annie isn’t who she says she is-that she’s lying about her identity, her past, and her motives. But can she be trusted? Little does he know Annie has been craving his kiss for years, dreaming that Jazz would take her in his arms and save her from her demons. But telling Jazz the truth could put both of them in peril. In this deadly game of danger, deceit, and darkness, is desire worth the risk of losing…everything?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WICKED LIES is the second installment in Lora Leigh’s adult, contemporary Men of Summer erotic, romantic suspense series. This is Jazz Lancing, and grade school teacher Annie Mayes’s storyline-a second chance romance for two people who believed they had lost one another ten years before. WICKED LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The first book in the series was released almost nine years ago.

Told from dual third person perspectives WICKED LIES revisits the small town of Loudoun, Tennessee where family secrets and mountain whispers speak of deadly games, the Kin, and the heartbreaking story about two young lovers torn apart before their romance began. The Maddox family lost a mother and daughter to a deadly New York hotel fire, and with it brought too many unanswered questions and ten years of grief and heartbreak.

Jazz has mourned the only woman he has ever loved for close to ten years; her death, and that of her mother’s, has weighed heavily upon many hearts throughout the small town of Loudoun, but none more so than Jazz Lansing’s. But two years ago the arrival of Annie Hayes brought with it a familiarity and fleeting moments of memories from long ago. Jazz knew Annie was hiding secrets and he was determined to uncover the truth behind Annie’s need to hide –in plain sight. Jazz’s reputation as a ‘love em and leave em’ alpha male left a sour note in our heroine’s feisty façade but Jazz’s need to protect Annie overrode everything else.

The relationship between Annie and Jazz is one of second chances; Annie has never forgotten the only man she has ever loved but eight years had passed without any contact, and her arrival in town brought with it the potential for death and chaos to anyone who got too close. Annie’s need to keep Jazz at arm’s length was for his own protection, and hers. The $ex scenes are erotic, seductive and hot but for a Lora Leigh storyline, the scenes are limited in number as compared to many of her previous books and novels.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jazz’s best friends Zack, Slade, and Slade’s wife Jessie from book one-Loving Lies. We are introduced to the Maddox Clan-brothers Cord, Sawyer and Deacon, and their father Vinny and aunt Luce, and Luce’s daughter Grace. The requisite evil comes from within the Kin, the Clan and the mountains of Tennessee-although not necessarily whom everyone suspected.

I did have one issue with this particular storyline and it involves the true identity of one of the leading characters. I am not saying nothing is impossible but colored contacts and a box of hair dye isn’t enough to mask someone’s real identity especially from family, close friends and the love of one’s life. The reality of the situation was far from believable but it is a story of fiction meant to entertain.

WICKED LIES is a quick but predictable read; an entertaining storyline about family and friends; betrayal and greed; second chances and a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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