Tag Archives: The Boys of Summer

Hawk (The Boys of Summer 4) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Giveaway

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Hawk (The Boys of Summer 4) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

Hawk
The Boys of Summer #4
by Heidi McLaughlin
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

It’s another season of Renegade baseball and, as they say, the boys are back in town. All except for all-star pitcher, Hawk Sinclair, who has returned to his hometown and back to the ranch he grew up on to rehab after shoulder surgery.

Real estate agent, Bellamy Patrick, feels like she’s failing at being a single mom. Her son is having a hard time fitting in and she’s hoping that playing baseball will be the answer. When he doesn’t make the team, she’s willing to do anything to help him… except that! And that’s exactly what the little league coach expects.

When Hawk’s asked to coach a team of misfit kids, he balks…until he sees how the program is run and how boys are left out. That’s when he knows he has no choice but to do the right thing and turn these boys into the players he knows they can be.

•••••••••

REVIEW:HAWK is the fourth instalment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER romance series. This is Boston Renegade pitcher Hawk Sinclair, and real estate agent, single mother/ divorcee Bellamy Patrick’s story line. HAWK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hawk and Bellamy) HAWK follows Boston Renegade pitcher Hawk Sinclair in the aftermath of a near-career ending injury. Heading home to Montana for rest and rehabilitation Hawk will come face to face with real-estate agent Bellamy Patrick, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero but not all is well in the small town of Richfield, Montana including a corrupt system of government and a little league coach who doesn’t play on the up and up. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Hawk and Bellamy as they circumvent the local oligarchs in an effort to start up a little league team of their own.

Hawk Sinclair loves the game of baseball but struggles with injuries that could very well end his career. Discovering the local little league coach has too much control over the players and their parents, Hawk takes things into his own hands disrupting the coach’s power and control over the town of Richfield, Montana. Bellamy Patrick struggles in the face of ex-husband less than active parenting skills but when their son does not make the little league team, Bellamy is desperate to help anyway she can, but desperation found our heroine facing threats of a different kind.

The relationship between Hawk and Bellamy is one of immediate attraction and palpable sexual energy. Bellamy is a single mother, five years older than the man with whom she will fall in love but a man whose career and job will take him from her home in Richfield, Montana. The $ex scenes are mostly implied or fade to black.

We are introduced to Bellamy’s ten year old son Chase, her ex-husband Greg; Bellamy’s office manager Karter Watson, and their boss Owen; Hawk’s brother in law Warner; his sisters Avery and Elizabeth, and his nephew Nolan; Hawk’s former best friend and little league coach Brett Larsen and his wife Annie, their daughter Mattingly; Coach David Farmer, as well as several members of the Boston Renegades, their spouses and family: Ethan and Daisy (Third Base #1), Cooper and Ainsley (Home Run 2), Saylor and Travis (Grand Slam #3).

HAWK is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and vengeance; power, control, revelations and love.The character driven premise is engaging, fast paced and inviting; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic, lively and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Third Base
Home Run
Grand Slam

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

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Grand Slam (The Boys of Summer #3) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review and Book Tour

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GRAND SLAM (The Boys of Summer #3) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review and Book Tour

Grand Slam Banner

GRAND SLAM
The Boys of Summer #3
by Heidi McLaughlin
Release Date: May 23, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, baseball, romance

Grand Slam

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / ibooks / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2017

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2rzsmEu

Win the game. Lose your heart.

Everyone knows who I am and that I could have any female fan I want. That’s supposed to be the “perk” of playing left field for the Boston Renegades. But I don’t want just any woman; I want her.

She should be just another face in the crowd, but I can’t stop thinking about the one night we spent together-and her look of regret the morning after.

Because Saylor Blackwell is the kind of woman who haunts a man. Smart, sexy as hell, and one of the best managers in the business. She’s every ballplayer’s dream woman. And I’d do anything to make things right with her.

I’m done sitting on the bench when it comes to Saylor Blackwell. Time to swing for the fences.

•••••••••

REVIEW: GRAND SLAM is the third installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER baseball, romance series focusing on the Boston Renegades. This is Boston Renegades’ left fielder Travis Kidd, and PR agent Saylor Blackwell’s story line. GRAND SLAM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Travis and Saylor) follows the second chance romance between Boston Renegades’ left fielder Travis Kidd, and PR agent Saylor Blackwell. Without giving away too much information GRAND SLAM focuses on the off-season as Travis must traverse a minefield of legal drama, slanderous accusations, and the less than stellar support of the fans and some of his teammates. Enter PR Agent Saylor Blackwell, the only woman able to clear Travis’s name, and the woman that calls to our hero’s heart. What ensues is a stress filled legal battle to save Travis Kidd, as he struggles to convince the woman he loves that he is innocent of all of the charges.

GRAND SLAM is a story of betrayal, defamation and retribution but it is also a story about one woman’s struggle to do what is right for a man she doesn’t believe is as innocent as he claims. As Travis battles the media, the fans and the legal system, Saylor battles for her heart and that of her young daughter.

The relationship between Travis and Saylor is one of second chances. Two years earlier, following a one-night stand, Saylor walked out of Travis’s life without explanation, and in the ensuing time has acted cold and deceptive when ever in his presence. Their rekindling relationship and romance is complicated when Saylor’s young daughter begins to fall in love with the man in question. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Boston Renegades: Ethan and Daisy (Third Base #1), Cooper and Ainsley (Home Run #2), as well as attorneys, agents, top office brass, family, friends and fans who may or may not support their fallen hero.

The world building focuses on the relationship between Saylor and Travis, as well as the legal problems of our leading hero. Not everyone is willing to offer Travis their support including some of the members of his very own team. I struggled with our heroine’s less than cooperative behavior throughout the story. Fearing repercussion in her own life, Saylor’s questionable attitude was awkward, heartbreaking and tragic. The potential fall-out for Travis Kidd meant a life darkened by secrets, betrayal and lies.

GRAND SLAM is a gripping and passionate story line. The premise is edgy; the characters are colorful and dynamic but our heroine’s lack of action was discouraging and disappointing under the circumstances; the romance was sexy but challenging. GRAND SLAM will captivate your imagination and break your heart.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Third Base
Home Run
Grand Slam

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Q & A

Hi Heidi. Welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of GRAND SLAM. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

1. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Let’s see. I’m a mom of two living in Vermont. I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest, where I developed a love for the Portland Trialblazers and Seattle Mariners. Now I’m a fan of all baseball teams, the Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and New England Patriots. When I’m not writing, I spend my weekends (and some weeknights) at the basketball gym watching my daughters play.

2. Who or what influenced your career in writing?

It was challenge that I gave myself. I love reading and thought that if they can do it, so can I. So I did. I turned my journaling into paragraphs, put stories behind photos I would see and started developing characters.

3. What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your story?

Marketing. It’s hard. There is no right way to get the word out.

4. Would you please tell us something about the premise of GRAND SLAM and THE BOYS OF SUMMER series?

A few years back Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks was accused of rape, right around the time I released Third Base. I knew then that it would Travis Kidd who went through a similar situation.

5. Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Absolutely. People are visual. The cover is the first thing they see.

Thank you Heidi for the great answers. Always a pleasure to feature the author at The Reading Cafe.

excerpt

Excerpt intended for mature readers 18+

 

 

Whenever I wake up with a hangover, I often ask myself why I drank so much and promise that I’ll never do it again. That promise is something I’ve been breaking for the past few days, and up until now, I didn’t care.
I had hoped the booze would muddy my memory of last night, but it hasn’t. Every word she said, every expression she had, every punch to my chest to get me out of her apartment is crystal clear. I fucked up, and I don’t even know how. All I know is that the sobs I heard on the other side of Saylor’s door last night were enough to sober my stupid ass up.
For hours, I sat against her door, until a resident suggested I leave or they were going to call the police. If I hadn’t been arrested ear- lier, I probably would have encouraged them to dial Boston’s Finest. Another man might understand my plight. The woman that I want to be with kicked me out of her house, and while I probably deserved it, I didn’t want to leave until she stopped crying. I didn’t want to be the one to walk away in her time of need.
But as egos go—and believe me, mine is huge—I couldn’t let it get in the way any longer, so I walked my drunk ass back home with my tail between my legs, only to stay up all night while the booze wore off, knowing that I had to live with whatever I’d done to Saylor.
She’s the last person in the world who I want to hurt, and she’s the one person who can save me. Not only from a life behind bars, but from myself. When I’m with her, I’m a different person. The cocky son of a bitch whom everyone is used to doesn’t exist when she’s near me, and frankly, that is the man I like, or at least I used to. It’s easier being a fucking douche. It’s second nature to me and comes with the territory of being named one of the city’s most eligible bachelors.
Except when I’m with Saylor, I can be the man who hides in the shadow of that Travis Kidd. I can be the kind of man who doesn’t have to have a one-liner available or wink in order to get a phone number. When I’m with her, life outside of baseball starts to have a meaning, a fucking purpose.

 

 

 

The Boys of Summer

About The Author Black and Red

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Heidi McLaughlin Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

 

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Home Run (Boys of Summer #2) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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HOME RUN (The Boys of Summer #2) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Home Run BAnner

HOME RUN
Boys of Summer #2
by Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: adult, contemporary, baseball,romance
Release Date: January 17, 2017

••••••••••••••••••

Add to Goodreads

Home Run

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes & Noble /Google Play /iBooks /Kobo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 17, 2017

Cooper Bailey finally has a shot at being a major league ballplayer, but it will take all his focus and energy during spring training to make it happen. Complicating things is his instantaneous connection with Ainsley Burke. He can’t get enough of her, and before he knows it, they’re spending every night together. But as happy as he is off the field, his focus on it is suffering, and he isn’t willing to risk his lifelong dream over a girl.

But without Ainsley, Cooper’s miserable, and his game is still off. No matter what he tries, he can’t get her out of his head, and he’s starting to realize that maybe he doesn’t want to. Baseball is just a game, but Ainsley might be the real thing. Now he just has to convince her of that.

••••••••

REVIEW: HOME RUN is the second installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER baseball romance series focusing on the members of the MLB team the Boston Renegades. This is rookie center fielder Cooper Bailey, and zoo attendant Ainsley Burke’s story line. HOME RUN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Ainsley and Cooper) HOME RUN follows the building relationship between the Boston Renegades rookie center fielder Cooper Bailey, and zoo attendant Ainsley Burke. It’s spring training time in Fort Myers Florida, and Cooper Bailey is struggling to make the starting line-up. The team’s first public relations assignment finds our hero face to face with Ainsley Burke, Fort Myers zoo personnel, and the woman that would call to his heart…but Cooper’s career is barely off the ground, and Ainsley struggles with her mother’s deteriorating illness, and a permanent relationship is not in the cards. What ensues is the growing love between two people whose lives will fall apart when Ainsley pushes Cooper out of her life as everything begins to implode.

Cooper Bailey was raised by a father whose goal was to see his son succeed in the game of baseball. Failure was never an option; and a relationship would only interfere in his son’s professional career. Ainsley’s mother is dying and our heroine struggles with the guilt and pain of her impending demise. Meeting Cooper Bailey is all sorts of wrong especially as her mother has reinforced that dating a professional athlete will only lead to heartbreak and a future alone.

The relationship between Ainsley and Cooper is one of immediate attraction. The sexual energy is palpable. Cooper struggles with his less than dynamic play on the field, and Ainsley battles with memories from the past that affect her relationship with the man that she loves. Ainsley need to constantly push Cooper away affected this reader’s overall acceptance of the heroine’s maturity and past. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the over the top graphic sexual text and language.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Ethan Davenport and Daisy Robinson (Third Base #1), as well as the coaches and players from the Boston Renegades. We are introduced to Cooper’s father Roy Bailey, and Ainsley’s mother Janice Burke, as well as Ainsley’s best friend Stella.

The world building follows the ups and downs of the Boston Renegades as they battle for standings in the professional baseball league. The relationship between Ainsley and Cooper struggles with outside interference, and the broken heart of a woman who loses the most important person in her life. Time part is compounded by a couple of surprises, and their rushed reunion and professions of love are resolved with little conflict. Each chapter begins with a Boston Renegade media update, and a blogger forum into the personal and private lives of the players. Plenty of locker room banter to add some fun and humor.

HOME RUN is a sweet, romantic story line about two people torn apart by emotional guilt, grief and parental control. The premise is entertaining and moving; the characters are passionate and playful; the romance is energetic and animated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Third Base
Home Run
Grand Slam (May 2017)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Boys of Summer

Top 5 Favorite musicians/songs to listen to while writing

Eagles
Prince
Taylor Swift
Halsey
80’s on shuffle

Home Run Teaser

excerpt

“Can I call you, sometime?”
Ainsley looks down at the ground and crosses her arms over her chest. “Listen, I’m sure you’re a nice guy and all, but I don’t date baseball players. You guys all come in here, acting sweet and caring about the kids, but will be gone in two months. We’re forgotten all about until next spring training.”
From her spiel, I can tell someone has hurt her in the past, but I’m not willing to give up. There’s no way I can now. “Whoa, why the one-eighty?”
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, a second ago I sort of thought… never mind.” I shake my head and start to walk away, only to turn back. “I don’t know about the other guys. I only know me, and I’m not like that. I’d like to prove myself. Just one date to show you that I’m genuine?”
She shakes her head no again, but there’s a glint in her eye that tells me she’s thinking about it. “I’m sorry I can’t.”
Ainsley is walking away before I can even think to form a rebuttal. Our left fielder is there to pick up the pieces and remind me that I just had the first strike out of my major league career. Wonderful.
I drag my sorry ass out toward the waiting bus with my head hanging in shame. I thought for sure I’d at least get her number and be able to convince her that I’m not an epic douche like some of the other guys.
Just as my foot touches the bottom step, my name is called from behind. In a heart-stopping moment, I think it’s Ainsley, only to find another female worker running toward me. I step away and wait for her to get to me.
“Here,” she says, slipping a piece of paper into my hand. When I look at what’s written on it, I’m surprised to see Ainsley’s name and what I’m assuming is her number. “She’ll kill me if she knew I did this, but it’s her cell. Sweep her off her feet. She deserves it.” The woman winks before running back toward the zoo.
Our catcher slaps me on my shoulder. “Well, you lucky dog.”

About The Author

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Heidi McLaughlinHeidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, two Parakeets, Gonzo & Hedwig, and their newest addition of a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, Jill.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

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Third Base (The Boys of Summer #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review and Release Blitz

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THIRD BASE (The Boys of Summer #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review and Re-Release Blitz

Third Base Banner

THIRD BASE
The Boys of Summer 1
by Heidi McLaughlin
Re-Release Date: June 7, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, sports, romance

Third Base

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

Add to your Goodreads shelf

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Re-release: June 7, 2016

Ethan Davenport is already Boston’s most eligible bachelor. In his second season with the Boston Renegades he has set his eyes on the girl behind the visitors’ dugout.

That girl is Daisy Robinson, a journalism student at the University of Boston and a die-hard Renegades fan.

But with new found love comes challenges and Ethan and Daisy have to deal with his crazy schedule, school finals and his presence on her campus for some much needed media training.

For Ethan nothing can come between him and Daisy, until a secret that she’s been keeping threatens to destroy them both.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THIRD BASE is the first installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s new adult, contemporary THE BOYS OF SUMMER baseball romance series focusing on the members of the professional baseball team the Boston Renegades. This is third baseman Ethan Davenport, and journalism student Daisy Robinson’s story line.

Told from first person point of view (Ethan) THIRD BASE follows Boston Renegades third baseman twenty two year old Ethan Davenport through his second season in the major leagues. At each home game, Ethan is enamored by one fan-a young woman behind the visitor’s dugout at each home game- and the woman who calls to Ethan’s heart. Enter twenty year old Daisy Robinson, a journalism student with season tickets to the Boston Renegades, and a woman with a secret that she holds close to her heart.

The relationship between Daisy and Ethan begins slowly as Daisy tries to keep Ethan at a distance. She is young woman who is struggling to make ends meet, while looking after he ailing grandfather and attending university every day. Daisy has a secret that if revealed, may mean the end of her relationship with Ethan Davenport. The $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top graphic sexual imagery but I will add that I did not ‘feel’ the emotional connection between the leading couple-the spark was missing from their relationship.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Daisy’s grandfather-a diehard Renegades fan, and a man who is struggling with his personal freedom. We are introduced to a number of the Boston Renegades players, coaches and managers, as well as Ethan’s parents, sister, and his niece Shea. Ethan’s ex girlfriend continues to play a role in our hero’s life that may be questionable to many readers. These are the twists that should have lead to some anxious moments but were brushed aside without much fanfare.

The world building follows the Boston Renegades on the road, at home, and in the locker room. Boys will be boys, as the saying goes, and nothing is off limits when the players begin to ‘play’.

THIRD BASE is an entertaining story where the heroine keeps secret another part of her life- a part that I guessed immediately therefore there was no surprise for me when revealed. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are animated; the romance is passionate and heartbreaking-you know there will be fallout when the truth is revealed.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Third Base teaser

excerpt

I look at the scoreboard from the on-deck circle. It’s the bottom of the ninth with two outs. Unless we go on some miraculous run, the game is over and we’ve lost, giving us our second loss in a row.
The Orioles coach calls for a time-out and approaches the mound. This gives Meyers, our right fielder, the opportunity for us to talk. Actually, it gives me the ability to stare at the girl that has held my attention all night. After my home run, I thought I could focus on the game, but each time I came up to bat or went out to the field, I was looking to see if she was staring… and she was, which really stroked my ego.
I meet Meyers halfway between the on-deck circle and home plate. Usually, we’d stand back or talk to the third base coach, but there’s no coming back from this defeat. When I reach him, I can tell he’s frustrated; we all are. We’re a far better team than what our record shows. Even though it’s still very early, our expectations are much higher, and with the road trip coming up, we have got to get out of this funk, fast… before it’s too late.
“This ump is calling shit.” Meyers kicks the dirt around his feet.
“Has been all night.” On any given night it’s either in your favor or not. Some umpires come into a game with a chip on their shoulder. They remember everything, and they don’t let you forget it. They say once the game is over, it’s over. Umpires don’t feel that way.
“Play ball!” the umpire yells.
Meyers goes back to home plate and settles in for what could be his last pitch. If he gets on base, I’m up. If he strikes out, my night is over. I rest my bat on my shoulder and watch – not Meyers, but the girl in the hat. She’s leaning forward, resting her elbows on the dugout. I had every intention of finding an usher during the seventh inning but lost my nerve. I don’t know how that’d be received if our manager was to find out, and short of going into the stands the second the game is over, I’m running out of options.
It’s a swing and foul ball for Meyers, still giving me hope. The girl hasn’t moved, and something tells me that she’s focused on me. I should be focused on the game, but I’m not.
I lean over to the usher who stands by the field and whisper, “There’s a girl in section sixty-five, row c, seat one. I’d like to talk to her after the game.”
He nods and says something into his really cool CIA walkie-talkie-type thing. When I first arrived, I asked if I could play with it. I was told no. It was a total buzz kill. I asked my agent to get me one, and he told me to grow up… not one of my finer moments.
Meyers goes down swinging and just like that, the game’s over. We lost three to eight. I wait for him to walk by before returning to the dugout, but not without one last look at the girl in row c. Another usher is walking down the aisle toward her. I climb down the stairs and pause where she can’t see me. The usher approaches her and talks wildly with his hands. She looks around, reaches for her bag, and follows him up the steps. I can only hope she’ll be in the lounge when I get there.
Right now I’m thankful I’m not allowed to give interviews yet because it means I can shower and get upstairs quicker. The reporters call my name, asking about my home-run. They know I’m not allowed to speak with them, but they try anyway. I keep my head down, my classic move after we’ve lost, and rush into the clubhouse. There will be no after-game meeting; our manager will save that for tomorrow.
I shower quickly and slip into jeans and a t-shirt. My hair is still wet and dripping down onto my shirt, but I don’t want my third base girl waiting too long. I take the back stairs two at a time and enter the lounge. This is where the wives and girlfriends hang out, and now that I think about it, it’s probably not the best place to have sent her. It’s like vulture prey in here for new girlfriends… not that she’s my girlfriend. I just want to know her name.
As soon as I enter the hallway, I find her sitting outside the door. She stands up when she hears me coming and keeps her hands behind her back, watching me closely. I come to a halt in front of her, and all I can see is the top of her hat. She’s about a foot shorter than me, and I like that.
“I wanted to apologize for giving you the ball.” I keep my hands clasped to avoid the nervous twitch I have. The last thing I want to do is scare her away.
“Oh… do you want it back?” Her voice is soft, sweet, and completely Boston. Hearing her speak makes me feel like I have something to look forward to, like I’m home.
“What? No, I thought I embarrassed you… It’s just…”
My knees go weak when she looks at me. Her light green eyes are the color of sea glass, and she has a dimple that compliments her smile. I find myself wanting to rub my thumb over it so I can feel it.
“You didn’t embarrass me. It was nice.”
“What’s your name?” I ask, needing to know because calling her ‘third base girl’ or ‘girl in row c’ isn’t going to cut it.
“Daisy.”
Daisy, I repeat in my head so I don’t forget. Daisy… like the flowers that my mother loves.
“I’m Ethan,” I stupidly tell her but feel like I should introduce myself. “Wanna get out of here and grab some dinner?”
She eyes me and then the ground, making me wait what feels like an eternity for her answer.

 

 

About the Author Black and Green

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Heidi McLaughlinHeidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, two Parakeets, Gonzo & Hedwig, and their newest addition of a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, Jill.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Forever romance

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The Heat is On (The Boys of Summer 4) by Katie Rose-a review

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THE HEAT IS ON (The Boys of Summer #4) by Katie Rose-a review

The Heat is On

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2015

When veteran catcher Connor Jackson gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics, he welcomes the opportunity to possibly cap his career with a World Series ring in his home state. But there’s another reason Connor is glad things have come full circle. In pursuit of hardball glory, he left behind his college sweetheart, the one girl he could never forget. Seeing her again stirs up long-lost desires . . . and this time, he’s determined not to strike out.

A divorced mother of four, Tracy Coleman no longer aspires to gossip-mag glam—but she’ll make an exception for a date with Connor. Their chemistry is hotter than ever, and being alone with him is more seductive than she anticipated. Who could blame her for leaving out a little detail like the kids? Now all she has to do is come clean and convince the man of her dreams that they—Connor, Tracy, and her children—have a future together.

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REVIEW: THE HEAT IS ON is the fourth installment in Katie Rose’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER baseball, romance series. This is New Jersey Sonics catcher Connor Jackson, and divorced mother of four/medical transcriber Tracy Coleman’s story line. THE HEAT IS ON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. All of the previous storyline couples play secondary and supporting roles.

Told from dual third person perspectives THE HEAT IS ON is a second chance romance between Tracy and Connor. Tracy and Connor were college sweethearts but Connor’s dream of making it big in the majors found our couple going in opposite directions. Fast forward to present day wherein Tracy finds herself a divorced mother with four children under six years old, and Connor returns home to New Jersey for one final shot at the World Series and a championship ring. What ensues is a rekindling of a relationship that finds Tracy keeping secret her young family of four.

Tracy Coleman is a woman scorned whose ex husband kept a secret family on the side. While pregnant with child number four Tracy found herself a single parent with no stable support system from her children’s father. Connor Jackson is a thirty seven year old baseball player whose best days are behind him. When he is traded to the New Jersey Sonics Connor is given a chance to make the team a contender for the championship ring-think Bull Durham-an experienced catcher whose leadership is needed to bring about a winning season. But a trade to New Jersey places Connor closer to the woman he has never stopped loving-a woman whose own life moved forward without the man that she loved.

The rekindling of the relationship is a slow build to a second chance at love but our heroine keeps secrets her life at home. In this, I did have some issues with her reluctance to reveal the truth but in the end Connor is more of a hero; a man who is willing to accept everything and everyone in Tracy’s life even though Tracy’s attempts to protect her family could have come at a cost to both her relationship with Connor and hearts of her young children. The $ex scenes are seductive and provocative without the over the top erotic, graphic imagery and text.

THE HEAT IS ON is a sweet storyline with a little bit of suspense, romance, $ex and love. Tracy’s ex-husband adds some uncomfortable moments when he threatens our heroine but the resolution to this particular aspect of the story is quick to resolve and with some moments that were not quite realistic. Connor’s fellow baseball players add friendship, friendly banter and an overall feeling of familiarity and cohesion to the story. The premise is engaging, lively and encouraging; the characters are charismatic and colorful; the romance is passionate and hopeful. There is plenty of baseball play by play to be enjoyed.

READING ORDER and previous reviews

Bring on the Heat
Too Hot to Handle
The Heat of the Moment
The Heat is On

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Heat of the Moment (The Boys of Summer 3) by Katie Rose-a review

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THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT (The Boys of Summer #3) by Katie Rose-a review

The Heat of the Moment

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 22, 2015

The Boys of Summer are back! In Katie Rose’s sweet, sparkling novel, the newest New Jersey Sonic falls for the woman who’s trying desperately to save his career.

Physical therapist Jessica Hart has learned her lesson: Never date professional athletes. She’s been down that road, and barely recovered after the relationship crashed and burned. Then Jessica meets Gavin King. An All-Star slugger with chiseled good looks, Gavin was traded to the Sonics because he hurt his knee sliding into second, and now his future is in her hands. Gavin’s no bad boy—but he’s tempting enough to make Jessica think twice about all her rules.

Gavin is trying to find a comfortable routine. If he wants his old life back, he must take it easy, stay out of the limelight, and keep his distance from gorgeous redheaded physical therapists. The thing is, Gavin isn’t the kind of guy to sit on his ass and let other people pull his weight. And when he sees something he wants, he can’t help but fight for it, even if it means risking everything, even if it only lasts a single moment: like one kiss from Jessica.

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REVIEW: THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT is the third installment in Katie Rose’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER romantic sports series focusing on the New Jersey Sonics baseball team. This is professional baseball player Gavin King, and physical therapist Jessica Hart’s storyline. THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT follows the rehabilitation of big league slugger Gavin King. Gavin’s near career -ending injury has found our storyline hero in the unenviable position on the DL –Disabled List- as he endures months of physical therapy due to the invasive surgery of repairing the meniscus in his knee. The potential for the injury to destroy his career has landed the once a-list player as the newest member of the struggling New Jersey Sonics following a trade from one of the top rated teams. What ensues is the building relationship between physical therapist Jessica Hart-a young woman who has been burned by a previous relationship with a former Sonics player.

Jessica and Gavin’s attraction to one another is immediate and intense but our storyline heroine wants nothing to do with another professional baseball player. Her previous relationship disaster has left Jessica jaded in the face of a potential love match with Gavin King. Gavin’s history of dating fashion models finds Jessica struggling with self esteem issues about her own beauty and body type. As Gavin continues to pursue Jessica in the hopes of something more, Jessica begins to pull back believing their relationship will end in heartbreak for our storyline heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top erotic factor-quite vanilla in context and description.

Most of the secondary and supporting characters include the members of the New Jersey Sonics including Darcy and Chase (Bring on the Heat #1) who are preparing for their upcoming nuptials, and Nikki and Jake (Too Hot to Handle #2). Several of the team management and PT staff are present, as well as both Gavin and Jessica’s exes who are looking for a second chance. Jessica and Gavin’s extended families play a supporting role including Jessica’s brothers who want to know Gavin’s intentions with their little sister.

The storyline premise is interesting although a little slow to build as we follow weeks to months of physical therapy for our storyline hero. The writing is simple although the author has done some research as it pertains to the physical therapy and sports related injuries. The characters are well developed, colorful and believable. The conflict is quick to resolve but in all honesty our heroine is the root cause of most of the storyline anxiety-Jessica has issues of trust, and in this, her immaturity is a point of contention for this reader: any threats to Gavin and Jessica’s relationship are blown out of proportion by the perception of betrayal and the possibility of second chances for Gavin and his ex.

THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT is a light read with a little bit of everything: $ex, romance, conflict, fun and falling in love. There are no complicated scenarios; no mind blowing issues of dark demons or past histories with devastating actions. It is a story about two people who meet under professional circumstances and fall in love.

The Boys of Summer

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Bring on the Heat
Too Hot To Handle
The Heat of the Moment

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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