Tag Archives: baseball

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian-review

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You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2024

The 1960 baseball season is shaping up to be the worst year of Eddie O’Leary’s life. He can’t manage to hit the ball, his new teammates hate him, he’s living out of a suitcase, and he’s homesick. When the team’s owner orders him to give a bunch of interviews to some snobby reporter, he’s ready to call it quits. He can barely manage to behave himself for the length of a game, let alone an entire season. But he’s already on thin ice, so he has no choice but to agree.

Mark Bailey is not a sports reporter. He writes for the arts page, and these days he’s barely even managing to do that much. He’s had a rough year and just wants to be left alone in his too-empty apartment, mourning a partner he’d never been able to be public about. The last thing he needs is to spend a season writing about New York’s obnoxious new shortstop in a stunt to get the struggling newspaper more readers.

Isolated together within the crush of an anonymous city, these two lonely souls orbit each other as they slowly give in to the inevitable gravity of their attraction. But Mark has vowed that he’ll never be someone’s secret ever again, and Eddie can’t be out as a professional athlete. It’s just them against the world, and they’ll both have to decide if that’s enough.

••••••

REVIEW:YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY is an historical, adult, LGBTQ+ baseball romance set in 1960 focusing on twenty two year old, professional baseball player Eddie O’Leary, and journalist Mark Bailey. YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY is set in the same world as the author’s WE COULD BE SO GOOD.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Eddie and Mark),covering approximately nine months, YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY follows journalist Mark Bailey as he is tasked with writing a diary (of a sorts) focusing on professional baseball player Eddie O’Leary, a young man whose career is quickly spiralling out of control. Traded without warning to the New York Robins, Eddie is in a slump, struggling at the plate, and in the proverbial closet when it comes to his sex life and his career. The world has yet to accept the idea of homosexuality, or ‘queers’ in professional sports but Eddie will quickly discover the journalist assigned to write a piece about his career, is a man with more in common than Eddie could have ever imagined. Enter journalist Mark Bailey, a gay man who is battling between head and heart in the wake of losing someone he loved,and his attraction to a man whose career could end if his secret were discovered.

The relationship between Eddie and Mark begins as a professional arrangement in which Mark has been assigned to follow Eddie, and write a weekly journal focusing on the man with whom he will fall in love but Mark’s last relationship had been hidden from view, and Mark refuses to cross the line in the face of discrimination, homophobia, heart break and professional suicide. The $ex scenes fade to black and are mostly implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include a few cameos from reports Nick Russo, and his lover Andy Fleming (We Could Be So Good 1), as well as sports reporter George Allen, and several teammates and management from the New York Robins.

YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY is an extremely slow building story of secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The premise is thought-provoking; the slow burn romance is awkward at times; the characters are charismatic yet desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hit and Run / Scoring Position by Tara Wyatt-reviews

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Hit and Run / Scoring Position (Dallas Longhorns 5 & 6) by Tara Wyatt-reviews

HIT AND RUN
Dallas Longhorns 5
by Tara Wyatt
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,baseball, romance

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

Dallas Longhorns trainer Piper Rhodes has plans and dreams. While she trains wealthy clients and professional athletes by day, by night she runs her own fitness empire, with a successful YouTube channel, growing podcast and plans for a game changing app. But growing her business doesn’t come cheap, so when All-Star shortstop and renowned manwhore Beau Beckett asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend—for a fee—she sees it as her opportunity to finally invest in her dreams. And she knows better than to let herself develop feelings for Beau, whose reputation is a mile long.

Beau just wants to get the media off his back so that he can head into free agency—and hopefully a massive contract—without his past hanging over his head. So when he asks the cute and sassy Piper to pretend to be his girlfriend, he expects to fool the media. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for her—hard. After a lifetime of abandonment, Beau does sex, not love. But being with Piper shows Beau the man he could be. For the first time in his life, he wants it all, and he wants it with Piper. But when life interferes, Beau will have to fight for a love he didn’t know he needed.

What started out as pretend could lead to a real future—if the present doesn’t tear them apart.

••••••

REVIEW:HIT AND RUN is the fifth instalment in Tara Wyatt’s contemporary, adult TEXAS LONGHORNS erotic, romance baseball series. This is thirty-two year old, Texas Longhorns shortstop Beau Beckett, and twenty-seven year old, yoga instructor Piper Rhodes’ story line. HIT AND RUN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Piper and Beau) HIT AND RUN follows the fake boyfriend/girlfriend relationship between thirty-two year old, Texas Longhorns shortstop Beau Beckett, and twenty-seven year old, yoga instructor Piper Rhodes. Beau Beckett is having one of the best seasons of his career. At the end of his contract, with free agency on the line, Beau might have his pick of any team in the league but Beau’s reputation off the field is another matter entirely, and his actions have threatened his future as a major league star. In an effort to tame his reputation, Beau asks Texas Longhorns yoga instructor Piper Rhodes to pretend to be his girlfriend, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship Piper and Beau, and the potential fall out as both of their careers are taking off, in opposite directions.

Piper Rhodes is desperate to start her own on-line app, an app for which she is struggling for money. When the bank refuses her final application, Piper battles between head and heart until Beau Beckett makes her an offer she cannot refuse. As their ‘pretend’ relationship takes hold, hearts will be broken when Beau is offered the a multi-million dollar contract in Seattle, while Piper is offered her own spot on national TV.

The relationship between Piper and Beau begins as a fake arrangement, one in which both will benefit from their fabricated lies. Beau is desperate to clean up his reputation, and Piper struggles to fund the app that she hopes to make her a star. With both having issues of trust, neither one is willing to commit to forever, at the very least for the foreseeable future. As Piper and Beau continue their ruse, neither one expected to fall in love.The $ex scene are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, fun and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples.

HIT AND RUN is a thought-provoking story of secrets and lies, trust and communication, lust and love. The premise is heartwarming, encouraging and uplifting; the romance is provocative and sensual; the characters are feisty, sassy and spirited.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

_______

SCORING POSITION
Dallas Longhorns 6
by Tara Wyatt
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,baseball, romance

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

Hannah Miller only wants one thing this summer: to lose her virginity before she heads off to grad school. But without any prospects, she assumes her goal will go unfulfilled. But then she goes to stay with her brother Jordan, a first baseman for the Dallas Longhorns, only to find that his best friend Christian is staying with him. Christian, who is sexy and confident and who’s been the subject of Hannah’s fantasies for years. One look at Christian, and Hannah knows she wants him to be her first. To teach her how to be good in bed.

Newly traded to the Longhorns after a scandal, Christian is looking to start fresh and keep a low profile. But when his best friend’s little sister—shy, sweet, slightly nerdy Hannah—propositions him, he can’t bring himself to say no. He knows he shouldn’t sleep with her, but Hannah is a temptation he can’t resist, especially given that he’s in the worst slump of his career and could use a boost—what the guys in the clubhouse refer to as a slumpbuster.

What starts out as a temporary summer fling quickly morphs into something more, and before long, Christian doesn’t just want to be Hannah’s first—he wants to be her last. But when Jordan finds out about their secret hook-ups, all bets are off.

••••••••

REVIEW:SCORING POSITION is the sixth instalment in Tara Wyatt’s contemporary, adult DALLAS LONGHORNS erotic, romance baseball series. This is twenty-six year old, Christian Hale, and twenty two year old, grad student Hannah Miller’s story line. SCORING POSITION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Hannah is Jordan Miller’s sister

Told from dual third person perspectives (Hannah and Christian) SCORING POSITION follows the building but forbidden romance and relationship between twenty-six year old, Christian Hale, and twenty two year old, grad student Hannah Miller. Hannah Miller is spending the summer with her brother, Dallas Longhorns baseball player Jordan Miller but Hannah never expected to come face to face with her childhood crush, Jordan’s best friend and newest teammate Christian Hale. Christian is the latest acquisition by the Dallas Longhorns, having been traded as a result of a scandal that refused to die down but a hitting slump is threatening Christian’s previous rookie of the year status, and he needs a ‘slumpbuster’ to make things right. With both Christian and Hannah living at Jordan’s for the foreseeable future, Hannah makes Christian an offer he should have refused. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Christian and Hannah, and the potential fall-out as their affair comes to light, threatening Christian and Jordan’s friendship, and the building love between our story line couple.

Christian Hale doesn’t do relationships, and in this his off-field antics, threatened his career with his previous team. Warned by Jordan not to get involved with his sister Hannah, Christian finds himself falling for a woman he isn’t supposed to want. Hannah has struggled throughout the years, bullied in school, and humiliated on camera but Hannah has never stopped ‘lusting’ after our story line hero, a lust she is hoping to consummate this summer.

The relationship between Hannah and Christian is a forbidden relationship; a best friend’s younger sister in which Hannah and Christian must keep their relationship a secret, fearing the fall-out when all is revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. We are reintroduced to Christian’s teammate and Hannah’s brother Jordan Miller as well as team manager Javi Flores, and several of the Texas Longhorn players.

SCORING POSITION is another story of secrets, trust, revelations and love. The premise is engaging and inviting; the romance is captivating; the characters are energetic and wonderful.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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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

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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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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

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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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The Player (The Player Duet #1) by K. Bromberg-Review and Book Release Tour

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THE PLAYER (The Player Duet #1) by K. Bromberg-Review and Book Release Tour

The Player Banner

THE PLAYER
The Player Duet #1
by K. Bromberg
Release Date: April 17, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, sports, romance

 Cover Designer:  Helen Williams

Photographer:  Perrywinkle Photography

Model: Chase Williams (IG: @bubbas_82)
The Player

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2017

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything.

So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in the renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him.

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on.

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to side in the club’s best interest if he’s ready to play.

But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat or is one of them bound to get burned?

••••••••••••

REVIEW:  THE PLAYER is the first installment in K. Bromberg’s contemporary, adult THE PLAYER erotic, romance sports duet focusing on professional baseball player Easton Wylder, and physical therapist Scout Dalton.

Told from dual first person points of view (Easton and Scout) THE PLAYER follows the rehabilitation of professional baseball player Easton Wylder, and the building relationship between Easton, and the team’s new physical therapist Scout Dalton. Easton Wylder is on the DL (disabled list) from a near career ending hit that left our story line hero struggling with his place on the team and working towards a healthy recovery. But a switch in the team’s physical therapist finds Easton face to face with Scout Dalton, a woman who calls to Easton’s heart and soul. For weeks, Easton and Scout will work together both in and out of the bedroom, in the hopes of Easton’s full recovery and return to the game he loves to play. What ensues is the growing love between our story line couple, and a surprise announcement that could place their relationship at opposite sides.

Easton Wylder is an all star player who lives in the shadow of his father’s fame and former professional baseball career. A major restructuring of the team finds Easton battling for a position he was born to play. Scout Dalton has survived many heartaches throughout her life including the death of her beloved brother and the absence of a mother she barely knew. Falling in love with Easton Wylder could mean another form of heartache as our heroine heads into a relationship with a man who could break her heart, and destroy her soul.

The relationship between Easton and Scout begins as a professional arrangement but one Easton believes is a prank pulled by his teammates and friends. Scout is hoping to keep their relationship on the down low knowing her career and future are on the line. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and provocative.

We are introduced to a large number of secondary and supporting characters including many members of the Aces professional baseball team; Scout’s father Doc Dalton; and Easton’s on-field nemesis Jose Santiago.

The world building looks at the game of baseball, friendships and family. Both Easton and Scout struggle with family pressure, and the promises made in the heat of the moment; and both of our leading characters know what it is like to battle demons from the past.

THE PLAYER is a sexy and spicy story line about two people pulled together by circumstance and need. There are moments of questionable choices, and inspiring motives; flawless romance and spirited actions; provocative thoughts and dramatic pronouncements. The premise is electrifying; the characters are colorful, dynamic and intense; the romance is heart-warming, evocative and alive. THE PLAYER is a passionate and delightful story that ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Player Teaser

About the Author

 

K. BrombergNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

 

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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

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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.

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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.

••••••••••

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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