Cooper is something else. I don't even know if I can describe how much I loved him. He was swoon worthy one minute and the next I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him. He was a man on a mission: be the best at baseball. It was simple. Until he did some off field work for the team and met Ainsley.

Ainsley broke my heart, she just wanted an easy life, but is life ever easy. Cooper does make her forget for a minute then all hell breaks lose and she blames herself. Ainsley is a strong woman who just cant see how strong she is. She gets through life as best as she can.

Cooper losses himself but once he is found, Ainsley better get ready because he comes back hard and doesnt quit. These two were the real deal. They were raw. They were life's hiccups. They stole my heart.

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

I'm really liking this series that McLaughlin has going on (and now that my baseball team is out of the running, it fills that void). We got a hint of Cooper in the first book, so I was surprised that he had the entire second book to himself, that said, it was a perfect fit. Cooper is trying to find his place in the big leagues while also keeping his father happy (not an easy task). So it's surprising when a woman he meets at a media event catches his attention enough for him to pursue her. Ainsley has been warned off athletes and wants nothing to do with Cooper (even though he's super cute). Enter a meddling friend and the rest, as they say, is history.

This read had a little bit of everything - heartache, heat, emotion, joy. I kept reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen with these two and if they were going to be able to make it work. I would have appreciated a little more closure with some of the things included (like Cal and Cooper's father), but overall, a really enjoyable read.

3 stars — This book started off pretty good, even with the insta-attraction and fast moving feelings. But unfortunately the characters didn’t behave consistently, and I got a little bit cranky with them.

At the start of this book Cooper comes across really earnest, hard-working, and sweet! I mean, there were some moments during training that his personality seemed two-sided, and I couldn’t figure out if he was a jerk or not, but in general I really liked him. I loved that with his concentration on baseball and his career, he seemed to have a very romantic side. He didn’t have much in his romantic past, and his crush on Ainsley was kind of endearing. And then those moments where he was a jerk became more frequent, and his personality really became dichotomous…these two halves of him just didn’t make sense in one person.

Ainsley kind of suffered from a similar schizophrenic personality problem, but at least I kind of got why she was so torn (what with the stress she was dealing with). Honestly, I can’t really tell you too much about Ainsley as a person, b/c so much of what we learn of her is wrapped up in caring for her Mother in her battle with cancer. So she’s stressed, confused, depressed. We know she’s involved with the giraffe’s with the zoo, but that really doesn’t come into play one way or another in the rest of the book. And in the end she ran very hot and cold with Cooper, all-in one moment, pushing him away the next, then wanting him back a few hours later. It was enough to give me whiplash. Having one character behave in this way is one thing, but both of them was frustrating.

As for the two of them together? Well, they started off sweet, then got deliciously steamy, and then the feelings came UBER quickly, and then they turned toxic. And from there I couldn’t keep track of how they felt about one another, and I just didn’t buy in.

There were definitely high points in this book…even towards the end, when Cooper stood up for Ainsley with his Dad, or the bits with the pregnancy. But it wasn’t enough to save it in my opinion.

Also, there was a lot of extra “stuff” in this book. There was a LOT of baseball stuff…which is fine, but I felt like the descriptions of the games got really detailed a few times and it didn’t seem necessary to the plot. Also, there were a LOT of secondary characters taking up time in the story. And while I knew Ethan & Daisy were from the first book, their cameos took up a lot of space (almost like the author liked their relationship more and didn’t want to let them go). I haven’t read a lot of Ms. McLaughlin, but I could totally guess that Ryan and Hadley were cameos from another book too (and I verified it), because they served no purpose in Cooper & Ainsley’s story, but they were constantly mentioned.

So yeah. I’m a bit bummed, mostly b/c I was impressed with parts at the beginning, and then it just didn’t play out to my tastes. I really can’t stand inconsistent characters, or characters who have extreme reactions…I guess I’m more into subtlety. I’m starting to think this author just isn’t for me…

Drama off and on the field…

This is my first venture on the baseball field with The Boys of Summer and Cooper and Ainsley knew how to turn on the emotional heat. Both were at turning points in their life and found each other at the best/worst time they could. There days were chock-a-block full of so much, but the attraction they felt for each other was something neither could resist…

I love this author’s easy writing style and ability to connect me with her characters. When I first picked up this story I admit it didn’t seem to hold my attention which surprised me. I put it down for awhile and when I went back to it, the words spoke me to me the way I hoped. Yeah, sometimes it is ‘just me, not you’…

I felt Ainsley’s pain and Cooper’s indecision mar the happiness they were finding with each other. It wasn’t a home run right off the bat, there was a lot of drama from them both that aided and hindered their need to be together. Not over the top drama llama’s but certainly a lot for fledgling love to weather. Thank goodness, at the end of the day, they were grounded enough to deal with it all and figure out what was important…

A solid first outing and has me wanting to find more of those Summer Boys.

2 stars
Call me crazy .... but I didn't care for this book. I just felt like it has been kinda done before and in a better way.

Home Run was definitely just that, a Home Run. While it started off with a solid swing, then it looked like it was going to be a fly out to center field and just fall short it ended up surprised me by flying out of the park. Okay, enough with the baseball talk. This book was an up and down ride for me. I loved the characters but then at one point I felt disconnected from Ainsley. I kept reading because I had to know how everything was going to play out and it didn’t take long for me to be able to reconnect with her and the book ended up being a really good one.

I can honestly say that I did tear up at one point in the book. This book did being out many different emotions for me. The writing was good and the story was well done. Like I said there is just one part I disconnected from Ainsley but I didn’t last long. I loved Cooper but there were a few times I wanted to slap him upside the head and tell him he was an idiot. I was glad to see Ethan and Daisy again and catch up with them.

I look forward to the next book in this series, Grand Slam.

I loved this book and this series the characters are so life like that they could actually be friends and family. Heidi has created a cast of characters so incredible and a world that I just loved traversing. With the angst and the banter these characters sure do come alive.

Sucker for baseball players! Beautifully written! Excellent job!

Thanks for the opportunity to read. Heidi has a way with words that just warms my heart and I love reading it!

I first came across The Boys of Summer series when I read an excerpt for the third book, GRAND SLAM, which won't be out until May, but once that caught my interest, I knew I had to go and read the other two books! I came across the opportunity to join the blog tour for HOME RUN and I jumped at the chance! I'm so glad that I did!

I really, really loved Cooper, and I thought that his relationship with Ainsley was adorable! I did think that it could've been flushed out a little better. For example, we were told that they were talking on the phone late at night a bunch of times rather than getting to experience it firsthand, and I felt like Cooper's attitude was a bit flip-floppy at a couple of moments in the book, but other than that, I really enjoyed HOME RUN! I loved their chemistry, and I really loved the moments when they talked and weren't afraid to share their feelings with each other. The romance itself was adorable, and it had a great HEA!

Now I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series, THIRD BASE, featuring Ethan and Daisy!! I'm sure their story will be just as, if not even more, adorable than HOME RUN was! Overall, I thought that this was a very solid romance. The characters were pretty well developed, their chemistry was definitely there and very steamy, and all in all, I was extremely happy with how this story turned out! I'd definitely recommend HOME RUN and the rest of The Boys of Summer series to contemporary romance fans, especially if you've got a soft spot for sports romances like I do!

I really enjoyed reading Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin.
From the first few pages I knew this was going to be my kind of read.

The writing is well done, the storyline held my interest throughout the book and I found myself connecting with both lead characters.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Cooper and Ainsley, they had great chemistry and both were likable/entertaining characters.

All in all this was a fantastic read and sports romance fans will love. Highly Recommended!

Another fantastic book by Heidi McLaughlin! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Home Run is the second book in the Boys of Summer series by Heidi McLaughlin. Each book is a standalone, though they are interconnected. This series centers around the members of the MLB team, the Boston Renegades with this being Cooper and Ainsley's story. Cooper is a rookie center-fielder and Ainsley is a zoo attendant. While I did struggle with this one at times, I have to say that I liked it better than the first in the series.

Finally having a shot at the majors, Cooper Bailey knows that he needs to focus on his game and getting through spring training. Though he can't afford to have any distractions, he finds himself drawn to Ainsley Burke. Soon they are spending all their time together, and his game begins to suffer. But can he make the choice between the game he loves and the girl that he can't get out of his mind?

I had some problems connecting with these two, and while I liked them at times I never felt fully invested in them. Not that they weren't likable, there was just something about them that held me back. The attraction between them was instant, yet Ainsley pushed Cooper away constantly. I think that is part of what really kept me from loving these two. She seemed immature at times and it just never really got there for me. They were hot together, but I felt like their connection wasn't entirely genuine. Things felt rushed at times, yet would drag at others.

Speaking of pacing, the story itself felt just like their relationship with some parts dragging and others seeming to move far too quickly. There was so much back and forth, and they spent so much time apart. But then they jump right back in and things were serious and strong and it just didn't feel quite right. While I really enjoyed the beginning and was hopeful, the middle and end of the story kept this one from being one I loved and made it just okay for me. While I have liked Heidi's books in the past and love sports romance stories like no other, this series so far has been one that just hasn't quite clicked for me. If you like sports romance or this one sounds like something you might like, I recommend giving it a shot. There are a lot of people who seem to really love this series, so it could just be a case of this one being me.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

As much as I liked Cooper and Ainsley, Home Run was more of stand up double for me. Ouch- that was hard for me to write because I adore Heidi McLaughlin and her books but there was just something about this one that fell a touch flat. Now, that being said there was a lot that I did like about this story and that is what I'm going to focus on.

Cooper Bailey- rookie with the weight of the world and his lifelong dream on his shoulders. He is nothing but determined to make his mark and the starting line-up. Everything is riding on his performance- which is suffering. And when fate brings him face to face with the good looking animal lover, he can't seem to stay away. Oh how I liked Ainsley. Despite the hard life she had been dealt, she still managed to find a reason to smile. She was as sassy as she was sweet. And hellbent on not giving into Cooper's advances. But he stepped up to the pate in a big way to sweep her off her feet. Everything was looking on the up and up until life happened.

There were a few twists this book took that I didn't see coming at all. And each one left me with my head spinning and heart reeling- just like Cooper and Ainsley. But it is during the worst of times that the best in people shows up and that is exactly what happened here.

I will say that I was left with a few burning questions at the end. There were few things that had been mentioned more than once in the book that weren't resolved or answered. That being said, Home Run kept me entertained- Travis and his one-liners had be rolling with laughter. I am very much looking forward to more of this series- because let's face it- ball players are hot!

Home Run is a baseball second chance romance that follows up and coming rookie Cooper Bailey.

This story was cute and the Coopers pursuit of Ainsley was endearing and sooo sweet. The two of them part ways after almost a whirlwind romance and later fate and something unexpected brings them back together.

These two definitely have their fair share of raw deals thrown their way and watching the two of them try to figure out their futures will have you cheering them on from the sidelines.

I definitely loved how this book started out and when it ended I couldn't stop smiling. I did however find the middle of this book to slow down a bit for me and not capture my attention as much.

I still am a fan of this series and will definitely want to read more books from it.

Home Run is an sexy, funny, emotional story filled with lots of twists I didn't see coming too!!!

Well done!!!

The only reason I'm giving this book 3 stars is because I like the authors writing style.
I loved Cooper Bailey, the hero. But Ainsley, the heroine did nothing for me. She changed her mind as often as people change their underwear. She ran hot and cold throughout the book.
After hooking up with Cooper Ainsley pushes him away. Eventually he has to leave town because the baseball season is starting.
Meanwhile Ainsley is going through a tough time but instead of accepting comfort from anyone she just has pity parties for herself.
When the two reunite the reason is so cliche. I think there's something in the water because every book I've read lately has a similar plot.
Despite my opinion of this book I do think many readers will like it more than I did.
I reviewed this book with the promise of giving my honest opinion

The is book two in the Boys of Summer series and I admit I never read the first book. You can read the series as stand alone but I am going to be reading the first book in the future because I very much enjoyed Home Run. It is well written and kept me reading.

I loved Ainsley and Cooper.

I can't wait to read the next book.

I am giving this 4 out of 5

McLaughlin returns to baseball romance for her second contemporary romance (after Third Base ). Cooper Bailey is in Florida for spring training and on the verge of realizing his dream to be a professional baseball player when he meets zoo keeper Ainsley Burke. He is immediately smitten with her and wants desperately to get to know her, but she’s not interested in dating, especially a professional athlete. She’s seen too many hearts broken during spring training, and she’s emotionally depleted caring for her dying mother. Cooper is a persistent charmer and convinces Ainsley to give him a chance, and Ainsley believes he might be worth the risk to her heart and could prove to be a needed reprieve from the imminent reality of losing her mother. They fall for each other hard and quickly but misunderstandings complicate things just as Cooper leaves Florida. Ainsley and Cooper’s love story is sweet and sexy.

I continue to love this series. This is book two, but it can be enjoyed as a complete standalone. This author has a great ability of making a person who doesn't watch baseball understand and enjoy the fundamentals of the game as well as be engross me in the story. This romance was a great one and I have come to expect to fall in love with all of her characters, even the ones I want to throttle. Why? Because they are written so well! Ok maybe falling in love with people I don't like is pushing it but I do enjoy hating them more.

Ainsley and Cooper's story was certainly an interesting one and quite unexpected. I couldn't get over Cooper and his attitude, but he is quite young and new. So he was forgiven. Because I thought he was very genuine. Ainsley was stuck between a rock and a hard place and I loved the strength she showed. I think she was my favorite character. Now that said I wouldn't have had this book any other way. I loved it and I highly recommend it.