I absolutely loved Ainsley and Cooper. Cooper is a rookie 100% focused on the game. He doesn't do too much indulging with women and alcohol but once he meets Ainsley everything changes for him. Ainsley has always been warned away from players and as much as she tries to resist Cooper, she just can't seem to stay away.

This was a sweet and at times heartbreaking story. Cooper is the ultimate nice guy and I completely fell in love with him. I like how open and honest he is. He's not afraid of sharing his feelings.

Ainsley has a tough time through this story and my heart broke for her. She made some tough choices but they were always made because she doesn't believe she has another choice.

I feel like Cooper's dad was just left like a loose end and I would have liked some sort of closure there but sometimes that's just how it is. Gahh!!! I think Ainsley's parents story might have broken my heart!!!!

Between the sports elements and the sweet romance, this is a perfect summer read!

To say that Ainsley Burke has a lot on her plate is a complete understatement, not only is she working full-time, but she is also caring for her ailing mother. Knowing that her mother could leave this earth at any given time weighs heavy on her heart and mind, and the thought of being alone after is more than she can bare. But she has a good friend to help pick her up when things get rough, and she always knows just what Ainsley needs, and right now she thinks Ainsley needs a little fun, and possibly love, in her life. So, she intervenes when a handsome baseball player asks for Ainsley's number, and Ainsley declines his request, and sneaks the number to him. From there the sparks start flying between the two of them, and as much as Ainsley tries not to fall for Cooper Bailey, she does, even though she knows he's bound to leave once spring training is over... question is can their love withstand the distance? Or is he just like all the other athletes her mother warned her about?

Cooper Bailey eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball, he wants to play in the big game, and make a name for himself, but there is one thing standing in his way, and the only way he can eliminate that factor is to prove he can fill the shoes of the man holding the spot. So, he dedicates every spare minute he has practicing, he avoids all distractions, and when the rest of the team is going out for drinks, he is at the field putting in extra work. He doesn't date, because for one his lifestyle doesn't really afford him the time for a relationship, and two it is a distraction that could keep him from achieving his goal... but he didn't account for a woman like Ainsley Burke to come into his world! And once she is there he isn't about to let her slip away... distraction or not!!

Home Run packs a serious punch, one that is certain to leave a serious dent on your heart! The moment I started this emotionally charged read I was completely addicted, and had no intentions of stopping until I had consumed every last word. I have to say Ms. McLaughlin really got me with this one, her touching story tugged on my heartstrings, and stirred the emotions! These two were both determined to not let love into their lives for fear it would disrupt it, but it was love that they both actually needed all along. Their road to finding their happily ever after was filled with bumps, and a few potholes here and there, but they didn't let it stop them from finding their way, it was quite the journey... and I am happy I had the chance to tag along on the ride!! Highly recommend this series, Ms. McLaughlin's sexy baseball players are sure to score a special place in your heart!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Omg this book may be one of my favorite from this author so far!was pleasantly surprised with the story in this one.I loved the characters and the story line.A hot,emotional sport romance!

This was a DNF for me. It felt weird to me that the hero touches the herine without her consent at a photo shoot. Then the heroine's BFF proceeds to give the hero the heroine's phone number without asking the heroine first. It felt like the heroine had no agency over her choices and I couldn't continue with the book.

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.

I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

Every summer the Renegades head to Fort Myers for spring training. It's there that Cooper meets Ainsley and they hit it off. There are a lot of complications and they eventually end it, but they miss each other. I loved the dynamic characters and want to go back and read the first book in the series because I liked Daisy so much. I wish I knew if Cooper's father ever came around.

Loving this series by Heidi McLaughlin. The Boys of Summer is a sports romance series following professional baseball players. First hit for this book is that is gives us the SPORTS! Cooper lives for baseball and as a rookie, he is determined to do his very best to get ahead. Never have women played a part in his life long dream--only baseball.

Training camp PR opportunities lead him to meet Ainsley. This is one woman he can't get out of his head. The rest of the book follows their ups and downs. Heart wrenching emotion in this one. I almost had to set it aside for a bit.

Humor is always another hit and the guys on the team bring some levity to the otherwise heavy on emotion book. Really enjoyed the last third of the story. Loved how Cooper became not only the man he always dreamed of being but also the man who was perfect for Ainsley.

Looking forward to the next book!

It is baseball season and Heidi McLaughlin has brought us another baseball player that will make you melt. We have Cooper Bailey who has everything he wants and determined to make it in the major leagues. My heart went out to Ainsley for what she is going through. In a way she is strong but when it comes to Cooper she is unsure of what to do. Heidi McLaughlin once again does not disappoint to the point you can feel the romance, the baseball games to the hotdogs loving it all.

Home Run was just a “triple” for me until things started really picking up and the truth finally came out. I adored Ainsley in the beginning; in the middle I was getting a little perturbed with her; in the end, it all came together and I loved her again. As for Cooper, it may have taken him a bit but he finally figured out what being a team player and having someone to love meant.
Ainsley had her issues. Issues with men. Issues with her home life. Her one constant is her job and she loves where she works. She’s sworn off all athletes and refuses to fall into the rut so many of the woman in town fall into. She will not fall for some baseball player who is going to love her and leave her right after Spring Training. But, there is something about Cooper. He doesn’t come off as a “player”, he seems sincere and caring and … he’s leaving. When she finally does give him the time of day, her life falls apart and everything that she was afraid of happening, happens.
Cooper has lived his life for baseball since he was a little boy. It was just him and his father growing up and he’s on the brink of living his dreams. One person is standing in his way and it’s up to him to show the bosses who would be the better option. He has a hard road ahead of him … especially when his father shows up … especially when he starts falling in love with Ainsley. His one saving grace turns out to be his nemesis. He’ll learn the words “team player”. He’ll learn the word “trust”. He’ll also learn what it’s like to lose the one person who completed him.
Home Run was filled with love, lies and mystery. Heidi McLaughlin brought forth the true feelings of what a Rookie has to be going through to earn his place on the team. She handled love and loss with grace. She added some twists and turns that were unexpected. She gave us complete characters with true emotions and feelings. She wrote a beautiful story that showed us the true meaning of believe, trust and love.

EEEKKK!!!! WOW WOW WOW!!! This book is AMAZING!!!! Home Run is Cooper and Ainsley's story. From the start up to the last of this book, I was hooked! I easily fell in love with Cooper. **sigh** Anyway, the story is great, I was easily pulled in and I can easily feel the chemistry of the characters. I really really love this book!!!!! Cooper is definitely my new book boyfriend (one of he many)! Where can I find a man like him?! gah! Ms. Heidi just freaking nailed it!!! Love this book!!!

#mustread #bookhangoveralert

STEPH'S SEXY 4 STAR REVIEW

Home Run is book two in the Boys of Summer Series and focuses on rookie center fielder player Cooper Baily. He is called up to the majors by the Boston Renegades. The story is well written, very smooth and has a lot of baseball references that are easy to follow.

Spring training has just started in Fort Meyers. There is a lot of pressure on Cooper to perform, but he remains confident. Complicating things is the fact that he was supposed to replace Steve Bainbridge, a veteran center fielder who hinted at retirement last year.

Cooper meets Ainsley Burke during a community outreach and forms an instant connection to her. He is such a straight forward, honest, nice guy. However, Ainsley will not date an athlete.

“There’s no explanation needed. I just don’t date athletes.”

…”I get it. Whatever happened, it must have been bad.”

“I think when you’re lied to repeatedly by someone you love, you lump everyone into one category. For me, that’s athletes.”

Cooper is persistent and finally gets his chance with Ainsley. Things get intense and emotional as they both have many issues to deal with. Their chemistry is great and their sexy time is hot!

Then life gets even more complicated…..

I don’t want to spoil the story so I won’t say any more. I would have liked to have had more details and some additional scenes (ok and more sexy time). In other words, I would have just liked more….. Despite that, it was well written and a really good read. I look forward to the next installment!

I have always loved Heidi McLaughlin's words, and I love baseball, so this was a perfect combination! A great read that kept me turning the pages! A definite must read!

Cooper is a rookie for the Boston Renegades, called up from the minors in time for spring training. He’s used to being a star as he was in college, however he is competing with seasoned veterans and younger guys who were drafted straight out of high school. If that pressure wasn’t enough, he has an overbearing father that still likes to call the shots in Cooper’s life. When Cooper meets Ainsley while at a community outreach program at the local zoo, he’s done for. He knows he’s got something special.

But when his relationship starts to affect his game play, he needs to decide if he wants the distraction. Ainsley has her own hurdles, namely a sick mother. A sick mother that insists that getting involved with athletes is a mistake Ainsley shouldn’t make. Besides, he’ll be going back to Boston when spring training is over, what’s the point of making the investment in a relationship that isn’t meant to be?

The plot of this second book is awfully similar to the first one, however I think it was executed a bit better than the last book. I think that is due, in large part, to the dual POV narration. The last book was a single POV from the heroine’s perspective and it just fell flat. There was far more chemistry between the main characters and the storyline was more interesting than the first installment.

Fans of sports romance, baseball in particular, will love this book. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but when things heat up, they certainly do! This book definitely sold me a lot more for this series, I’m looking forward to the next!

I'm not a huge fan of baseball but this was a cute story. The hero of the story sometimes was a little too harsh for my liking. All and all the story was ok.

Normally I'm a huge fan of Heidi McLaughlin but this series hasn't been my favorite so far. After Third Base I was left with the meh feeling and wasn't super stoked, but since I am a fan of Heidi's I decided to try book two in this series.

I did like it especially compared to third base but it had some elements that I'm never a fan of:
1) Martyr heroine with it being her burden to bear so why ask for help
2) Over dramatic - He kept coming around, even after I'd rejected him. It showed me his strength and character, . .. (however it was only a week that he kept coming around I'm not sure how much strength and character that shows. If it was longer I could see the perseverance.

Home Run is about Cooper Bailey the new Rookie with the Brooklyn Renegades. Here he falls for Ainsley Burke whom doesn't want to date a player because once burnt and all but Cooper slowly wins her over. It was cute and I did end up liking it in the end but like I said previously it isn't my favorite series of Heidi's thus far.

I really enjoyed the first book in The Boys of Summer series by Heidi McLaughlin, however I think I enjoyed this one even more. How is that possible you ask? I will tell you.

I totally fell in love with Ainsley. Totally girl crushing on her. I love that with the life she has lived, she is so strong and caring. She is a total sweetheart. I just love her.

Now Cooper…how can you not fall head over heals for that sexy man!! I loved the chemistry between him and Ainsley. He is just absolute perfection!!

Home Run was exactly that….a HOME RUN!! Heidi did an amazing job with this wonderful story!! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Heidi really hit it out of the park with this one. Cooper and Ainsley have a connection from the very beginning, although she tries to fight it. I loved that she worked at a zoo and had such a close relationship with the animals, especially the giraffes. As a rookie for the Boston Renegades, Cooper has a lot to prove, especially since it's his first year in the major leagues. It was very obvious the author is familiar with the subject of baseball as it showed in the specifics and stats of the players and the game. I highly recommend Home Run.

I am such a huge fan of Heidi McLaughlin! She is an instant one click for me when she has a new release. So I was really excited to get my hands on Home Run.

Cooper Bailey’s time has finally come and he’s being called up to the major league. He is extremely focused on baseball and is not willing to let anything get in the way. He is working hard trying to prove himself to the team that he belongs there.

Ainsley comes out of nowhere and Cooper didn’t expect to meet her. She is a zookeeper in Florida who has a lot on her plate right now. She is the caregiver for her sick mother and doesn’t have time for much else.

The relationship between these wasn’t rushed and they took the time to really get to know one another. I loved their relationship it was sweet and pure from the texts and they way they were with each other. Looking forward to next book in this series.

If you like your sports romances to be both sweet and sexy, then Home Run is the one for you. Cooper is a rookie in town for summer training when he meets Ainsley at the local zoo while he and his team are there having a fun day with some under privileged children. Ainsley is a zoo keeper, well, she is normally, but she's taken a step back while dealing with her mom's cancer, and is instead doing media and administrative work for the zoo. Cooper sees Ainsley and is immediately attracted, but she's got walls up and rules about dating athletes, meaning, she does NOT date them. Thanks to Ainsley's friend, Stella, though, Cooper is able to obtain Ainsley's number, and the next thing you know, they're talking on the phone and then, dating, after Ainsley runs out of excuses to keep saying no to him.

There were a lot of things I really like about Home Run, one of them being how sweet both Cooper and Ainsley are. Cooper, especially, isn't the typical brash, arrogant playboy usually featured in sports romances. Instead, he's down to earth and has a big heart. Instead of whiling his way into Ainsley's heart by force of sheer arrogance and bad boy sexiness, he does it by being sweet and gentlemanly. Honestly, I wish more authors would take this route with their sports heroes, because Cooper is a breath of fresh air! And Ainsley, damn, she's amazing. So strong and kind, giving up her life, basically, to care for her mom.

Their relationship is sweet, sexy and emotional. They both have father issues, he because his father is a controlling creep, and she because she doesn't even know who her father is, at least, not until her mom leaves a tell all letter for her to read. It's part of what bonds the two together, but their biggest bond is their connection, not just physical, but emotional. Their intimate scenes weren't overly hot, just perfect, but it's clear that their emotional bond is what draws them together and keeps them together. It's a nice change of pace from some of the more erotic romances I've been reading lately.

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I plan to now that I know just how great Heidi is at writing a sports romance. It's most definitely a home run!