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.

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3 out of 5 stars

I really enjoy books by Ms McLaughlin, but this one was a stretch for me. I haven’t read the first one in the series and I’m not sure if that would have helped or hurt the reading of this one.

Reading this book was like watching a tennis match of emotions and character development. There were times when I loved Cooper and AInsley both...and there were definitely times I thought they were both stupid, selfish, and just not the character I expected them to be. Cooper’s character seems to change as the story progresses and I actually find myself disliking him a little at one point though I feel like Ainsley made her bed and she should just sleep in it.

I also struggled with the timing of certain things in the book. There were large jumps in time and yet the characters sometimes acted as if no time had passed.

While this is book two in this series, and I read the first book, Third Base, this book truly can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed reading Cooper and Ainsley's story. I so loved how Cooper had to really work to get Ainsley to give them a shot. Don't get me wrong, there were a few times where I was reading and just wanted to slap her upside the head. I get she's got a lot on her plate, but sometimes you've just got to take that leap...

These two together have such a chemistry and they recognized it too, after he finally wore her down to go out with him. But sometimes even with chemistry oozing all over the place, things are said and done that could potentially ruin a budding relationship. Cooper is very career focused and sometimes that got in the way of his feelings for Ainsley and my heart broke a little for this beautiful, caring and loving woman because she really does deserve to have it all!

Don't fret though Cooper does redeem himself and that to me just shows he's an All-Star on and off the field. This is another winner by Ms. McLaughlin. The pace and character development are spot on as I've come to expect with her books and when I turned the last page on my kindle, I once again had a full heart and a big smile on my face!!!

Heidi knock it out of the park again. This series just gets better and better. I love COOPER BAILEY. Cooper and Ainsley are so perfect for each other. Their connection is instant but Ainsley won't date another athlete since she was hurt before, but Cooper won't give up on her. Once Ainsley finally gives in they can't stay away from each other. But when a tragedy tears them apart, they both regret ending it like they did. They both think about each other and what could have been. With secrets coming to light will it bring them closer together or more further apart. Will Cooper & Ainsley reunite or will they strikeout? I love all the characters in this series and you can't help but laugh at the craziness that comes out of Travis Kidd's mouth. Once you start reading you will not be able to stop. Can't wait to read Travis's book next.

I love these Boston Renegades!! Heidi McLaughlin's Boys of Summer are full of everything I love - baseball, humorous banter, smokin chemistry and more emotions than I thought possible! Cooper Bailey and Ainsley Burke brought me so many feels over the course of their story. I didn't know how their story could beat Ethan and Daisy's, but man oh man there was just something about them right from the start that made me cheer for them. Even when life was trying to keep them apart, thankfully they find their way. I loved how all the other Renegades and their families are part of the story! Plus if you're a baseball fan then you'll love how spot on Heidi writes and knows the game. Definitely a must read sports romance!!

I had purchased and enjoyed the first book in The Boys of Summer Series, Third Base, and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to get a chance to read Home Run.

Third Base is cute and flirty and funny (their text messages in particular), with a lot of heart thrown in as well. Cooper is in insta-love with Ainsley after meeting her at an event his baseball team attends, and he was adorable chasing after her, even as he tells himself he needs to concentrate on his career rather than love. Poor Ainsley, dealing with her mother's illness has left her thinking she has little to invest in a relationship.

I enjoyed reading their story, and there was enough drama in the story to keep me interested and reading to find out what happened next. I am looking forward to reading the third installment in the series, Grand Slam, releasing in May.

The second book in this series definitely lives up to its name...

Rookie center fielder Cooper Bailey finally got the call he's been waiting for all his life. He's now a major league baseball player and nothing is going to stand in his way. To earn his starting spot, he's needs to keep his focus on baseball, and only baseball.

But a chance meeting at a team event has Cooper focusing his attention on anything but baseball.

I loved this story. Cooper and Ainsley are just what each other needs, even if neither of them believes it at first. I adored Cooper in this story. He's such a good guy - sweet, sexy, and persistent. Ainsley is weary, hesitant because of Cooper's profession, but she's pulled to him and it's a force she can't resist.

They both make their fair share of mistakes along the journey, neither one of them is perfect, but in the end I think you'll be happy with the story. I know I was and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.

Heidi McLaughlin writes the type of books that keep me coming back for more. HOME RUN, the newest book of the Boys of Summer series, is a real page-turner. You don't have to be a baseball fan to be a fan of this story. I loved it.

It was fun to read Cooper's efforts to woo Ainsley. It all happened at a friendly pace that she didn't even know it was happening and it made it easy to fall for his character too. He is attentive and considerate - just the kind of good guy that I like to read. But, of course, not everything can be perfect. The pressures of baseball and Ainsley's own real-life pressures make their connection difficult to keep intact. But it is the ups and downs, the angst and the struggles, and then the LOVE that brings them back together that makes HOME RUN an enjoyable read.

I loved the return of the alternating perspectives and knowing the thoughts of Cooper and Ainsley. I just adored Ainsley and her interactions with her best friend Stella. I enjoy reading the scenes between the best friends just as much as the scenes between of the romantic characters because I get to see more of Ainsley's personality.

I loved the return of the BoRe Blogger and getting a recap of the players, the game, and all of the dirty details told through the Gossip Wire. It was a fun way to transition the chapters and move the story along all while letting us know what is going on with the minor characters.

I was happy to read more about Ethan and Daisy from THIRD BASE and it made me miss them enough that I may even go back and read their story. And then there is Travis Kidd, this guy needs his own comedy show, or his own book, at least.

HOME RUN is a wonderful continuation of the Boys of Summer Series and I'm excited to read more books about the men of the Boston Renegades.

Boy oh Boy, Talk about a Home Run from Heidi McLaughlin. Cooper has stolen my heart as he steals the bases on the diamond. This was such a touching read. From the love and commitment from Ainsley to the unwavering need and strength from Cooper.
Ainsley and Cooper were the perfect match of sweet and strength and the complimented each other extremely well. Ainsley is so strong through out this book and my heart ached for her so many times while reading this. I also felt bad for Cooper and the relationship struggles that he went through with his own family.
This book was a great, face paced read that i couldn't put down and i cannot wait for another installment in the Boys of Summer Series. 5 Stars to Heidi, Thank you for sharing Cooper and Ainsley with us.

Home run by Heidi McLaughlin is a sports romance with a hot rookie and the girl that catches his eye. Cooper Bailey had put baseball on hold, but now he is ready to give it his all. He is dedicated and nothing and no one will stand in his way. Until her.

I loved Cooper. He was just so patient and a nice guy. Even when the one thing Cooper has no time for is a woman, no matter how beautiful she is and how much he wants her. Cooper needs to keep his head in his game. Even if it means losing his heart.

Ainsley works and takes care of her mother. She does not need anyone distracting her from what matters to her the most. Much less a man who is only around for a short period of time. Been there and done that. She is determined to keep Cooper at arm’s length. But his charms was hard to ignore.

It was hard not to like Cooper. He was just a man who loved baseball and wanted the girl. But now he is finding himself having to prove himself to the team and the girl. The pressure to do well is coming from all directions. On the other hand, Ainsley is struggling emotionally and has a lot on her plate. She pushes Cooper away repeatedly, but as we read, we learn more about her and why she makes the choices she does.

This was a great sport romance that was sweet and funny. Cooper and Ainsley had such great chemistry. It was a slow build at the start, but it kept me reading and wanting to find out what would happen next. And I loved the interactions with the team, it will keep you laughing.

Home Run (The Boys of Summer #2) by Heidi McLaughlin
4 stars!!!

“Baseball is America’s game. It doesn’t know social class, race, or any other classification. It’s a game every one can play and afford to participate in.”

Home Run is the second book in the Boys of Summer series and can be read as a standalone. This is a sports romance and our hero is a rookie for the Boston Renegades. While Cooper Bailey is a rookie, he didn’t draft straight from college, but got his degree first so that he had something to fall back on. Being an older rookie presents a few problems but he is working hard to prove his worth and make himself a better player.

Cooper is extremely focused and motivated, baseball has been his life and he is adamant that he isn’t going to mess it up now. No drinking, no parties, no women are his current motto. Cooper throws himself 110% into practice and trying to take the starting spot from a veteran who was supposed to be retiring. That retirement never happened and now he has to prove himself even more. The pressure is real as is the constant pressure he receives from his father. His life is one huge ball of pressure.

Ainsley Burke is a zoo keeper in Florida who has a mountain of personal problems and is having to put her life on hold to care for her sick mother. Ainsley is devoted to the animals and has a heart of gold. Between work and her mother, she is spreading herself extremely thin but has a best friend that is always there for her.

The Boston Renegades are in Florida for spring training, when the Renegades go to the zoo for a press opportunity with local under privileged kids. Cooper and Ainsley’s paths cross for the first time and both are immediately smitten. However, Ainsley has her priorities and Cooper isn’t one of them.

“The only thing missing is the epically cheesy music that either signifies a connection or our untimely doom.”

Ainsley makes Cooper work for it, something that is not the norm for baseball players, but Cooper is far from the norm. Ainsley is constantly battling with her thoughts because now is not the right time and also Cooper would not be around anyways once he heads back to Boston. It also doesn’t hurt that she has been burned before and her mother has made her swear of athletes for life. Cooper has to battle his own thoughts too, he doesn’t need any distractions either, he is there to play ball, not to fall in love.

“He’s a baseball player, and they’re nothing but trouble.”

I loved the chase in this book, the little texts, the conversations, the back and forth was great to read. The fact that these two did take time to get to know each other first was refreshing as well as believable. Both battle themselves as well as each other and this really gave their story merit as well as creating some swoon worthy moments.

“Ainsley, yesterday meant everything. #25”

One twist I thought was a little convenient even though the intimation was always there and I did feel that keeping this from Ainsley was rather selfish on her mum’s part. However, the struggles that these two go through were all relatable and actually made this story “real.” The chemistry between these two was always apparent and there was just enough angst to keep the story entertaining while not being too gut wrenching. The banter between team mates was hilarious and really gave an insight into locker room talk. Loved the camaraderie between team mates and how a team is more than a collective group of athletes, but a family. This was a cute read and I will definitely be reading more about this band of merry men.

www.theromancecover.com

This is WAAAAAAAAY too cute for words. After reading the first in this series, I was a little worried about continuing it. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the first one, but I found it predictable which didn't pull me in as much as I hoped for. But this one? It was just right. Was there still some predictability in it? Of course, but it wasn't blatant like the first and I found myself fully engulfed in this one. I mean, I finished it in a day!

Cooper is the new rookie for the Renegades. But he's not the youngest player, nor is he the least experienced. In fact, he finds himself having to fight for a position he thought he already had but finds out that the player he's supposed to replace ISN'T retiring after all. Cooper can't seem to get his head fully in to the game because he's got other things on his mind. Between being completely enamored with the girl from the local zoo, trying to find a "place" on the team and his father all over his performance (or lack thereof), Cooper just can't get his career under control.

Ainsley is a zookeeper. Well, she was until her mom became very sick with cancer. Now she runs the front office and is in charge of the media and field trip day involving the Renegades. Dating athletes isn't anything new to the local girls in town, but Ainsley has sworn off any athlete after a disastrous relationship turned sour. So when Cooper shows up, courts her properly and gets under her armor, the temptation is just too much. But of course that's not the end of the story. Ainsley's mom has always stirred her away from athletes. Why? Good question. It's a major theme in this story and one that adds to the shocking conclusion.

Like I stated before. I was pleasantly surprised by this second book of the series. I felt more engaged with the characters (both main and secondary). I enjoyed the Blog more this time around (probably because it didn't involve a main character). But more importantly, the ending was such a beautiful HEA that it left me feeling good. And I'm actually wondering who's next. Although I'm crossing my fingers for one loud mouth toddler (hint hint).

Is this a stand alone? I would say that you could absolutely skip the first one and read this without missing anything. But in all honesty, you shouldn't. I think you'd actually follow along better if you did read it.

reviewed by Chris

Its 4:51AM CST. I am awake because I just finished reading this amazing book. Am I in a book hangover? Am I still drunk off this book? I have no idea, but I can tell you that this book was seriously amazing.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how the story kept moving at a good pace. Our characters go through a lot and normally, I wouldn’t like that. The reason it works for this story is that nothing is dredged on for too long. Its enough so that we know what is happening, we can feel the emotion, but then life keeps moving. As I read this story, it reminded me of when my mom will say “it sounds like life”, usually after I’m complaining about something. Yes, these characters have highs and lows, but life doesn’t stop because of them.

As a huge baseball fan (Go Twins!), I really enjoyed the environment of this story. I really loved that we see a lot of baseball in this story. The reason I mention this is that in other sports romances, it seems like we never see much of the sport. Only the funny sexual innuendos or other comedic references. I appreciated seeing Cooper being so dedicated to the game and everything he went through to get where he was. I think we see athletes and sort of forget all the sacrifices they make for the game they love.

In this story, Ainsley deals with a lot. I related to her character immensely. I thought the author wrote some of these tough scenes really beautifully, without torturing the character or readers.

This book was fantastic. I found myself smiling, blushing, crying, then smiling again, more tears, more laughing. I do have the book’s playlist above and now after reading this book, the playlist is so accurate. Just seeing the songs made me see how they fit right into the story and I doubt I’ll be able to hear them and not think of Cooper and Ainsley.

I can’t resist the baseball pun: this book is a Grand Slam! Heidi McLaughlin keeps readers on the edge of their seat, and even with a full count, bases loaded, in the bottom of the 9th, Cooper and Ainsley bring us the win we all need.

I have chosen to not finish this title. Cooper is really annoying me, and I am not able to engage with a book where I really don't like the lead hero in the book. He is coming across to me as really shallow and a jerk, which may be something that is dealt with, but I have chosen to DNF this title.

My apologies and I look forward to the next book from you!

Laura

It is a refreshing change of pace to have an athlete who is not some player that is trying to sleep with as many girls as he can. He is someone that is focused on just making it in the league and the just stumbles across love. These are the type of sport romance stories that I like to read. Don’t get me wrong, I love the whole bad boy thing turned good, but it’s a little redundant if it happens with every single book.

Cooper knows that this is his chance to make it to the big game. So naturally he is focused on that. But when he meets the zoo employee Ainsley, it all turns on it’s axis. She makes him wonder if there is more to life than baseball even though that is all that he’s known. She has made a promise to her dying mother that she would never date an athlete again but that goes out the window with Cooper.

The book has a lot of romance in the novel, something that I love from McLaughlin’s books. They are sensual and sweet and not to in your face that it gets a little ridiculous. You can feel the connection that both the characters have in the story. It becomes even more passionate when they have a little twist thrown their way.

There are some little twists in the story that help make the story more and more intricate. I love that there is these connections even if it’s a little ‘too’ much. What I don’t like (same as the first book) is the fact that this team that they are on is made up but all of the teams that they face are real. I am a big baseball fan and I just find it sad that my favorite team (the team in Boston) will never show up in here because it’s the made up team.

The end of the story sets up the next book nicely and it’s going to be a nice transition into Travis’s book.

I read Third Base a while back and enjoyed it, so I wanted to give Home Run a chance as well. I like baseball themed sports romances because you don't see them as frequently as hockey or football, and I actually understand baseball better. Don't get me wrong, I get the gist of hockey and football, but I haven't ever played either, so I don't know the deeper details. In Home Run, when Cooper is talking about the difference between metal bats and wooden bats, I know the exact sound and feel he is referencing. I can hear it in my head as clear as day. I can feel the way a metal bat reverberates against my hands when the author is describing it. So, yeah, baseball romances have a more meaningful connection for me because I understand it better.

Cooper is a rookie outfielder who is fighting for a spot on the team from a well loved veteran player. He is a good guy-no baby mamas running after him, no drug problems, etc. He decided he wanted to be a pro ball player when he was young and that was it. Its sweet and endearing. Ainsley (Love the name!) was a zookeeper but had to step away from her demanding job when her mom was diagnosed with cancer and needed Ainsley to be there frequently. She works in the front office of the zoo still, but you can see how heartbreaking it is for her to not have the job she loves and to be losing her mom all at the same time. Cooper meets Ainsley at a PR gig for the team and he doggedly pursues her. I love when a hero is determined. To me, nothing is sexier than a man who won't be deterred from his goal.

Both Cooper and Ainsley have family histories that are marred in tragedy. Cooper's mom died when he was young and Ainsley's father took off on her and her mom. Both are still dealing with their emotions regarding their family as well, but I think Cooper was much more honest and understanding about how his mom's death affected him and how it still does affect him now. You also see how the death shaped his relationship with his father. Ainsley was more immature in her dealing of her emotions and sometimes I found her a bit self centered. She seemed focused on being bitter about men in general and I am over that cliche.

I must admit, Home Run was deeper than I expected. Cooper and Ainsley are more complex than I anticipated and this book isn't a fluffy sports romance read as a result. If you want campy, funny, and light, this isn't the book. If you like your athletes to be deep, meaningful, and complex and your heroines to be challenging and slightly damaged, Home Run is a great pick!

this is the second book in the series. This is a emotional. Sexy and funny story. This author has a fab way of bringing everything to life through the words. The characters were amazing, I just fell in love with them from the start. I just couldn't put this book down till id got to the last page then I was left wanting more and more. This is a sports romance read.

Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

I am not a fan of baseball. But I loved Ainsley and Cooper's story. It was heartbreaking and also extremely heartwarming. Anyone who has a love for the game will enjoy this book. But if baseball books, aren't for you, I know you'd still enjoy this story. I look forward to seeing what comes next out of this series.

Note, I did request and receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I always want to read a book written by Heidi because I know I won't be disappointed and will be in for a ride. Reading is a passion of mine and it's magnified when I read one of her wonderful created stories. 5 stars isn't nearly enough for this amazing story.

Ainsley is going through some very difficult events in her life. She has no time or place for a baseball player right now. Cooper has a dream to get to play baseball and be the best at it. He's almost there so he doesn't need any distraction in the form of this spit fire. Will they be able to stay away from each other?

I've enjoyed all of this authors books so far but Home Run as hit home with me. I basically read this story in under a day. I was so focused on this story that not much mattered. It's a captivating, highly entertaining and addictive master piece. There was never a dull moment. It was full of surprises all throughout the story. It made me feel so many emotions. These characters were perfectly created and fully developed. They had some very intense and passionate moments. There were many heartbreaking moments where I wanted break down and cry but the heartwarming ones out weight those.

I don't follow baseball and it's focused on some ball players. The author has written in a way where a person like me could understand and not be bored to tears. It was interesting actually.

This is the second book in The Boys of Summer series. It can safely be read as a standalone. There are many secondary characters but the focus is on the main couple. The authors catches up to date with small descriptions.

Story told in a dual POV with a kick ass, sweet and endearing ending that made me smile. I strongly recommend this story.

What is wrong with this picture? I hate football, baseball, basketball and hockey but am a fan of sports romance. Sarah Robinson and Catherine Gayle got me curious, Skye Jordan and Carly Phillips reeled me in and authors like Heidi McLaughlin, Victoria Denault and Jami Davenport keep me hanging around. Dedicated, opinionated and full of surprises, an athlete on a mission can get the heart racing on and off the field, ice or court. The drama comes when the risks start to outweigh the gain. With Home Run, Ms. McLaughlin strikes all the right cords with her sexy bad boy and his equally tempting bad girl. Home Run has all the tools to make a fan out of a novice like me.