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.

Couldn't put it down. Loved Cooper and Ainsley's connection (and her name), the baseball drama weaved in very effortlessly, and although the plot was not full of twists and turns, it was still a great story.

I will freely admit I know nothing about baseball...well, almost nothing. I am aware of the tight pants and rock hard bodies. Does that count? No- I didn't think so.

I know about rookies after meeting Ethan Davenport and this year's crop has made me smile just as much. As reported by the BoRe Blogger, newbie Cooper Bailey is one to watch out for. Or he was before his debut!?!

Cooper Bailey is living the dream. He is now in the majors. Recently called up from Triple A, he knows he needs to prove himself. Nerves, his father, and a new woman in his life battle around his head making his game less than noteworthy.

Ainsley concentrates on one thing and one thing only, her mother. Being dealt the crushing blow of a terminal cancer diagnosis for her only parent has Ainsley treading water. Fear, denial, and loneliness are  weighing her down. Her life hasn't been her own since they got the news. She even had to give up her beloved job and work a more flexible schedule. With the cancer getting worse, it's hard to deny the inevitable but Ainsley is still swinging. But who is she swinging for?

What team does she want to be on? Team Bailey? With questions, denials, and fear still rolling around Ainsley needs to make some important decisions. Everything is about to change!

This series makes you feel right at home with inappropriate jokes, fun loving friends, an oppressive parent (or two). It's enough to want to make the Boston Renegades your hometown team- even when you're from New Jersey!

Love the series, love the characters, and I love the locker room antics. Love, loss, and life make the world go round. And if you know what Kidd is doing, give the BoRe Blogger a call- they need an update!

This is Book 2 in "The Boys of Summer" Series and I absolutely loved it! I was also really surprised because, although there is a beautiful romance between the main characters, there is also a heart breaking story related to Ainsley's mom. Heidi McLaughlin wrote the perfect book. She managed to balance a story where there is a sports romance but also a very emotional read.

Cooper and Ainsley are amazing characters. Both sensitive, warm and affectionate!! Their romance is sweet, tender, hot and great to read about.

Ainsley's mom illness is very emotional but the writer manages to make us feel all the emotional aspects of the illness without making the book heavy or sad.

Great read! Entertaining and very well done! Highly recommended!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Home Run is the second book in The Boys of Summer series. I enjoyed the first book, so when I saw this I had to read it. However, this fell a little short for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it, it was just an okay read for me. It felt like it was a slow build, but then towards the end it was rushed.

Cooper is a rookie player for the Renegades. He was drafted right out of high school, but decided to pursue college first(I liked that). He finally has made it too the top and know has to earn his spot on the field. He is all about training and proving himself to the team and management...until he meets Ainsley at the local zoo. He can’t seem to get her out of his mind, but will she give him a chance?

Ainsley is doing the best she can. She is hanging on by a thread emotionally. Between stepping back from her dream job at the zoo to taking care of her sick mother, she has no time for a social life. She can’t afford to be distracted, but when the Renegades come for a volunteer day with the kids one catches her eye. But she doesn’t date athletes and she doesn’t have the time. Will Cooper break her down and get a shot? Or will Ainsley push him away?

I liked both the characters and maybe I couldn’t connect completely with them because it seemed like parts were forced. I also didn’t like that Ainsley kept pushing him away and didn’t give him a chance and then all of a sudden she wants to have sex with him. It just didn’t jive with me.
I also felt that the story was all hot, then not, then hot again. I was losing interest and that is not normal with a book by Heidi.

As I said I liked the characters. Ainsley was sweet and had a big heart. I felt for her and what she was going through with her mom. Cooper was determined, patient and a sweet guy. One thing I enjoyed was Cooper and the team together. The jokes and ribbing in and out of the locker room was on point. Plus I liked see the BoRe Blogger again! Overall this is probably a 3.5 star read for me. I might go back in a couple of months and try to read again.

Title: Home Run
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Series: The Boys of Summer Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 17, 2017
Genre(s): Sports Romance 
Page Count: 288 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:


LOVE ISN'T A GAME . . . 

I've given up everything for the chance to play major league baseball. Everything. Now I'm so close I can practically hear the crowd chanting my name. There's nothing that could take my dream away from me . . . 

Unless I lose focus. And Ainsley Burke is the most beautiful, distracting woman I've ever met. When I'm with her, I can't think of anything else.

But no matter how much I want Ainsley, there's no room for love in my game plan. I can give her a quick tour of the bases, but that's it. Then I have to let her go. If she wants to think I'm a love 'em and leave 'em player, fine. 

All dreams require sacrifice. I just wish this one didn't mean tearing out my own heart.




Review:

This is the second book of the Boys of Summer series. It is a standalone book just in time for spring training in a few short weeks. This book starts off in Florida during Cooper’s first spring training on the Boston Renegade baseball team. He has been living baseball since the death of his mother when he was a young boy. He can not afford any distractions. He is trying to earn a spot in the starting rotation. When the team takes a trip to the zoo to spend the day with children as part of their give back to the community campaign, Cooper gets distracted big time. Ainsley Burke is a beautiful distraction. Even though she say no to his advances, he still pursues her until she finally gives in. This is not your typical sports romance. Cooper is not a “player.” He just wants to play the game he loves and wants to love the woman that has captured his heart. There is high chemistry in this book. Ainsley tries to keep Cooper at arm's length, but the pull is too strong. This was an easy quick read that has lots of emotion and a few unexpected plot twists. I love watching baseball and this story has me all set for the 2017 season. Don’t worry. If you are not a fan of baseball the romance is more than enough to keep your interest. Great ending, not going to say more about it. I really did appreciate the way that the author brought these characters to life. We are given subtle glimpses during the story that made me really connect with these characters. 
PLOT 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars



Review Copy of Home Run provided by the Forever I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

I wasn't so sure how I would like this book but I love Cooper Bailey!  He and Ainsley are great together!  I was a hot mess from the get go and needed Kleenex.  Great book!

I enjoyed this more than the first book. The real life struggles are real and I enjoyed how baseball is a huge part of this book. it's not just a thrown in part, it's explained and kind of interesting in its own way. I really like the blogger thrown in there too. I kind of looked forward to it every chapter.
Cooper is trying to make it in the big leagues and Ainsley is helping her mom survive cancer. He lays eyes on her and he's done. He wants her and she's of course stand offish bc a bad experience of hers and her mother's with athletes. Cooper really is great, not a bad boy, he's truly into his sport.
Ainsley is sweet and scared.
The one thing that I found off was the time passing seemed vague. I didn't know right away if it had been a month or a day. And the whole thing needed more drama. The whole dad thing was an issue for both of them and I think it could have been played up more.
I am so looking forward to the next book. Kidd's story!

4.25-4.5 STARS

Cooper Bailey lives and breathes baseball.  As the newest rookie for the Boston Renegades, he’s determined to prove himself to both his team and his overbearing father.  His dreams and goals are set, and nothing or no one is going to stand in Cooper’s way—that is, until Ainsley Burke sets his course off track.   

Ainsley Burke doesn’t date athletes.  Past experience has proven her mother’s warnings to be true.  But when Cooper and his fellow Renegades volunteer their day at the local zoo for which Ainsley works, the attraction between the two is immediate. 

Compelled by his overwhelming attraction to Ainsley, Cooper is relentless in his pursuit to sweep her off her feet.  Despite her repeated attempts to reject Cooper’s advances, Ainsley finds herself falling under Cooper’s spell.  But with an ailing mother to care for, and Cooper’s crazy schedule, maintaining a relationship can be difficult.  

Distracted by her budding romance with Cooper, Ainsley blames herself when her mother’s condition suddenly spirals downward.  Pushing Cooper away seems her fallback method of dealing with her guilt and pain.  Months of separation helps to regenerate Cooper’s stagnant career while a twist of fate changes Ainsley’s life in a most unexpected way.

“Home Run” is the second book in Heidi McLaughlin’s Boys of Summer series.  While each book can be read as a stand-alone, I’d highly recommend reading both.  But as much as I loved Ethan and Daisy’s story in “Third Base,” I loved Cooper and Ainsley’s story just a little bit more.  While the push and pull of their relationship was annoying, overall the story was sweet, sexy, and brilliantly heartwarming.  As always, Heidi McLaughlin knocked it out of the park!

Home Run is the second book in the boys of the summer series. home run can also be read as a standalone. 

I fell hard for Cooper Bailey's character. he was adorable when it came to Ainsley Burke. 

Cooper is a rookie for the Boston Renegades. He's 's on his way to the top with big dreams and some serious goals in mind. but he is quick to learn that sometimes the team goals are worth more than your own goals. 

Ainsley is a zookeeper who has recently stepped down from tending the animals to care for her mother who is losing her battle to cancer. 

Cooper is hung up on Ainsley when he meets her at a Charity event for underprivileged kids taken place at the zoo. one look and the chemistry between the two sparks but Ainsley has sworn of athletes after she got her heart broken from a football player.

I remember yelling several times at my kindle for Ainsley to get over her issues and give Cooper a chance. 

Home Run is a really cute story!

I loved Cooper! I can't wait to read more of The Boys of Summer! 

I especially can't wait to read Travis Kidd's story!!!

I loved home run and highly recommend it to all the sports romance lovers!

Review by Elizabeth Horbaczek for Love Romance Books Blog

This book was given to me for an honest review.

5 stars

This is one of those books that you will fall in love with all the characters immediately.  They are all good people that are in bad circumstances, and ones that are trying to live their dreams, finding new ones, and making mistakes along the way.  This is a  book that I couldn't put down, because you root for everyone in this book.  It's heartbreaking at times.  Frustrating.  Loving.  At times perfect.  Other times not so much. Heidi does so much for her characters in this book and it makes you want everyone to win in the end.  I love the commentary from the bloggers in the middle of chapters also.  It lightens up the book at times when you need it.  Ainsley has so much happening with her.  Her mom is sick, she had to take a different job to take care of her and she has bee sworn against athletes.  Ainsley is strong, determined, and full hearted all the way through this book.   So when a zoo visit from the baseball team comes up she can't take her eye off Cooper Bailey.  Cooper is a rookie, looking to get a starting spot, so he's not looking for anything special.  He sees Ainsley and all bets are off.  It's not easy.  Ainsley does not make it easy.  She is going to fight as much as she can to avoid the future, but how long will that last.  Cooper wants everything.  The career, the family, everything.  What cost will it lead to.   Cooper was absolutely the total package of the is book.  He's a man and makes mistakes, but he owns his mistakes.  He learns as he lives and finds out that life is a roller coaster.

This is a book that you learn to live.  Accidents happen.  Life ends.  It's the going on and finding what is best to go on.  that is what this book does.  Shows that life is worth it.  Growing up is the hardest part.  Learning from your mistakes even harder.  Cooper and Ainsley learn that its not going to be easy, but the road there may be difficult, but the ending will be worth it.  I'm telling you now this book will be a challenge for you if you think it should be perfect, but if you are willing to see through mistakes, the obstacles, and life itself, it worth the read.  I loved this book.  I loved how every character had something the were working towards.  How they needed each other to make their dreams possible.  It was a book that I can go back and read and read and not get bored with reading it once more.

I read everything this author has and I have not seen one book that I didn't want to pick up and read.  I loved how it was written, what the story stands for and how it works out.  I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Wow I never thought I would love a romance novel that included Sports of any kind but i was so wrong! The cover is so sexy and the story inside is outstanding. 5 star read for me

OUT OF THE PARK, LOVED THIS!

I'm not a baseball fan, it's not something that's big in my country but it didn't matter, the characters and the plot was what gripped me. 

Ainsley and Cooper first meet when he is doing a fan tour at the zoo with children, something Ainsley has organised being a worker at the Zoo.

Cooper is new to the team, a rookie, his whole life has lead up to playing in the big leagues and with an overbearing father the last thing he needs is a relationship but it's instant attraction for both of them. 

There's hindrances and opposition along Ainsley and Coopers journey to a hea. Home run is definitely not a smooth hit and run there's plenty of obstacles in the way making this a page turner of a read, I was completely rooting for this couple to find a way, they are great characters, and Cooper is definitely a swoon worthy BBF.

I loved the news and blogger parts in between chapters, brilliant idea.

Home Run is compelling, steady paced, told in dual pov's and an ideal weekend relax and get immersed kind of read that will have you swooning,anxious and happy throughout the journey to the final home plate. There's also a little big of hotness thrown in a well balanced read. 

Looking forward to Travis Kidd's book, that guy has a wicked sense of humour and I can't wait for his story.

​
**4 Stars**
I was so excited for this book after I read Third Base. This is book 2 in The Boys of Summer series but can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading book 1, Third Base, first because you are introduced to the characters and learn amore about who they are and the background of the team.
Cooper Bailey has his shot with the Boston Renegades, something he has worked his entire life for. When he starts practicing with them during Spring Training, he isn’t prepared for the female that he would be introduced to because of a media event with the team. Ainsley Burke isn’t the distraction Will needs because; according to his father he has to focus solely on baseball to get where he wants to be. Will Cooper be able to achieve two different things because of the Renegade, love and a career, or will he have to pick one or the other?
Ainsley Burke does not date athletes, no ifs ands or buts about it. Insert Cooper Bailey. Ainsley wasn’t prepared to meet him during the Renegades media event at the zoo, but once her eyes landed on him, she found him extremely attractive. Will Ainsley break her rule to be with Cooper or will she hold strong and continue to swear off all atheletes?
I love this series and I can’t wait for Kidd’s book, Grand Slam, there is just something about him that makes me think his story is going to be emotional and funny all at the same time.

Home Run is the second in the Boys of Summer series, this can be read as a stand alone. I didn’t know what to expect after Third Base but I was excited to find out. Home Run is Cooper’s story, he’s the rookie this year and has to stay as focused as possible. What he doesn’t expect is to fall head over heals for a woman he meets at the local zoo, her name is Ainsley and no matter what Cooper tries to lure her to date him, she just isn’t having it. Ainsley is caring for her sick mother and working her dream job, the last thing she needs is to be involved with a local baseball player. Her mother always warned her to steer clear but when a very persistent Cooper doesn’t take no for an answer and woos Ainsley, she doesn’t stand a chance against him. But the fun doesn’t last long before hearts are broken and these two are separated. 

Cooper makes a mistake and thinks his career should be number 1, he doesn’t want distractions so he lets Ainsley go. He finds out soon enough that was the biggest mistake of his life. Will he be able to win her back after he broke her heart? Cooper is sexy and mischievous, he’s never really loved anyone so mistakes are made but he’s a good man and I was rooting for him all the way to the home plate. Now will Ainsley be able to forgive him and see past his faults? Ms. McLaughlin brings us another sexy sports romance with Home Run. It was fun and flirty, emotional at times so get the tissues ready. 4 stars.