GRAND SLAM is the third installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER baseball, romance series focusing on the Boston Renegades. This is Boston Renegades’ left fielder Travis Kidd, and PR agent Saylor Blackwell’s story line. GRAND SLAM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Travis and Saylor) follows the second chance romance between Boston Renegades’ left fielder Travis Kidd, and PR agent Saylor Blackwell. Without giving away too much information GRAND SLAM focuses on the off-season as Travis must traverse a minefield of legal drama, slanderous accusations, and the less than stellar support of the fans and some of his teammates. Enter PR Agent Saylor Blackwell, the only woman able to clear Travis’s name, and the woman that calls to our hero’s heart. What ensues is a stress filled legal battle to save Travis Kidd, as he struggles to convince the woman he loves that he is innocent of all of the charges.

GRAND SLAM is a story of betrayal, defamation and retribution but it is also a story about one woman’s struggle to do what is right for a man she doesn’t believe is as innocent as he claims. As Travis battles the media, the fans and the legal system, Saylor battles for her heart and that of her young daughter.

The relationship between Travis and Saylor is one of second chances. Two years earlier, following a one-night stand, Saylor walked out of Travis’s life without explanation, and in the ensuing time has acted cold and deceptive when ever in his presence. Their rekindling relationship and romance is complicated when Saylor’s young daughter begins to fall in love with the man in question. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Boston Renegades: Ethan and Daisy (Third Base #1), Cooper and Ainsley (Home Run #2), as well as attorneys, agents, top office brass, family, friends and fans who may or may not support their fallen hero.

The world building focuses on the relationship between Saylor and Travis, as well as the legal problems of our leading hero. Not everyone is willing to offer Travis their support including some of the members of his very own team. I struggled with our heroine’s less than cooperative behavior throughout the story. Fearing repercussion in her own life, Saylor’s questionable attitude was awkward, heartbreaking and tragic. The potential fall-out for Travis Kidd meant a life darkened by secrets, betrayal and lies.

GRAND SLAM is a gripping and passionate story line. The premise is edgy; the characters are colorful and dynamic but our heroine’s lack of action was discouraging and disappointing under the circumstances; the romance was sexy but challenging. GRAND SLAM will captivate your imagination and break your heart.

Copy supplied for review.

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Grand Slam (The Boys of Summer #3) by Heidi McLaughlin
4 stars!!!

“Race you.”
“To what?”
“To be the first one to fall in love.”

Grand Slam is the third book in the Boys of Summer series and can be read as a standalone. I still need to read the first one but have loved the last two. Grand Slam is the story of Travis Kidd, the Boston Renegades player who only loves baseball, himself and a woman who wouldn’t give him a chance. Travis was the prankster, the ladies’ man and a man whose past was only lurking in the background waiting to catch up to him.

“Memories of the night we shared come rushing back, showing me how perfect and amazing we were together, taunting me, reminding me that I can’t have her, that she feels like I’m not worth the risk. But I am, and I want to show her that I’d be everything she needs in a man, and more.”

One night stands are Travis Kidd’s norm, for him relationships and baseball just do not work so it is easier to fuck and forget. When one such potential F&F gets spurned her last pearls of wisdom were “…You’ll pay for this.” And boy does she make him pay. A woman scorned has the power of missile and this was one missile that Travis certainly wished had never been launched.

“She deserves someone better than me, but I want the pureness that she brings into my chaotic world.”

Saylor Blackwell was Travis Kidd’s publicist and these two had some extremely intense chemistry. Two years prior Saylor had broken the cardinal rule and slept with a client…Travis and it was one that she was determined she would never break again. Being a single parent, career suicide was not on her agenda and she needed this job more than life itself. With a strict no fraternization policy in place she had to stay away, even though deep down that was the last thing she ever wanted.

Travis really got to me in this book. My heart broke for him many, many, many times. Despite his outgoing, cocky personality, underneath was a man with a heart of gold that just wanted to love and be loved, but he only wanted that with one woman or maybe two...his relationship with Saylor’s daughter was heart melting in itself and boy does he love this little girl. But Saylor though was the one woman who spurned him every chance she got. The crap that Travis goes through in this book would have bought many a man to his knees and I loved that Heidi McLaughlin gave Travis strength, because he certainly needed it in this book. I don’t condone what Travis was put through and my one niggle with this book was I wanted to see what happened to “the other side.” I think culpability would have been a good example to make in this book.

“I only want to be in the same room with you, and I’ll be happy.”

Saylor was infuriating at times, but being a mother I understood her completely, even if my heart was breaking for Travis. As time went on I was begging her to do the right thing knowing that Travis would always be there to support her but Heidi McLaughlin ramps up that angst until you are only left pulling your hair out, desperate for her to make her move.

“She’s going to kick my ass when I need it, love me when I don’t deserve it, and be my constant when I need her the most.”

For me this was an unputdownable read and it was a one session job. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and happiness was restored but this was certainly one hell of a ride. This was a different read than the others and the angst, more than the relationship itself was what kept those pages turning. My heart went through the mill with this one and I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series.

www.theromancecover.com

Right up until the moment I sat down to finish writing this review, I was still stewing over how to rate this book even though I finished it a few days ago. There were parts that I loved but they were offset by parts that made me so annoyed I wanted to stop reading it entirely so I have some very mixed feelings about it and I didn't decide on a rating until I had put all my thoughts into words.

The blurb really gives nothing away when it comes to the actual plot of this book. When the story opens, Travis is in a bar during the off season playing pool with a cleat chaser and debating his options for the evening when he spots Saylor sitting at the bar. They shared a night together years ago but it was clear she regretted it immediately afterward and she has given him the cold shoulder as much as possible since then. She is also his publicist and works on his management team which complicates things for her further. When Travis leaves the bar to follow her outside to talk, the woman he was playing pool with loses her mind at the lost opportunity to bag a star and screams all sorts of threats at him as he leaves in a cab and doesn't look back.

The next morning she takes the whole woman scorned thing to a ridiculous level, accusing Travis of rape and inciting a media firestorm that could ruin him. Despite the fact we know it is a false claim, the resolution is a long and drawn out process in part due to Saylor. And here is where my fundamental issue with this couple lies.

See, Saylor had the power to clear his name from the start, but she has secrets that cause her to keep her mouth shut and I really struggled to like her from the very beginning of this book. She was completely OK with allowing Travis to be vilified in the media and watching his career and life be ruined right before his eyes in order to save her own ass, and I am supposed to buy their great love for each other? I don't think so! Do I understand her reasons for staying quiet? Sure. But her determination to let him go down in flames did nothing to endear her to me. In fact, I wasn't quite sure why Travis even continued to pursue her at that point because I just didn't feel like there was a strong enough connection between them to justify it. I do have to say his devotion to winning her over and his interactions with her daughter were heartmelting though and those actions were the very few reasons I didn't just stop reading this story halfway through it.

The other part that I struggled with here was the use of the rape accusation against Travis. I know it absolutely could and would happen in the real world- just Google Patrick Kane and you will find a recent real life example. However, the fact that we knew it was a blatant lie just felt like it cheapens the real claims made by women out there who are truly victims as we question the intent of the accuser in this case. And society's tendency to pile on the accused and kick him while he's down is all too real as the media whipped up public opinion into a frenzy that could have cost an innocent person everything he worked so hard to achieve.

Although it all worked out in the end, I was still left with unanswered questions. Was his accuser really that shallow and vicious of a person, or did she have a reason for her vendetta? Her name wasn't in the media so it wasn't a 15 minutes of fame thing where she tried to play up her accusation. I actually thought perhaps Saylor's ex put her up to continuing her antics but that didn't play out either. And as for the ex- what was the point of his sudden appearance other than to add more drama and stress because his sudden need to have the daughter he ignored for years was never explained either.

I guess the only good thing I can add here is that despite my issues with the story, the fact that I kept reading it through to the end is a testament to the author managing to keep me engaged long enough to finish it. Reading other reviews that are out there indicate my opinion is in the minority here, but reactions to these types of plot points are personal things so take my comments with a grain of salt and recognize them for just that: opinions.

Grand Slam is the third book in the Boys of Summer series by Heidi McLaughlin. Each book is a standalone story, so don't worry about starting here if you haven't read the previous books. Fans of the series will recognize familiar faces though, and I think will enjoy this one. I will say that those that have read the previous books will notice that this book has a bit of a different feel than the previous books. This one focuses less on the sports aspect than its predecessors, though you do still get some.

Travis enjoys his life and all that being left fielder for the Boston Renegades means. But the one woman that he wants is the one that wants nothing to do with him. When Travis finds himself in a legal jam though, he knows that Saylor Blackwell is the woman he wants on his side in more than one way. But can he make things right with her when there are so many obstacles standing in the way?

I liked these characters a lot. Travis was great, sexy and sweet. He knew exactly what he wanted and there is something super hot about that. Saylor had been through a lot and I really felt for her. I will say that there were a lot of things she did that while I understood them, I didn't like them. These two had a connection though, and I really felt that what they had was worth fighting for. While I liked the two of them for one another though, I really struggled with Saylor at times and she was part of what kept me from really loving this story.

Overall, this one was a good read and there were several things that I liked about it. But while I liked it, I still had some issues with the story and the characters. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed, which left me on a bit of a sour note. I do think that this series is worth reading and fans of the previous books will enjoy seeing familiar faces as well as getting to meet some new ones. If this one sounds like one you might like, I recommend giving it a shot.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

This series has easily been one of my favorites. I am an avid baseball fan and to see my favorite sport transformed into the romance scene, while still maintaining its sports integrity has been so amazing to read.

With that said, I think the author saved the best for last because this story ripped my heart out. And it was so fitting. These books can be read as standalones, if you wanted to. But I will tell you that reading Ethan and Cooper’s stories first (Third Base & Home Run) will make Travis’ story so much sweeter for you.

In the other books, and even in the start of this story, we see Travis Kidd, player on many levels. Travis isn’t afraid to enjoy the “perks” that come with being an athlete. But then there is another side of Travis that readers have never met before. The serious, caring, attentive side. The side that wants more from his life than just random women in and out.

Saylor Blackwell would like to be immune to Travis Kidd. But she isn’t. I really loved Saylor’s character because she has been dealt some serious blows in life, but it never defines her. One of my favorite aspects of Saylor is that her problems are real. As I got to know Saylor, I felt like I could find many other women, or men, who’d been dealt the same hand and had to rise up over it. I appreciated that the author let Saylor shine, and didn’t try to make her into someone you just felt sorry for. I felt immense respect and admiration for her.

If you love this author, or sports romance, you will love this book. Its intense on a variety of levels, and the chemistry between Saylor and Travis was indescribable.

I can’t say how much I loved this book. Heidi McLaughlin knows baseball and romance, and combining the two has truly been a Grand Slam for her readers.

4.5 stars! was excited to dive into Grand Slam on the airplane on my way to see the Cubs! I absolutely tore through this one- although a bit light on the baseball, it still was such a great romance! Travis Kidd is such a great guy- he is sexy and sweet and had me swooning! His interactions with Saylor's daughter Lucy are ADORABLE and I couldn't get enough of them! An excellent addition to this series!

4.5 Stars
I love this series and it keeps getting better with each book! This one has less of the sports aspect but don’t worry its still just as amazing.


One night stands are what Travis is use to but that changes when he meets Saylor. They had one amazing night and now Saylor wants nothing to do with Travis. When a woman he turned down shows up to make his life miserable the one person who can help him won’t.

Saylor is a single mom and works in PR and can’t stop thinking about Travis. It’s hard to be around him when she still remembers there night together. One of the best nights of her life and it can’t happen again. Now she has to focus on helping Travis.


I loved Travis and there were times my heart broke for him. There were times when I was so frustrated with Saylor even though I knew she was just trying to do her job. This was a quick read that once I started I couldn’t put down. Heidi has delivered another great story in this series.

This is the third book in this series. I loved these characters, I fell in love with them from the first page. This author is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. You are always guaranteed a fantastic read. This story was very well written. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

How in the world am I supposed to move on from this story when it is so darn good?! I feel like I need a reread right now and I just finished reading it.

Travis plays for the Boston Renegades. He’s a player in every sense of the word, he can get pretty much any girl he wants. Except the only one he can’t get over and the only one he’s truly interested in.
Saylor is Travis publicist. She’s “been there, done that” with Travis a few years ago and it brought a lot of problems into her life. She hell-bent on never letting Travis into her personal life again because that would mean putting her and her five-year old daughter’s life at risk.
Now, Travis is facing some huge problems coming his way and he needs Saylor’s help to solve them. But for Saylor, helping Travis means losing everything and that is something she can’t afford. If only Travis understood.

I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Travis’ character. In previous books from the The Boys of Summer series I’ve gotten little glimpses here and there at his personality and he always seemed a bit too crude for my linking. I wasn’t excited about finally getting his story but I was surprised to find out he actually isn’t that bad and maybe, just maybe, he is now my favorite hero out of the entire series. Who would have thought.

Have to say that I totally wasn’t expecting some things that you learn throughout the book. Like Saylor’s reason for not helping Travis, that was so unexpected and original and so well thought.
Grand Slam is definitely one of those incredibly romantic books that grip you and never want to let go of you. I had a hard time putting this book down.

Heidi McLaughlin has nailed it again with Travis and Saylor’s story. She wrote a series that I will need to reread at least once a year to keep the characters alive in my head. I never want to let go of these characters.
If you are a sports and romance fan then you should check out this book and the rest of the series because you’ll fall in love for sure!

Rating 4.5 of 5

We first met Travis Kidd in THIRD BASE, the first book of the Boys of Summer Series, and since then I have been looking forward to his book. He brought a lot of humor with his one liners and couldn’t wait to read his story. We finally get to know him in GRAND SLAM and what I can say is, he was worth the wait!

Travis and Saylor’s relationship is a “forbidden” romance, but they just can’t stay away from each other. I loved reading with anticipation of them finally getting together. But it certainly wasn’t all bliss. Saylor’s past comes back to haunt her and a career-ending accusation against Travis puts them both at risk of losing it all. All of this made for a more intense read. We get to see a more emotional side of Travis that I wasn’t expecting at all.

What I liked:

Travis and Saylor - their story just may be my favorite of the series
When the teammates get together and we get to catch up with Ethan and Cooper (from books 1 and 2)
All of the scenes with Saylor’s daughter, Lucy - I loved her adoration for Travis and it made me fall in love with him even more
We get more of the BoRe blogger - the added commentary always gives the “inside” outsiders perspective. It’s a nice touch to the book.
And of course Travis’s one-liners!!


One thing I did miss was the action of the baseball game. Since this story takes place during the off season, we don’t get to read about the boys on the field.

What I’ve come to like about the Boys of Summer series is each book makes me want to reread the series all over again - to experience the character’s stories again. One time just isn’t enough.

I loved GRAND SLAM and this series as a whole. These books should definitely be added to your summer reading lists!

Grand Slam is book three is The Boys of Summer series. It can be read as a standalone. Grand Slam is Travis and Saylor's story. Travis is a Boston Renegades player. He has no shortage in getting women but he has his eyes on Saylor. Saylor does PR for Travis and is off limits. She also a single mother. These two have no shortage of drama. Travis is pulled into a major PR nightmare. I really felt bad for the mess Travis was dealing with. Saylor has her own mess to deal with with her ex. Saylor and Travis have some great chemistry but they both have some major things to workout. These one was a great read. This story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout the whole story.

I'm not gonna lie. I was SOOOOO pissed off when I starting reading this book. Why? Because I was about to jump through the book to strangle the lead female, that's why. Why? Because I was having a REALLY hard time liking her character....but then that all changed. Or at least I started liking her a little more. I'm still not 100% sure "how" much I like her, but, I was happy in the end.

We all remember Travis Kidd, right? The joker. The ladies man. But his past comes back to bite him in the arse in this book. And boy oh boy, this bite is darn near lethal. While ogling a potential hook up in a bar, Travis notices the one girl he's been thinking about for over two years. This presents a problem because all he wants to do now is talk to the girl and NOT the hook up. So when he gives the hook up the shoulder, the last thing he expects is to be slapped with a rape case. Especially considering he didn't even go home with her. Good thing that mystery girl in the bar is also his publicist, right?

Saylor can't believe her luck. It seems like ever since that one night two years ago when she gave in to her own desires, Travis Kidd has been influencing her life, and not exactly in a positive way. And here we go again. Because now she's stuck between a rock and a hard place. Come clean to help Travis where she could not only lose her job, but end up in jail...or save her own arse and try figuring out a way to clear his name. Too bad there's another element to the equation. The ex who happens to be the father of her four year daughter. Could life get any harder?

This book takes place during the off season. So don't expect to read anything about the actual game. Well, besides being in the clubhouse or chatting with the boys. This book literally revolves around everything legal and extremely personal. As I mentioned earlier, I had a really hard time liking Saylor, but after reading her story, I can understand that people do weird things when they feel backed in to a corner. And her corner was pretty small. My heart completely aches for Travis. No one should have to go through what does in this book and the way people turn on him is very hurtful. I think I even shed a tear or two.

But in the end, Travis figured out how to save the day. For everyone, including himself. It was a perfect way to end this story and am already chomping to get my hands on the next one. Because let's face it....we ALL know who's next, right?

reviewed by Chris

Heidi McLaughlin has another hit with Grand Slam, book 3 in the Boys of Summer.
Travis Kidd, pro Baseball player, ends up in a bar one night with a woman while looking over across the bar he sees the one woman who got away- Saylor . They had a one night stand a few years back and Travis sees Saylor leaving the bar and goes after her to stop her, catch her and find out what happened to her after all this time when the lady he was with causes a heck of a stink.
Saylor Blackwell's life is a little complicated is a complete understatement; Everything goes back to a dating mistake she made several years ago and is now coming back to bite her in the rear. She has to walk around like everything could explode around her and shatter. The one bright spot in her life is her daughter, and while being a single mother is tough, she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, for being a mother is the best thing in the world and the only thing she has done right. Seeing her ex Travis again was like her heart shattering all over again. This time, he is standing before her asking for another chance... a chance she doesn’t feel so eager to provide him after everything that has gone on.
This story line was so heartbreaking yet is fresh, hot, passionate, intense, and thoughtful. There is so much going on, that the story didn’t have time to catch breath. It is fast paced, witty and emotional. I enjoyed reading their 2nd chance love story and look forward to more stories in the Boys of Summer series.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

I'm not a fan of baseball but this author's amazing writing style made me love these stories. The first 2 were so amazing that I went for the third one. Grand Slam was by far my favourite one yet. This 5 star story kept my 100% undivided attention focused on this AWSOME story.

Travis Kidd played the field in baseball and with women. Little did he know it could eventually get him in so much trouble that he could be in jeopardy of loosing everything. Saylor is the only who can save him, but by doing so, she risks loosing everything herself.

This story started out like any other story I've read in the past. The shocking twist in the storyline was unlike anything I've ever read. It was uniquely, perfectly executed. This story made me feel a wide range of emotions. I even managed to shed a few tears. This story consumed me from the very first page read to the very last one. It was highly entertaining, intriguing and enticing. There was never a dull moment present in this sports romance.

What makes up a story are the characters. They were perfectly crafted to fit this story. They had some pretty strong chemistry. Bottom line is that this is a must read.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. This is the third story in The Boys of Summer, but I can assure the readers that they can safely be read as standalone story. I strongly recommend this book. The other 2 books are well worth it too.

**4.5 Stars**

The Boys of Summer series is back! Unlike the first two books in the series, this book has more of off field life of Boston Renegades Player Travis Kidd. I love this series by Heidi and Travis's story is one I have been looking forward too. Let me tell you, this book didn't disappoint! I loved everything about Travis and Saylor.

Travis Kidd is the resident womanizer of the Boston Renegades so when his extra curricular activities start to catch up with him you aren't sure whether to feel bad for him or think he deserves it. The more you learn about the situation though, you start to see this side of Travis you weren't prepared for! You see a man who wants to change for a woman who drives him crazy- his publicist Saylor.

Saylor has her hands full being a single mom and sports publicist. So when she finds one of her clients, Travis Kidd, in a situation that flat out sucks she is assigned to babysit him to make sure he stays out of trouble. What she wasn't prepared for was the attraction she has for him. She knows it's been there and has been there for a bit, but because he is a client she isn't able to do anything about it.

I LOVED Travis and Saylor's story. There was something about Saylor that brings out this side to Travis I wasn't prepared for. I loved watching them together. I loved watching Travis with Lucy, Saylor's daughter. But what I loved most about this story is Travis and Saylor coming together. Travis knew all along that he was in love with Saylor and watching him do some pretty amazing things to help protect her and Lucy flat out proved just how much he truly did love her.

I hope we get more from Heidi in this series. I love it and I want to see the others get their happy endings now as well.

I loved every second of this story - Travis and Saylor were fascinating and multi-layered, and their romance was perfect and realistic.

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

Heidi McLaughlin writes a book that almost always is a little darker than I am expecting. And, I like dark books, so that is not a criticism just a reality.

And, in this case, while I liked the book, i thought the darker and more serious story overshadowed the relationship a bit. This is a challenge when the romance is a little darker, a little more serious, like it was in this case.

And, in this case, I think it was that Saylor and Travis both had some pretty major things that they needed to get past. And, it is real life, I get it. I am just not entirely convinced that either of them would have been willing to get involved in the space they were in with their lives...and I did not believe in their chemistry enough to totally get past that belief. They had it, and they were good together, and the pacing of the story actually worked, it was just the fact that I never got totally over that "They must be together" hurdle.

That said, I enjoyed it. I thought the story was interesting, and well-written. And, I am guessing there will be a lot of people who don't have the issues I had with buying their relationship, as they are both great characters, well developed and well-written.

I recommend this book.

I read the first two books in the Boys of Summer series and thought they were just OK. However, this book? LOVED IT. It was so much more than baseball, it was mostly romance,with a nasty ex thrown in, and lots of legal drama thrown into one great book.
Travis and Saylor have a past. A past that is better left unsaid according to Saylor. However, Travis still can’t get her out of his mind. Neither can Saylor but she must put her priorities first...her daughter, Lucy. Saylor cannot afford to make any mistakes and a relationship with Travis could be detrimental to her career and life.
After a letter from an ex sends Saylor spiraling, she winds up at a bar where Travis happens to be. An exchange of words and knowing she needs to get as far away as possible, Saylor tries to flee the bar without Travis noticing. Unfortunately for her, Travis does and follows. And so does the girl he’s been flirting with all evening who didn’t take very kindly to being ditched.
When that woman goes to the police, the only person that can clear Travis of any wrong doing is Saylor. But at what cost? Saylor could and would lose everything coming forward and defending Travis. With women coming out of the woodwork and an entire town demeaning Travis, thinks are bleak for him.
“That’s really easy for you to say. You can clear my name, and yet you keep telling me that you can’t. If there is something wrong, then let me help.”
Can Travis be cleared? Will Saylor lose everything if she defends Travis? Can their relationship pick up where it left off?
I was in awe of the chemistry between Travis and Saylor. Their frustrations were ones shared along with the reader. I enjoyed the banter between the two, from the battling against each to the realization that they are a stronger force fighting demons together then they ever were apart. Travis had me laughing with his one liners and Saylor’s daughter Lucy had me smiling from ear to ear!
This book gives all of the feels and I loved it!

4-4.25 STARS

It started as a drunken night of unbridled passion and ended before it could develop into something so much more. But that didn’t stop Travis Kidd from wanting the raven-haired beauty that was Saylor Blackwell. In fact, it made him want her even more. As a public relations specialist for the agency that represented Travis, Saylor was totally off-limits. Still, Travis persisted in his pursuit of Saylor, ignoring her numerous attempts to keep his seductive charms at bay.

Despite the multitude of reasons for rebuking Travis’ advances, Saylor finds herself incredibly drawn to the Boston Renegade’s sexy left fielder. Topping the list, is their professional relationship. Succumbing to her desire for Travis, would most certainly put her job in jeopardy. With a young daughter to support, Saylor just can't afford to take that chance. And losing her heart to Travis is yet one more risk she refuses to take--for doing so, would only lead to more heartache and regret. Burned once before, Saylor is set in her resolve to never again let her heart overrule her head. But Travis is relentless and hell-bent on breaking down her sturdy, protective walls.

Complicating matters even further, is a false rape accusation filed against Travis from a jealous woman scorned. The question of his guilt is tried in the court of public opinion, crucifying Travis despite his repeated proclamations of innocence. The negative public perception tarnishes Travis’ reputation and threatens to ruin his professional career--especially when other women step forward to make similar claims of their own.

Much to her chagrin, Saylor was in the wrong place at the right time, able to back up to Travis’s story about the events that transpired on the night in question. But Saylor refuses to come forward, determined to keep hidden the secrets she’s desperate to protect. Telling the truth could cost her everything—her job, her freedom and even her daughter. No, Saylor would do her best to help Travis, but she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her own life in the process.

While Travis is hard-pressed to understand Saylor’s unwavering refusal to step forward, he doesn’t “out her” or force her to break her silence. But when the heat is turned up and he’s backed against a wall, Travis starts to question his allegiance towards the woman he loves but refuses to speak up. Still, when push comes to shove, Saylor does reveal all to Travis, who devises a plan that just might save them both.

Unlike the other books in this series, Travis and Saylor’s story takes place in the off season (and off the field), tackling a very real problem for those in the public light. Lack of evidence might ultimately prove such heinous accusations to be false, but the backlash from those accusations could be enough to soil someone’s good name and ruin their professional career. Yes, Travis Kidd was renowned for being a player, but that didn’t mean he deserved to be labeled a rapist, especially when that label was so far removed from the actual truth.

While I loved the overall story and the intense subject matter at hand, I hated that Saylor blamed Travis for much of went wrong. Rather than accepting responsibility by owning her mistakes and poor choices, she shifted the fault to Travis, using it as an excuse to continually push him away. If Saylor had been upfront and honest—especially with Travis—a lot of hurt and anguish could have been avoided. Still, she held tight to her secrets, compounding things even further.

As for Travis, I loved his devotion to Saylor and his commitment to make things right. He was steadfast in his desire for Saylor and easily made her daughter an integral part of his life. And even during his darkest moments, Travis maintained his faith in Saylor, just as Saylor maintained her belief in him. So despite the brewing scandal and threat of jail, Travis remained relatively optimistic. That is, up until some teammates and staff fell prey to the bevy of lies that seemed to be running rampant. It’s little wonder, then, that Travis found himself eventually losing heart.

As expected, the steam factor between Travis and Saylor was simply off the charts! Shoving my annoyance towards Saylor to the side, I desperately wanted this pair to find their happily-ever-after. And while it happened in a round-about, unconventional way, this unlikely couple finally came together and found the love and happiness they’d been searching for all along.

Grand Slam by Heidi McLaughlin is the third book in her The Boys of Summer series. We are once again back in the world of the Boston Renegades. This third installment brings us the story of Travis Kidd.

In the previous books, we knew Travis was the joker of the team and not always the most charming, but he was always good for the laughs. Now we get to see more of who Travis is and who he can be, especially when it matters to him.

Saylor Blackwell is part of Travis’ PR team for the Boston Renegades. She should be off limits, but he can’t stop thinking about her. She takes her job seriously and is determined to fight her attraction to one pesky baseball player. But some things are harder than they should be.

OMG! The chemistry between Travis and Saylor dripped off the pages. They were so good together. But their journey was not an easy one. Travis enjoyed the perks of being an athlete. He was a player and enjoyed the life he led. Until the day it finally came back to haunt him. Saylor had responsibilities she took seriously and a daughter that was her priority. And when Travis’ life is turned upside down, the only person who can help him is not able to do so. The cost would be too high.

I enjoyed Grand Slam and loved connecting with the previous characters again, the new characters, and Lucy (especially with Travis) and just seeing the interactions between the team members again. And though Travis and Saylor went through so much together, the levity of the team gave us the laugh out loud moments we have come to enjoy in this series.