WINNING WITH HIM is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, LGBTQ, baseball romance series focusing on short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant’s story begins in the prequel novella CRUSHING ON HIM but you do not have to have read the novella to understand or follow the current story line WINNING WITH HIM should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading SCORING WITH HIM for back story and cohesion as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one.
NOTE: SCORING WITH HIM focuses on two gay men in professional sports including graphic scenes of same $ex situations. If you have not read book one SCORING WITH HIM there may be spoilers in my review.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) covering approximately five years, WINNING WITH HIM follows the struggling relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant Blackwood was heart broken when a text, during the off season, from Declan Steele declared he was no longer interested in a long distance relationship. Five years would pass wherein our couple would occasionally meet up for a hand shake or a drink but during those five years neither Grant nor Declan ever forgot about one another. Home for the Christmas holidays found Declan declaring his love for a man he thought may never forgive him, but a man who had stolen his heart, like no one else. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Grant, as they learn to navigate a world of endless possibilities and a potential long distance relationship.
WINNING WITH HIM covers five years in the life wherein the reader is only given a glimpse into the lives of our story lines heroes. From Declan’s dysfunctional father, and Grant’s success on the field, and desire to help out the LGBTQ youth, the author reveals a little more about our story line couple as they work behind the scenes without one another. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top , sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include Grant’s best friend Reese, and her brother River; Declan’s best friends Emma, and her brother, professional hockey player James Fitzgerald; and several members of the San Francisco Cougars: Crosby Cash, Sullivan, Miguel, and Chance Ashfordl Declan’s parents, and Grant’s mother and step-father.
SCORING WITH HIM is a story of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people focusing on their professional careers but therein lies a bit of a problem. A five-year separation meant limited information, information that would have allowed the reader to witness the character’s growth and development, and not just the revelations and quick observations from our story line couple. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are charismatic and colorful.
SCORING WITH HIM ends on a happily ever after for now- the author has plans for at least one more instalment.
NOTE: SCORING WITH HIM focuses on two gay men in professional sports including graphic scenes of same $ex situations. If you have not read book one SCORING WITH HIM there may be spoilers in my review.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) covering approximately five years, WINNING WITH HIM follows the struggling relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant Blackwood was heart broken when a text, during the off season, from Declan Steele declared he was no longer interested in a long distance relationship. Five years would pass wherein our couple would occasionally meet up for a hand shake or a drink but during those five years neither Grant nor Declan ever forgot about one another. Home for the Christmas holidays found Declan declaring his love for a man he thought may never forgive him, but a man who had stolen his heart, like no one else. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Grant, as they learn to navigate a world of endless possibilities and a potential long distance relationship.
WINNING WITH HIM covers five years in the life wherein the reader is only given a glimpse into the lives of our story lines heroes. From Declan’s dysfunctional father, and Grant’s success on the field, and desire to help out the LGBTQ youth, the author reveals a little more about our story line couple as they work behind the scenes without one another. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top , sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include Grant’s best friend Reese, and her brother River; Declan’s best friends Emma, and her brother, professional hockey player James Fitzgerald; and several members of the San Francisco Cougars: Crosby Cash, Sullivan, Miguel, and Chance Ashfordl Declan’s parents, and Grant’s mother and step-father.
SCORING WITH HIM is a story of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people focusing on their professional careers but therein lies a bit of a problem. A five-year separation meant limited information, information that would have allowed the reader to witness the character’s growth and development, and not just the revelations and quick observations from our story line couple. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are charismatic and colorful.
SCORING WITH HIM ends on a happily ever after for now- the author has plans for at least one more instalment.
THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult RULES OF LOVE erotic, sports, romance series. This is journalist/pod caster Reese Fallon, and professional baseball player for the LA Bandits Holden Kingsley’s story line. THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN 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 perspectives (Holden and Reese) THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN follows the forbidden relationship between twenty-four year old Reese Fallon, and twenty-five year old Holden Kingsley. Two years earlier Reese Fallon landed an interview with up and coming baseball star Holden Kingsey but an almost one night stand ended when an early storm finds our hero jetting to the next game, and Reese gets a job offer in South America. Fast forward to present day where Holden’s professional career lands him in San Francisco where he will reconnect with our story line heroine but all is not well when they discover that Reese’s estranged father is the new manager of Holden’s baseball team, and Reese is none too pleased to face the man that destroyed her family and her thoughts on love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Holden and Reese, and the potential fall-out as the forbidden aspect of their relationship may affect both of their careers going forward.
The relationship between Holden and Reese is one of second chances but their timing was off two years earlier. Neither one stepped into another relationship in their two years apart, and reconnecting was easy as their feelings for one another grew during their time apart. Reese has remained a virgin, and Holden is the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Reese’s father Edward Thompson, and his new wife Becky; Reese’s best friends Layla, Tia, and Grant Blackwood (catcher for the San Francisco Cougars) Crosby and Nadia (The Rules of Friend with Benefits / The Virgin Rule Book ); Declan Steele, Chance, Grant’s sister Sierra as well as several members of both teams. Grant and Declan’s duet begins with Scoring With Him.
THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN is a story of reconnecting and relationships; family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging, inviting and realistic ; the characters are feisty and fun; the romance is captivating and tender.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Holden and Reese) THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN follows the forbidden relationship between twenty-four year old Reese Fallon, and twenty-five year old Holden Kingsley. Two years earlier Reese Fallon landed an interview with up and coming baseball star Holden Kingsey but an almost one night stand ended when an early storm finds our hero jetting to the next game, and Reese gets a job offer in South America. Fast forward to present day where Holden’s professional career lands him in San Francisco where he will reconnect with our story line heroine but all is not well when they discover that Reese’s estranged father is the new manager of Holden’s baseball team, and Reese is none too pleased to face the man that destroyed her family and her thoughts on love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Holden and Reese, and the potential fall-out as the forbidden aspect of their relationship may affect both of their careers going forward.
The relationship between Holden and Reese is one of second chances but their timing was off two years earlier. Neither one stepped into another relationship in their two years apart, and reconnecting was easy as their feelings for one another grew during their time apart. Reese has remained a virgin, and Holden is the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Reese’s father Edward Thompson, and his new wife Becky; Reese’s best friends Layla, Tia, and Grant Blackwood (catcher for the San Francisco Cougars) Crosby and Nadia (The Rules of Friend with Benefits / The Virgin Rule Book ); Declan Steele, Chance, Grant’s sister Sierra as well as several members of both teams. Grant and Declan’s duet begins with Scoring With Him.
THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN is a story of reconnecting and relationships; family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging, inviting and realistic ; the characters are feisty and fun; the romance is captivating and tender.
I loved this book! The characters were phenomenal and the chemistry they had together was off the charts. Flirty, teasing, tension abounded.
Joy sounded like the perfect friend to take on a trip. Throughout the whole book she explored and fell in love with Paris. She was smart and witty. Griffin has a crazy sexy British accent and speaks five languages. Their teacher/student dynamic was sweet.
Very steamy scenes, including solo scenes (one for him and one for her).
Joy sounded like the perfect friend to take on a trip. Throughout the whole book she explored and fell in love with Paris. She was smart and witty. Griffin has a crazy sexy British accent and speaks five languages. Their teacher/student dynamic was sweet.
Very steamy scenes, including solo scenes (one for him and one for her).
This book was cute, and sweet but there was something just off about it.
There were times I faded away and had to force myself to focus.
This was not what I would call a “rom-com” which you expect almost zero angst but it’s not a super heavy book either.
The narration was wonderful as always. Joe Arden truly never disappoints in his sound. Erin Mallon was the main female and she was awesome. She is another one that never disappoints me.
The text message thread with her friends included Ea Wilder and Maxine Mitchell both of whom I enjoy.