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 … 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.more
To say that Ainsley Burke has a lot on her plate is a complete understatement, not only is she working full-time, but she is also caring for her ailing mother. Knowing that her mother could leave this earth at any given time weighs heavy on her heart and mind, and the thought of being alone after is more than she can bare. But she has a good friend to help pick her up when things get rough, and she always knows just what Ainsley needs, and right now she thinks Ainsley needs a little fun, and possibly love, in her life. So, she intervenes when a handsome baseball player asks for Ainsley’s number, and Ainsley declines his request, and sneaks the number to him. From there the sparks start flying between the two of them, and as much as Ainsley tries not to fall for Cooper Bailey, she does, even though she knows he’s bound to leave once spring training is over… question is can their love withstand the distance? Or is he just like all the other athletes her mother warned her about?
Cooper Bailey eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball, he wants to play in the big game, and make a name for himself, but there is one thing standing in his way, and the only way he can eliminate that factor is to prove he can fill the shoes of the man holding the spot. So, he dedicates every spare minute he has practicing, he avoids all distractions, and when the rest of the team is going out for drinks, he is at the field putting in extra work. He doesn’t date, because for one his lifestyle doesn’t really afford him the time for a relationship, and two it is a distraction that could keep him from achieving his goal… but he didn’t account for a woman like Ainsley Burke to come into his world! And once she is there he isn’t about to let her slip away… distraction or not!!
Home Run packs a serious punch, one that is certain to leave a serious dent on your heart! The moment I started this emotionally charged read I was completely addicted, and had no intentions of stopping until I had consumed every last word. I have to say Ms. McLaughlin really got me with this one, her touching story tugged on my heartstrings, and stirred the emotions! These two were both determined to not let love into their lives for fear it would disrupt it, but it was love that they both actually needed all along. Their road to finding their happily ever after was filled with bumps, and a few potholes here and there, but they didn’t let it stop them from finding their way, it was quite the journey… and I am happy I had the chance to tag along on the ride!! Highly recommend this series, Ms. McLaughlin’s sexy baseball players are sure to score a special place in your heart!!
Amazing from start to finish!! Cooper Bailey is drawn to Ainsley Burke from the first time he sees her at the zoo. Unfortunately for him, Ainsley hates ball players. Unfortunately for Ainsley, Cooper doesn’t scare away that easily. Another great read in Heidi McLaughlin’s Boys of Summer series.