Let me ask you a question: If someone is vying for your spot on a team and just so happens to injure you during practice, would you believe it was on purpose?Word around campus is . . . it was no accident. That injury has cost me everything; my starting position, my junior year—and the draft. Now, I’m a senior fresh off recovery, struggling to find my groove, until the day I run into a nervous, … day I run into a nervous, fidgety, girl with freckles, in the dining hall.
They call Milly Potter The Baseball Whisperer, The Diamond Wizard, and The Epitome of All Knowledge. She believes in baseball. She breathes it. She’s the queen of an infamous dynasty, but no one actually knows who she really is, and she plans to keep it that way.
One mishap in the panini line, one miscommunication in the weight room, and many failed attempts at an apology equal up to one solid truth — Milly Potter never wants to speak to me again — no matter how good my forearms look.
Little do we both know, she’s about to become more than just my fairy ballmother.
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Damaged Alpha Hero
Wallflower Heroine with heart
Slow Burn with an EXTREMELY hot end
Baseball player with all the swoon
Romantic Comedy that will melt your heart
Carson Stone has one more chance to make the draft and he’s starting out the season with one hell of a flop. Angry with his circumstances, he doesn’t realize he runs into the solution to all his problems in the dining hall panini line until it’s too late. Now he needs to try to figure out how to make sure his soon to be fairy ballmother meets him in the dugout, rather than walk away without giving him a second chance up at bat . . . and at love.
After reading The Locker Room, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Dugout. Carson was a really interesting side character in The Locker Room so I was happy he was getting a book of his own.
I love a slowburn story and Meghan Quinn does them amazingly. I was hooked from page 1 and I just couldn’t stop reading. Meghan has a way of pulling you into the story and keeping your attention on the story. I love Meghan Quinn’s words. I kept reading The Dugout at every spare opportunity I got.
Carson and Milly are one of my favourite couples. They have this special chemistry and I loved it. Milly doesn’t take shit from anyone espcially not from someone like Carson. She puts him in his place when its needed. I love them individually and together. Carson is so sweet, attentive and caring, and that shows with how he is with Milly.
I honestly can’t get enough of Meghan Quinn’s words lately. She is becoming one of your authors, you know the ones that when they release something new and you one click it without reading the blurb or looking at the cover.
I can’t wait to see what else Meghan Quinn is going to release.
This was such a sweet and swoony read. I thought Meghan was going to rip my heart apart but she managed to leave it intact. I couldn’t read this book fast enough and she gave me ALL. THE. FEELS. I adore Meghan’s baseball boys and I loved seeing Milly dominate in a man’s world! She knew her stuff and she was a force to be reckoned with. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions but definitely worth it! Don’t let Carson and Milly pass you by!
I do love a sports romance and this book was just perfect.
Milly is one of the guys, her family is all male, her friends are male and she works in a male dominated sport, baseball. You would think due to this she would be comfortable around men, however, Carson, totally flusters her.
Carson was the up and coming new second baseman when an accident left him behind a season to recover. Now that’s he’s back he’s missing something with his swing.
Milly lives and breathe baseball and knows just how to fix Caron’s problem, however, his ego gets in the way a little before he finally takes a chance to see if she can help.
I loved the early interactions between them, they were playful, funny and little flirty, however, Milly was so awkward at times around Carson it was comical. The cookie incident was my favourite, so funny.
They were just getting somewhere when tragedy struck and Carson was forced to leave. This was so sad to read and I really felt for Carson. He put up his walls and pushed everyone away concentrating on his career to make his dad proud for everything he did for him.
I love a slow burn with all the angst and this book delivered, along with the romance and the swoon worthy hero. Carson was the perfect boyfriend, caring, supportive and although he lost it a little bit, he found his way back to his true love.
I love Quinn’s writing style, she pulls you right in with the humour, romance and a great love story. I was so giddy reading this and fell right in love with both Milly and Carson. A must read for sure!
*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 68%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
5 meet me in the Dugout Stars
I don’t know how many different ways that I can say that I LOVE this author. There is just something about her ability to create characters that check all the boxes of perfect as well as create a story that sucks me in. I feel like I am watching a movie whenever I read her stories. They are so well done that every description becomes an image in my mind, every word becomes a conversation that I feel like I am there hearing, and every emotion is one that I feel in my heart. This book felt (and in my opinion was) vastly different than the first standalone book in this series. In that one, I struggled fully connecting to something, whether it was the characters or the heaviness in parts of the book I still do not know, which was weird considering I think this author is a unicorn. However, this book. Yeah, this book resonated right away.
Baseball is my game. Where all my friends adore football (not me because I would rather stick bamboo shoots under my fingernails than voluntarily watch a game) I am the girl who gets her nails done in her favorite teams color, (Go Braves) wears all the sports attire and studies baseball stats as if they were air. So to have a character like Milly… yeah, that was amazing. She was my spirit animal. Her closeness with her brothers, especially Cory, and her ability to not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Totally, priceless. Now add in a man like Carson and my heart was owned. Never thought Tucker would have as stiff of competition but he totally does now. I loved his dedication to his craft even to a fault. My heart hurt for him. I wanted to see him succeed but could see how his strive for perfection and keeping promises had the chance to derail him if he didn’t find the balance. Yet, somehow, I knew that these two together could help each other.
This book had all the humor, swoon-worthy moments, and angst. It brought me all the feelings that I have come to know and expect from this author, and then some. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Milly and Carson are EVERYTHING! I adored how Milly was so awkward until she really got to know Carson. Meghan Quinn’s humor can’t be beat. I really understood why Carson reacted the way he did towards the end. I don’t like the trend that the author has shown lately that the characters have such a long time apart after the conflict; my reason being I would like more time spent on the resolution if they are apart that long. BUT, I still absolutely loved it.
First, it has to be said, when a heroine has the name Milly Potter and is nicknamed a litany of titles that represent her baseball prowess, I’m more than sold on her and her story. I’ve been a tomboy all my life and played softball through my first two years of college, so sports romances definitely are books that I gravitate toward and love, and Meghan Quinn just happens to be one of my sports romance authors who always crafts interesting and humorous story lines as well as intriguing and complex characters.
Carson is a hero/character who will resonate with every reader in some capacity…whether it’s what he’s been through trying to make his way back to the top or finding a way to let go of the resentment and anger that comes with losing one’s dream by someone else’s hands. I never once held Carson’s jerkish behavior against him because I understand how he feels, and he doesn’t last long hating the world, at least when it comes to a girl who more than interests him on so many levels.
Milly is EVERYTHING! I adored her and the fact that Meghan Quinn makes her completely her own person, showcasing just how real she is in every scene. She may be a bit awkward and go through her fair share of uncomfortable situations, she is who she is and she won’t change for anyone, which is a characteristic that always draws me to strong heroines. And the fact that she’s a baseball goddess who knows exactly what Carson needs to do to make his way back to number one makes every step these two take a battle of wills and egos, and it’s hilarious to witness.
Carson and Milly’s relationship, if one could even call it that at the beginning, doesn’t happen in a typical manner; in fact, one run-in while getting a panini seems to leave Milly with a firm resolve to avoid Carson at all costs, but that’s not what Carson wants or needs, so not only does he have his work cut out for him when it comes to building his strength and power back up, but he also needs to figure out how to get on Milly’s good side and stay there, perhaps forever.
Humor and romance abound in Meghan Quinn’s newest release, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a romantic comedy and the fact that it showcases two characters who live and breathe baseball makes it that much better. The Dugout is definitely a slow burn, but every step Carson and Milly take toward each other is paved with humor, steam, and feelings, making this story a must read!
4.5 Poison Apples
After an injury sidelines Carson’s plans and ends up putting him in a slump he can’t seem to get out of, he is willing to do anything to get everything back on track. When he runs into Milly for like the fifth time, he ends up finding out that she is someone that could help him fix his issue. When Milly offers to help him out, he jumps at the chance, not really thinking she has the ability, but willing to try anything. The more that Milly works with him the more Carson is feeling like maybe there is something more, but is Milly only interested in coaching him?
For Milly, being a woman in baseball means no one will take her seriously and no one will listen to her advice. When Carson, the player she is crushing on, needs help she jumps at the chance to help him and is not surprised when he acts like a butt and doesn’t trust her advice. When he actually starts to listen and improves, they keep working together. For Milly it’s bliss, working with Carson, but also nerve wrecking. Can she hide her feelings, or will Carson see the feelings that are written on her face?
This was a good read. With loads of drama, some really funny moments, hot naughty bits, and of course a tiny bit of baseball, this proved to be an entertaining read. I do feel that the author seems to have a formula for her stories, as this follows a bit of the same pattern as the previous story and I’m not sure this story needed the ending going the way it did. I give this 4 stars.
Swoooooon!
Oh how Milly spoke to me!! I’ve been kinda in a funk with reading but Milly and Carson broke it! Milly is an awesomely awkward, baseball-LOVING, genius! She knows everything about the sport, the mechanics, the stats and the kinesiology of what makes a good player.
Carson is a sad sack who desperately needs Milly’s help, but doesn’t know it. He was injured, got his baseball career put on hold and it’s messed him up. He’s turned into a grump but running into the special Milly helps turn him around.
Amazing story! And I loved Milly’s family and her brothers and Cory especially. I hope we hear more from him!
This is such a great read. I wouldn’t have put it down, but sadly work got in the way.
Carson is the second base man at Brentwood. But he was injured, so he missed getting drafted his junior year. It’s now his senior year, but he is struggling.
I love how he and Milly first met in the Panini line.
I found her awkwardness cute. She isn’t perfect. I love her because of that.
The cookie scene had me busting up and laughing out loud.
Now I was hurting because of what Carson went through. But I also just wanted to slap him in the back of the head a few times.
My heart broke for both of them.
I may have teared up a few times while reading this.
The Dugout is another home run for Meghan Quinn! This clever and funny story will have you rooting for the underdog…and the baseball player too, lol. Meghan Quinn is in my top 3 favorite sports romance authors, and her books are instant one-clicks for me. The Dugout is a delightful story about two people trying to achieve their dreams, despite obstacles and prejudices thrown their way. I enjoy a good slow burn and this definitely lives up to all the hype!
3.75 stars
I’m a huge Meghan Quinn fan, she’s one of my top one-click authors. Her writing and characters are phenomenal, she delivers all the feels every damn time….but The Dugout missed the mark for me. I feel like I’m holding a mixed goodie bag. All my thoughts are garbled together. Carson and Milly, while the idea of them is so sweet and romantic, I’m not over the moon for them.
I can’t help but swoon a little for Carson. This man, a delicious, hard working baseball player! Can you deny yourself a man in tight pants, me neither once he puts his mind to something, he’s all in. Including being the most charming, romantic and sweet boyfriend to Milly. His confidence truly lets Milly shine in her own right.
Milly’s character wasn’t my favorite. In the beginning, I appreciated her shy and nervous tendencies. She was small, willowy, and always under estimated. She’s a baseball genius! But she doesn’t own it and be the boss babe she’s capable of being. Midway through the book, she has a drastic character change up that didn’t keep in part with the original Milly. I felt like I was reading 2 different characters.
My final issue was 80% of the way through, the breakup and HEA was too reminiscent of The Locker Room, following the same template is not Meghan’s usual style. I was disappointed and confused that I could predict the ending from before Carson broke Molly’s heart. While the writing was great, the storyline was too familiar.
There were tons of awesome character introductions that hopefully lead to other fantastic stories, I’m completely obsessed with Molly’s brother, Cory!! I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Who is Carson? What is he known for? Who is Kirk? What does carson call him and why? I could not stop laughing when the locker room rumor reared it’s head. Who is Cory? How does Millie know him? When Jason and Shane start to mention COry to Carson, what happens with Millie? What incredibly nice thing does Carson do? Be prepared to need tissues with this book. This started for me with the call from Carson’s Aunt. This was one heck of a roller coaster of a story. I cannot wait for the next one.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin’ With M. Brennan.
I loved The Dugout. This was is a fun sweet read. Milly is a wild card. She ‘s a little weird and does impulsive stuff sometimes. I so loved her. She’s grew up around baseball and definitely knows her stuff when it comes to baseball. Carson had dreams of being drafted until he was injured. He’s having a rough senior year. He’s a little grumpy at times but funny at other times. He and Milly have some really funny interaction. I loved these two together. They start as friends and Milly helps him with baseball then the progress to more. There is somethings they had me wondering if they were going to make it work and at points I was mad at Carson but he makes up for it. I loved this one and wonder if Milly’s brothers will get books too.
I confess I know nothing about baseball… It is not very popular in Brazil… But, I know about romance and this book is so good, sweet and romantic that I could not put it away. I googled some of the sport’s part and in the end it is all about Milly and Carson! Carson has had an injury caused by a member of his team, in a very suspicious way. He is in a bad situation recovering not just physically but mentally too. He needs a personal coach to help him through this phase where his game is not yet there. Milly has lived for the sport, her brothers are baseball players and she is studying to be a coach herself. However, she is lacking confidence since she knows being a woman is a real problem in the sport’s world (there is a good discussion in the book about that and it is important that the author is putting it out there!). This couple has some difficulties to be together and the story is so good and engaging that you will love it from the first chapter!
The Dugout is absolutely stunning! It will take you on the ride of your life – from doubling over laughing, to being on fire from their passion; then before you know what hits you, tears will be streaming down your face! This book weaves an amazing tale from start to finish. Another home run for Meghan Quinn!!
The Dugout is a stand-alone but it is connected to The Locker Room. You don’t have to read it beforehand but you should read it at some point! It follows Knox who makes several appearances in this book.
The humor!! If you have never read any of Meghan’s books before, you are in for a real treat! Her sense of humor is off the charts! Man dangles…Oh my word!! And the ‘sweet pickles’ scene – where does she come up with this stuff??
Carson is left behind for his Senior year of college; he should be been with his friends in the MLB but an injury held him back. The start of the year proves to be rough, being mad at the world sure isn’t helping.
Milly is always one of the guys but never the girlfriend. She is a genius when it comes to baseball but will Carson see that? What could she possibly know that the best coaches at his disposal don’t? After several hilarious random meetings, they both agree to let her try.
Through lots of laughs and awkward moments, they start to see each other in a different way. When Carson finally spells it out for her, they are on fire…until his world comes crashing down. Will they be able to make it through or will Carson push the best thing in his life away for good?
Holy moly!! This is hands down my favorite Meghan Quinn book. I love so many of hers, but this one…it really got me, evoking so many emotions. I did not want to put it down or for it to end! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!!
I LOVED this book so much. I could hardly put it down and it caused a book hangover. The characters just suck you right into the book. I loved Milly. As a baseball lover myself she’s a character that will stay with me long after reading this one. I loved her passion for the sport and how close she is with family because of it. That’s how I am with my grandparents. My grandpa and I talk everyday during baseball season about the games.This really touched my heart in that way. I loved watching her excel in a male dominated career. This book also made me laugh a lot. The banter between characters is one of my favorite things about the book. Not gonna lie Carson ripped my heart heart a few times. I wanted to shake him a few times. This is a book you do not want to pass up. If you’re looking for a book you can easily get lost in this is the book for you! Trust me you won’t want to put it down.
When I saw that this was ready for pre-order, I jumped right on it. I could not wait to read this one. The Locker Room was a great book. I loved Knox in that book. He was the sweetest. But, Carson was by far my most favorite character in that book and I so hoped he’d get his own book because I knew his story would be epic. And it was.
Carson is a changed man after an accident messed up his plans but Milly came in to fix the problem and to fix him. This book was so good although I pretty much figured early on what was going to happen.
I loved Milly in this book. I found her to be a strong woman with a backbone. So many times, writers make the woman weak and I’m so glad Meghan didn’t do that. I can’t stand weak women in a book. And her friends Shane and Jerry were absolutely great. I laughed at their antics. I think I’d have had to kill them. The best part about her though was the love of her brother, Cory. He was so wonderful. He cared so much for Milly and was there for her when she just needed someone to talk to. I would love to see him get a book of his own, even if it’s not in this series. Maybe with Dottie from the first book. I thought she would be good for Carson but now I know she’d be good for Cory.
Carson was the sweetest. And my heart just broke for him and what he went through. But the part with Milly’s parents after they got back together, just destroyed me even though it was just mentioned. I teared up and it takes a lot to make me tear up or cry. I loved that so much. I loved Carson’s friends in this book. Not only did we get to have Knox back in this one but we got more of a look into some of the other guys in the loft. The were so darn funny. I’m sure hoping we get Jason and Gunner book those two need to tell their stories for sure and I wouldn’t mind one with Romeo either.
The cookie incident has to be my all time favorite thing to have happened in a book. I laughed so hard at that and will sure never forget it.
The problems I had with this book which were minor were 1 I didn’t understand why Milly didn’t go with Carson. He clearly needed her but she didn’t go. I didn’t understand that part. And 2 the time lapse slightly irritated me although it made more sense in this one that it did in The Locker Room. It just seems like a pattern for this series and I expected it from the very beginning but was hoping that this book wouldn’t have that and would be different than The Locker Room. Like I said it didn’t take away from the book it just made me wonder.
I’m definitely glad I preordered this and got to read it. I will preorder any other books in this series for sure. Meghan Quinn never lets you down.
Meghan Quinn has created some pretty fun characters in this story. My favorite part about the book has to be Milly. She has grown up with a lot of brothers and she really is a kickass character. Baseball is her life, she loves training athletes and teaching kids the mechanics of baseball. I liked that she is smart and that she has profound inner strength and resolve. Her patience with Carson and level of maturity are refreshing.
Carson is on track to be drafted for the major league. He is the most valued player on his university baseball team. But following an injury, he has had a string of bad luck. He needs a new start and with Milly’s help, he gets a new chance, but it’s definitely not an easy one. He has to fight to make things well for himself again and I loved how he never gives up.
Carson and Milly face the obstacles that come with wading through the uncharted territory of a relationship. I enjoyed watching their romance develop, loved their banter and how they would interact together. These two had so much chemistry.
This book will take you through a roller coaster of emotions. Milly and Carson’s relationship face challenges that I honestly did not believe they could overcome. Something happens in the book that is gut-wrenching. I was so mad at Carson for what he does, he was so irrational in his decisions.
Honestly, I felt that he didn’t really redeem himself. Millie demonstrated that she was really a beautiful soul. It takes a strong person to fight for what they want and forgive the person they love who hurt them deeply.
This book would not have been the same without Carson’s best friends, or Milly’s family. The secondary characters here, while not a huge part of the story, still impact Milly and Carson’s relationship positively. I hope some of these characters will get their own story.