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The Scout
From Carina Rose comes a sexy second-chance, small-town, single-mom romance.
Hannah
I suppose it was unfair of me to assume Cash Jameson would be my forever. The golden boy of Blossom Berry Falls went from high school baseball star to the major leagues. Then he broke my heart.
So many times I wanted to tell him about our son, but fate stepped in, and years went by. Being a single mom has been my biggest accomplishment. Though it hasn’t always been easy, the joys of being a mom have granted meaning to the pain of losing Cash.
Now, fifteen years later, we meet again thanks to our high school reunion's alumni baseball game. Cash had no way of knowing that the young pitcher who struck him out was his son. But after he showed up at the door scouting the ace for the major leagues, I have no doubt he experienced the shock of his life.
Cash
Saying goodbye to Hannah was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Afraid of causing more pain, I never intended to set foot back in Blossom Berry Falls. Yet the draw of the alumni baseball game . . . and the chance to see Hannah again . . . were too powerful to resist.
After spotting Hannah in the stands, my heart sparked to life. I’d thought of her over the years but heard she’d moved on. Rather than harp on what could have been, I focused on the future—namely, the kid with the nasty curveball.
His control reminded me of myself at that age. Turned out there was a good reason for that . . . the young prodigy was the son I never knew I had. I’d missed so much of his life and refused to miss more.
Could the three of us be a family? Or were the wounds of our past too deep to heal?
Hannah
I suppose it was unfair of me to assume Cash Jameson would be my forever. The golden boy of Blossom Berry Falls went from high school baseball star to the major leagues. Then he broke my heart.
So many times I wanted to tell him about our son, but fate stepped in, and years went by. Being a single mom has been my biggest accomplishment. Though it hasn’t always been easy, the joys of being a mom have granted meaning to the pain of losing Cash.
Now, fifteen years later, we meet again thanks to our high school reunion's alumni baseball game. Cash had no way of knowing that the young pitcher who struck him out was his son. But after he showed up at the door scouting the ace for the major leagues, I have no doubt he experienced the shock of his life.
Cash
Saying goodbye to Hannah was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Afraid of causing more pain, I never intended to set foot back in Blossom Berry Falls. Yet the draw of the alumni baseball game . . . and the chance to see Hannah again . . . were too powerful to resist.
After spotting Hannah in the stands, my heart sparked to life. I’d thought of her over the years but heard she’d moved on. Rather than harp on what could have been, I focused on the future—namely, the kid with the nasty curveball.
His control reminded me of myself at that age. Turned out there was a good reason for that . . . the young prodigy was the son I never knew I had. I’d missed so much of his life and refused to miss more.
Could the three of us be a family? Or were the wounds of our past too deep to heal?
326 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2023
70 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 24, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: secret baby, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2
I love to jump into a new to me author, especially when it comes to my favorite trope, like a great secret baby. No matter what, I'm going to like it, lol. Although this one isn't quite a baby any more - more like a secret teenager :) and I loved the interactions between father and son. I did have a bit of a hard time with parts of the storyline, though. Cash has been living the life of a pro-baseball player, man ho'ing it up over the past 15 years, but Hannah didn't sleep with anyone. I mean, I get she was busy being a single mom, but really? Never? It just gave me a little bit of an ick that she sacrificed herself on the alter of motherhood while he was slutting around, but maybe that's just me 🤷🏻♀️. It was still well written, moved quickly, and overall, I found this whole story to be super endearing so I'm giving it 4 stars.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: secret baby, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2
I love to jump into a new to me author, especially when it comes to my favorite trope, like a great secret baby. No matter what, I'm going to like it, lol. Although this one isn't quite a baby any more - more like a secret teenager :) and I loved the interactions between father and son. I did have a bit of a hard time with parts of the storyline, though. Cash has been living the life of a pro-baseball player, man ho'ing it up over the past 15 years, but Hannah didn't sleep with anyone. I mean, I get she was busy being a single mom, but really? Never? It just gave me a little bit of an ick that she sacrificed herself on the alter of motherhood while he was slutting around, but maybe that's just me 🤷🏻♀️. It was still well written, moved quickly, and overall, I found this whole story to be super endearing so I'm giving it 4 stars.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Read
October 6, 2023DNF in chapter 1.
Let me preface this review by stating that this is the first book I have read (or started to read) by this author and since I dnf‘ed so early I won‘t rate it. Perhaps she’s talented as hell, perhaps not, I don’t know if I’ll ever find out.
The plot unfortunately is one we all heard a million times over. The H and h were high school sweethearts, each other’s first loves and soulmates. But he broke her heart, broke up with her and went away to become a pro athlete. Enter the secret baby trope: unbeknownst to him the h was pregnant with his son and never told him. The story starts 15(!) years later when they attend a HS reunion or something and meet again. Now please buckle up, guys, because the rant starts now:
In chapter 1 we learn something about the h what made me dnf the book immediately. Can you guys guess? Huh? I think most of you guessed it right but lemme spell it out:
our dear heroine stayed CELIBATE for the whole 15 years. 15 freakin’ years. In all this time she went on 4 lousy dates which of course lead to nothing because no dude could measure up. Insert MASSIVE eye roll here, please.
I don’t know about the Hero’s love life but I strongly assume he wasn’t celibate and why should he? A handsome wealthy and successful dude in his prime, good for him. But why deprive the heroine, why??? I won’t buy and read such BS anymore, full stop. I am no hardcore member of the safety gang, I got nothing against a sexually active H and h, but please don’t put women down in your novels in such a way, ffs.
Dear authors, do better!
Let me preface this review by stating that this is the first book I have read (or started to read) by this author and since I dnf‘ed so early I won‘t rate it. Perhaps she’s talented as hell, perhaps not, I don’t know if I’ll ever find out.
The plot unfortunately is one we all heard a million times over. The H and h were high school sweethearts, each other’s first loves and soulmates. But he broke her heart, broke up with her and went away to become a pro athlete. Enter the secret baby trope: unbeknownst to him the h was pregnant with his son and never told him. The story starts 15(!) years later when they attend a HS reunion or something and meet again. Now please buckle up, guys, because the rant starts now:
In chapter 1 we learn something about the h what made me dnf the book immediately. Can you guys guess? Huh? I think most of you guessed it right but lemme spell it out:
our dear heroine stayed CELIBATE for the whole 15 years. 15 freakin’ years. In all this time she went on 4 lousy dates which of course lead to nothing because no dude could measure up. Insert MASSIVE eye roll here, please.
I don’t know about the Hero’s love life but I strongly assume he wasn’t celibate and why should he? A handsome wealthy and successful dude in his prime, good for him. But why deprive the heroine, why??? I won’t buy and read such BS anymore, full stop. I am no hardcore member of the safety gang, I got nothing against a sexually active H and h, but please don’t put women down in your novels in such a way, ffs.
Dear authors, do better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Yikes
Did this author use beta readers? Did she listen to them or are they just as clueless? This was bad. It was really bad. And the worst part about that is it had so much potential to be great. The premise was everything I was looking for. The execution completely missed the mark. Not one moment of this book was believable. It was all surface. These characters were flat and boring. With every passing chapter I found myself caring less and less about them. And the black moment? Cue all the eye rolls. Don't waste your time.
Did this author use beta readers? Did she listen to them or are they just as clueless? This was bad. It was really bad. And the worst part about that is it had so much potential to be great. The premise was everything I was looking for. The execution completely missed the mark. Not one moment of this book was believable. It was all surface. These characters were flat and boring. With every passing chapter I found myself caring less and less about them. And the black moment? Cue all the eye rolls. Don't waste your time.
October 3, 2023
A heartwarming second-chance romance that could be straight out of the Hallmark Channel.
Cash Ex-baseball player turned Scout returns to his home town for his high school 15-year reunion, and in the back of his mind the chance to reconnect with the only girl he ever loved and never forgot, Hannanh, only things don't work at his thought when he comes face to face with a fourteen-year-old boy who could be his minimum me, secrets and lies are revealed and the spark that never died is reignited, but can Hannah put the hurt and betrayal behind for them to become the family they always should have been?
Carina M. Rose delivered a stunning couldn't put down must read.
Cash Ex-baseball player turned Scout returns to his home town for his high school 15-year reunion, and in the back of his mind the chance to reconnect with the only girl he ever loved and never forgot, Hannanh, only things don't work at his thought when he comes face to face with a fourteen-year-old boy who could be his minimum me, secrets and lies are revealed and the spark that never died is reignited, but can Hannah put the hurt and betrayal behind for them to become the family they always should have been?
Carina M. Rose delivered a stunning couldn't put down must read.
July 8, 2024
I really like this one when it started out but then the writing just went down hill for me.
October 2, 2023
The Scout showcases a Carina Rose letting her hair down so to speak, with this steamy little read full of love and second chances. With Hannah and Cash former high school besties who fell hard for one another once upon a time, their reunion in the small town of Blossom Berry Falls is one full of surprises and bruised hearts. As both are taken aback at what is discovered 15 years later, it was truly heartwarming to watch as Cash would do anything to win Hannah's heart again.
Everything goes along at a good pace as Cash, the retired baseball superstar now working as a scout, decides that he needs to set up a new life in the place where his old life apparently gave him the son he never knew about. I was impressed with how well he took the news and how he became the father that Jimmy always craved. Sure, there are a few missteps along the way as Hannah is fearful Cash will up and leave them like he did when he became an MLB player at the age of 18 but overall, there was low angst and plenty of true affection to get them through.
Jimmy is a great character and shows just how devoted a mother Hannah has been these past 14 years. Best friend Mia gives Hannah the advice she needs and the boost to give Cash a fighting chance to reclaim his girl once and for all. And the residents of this small town provide plenty of support and open curiosity at the burgeoning second-chance romance between Cash and Hannah.
But in the end, it's the deep affection and respect Hannah and Cash have for one another and the way they seemingly glide into co-parenting Jimmy that clearly drives this book. And although miscommunication regarding the star baseball player's future threatens to end this beautiful reunion, I was glad Rose allows her characters to simply be human, with Hannah most especially owning up to her deep-seated fears that this will all end again.
The Scout is an easy-going read that is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday. You're bound to have a big smile on your face as the book comes to a close with Hannah and Cash finding the happy they only once dreamed about. I'm hopeful we haven't heard the last from this crew as Mia may have caught the eye of Cash's witty friend, Cal along with the adorable 4-legged Thor. These two would clearly have one raucous romance and I'll be here for all of it.
Touching, flirty and full of the right amount of feels, I happily give The Scout a big 4 stars!
Everything goes along at a good pace as Cash, the retired baseball superstar now working as a scout, decides that he needs to set up a new life in the place where his old life apparently gave him the son he never knew about. I was impressed with how well he took the news and how he became the father that Jimmy always craved. Sure, there are a few missteps along the way as Hannah is fearful Cash will up and leave them like he did when he became an MLB player at the age of 18 but overall, there was low angst and plenty of true affection to get them through.
Jimmy is a great character and shows just how devoted a mother Hannah has been these past 14 years. Best friend Mia gives Hannah the advice she needs and the boost to give Cash a fighting chance to reclaim his girl once and for all. And the residents of this small town provide plenty of support and open curiosity at the burgeoning second-chance romance between Cash and Hannah.
But in the end, it's the deep affection and respect Hannah and Cash have for one another and the way they seemingly glide into co-parenting Jimmy that clearly drives this book. And although miscommunication regarding the star baseball player's future threatens to end this beautiful reunion, I was glad Rose allows her characters to simply be human, with Hannah most especially owning up to her deep-seated fears that this will all end again.
The Scout is an easy-going read that is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday. You're bound to have a big smile on your face as the book comes to a close with Hannah and Cash finding the happy they only once dreamed about. I'm hopeful we haven't heard the last from this crew as Mia may have caught the eye of Cash's witty friend, Cal along with the adorable 4-legged Thor. These two would clearly have one raucous romance and I'll be here for all of it.
Touching, flirty and full of the right amount of feels, I happily give The Scout a big 4 stars!
October 4, 2023
Cash Jameson was the boy in school that every girl wanted, and she was the lucky one to capture his heart and attention. They were inseparable from the moment they met, spending every available minute with one another. Then the big leagues came calling for Cash and they decided the best course of action was just to part ways. But little does he know he left a little something behind... a son that he is about to meet.
The Scout is a beautifully written second chance romance that will give your heart strings a nice little workout. These two have went fifteen long years without seeing one another, and the very thing that broke them up is the one thing that is about to unite them. Baseball came calling all those years ago and took him away and now baseball is the one thing that is finally bringing him home. And Hannah is more than a little nervous to see him...
Cash has no idea what he'll find when he returns to Blossom Berry Falls, he hopes he might have a chance to reunite with his first love Hannah. Thinking maybe there's still a chance for them... but little does he know Hannah has a little secret to share with him. One that has the potential to wreck what little hope he's stored away, or give him everything he's ever wanted?
I fell fast and hard for these characters, they wandered onto the page and I found myself instantly smitten. Their wonderful little reunion not only touched my heart, but made me smile quite a bit too, I loved every single second I spent with them... and I definitely wasn't ready to say goodbye when the last page came. Highly recommend you take a chance on The Scout, it's one of the best second chance romances I've read this year!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 4, 2023
My first read by Carina Rose and it was so good! I am a sucker for a really good second chance love story. For me, it is kind of a love/hate thing in that the reason the couple are apart has to really make sense to me. What happened that broke them up, and why have they been apart for this period of time?
Carina does a great job of why Cash and Hannah have been apart. They were madly in love in high school but Cash leaves to make it big in the major leagues. And unbeknownst to them, forces have conspired to make sure Hannah wouldn't be able to get in touch with Cash to let him know her life changing news.
When Cash comes back to Blossom Berry Falls for their 15 year high school reunion and to play in the alumni baseball game, revelations quickly come to light and both his and Hannah's worlds are rocked to their core. I was impressed with how Carina doesn't let either character off the hook and they have to work very hard to come to terms with all the mistakes and miscommunications of the past.
I really loved Jimmy. It was so obvious the strong bond there was between him and Hannah. She was an incredible mother who raised a strong, polite son. I loved how quickly Jimmy and Cash also bonded and how easily Cash fell into the role of father, even though he and Hannah hit many bumps along the way.
I truly enjoyed this story. It wasn't super heavy but at the same time it didn't gloss over any of the tough stuff that comes along with the kinds of revelations everyone was dealing with. I am super excited to see there will be a book coming out for Jimmy in 2024. Now I have to go back and look up Carina's other books and get caught up!
Carina does a great job of why Cash and Hannah have been apart. They were madly in love in high school but Cash leaves to make it big in the major leagues. And unbeknownst to them, forces have conspired to make sure Hannah wouldn't be able to get in touch with Cash to let him know her life changing news.
When Cash comes back to Blossom Berry Falls for their 15 year high school reunion and to play in the alumni baseball game, revelations quickly come to light and both his and Hannah's worlds are rocked to their core. I was impressed with how Carina doesn't let either character off the hook and they have to work very hard to come to terms with all the mistakes and miscommunications of the past.
I really loved Jimmy. It was so obvious the strong bond there was between him and Hannah. She was an incredible mother who raised a strong, polite son. I loved how quickly Jimmy and Cash also bonded and how easily Cash fell into the role of father, even though he and Hannah hit many bumps along the way.
I truly enjoyed this story. It wasn't super heavy but at the same time it didn't gloss over any of the tough stuff that comes along with the kinds of revelations everyone was dealing with. I am super excited to see there will be a book coming out for Jimmy in 2024. Now I have to go back and look up Carina's other books and get caught up!
October 4, 2023
Carina Rose is on top form with this heartwarming story of young love, a secret child, betrayal and second chances.
When Cash, a former baseball player turned Scout, returns to Blossom Berry Falls, the small town he grew up in for his fifteen year high school reunion he had hopes of reconnecting with Hannah, his high school sweetheart, she was the only girl he’d ever loved, the one he couldn’t forget. What Cash didn’t expect was to come face to face with a fourteen year old version of himself, turns out when he left Hannah, and the town of Blossom Berry behind to pursue a successful baseball career, he left a part of himself behind, unbeknownst to both himself and Hannah, she was pregnant at the time.
Discovering he’s got a son is only the beginning for Cash, secrets and lies are revealed, which affect Hannah too, changing everything he thought he knew, one thing that hadn't changed however was the spark between the pair, but can they overcome all the hurt and betrayal, putting it behind them, allowing them to move forward and be the family that they should have been all along?
This storyline was extremely well written, with combustible chemistry throughout between the main protagonists as well as humour, friendship and love, guaranteeing readers are kept captivated from start to finish. I highly recommend the book.
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
When Cash, a former baseball player turned Scout, returns to Blossom Berry Falls, the small town he grew up in for his fifteen year high school reunion he had hopes of reconnecting with Hannah, his high school sweetheart, she was the only girl he’d ever loved, the one he couldn’t forget. What Cash didn’t expect was to come face to face with a fourteen year old version of himself, turns out when he left Hannah, and the town of Blossom Berry behind to pursue a successful baseball career, he left a part of himself behind, unbeknownst to both himself and Hannah, she was pregnant at the time.
Discovering he’s got a son is only the beginning for Cash, secrets and lies are revealed, which affect Hannah too, changing everything he thought he knew, one thing that hadn't changed however was the spark between the pair, but can they overcome all the hurt and betrayal, putting it behind them, allowing them to move forward and be the family that they should have been all along?
This storyline was extremely well written, with combustible chemistry throughout between the main protagonists as well as humour, friendship and love, guaranteeing readers are kept captivated from start to finish. I highly recommend the book.
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
September 30, 2023
Cute Long Lost, Small Town Read
In The Scout, Carina Rose gives readers a cute, small town read when introducing us to Cash and Hannah. There’s nothing like high school sweethearts that go their separate ways and meet back up at the ole high school reunion.
Both of our main characters were well written and had great chemistry. Sure, fifteen years have passed, however they each turned out to be productive members of society. Cash was the hometown baseball star that made it big, while Hannah was the hometown girlfriend that didn’t want to stand in the way of his bright future. She stayed in the small town, becoming a teacher at the high school. Making a nice life for her and her son.
While predictable, the author did a nice job with Hannah and Cash’s story, and I liked that the baby wasn’t a surprise. It’s all right there in the blurb and it’s what was done with the storyline that I appreciated. It was a slow burn if you will, lots of feelings and opinions involved, so we treaded lightly.
The book is well written and along with our main characters, the best friends of Hannah and Cash were funny as all get out, adding the perfect amount of humor to this heavy story line. I’m hoping they get a book next! The Scout reads as a stand alone with a nice epilogue to wrap things up.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
In The Scout, Carina Rose gives readers a cute, small town read when introducing us to Cash and Hannah. There’s nothing like high school sweethearts that go their separate ways and meet back up at the ole high school reunion.
Both of our main characters were well written and had great chemistry. Sure, fifteen years have passed, however they each turned out to be productive members of society. Cash was the hometown baseball star that made it big, while Hannah was the hometown girlfriend that didn’t want to stand in the way of his bright future. She stayed in the small town, becoming a teacher at the high school. Making a nice life for her and her son.
While predictable, the author did a nice job with Hannah and Cash’s story, and I liked that the baby wasn’t a surprise. It’s all right there in the blurb and it’s what was done with the storyline that I appreciated. It was a slow burn if you will, lots of feelings and opinions involved, so we treaded lightly.
The book is well written and along with our main characters, the best friends of Hannah and Cash were funny as all get out, adding the perfect amount of humor to this heavy story line. I’m hoping they get a book next! The Scout reads as a stand alone with a nice epilogue to wrap things up.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
October 3, 2023
“Experiences don’t define us, Hannah. They help us explain who we are, where we’ve been and help us navigate where we’re going.”
After fifteen years the boy who crushed her heart and left town was returning to Blossom Berry Falls. Hannah had tried to contact Cash to tell him about their son, Jimmy, several times until she eventually gave up. Now he was coming to town, and she knew she would have to see him again.
“Here’s the thing, sweetheart, one look at you, and I knew I wanted you back.”
Cash Jameson left Blossom Berry Falls after signing with a pro baseball team. He had never forgotten his best friend and the girl he loved. After an injury forced him to retire from baseball, he became a recruiter for the team. He hoped to see Hannah when he returned to town for his class reunion and an alumni baseball game. He never expected to find a talented pitcher who just happened to be his son.
This was a new-to-me author, and I am glad I had the chance to discover her books. This was a heartwarming second-chance romance, and I loved every minute of it. It had all the small-town charm and the feel-goods with it. After reading this book, I look forward to future books by the author.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 30, 2024
A high school romance has long-term consequences in The Scout when Hannah finds out she’s pregnant with her son Jimmy after her boyfriend leaves to follow his dream of baseball stardom. Despite all her efforts to tell him it’s only when Cash returns to their hometown of Blossom Berry Falls for their high school reunion that he discovers he’s a dad. Carina Rose was a new to me author but I’m on a bit of a sports hero bent right now even though I nothing about anything that involves moving faster than a walking pace. I enjoyed this book even if it did feel a bit overly sweet at times, I mean even the name of the town screams Hallmark. Despite this, I enjoyed the hero and heroine, they were both likeable and there was a steady flow to the story even if Cash moved at warp speed to rekindle his romance with Hannah, then again, she was the girl he’d never really forgotten. The only place this book fell a little flat for me was that Hannah had stayed celibate since Cash had left. Yes, she had a child to think about but really! I mean she’d gone to college, so she must’ve had opportunities. She wasn’t in a convent after all and it’s not like Cash had been pining away for her. I’m sure he’d been out sowing his wild oats with baseball groupies. Just saying little competition for Hannah’s affections might’ve been an interesting addition to the story.
September 30, 2023
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is standalone story about three people, Jimmy, Cash and Hannah. It's a small town, second chance romance with a single mom, surprise baby and a sports romance.
It is book one of a three-part book series. This is Cash and Hannah's story; the second book is about Mia and Cal who each are best friends of Cash and Hannah. The third book will feature Jimmy, their son who in this book is 14.
Jimmy is a 14-year-old baseball varsity player when his favorite former baseball player and now scout comes to his hometown, Cash.
Once Cash realizes what happened he is all in and I loved that about him. Jimmy is very angry and upset but I liked that Cash always has Hannah's back in this story and in relation to Jimmy. At times she might be oversensitive, but I also loved that she owns that and really who could blame her after being a teen mom.
This was a really awesome story told in a realistic way. You can feel Jimmy's pain and Hannah's fears and Cash's loss of the time they lost from being a family. I loved that Cash just wanted to claim his family but also that Hannah needed time to really learn to trust him with her heart and Jimmy's.
This is standalone story about three people, Jimmy, Cash and Hannah. It's a small town, second chance romance with a single mom, surprise baby and a sports romance.
It is book one of a three-part book series. This is Cash and Hannah's story; the second book is about Mia and Cal who each are best friends of Cash and Hannah. The third book will feature Jimmy, their son who in this book is 14.
Jimmy is a 14-year-old baseball varsity player when his favorite former baseball player and now scout comes to his hometown, Cash.
Once Cash realizes what happened he is all in and I loved that about him. Jimmy is very angry and upset but I liked that Cash always has Hannah's back in this story and in relation to Jimmy. At times she might be oversensitive, but I also loved that she owns that and really who could blame her after being a teen mom.
This was a really awesome story told in a realistic way. You can feel Jimmy's pain and Hannah's fears and Cash's loss of the time they lost from being a family. I loved that Cash just wanted to claim his family but also that Hannah needed time to really learn to trust him with her heart and Jimmy's.
October 2, 2023
Hannah thought that her and Cash Jameson were going to be each other’s forever. But then he left to play baseball and she never heard from him again, breaking her heart, but also leaving her with a little surprise. She tried to do everything to get ahold of him but to no avail.
And now fifteen years later and they come face to face at their high school’s reunion. Which she also knows means her time is up and she needs to come clean with her son. Her son who idolizes Cash Jameson as a baseball player. But doesn’t know it’s his father.
Saying goodbye to Hannah was the hardest thing he ever had to do. But then he heard she had a boyfriend and just tried to forget. Now coming back to Blossom Berry Falls he can’t wait to see if Hannah is single. Finding out that she kept a secret from him isn’t the best, but now he will do anything to protect his family and to make Hannah fall in love with him again… Kind of hard to do when the woman he loves is hell bent not to let her walls down again…
Loved this single parent story. I was so anxious in the beginning trying to find out what happened and why Cash never knew about his son. But it was a good read. And I loved getting lost in their story 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
And now fifteen years later and they come face to face at their high school’s reunion. Which she also knows means her time is up and she needs to come clean with her son. Her son who idolizes Cash Jameson as a baseball player. But doesn’t know it’s his father.
Saying goodbye to Hannah was the hardest thing he ever had to do. But then he heard she had a boyfriend and just tried to forget. Now coming back to Blossom Berry Falls he can’t wait to see if Hannah is single. Finding out that she kept a secret from him isn’t the best, but now he will do anything to protect his family and to make Hannah fall in love with him again… Kind of hard to do when the woman he loves is hell bent not to let her walls down again…
Loved this single parent story. I was so anxious in the beginning trying to find out what happened and why Cash never knew about his son. But it was a good read. And I loved getting lost in their story 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
August 2, 2025
New to me author! Second chance, secret child, childhood sweethearts. At first I was REALLY upset because I thought the FMC had never attempted to tell the MC about their son. Then we actually find out the lengths that she went to in order to tell him, and my heart broke for them both. The MC was all-in after he got over the shock. He was ready to completely uproot his entire life to be closer to his son and I really loved that it was never even a consideration otherwise for him.
The FMC kept me from giving this a 5-star to be honest. She didn't want to give the MC a second chance even tho they were both still madly in love with each other because "what if it doesn't work out and he leaves?". I'm sorry, that is a chance you take with ANY relationship! Are you going to stay single and never let anyone in because you are scared it may not work out? That is just stupid. Falling in love just to later have your heart broken is never fun for anyone, this wouldn't be any different just because it's second chance. I just wanted to shake her, lol.
I'd love to see her bestie get a book. Maybe with the younger teacher she is occasionally running around with, lol. It's not often we get a reverse age-gap so that could be fun.
The FMC kept me from giving this a 5-star to be honest. She didn't want to give the MC a second chance even tho they were both still madly in love with each other because "what if it doesn't work out and he leaves?". I'm sorry, that is a chance you take with ANY relationship! Are you going to stay single and never let anyone in because you are scared it may not work out? That is just stupid. Falling in love just to later have your heart broken is never fun for anyone, this wouldn't be any different just because it's second chance. I just wanted to shake her, lol.
I'd love to see her bestie get a book. Maybe with the younger teacher she is occasionally running around with, lol. It's not often we get a reverse age-gap so that could be fun.
October 3, 2023
A single parent, small town sports romance...say less. Add in Carina Rose's knack for the unexpected emotional jab and it made picking up The Scout a no brainer.
I absolutely adored Hannah. She was so resilient and smart. Doing all she could to raise her talented teenage son, Jimmy, to be a gentleman. But with their HS reunion looming and a dedication to the hometown hero, it was only a matter of time before her big secret was revealed....
Whew Cash! Swoon city that man. His love of the game oozed from the pages. But more than that, his love for Hannah that he never got over was palpable. And when faced with all he had missed being away for so long, it was a gut punch he didn't see coming. But it didn't take long for him to spring into action and go after what he had always wanted...
These two were so meant to be together if only they could let the pain and resentment from their past go. I loved seeing them fall for the people they were in the here and now. Who had lived and succeeded and failed.. Gah! Hannah and Cash's second chance romance was steamy, sweet and downright sentimental.
I absolutely adored Hannah. She was so resilient and smart. Doing all she could to raise her talented teenage son, Jimmy, to be a gentleman. But with their HS reunion looming and a dedication to the hometown hero, it was only a matter of time before her big secret was revealed....
Whew Cash! Swoon city that man. His love of the game oozed from the pages. But more than that, his love for Hannah that he never got over was palpable. And when faced with all he had missed being away for so long, it was a gut punch he didn't see coming. But it didn't take long for him to spring into action and go after what he had always wanted...
These two were so meant to be together if only they could let the pain and resentment from their past go. I loved seeing them fall for the people they were in the here and now. Who had lived and succeeded and failed.. Gah! Hannah and Cash's second chance romance was steamy, sweet and downright sentimental.
October 3, 2023
Hannah fell in love with Cash when they were teenagers however, he left her and his hometown behind to fulfill his dream of playing baseball professionally. When she found out she was pregnant she devoted herself to building the best life she could for her and her son Jimmy. After her failed attempts to contact him she never expected to see him again let alone that he would show up at her door more than a decade later.
Cash regretted the decision he made but he had his reasons for staying away. When he returns home for a high school reunion, he has many surprises coming his way as not only is Hannah single, but he also has a son who has inherited his baseball skills. He has fought hard for everything he achieved but his biggest fight may be convincing Hannah to give him a second chance.
I enjoyed seeing the effort that Cash was willing to make with Hannah and Jimmy as he tries to make amends for the past and show them that he can be the man that they both deserve.
Cash regretted the decision he made but he had his reasons for staying away. When he returns home for a high school reunion, he has many surprises coming his way as not only is Hannah single, but he also has a son who has inherited his baseball skills. He has fought hard for everything he achieved but his biggest fight may be convincing Hannah to give him a second chance.
I enjoyed seeing the effort that Cash was willing to make with Hannah and Jimmy as he tries to make amends for the past and show them that he can be the man that they both deserve.
June 18, 2024
Tropes, Small Town Romance, baseball
Cash Jameson, was a star high school baseball player in the small town of Blossom Berry Falls. Now 15 yrs later he is back for the high school reunion. He was only planning on staying a few days, until he saw Hannah and all his feelings came back. He has to see her and find out what she's been doing.
Hannah was the local girl who got to show Cash around the school when he first came into town. No one thought the shy girl should be with Cash, until they were together, and no one could separate them.
When Cash left for college he broke things off with Hannah. She was devastated. When she tried to contact him throughout that first year he never got back with her, and she was abandoned. Now 15 yrs later will they be able to pick up where they left off? Will Hannah give him another chance?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Cash Jameson, was a star high school baseball player in the small town of Blossom Berry Falls. Now 15 yrs later he is back for the high school reunion. He was only planning on staying a few days, until he saw Hannah and all his feelings came back. He has to see her and find out what she's been doing.
Hannah was the local girl who got to show Cash around the school when he first came into town. No one thought the shy girl should be with Cash, until they were together, and no one could separate them.
When Cash left for college he broke things off with Hannah. She was devastated. When she tried to contact him throughout that first year he never got back with her, and she was abandoned. Now 15 yrs later will they be able to pick up where they left off? Will Hannah give him another chance?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
September 20, 2023
I love everything Carina Rose has written but The Scout is her absolute best.
We meet Hannah Hall a single mom to a fantastic son, a school teacher and an amazing friend but there has always been that one person that has been in her heart and mind for a long time.
Cash Jameson a former professional baseball pitcher and an idol to many but there has always been that one that got away, but when he comes back to his hometown he never expects to find what he does.
Hannah & Cash have a history some amazing some not but when they cross paths again is there still that flame or has it flickered out. A lot of people are cheering them on but a lot has to be resolved before anything can begin again.
I can’t say how much I love this couple from the very first page right up until you see the words the end but if anyone can make you believe in second chances it’s definitely Cash & Hannah.
We meet Hannah Hall a single mom to a fantastic son, a school teacher and an amazing friend but there has always been that one person that has been in her heart and mind for a long time.
Cash Jameson a former professional baseball pitcher and an idol to many but there has always been that one that got away, but when he comes back to his hometown he never expects to find what he does.
Hannah & Cash have a history some amazing some not but when they cross paths again is there still that flame or has it flickered out. A lot of people are cheering them on but a lot has to be resolved before anything can begin again.
I can’t say how much I love this couple from the very first page right up until you see the words the end but if anyone can make you believe in second chances it’s definitely Cash & Hannah.
September 30, 2023
I can’t believe this is the first book I have read by Carina M. Rose and The Scout will certainly not be the last. I need more from this very talented author. If you love small town second chance romances you need to visit Blossom Berry Falls and meet Cash Jameson and Hannah Hall.
It was never Cash’s intention to return to his home town of Blossom Berry Falls but his return has him catching up with his high school girlfriend and that’s when his life is suddenly turned completely around.
From the moment Cash and Hannah reconnect they feel the attraction and the chemistry they use to share but secrets where kept and that could ultimately tear them apart……
This is a beautifully written journey that’s entertaining and heartwarming, it’s sweet and steamy, it’s witty and at times emotional and it has characters you will fall in love with. Can’t wait to read more from Ms Rose.
It was never Cash’s intention to return to his home town of Blossom Berry Falls but his return has him catching up with his high school girlfriend and that’s when his life is suddenly turned completely around.
From the moment Cash and Hannah reconnect they feel the attraction and the chemistry they use to share but secrets where kept and that could ultimately tear them apart……
This is a beautifully written journey that’s entertaining and heartwarming, it’s sweet and steamy, it’s witty and at times emotional and it has characters you will fall in love with. Can’t wait to read more from Ms Rose.
October 3, 2023
Emotions and of course all the feels run high in this brilliant story of second chances, lost & found love, rekindled first love, secret baby/single mom.
Hannah is a single mom with an awesome son. She is totally swinging this mom thing out of the park with the help of her best friend of course. What she is about to encounter at her high school reunion is the first and only love of her life and her baby daddy.
Cash has never really shed his feelings for Hannah but his career in baseball took him far away from his once "hometown" and his first love. Now he is about to receive the shock of his life when he looks into a pair of eyes that mirror his.
Carina Rose hits this one out of the park and sends her characters running all the bases. I fell in love with these characters from the first pitch!
Hannah is a single mom with an awesome son. She is totally swinging this mom thing out of the park with the help of her best friend of course. What she is about to encounter at her high school reunion is the first and only love of her life and her baby daddy.
Cash has never really shed his feelings for Hannah but his career in baseball took him far away from his once "hometown" and his first love. Now he is about to receive the shock of his life when he looks into a pair of eyes that mirror his.
Carina Rose hits this one out of the park and sends her characters running all the bases. I fell in love with these characters from the first pitch!
October 3, 2023
Emotions and of course all the feels run high in this brilliant story of second chances, lost & found love, rekindled first love, secret baby/single mom.
Hannah is a single mom with an awesome son. She is totally swinging this mom thing out of the park with the help of her best friend of course. What she is about to encounter at her high school reunion is the first and only love of her life and her baby daddy.
Cash has never really shed his feelings for Hannah but his career in baseball took him far away from his once "hometown" and his first love. Now he is about to receive the shock of his life when he looks into a pair of eyes that mirror his.
Carina Rose hits this one out of the park and sends her characters running all the bases. I fell in love with these characters from the first pitch!
Review by C. Seymour - blogger
Hannah is a single mom with an awesome son. She is totally swinging this mom thing out of the park with the help of her best friend of course. What she is about to encounter at her high school reunion is the first and only love of her life and her baby daddy.
Cash has never really shed his feelings for Hannah but his career in baseball took him far away from his once "hometown" and his first love. Now he is about to receive the shock of his life when he looks into a pair of eyes that mirror his.
Carina Rose hits this one out of the park and sends her characters running all the bases. I fell in love with these characters from the first pitch!
Review by C. Seymour - blogger
October 4, 2023
The Scout is the kind of story that you can just picture so vividly as a made-for-TV movie. I loved everything about this story!
Hannah and Cash come face to face 15 years after their breakup when he's in town for the alumni baseball game. There's one kid on the roster who makes quite an impression on Cash, and with good reason: it's his own son, Jimmy. So technically, this story isn't a "secret baby" but a secret teenager book. But in any event, it was phenomenal.
I loved everything about Hannah and Cash's reunion, and how Jimmy played into it. Who are they now? Can they get over the hurts of the past and move forward as a family? This low-drama story left me with a smile on my face and it's one I will definitely be re-reading!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Hannah and Cash come face to face 15 years after their breakup when he's in town for the alumni baseball game. There's one kid on the roster who makes quite an impression on Cash, and with good reason: it's his own son, Jimmy. So technically, this story isn't a "secret baby" but a secret teenager book. But in any event, it was phenomenal.
I loved everything about Hannah and Cash's reunion, and how Jimmy played into it. Who are they now? Can they get over the hurts of the past and move forward as a family? This low-drama story left me with a smile on my face and it's one I will definitely be re-reading!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
September 23, 2023
This book was everything I knew it would be. From the moment I started reading, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this book down and I didn’t until I turned the very last page.
The story of Cash, Jimmy and his mom, Hannah really tugged at my heartstrings. All the years lost because of a selfish individual’s decision was absolutely heartbreaking for all involved. This story focused on the very true life lesson that no matter how much you want to, you can not change the past but you can control the present and the future, so make the most of the time you are given.
Can’t wait for Jimmy’s story and I hope we will see Mia and Cal’s as well????? This may be just wishful thinking but we will see!
The story of Cash, Jimmy and his mom, Hannah really tugged at my heartstrings. All the years lost because of a selfish individual’s decision was absolutely heartbreaking for all involved. This story focused on the very true life lesson that no matter how much you want to, you can not change the past but you can control the present and the future, so make the most of the time you are given.
Can’t wait for Jimmy’s story and I hope we will see Mia and Cal’s as well????? This may be just wishful thinking but we will see!
October 2, 2023
This is Hannah and Cash’s story. High school sweetheart until he broke her heart and left to follow his dreams. Hannah is a single mom to her teenage son Jimmy, and Cash has since retired from his successful baseball career and is working as a scout. A high school reunion has Cash returning to his hometown, where he spots a talented baseball player, having no clue this is his son. How will Cash react to being kept in the dark about Jimmy?
This is a beautifully written story which has family, friendships, humor, witty banter, surprises, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, heartfelt, heartwarming, and steamy small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a beautifully written story which has family, friendships, humor, witty banter, surprises, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, heartfelt, heartwarming, and steamy small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 3, 2023
After 15 years, Cash finally returns to Blossom Berry Falls for a reunion, and in the hopes he would see his high school sweetheart, Hannah, again.
But at the reunion baseball game, there is this teenager playing baseball that gets his attention. If only he knew…
The Scout is a second chance romance with a surprise kid (teenager in this case), where Cash knew nothing about. You can imagine his surprise when he found out. But once he did, he wanted to be a family, he wanted to be by their side.
Hannah has given her all being a single mom, always putting her son first. After the heartbreak Cash gave her all those years ago, he always had a place in her heart.
There were quite some emotional scenes in this book and I loved it.
But at the reunion baseball game, there is this teenager playing baseball that gets his attention. If only he knew…
The Scout is a second chance romance with a surprise kid (teenager in this case), where Cash knew nothing about. You can imagine his surprise when he found out. But once he did, he wanted to be a family, he wanted to be by their side.
Hannah has given her all being a single mom, always putting her son first. After the heartbreak Cash gave her all those years ago, he always had a place in her heart.
There were quite some emotional scenes in this book and I loved it.
October 5, 2023
Cash and Hannah were high school sweethearts. After graduation, Cash went off to play pro baseball.
He broke Hannah's heart. Cash swore he'd never set foot in Blossom Berry Falls again, Breaking up with Hannah was the hardest thing he;s ever had to do. When their high school reunion lures him back. An alumni baseball game and the chance to see Hannah again. His heart will forever be hers. Little did he know the surprises he'd find there. This is a fun read from Carina Rose. Cash and Hannah reunite over a common love. Surprises all around. The spark was still there. Love and a child he didn't know he had met there. I couldn't put this book down. It pulled me in from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book.
A feel-good love story. Who doesn't love that? Carina's words just float off the pages so well that you'd think you were there.
He broke Hannah's heart. Cash swore he'd never set foot in Blossom Berry Falls again, Breaking up with Hannah was the hardest thing he;s ever had to do. When their high school reunion lures him back. An alumni baseball game and the chance to see Hannah again. His heart will forever be hers. Little did he know the surprises he'd find there. This is a fun read from Carina Rose. Cash and Hannah reunite over a common love. Surprises all around. The spark was still there. Love and a child he didn't know he had met there. I couldn't put this book down. It pulled me in from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book.
A feel-good love story. Who doesn't love that? Carina's words just float off the pages so well that you'd think you were there.
May 17, 2024
I enjoyed Cash and Hannah's story. I liked that we were able to get a lot of their back story through memories. The story line was heartbreaking at times. This young boy missed so much and every adult in this story is to blame. Communication. Communication. Looking back we always see what we could have done better. I am thankful that we see Cash not take it out on Hannah and this allowed them to move forward. They became a 'team' as Cash kept calling them. They started fresh, trying not to dwell on the past and to give Jimmy all he could have for his teen years. The vulnerability we see in Cash when things go a little haywire was heart breaking, and I loved that he and Hannah did work through their issues without a lot of drama.
October 2, 2023
Hannah
I suppose it was unfair of me to assume Cash Jameson would be my forever. The golden boy of Blossom Berry Falls went from high school baseball star to the major leagues. Then he broke my heart.
So many times I wanted to tell him about our son, but fate stepped in, and years went by. Being a single mom has been my biggest accomplishment. Though it hasn’t always been easy, the joys of being a mom have granted meaning to the pain of losing Cash.
Now, fifteen years later, we meet again thanks to our high school reunion's alumni baseball game. Cash had no way of knowing that the young pitcher who struck him out was his son. But after he showed up at the door scouting the ace for the major leagues, I have no doubt he experienced the shock of his life.
Cash
Saying goodbye to Hannah was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Afraid of causing more pain, I never intended to set foot back in Blossom Berry Falls. Yet the draw of the alumni baseball game . . . and the chance to see Hannah again . . . were too powerful to resist.
After spotting Hannah in the stands, my heart sparked to life. I’d thought of her over the years but heard she’d moved on. Rather than harp on what could have been, I focused on the future—namely, the kid with the nasty curveball.
His control reminded me of myself at that age. Turned out there was a good reason for that . . . the young prodigy was the son I never knew I had. I’d missed so much of his life and refused to miss more.
Could the three of us be a family? Or were the wounds of our past too deep to heal?
Loved Hannah and Cash's story. Beautifully written and heartfelt. Their journey wasn't an easy one but so worth the read. If you love a second chance story, this book is for you.
I suppose it was unfair of me to assume Cash Jameson would be my forever. The golden boy of Blossom Berry Falls went from high school baseball star to the major leagues. Then he broke my heart.
So many times I wanted to tell him about our son, but fate stepped in, and years went by. Being a single mom has been my biggest accomplishment. Though it hasn’t always been easy, the joys of being a mom have granted meaning to the pain of losing Cash.
Now, fifteen years later, we meet again thanks to our high school reunion's alumni baseball game. Cash had no way of knowing that the young pitcher who struck him out was his son. But after he showed up at the door scouting the ace for the major leagues, I have no doubt he experienced the shock of his life.
Cash
Saying goodbye to Hannah was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Afraid of causing more pain, I never intended to set foot back in Blossom Berry Falls. Yet the draw of the alumni baseball game . . . and the chance to see Hannah again . . . were too powerful to resist.
After spotting Hannah in the stands, my heart sparked to life. I’d thought of her over the years but heard she’d moved on. Rather than harp on what could have been, I focused on the future—namely, the kid with the nasty curveball.
His control reminded me of myself at that age. Turned out there was a good reason for that . . . the young prodigy was the son I never knew I had. I’d missed so much of his life and refused to miss more.
Could the three of us be a family? Or were the wounds of our past too deep to heal?
Loved Hannah and Cash's story. Beautifully written and heartfelt. Their journey wasn't an easy one but so worth the read. If you love a second chance story, this book is for you.
October 5, 2023
Cash Jameson and his parents moved to the small town Blossom Berry Falls, Virginia where he met Hannah Hall, nice enough not drooling over him. There he played baseball for high school and go to college and hopefully get scouted for the MBL. Which he did, but to also have Hannah by his side. But they decided to end it and that 15 years ago. Now a high school reunion is about to come up. Plans have changed in Cash’s life. Is Hannah in the same town, is she married? Why hasn’t she tried to reach to him? When the reunion players and high school baseball team play during the reunion game the two old lovers reunite. What will happen now?
I found this 2nd chance romance sweet, low on the steamy romance, not so heavy dirty talk. Answers somewhat answered for cash and Hannah and her son Jimmy.
I found this 2nd chance romance sweet, low on the steamy romance, not so heavy dirty talk. Answers somewhat answered for cash and Hannah and her son Jimmy.
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