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The Boys of Summer #4
The Heat Is On
Perfect for readers of Joanna Blake and Sawyer Bennett, hailed as “charming, sexy, and smart” by Lauren Layne, the Boys of Summer series from award-winning author Katie Rose heats up as a homegrown baseball star returns to snag the one that got away.
When veteran catcher Connor Jackson gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics, he welcomes the opportunity to possibly cap his career with a World Series ring in his home state. But there’s another reason Connor is glad things have come full circle. In pursuit of hardball glory, he left behind his college sweetheart, the one girl he could never forget. Seeing her again stirs up long-lost desires . . . and this time, he’s determined not to strike out.
A divorced mother of four, Tracy Coleman no longer aspires to gossip-mag glam—but she’ll make an exception for a date with Connor. Their chemistry is hotter than ever, and being alone with him is more seductive than she anticipated. Who could blame her for leaving out a little detail like the kids? Now all she has to do is come clean and convince the man of her dreams that they—Connor, Tracy, and her children—have a future together.
When veteran catcher Connor Jackson gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics, he welcomes the opportunity to possibly cap his career with a World Series ring in his home state. But there’s another reason Connor is glad things have come full circle. In pursuit of hardball glory, he left behind his college sweetheart, the one girl he could never forget. Seeing her again stirs up long-lost desires . . . and this time, he’s determined not to strike out.
A divorced mother of four, Tracy Coleman no longer aspires to gossip-mag glam—but she’ll make an exception for a date with Connor. Their chemistry is hotter than ever, and being alone with him is more seductive than she anticipated. Who could blame her for leaving out a little detail like the kids? Now all she has to do is come clean and convince the man of her dreams that they—Connor, Tracy, and her children—have a future together.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2016
16 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Katie Rose
20 books142 followersAward-winning historical author Katie Rose makes her contemporary debut with the Boys of Summer novels, Bring on the Heat and Too Hot to Handle, which combine Katie’s true loves: baseball and romance! When not watching baseball, Katie is at her lake house in New Jersey, hard at work on her next book.
**She is the bestselling author of twelve historical romance novels published under the names Colleen Quinn and Katie Rose .**
**She is the bestselling author of twelve historical romance novels published under the names Colleen Quinn and Katie Rose .**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
January 6, 2016
***3 - 3,5 ^Second Chances^ stars from me***
This was a good story about second chances and how hard is for a single mom to move on with her life!!!
And i have to say that I really admired this woman...
I don't think that i could manage what she did every single day without any help!!!
But let me take the things from the beginning!!!
Well, Connor Jackson was a veteran on baseball.
He had decided to retire after this year, so when he is traded to New Jersey Sonics, he is very happy that he will close this season there...
After so many years in the road and in front of the spot lights, he wants to find peace and settle down and what a nice opportunity that the love of his life is in this city and she is freshely divorced???
Tracy Coleman is divorced for ten months now and she is taking care her children alone, without any help from others!!!
And the life with four small kids around is not that easy, but Tracy wouldn't trade her kids for anything in the world.
So, when Connor is returning to town, Tracy remembers that she is still a young woman with certain needs... Except that, she never got over Connor fully!!!
But she have four children, how is it possible that thing with Connor to work out???
So between baseball season and taking care of her children, Tracy and Connor are trying to reconnect and they are doing just fine...
Would be Tracy brave enough to reveal to Connor the existence of her kids???
And what would happen when Connor find out that Tracy is a package deal??? And not only with one kid, but four???
Would he remain in her side or will he run away as fast as he can???
Our heroes have lots of shits to get through...
Many decisions to make...
So... Will they manage to reach their happiness???
Well, i liked Connor and Tracy, i just don't know if i liked them together...
I think that the things were too rushed between them!!!
Yeah, i know that they were having a history, but still...
I just think that i didn't connect with them so much and that's why i didn't put more stars!!!
Connor was a man that knew very well what he wanted and it was natural to feel a little bit lost when he discovered Tracy's secret, but i really liked the way that he faced that problem...
I liked him very much in his interactions with the kids. He was just adorable!!!
As for Tracy??? I think that she deserves a big bravo!!! I don't have children yet, but i know that it is very difficult to manage four kids between the age of few months until 6years old and she was doing it alone. And she was doing a hell of a good job!!!
So, it was natural for her to hold back with Connor.
For herself, for him and for the sake of her children.
It's not easy to bring a man in the life of your kids if you don't know if he will stick around for long term...
As for those four children??? They were all of them so adorable!!!
But i think that i have a small preference toward Mason. He was such a helpfull little man!!!
Oh, i have to say something to this idiot, Jeremy!!!
Suck it up, man!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGally for the exchange of an honest review***
This was a good story about second chances and how hard is for a single mom to move on with her life!!!
And i have to say that I really admired this woman...
I don't think that i could manage what she did every single day without any help!!!
But let me take the things from the beginning!!!
Well, Connor Jackson was a veteran on baseball.
He had decided to retire after this year, so when he is traded to New Jersey Sonics, he is very happy that he will close this season there...
After so many years in the road and in front of the spot lights, he wants to find peace and settle down and what a nice opportunity that the love of his life is in this city and she is freshely divorced???
Tracy Coleman is divorced for ten months now and she is taking care her children alone, without any help from others!!!
And the life with four small kids around is not that easy, but Tracy wouldn't trade her kids for anything in the world.
So, when Connor is returning to town, Tracy remembers that she is still a young woman with certain needs... Except that, she never got over Connor fully!!!
But she have four children, how is it possible that thing with Connor to work out???
So between baseball season and taking care of her children, Tracy and Connor are trying to reconnect and they are doing just fine...
Would be Tracy brave enough to reveal to Connor the existence of her kids???
And what would happen when Connor find out that Tracy is a package deal??? And not only with one kid, but four???
Would he remain in her side or will he run away as fast as he can???
Our heroes have lots of shits to get through...
Many decisions to make...
So... Will they manage to reach their happiness???
Well, i liked Connor and Tracy, i just don't know if i liked them together...
I think that the things were too rushed between them!!!
Yeah, i know that they were having a history, but still...
I just think that i didn't connect with them so much and that's why i didn't put more stars!!!
Connor was a man that knew very well what he wanted and it was natural to feel a little bit lost when he discovered Tracy's secret, but i really liked the way that he faced that problem...
I liked him very much in his interactions with the kids. He was just adorable!!!
As for Tracy??? I think that she deserves a big bravo!!! I don't have children yet, but i know that it is very difficult to manage four kids between the age of few months until 6years old and she was doing it alone. And she was doing a hell of a good job!!!
So, it was natural for her to hold back with Connor.
For herself, for him and for the sake of her children.
It's not easy to bring a man in the life of your kids if you don't know if he will stick around for long term...
As for those four children??? They were all of them so adorable!!!
But i think that i have a small preference toward Mason. He was such a helpfull little man!!!
Oh, i have to say something to this idiot, Jeremy!!!
Suck it up, man!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGally for the exchange of an honest review***
January 24, 2016
A sweet, endearing and sexy second chance romance with an exciting baseball backdrop.
Catcher Connor Jackson has dedicated his life to his career. Now that he’s planning on retiring his trade to the New Jersey Sonics is an ideal move to possibly close out with a World Series under his belt. But he has an ulterior more important motive he’s happy about the trade to his home town. Now he’ll be close to his first true love, the girl who got away, the one he could never get over. Despite all the time that’s gone by he’s determined to get her back.
Divorcee and mother of four Tracy Coleman has her plate full caring for her children but she’ll make time to go out with Connor. Picking up right where they left behind, it’s as if time hasn’t gone by. Their connection and attraction is even deeper and stronger than before. Except she’s having trouble telling Connor that she comes as a complicated package deal with her kids.
Who can resist a touching story with charming characters? I sure can’t! The Heat is On is exactly that with all its heartwarming and sexy moments as well as the exciting sports related ones.
Even though Connor is a successful athlete and confident man, I really liked him because there was this hint of vulnerability he showed in regards to Tracy. He wanted her back knowing she was divorced with probably a single child but not a hundred percent sure he could easily get her. He definitely didn’t expect her to have four kids, so it’s touching how he didn’t do a 180 and walk away. He worked through his fears and doubts and made the effort to convince Tracy to take chance on them.
Although I truly admired Tracy for her great parenting skills and love and dedication for her children, she did try my patience a bit with her lack of honesty about them with Connor, and afterward some decisions she took and considered regarding her relationship with him. But their love not only withstood the test of time but everything else that was thrown their way.
I really enjoyed all the time spent with Connor and Tracy, from their alone time where push and pull was fun and their spark was sizzling, to the moments with the kids where I could see both the strong protector and the tender father figure come out in Connor.
You can’t have a sports romance without sport action in it. Adding the American pastime to this romance with the characters from past books and hopefully new ones gives the main story an added layer I appreciated with the banter between these prankster teammates and I especially enjoyed at the thrilling and swoony end.
Too Hot to Handle is the fourth book in The Boys of Summer series by Katie Rose. Filled with the excitement of baseball and sweet sexy moments with a movie style happy ending. It can be read as a standalone with interconnecting characters from the previous book in the series. Told from both points of view.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/1OC8QQz
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Catcher Connor Jackson has dedicated his life to his career. Now that he’s planning on retiring his trade to the New Jersey Sonics is an ideal move to possibly close out with a World Series under his belt. But he has an ulterior more important motive he’s happy about the trade to his home town. Now he’ll be close to his first true love, the girl who got away, the one he could never get over. Despite all the time that’s gone by he’s determined to get her back.
Divorcee and mother of four Tracy Coleman has her plate full caring for her children but she’ll make time to go out with Connor. Picking up right where they left behind, it’s as if time hasn’t gone by. Their connection and attraction is even deeper and stronger than before. Except she’s having trouble telling Connor that she comes as a complicated package deal with her kids.
Who can resist a touching story with charming characters? I sure can’t! The Heat is On is exactly that with all its heartwarming and sexy moments as well as the exciting sports related ones.
Even though Connor is a successful athlete and confident man, I really liked him because there was this hint of vulnerability he showed in regards to Tracy. He wanted her back knowing she was divorced with probably a single child but not a hundred percent sure he could easily get her. He definitely didn’t expect her to have four kids, so it’s touching how he didn’t do a 180 and walk away. He worked through his fears and doubts and made the effort to convince Tracy to take chance on them.
Although I truly admired Tracy for her great parenting skills and love and dedication for her children, she did try my patience a bit with her lack of honesty about them with Connor, and afterward some decisions she took and considered regarding her relationship with him. But their love not only withstood the test of time but everything else that was thrown their way.
I really enjoyed all the time spent with Connor and Tracy, from their alone time where push and pull was fun and their spark was sizzling, to the moments with the kids where I could see both the strong protector and the tender father figure come out in Connor.
You can’t have a sports romance without sport action in it. Adding the American pastime to this romance with the characters from past books and hopefully new ones gives the main story an added layer I appreciated with the banter between these prankster teammates and I especially enjoyed at the thrilling and swoony end.
Too Hot to Handle is the fourth book in The Boys of Summer series by Katie Rose. Filled with the excitement of baseball and sweet sexy moments with a movie style happy ending. It can be read as a standalone with interconnecting characters from the previous book in the series. Told from both points of view.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/1OC8QQz
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
January 19, 2016
3* mixed feelings for The Heat Is On.
I enjoyed the second chance romance between Connor and Tracy, old college sweethearts meeting years later one is a famous ball player and the other a single mom with four little kids.
They start seeing each other but Tracy has not mentioned the kids she is scared and does not know what Connor will do when he finds she comes as part of a package. What will happen between these two? What will Connor do when he discovers the kids? Will Tracy get cold feet about Connor and his career?
The kids were cute especially Mason and Chloe.
Her ex husband was an asshole and I hated the way he ignored Lily the baby that's what he called her "the baby".
My problems with the story was too much baseball talk and game play I was bored and I ended up skimming this part of the story and even though this is the fourth book in the series the author does not intergrade the previous characters into each story much for example like Sawyer Bennett does with the Cold Fury series, this is something I enjoy when I read a series the interaction between everyone.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.
I enjoyed the second chance romance between Connor and Tracy, old college sweethearts meeting years later one is a famous ball player and the other a single mom with four little kids.
They start seeing each other but Tracy has not mentioned the kids she is scared and does not know what Connor will do when he finds she comes as part of a package. What will happen between these two? What will Connor do when he discovers the kids? Will Tracy get cold feet about Connor and his career?
The kids were cute especially Mason and Chloe.
Her ex husband was an asshole and I hated the way he ignored Lily the baby that's what he called her "the baby".
My problems with the story was too much baseball talk and game play I was bored and I ended up skimming this part of the story and even though this is the fourth book in the series the author does not intergrade the previous characters into each story much for example like Sawyer Bennett does with the Cold Fury series, this is something I enjoy when I read a series the interaction between everyone.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.
November 19, 2025
The Heat Is On is the quintessential reuniting first love story.
Seasoned veteran baseball player, Connor Jackson wanted to get traded to the Jersey Sonics. He wanted to go back home for a second chance at his college sweet heart Tracy Coleman.
Tracy Coleman has had a few bad hands at love. Her true love leaves her for his baseball career, then her husband cheats on her leaving her with a gaggle of small children.
But now Connor is back and he seems to be interested in a rekindling their relationship but she has her children to consider. What successful baseball star would want a divorcee with all her baggage and kids to boot…or is it everything he’s been missing?
Cute and endearing, The Heat Is On is a great new romance from Katie Rose. Wonderful story telling, engaging characters and reuniting your belief in true love, this is contemporary sports romance that shouldn’t be missed.
I received this ARC copy of The Heat is On from Random House - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Jan. 5, 2016.
Seasoned veteran baseball player, Connor Jackson wanted to get traded to the Jersey Sonics. He wanted to go back home for a second chance at his college sweet heart Tracy Coleman.
Tracy Coleman has had a few bad hands at love. Her true love leaves her for his baseball career, then her husband cheats on her leaving her with a gaggle of small children.
But now Connor is back and he seems to be interested in a rekindling their relationship but she has her children to consider. What successful baseball star would want a divorcee with all her baggage and kids to boot…or is it everything he’s been missing?
Cute and endearing, The Heat Is On is a great new romance from Katie Rose. Wonderful story telling, engaging characters and reuniting your belief in true love, this is contemporary sports romance that shouldn’t be missed.
I received this ARC copy of The Heat is On from Random House - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Jan. 5, 2016.
January 6, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
The Heat Is On is one of the sweetest second chance at love romances I have read! Tracy and Connor were both very tentative, for different, but obvious reasons. I loved meeting the baseball players from Sonics again, and the way Tracy and Connor dealt with adversity.
I think what made The Heat Is On so irresistible to me was the fact that Tracy had four very young children, and while Connor was taken aback when he first found out, he didn't let that hinder him in his quest to win Tracy back. And those kids were just so cute, too - even if it was definitely a lot for Tracy to take care of them, especially because her creepy ex didn't always pay allowance on time. The trip back to The Sonics was great, too, I loved how Connor took on a leadership role to help the team be the best it could be!
Of course, there were some set-backs in the relationship between Tracy and Connor, both because Tracy got some bad advice from a school advisor about her oldest son, Mason, and because her ex kept threatening to take the kids away from her if she had a relationship with Connor. Their feelings for each other were strong enough to get through a lot, though, and that made my heart swoon more than once!
Another think I loved about The Heat Is On was that both Connor and Tracy were in their thirties, I have a thing for more mature main characters, especially when they show me that they are still both playful and sexy. This whole series has been a blast to read, and I can't help but hope there will be more books about the Sonics baseball team - those guys certainly bring it, and the ladies in their lives are amazing as well.
But Connor didn't care. Even when a woman dressed in head-to-toe spandex pushed him out of the way to get her bag, he had to smile. This was, after all, Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Shove. And it was real.
As he walked into the gleaming designer kitchen and tossed his keys on the quartz countertop, he made up his mind. Not only would he do everything he could to help the Sonics go all the way this year, but he was getting back his girl.
I think what made The Heat Is On so irresistible to me was the fact that Tracy had four very young children, and while Connor was taken aback when he first found out, he didn't let that hinder him in his quest to win Tracy back. And those kids were just so cute, too - even if it was definitely a lot for Tracy to take care of them, especially because her creepy ex didn't always pay allowance on time. The trip back to The Sonics was great, too, I loved how Connor took on a leadership role to help the team be the best it could be!
Of course, there were some set-backs in the relationship between Tracy and Connor, both because Tracy got some bad advice from a school advisor about her oldest son, Mason, and because her ex kept threatening to take the kids away from her if she had a relationship with Connor. Their feelings for each other were strong enough to get through a lot, though, and that made my heart swoon more than once!
Another think I loved about The Heat Is On was that both Connor and Tracy were in their thirties, I have a thing for more mature main characters, especially when they show me that they are still both playful and sexy. This whole series has been a blast to read, and I can't help but hope there will be more books about the Sonics baseball team - those guys certainly bring it, and the ladies in their lives are amazing as well.
But Connor didn't care. Even when a woman dressed in head-to-toe spandex pushed him out of the way to get her bag, he had to smile. This was, after all, Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Shove. And it was real.
As he walked into the gleaming designer kitchen and tossed his keys on the quartz countertop, he made up his mind. Not only would he do everything he could to help the Sonics go all the way this year, but he was getting back his girl.
January 5, 2016
DNF. Stopped at 45%
I didn't like the fact that Tracy felt that she needed to hide that she had four kids from Connor. I COMPLETELY understand not wanting to introduce everyone in case the relationship doesn't work out. But the way she handles it make it seem as though she is ashamed or embarrassed by her children. It just rubbed me the wrong way...
I didn't like the fact that Tracy felt that she needed to hide that she had four kids from Connor. I COMPLETELY understand not wanting to introduce everyone in case the relationship doesn't work out. But the way she handles it make it seem as though she is ashamed or embarrassed by her children. It just rubbed me the wrong way...
January 3, 2016
A great second chance story. There was true depth to the characters and the nuances of human nature, such as fear, commitment, love... were portrayed really well. Connor is a man determined to win the one that got away. Only she now comes with 4 little minis. Her ex is a piece of work. He is one of those who wants their cake and to eat it too. Tracy is great. She is a mom but a woman too and always puts the kiddos before her own happiness. Little Mace broke my heart. I know what it's like to be the one to help a single mom. I enjoyed it :)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.75 stars
I've enjoyed every book in Katie Rose's Bad Boys of Baseball series, but The Heat Is On is my favorite to date. This book is a second chance at love story with a twist and with more at stake than the lives and hearts of the hero and heroine three words come to mind when I think of this book real, amusing, and sexy. Two people rediscovering the connection they once shared, but also finding that the time apart brought many changes to both their lives and learning to accept the reality of here and now made this an excellent love story.
Connor Jackson is back "home" and ready to assume his position as the new catcher for the New Jersey Sonics. The icing on the cake of being back where he grew up is the chance to reconnect with Tracy Coleman the girl who got away and finding out she is now divorced makes it seem like fate to him. While Connor's life has been somewhat charmed in the time they were apart, Tracy's life has been much different but one date and it is evident that the connection between them is stronger than ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two reconnect and it was interesting as to how adamant Connor was about having Tracy back in his life without really knowing what all was going on with her. I really loved Connor's devotion towards Tracy and towards her children when he finally finds out about them. I thought for a single man he was a champ in the way he dealt with everything that was thrown at him quite quickly and while he had a couple of minutes of doubt I think that stemmed from being overwhelmed more than anything else. For a man who has had very little experience with children or long term relationships I found his protective streak to be endearing and never once did I question his motives for being with a divorcee with kids.
I never questioned Tracy's devotion to her children or their situation and I believed she was doing her absolute best for all of them. I will say one of the reasons this book wasn't 5 stars was her seemingly fiscal irresponsibility after Connor came back in to her life; as a mother struggling to pay her bills she did an awful lot of shopping at some high end places to look good for her dates which I found to be a bit "out of character" for a mom who was concerned about money and her being concerned about not getting her support payments was kind of bogus as well considering her ex-husband is in the military but I mostly overlooked those things because I enjoyed watching her be happy something I don't think she'd been in a long time. I felt for Tracy as she had that constant fear of abandonment especially considering Connor's occupation and his past girlfriends. I also completely understood her worrying about her children getting too attached to someone who may or may not stick around.
It was really quite endearing watching Connor pitching in to help Tracy with her children and how much appreciation he had for her as a mother after seeing day in and day out that parenting isn't easy. I loved that he understood her children were her priority but he also helped her to understand that she needed time to be a woman who was cherished and loved. Connor was more than willing to help Tracy rediscover that part of her.
I found it impossible to put the Heat Is On down once I started it because in addition to the crazy and wonderful love story, a baseball team in the middle of a pennant race just added to the entertainment value of this book.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.75 stars
I've enjoyed every book in Katie Rose's Bad Boys of Baseball series, but The Heat Is On is my favorite to date. This book is a second chance at love story with a twist and with more at stake than the lives and hearts of the hero and heroine three words come to mind when I think of this book real, amusing, and sexy. Two people rediscovering the connection they once shared, but also finding that the time apart brought many changes to both their lives and learning to accept the reality of here and now made this an excellent love story.
Connor Jackson is back "home" and ready to assume his position as the new catcher for the New Jersey Sonics. The icing on the cake of being back where he grew up is the chance to reconnect with Tracy Coleman the girl who got away and finding out she is now divorced makes it seem like fate to him. While Connor's life has been somewhat charmed in the time they were apart, Tracy's life has been much different but one date and it is evident that the connection between them is stronger than ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two reconnect and it was interesting as to how adamant Connor was about having Tracy back in his life without really knowing what all was going on with her. I really loved Connor's devotion towards Tracy and towards her children when he finally finds out about them. I thought for a single man he was a champ in the way he dealt with everything that was thrown at him quite quickly and while he had a couple of minutes of doubt I think that stemmed from being overwhelmed more than anything else. For a man who has had very little experience with children or long term relationships I found his protective streak to be endearing and never once did I question his motives for being with a divorcee with kids.
I never questioned Tracy's devotion to her children or their situation and I believed she was doing her absolute best for all of them. I will say one of the reasons this book wasn't 5 stars was her seemingly fiscal irresponsibility after Connor came back in to her life; as a mother struggling to pay her bills she did an awful lot of shopping at some high end places to look good for her dates which I found to be a bit "out of character" for a mom who was concerned about money and her being concerned about not getting her support payments was kind of bogus as well considering her ex-husband is in the military but I mostly overlooked those things because I enjoyed watching her be happy something I don't think she'd been in a long time. I felt for Tracy as she had that constant fear of abandonment especially considering Connor's occupation and his past girlfriends. I also completely understood her worrying about her children getting too attached to someone who may or may not stick around.
It was really quite endearing watching Connor pitching in to help Tracy with her children and how much appreciation he had for her as a mother after seeing day in and day out that parenting isn't easy. I loved that he understood her children were her priority but he also helped her to understand that she needed time to be a woman who was cherished and loved. Connor was more than willing to help Tracy rediscover that part of her.
I found it impossible to put the Heat Is On down once I started it because in addition to the crazy and wonderful love story, a baseball team in the middle of a pennant race just added to the entertainment value of this book.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
January 3, 2016
4 feel good and second chance stars. Connor and Tracy were as thick as thieves during their college years and loved openly. They separated when Connor went into the big leagues of baseball and Tracy moved on with her life to have children and marry a military man. When Connor gets traded back to New Jersey, a call he made himself, he's more excited at the prospect of getting to see Tracy than even he realizes.
The chemistry between Tracy and Connor is deeply rooted and takes them back in time to before life was too complicated and before Tracy had children. They easily fit into each other whether it is putting the kids to sleep, understanding what the other needs or the heat between the sheets. It is almost impossible to not like Tracy and Connor.
Connor is a good guy. He works hard, is honest and doesn't want to play around. When he realizes Tracy has children he figures he has to be the guy not only for her but also for the children. He's solid, smart, sexy and thoughtful. While he's never had children, he figures out how to be helpful and even wins the heart of her stubborn eldest child.
Tracy is a single mother and struggles to make it all happen. She's giving, hardworking, sweet and strong. She gives her children everything she can and works hard to deal with the how horrible of a father her ex-husband is. When Connor comes along he sweeps her pretty much off her feet. He takes almost everything in stride, even going as far as to threaten her ex-husband about being a crappy father. Tracy is a great heroine and shows that love doesn't have to be complicated.
The chemistry between Tracy and Connor is deeply rooted and takes them back in time to before life was too complicated and before Tracy had children. They easily fit into each other whether it is putting the kids to sleep, understanding what the other needs or the heat between the sheets. It is almost impossible to not like Tracy and Connor.
Connor is a good guy. He works hard, is honest and doesn't want to play around. When he realizes Tracy has children he figures he has to be the guy not only for her but also for the children. He's solid, smart, sexy and thoughtful. While he's never had children, he figures out how to be helpful and even wins the heart of her stubborn eldest child.
Tracy is a single mother and struggles to make it all happen. She's giving, hardworking, sweet and strong. She gives her children everything she can and works hard to deal with the how horrible of a father her ex-husband is. When Connor comes along he sweeps her pretty much off her feet. He takes almost everything in stride, even going as far as to threaten her ex-husband about being a crappy father. Tracy is a great heroine and shows that love doesn't have to be complicated.
November 24, 2015
Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review......
This book was the epitome of true love never dies.
Connor and Tracy were high school sweethearts (my romantic mind states) others might suggest two people with a HOT connection. Connor moved away because of his baseball career. Off he went.....
Gah, I must admit I wasn't thrilled with that decision but I am hopeless romantic and a pragmatist, so I got that it was a once in a life time chance for Connor. Poor Tracy, she moves on or does the best she can I would say. Tracy eventually marries has 4 children and finds out her husband is a low life with his own second family.....nice dude obviously !!. Tracy is devastated and then as if her life is not sucky enough....Connor moves back to their home town on a trade. Finding Tracy with her children in tow is not what he expected, but if he want's Tracy back in his life then her children are HUGE part of that deal.
It was heartwarming how Connor slowly found his way into Tracy and the children's hearts. Jeremy (the lousy ex)just need to take a long walk off a short pier !!!
It had so many feel good moments and moments of "God NO !! Don't end it Tracy because of your weirdo ex !!!!"
All reigned supreme in the end and I was a happy camper !!
Well done Katie for an excellent story giving us all faith that love that is meant to be last the test of time !!
Many thanks Netgalley for this opportunity.
Later peeps xx
This book was the epitome of true love never dies.
Connor and Tracy were high school sweethearts (my romantic mind states) others might suggest two people with a HOT connection. Connor moved away because of his baseball career. Off he went.....
Gah, I must admit I wasn't thrilled with that decision but I am hopeless romantic and a pragmatist, so I got that it was a once in a life time chance for Connor. Poor Tracy, she moves on or does the best she can I would say. Tracy eventually marries has 4 children and finds out her husband is a low life with his own second family.....nice dude obviously !!. Tracy is devastated and then as if her life is not sucky enough....Connor moves back to their home town on a trade. Finding Tracy with her children in tow is not what he expected, but if he want's Tracy back in his life then her children are HUGE part of that deal.
It was heartwarming how Connor slowly found his way into Tracy and the children's hearts. Jeremy (the lousy ex)just need to take a long walk off a short pier !!!
It had so many feel good moments and moments of "God NO !! Don't end it Tracy because of your weirdo ex !!!!"
All reigned supreme in the end and I was a happy camper !!
Well done Katie for an excellent story giving us all faith that love that is meant to be last the test of time !!
Many thanks Netgalley for this opportunity.
Later peeps xx
January 4, 2016
I had such a hankering for a baseball book, and knowing I had so enjoyed the other books in this series, reading The Heat is On was a very easy decision. I could hardly wait to start, and then I stupidly read it in one delicious sitting. Now, it’s over…and I still want more of Katie Rose’s Bad Boys of Baseball. Sigh.
Connor Jackson is nearing the end of his career, and what better place to go out than with the New Jersey Sonics? The team is known for having fun and playing hard—and having one more shot at the World Series he covets seems like the perfect finale to a successful career.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that being back in his home state puts him that much closer to the one that got away—his college sweetheart, Tracey Coleman. Only Tracey isn’t the girl she once was. With one failed marriage behind her, and four sweet kids she’s raising alone, she’s not the typically baseball girlfriend.
In order for them to move forward, Tracey’s going to have tell Connor about her past and her kids…but if she does, will the chemistry fizzle before they get their second chance?
Connor Jackson…I think he may be my favorite bad boy so far. Why? Ummm, well, he’s determined (to get his girl back), he’s passionate (about the game and his team’s success), he’s sexy (I wouldn’t worry about dinner either, if I were in lucky Tracey’s shoes), and when the going gets tough, he stands up for his own (take that, ex-husband!) I loved this guy so much, you guys. SO much.
I didn’t love Tracey as much as Connor. I mean…the catcher is a great catch, after all. But I did love that she was strong, that she was protective of her kids, and that she willing to lean on Connor when she needed to. I was a touch frustrated with her inability to tell Connor about her offspring at first, but it worked so well for the story—and finding out about them was just another reason to swoon for Mr. Jackson—I quickly forgave her for that.
The Heat is On is steamy and rewarding, and seeing Connor with Tracey, with the kids, and with his team was a blast. And that ending—well, I’m surprised you couldn’t see my smile from here. This series has so much heart, and the banter between the Sonics players was the perfect cap to a romance that captured my attention, stole my heart, and made me wish for more sexy baseball players in this series. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
It’s no coincidence that Connor Jackson plans to spend his last year in MLB as the Catcher for the New Jersey Sonics. He knows his career is winding down and he wants to take one last shot at the World Series—and the Sonics are the team that can bring him there. But more than that? Being in New Jersey brings him closer to Tracey Coleman, the one that got away. Once college sweethearts, Connor left Tracey behind when he chased his MLB dream, but now he’s ready to chase Tracey, and he plans to give it all he’s got in order to get her back in his life.
Tracey has her hands full. As the single mom of four young children, she’s just trying to make ends meet and keep everyone alive. Her ex-husband is a no-good deadbeat dad, and she’s just trying to make the best of the cards she’s been dealt. When Connor shows back up in her life, it feels like a dream come true. She finds it hard to believe that the man who’s haunted her dreams for years is carrying a torch for her. On top of that, she has no idea how to let him know that she’s a package deal. The truth comes out, as it is wont to do, and the two must decide if the realities of their lives will work in a relationship with each other.
Oh man, these Boys of Summer keep stealing my heart. Connor is…amazing. He’s a grown up (which—YES!), he’s sexy, and he’s protective. He’s also a realist who understands that taking on four small children is a huge commitment, and not one that he’s willing to make right away. It hurt my heart a little to watch Connor and Tracey dance around each other, trying to do what was best for the children while nurturing the love they felt for each other. As a mom, I totally get that fierce protective instinct, and I also get how sometimes the answers aren’t always cut and dried and we’re left to make the best worst decision. I identified with Tracey in that way—even as she frustrated me with her inability to communicate sometimes.
When Connor finally steps up to the plate, my heart literally took off. I loved it. I loved him. I loved their chaotic little family. I loved how big they made me smile and all the bubbly things they did to my heart. And, of course, I loved catching up with the other Sonics players. They’re a little bit rowdy and rough around the edges but man, I love these guys. Keep ‘em coming, Ms. Rose! ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars
~~~
The boys of summer are good all year long…
This is the first story I’ve read from this series but I am hooked! Connor Jackson is coming to the end of his professional career and returning home for his final year to play baseball was the perfect way to finish. He was looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends as his team pursued that coveted ring. Happily, one of the first old friends he runs into is Tracy Coleman.
Tracy is free to date Connor now that she is divorced but she is not alone. With four children she’s not sure if a long-term relationship is possible but that doesn’t mean she’s not interested in exploring what could be possible between them. Maybe she could take off her mommy hat for just a little while.
Oh, the tangled web we weave! I wasn’t sure at first how a relationship, with not all the facts up front, would last. I understand why Tracy was reluctant to hit Connor with the fact that she had four young children right away but still… He had to know sometime, didn’t he? Kids are hard to hide! And with Connor’s admission that children weren’t on his horizon, that can’t be good at all…
Despite my misgivings, the author knew just the right time and way to have that conversation. Thank goodness, because I really liked these characters and wanted them to figure things out. At times funny and poignant, this story seemed to capture so many of life’s messy moments in perfect detail. The way Connor dealt with each crisis as it came along has firmly put him in the “hottie but nice” column.
I’m so lucky that I get to catch up on the other ‘boys’ in this series! ~ Diane, 4 stars
Connor Jackson is nearing the end of his career, and what better place to go out than with the New Jersey Sonics? The team is known for having fun and playing hard—and having one more shot at the World Series he covets seems like the perfect finale to a successful career.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that being back in his home state puts him that much closer to the one that got away—his college sweetheart, Tracey Coleman. Only Tracey isn’t the girl she once was. With one failed marriage behind her, and four sweet kids she’s raising alone, she’s not the typically baseball girlfriend.
In order for them to move forward, Tracey’s going to have tell Connor about her past and her kids…but if she does, will the chemistry fizzle before they get their second chance?
Connor Jackson…I think he may be my favorite bad boy so far. Why? Ummm, well, he’s determined (to get his girl back), he’s passionate (about the game and his team’s success), he’s sexy (I wouldn’t worry about dinner either, if I were in lucky Tracey’s shoes), and when the going gets tough, he stands up for his own (take that, ex-husband!) I loved this guy so much, you guys. SO much.
I didn’t love Tracey as much as Connor. I mean…the catcher is a great catch, after all. But I did love that she was strong, that she was protective of her kids, and that she willing to lean on Connor when she needed to. I was a touch frustrated with her inability to tell Connor about her offspring at first, but it worked so well for the story—and finding out about them was just another reason to swoon for Mr. Jackson—I quickly forgave her for that.
The Heat is On is steamy and rewarding, and seeing Connor with Tracey, with the kids, and with his team was a blast. And that ending—well, I’m surprised you couldn’t see my smile from here. This series has so much heart, and the banter between the Sonics players was the perfect cap to a romance that captured my attention, stole my heart, and made me wish for more sexy baseball players in this series. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
It’s no coincidence that Connor Jackson plans to spend his last year in MLB as the Catcher for the New Jersey Sonics. He knows his career is winding down and he wants to take one last shot at the World Series—and the Sonics are the team that can bring him there. But more than that? Being in New Jersey brings him closer to Tracey Coleman, the one that got away. Once college sweethearts, Connor left Tracey behind when he chased his MLB dream, but now he’s ready to chase Tracey, and he plans to give it all he’s got in order to get her back in his life.
Tracey has her hands full. As the single mom of four young children, she’s just trying to make ends meet and keep everyone alive. Her ex-husband is a no-good deadbeat dad, and she’s just trying to make the best of the cards she’s been dealt. When Connor shows back up in her life, it feels like a dream come true. She finds it hard to believe that the man who’s haunted her dreams for years is carrying a torch for her. On top of that, she has no idea how to let him know that she’s a package deal. The truth comes out, as it is wont to do, and the two must decide if the realities of their lives will work in a relationship with each other.
Oh man, these Boys of Summer keep stealing my heart. Connor is…amazing. He’s a grown up (which—YES!), he’s sexy, and he’s protective. He’s also a realist who understands that taking on four small children is a huge commitment, and not one that he’s willing to make right away. It hurt my heart a little to watch Connor and Tracey dance around each other, trying to do what was best for the children while nurturing the love they felt for each other. As a mom, I totally get that fierce protective instinct, and I also get how sometimes the answers aren’t always cut and dried and we’re left to make the best worst decision. I identified with Tracey in that way—even as she frustrated me with her inability to communicate sometimes.
When Connor finally steps up to the plate, my heart literally took off. I loved it. I loved him. I loved their chaotic little family. I loved how big they made me smile and all the bubbly things they did to my heart. And, of course, I loved catching up with the other Sonics players. They’re a little bit rowdy and rough around the edges but man, I love these guys. Keep ‘em coming, Ms. Rose! ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars
~~~
The boys of summer are good all year long…
This is the first story I’ve read from this series but I am hooked! Connor Jackson is coming to the end of his professional career and returning home for his final year to play baseball was the perfect way to finish. He was looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends as his team pursued that coveted ring. Happily, one of the first old friends he runs into is Tracy Coleman.
Tracy is free to date Connor now that she is divorced but she is not alone. With four children she’s not sure if a long-term relationship is possible but that doesn’t mean she’s not interested in exploring what could be possible between them. Maybe she could take off her mommy hat for just a little while.
Oh, the tangled web we weave! I wasn’t sure at first how a relationship, with not all the facts up front, would last. I understand why Tracy was reluctant to hit Connor with the fact that she had four young children right away but still… He had to know sometime, didn’t he? Kids are hard to hide! And with Connor’s admission that children weren’t on his horizon, that can’t be good at all…
Despite my misgivings, the author knew just the right time and way to have that conversation. Thank goodness, because I really liked these characters and wanted them to figure things out. At times funny and poignant, this story seemed to capture so many of life’s messy moments in perfect detail. The way Connor dealt with each crisis as it came along has firmly put him in the “hottie but nice” column.
I’m so lucky that I get to catch up on the other ‘boys’ in this series! ~ Diane, 4 stars
January 30, 2016
ARC REVIEW
More delicious Boys of Summer! Katie Rose bring us another tale of the New Jersey Sonics. I love this series it is one of my favorite sports romance series. In every book the guys are different, and I mean personality-wise they are very diverse in who and what they are. The same goes for her girls. Prime example this one, Tracy is a divorced mother of four. The Heat is On is a great second chance romance between two college sweethearts.
Connor Jackson made a decision back in college, he chose a baseball career over the love of his life. He never stopped loving her the entire time even though she obviously moved on and married someone else. Now Connor is expecting to retire soon he was traded to his home team The Sonics and now that he is back home he plans to pursue a relationship with the divorced Tracy Coleman.
Tracy is a struggling mother of four rambunctious kids, two boys two girl. She has been divorced for about a year and has no plans to start dating again, until she finds out her old college boyfriend is back in town. Tracy's parents always liked Connor and treat her and the kids to a Sonics game. After the game Tracy approaches Connor, not one to waste time Connor asks for her phone number. Tracy thinking yeah right he's not going to call me gives it to him and is surprised when he calls and asks for a date. Not quite knowing how to breach the subject of her having four kids, she just doesn't tell him. Afraid of what he would think and afraid he would dump her again because she has four kids. Even after he finds out she has kids she is afraid of letting him get close to her kids they lost their father to another family she doesn't want their hearts to get broken again. After getting over the shock of finding out Tracy has kids Connor is quick to step up to the plate arranging dates where they can come along and trying to show Tracy he is up for the challenge. But things never go as planned and the kids father comes back into the picture and tries to ruin the relationship for Tracy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I always like reading about single mothers finding a second chance at love and Connor is one hot cookie.
More delicious Boys of Summer! Katie Rose bring us another tale of the New Jersey Sonics. I love this series it is one of my favorite sports romance series. In every book the guys are different, and I mean personality-wise they are very diverse in who and what they are. The same goes for her girls. Prime example this one, Tracy is a divorced mother of four. The Heat is On is a great second chance romance between two college sweethearts.
Connor Jackson made a decision back in college, he chose a baseball career over the love of his life. He never stopped loving her the entire time even though she obviously moved on and married someone else. Now Connor is expecting to retire soon he was traded to his home team The Sonics and now that he is back home he plans to pursue a relationship with the divorced Tracy Coleman.
Tracy is a struggling mother of four rambunctious kids, two boys two girl. She has been divorced for about a year and has no plans to start dating again, until she finds out her old college boyfriend is back in town. Tracy's parents always liked Connor and treat her and the kids to a Sonics game. After the game Tracy approaches Connor, not one to waste time Connor asks for her phone number. Tracy thinking yeah right he's not going to call me gives it to him and is surprised when he calls and asks for a date. Not quite knowing how to breach the subject of her having four kids, she just doesn't tell him. Afraid of what he would think and afraid he would dump her again because she has four kids. Even after he finds out she has kids she is afraid of letting him get close to her kids they lost their father to another family she doesn't want their hearts to get broken again. After getting over the shock of finding out Tracy has kids Connor is quick to step up to the plate arranging dates where they can come along and trying to show Tracy he is up for the challenge. But things never go as planned and the kids father comes back into the picture and tries to ruin the relationship for Tracy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I always like reading about single mothers finding a second chance at love and Connor is one hot cookie.
January 5, 2016
3-1/2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Connor Jackson is happy when gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics because it means he gets to go back--back to his home state and back to Tracy, the woman he left behind to pursue his major league dreams. Tracy can barely believe it when Connor returns, wanting to get back together. Her life is way complicated now, since she's recently divorced and has four kids. Will Connor change his mind about Tracy when he finds out she has a bunch of kids? Can Tracy ever truly trust Connor after everything she's been through with men?
I really liked Connor. He's strong and persistent. And hot. :) Tracy was okay, but Connor loved her enough for both of us. My main problem with the story was Tracy hiding her kids from Connor at the beginning. In this day and age, there's no way he wouldn't have known about them. Not to mention since they had such a past together, I find it hard to believe that no one ever mentioned to Connor that his high school sweetheart had kids. I know my high-school boyfriend did, and I live far, far away. I did love Connor's interactions with the kids. And like I said, this story was hot.
Perfect for sports romance fans and lovers of second chance romance, The Heat Is On by Katie Rose is a hot, fast read that will not disappoint.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Connor Jackson is happy when gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics because it means he gets to go back--back to his home state and back to Tracy, the woman he left behind to pursue his major league dreams. Tracy can barely believe it when Connor returns, wanting to get back together. Her life is way complicated now, since she's recently divorced and has four kids. Will Connor change his mind about Tracy when he finds out she has a bunch of kids? Can Tracy ever truly trust Connor after everything she's been through with men?
I really liked Connor. He's strong and persistent. And hot. :) Tracy was okay, but Connor loved her enough for both of us. My main problem with the story was Tracy hiding her kids from Connor at the beginning. In this day and age, there's no way he wouldn't have known about them. Not to mention since they had such a past together, I find it hard to believe that no one ever mentioned to Connor that his high school sweetheart had kids. I know my high-school boyfriend did, and I live far, far away. I did love Connor's interactions with the kids. And like I said, this story was hot.
Perfect for sports romance fans and lovers of second chance romance, The Heat Is On by Katie Rose is a hot, fast read that will not disappoint.
December 16, 2015
Title: The Heat Is On
Series: (The Boys of Summer, #4)
Author: Katie Rose
Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance
Rating: 3.5-Stars
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Blog: HERE
♥ (The Boys of Summer, #1) Bring on the Heat
♥ (The Boys of Summer, #2) Too Hot To Handle
♥ (The Boys of Summer, #3) The Heat of the Moment
♥ (The Boys of Summer, #4) The Heat Is On
*Each book can be read as a STANDALONE*
***full review to come***
*PS: I was given an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I do solemnly swear that I am up to...good. ;) This is a fair and honest review of this book, pinky promise.*
October 19, 2015
*3.5 stars*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
December 9, 2015
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
Second chance romance? ☑
Sexy baseball star? ☑
I have loved the previous books in the Boys of Summer series, so it was a no brainer to read The Heat Is On.
Connor Jackson is a pro-baller in the twilight of his career, and is back in his home town - and back near the one that got away.
Tracy Coleman, single mum with 4 young kids is disillusioned with love, with men. But she has never stopped loving Connor, even though it has been years apart and completely different worlds.
There was still that spark, that connection when they meet up, and you just want them to have their happy! But when Tracy hides things from Connor, you just know that it is going to be struggle.
I think Connor is my favourite bad boy to date (and that's saying a lot as they are all fabulous!) He is determined, he is strong, he is sexy as hell, and he steps up to the plate when it matters the most.
What woman wouldn't want him??
I got a little frustrated with Tracy at times. When she wouldn't tell Connor about her kids, but then getting a bit annoyed when he finds out. I got her being protective of her kids - a good mumma bear - but the push and pull with Connor, gah! But that made me swoon for him just a little bit more, that he didn't run for the hills.
But seeing Tracy and Connor come together is worth all the gah! moments. To see them open up, to become more. Plus, the steam factor when things start to heat up.... smexy!
The banter between Connor and his teammates is wonderful. Such jokers, but so deep at times.
I read The Heat Is On in one sitting, and I was disappointed when I got to the final page. Ms Rose keeps me wanting more each and every time I read.
I hope we get many, many more Boys of Summer books - because, you know, those team rosters are always changing so there is always going to be fresh meat.. I mean material... to write about.
Second chance romance? ☑
Sexy baseball star? ☑
I have loved the previous books in the Boys of Summer series, so it was a no brainer to read The Heat Is On.
Connor Jackson is a pro-baller in the twilight of his career, and is back in his home town - and back near the one that got away.
Tracy Coleman, single mum with 4 young kids is disillusioned with love, with men. But she has never stopped loving Connor, even though it has been years apart and completely different worlds.
There was still that spark, that connection when they meet up, and you just want them to have their happy! But when Tracy hides things from Connor, you just know that it is going to be struggle.
I think Connor is my favourite bad boy to date (and that's saying a lot as they are all fabulous!) He is determined, he is strong, he is sexy as hell, and he steps up to the plate when it matters the most.
What woman wouldn't want him??
I got a little frustrated with Tracy at times. When she wouldn't tell Connor about her kids, but then getting a bit annoyed when he finds out. I got her being protective of her kids - a good mumma bear - but the push and pull with Connor, gah! But that made me swoon for him just a little bit more, that he didn't run for the hills.
But seeing Tracy and Connor come together is worth all the gah! moments. To see them open up, to become more. Plus, the steam factor when things start to heat up.... smexy!
The banter between Connor and his teammates is wonderful. Such jokers, but so deep at times.
I read The Heat Is On in one sitting, and I was disappointed when I got to the final page. Ms Rose keeps me wanting more each and every time I read.
I hope we get many, many more Boys of Summer books - because, you know, those team rosters are always changing so there is always going to be fresh meat.. I mean material... to write about.
January 4, 2016
3.5 stars
The Heat Is On is a cute second chance romance with a sexy baseball player, a frazzled mom of four who is his "one that got away", a slightly off ex-husband, four adorable kids and some heated stolen moments.
Connor returned to New Jersey with two goals: to win the World Series with his hometown team and to finally claim the only woman he has ever loved. He knows she is recently divorced and his timing for returning to NJ couldn't be better in his mind.
Tracy is just as affected by Connor as she ever was, but she is a realist too: she knows a sexy star like him can have any woman he wants, so why would he choose her? When he asks her out, her best friend encourages her to take the opportunity to reconnect with Connor, but Tracy chooses not to mention her kids, sure that he will run for the hills. When Connor stops by the house unexpectedly, she has no choice but to tell him, and she is pleasantly surprised that he doesn't immediately freak out.
From there the story becomes a constant loop of Tracy talking herself out of the possibility of Connor being in their lives willingly, Jillian trying to talk her off the ledge, Connor trying to sort out what is going through her head along with his own feelings, and rinse-repeat-start over. Mix in some cute moments with the kids, some sexy times, a few team related moments, and some a-hole ex husband interactions and you pretty much have it in a nutshell. Tracy started to grate on my nerves but Connor and the kids made up for it. If you are looking for a light quick read with a yummy sports star, give The Heat Is On a try.
**ARC received from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The Heat Is On is a cute second chance romance with a sexy baseball player, a frazzled mom of four who is his "one that got away", a slightly off ex-husband, four adorable kids and some heated stolen moments.
Connor returned to New Jersey with two goals: to win the World Series with his hometown team and to finally claim the only woman he has ever loved. He knows she is recently divorced and his timing for returning to NJ couldn't be better in his mind.
Tracy is just as affected by Connor as she ever was, but she is a realist too: she knows a sexy star like him can have any woman he wants, so why would he choose her? When he asks her out, her best friend encourages her to take the opportunity to reconnect with Connor, but Tracy chooses not to mention her kids, sure that he will run for the hills. When Connor stops by the house unexpectedly, she has no choice but to tell him, and she is pleasantly surprised that he doesn't immediately freak out.
From there the story becomes a constant loop of Tracy talking herself out of the possibility of Connor being in their lives willingly, Jillian trying to talk her off the ledge, Connor trying to sort out what is going through her head along with his own feelings, and rinse-repeat-start over. Mix in some cute moments with the kids, some sexy times, a few team related moments, and some a-hole ex husband interactions and you pretty much have it in a nutshell. Tracy started to grate on my nerves but Connor and the kids made up for it. If you are looking for a light quick read with a yummy sports star, give The Heat Is On a try.
**ARC received from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
December 28, 2015
4.5 Star Review
I was given this book from Netgalley for a honest review
This is the fourth book in The Boys of Summer Series and I have read them all but in saying that I do believe each one can be read as a standalone.
This is a second chance romance and it was just what I needed as a easy chick read over the Christmas Holidays.
Connor Jackson is pro- ball player and has been traded back to his home town for what should be his final season. Being home also means catching up with the girl that got away, Tracey Coleman was his college sweetheart his one true love but baseball came first back then .....
Tracey is now a single mother of 4 young children and is doing her best to keep it all together she is determined to do it on her own but that's hard when your ex husband doesn't take an active interest in his kids or even pay his child support on time.
Tracey agrees on a night out with Connor but doesn't tell him about her 4 kids but when he surprises her at home he comes face to face with 4 of the cutest kids ever.
Will Connor be able to cope with 4 kids who are dealing with there own issues after there dad left them and will Tracey take a chance on her first love knowing that if her kids get attached and it doesn't work out it will bring another wave of heartbreak.
This is a sweet second chance romance with a hot sexy pro ball player and 4 adorable kids what's not to love.
I hope there is more to come from The Boys of Summer because I'm sure there is more stories in The Jersey Sonics locker room.
Great read Katie Rose
I was given this book from Netgalley for a honest review
This is the fourth book in The Boys of Summer Series and I have read them all but in saying that I do believe each one can be read as a standalone.
This is a second chance romance and it was just what I needed as a easy chick read over the Christmas Holidays.
Connor Jackson is pro- ball player and has been traded back to his home town for what should be his final season. Being home also means catching up with the girl that got away, Tracey Coleman was his college sweetheart his one true love but baseball came first back then .....
Tracey is now a single mother of 4 young children and is doing her best to keep it all together she is determined to do it on her own but that's hard when your ex husband doesn't take an active interest in his kids or even pay his child support on time.
Tracey agrees on a night out with Connor but doesn't tell him about her 4 kids but when he surprises her at home he comes face to face with 4 of the cutest kids ever.
Will Connor be able to cope with 4 kids who are dealing with there own issues after there dad left them and will Tracey take a chance on her first love knowing that if her kids get attached and it doesn't work out it will bring another wave of heartbreak.
This is a sweet second chance romance with a hot sexy pro ball player and 4 adorable kids what's not to love.
I hope there is more to come from The Boys of Summer because I'm sure there is more stories in The Jersey Sonics locker room.
Great read Katie Rose
January 6, 2016
3.5 stars
The heat Is On was a good read.
I enjoyed watching Connor and Tracy reconnect and get their second chance at love. I have to mention that I was a little frustrated with some of Tracy's actions but overall the storyline was entertaining and loved seeing them get their HEA.
An added plus for me was watching Connor's interaction with Tracy's children, it was cute and heartwarming. He was such a good, fun loving and hot guy.
I've enjoyed all the books from The Boys of Summer series and while each can be read as standalones I highly recommend them all.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
The heat Is On was a good read.
I enjoyed watching Connor and Tracy reconnect and get their second chance at love. I have to mention that I was a little frustrated with some of Tracy's actions but overall the storyline was entertaining and loved seeing them get their HEA.
An added plus for me was watching Connor's interaction with Tracy's children, it was cute and heartwarming. He was such a good, fun loving and hot guy.
I've enjoyed all the books from The Boys of Summer series and while each can be read as standalones I highly recommend them all.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
March 27, 2016
"The Heat Is On (Bad Boys of Baseball-Book 4)" by Katie Rose is my first read from this author. Even though this is book 4 in the series it is a read alone. I have not read books 1-3 in the series but after reading this one I want to go back and read them. Connor Jackson is a veteran pitcher and he is possibly trying to retire in his hometown, and he can't forget his college sweetheart Tracy Coleman who is now a divorced mom of 4. Tracy is still stinging from her ex-husband and no support system. They both seem to still need each other, and their adventure in finding themselves, and seeing each other again will bring them close again.
February 11, 2016
Another good story.
This is a fast paced story set in today's world. It was hard to stop reading for daily chores.....I wanted to find out how the next problem would be solved!
This is a fast paced story set in today's world. It was hard to stop reading for daily chores.....I wanted to find out how the next problem would be solved!
May 18, 2017
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a cute story, but it felt like it was all about Tracey and I got to know very little about Connor. I get that Tracey is the one with the four kids, but there were real moments of cuteness when Connor interacted with them and we got non of his backstory. It was almost as though he was conjured out of thin air and placed in the story.
I do like that Rose had us catch up with the other Sonics and that Connor really stepped up in his role as a veteran of the game. All in all though, I was just a little confused. Tracey's mom is against them getting together and then she's all for it. Mason has problems at school, but we never talk about it anymore. I just wanted a little more tidying up I guess.
This was a cute story, but it felt like it was all about Tracey and I got to know very little about Connor. I get that Tracey is the one with the four kids, but there were real moments of cuteness when Connor interacted with them and we got non of his backstory. It was almost as though he was conjured out of thin air and placed in the story.
I do like that Rose had us catch up with the other Sonics and that Connor really stepped up in his role as a veteran of the game. All in all though, I was just a little confused. Tracey's mom is against them getting together and then she's all for it. Mason has problems at school, but we never talk about it anymore. I just wanted a little more tidying up I guess.
January 24, 2016
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/01/review-...
GRADE: B-
The Heat Is On is the 4th in Katie Rose’s Boys of Summer series. Though I haven’t read the first three in the series but this one was easily read as a standalone. This lighthearted second chance romance reveals a funny, smart, sexy, and sweet story that revolves around a single mother struggling with how to be both mom, dad, and a woman while raising four young children and a major league baseball player who’s finally ready to settle down. While the overall atmosphere of the story isn’t too deep or serious, Rose does lightly touch upon the weight placed on parents when one parent doesn’t help out and the difficulties in dating and building a romantic relationship when kids are involved.
Tracy hasn’t had the easiest time of it. Divorced after finding out her husband had not only been cheating on her but had gotten another woman pregnant while she was pregnant with their fourth child, she now is raising their children on her own and struggling both emotionally and financially. Dating is not even an option as she neither has the time nor the ability to bring someone casually into her children’s lives when their world has already been disrupted by their unreliable father.
Connor is an all around good guy. A straight shooter and honest, he regrets hurting Tracy when he left, but he had to follow his heart, and he doesn’t regret the choices he’s made. His interactions with Tracy and his team are both inspiring and heartwarming as he is a natural protector and champion. He has an easy way about him that offers encouragement and hope to those around him.
The story itself is pretty straightforward in it’s delivery. There is a nice balance between the romance and their separate lives. We see Tracy doing the everyday with her kids and Connor playing ball and interacting with his team. Tracy and Connor are very easy to relate to. Their joys, fears, wants, and needs are laid bare as they experience the ups and downs life has to offer. They aren’t perfect by any means; both are plagued by uncertainty but Rose deftly handles their concerns and miscommunications with a smooth hand and little drama. The narrative is offered in dual points of view, which I enjoy, because it gives us the ability to see what they are both thinking during key moments.
The romance moves quickly sexually speaking but the emotional aspects are harder to pin down. And this makes sense as Tracy does have her children to think of and Connor is realistic enough to understand taking on a relationship with four children requires some serious consideration. Strong chemistry and a willingness to act on it without any real guilt was nice to see. Too often single moms are treated like the Virgin Mary who shouldn’t want or enjoy a sexual relationship.
A wide cast of secondary characters offers depth and humor to the storyline. Tracy’s children are adorable and when Connor finally meets them, his reactions are genuine. He doesn’t see them as competition, a hassle, or a way to win over their mom. He likes them for themselves and grows to love them as much as he loves their mother. Tracy has a wonderful best friend in her corner who offers advice, a strong shoulder to lean on, and impromptu babysitting services. Connor’s teammates and Tracy’s family are both voices of reason and give them some food for thought when it becomes clear they are getting serious about one another.
I did have a few issues with the story. I found Tracy thinking she could hide her children from Connor until he could reassure her he was in it for the long haul was odd. It was completely unrealistic but thankfully, Rose doesn’t draw that aspect out very long. There were also was some inconsistencies in regards to Tracy’s finances that didn’t mesh up. She has some past due bills but can afford to get manis, pedis, and new outfits? Regardless, most of my issues were mild inconsequential items that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
All in all, The Heat Is On is a nice bit of escapism for those who enjoy sweet unencumbered romances with some spicy heat in the bedroom.
GRADE: B-
The Heat Is On is the 4th in Katie Rose’s Boys of Summer series. Though I haven’t read the first three in the series but this one was easily read as a standalone. This lighthearted second chance romance reveals a funny, smart, sexy, and sweet story that revolves around a single mother struggling with how to be both mom, dad, and a woman while raising four young children and a major league baseball player who’s finally ready to settle down. While the overall atmosphere of the story isn’t too deep or serious, Rose does lightly touch upon the weight placed on parents when one parent doesn’t help out and the difficulties in dating and building a romantic relationship when kids are involved.
Tracy hasn’t had the easiest time of it. Divorced after finding out her husband had not only been cheating on her but had gotten another woman pregnant while she was pregnant with their fourth child, she now is raising their children on her own and struggling both emotionally and financially. Dating is not even an option as she neither has the time nor the ability to bring someone casually into her children’s lives when their world has already been disrupted by their unreliable father.
Connor is an all around good guy. A straight shooter and honest, he regrets hurting Tracy when he left, but he had to follow his heart, and he doesn’t regret the choices he’s made. His interactions with Tracy and his team are both inspiring and heartwarming as he is a natural protector and champion. He has an easy way about him that offers encouragement and hope to those around him.
The story itself is pretty straightforward in it’s delivery. There is a nice balance between the romance and their separate lives. We see Tracy doing the everyday with her kids and Connor playing ball and interacting with his team. Tracy and Connor are very easy to relate to. Their joys, fears, wants, and needs are laid bare as they experience the ups and downs life has to offer. They aren’t perfect by any means; both are plagued by uncertainty but Rose deftly handles their concerns and miscommunications with a smooth hand and little drama. The narrative is offered in dual points of view, which I enjoy, because it gives us the ability to see what they are both thinking during key moments.
The romance moves quickly sexually speaking but the emotional aspects are harder to pin down. And this makes sense as Tracy does have her children to think of and Connor is realistic enough to understand taking on a relationship with four children requires some serious consideration. Strong chemistry and a willingness to act on it without any real guilt was nice to see. Too often single moms are treated like the Virgin Mary who shouldn’t want or enjoy a sexual relationship.
A wide cast of secondary characters offers depth and humor to the storyline. Tracy’s children are adorable and when Connor finally meets them, his reactions are genuine. He doesn’t see them as competition, a hassle, or a way to win over their mom. He likes them for themselves and grows to love them as much as he loves their mother. Tracy has a wonderful best friend in her corner who offers advice, a strong shoulder to lean on, and impromptu babysitting services. Connor’s teammates and Tracy’s family are both voices of reason and give them some food for thought when it becomes clear they are getting serious about one another.
I did have a few issues with the story. I found Tracy thinking she could hide her children from Connor until he could reassure her he was in it for the long haul was odd. It was completely unrealistic but thankfully, Rose doesn’t draw that aspect out very long. There were also was some inconsistencies in regards to Tracy’s finances that didn’t mesh up. She has some past due bills but can afford to get manis, pedis, and new outfits? Regardless, most of my issues were mild inconsequential items that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
All in all, The Heat Is On is a nice bit of escapism for those who enjoy sweet unencumbered romances with some spicy heat in the bedroom.
November 27, 2016
Our Rating:
Connor still carries a torch for his old flame Tracy, but she moved on long ago after he left to pursue his baseball dreams. Now he’s back in town, though, newly traded to the local team, and she’s divorced from her husband, making it the perfect opportunity for him to rekindle their romance. He’s just got to convince her that he’s a changed man, one who will put her first and take care of her, not chase after his career. But she’s keeping him at a distance, going out on dates but insisting on getting home early, because when he finds out she’s a package deal with four kids in the mix, he might not be so quick to dive back into a relationship.
The Verdict: Second chance romance plus a hot athlete reduced to all kinds of adorable by a bunch of kids… What’s not to love?
Tracy and Connor didn’t exactly split on bad terms back in the day, but he headed off to pursue his dreams of a career in baseball, and she was left to move on, so that’s exactly what she did. Fast forward several years, and she’s mom to four wonderful children, but their louse of a father is no longer in the picture. He’s off making a new life with the family he had on the side, and it’s up to a now divorced Tracy to raise the kids on her own. But now Connor’s back in the picture, having just been traded to the hometown baseball team, and all those old feelings are coming back strong.
Tracy’s reluctant to rekindle things with Connor for a few reasons. For one, she hasn’t had the best luck with men, and while that hasn’t completely destroyed her faith in happily ever after, it’s definitely made her more cautious. There’s also the fact that Connor is no longer simply a local sports phenom; he’s a famous athlete who’s dated models and actresses — everything Tracy is not. He’s used to an entirely different lifestyle, and while Tracy may be looking pretty damned good for a mom of four, she’s not sure she can measure up or hold his interest, given his usual dates. And of course, there’s also that matter of having four children. Like any good mom, her kids come first, so she doesn’t want them becoming attached to a man who doesn’t intend to stick around for the long haul. She’s also not so sure the hot-shot athlete is willing to take on four kids or adjust to her life that pretty much revolves around them. And so while she gives in and goes on a couple of dates with him, she doesn’t offer up the facts about her family.
Normally when a character keeps a big secret like this, it snowballs like crazy and ends up creating some incredible drama that is so over-the-top and unnecessary that I become frustrated with the whole story. But Tracy doesn’t go to any insane lengths to keep her kids a secret, and Connor is pretty level headed — not to mention dead set on winning Tracy over again. While he doesn’t delude himself into becoming an instant father figure, he takes everything in stride, which is all it took to win me over. And I have to say that I understand where Tracy was coming from. Baggage from a previous marriage is always a potential obstacle, but when it’s four young children, that’s more than most people are willing to take on. Concern for the kids would have me keeping them out of the picture as well, if for no other reason than so they wouldn’t become attached to someone who might not be around all that long.
The Heat is On is a really heartwarming, fun second-chance romance with lots of sweet family moments and some steamy scenes to keep things hot, and the characters are easy to root for and love. I’d say this one is perfect for both sports romance fanatics and second-chance romance junkies, both of whom will be swooning over Connor within just a few chapters.
***FicCentral received a free copy of this book from Random House LLC (via NetGalley).***
January 4, 2016
Heather's review from Smut MattersThe most I can say about this one is that it was ok. There wasn't anything here that was terrible, but I didn't love it. A lot of the dialogue didn't ring true to me; there weren't enough contractions, for example. People speak in contractions. "There is a man who is on a different baseball team and could be someone we should speak to" sounds really stilted to me, especially when it's a baseball player and his coach talking. (That's not a direct quote from the book, obviously, just an example of what I mean when I say it sounded stilted.) There was a lot of telling and not enough showing.
As for the story itself, the one thing that stuck with me, even after Connor and Tracy were together, is the fact that they went on several dates and she never once mentioned that she had any children, much less four of them. It bothered me more than it apparently did Connor. We all know people with children, even if we don't have any ourselves. They do not go several full evenings and several more phone conversations without even mentioning their children. It was obviously such a deliberate exclusion on her part. Hell, I don't make it through one conversation with anyone without mentioning my dog, much less if I had kids. It's the nature of people. We talk about the people (or animals) closest to us. It was especially strange to me because she and Connor had dated in college. They weren't just strangers meeting for the first time. They had some history. And I didn't really understand why Connor didn't question it more. "I randomly have to leave our dates each time by 8:00" isn't normal. He knew she'd been married for fifteen years; it shouldn't have been such a mystery to him.
The rest of the story went on fairly predictable lines. They dated, they both got freaked out, they took some distance, they dated, both got freaked, took some distance, etc, etc. The side characters were all fairly one-note, which is somewhat expected in a book this short. Tracy's best friend Jillian was a super-supportive cheerleader who randomly showed up when Tracy unexpectedly needed a babysitter and told Tracy how great she was. Tracy's mom was frowny because Connor already left Tracy once in college, for reasons that were never really explained, and she thinks Tracy is making a mistake. Tracy's ex, Jeremy could maybe be a stalker, maybe have some genuine mental illness, could maybe just be a jerk, it's never really resolved, but after once conversation with Connor, he's no longer an issue. Connor's teammates seem to exist only to tell Connor that he needs to be the leader of the team. There was also an awful lot of sitting around the locker room as a group and discussing Connor's feelings for Tracy and her kids.
I know this sounds like I didn't like the book. I didn't dislike it, I was just a bit underwhelmed by it. The telling and not showing really hurt it, I think. It's a romance novel. "That thing Connor was doing was really turning Tracy on" doesn't tell me much. I just wanted a little more from this one all around.
As for the story itself, the one thing that stuck with me, even after Connor and Tracy were together, is the fact that they went on several dates and she never once mentioned that she had any children, much less four of them. It bothered me more than it apparently did Connor. We all know people with children, even if we don't have any ourselves. They do not go several full evenings and several more phone conversations without even mentioning their children. It was obviously such a deliberate exclusion on her part. Hell, I don't make it through one conversation with anyone without mentioning my dog, much less if I had kids. It's the nature of people. We talk about the people (or animals) closest to us. It was especially strange to me because she and Connor had dated in college. They weren't just strangers meeting for the first time. They had some history. And I didn't really understand why Connor didn't question it more. "I randomly have to leave our dates each time by 8:00" isn't normal. He knew she'd been married for fifteen years; it shouldn't have been such a mystery to him.
The rest of the story went on fairly predictable lines. They dated, they both got freaked out, they took some distance, they dated, both got freaked, took some distance, etc, etc. The side characters were all fairly one-note, which is somewhat expected in a book this short. Tracy's best friend Jillian was a super-supportive cheerleader who randomly showed up when Tracy unexpectedly needed a babysitter and told Tracy how great she was. Tracy's mom was frowny because Connor already left Tracy once in college, for reasons that were never really explained, and she thinks Tracy is making a mistake. Tracy's ex, Jeremy could maybe be a stalker, maybe have some genuine mental illness, could maybe just be a jerk, it's never really resolved, but after once conversation with Connor, he's no longer an issue. Connor's teammates seem to exist only to tell Connor that he needs to be the leader of the team. There was also an awful lot of sitting around the locker room as a group and discussing Connor's feelings for Tracy and her kids.
I know this sounds like I didn't like the book. I didn't dislike it, I was just a bit underwhelmed by it. The telling and not showing really hurt it, I think. It's a romance novel. "That thing Connor was doing was really turning Tracy on" doesn't tell me much. I just wanted a little more from this one all around.
December 29, 2015
♥ MY REVIEW: After what Tracy had been through with her husband, she really deserved a second chance in love and life – it was just timely that Connor Jackson gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics a year before he retires. He wasn’t just looking forward in winning the World Series, but he was looking forward into reconnecting with his old college sweetheart that he couldn’t forget – Tracy.
But Tracy has a whole gang on her plate, not to mention late alimonies, and piled up bills – dating was definitely not on her to-do list, until he came along. How can she tell him that she was a package deal? She can’t be with him, if he couldn’t accept her kids. Yeah, it’s not just one – but four of them!
Connor – it took him some days before he finally realize the fact that he wanted the package deal. He was willing to try, and give it his best when it comes to Tracy and her children. He was sure of his decision, and there was no going back. He wanted her and the rest of the gang.
Nevertheless, you’d like Tracy. She’s an amazing mother, and would put first the welfare of her children rather than her own. That’s why their relationship is on the rocks at most point – because she was unsure, because she would think what’s the best for her children. She might really want him, and he might be a god in bed – but her children would always be her priority. She’s also independent and trying so hard to provide for her family. I love that she has a great support system when it comes to friends and family as well.
I was looking forward for more interactions or longer moments with Connor and Tracy’s kids. I think their time together was quite short and shallow to build any relationship. I was also waiting that the issue with Mason would be discussed more. What happened to him? Why the sudden change?
Although I was looking forward for more depth in the relationship between some characters, I like this book. There were a lot of heartwarming and sweet moments. It’s a nice read about love and second chances.
♥ MY RATING: 3.5 STARS
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Link: AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
But Tracy has a whole gang on her plate, not to mention late alimonies, and piled up bills – dating was definitely not on her to-do list, until he came along. How can she tell him that she was a package deal? She can’t be with him, if he couldn’t accept her kids. Yeah, it’s not just one – but four of them!
Connor – it took him some days before he finally realize the fact that he wanted the package deal. He was willing to try, and give it his best when it comes to Tracy and her children. He was sure of his decision, and there was no going back. He wanted her and the rest of the gang.
Nevertheless, you’d like Tracy. She’s an amazing mother, and would put first the welfare of her children rather than her own. That’s why their relationship is on the rocks at most point – because she was unsure, because she would think what’s the best for her children. She might really want him, and he might be a god in bed – but her children would always be her priority. She’s also independent and trying so hard to provide for her family. I love that she has a great support system when it comes to friends and family as well.
I was looking forward for more interactions or longer moments with Connor and Tracy’s kids. I think their time together was quite short and shallow to build any relationship. I was also waiting that the issue with Mason would be discussed more. What happened to him? Why the sudden change?
Although I was looking forward for more depth in the relationship between some characters, I like this book. There were a lot of heartwarming and sweet moments. It’s a nice read about love and second chances.
♥ MY RATING: 3.5 STARS
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Link: AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
January 21, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
This sports themed romance has very little to do with sports and much more to do with the game of love. It’s really a rosy, soft-shoe dance of a romance, with only a little drama in it– which is great, because I find I’m a little filled up with the angsty right now, personally and with my reading choices. It’s nice to catch a break!
Tracy married a man who joined the military and then apparently only came home long enough to impregnate her before leaving again. However, he’s a cutout character in the plot so just imagine pitiful and inauthentic. She’s got four kids under the age of six she’s taking care of while working at home doing medical transcriptions. Her child custody payments are spotty at best and she really depends on them. Her divorce had come about when she’d found out her husband had not only been cheating on her but had actually started another family–hello, crazy! So she’s handling EVERYTHING on a shoestring budget. And if you ask me, her mom’s kind of a bitch about it.
Connor is finally ready to have the life he sacrificed in college, and he’s hoping Tracy is willing to play along. He’d given up their chance in college and left her to give everything to baseball, but he’s ready to retire now and have the woman he loved then back in his life. And if his Facebook stalking is correct, she’s divorced now, maybe with one kid? So moving back home is part of a two pronged attack–get home and get the girl.
When Tracy meets him, she’s stunned that the feelings are still there–but she also remembers he left her in college. Certainly a famous athlete with women throwing themselves at him all the time wouldn’t be interested in a mother of four–unless he doesn’t know she’s the mother of four?
Thus starts the weirdest dating strategy known to book readerdom–meet him and keep the kids from him, like in a Yours, Mine, and Ours kind of way. Bizarre but cute. It’s great having an inside seat in Connors head, knowing ahead of time he intends to get with her and start his future. Unfortunately for Tracy, she doesn’t share that same advantage and is left always wondering if he’s going to leave her again; and this time, she’ll have to worry about her children’s feelings as well.
I liked this book. No muss, very little fuss. You knew he liked her, they got to business pretty fast; and of course, cute kid cameos. Best friend Jillian, several couples as backdrop that were obviously series books before this one that I can read since I liked the world Ms. Rose built. These are the books that drive the romance industry and keep me going on. Thanks!
This sports themed romance has very little to do with sports and much more to do with the game of love. It’s really a rosy, soft-shoe dance of a romance, with only a little drama in it– which is great, because I find I’m a little filled up with the angsty right now, personally and with my reading choices. It’s nice to catch a break!
Tracy married a man who joined the military and then apparently only came home long enough to impregnate her before leaving again. However, he’s a cutout character in the plot so just imagine pitiful and inauthentic. She’s got four kids under the age of six she’s taking care of while working at home doing medical transcriptions. Her child custody payments are spotty at best and she really depends on them. Her divorce had come about when she’d found out her husband had not only been cheating on her but had actually started another family–hello, crazy! So she’s handling EVERYTHING on a shoestring budget. And if you ask me, her mom’s kind of a bitch about it.
Connor is finally ready to have the life he sacrificed in college, and he’s hoping Tracy is willing to play along. He’d given up their chance in college and left her to give everything to baseball, but he’s ready to retire now and have the woman he loved then back in his life. And if his Facebook stalking is correct, she’s divorced now, maybe with one kid? So moving back home is part of a two pronged attack–get home and get the girl.
When Tracy meets him, she’s stunned that the feelings are still there–but she also remembers he left her in college. Certainly a famous athlete with women throwing themselves at him all the time wouldn’t be interested in a mother of four–unless he doesn’t know she’s the mother of four?
Thus starts the weirdest dating strategy known to book readerdom–meet him and keep the kids from him, like in a Yours, Mine, and Ours kind of way. Bizarre but cute. It’s great having an inside seat in Connors head, knowing ahead of time he intends to get with her and start his future. Unfortunately for Tracy, she doesn’t share that same advantage and is left always wondering if he’s going to leave her again; and this time, she’ll have to worry about her children’s feelings as well.
I liked this book. No muss, very little fuss. You knew he liked her, they got to business pretty fast; and of course, cute kid cameos. Best friend Jillian, several couples as backdrop that were obviously series books before this one that I can read since I liked the world Ms. Rose built. These are the books that drive the romance industry and keep me going on. Thanks!
April 2, 2016
Loved this read. Delighted to see it’s part of a series. Can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Pro baseball player, Connor Jackson has come home. He’s come home to play his last series of baseball and hopefully win the world series with the New Jersey Sonic's, but most importantly he has come home to take the make gamble of his life and try win the game of life and love with his college girlfriend Tracy Coleman.
Going out to dinner both Connor and Tracy are surprised how easy it is to pick up where they left off and they talk and talk and simmering below is mutual attraction. But Connor doesn’t know what Tracy’s life is like now except that she is happily divorced. Fifteen years is a long time but to both time feels just like yesterday when they were kids in College.
Tracy Coleman is a happily divorced mother of 4. Yes you did read that correctly and what ensues is quite a realistic tale of a single bachelor looking up his old girlfriend who turns out to be a mother of 4. Tracy is reluctant to mention her children so early in the piece, she needs to figure out where this is going first. But as you know secrets have a way of exposing themselves and in the story, quite hilariously. Tracy is frightened Connor is going to run straight for the hills.
When Connor discovers Tracy is a Mum he takes it in his stride and I quite liked his way of looking at things. He was a strong character who was extremely likable and who I praise for sticking up for his loved ones when it counted. I loved his totally hilarious ways of dealing with kids and the adventure or two they went on and seeing things from his point of view.
I really liked the author’s portrayal of a proud mum with four kids and the battles faced with a divorce, the oldest and wisest son being upset and the effects the divorce had on him and the psycho ex also added a great angle. Realistic in a great read kind of way. Being a Mum myself I could totally relate.
The feelings Tracy felt were believable and I was totally caught up in the story, not realising how many chapters I’d read. Interspersed with Connor and Tracy’s story was Connors journey with the Sonics. I really enjoyed this and thought the trials and tribulations with a difficult team and players all panned out and I really got caught up in it.
I’m stoked to be reading a new author and will definitely be checking out the other books in the series and I highly recommend this one. It was a delight to read with realistic moments of life with kids and with likeable characters who you just wanted to both have their happy ever after. I liked the secondary characters just as much and will be looking them up.
http://rbh-contemporary.blogspot.co.n...
Pro baseball player, Connor Jackson has come home. He’s come home to play his last series of baseball and hopefully win the world series with the New Jersey Sonic's, but most importantly he has come home to take the make gamble of his life and try win the game of life and love with his college girlfriend Tracy Coleman.
Going out to dinner both Connor and Tracy are surprised how easy it is to pick up where they left off and they talk and talk and simmering below is mutual attraction. But Connor doesn’t know what Tracy’s life is like now except that she is happily divorced. Fifteen years is a long time but to both time feels just like yesterday when they were kids in College.
Tracy Coleman is a happily divorced mother of 4. Yes you did read that correctly and what ensues is quite a realistic tale of a single bachelor looking up his old girlfriend who turns out to be a mother of 4. Tracy is reluctant to mention her children so early in the piece, she needs to figure out where this is going first. But as you know secrets have a way of exposing themselves and in the story, quite hilariously. Tracy is frightened Connor is going to run straight for the hills.
When Connor discovers Tracy is a Mum he takes it in his stride and I quite liked his way of looking at things. He was a strong character who was extremely likable and who I praise for sticking up for his loved ones when it counted. I loved his totally hilarious ways of dealing with kids and the adventure or two they went on and seeing things from his point of view.
I really liked the author’s portrayal of a proud mum with four kids and the battles faced with a divorce, the oldest and wisest son being upset and the effects the divorce had on him and the psycho ex also added a great angle. Realistic in a great read kind of way. Being a Mum myself I could totally relate.
The feelings Tracy felt were believable and I was totally caught up in the story, not realising how many chapters I’d read. Interspersed with Connor and Tracy’s story was Connors journey with the Sonics. I really enjoyed this and thought the trials and tribulations with a difficult team and players all panned out and I really got caught up in it.
I’m stoked to be reading a new author and will definitely be checking out the other books in the series and I highly recommend this one. It was a delight to read with realistic moments of life with kids and with likeable characters who you just wanted to both have their happy ever after. I liked the secondary characters just as much and will be looking them up.
http://rbh-contemporary.blogspot.co.n...
February 3, 2016
The Heat is On 4 stars
More baseball hotness from Katie Rose
Connor Jackson plans to play one more year of professional baseball before retiring. You would think that getting traded his last season he would be upset but he’s far from it. He’s been transferred to the New Jersey Sonics. Some call the team the jokesters of baseball and others the bad news bears of professional ball. While they have come close to being contenders the past couple of years, let’s face it, they aren’t the Yankees. Why is Connor not upset about being traded to New Jersey you ask… well like I said they have been contenders and they have the potential to go all the way if the young players would stop partying to hard and the seasoned players would step up to the plate more but that’s not the only reason. He’s from New Jersey and he left the only girl that he has ever really loved there, his college sweetheart, Tracy Coleman. After parting ways, she had gotten married but he had heard that she was recently divorced so he’s hoping that they can pick up where they left off because he’s never really gotten over her. If only he can talk her into seeing him again because he knows that she was heartbroken when they parted ways and he hasn’t heard from her in years.
Tracy can’t believe that Connor has come back to Jersey. She’s both excited and scared at the same time because as much as she thought that she had loved her ex-husband, he never even came close to touching her heart like Connor did. Breaking up with him damn near broke her. A lot has changed since college though, she’s no longer the sorority girl that had it all together back in college. She’s now a divorced single mom with kids, a lot of kids, four to be exact. How is Connor going to feel about that? His past girlfriends include models and actresses, she’s lucky if she can find time to put on makeup most days.
This was book four in the Boys of Summer series by Katie Rose. It’s great addition to the series and while it is a series, it’s not one that you’re going to be lost on if you haven’t read them all but you will know that there were other books before it. Tracy and Connor were great together and while most of the secondary characters were from the other books, I really enjoyed connecting with them again and seeing them interact with the new characters that were introduced to the series. I’m unsure if this is the last book in the series but if it isn’t I would more than welcome reading another book in the series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book in the series so far and I’m not even a fan of baseball.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
More baseball hotness from Katie Rose
Connor Jackson plans to play one more year of professional baseball before retiring. You would think that getting traded his last season he would be upset but he’s far from it. He’s been transferred to the New Jersey Sonics. Some call the team the jokesters of baseball and others the bad news bears of professional ball. While they have come close to being contenders the past couple of years, let’s face it, they aren’t the Yankees. Why is Connor not upset about being traded to New Jersey you ask… well like I said they have been contenders and they have the potential to go all the way if the young players would stop partying to hard and the seasoned players would step up to the plate more but that’s not the only reason. He’s from New Jersey and he left the only girl that he has ever really loved there, his college sweetheart, Tracy Coleman. After parting ways, she had gotten married but he had heard that she was recently divorced so he’s hoping that they can pick up where they left off because he’s never really gotten over her. If only he can talk her into seeing him again because he knows that she was heartbroken when they parted ways and he hasn’t heard from her in years.
Tracy can’t believe that Connor has come back to Jersey. She’s both excited and scared at the same time because as much as she thought that she had loved her ex-husband, he never even came close to touching her heart like Connor did. Breaking up with him damn near broke her. A lot has changed since college though, she’s no longer the sorority girl that had it all together back in college. She’s now a divorced single mom with kids, a lot of kids, four to be exact. How is Connor going to feel about that? His past girlfriends include models and actresses, she’s lucky if she can find time to put on makeup most days.
This was book four in the Boys of Summer series by Katie Rose. It’s great addition to the series and while it is a series, it’s not one that you’re going to be lost on if you haven’t read them all but you will know that there were other books before it. Tracy and Connor were great together and while most of the secondary characters were from the other books, I really enjoyed connecting with them again and seeing them interact with the new characters that were introduced to the series. I’m unsure if this is the last book in the series but if it isn’t I would more than welcome reading another book in the series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book in the series so far and I’m not even a fan of baseball.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
March 1, 2016
I really enjoyed Tracy and Connor and their second chance romance--you gotta love a perpetually single guy who's willing to take on a single mom with four little (and they are little!) ones :)
Connor is a great hero. Though taken aback by the fact that Tracy has four kids, he soon takes it all in stride. He came back to town with two things on his mind--winning the Series before he retires, and finally getting back together with the girl he let get away after college. He's ready to get out and settle down, and he knew from page one who he wanted to do that with.
I was a bit surprised that Tracy kept her kids' existence from him as long as she did--I get not wanting to lead with that fact, but how did he walk her to her car in the daylight and not see car seats and kid paraphernalia all over the place? I mean, I suppose her car could be spotlessly clean (though that would make me have to hate her a little bit, mine never was and I had half as many kids) but no one takes car seats out of their car unless they have to. I was sure the gig would be up at that point and he'd know, but apparently not...
Still, once he found out he was a champ about it--we're talking every single mother's fantasy material. Seriously, we're talking practically too-good-to-be-true territory, even for a fictional character. Can this man be cloned? ;)
The part of the story that I wasn't so crazy about was all the secondary characters and their "advice". Seriously, are there school counselors out there that would dare to talk to a single mom like that? So not any of her business, even if she does claim to have (Tracy's oldest child) Mason's best interests at heart. Tracy's mom waffled a bit in her assessment of the situation, going from being supportive to issuing warnings, and Connor's best friend on the team and his wife even got in on the unsolicited advice train. It's not really the fact that so many people had advice, I guess, as the fact that 1) they took it further than it was ever their place to and 2) they weren't consistent about it (except for the counselor, but she only made a single, super-annoying appearance). Fortunately, Tracey's best friend Jillian was supportive from the start and made up for the other characters' attitudes. Every single mom needs a friend like her!
Overall this was an enjoyable story about a hot baseball player, a single mom, and her four adorable kids. Past series couples made appearances, but it worked well as a standalone :)
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Connor is a great hero. Though taken aback by the fact that Tracy has four kids, he soon takes it all in stride. He came back to town with two things on his mind--winning the Series before he retires, and finally getting back together with the girl he let get away after college. He's ready to get out and settle down, and he knew from page one who he wanted to do that with.
I was a bit surprised that Tracy kept her kids' existence from him as long as she did--I get not wanting to lead with that fact, but how did he walk her to her car in the daylight and not see car seats and kid paraphernalia all over the place? I mean, I suppose her car could be spotlessly clean (though that would make me have to hate her a little bit, mine never was and I had half as many kids) but no one takes car seats out of their car unless they have to. I was sure the gig would be up at that point and he'd know, but apparently not...
Still, once he found out he was a champ about it--we're talking every single mother's fantasy material. Seriously, we're talking practically too-good-to-be-true territory, even for a fictional character. Can this man be cloned? ;)
The part of the story that I wasn't so crazy about was all the secondary characters and their "advice". Seriously, are there school counselors out there that would dare to talk to a single mom like that? So not any of her business, even if she does claim to have (Tracy's oldest child) Mason's best interests at heart. Tracy's mom waffled a bit in her assessment of the situation, going from being supportive to issuing warnings, and Connor's best friend on the team and his wife even got in on the unsolicited advice train. It's not really the fact that so many people had advice, I guess, as the fact that 1) they took it further than it was ever their place to and 2) they weren't consistent about it (except for the counselor, but she only made a single, super-annoying appearance). Fortunately, Tracey's best friend Jillian was supportive from the start and made up for the other characters' attitudes. Every single mom needs a friend like her!
Overall this was an enjoyable story about a hot baseball player, a single mom, and her four adorable kids. Past series couples made appearances, but it worked well as a standalone :)
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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