Playing Hardball, Part 2

Playing Hardball #2

by Sharon Cummin

I'd had one night with that baseball player. It was one crazy, drunken mistake. I was right about one thing, he didn't make it easy on me. The man drove me crazy. Just when I thought I was rid of the hot, sexy Pittsburgh Pirate, he'd appeared again at a party. My best friend Carrie thought the party was to thank everyone at the company for all of our hard work. She had no idea that the love of her life and owner of the company was going to propose to her. It was something I wasn't missing for the world. That was my plan anyway. That was until that darn ballplayer threw me over his shoulder and carried me away like a caveman. I tried to get rid of him. I really did. He just wouldn't go away. My best friend was moving two states away, and I was going to help her. When she called all excited to let me know we were going to have help, what was I supposed to say? Of course he volunteered to help too. Why wouldn't he? It wasn't like a star professional pitcher had anything else do with his time. I could do it. That was what I told myself over and over. All I had to do was get through packing, travel for over five hours, stay the weekend, and travel back alone with him. Then I'd get rid of him for good. There would be no reason to ever see him again. No problem. It was going to be a piece of cake. When would I ever learn that nothing was that easy when it came to Lance Smith? A Love for the Game Series 1. Showing Him Who's Boss Part 1,2,3 2. Playing Hardball Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 3. Falling for My Best Friend Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4. Hacked by Love Part 1, 2, 3 5. Out of My League Part 1, 2, 3 6. Unbreakable Bond This story contains content which is intended for readers over the age of 18.

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2016

Reviews

[Allyson Maclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving these stories even though I'm not reading the stories in order idk why I started with the kids

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playing Hardball p2

She is only a man for the moment. Not a lifetime commitment. Done that, and has the scars from the pain. But can he get under her skin? What happens next is the story it self. This ends with a cliffhanger.

[Arica Shupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLAYING HARDBALL (part 2)
by Sharon Cummin

Part 2 of this series picks right up where part 1 ended. Lucy's best friend is moving back home and she is starting to show more of her inner personality she really starts to become more. Lance you see starts to start listening to his heart although you're still not sure what to think if he's going to be a man and settle down to follow his heart or if he's going to continue to be the player that you kinda want to love to hate. Cant wait to read part three.

** I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for my honest opinion **

[Candy Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like Sharon's first series they flow perfectly into the next. I love how the books pick up right where the other left off.
Lance's mushy side had me melting for him. I love a sensitive male character. Lucy is by far my favorite character in this interconnected series and I can not wait to see what happens next! •♡•

•°•Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for my honest opinion.•°•

[Amanda Showalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Playing Hardball, Part 2
Series: Playing Hardball Series
Note: Book 2
Author: Sharon Cummin

This is my review of Playing Hardball, book 2 in The Endurance Series. I got this second book in the serial free as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the continuation of a great story but it is not a standalone and you have to read part 1 to learn the beginning and the rest of the books to know the end. Be warned though you will not want to stop with just this one book and I am ready to find out what happens in the rest of the books. Despite the length it does move at a good pace and keeps you interested.

Lucy had decided Lance was no good for her and should be completely off limits. She did this because she thought it was the best thing for both of them. Then Lucy finds out that her friend is moving to Michigan and when she goes to help them move Lance is there as well. However, Lucy gets sick while she is there and Lance it there to take care of her which is he more than willing to do which Brad would not have done. Lucy starts to feel that she is letting both Lance and Brad down. In this book they seem to be more than “friends with benefits”, yet neither wants this to be true. Lance is still trying to appear like the womanizer but despite that he is still willing to drop things and help Lucy when she needs it. That is in contradiction to what he is trying to portray. Carrie and Scott are still around and their coming wedding only serves to bring Lucy and Lance closer again and I can't help but think some of this is by Carrie on purpose. Carrie's Mom is also a very important motherly figure in this book and she is very helpful.
I loved this book and I can't wait to see more in this series.

[Letty (Cover to Cover Book Blog Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second part of the Playing Hardball serials gives us more of Lucy and Lance and boy do we get plenty. Their relationship is evolving into something that neither want to acknowledge. They both do things that show affection for each other, more than that between “friends with benefits”, yet neither wants this to be true.

I love the fact that this is happening between them; they’re just perfect for each other! I felt like their view on things, on life is changing even when they act differently. Lucy is still hung up on Brad and how she can’t be happy with anyone because of what happened to him, yet she herself can see the little changes in her feelings and actions. Lance is still trying to appear like the womanizer only in love with his career in baseball, but still does everything to be with Lucy and take care of her when she needs it.

The witty banter is still there between the Firecracker and the Hotshot. I love that their funny moments were not diminished even though the tender and loving moments took a big part in this book. The sex, wow, that is still as hot as ever and didn’t disappoint.

Carrie and Scott are still around and their coming wedding only serves to bring Lucy and Lance closer regardless of their plans to go their separate ways. Carrie’s mom is a very important secondary character in this book and I love her. The advice and support she provides to Lucy is very important and I know this will have a great impact on how she reacts to situations in the books to come.

I can’t wait for more of this couple! Lucy and Lance sure know how to keep me wanting and the way this one ended… I’m on pins and needles!!!

[Jo Overfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book: Lucy had decided Lance was no good for her and should be completely off limits. Surly this was the best solution for both of them?
Of course finding out her best friend Carrie and her boss were moving to Michigan was quite a surprise. Carrie announced they needed help moving and packing, so she volunteered Lance and Lucy to help in the move. Lucy's main goal was to keep her attention on the move and not on Lance the super hot baseball player who seemed to always find a way to tear down her defenses.
During a sleepover with Carrie, Lucy overheard a conversation between Scott and Lance in which Scott interrogated Lance over his intentions with Lucy.
Overhearing the conversation Lucy was devastated. Emotionally, this only led to her building walls even higher. All chances of Lance ever becoming anything more to Lucy was dwindling by the minute.
After a few weeks apart, Lance shows up, to a sick Lucy. After sticking around to make sure Lucy feels better, he decides to leave and pick up some food, but Lucy begs Lance not to leave. Behavior Lance found peculiar.
Lucy had been getting ill, but unable to speak to anyone about her sickness. Lucy's startling secret must remain just that. Scared about her revelation she's holding inside , she feels she's not only letting herself down, but her friends, Lance, and most importantly Brad.

It's only getting better! Can't wait for conclusion.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Your Favorite Book Corner Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.***
Playing Hardball, Part 2 is the continuation of Lucy and Lance's story. Sharon Cummin has an amazing way of writing a story to draw you in and keep you involved in the story. You relate to the characters and want so much for them.

Lucy and Lance have been skirting around a relationship for a while now. Lucy decides he's off limits and puts a stop to their relationship. However, Lucy's best friend Carrie calls to say she's getting married and moving. She needs Lucy's help to move. This would be fine, but it's going to put Lucy and Lance together again...for a few days. She figures it's all for fun anyway, right? However, Lucy gets sick while she is there and Lance it there to take care of her. This takes her back, in her mind, to her deceased husband Brad. He used to leave her alone when she was sick. She's not used to being taken care of. Lucy feels the constant struggle of letting down Brad, letting down her guard, and other feelings she hasn't felt in a long time. Until she feels she commits the ultimate betrayal. How will she ever come back from this? Will she ever be forgiven? Does she even need to be forgiven?

I really look forward to see how this story works out! Lance and Lucy's story has really drawn me in and I want to see how it works out for them! Sharon Cummin has written a story that balances lost love, betrayal, and new love in a whole new way!

[Tina Todd shobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Playing Hardball Series.

I love how the author has written the books where the next one takes right off from the first one.
Lucy and Lance hook up in the first book. Lucy is Carrie's best friend and Lance is a good friend of Carrie's fiance, Scott.

Lucy has a devastating past that has her keeping everyone except Carrie at arm's length. Lance is a major league pitcher and has absolutely no interest in having a relationship. Should be perfect for the two of them. As you read a long you can tell they are starting to have deeper feelings for each other.

Lucy is also getting pretty close to Carrie's Mom. Kudo's for Carrie's Mom for seeing past Lucy's defenses to know there is something there that Lucy needs to talk about.

Carrie is moving to Michigan to be with Scott and closer to her family. Both Lucy and Lance are helping with the move. During this time Lucy overhears a conversation that Scott and Lance are having that is pretty hurtful.

Lance redeems himself by taking care of Lucy while she is sick. Only Carrie's Mom has guessed why Lucy is so sick. Lucy has confirmed it and now we're left hanging with how Lucy is going to react. This is such a great series! Can't wait to read the rest!

[Christine Lacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can not read this book without reading part 1 first as this is a 5 part series. After reading part 1 and learning of Lucy's husband's death, we know now what she is fighting against. Lance has come into her life like a steamroller. We as the readers know what is happening, she has feelings for him and he has feelings for her. BUT it is just not that easy. Lance is all for his career in baseball and doesn't want a family. Lucy thinks she had her chance and that Brad will be the only person she will ever love. She feels responsible for his death and feels like she deserves to be alone. But Lance is breaking thru her walls and so she is for him too. They just don't want to admit it to themselves. So, we are still getting the oh so hot and steamy sex scenes and their funny conversations. We also get to see a vulnerable side of them both and who knew Lance could be such a caring person. I am so hooked on this series and can't wait to read the rest. I will warn you again, there is a major cliffhanger!!

[Sonia]

I am in love with this series so far. Part 2 of Playing hardball was great. They keep getting better and better. I love Lucy's character in this book. She is strong and independent yet she is very vulnerable when it comes to expressing or letting go of her feelings. After all this time she still hold on to her husband Brad I think the story line so far is great. Lucy is alone now that her BFF has moved back to be with Scott. She fills her time now with work and talking to Carrie's mom and trying out new recipes. Lance is also a great character in this book. They have perfect chemistry and even hotter action between the sheets. Even though he won't admit what he feels for Lucy he is there for her and it huts him to see her suffer. He doesn't let her push him away. There was a few times where i was sad for both of them. This book also had me laughing because the things they say between them. But i am really interested to find out what Lucy will do with the situation she has just discovered and the end of this book. Can't wait for Part 3 to come out.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of this book from the author to leave an honest review
Part 2 carries on right where part one finished on Lucy and Lances story.
Both points of views are made still in this short 9 chapters book, Lucy is slowly letting her guard down around Lance however there are still walls up around her heart that lance is trying to break down.
After helping Scott and Carrie move Lucy once again ties to out distance bewteen her and Lance, with lance being away for a few weeks due to games Lucy carries on living her life, but when it comes to the night and days after Scott and Carrie's wedding day things take a turn and it would seem that Lucy is about to build another 6 foot wall for Lance to climb.
I cant wait to read part 3 of this story to see what happens next it is yet again another great read from Sharon.

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Ms Cummin's stories, I always become emotionally invested with the characters...But with Lucy, OMG! I felt so connected to her I wanted to cry the more this book progressed. Lucy and Lance continue their stubbornness battle with each other. Both in denial about what is really happening between them. Lucy still believes she lost her chance at love and happiness and that she is destined to be alone. Lance is trying really hard to convince himself that his career is his priority and love and family is not in his foreseeable future.

As always, Ms Cummin loves to throw a spanner in the works that forces her characters to look a where they are at and decide where the next road will take them.

I am really loving Lucy and Lance and I am dying to see what's next...in the meantime I need a session with my therapist to work through all these emotions *SNIFF*

[Bloggers From Down Under · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Written by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **

Lucy and Lance are still trying to fool not only themselves, but everyone around them that they are nothing but friends, albeit with benefits.

Lucy is having an extremely hard time giving into her feelings because of her past. At times it sees her acting erratically, leaving the people around her wondering what the hell is going on with her.

How can she be even thinking of falling in love with another man, when she already promised to love only one man for her whole life?

At times this story is heartbreaking......ugly crying heartbreaking.

But it is Lucy's realisation towards the end of this instalment that had me once again reaching for the tissues.

Do you believe in second chance love?

Outstanding read

5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story is a continuation of Lucy and Lance's story. In this part Lucy has decided to stay away from sexy, cocky Lance at all cost. However when her friend Carrie decides to move back home she has asked for her help in packing. Her plans of staying away from Lance are no longer an option. Finally deciding to just go with it Lucy and Lance decide to hook-up from time to time. Lance for the first time in his life is feeling more than usual for someone and it scares and excites him. Lucy is also afraid to be happy again so she fights it and tries to keep Lance at a distance. However Lucy soon finds out that her life is going to change. I can't wait to see how Lucy handles things in part three and what Lance's role will be in her life. This is a must read.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this book just gets better and better .
I love lance he's a typical ball player and a man whore , but has that all changes he thinks he's having fun but I see him falling in love he just doesn't know it ( a man for you can't see it till it hits him in the jaw)
I love that Scott has taken her under his wing now he's back with his son and love of his life but Lucy still has a past that scares her shitless .
I love Lucy I just wish she would try forgive herself as really it wasn't her fail what happened to Brad .
This story gets going and the. Stops and you will curse Sharon believe me I sent a email saying wtf ....

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Sharon's books and this is no exception!
It follows on nicely from book one Where Lucy meets lance who is a ball player and they get together on a couple of occasions. Lucy feels that her heart died when she tragically lost her husband because she blames herself for his death, lance is focused on hid career and doesn't have time for a full on relationship.
Very slowly this let's have fun thing starts to change without them really realising it's happening.
The story is really well written and you want them both to have a happy ending, the sex scenes are very hot and the cliff hanger, OMG!

[DawnMarie Carpintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I was given this book for my honest review.

This is the 2nd book in this series by Author Sharon Cummin and needs to be read in order.

Come take this continued journey of these two smart mouth, senseous couple to see what they are getting into. Will a scared yet reserved woman open her heart that has been closed for so long due to circumstances beyond her control? Will he be grounded and stop his wayward ways to become the man that his heart always knew he would become?

Pick up this book to find out.

Happy Reading

[Medavis66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance and Lucy Part 2 is awesome! They are still fighting what is obviously between them. I love the banter between them still. I find Lance to be so sweet. Especially when she isn't feeling well and he takes care of her - sigh. A couple of twists in this one. I figured on them, but still was excited I was correct. I really love Carrie's mom. She is a good person and really cares about both her daughter and her best friend. Can't wait to read Part 3, OMG!

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

[Rebecca Arbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Recieved this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Part 2! Must read part 1 to understand and love the story even more!

Lucy is still hiding. Lance is slowly starting to push and realize there is more to Lucy than being a smart mouth!

Can't get enough of lance and Lucy and can't wait to find out if they get their happy ending or not! (I'm pulling for them ;) )

[Becky Goodson-belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Sharon Cummin is a brilliant Arthur who could write about a roll of toilet paper and have you wanting more. This series is amazing as always and has a way of suprising you a ever turn. I cannot wait for the next book. If you haven't read her work!, you don't know what you are missing.

[Katy Battisti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sports romance by Sharon Cummin. I really enjoyed reading part 2. Sharon definitely knows how to keep a reader intrigued. I could not put this book down. She adds the twist you just don't expect! Can't wait to read part 3!