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Pit Bulls Baseball #2

Stealing First

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Macy isn't someone you can forget. She's the type of woman who sashays into a room and steals your heart before you even know what happened. She's the one you'll compare everyone you meet to and know none of them will ever come close to her. She was once mine, and I blew it. Now, I need to figure out how to get her back if it's the last thing I do. I'm tired of living without her. I'm willing to give it all up to have her back, even if that means walking away from the Pit Bulls and professional baseball.

I don't want to date a professional baseball player. I don't want cleat chasers trying to steal my man's attention and I definitely don't want to watch women throw themselves in his arms. That's why I stay away from them. I'd rather be single than get my heart broken again. He's my best friend's brother, my boss's son, yet somehow, I find myself in a fake relationship with him and I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure I'd survive another broken heart, especially from someone like Cord.

Second chance romance, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, small town romance, baseball romance, sports, strong-willed FMC, swoony MMC, shared past, fake relationship, forced proximity, best friend's brother.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2024

9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Kristin MacQueen

68 books264 followers

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5 stars
28 (52%)
4 stars
20 (37%)
3 stars
3 (5%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kimberley.
427 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2024
I loved returning to the Pitbulls Baseball series with Stealing First and I would recommend reading Coming Home first as we meet all the characters in that one. Macy and Cord have a past and are destined for each other. I loved the way Cord supported Macy, he was perfection as was his family. I really enjoyed this book and was a quick easy read so perfect for an afternoon reading session. I received a complementary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
459 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2024
Macy isn't someone you can forget. She's the type of woman who sashays into a room and steals your heart before you even know what happened. She's the one you'll compare everyone you meet to and know none of them will ever come close to her. She was once mine, and I blew it. Now, I need to figure out how to get her back if it's the last thing I do. I'm tired of living without her. I'm willing to give it all up to have her back, even if that means walking away from the Pit Bulls and professional baseball.

I don't want to date a professional baseball player. I don't want cleat chasers trying to steal my man's attention and I definitely don't want to watch women throw themselves in his arms. That's why I stay away from them. I'd rather be single than get my heart broken again. He's my best friend's brother, my boss's son, yet somehow, I find myself in a fake relationship with him and I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure I'd survive another broken heart, especially from someone like Cord.

“Stealing First” is the second installment in the “Pit Bulls Baseball Series”. It is totally enjoyable to be returning to the Pit Bulls and the crew. For as long as he can remember, from the moment they first met as kids, Macy was the only one for Cord. As far as he was concerned, she was the one he wants to marry, the one to be a mother of their children and the one he wants to grow old with. Macy is his one and only - his past, his present, his future!

From the outside looking in, Macy comes across as confident and feisty young lady … on the inside she lacks self confidence and constantly doubts herself. She cannot understand why Cord wants her? He can have anyone - he is the star player for the Pit Bulls baseball player, financially comfortable and extremely handsome. Why would he want her?

How does Cord show Macy what he sees? A strong, beautiful, compassionate and loving young lady? The situation comes to head when her best friend Charlie paints the picture in black and white for her. How does she feel? Charlie rams it home quite bluntly:

“If you let him walk away again, you risk losing him to another woman. He can’t hold on forever. And I don’t think you want that. He can’t hold on forever. And I don’t think you want that. I think it would kill you to see his arms around another woman. To see him get married to someone else. To hold a baby that wasn’t yours”.

“I wouldn’t be able to handle it”, Macy whispers, hating how true those words are. It would destroy me if Cord got his happily ever after with another woman”.

Cord asks Macy to give him a month to convince her that they can work and that she is the only one for him. Will she say yes at the end of the month and give them a chance? A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Cord and Macey, hoping that everything with work out for them and they have a future together. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,065 reviews105 followers
August 3, 2024
My favorite tropes and sports are all wrapped up in a great beach or escape read. Stealing First is the second book in the Pitbulls Baseball series. I recommend reading Coming Home, as you will get introduced to all the characters.

If baseball, small town, and second chance romance are your thing, this is the perfect book. Macy and Court have a past; Court made mistakes, but this time he knows better. He is the perfect book boyfriend, protective, funny, caring, and easy on the eyes. Macy has her sass on point, feisty, and can stand on her own. Can Court break down her walls?

An easy afternoon read, and I am ready for the next book!

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
1,989 reviews30 followers
July 29, 2024
Stealing First is the second book in the Pit Bulls Baseball Series.

I loved Macy's relationship with Cord's family. How they treat her makes you feel really happy for her that she had some close people in her life which made her feel safe and like a family. However, I didn't like how she initially interacts with Cord when they see each other again. They break up because she has some doubts about their relationship but then she makes it out like he is kind of the bad guy. She just tries to make him jealous and makes herself look foolish. I didn't like that about her. I understood that she was using a defense mechanism to cope with everything that had happened in her life, but I feel like she didn't need to take it out on Cord.

Cord is the best cinnamon roll style guy. He's been in love with Macy for such a long time and he really wants her back. He tries really hard to make her feel protected and safe and at times it does pay off for him. I was glad he had the endurance to stick it out with Macy and fight for what he wanted. He really helped protect her when she needed it most. And this led her to be more vulnerable around him and finally open up fully to how she could really be.

These two had amazing chemistry and I liked their camaraderie when you actually got the chance to see them having fun around each other. These two were cute together and I was glad they were able to work through their problems together.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
916 reviews53 followers
July 20, 2024
Miranda might seem sassy and tough as nails but she is trying to overcome feelings of low esteem and healing from her past. She can be funny and playful but also humble and introspective.

Cord is a golden retriever and is a sweetheart. He will ate up when needed and can pays attention to detail. He isn’t afraid to go for what he wants.

These two! They get their second chance in this book after a rough break up but they find they way back together as if no time has passed. Cord has always seen things about Macy that no one else has and she feels comfortable being vulnerable around him and showing her true feelings. She doesn’t have to wear a mask around him and he will always help care for her. Likewise Macy breathes life into Cord with her energy and makes him feel whole. The two of them like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly. The sorry takes them on one of healing as they overcome ups and down and face other situations.

It was all great seeing the return of many of the favorites from the author’s various works and seeing where they are since we last met with them in their books. I love all the connections and details. We also get hints at other future couples.

Overall this was a heartfelt read a so look forward to seeing what is next for the Pitbulls.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kell X.
301 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2024
This was a little perfect second chance romance where all the character's feelings are still pretty raw and alive and where we have a male character that could not be more perfect! Come on.. Cord was caring, protective, funny, understanding, a tiny jealous, friendly, gorgeous, and so on and on and on! 
Macy was feisty as hell, and she could back her own against anyone. But sometimes she could come out as a little immature, but I get that it was a way to protect herself and act with an "I don't give a f**k" atitute. Still, it was all an act, and she did care. Actually, she cared too much.
She had a rough past, and was used to being alone and doing things on her own. It was for the best to let all those walls grow and protect her heart.
In the story we can see Cord trying to break down all the walls Macy's has, with all his love for her. He has a lot of support from his family (and let me tell you that his father - Owen - could be one of the character in one of the books, because he was top notch! I would read his story as soon as it came out! - what an amazing side character!)
Inch by inch, he gets through to her and not only gets her to love and learn to be loved, but also helps her to heal!
2,179 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the Pit Bulls Baseball series featuring Cord and Macy's wonderful best-friend's brother, enemies to lovers, fake-dating, forced proximity, second chance, sports romance. Cord and Macy share a past and although it includes a really tough break-up they have never gotten over each other. However when Macy finds herself needing a job she goes to the PitBulls more specifically Owen and Cord's father hires her to work on the PR team. When Cord is made aware of this he tells everyone that they're a couple that he and Macy are dating so that she doesn't have to deal with any unwanted advances. Even though they broke up years ago Cord still feels protective and territorial about Macy. Cord also wants Macy back so he asks her to go along with him for a month pretending to be a couple. Can they make it work this time or will Cord walk away? You really need to read this wonderful best-friend's brother, enemies to lovers, fake-dating, forced proximity, second chance, sports romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
543 reviews
July 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What isn’t to love about a small-town, sports romance? Add in the second chance relationship and it’s perfection.

Macy & Cord were childhood sweethearts until the pressures of having a professional baseball player boyfriend became too much for Macy. Now that she is working PR for his team, they either learn to get along or she needs another job.

Cord is just the sweetest of puppies. Attentive. Loving. Patient. The book boyfriend winner. Macy is hysterical. She’s sassy and blunt and just adore her. I love her banter with Cord’s dad, Owen. Perfection.

My reasons for 4/5⭐️ rating is truly a personal preference. While I kinda like the no-nonsense writing in this book, everything just magically resolves. Like years of trauma or hurt just go away. I personally like there to be more of a journey with some ups and downs - a little more realistic.

With that said….if you are in the market for a super cute, easy read….funny with laugh out loud moments, off-page romance, and sexy baseball players….this book is for you!

📖: arc team
Profile Image for Angela Hodge.
399 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2024
Stealing First by Kristin MacQueen is as much an angst filled love story as it is a story of redemption, I loved it! It’s book two of the Pit Bulls Baseball series and an offshoot of the Boys of Mulberry Lane series.

Cord lost the only woman he’s ever loved and he wants her back, the only problem is that they can’t be in a room together without fighting. Macy loves Cord but will not date a professional athlete, she won’t compete for his attention no matter how much she cares so she throws up her walls. She has unresolved Daddy issues and nothing will change her mind but that that won’t stop Cord from trying.

These characters have issues, they are real and believable and I love their story. The love story in and of itself was great but add in Macy’s backstory and then the resolution, it was both heartbreaking and then heart healing. I laughed, cried and fell in love. I recommend this clean second chance sports romance with a HEA.
Profile Image for Brandi Sylvester.
215 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2024
The relationship between Macy and Cord, isn't a love hate relationship but it could definitely be viewed that way from an outside perspective. They dated previously but never got over each other. Macy deals with a lot of past trauma that makes her feel like she doesn't deserve to be loved and she doesn't trust anyone to get too close. She has a few close friends but when it comes to relationships, it's better to keep them short and sweet. Cord on the other hand makes it known that he loves Macy and she is the only one for him.

When Macy needs a job and goes to work for the Pit Bulls, Cord makes sure everyone knows that she is his. He wants to win her back but he also doesn't want anyone hitting on her and thinking they have a chance with her. They begin fake dating in order for him to win her back, when some from her past shows up out of nowhere and it could destroy everything Cord is trying to do.
618 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2024
This is the second book in the Pit Bulls baseball series and it features Cord and Macy a couple of years after their break up. Cord has been in love with Macy since they met as kids and it killed him when she walked away from him when he signed with the Pit Bulls (owned by his father)because she didn’t trust she was enough compared to the cleat chasers that would throw themselves at him. Macy had a rough childhood and suffers mentally and emotionally from the abuse and neglect she had. Cord doesn’t know everything but he sees behind the mask she wears and knows he can make her happy if she would just let him in. When she needs a job Cord tells his father (who loves Macy like a daughter) who has her explain why she was in need of a job and hires her as the new PR manager for the team. Cord and Macy are made for each other and Cord is patient and persistent enough to take the time to show Macy how much she’s loved and how deserving she is of love.
Profile Image for Janine.
1,097 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2024
4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

Cord is one of the best boyfriends I've read in a while. They way he worships Macey is *chef's kiss*. I loved their relationship, and appreciated how Cord stood up for what he wanted, but allowed Macey to make her own decisions and to truly choose what she wanted, but that he still goes out of his way to truly make her feel safe and show her that he loves her!

I loved Macey's relationship with Owen, Cord's father. And having a difficult relationship with my own father, the storyline about Macey's father is intense, and dealt with SO well. I loved the actions Cord took, and how he went above and beyond to help Macey deal with the situation, and helped her feel safe. SO well done!

Another excellent book by Kristin MacQueen!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews73 followers
August 5, 2024
Cord has been in love with Macy since meeting her when she was twelve. She is his twin's sister's best friend and the love of his life. To him and his family, her family was not important, but to her having everyone leave caused her to put up walls.

So, when Cord made it to the major leagues, Macy figured it would only be time before he would leave her for someone else, so she broke it off with him, breaking not only her heart but his.

Three years later, Cord still loves Macy and is not going to let her get away this time, no matter what.

Amazing story that grabs you from the start. Love how Owen and his wife open their arms again to welcome Macy back into the fold, and the love they show. Cord and Macy have a loving connection that explodes once all walls come down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,609 reviews
August 3, 2024
4.5 stars.

Any story with Owen Powell in makes me smile, but his son Cord Powell, be still my beating heart, what a sweetie and a hottie all rolled into one, just like his father but without his no filter mouth (which is on point in this). I enjoyed getting to know more of Cord and Macy's back story, to find out how and why they ended up the way they did, and seeing Cord fight for them with everything he had. When they were good together they were amazing, when they hurt they made me hurt too. I loved the understanding, acceptance, respect, support and love in this and I thought they made such a good couple. I am loving this series and am looking forward to where it takes me next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,232 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2024
I adored Cord!!! He’s a fantastic boyfriend, friend, brother, and son! While I felt for Macy and what she’d been through, I didn’t like that she basically broke both of their hearts trying to save hers. I also didn’t particularly like the games she was playing when they were all at the bar and was kind of glad that Smithy called her out.
Cord stole my heart with his response and to why he doesn’t love the game and attention of being a professional baseball player!!! I’m glad he never gave up on Macy! I’m looking forward to see what happens with Smithy and Liliana!!! And I LOVE having Owen Powel back!!!!! His shenanigans never get old!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rae Z.
493 reviews
August 3, 2024
This is another second generation love story. We first met Cord and Macy as kids, now they’re all grown up and trying to navigate life as adults.

Cord plays professional baseball and Macy just lost her job, in a spectacular fashion. Owen hires Macy to work PR for the team, and Cord instantly tells the team they’re dating to protect her from unwanted advances from the team, despite the fact they broke up years ago. Cord asks Macy to give him a month and if she wants to end it after that, he’ll walk away. Macy’s past plays a huge role in her present. Can they make it work?

I loved Cord and Macy’s journey. There’s some overlap with a few events from the first book in the series, but this can be read as a stand alone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,162 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2024
This is an amazing book! I absolutely loved Cord and his stamina to get back Macy. Cord’s sister is Macy’s best friend so they have known each other for a long time. They were a couple for a while but Macy was too insecure to continue their relationship. Now that Cord is back, he vows to get her back because he still loves her and is willing to do anything to get her back.
I loved all of these characters. They are fabulous with slight exception of Macy’s initial reaction to Cord. Luckily, she redeemed herself. This author is incredible and I have had the pleasure to have enjoyed most of her books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for greenapplemojito.
762 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2025
Loved the first book of the series better, probably because we got to see almost everyone and the bond and closeness between everyone made it so heartwarming. Plus, the MCs that we fell in love with first in the previous book barely made much of an appearance here and it just felt like we were being introduced to most of these people only now (though even in that case for someone reading this book as a standalone, it might be difficult to keep track).This is the second book in the series, also a second chances book like the first one with more weightage on the enemies-to-lovers. Both Wyatt and Cole are some amazing, supportive (yet cavemanly) MMCs!
4,012 reviews33 followers
July 30, 2024
Stealing First by Kristin MacQueen is a good, and enjoyable baseball shared past best friend's brother forced proximity enemies to lovers small town friends to lovers second chance workplace romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining page turning romance read with a little spice. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,209 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Stealing First, I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to keep reading so I could see what was going to happen next. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information about the book. I recommend reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
437 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2024
Such a beautiful, heartwarming, second chance romance story. Macy broke up with Cord when he made it big as a professional baseball player. Not matter how hard she tries to forget him she can’t, but he past is holding her back from ever giving it a chance. However Cord is determined to prove to Macy how good they can be together given the chance.
A really great story. I just love the characters in this series. This book is funny, cute, sweet, entertaining, loving and so much more. A really enjoyable book, would definitely recommend this book. Great writing as usual from this author.
3,194 reviews26 followers
August 4, 2024
As a big fan of sports romance I was excited to read Stealing First by Kristin MacQueen. Its book 2 in the Pit Bulls Baseball Series and Macy and Cord's story. Despite their breakup Macy and Cord never got over each other. Cord definitely wants her back but Macy's past has left her insecure and she doesn't understand how she could be good enough for Cord. Luckily for her Cord and his family are determined to convince her she's the only one for him. If you enjoy second chance romance you will love their story. Anxious to read the next book.
2,874 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2024
Winning her back
A beautiful and emotional second chance romance for Cord and Macy. The characters instantly captured my heart with their depth, complexity and realism.
Their journey back to each other is heartbreaking, angsty, sweet, swoony, heartfelt and thoroughly entertaining.
Cord is definitely on my best book boyfriend list. His dedication, patience, devotion and love instantly made me fall for him. I laughed, cried and had the best time reading their story.
Loving this series and looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,850 reviews
August 18, 2024
Macy and Cord are meant to be. They fell in love when they were young but when he was signed to the Pit Bulls baseball team, she ended things, hurting Cord in the process and he never stopped loving her. So when she needs a job, he convinces his dad (owner of the team) to give her a job and she ends up working for PR.

I loved how patient Cord was with Macy. He knew what he wanted but knew she needed time to feel safe and deal with her past. And loved the relationship she had with his dad, Owen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aleana.
87 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2024
When I first read this book! I was shocked how closely I could relate to the MFC, our views on life and our potty mouth. Loved the book more with the MMC written so well, so understanding and supportive and never giving up. You can tell the two main characters were made for each other. Their love is all over the book once they work through their issues and having a fake relationship helped! A little spice, a little drama and a lovely romance wrapped up together. A Much Read!
29 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2024
Well, Kristin did it again! I love her style of writing and the stories she creates! When a story is part of a series, it makes anticipate the next one, which is exactly what she is doing here! Books One & Two have been amazing, as always!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
75 reviews
July 26, 2024
Kristin created a beautiful cast of great characters. Not only I thoroughly enjoyed Cord (he is the ultimate best boyfriend, a really caring and nice person who would do everything for the ones he loves) but I also enjoyed having glimpses on all the other characters. It is my first book in the series and it will not be the last I'm sure!
Profile Image for J Williams.
265 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Cord and Macy dated but ended up breaking up. Cord plays baseball for the Pit Bulls and Macy has just been hired to work on the PR Team. Cord and Macey are back in each others lives, the feelings are still there but past hurts may ruin any future they have together. Will Macey give her and Cord's relationship a chance?
651 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2024
Macy & Cord: Book 2 of Pit Bulls Baseball: Second chance/ workplace romance/ best friend’s brother/ fake relationship/ baseball romance: Interconnected standalone. Tame romance. Love the depth all of the characters show, and it makes me eager to read more from this series & others from Kristin MacQueen.

10.8k reviews126 followers
August 8, 2024
I've read a lot of books written by Kristin MacQueen; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Pit Bulls Baseball Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Macy & Cord; he’s a baseball player; she was hurt once and determined to stay away from players. They have a fake relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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