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Rounding the Bases #1
Taking First
Whitley
When Pope left our hometown my life changed. When he came back and saw his nemesis’ ring on my finger, I knew he would be angry, but people change, right?
When he found out I had a little girl he demanded I call things off with Kal. He says he refuses to let a man like him raise his child.
I told him she wasn’t his, but he still won’t back down.
Pope
The last thing I expected when I finally came home was to find out my best friend was a single mother to a four-year-old little beauty. Especially since that best friend asked me to rid her of her virtue before I left to play in the minors, nearly five years ago.
She says she’s not mine, but I know she belongs to me.
They say all is fair in love and baseball, but when secrets are revealed and truths are finally told, will he fight for a love he never expected or the game he was born to play?
When Pope left our hometown my life changed. When he came back and saw his nemesis’ ring on my finger, I knew he would be angry, but people change, right?
When he found out I had a little girl he demanded I call things off with Kal. He says he refuses to let a man like him raise his child.
I told him she wasn’t his, but he still won’t back down.
Pope
The last thing I expected when I finally came home was to find out my best friend was a single mother to a four-year-old little beauty. Especially since that best friend asked me to rid her of her virtue before I left to play in the minors, nearly five years ago.
She says she’s not mine, but I know she belongs to me.
They say all is fair in love and baseball, but when secrets are revealed and truths are finally told, will he fight for a love he never expected or the game he was born to play?
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
562 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Fields
153 books3,970 followersMJ Fields is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She lives in New York with her daughter Miss A, smoochie faced Newfie, Theo and the newest member to the 'fields crew, rescue diva / holy terror Eleanor.
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.
Forever Steel!
Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.
Forever Steel!
Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
August 25, 2025
This was just okay for me. Very little spice until forever into it, a ton of stuff got crammed into a short period of time at the end, and a lot of it stretched belief.
March 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐
I did enjoy most parts of this book but a lot of times I kinda zoned out a bit, it was a tad bit dull. Quite a few grammar mistakes and typos but nothing crazy. I found it totally weird that the main characters kept calling the other by their full name "Whitley Mae Belington and Jonathan Gregory Paul" like what? It's weird lol. Nora was a cool kid, I loved her character. Eventually I want to check out M.J's other books.
I did enjoy most parts of this book but a lot of times I kinda zoned out a bit, it was a tad bit dull. Quite a few grammar mistakes and typos but nothing crazy. I found it totally weird that the main characters kept calling the other by their full name "Whitley Mae Belington and Jonathan Gregory Paul" like what? It's weird lol. Nora was a cool kid, I loved her character. Eventually I want to check out M.J's other books.
March 12, 2024
Taking First: A second chance romance, small town, sports romance (Rounding The Bases Book 1) by MJ Fields is about the first basemen of the MLB baseball club in New York, John Paul, nicknamed Pope, who returns home in his offseason where he realizes nothing is the same. His best friend Whitley, whom he has always secretly loved, is now engaged, and a single mom causes him to begin wondering if he could be the father of Whitley’s four-year-old. Considering their one fumbling encounter before he left town, he could have produced her. Some secrets surround Whitley’s daughter Nora, whose birth certificate names Pope as the father. When Whitley calls off her engagement to the arrogant, pompous, self-absorbed lawyer jerk after an altercation, the previous friendship between Pope and Whit begins to warm up. Whit proposes that she and Pope marry (in name only) to protect Nora and not lose her since her ex threatens to take her away. Pope sees his marriage to Whit more through the lens of forever, but it will take some time to convince her. The shared four friends’ group of side characters cheer on the budding romance between Pope and Whit, along with a precocious little girl who decides Pope will be her daddy. There are shady things taking place behind the scenes that involve Whit’s ex and her friend Chole’s abusive ex. There is drama, intrigue, and suspense as the friends lean on and support each other. MJ Fields draws one into the book on the first page and captivates the reader until the last page, a “tell” of a master story weaver.
March 13, 2024
Taking First is one of those stories that has you mesmerized by the storyline, the characters and the underlying secrets and revelations. This first book in the Rounding Bases is a second chance romance of sorts. Pope and Whit have history and a friendship, one that has been pushed aside due to lies, mistakes and heartache. As Pope returns home and finds that all is not what he thought, he will make it his focus to ensure the person who has always owned his heart is finally his. However amongst the drama, heat, steam and passion it will be a little girl that will ultimately steal your heart. A story that at times will have you on the edge of your seat and at other times will leave you breathless will also fill your heart and also have you smiling and swooning. The icing on the cake for me was that the epilogue gave you such an insight into the future of these characters that had found their way buried deep under my skin.
March 13, 2024
OMG,OMG,OMG!!!
Pope story is one i didn't know i needed! He's also not what i expected. We first kinda meet Pope in Smashed Steel which is Amias's story & you get bits of him, but i was not expecting to have another name in my fantasy book.
Ok so we meet Pope as he is starting out his career & get his entire back story along with so much more. Whit is his best friend growing up & yes they obviously love each other that's why they have a book.
Whit is a strong woman who is kindhearted & loving in so many damn ways. She is perfect!! Seriously perfect! Pope? My god Pope is the southern boy next door who we have all dreamed of having in our lives & wish we lived in the south so we actually did. He is the definition of "True Man". He's loving, attentive, caring & pays attention to detail in more ways than one. I dowloaded & couldn't put it down! Each page was an adventure & keeps you wanting more! This story is a must read!!! I don't want to give spoilers because i hate when people do that. I will say you will laugh, cry & be smiling when you're done....IT IS THAT GOOD!!!
Pope story is one i didn't know i needed! He's also not what i expected. We first kinda meet Pope in Smashed Steel which is Amias's story & you get bits of him, but i was not expecting to have another name in my fantasy book.
Ok so we meet Pope as he is starting out his career & get his entire back story along with so much more. Whit is his best friend growing up & yes they obviously love each other that's why they have a book.
Whit is a strong woman who is kindhearted & loving in so many damn ways. She is perfect!! Seriously perfect! Pope? My god Pope is the southern boy next door who we have all dreamed of having in our lives & wish we lived in the south so we actually did. He is the definition of "True Man". He's loving, attentive, caring & pays attention to detail in more ways than one. I dowloaded & couldn't put it down! Each page was an adventure & keeps you wanting more! This story is a must read!!! I don't want to give spoilers because i hate when people do that. I will say you will laugh, cry & be smiling when you're done....IT IS THAT GOOD!!!
March 13, 2024
Pope and Whitley
Taking First has a lot to do with this book.
MJ Fields has once again written another 5 Star ⭐️ book!
A beautiful second chance romance, between childhood friends in a quaint small town setting!
John Paul nicknamed Pope plays for the Major League Baseball in New York. Whitley is his first love and his ex-girlfriend. Whitley works as a nurse in the local hospital and she is also raising a four-year-old little girl named Nora.
There are so many unanswered questions and a fatal attraction ex fiancé.
This is a well written book that I didn’t want to stop reading and the love scenes are tastefully written 🔥
Great secondary characters and an absolutely beautiful ending that I Loved!
A definite must read!
Taking First has a lot to do with this book.
MJ Fields has once again written another 5 Star ⭐️ book!
A beautiful second chance romance, between childhood friends in a quaint small town setting!
John Paul nicknamed Pope plays for the Major League Baseball in New York. Whitley is his first love and his ex-girlfriend. Whitley works as a nurse in the local hospital and she is also raising a four-year-old little girl named Nora.
There are so many unanswered questions and a fatal attraction ex fiancé.
This is a well written book that I didn’t want to stop reading and the love scenes are tastefully written 🔥
Great secondary characters and an absolutely beautiful ending that I Loved!
A definite must read!
November 8, 2025
Pope, Whitley, Marks, and Danny grew up like siblings but this closeness between Pope and Whitley was just a little different. No one knew, the closeness they shared but them. But when Pope’s dad died, and they had to leave base living they moved to Walton, Texas. That's where he met the other three. His mom’s goal once they saw Pope’s potential in baseball was to get him to the majors. Never anticipating that she wouldn’t be around when he made it. Here he had just finished his first year in the major league, and his mom had already been gone three years.
And in all that time he hadn’t been home except for the funeral. After the last game, he had already made plans to go back home a close up loose ends. See what shape the house was in and reconnect with his friends, and truly thank them for everything from supporting him to being there for his mom. However, the night before he had brought home a regular f-k buddy, Mallory who told him, a few things. One that her biological clock was ticking, not to worry she wasn’t offering up her uterus. At least not to him, she had gotten a better job offer, and she was taking it.
But she told him she noticed him with the children at the fundraiser, and how he would make a great dad one day. But he needed to make sure she wasn’t just sexually compatible, but could also be his best friend, and then marry her. That made him think of the one girl who had meant the world to him and had been his best friend, Whitley Mae Belington—Whit. He did remember how different she looked—stunning. Just as beautiful as the women he’d been with over the past few years. You wouldn’t have known it when they were younger, since Whit covered it all up under baggy clothes.
Except that last night, the night before graduation, which he missed because he had to leave for training camp with the Triple-A team, the Syracuse Mets, in Upstate New York. In fact, she was picked on, and just a week before that night, she was told she’d be holding her V-card forever by Sadie, a girl who liked him. Whit made him promise not to touch her, and he assured Whit that her nasty ass wasn’t his type. “John Gregory Paul” also remembered telling her to hold onto her innocence, because whoever got to love her was going to be the luckiest prick on the planet.
She told him she wanted it to be him. “So, I’m gonna go to college a virgin because you can’t do with me what you’ve done with countless others?” I started to object, but she held up her hand, stopping me. “I’d never let you go out of here like that.” “We’re best friends, Whit.” “And that’s why—” She stopped and shook her head. “Never mind. I’ll just ask—” “I don’t want to hear what undeserving piece of sh-t you’re going to ask to bust your cherry—” “And I’ll never tell,” she huffed and began to walk away. Instinct kicked in, and he grabbed her hand to stop her.
She turned and looked up at me, soft eyes full of anger when they caught mine. They changed right in front of me as she quirked her brow in challenge. “Say please.” Her face screwed up. “What?” “Say please.” “Fine, please.” “Let’s go then.” When he leaned in to kiss her, she pulled back. “Just the sex part.” “You need to relax, or it’s going to hurt.” “Pope, just do it already.” “Say ple—” “Seriously?” I nodded once. “Please.” Things changed after that. We texted once a week for the first couple of months, then just once a month, and then on birthdays.
Then, Mom got sick. Whit was in nursing school. She noticed Mom had a cough that lingered. Whit was the one who insisted she go to the doctor. The diagnosis? Stage four lung cancer. She never smoked—ever. He flew home anytime he had more than a day off. When he wasn’t there, Whit, Danny, and his aunt stepped up in a big way. The day he got the call that the treatments were no longer working, and that hospice was being called in, he left the team to be with her. That was when he realized Whit and Danny were together.
The Mets took him back, but he played two more years in the minors, and he had just finished his first season with them. Pope hasn’t been home since Mom passed, and that was three years ago. When Pope wakes up in the morning, he’s in a foul mood. He blames Mallory and Turner for sending him on that trip down memory lane, but the truth is that he’s been putting off things he’s needed to face. It’s the off season. He has no real plans until the exhibition game in Vegas. There are no more excuses for not going back to Walton to take care of what he left behind.
The First Methodist Church of Walton, a place they spent every Sunday after moving there. The place where he met Whit, who lived with her grandparents. Last he heard, her grandfather is still the pastor, and her grandmother, Mildred, still plays the piano every Sunday and leads the choir that his Mom sang in. This should feel like home, yet it didn't. He pulls into the cemetery and follows the road that leads to the farthest row back, where Mom was laid to rest under the biggest tree on the property, with Dad’s ashes inside her casket, just as she wanted it.
Gregory and Bianca Paul, Beloved parents. “Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. Sorry, I haven’t been around. Life’s been busy. I’m stopping by to tell y’all I finished my first season with the Mets. That wouldn’t have happened without either of you. I know you would have been there if you could have. Swear to God, I looked for y’all.” “I miss and love you more than I could ever imagine. Thank you for being my parents.” I hope I’m making you proud.” Whit is now an RN and what’s near to her heart is helping women get out of abusive relationships.
Chloe was finally ready to leave and York was there to take her statement but before she and Whit could get back into the room she had picked up his call, so she was dressed when they entered. York tells Whit not to sweat it. She has Whit still check on the safe placement for Chloe. Then York called Marks the Sheriff and told him about, “Charges weren’t pressed, but Spud is heading to Walton Med to pick her up. I’m gonna guess he won’t pass a breathalyzer.” “Evil genius,” Whit whispers, and she winks at her.
“And I’m gonna guess he has a taillight out.” Marks chuckles. “Good work, York.” “You secure a safe place for her to stay. I’ll take her to get her clothes after Marks cuffs that piece of sh-t and tosses his a$$ in the drunk tank.” See how this case brings the four friends back together. And when a lie comes out and a truth is revealed Whit can’t believe she allowed the riff to happen. See the romance unravel but not without some suspenseful moments.
And in all that time he hadn’t been home except for the funeral. After the last game, he had already made plans to go back home a close up loose ends. See what shape the house was in and reconnect with his friends, and truly thank them for everything from supporting him to being there for his mom. However, the night before he had brought home a regular f-k buddy, Mallory who told him, a few things. One that her biological clock was ticking, not to worry she wasn’t offering up her uterus. At least not to him, she had gotten a better job offer, and she was taking it.
But she told him she noticed him with the children at the fundraiser, and how he would make a great dad one day. But he needed to make sure she wasn’t just sexually compatible, but could also be his best friend, and then marry her. That made him think of the one girl who had meant the world to him and had been his best friend, Whitley Mae Belington—Whit. He did remember how different she looked—stunning. Just as beautiful as the women he’d been with over the past few years. You wouldn’t have known it when they were younger, since Whit covered it all up under baggy clothes.
Except that last night, the night before graduation, which he missed because he had to leave for training camp with the Triple-A team, the Syracuse Mets, in Upstate New York. In fact, she was picked on, and just a week before that night, she was told she’d be holding her V-card forever by Sadie, a girl who liked him. Whit made him promise not to touch her, and he assured Whit that her nasty ass wasn’t his type. “John Gregory Paul” also remembered telling her to hold onto her innocence, because whoever got to love her was going to be the luckiest prick on the planet.
She told him she wanted it to be him. “So, I’m gonna go to college a virgin because you can’t do with me what you’ve done with countless others?” I started to object, but she held up her hand, stopping me. “I’d never let you go out of here like that.” “We’re best friends, Whit.” “And that’s why—” She stopped and shook her head. “Never mind. I’ll just ask—” “I don’t want to hear what undeserving piece of sh-t you’re going to ask to bust your cherry—” “And I’ll never tell,” she huffed and began to walk away. Instinct kicked in, and he grabbed her hand to stop her.
She turned and looked up at me, soft eyes full of anger when they caught mine. They changed right in front of me as she quirked her brow in challenge. “Say please.” Her face screwed up. “What?” “Say please.” “Fine, please.” “Let’s go then.” When he leaned in to kiss her, she pulled back. “Just the sex part.” “You need to relax, or it’s going to hurt.” “Pope, just do it already.” “Say ple—” “Seriously?” I nodded once. “Please.” Things changed after that. We texted once a week for the first couple of months, then just once a month, and then on birthdays.
Then, Mom got sick. Whit was in nursing school. She noticed Mom had a cough that lingered. Whit was the one who insisted she go to the doctor. The diagnosis? Stage four lung cancer. She never smoked—ever. He flew home anytime he had more than a day off. When he wasn’t there, Whit, Danny, and his aunt stepped up in a big way. The day he got the call that the treatments were no longer working, and that hospice was being called in, he left the team to be with her. That was when he realized Whit and Danny were together.
The Mets took him back, but he played two more years in the minors, and he had just finished his first season with them. Pope hasn’t been home since Mom passed, and that was three years ago. When Pope wakes up in the morning, he’s in a foul mood. He blames Mallory and Turner for sending him on that trip down memory lane, but the truth is that he’s been putting off things he’s needed to face. It’s the off season. He has no real plans until the exhibition game in Vegas. There are no more excuses for not going back to Walton to take care of what he left behind.
The First Methodist Church of Walton, a place they spent every Sunday after moving there. The place where he met Whit, who lived with her grandparents. Last he heard, her grandfather is still the pastor, and her grandmother, Mildred, still plays the piano every Sunday and leads the choir that his Mom sang in. This should feel like home, yet it didn't. He pulls into the cemetery and follows the road that leads to the farthest row back, where Mom was laid to rest under the biggest tree on the property, with Dad’s ashes inside her casket, just as she wanted it.
Gregory and Bianca Paul, Beloved parents. “Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. Sorry, I haven’t been around. Life’s been busy. I’m stopping by to tell y’all I finished my first season with the Mets. That wouldn’t have happened without either of you. I know you would have been there if you could have. Swear to God, I looked for y’all.” “I miss and love you more than I could ever imagine. Thank you for being my parents.” I hope I’m making you proud.” Whit is now an RN and what’s near to her heart is helping women get out of abusive relationships.
Chloe was finally ready to leave and York was there to take her statement but before she and Whit could get back into the room she had picked up his call, so she was dressed when they entered. York tells Whit not to sweat it. She has Whit still check on the safe placement for Chloe. Then York called Marks the Sheriff and told him about, “Charges weren’t pressed, but Spud is heading to Walton Med to pick her up. I’m gonna guess he won’t pass a breathalyzer.” “Evil genius,” Whit whispers, and she winks at her.
“And I’m gonna guess he has a taillight out.” Marks chuckles. “Good work, York.” “You secure a safe place for her to stay. I’ll take her to get her clothes after Marks cuffs that piece of sh-t and tosses his a$$ in the drunk tank.” See how this case brings the four friends back together. And when a lie comes out and a truth is revealed Whit can’t believe she allowed the riff to happen. See the romance unravel but not without some suspenseful moments.
March 26, 2024
first scene is him having sex with ow just days before going back to his hometown where the fmc is. he was always “so in love” with the fmc and “was planning on marrying her once his ten yrs in the mlb were up.” why was that first scene necessary???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
Taking First by MJ Fields is the first book in her new series Rounding The Bases. It is a small town, second chance, baseball romance between John Paul aka ‘Pope’ and Whitley Mae Belington. Shocks and surprises are in store for Pope when he returns home after three years away playing baseball. When all the secrets and lies are revealed, will the truth send him away again or can he win over the only girl he’s ever loved. Will Whitley and Pope be able to put the past behind them and admit their hidden feelings for each other.
“If there’s anything worth fighting for, it’s your little girl.”
Whit was the first friend he made after moving to Walton when his dad died. They became best friends but never admitted their true feelings, even though everyone else knew how they felt. She used to tell him everything and if anything was wrong, he’d make it better. He was the one she choose to be her first before he left to play baseball professionally.
Pope has just completed his first season in the majors for New York and decides to return home to face the things he’s put off since mum died. He feels guilty for staying away for so long but didn’t expect to find so much had changed. He thought Whit was with his best friend Danny so is shocked to find out she is engaged to Kal, the guy who bullied him at school. He can’t understand why she is with him, then to make matters worse, he learns she is a single mum. He is furious because his friends helped him while his mum ill so why didn’t they tell him. He also can’t believe Whit never told him.
We find out what Whit has been through since Pope left and what she’s done. How their friendship faded away because she had believed the lies about him. Nora will grab you by the heartstrings just like she did Pope the moment he saw her. He is determined to prove to Whit she deserves more, he can help fix the mess she has found herself in and be a good dad to Nora. I loved their friends as they were all so supportive and really pitched in to help the couple. Danny and Chloe were so funny with their banter. Her grandparents were also brillant and I adored all the snippets about his mum.
When Whit realises Kal is not the man for her and Nora there are threats and dangers lurking around every corner. It was sad how she continues to make him believe his love is unrequited but when a marriage of convenience is suggested, will it finally give them the future they always hoped for. I loved his conditions for agreeing to the marriage and how hard he works to convince her they were always meant to be. Some good twists at the end to tie up all the loose ends and then a fun catch up with everyone in the epilogue.
“If there’s anything worth fighting for, it’s your little girl.”
Whit was the first friend he made after moving to Walton when his dad died. They became best friends but never admitted their true feelings, even though everyone else knew how they felt. She used to tell him everything and if anything was wrong, he’d make it better. He was the one she choose to be her first before he left to play baseball professionally.
Pope has just completed his first season in the majors for New York and decides to return home to face the things he’s put off since mum died. He feels guilty for staying away for so long but didn’t expect to find so much had changed. He thought Whit was with his best friend Danny so is shocked to find out she is engaged to Kal, the guy who bullied him at school. He can’t understand why she is with him, then to make matters worse, he learns she is a single mum. He is furious because his friends helped him while his mum ill so why didn’t they tell him. He also can’t believe Whit never told him.
We find out what Whit has been through since Pope left and what she’s done. How their friendship faded away because she had believed the lies about him. Nora will grab you by the heartstrings just like she did Pope the moment he saw her. He is determined to prove to Whit she deserves more, he can help fix the mess she has found herself in and be a good dad to Nora. I loved their friends as they were all so supportive and really pitched in to help the couple. Danny and Chloe were so funny with their banter. Her grandparents were also brillant and I adored all the snippets about his mum.
When Whit realises Kal is not the man for her and Nora there are threats and dangers lurking around every corner. It was sad how she continues to make him believe his love is unrequited but when a marriage of convenience is suggested, will it finally give them the future they always hoped for. I loved his conditions for agreeing to the marriage and how hard he works to convince her they were always meant to be. Some good twists at the end to tie up all the loose ends and then a fun catch up with everyone in the epilogue.
March 13, 2024
Anything that MJ writes I will automatically buy because I love her stories so much!
⚾️ First and foremost, I absolutely loved Whitley and Pope so much. Whitley is such an amazing mum, great friend and so selfless. The love she has for Nora is extraordinary and it was so lovely reading the love between Whitley and Nora. Pope, ahhh he is so beautiful and radiates happiness, kindness and he's really caring.He's always lost his mind for Whitley and I think he personally always loved her and was kind of waiting for her in a sense but couldn't quite get there after an encounter many years previously...
⚾️ When Pope comes back home after many years away it's obvious that so much had changed for not only him but for the friends he left behind especially his best friend Whit. So many lies caused a massive riff between Pope and Whit. Also, fairly quickly we realise that Pope isn't a fan of Whitley's new boyfriend and the same goes of the boyfriend too. But Pope instantly falls in love with Nora, because who wouldn't and he will stop at nothing to not only have her but her mum too. I love that about him, he's so good with kids and makes everything fun but when it gets tough he knows what and how to say things that kids can understand.
⚾️ Whitley and Pope grow closer once again and it's so sweet because Nora is always included in their plans. Crazy things go down within this friend group and Whitley and Pope come up with a plan. The plan is to get married to protect Nora. Little does Whitley know but Pope is never letting Whitley and Nora go...
⚾️ There are a few little spicy scenes in this story but I think that the way this story progresses is perfect the way it is and that is why there is only a few.
⚾️ Overall, this is a great story. I'm not really giving too much away because I want you to experience it for yourself 😍😍😍
This is the first book in the series so I have a feeling we are going to be in for a wild ride moving forward 🙂
Thank you so much to Mj and the wonderful team at Wordsmith Publicity for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
💕 dual pov
💕 second chance romance
💕 sports romance
💕 small town
💕 single mum
💕 "marriage of convenience vibes"
⚾️ First and foremost, I absolutely loved Whitley and Pope so much. Whitley is such an amazing mum, great friend and so selfless. The love she has for Nora is extraordinary and it was so lovely reading the love between Whitley and Nora. Pope, ahhh he is so beautiful and radiates happiness, kindness and he's really caring.He's always lost his mind for Whitley and I think he personally always loved her and was kind of waiting for her in a sense but couldn't quite get there after an encounter many years previously...
⚾️ When Pope comes back home after many years away it's obvious that so much had changed for not only him but for the friends he left behind especially his best friend Whit. So many lies caused a massive riff between Pope and Whit. Also, fairly quickly we realise that Pope isn't a fan of Whitley's new boyfriend and the same goes of the boyfriend too. But Pope instantly falls in love with Nora, because who wouldn't and he will stop at nothing to not only have her but her mum too. I love that about him, he's so good with kids and makes everything fun but when it gets tough he knows what and how to say things that kids can understand.
⚾️ Whitley and Pope grow closer once again and it's so sweet because Nora is always included in their plans. Crazy things go down within this friend group and Whitley and Pope come up with a plan. The plan is to get married to protect Nora. Little does Whitley know but Pope is never letting Whitley and Nora go...
⚾️ There are a few little spicy scenes in this story but I think that the way this story progresses is perfect the way it is and that is why there is only a few.
⚾️ Overall, this is a great story. I'm not really giving too much away because I want you to experience it for yourself 😍😍😍
This is the first book in the series so I have a feeling we are going to be in for a wild ride moving forward 🙂
Thank you so much to Mj and the wonderful team at Wordsmith Publicity for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
💕 dual pov
💕 second chance romance
💕 sports romance
💕 small town
💕 single mum
💕 "marriage of convenience vibes"
March 16, 2024
(Advance Readers Copy)
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Welcome to the world of baseball, childhood best friend becoming lovers, and some drama with suspense. M.J. Fields have you everything you would need in the spicy baseball story.
Pope returns to his hometown to deal with his mother's home a few years after her death. This wasn't a planned visit, but once he gets there, things go sideways. He learns that the only girl he's ever loved is a single mother of a 5 year old little girl named Nora. Whitley is the only girl he's ever had feelings for, but Pope hasn't been home since his mother passed.
While discovering that Whitley is a single mother, he thinks that Nora is his. Things aren't what they seen, though. He may be on the birth certificate as Nora's father, but he soon learns that Whitley isn't Nora's real mother. Pope also learns that Whitley is engaged to the one person in this small town, which was his bully growing up.
He has one goal now before his baseball season starts. Make Whitley and Nora's his. Once in town and working on his mother's home, Whitney's fiancé, Kal becomes aggravated and starts doing things that are crazy. Whitley is a strong woman who works and provides for her daughter and helps her grandparents that she had always lived with. She starts seeing her fiance in another light that she doesn't like. Nora loves Pope and wants to be around him all the time. Whitley is heartbroken from when Pope left and keeps trying to push him away. Will Pope get his chance to step up to the plate and get his family? Or will Whitley choose to stay with her fiance once things start coming out, and he threatens to have Nora taken?
This book is about childhood best friends finding their way back to each other. A group of best friends growing up, banning together and helping one another out. This story has some sweet moments that will make you tear up and other moments where you want to punch certain characters. This book does need some more editing, but it is well written. I love the southern accent of the characters, especially Nora's. That little girl is just the cutest.
Tropes:
- Baseball Romance
- Single Mom
- Found Family
- Drama
- Close Proximity
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Welcome to the world of baseball, childhood best friend becoming lovers, and some drama with suspense. M.J. Fields have you everything you would need in the spicy baseball story.
Pope returns to his hometown to deal with his mother's home a few years after her death. This wasn't a planned visit, but once he gets there, things go sideways. He learns that the only girl he's ever loved is a single mother of a 5 year old little girl named Nora. Whitley is the only girl he's ever had feelings for, but Pope hasn't been home since his mother passed.
While discovering that Whitley is a single mother, he thinks that Nora is his. Things aren't what they seen, though. He may be on the birth certificate as Nora's father, but he soon learns that Whitley isn't Nora's real mother. Pope also learns that Whitley is engaged to the one person in this small town, which was his bully growing up.
He has one goal now before his baseball season starts. Make Whitley and Nora's his. Once in town and working on his mother's home, Whitney's fiancé, Kal becomes aggravated and starts doing things that are crazy. Whitley is a strong woman who works and provides for her daughter and helps her grandparents that she had always lived with. She starts seeing her fiance in another light that she doesn't like. Nora loves Pope and wants to be around him all the time. Whitley is heartbroken from when Pope left and keeps trying to push him away. Will Pope get his chance to step up to the plate and get his family? Or will Whitley choose to stay with her fiance once things start coming out, and he threatens to have Nora taken?
This book is about childhood best friends finding their way back to each other. A group of best friends growing up, banning together and helping one another out. This story has some sweet moments that will make you tear up and other moments where you want to punch certain characters. This book does need some more editing, but it is well written. I love the southern accent of the characters, especially Nora's. That little girl is just the cutest.
Tropes:
- Baseball Romance
- Single Mom
- Found Family
- Drama
- Close Proximity
March 14, 2024
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 is the 1st book in the Rounding the Bases series by M.J. Fields, featuring a riveting second chance/ marriage of convenience sports romance for childhood friends John Paul and Whitley. When John Paul aka “Pope” returned to his small town after a 3 year absence playing baseball, he did not expect Whitley to be wearing the ring of his lifelong enemy or to be the mother of an adorable little girl. But everything isn’t as it seems. They are forced to face secrets, lies, and misunderstandings head-on, before they can even consider fixing their relationship. Pope has to decide just how hard he’s willing to fight to keep his girls in his life. Baseball may just have to move over to make room for his new priorities.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! First, I love a good childhood friends to lovers arc, but this was so unique and refreshing that I just couldn’t get enough! Pope could be flirty and sexy, protective and strong, but also that sweet small town boy who was raised right.😍 I also loved Whitley, who had a heart of pure gold, and the strength and fortitude of a warrior princess if she would ever need it. They were definitely meant to be, but boy did they have drama and obstacles in their way!👀 The twists and suspense aspects that popped up surprised me and made for an emotional and exciting read! Pope and Whitley had me blushing with their blazing hot chemistry.🔥 The fabulous cast of characters brought camaraderie, banter, and a found family vibe, and yes there were moments when I was crying! One scene in particular had me laughing and crying at the same time, because Mom’s just know some things.🥹 I just fell in love with all these characters! And Nora?! So adorable!🥰 I have to mention that the epilogue was AMAZING! I cannot wait for the next book!!
I received a free ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
#TakingFirst #MJFields #RoundingtheBasesSeries #SecondChance #BaseballRomance #MarriageofConvenience #sportsromance
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! First, I love a good childhood friends to lovers arc, but this was so unique and refreshing that I just couldn’t get enough! Pope could be flirty and sexy, protective and strong, but also that sweet small town boy who was raised right.😍 I also loved Whitley, who had a heart of pure gold, and the strength and fortitude of a warrior princess if she would ever need it. They were definitely meant to be, but boy did they have drama and obstacles in their way!👀 The twists and suspense aspects that popped up surprised me and made for an emotional and exciting read! Pope and Whitley had me blushing with their blazing hot chemistry.🔥 The fabulous cast of characters brought camaraderie, banter, and a found family vibe, and yes there were moments when I was crying! One scene in particular had me laughing and crying at the same time, because Mom’s just know some things.🥹 I just fell in love with all these characters! And Nora?! So adorable!🥰 I have to mention that the epilogue was AMAZING! I cannot wait for the next book!!
I received a free ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
#TakingFirst #MJFields #RoundingtheBasesSeries #SecondChance #BaseballRomance #MarriageofConvenience #sportsromance
March 15, 2024
Taking First ( Rounding The Bases Book #1 ) Tropes 💜Small Town 💜Second Chance 💜Sports/ Baseball romance 💜Marriage of convenience and all the feels . Let me. Just start by saying how much I absolutely adore pretty much anything that M.J Fields writes . Truth is that every single time I pick up one of her books my expectations are not only exceeded but I’m completely blown away in all the best ways . Taking First is no different. From the very first page of Pope and Whitleys epic love story I was hooked and I do mean hooked , fighting to keep my eye open simply because I started reading very late at night and there was no way I was putting it down and I did try believe me . Im such a sucker for an emotionally charged best friends to lovers romance and that’s exactly what we get with pope and Whitley- she’s a single mom and he’s a professional baseball player . Two people who yes are best friends but have two completely different lives . Well fate steps in and changes everything .what a emotional rollercoaster that plays on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. You’ll experience everything from being utterly speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration. Your heart will feel like it’s beating so fast and then bam belong crushed with tears streaming down your cheeks, you’ll smile, you’ll laugh , you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen from one second to the next . And you’ll find yourself rooting so freaking hard . Angst, humor , witty banter , drama , obstacle's, intrigue , suspense, secrets , tragedy, love , passion , unexpected surprises, push and pull , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, family , friendships and so much more .
a few seconds ago
a few seconds ago
November 1, 2025
Just as the Blue Jays lost to the Dodgers in the 6th game of the World Series, tying them at 3 wins each with the 7th and deciding game tonight in Toronto, so did this baseball romance loose me. One of the main reasons is the whole story is based on The Big Misunderstanding, a trope I loathe.
Heroine Whitt and hero Pope have been very close friends most of their lives.when they hit their teens there were sparks never acted on until the night Pope was about to leave on the road to his baseball career when something significant did happen. Except for very brief visits, Pope never returned to their hometown. We find out the main reason is the BigM. Meanwhile Pope makes it to the big leagues, I think, it’s not exactly specified, and returns for a lengthy amount time during the off season. He soon learns the special relationship between Whitt and one of his best friends is over and now she’s engaged to a complete douche. And oh, she’s a mother. And the timing fits in with his last night in their town. So he’s convinced he’s the dad and wants Whitt and Nora, Whitts daughter, to be his family.
But Whitt wants nothing to do with that. Even once The Big Misunderstanding is cleared up and it’s obvious they still have deep feelings for each other and Nora adores Pope, Whitt tries to put distance between them. I hate when this happens and any good feelings I have for the heroine disappears. And as I kept reading, I became more and more annoyed with her. Add this to the fact that baseball was really a non factor and that was a huge factor in choosing the book and you have a recipe for a DNF. Disappointing.
Heroine Whitt and hero Pope have been very close friends most of their lives.when they hit their teens there were sparks never acted on until the night Pope was about to leave on the road to his baseball career when something significant did happen. Except for very brief visits, Pope never returned to their hometown. We find out the main reason is the BigM. Meanwhile Pope makes it to the big leagues, I think, it’s not exactly specified, and returns for a lengthy amount time during the off season. He soon learns the special relationship between Whitt and one of his best friends is over and now she’s engaged to a complete douche. And oh, she’s a mother. And the timing fits in with his last night in their town. So he’s convinced he’s the dad and wants Whitt and Nora, Whitts daughter, to be his family.
But Whitt wants nothing to do with that. Even once The Big Misunderstanding is cleared up and it’s obvious they still have deep feelings for each other and Nora adores Pope, Whitt tries to put distance between them. I hate when this happens and any good feelings I have for the heroine disappears. And as I kept reading, I became more and more annoyed with her. Add this to the fact that baseball was really a non factor and that was a huge factor in choosing the book and you have a recipe for a DNF. Disappointing.
March 13, 2024
This is Book 1 of Rounding the Bases Series.
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Prepare to be swept away in a whirlwind of passion, secrets, and second chances with Taking First. This captivating romance takes readers on a journey of love and redemption against the backdrop of baseball, delivering a story that is both heartwarming and exhilarating.
Whitley's life takes an unexpected turn when Pope, her best friend, returns to their hometown and discovers she is now engaged to another man. When Pope learns that Whitley has a daughter, he insists on protecting her from the man he perceives as unworthy. Despite Whitley's protests and denials, Pope can't shake the feeling that the little girl is his own.
Fields masterfully weaves a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as secrets are revealed and truths come to light. The chemistry between Whitley and Pope is electric, their connection palpable even as they navigate the complexities of their past and present.
What sets Taking First apart is its authentic portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the power of forgiveness. Fields delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of redemption and second chances with sensitivity and depth. As Whitley and Pope confront their past mistakes and confront their true feelings, readers are drawn into a love story that is as poignant as it is passionate.
Whether you're a fan of baseball romances or simply love a good second-chance love story, Taking First is sure to hit all the right notes. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and steamy romance, this book is a home run. Don't miss out on this captivating read that will leave you cheering for more!
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Prepare to be swept away in a whirlwind of passion, secrets, and second chances with Taking First. This captivating romance takes readers on a journey of love and redemption against the backdrop of baseball, delivering a story that is both heartwarming and exhilarating.
Whitley's life takes an unexpected turn when Pope, her best friend, returns to their hometown and discovers she is now engaged to another man. When Pope learns that Whitley has a daughter, he insists on protecting her from the man he perceives as unworthy. Despite Whitley's protests and denials, Pope can't shake the feeling that the little girl is his own.
Fields masterfully weaves a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as secrets are revealed and truths come to light. The chemistry between Whitley and Pope is electric, their connection palpable even as they navigate the complexities of their past and present.
What sets Taking First apart is its authentic portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the power of forgiveness. Fields delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of redemption and second chances with sensitivity and depth. As Whitley and Pope confront their past mistakes and confront their true feelings, readers are drawn into a love story that is as poignant as it is passionate.
Whether you're a fan of baseball romances or simply love a good second-chance love story, Taking First is sure to hit all the right notes. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and steamy romance, this book is a home run. Don't miss out on this captivating read that will leave you cheering for more!
March 15, 2024
I received an eARC from WordSmith PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
DANG. Right out of the gate on this one, and I'm all in haha I loved every single thing about this book. The drama, the angst, the steam. It was great! I wasn't quite surprised at how the mystery here shaped up, but it was still very fun to unravel. The rather extensive epilogue answered every single question you could possibly need answered!
Jaded baseball player "Pope" John Paul returns to his hometown to tie up some loose ends and ends up falling head first for a little girl and her mother, Whitley, who just happens to be his former best friend. He still feels overprotective of Whit, and doesn't take too kindly to her being engaged. Once he was left town after high school, Pope never saw himself going back to his hometown or seeing his old friends much, but he still kept in touch. At least up until his mom passed away. But once he's back, he finds himself enjoying himself way more than he thinks he should, and he entertains thoughts about staying.
His old friends are still around and there for each other - will they being him back into their circle? I don't want to spoil anything about this story, but there's an underlying mystery than is explored, and the conclusion feeds the drama, but is very necessary. In one scene in particular, I got very emotional, and I had to put the book down for a while before continuing to read it.
I'm excited for this new series - and can't wait for more!
DANG. Right out of the gate on this one, and I'm all in haha I loved every single thing about this book. The drama, the angst, the steam. It was great! I wasn't quite surprised at how the mystery here shaped up, but it was still very fun to unravel. The rather extensive epilogue answered every single question you could possibly need answered!
Jaded baseball player "Pope" John Paul returns to his hometown to tie up some loose ends and ends up falling head first for a little girl and her mother, Whitley, who just happens to be his former best friend. He still feels overprotective of Whit, and doesn't take too kindly to her being engaged. Once he was left town after high school, Pope never saw himself going back to his hometown or seeing his old friends much, but he still kept in touch. At least up until his mom passed away. But once he's back, he finds himself enjoying himself way more than he thinks he should, and he entertains thoughts about staying.
His old friends are still around and there for each other - will they being him back into their circle? I don't want to spoil anything about this story, but there's an underlying mystery than is explored, and the conclusion feeds the drama, but is very necessary. In one scene in particular, I got very emotional, and I had to put the book down for a while before continuing to read it.
I'm excited for this new series - and can't wait for more!
March 15, 2024
♾️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️
⚾️ Baseball Romance
♥️ Small Town
⚾️ Friends to Lovers
♥️ Marriage of Convenience
⚾️ Second Chance
An absolute grand slam!! This spectacular baseball romance by MJ Fields hit every mark. Taking First grabbed me from the start, and never let me go! Pope & Whitley’s story had me feeling all the emotions along the way, and it will easily remain a top read of 2024 for me.
This is a small town, friends to lovers, baseball romance, and it’s also so much more! The childhood friends and second chance aspects had me very much feeling The Notebook vibes, and the back & forth chemistry that Pope & Whitley have is very reminiscent of it as well.
Pope’s forever love for his friends and family, and Whitley in particular, is just beautiful and completely swoon worthy. While the sassy, strong, and intelligent FMC, Whitley, is his perfect balancing match. Speaking of sass, their total firecracker of a little girl, Nora, stole my heart! The fierce protection and love surrounding that sweet gal is something every mama wants for their child.
If you only read one book by MJ Fields, have it be this one, because I guarantee you won’t be able to stop yourself from picking up another when you’re done. Her writing was absolute perfection, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you so much to MJ Fields and Wordsmith Publicity for the chance to read & review this ARC.
🌶️🌶️
⚾️ Baseball Romance
♥️ Small Town
⚾️ Friends to Lovers
♥️ Marriage of Convenience
⚾️ Second Chance
An absolute grand slam!! This spectacular baseball romance by MJ Fields hit every mark. Taking First grabbed me from the start, and never let me go! Pope & Whitley’s story had me feeling all the emotions along the way, and it will easily remain a top read of 2024 for me.
This is a small town, friends to lovers, baseball romance, and it’s also so much more! The childhood friends and second chance aspects had me very much feeling The Notebook vibes, and the back & forth chemistry that Pope & Whitley have is very reminiscent of it as well.
Pope’s forever love for his friends and family, and Whitley in particular, is just beautiful and completely swoon worthy. While the sassy, strong, and intelligent FMC, Whitley, is his perfect balancing match. Speaking of sass, their total firecracker of a little girl, Nora, stole my heart! The fierce protection and love surrounding that sweet gal is something every mama wants for their child.
If you only read one book by MJ Fields, have it be this one, because I guarantee you won’t be able to stop yourself from picking up another when you’re done. Her writing was absolute perfection, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you so much to MJ Fields and Wordsmith Publicity for the chance to read & review this ARC.
March 14, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Whitley and Pope. It is also a small town second chance romance. This is a baseball story too. Pope is a first baseman in the major leagues playing in New York. It has been a long time since he has gone home but that is exactly where he is headed now that it is the off season. When he left he left behind his best friend Whitley. The girl he has always loved. Now he comes back and she is a single mother and engaged to be married. However when he left she had begged him not to leave her a virgin and he obliged. Now she has a four year old little girl. There is just not a possible way that that beautiful little girl is not his. After all Nora's birth certificate names him as the father. But secrets are being kept. Now though since there was a huge fight between her and the lawyer she was engaged too, she and Pope are getting closer. She has big problems and marrying Pope is the best thing she can do since the man who thinks he is the father is threatening to take her away. Will he take her up on her offer? If she does will they be a forever kind of thing? You have to read to find out. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was actually a lot of fun to read.
This is the story of Whitley and Pope. It is also a small town second chance romance. This is a baseball story too. Pope is a first baseman in the major leagues playing in New York. It has been a long time since he has gone home but that is exactly where he is headed now that it is the off season. When he left he left behind his best friend Whitley. The girl he has always loved. Now he comes back and she is a single mother and engaged to be married. However when he left she had begged him not to leave her a virgin and he obliged. Now she has a four year old little girl. There is just not a possible way that that beautiful little girl is not his. After all Nora's birth certificate names him as the father. But secrets are being kept. Now though since there was a huge fight between her and the lawyer she was engaged too, she and Pope are getting closer. She has big problems and marrying Pope is the best thing she can do since the man who thinks he is the father is threatening to take her away. Will he take her up on her offer? If she does will they be a forever kind of thing? You have to read to find out. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was actually a lot of fun to read.
March 18, 2024
MJ brings angst in this new Baseball series - Rounding The Bases. A small town, second chance romance sets the ball rolling when from MLB baseball club in New York, John Paul, nicknamed Pope, who returns home in his offseason. He finds his crush-Whitley engaged and a single mom. Now the time-line math ain't mathing when it turns out the child COULD BE HIS!!
Things warm up enough for them to try a second chance at togetherness.
It maybe a formality to protect her baby girl from nastiness for Whitley, to Pope, it's his shot at forever family and life.
Sportmen don't give up easily and his persistence pays off
Lovely, sweet romance, written well
4 homeruns
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Things warm up enough for them to try a second chance at togetherness.
It maybe a formality to protect her baby girl from nastiness for Whitley, to Pope, it's his shot at forever family and life.
Sportmen don't give up easily and his persistence pays off
Lovely, sweet romance, written well
4 homeruns
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
March 29, 2024
**ARC REVIEW**
Taking First is book #1 in the Rounding The Bases series by MJ Fields
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy rating: 🔥🔥
If you love these tropes, you are going to love this book!
⚾️ Professional Baseball Player
⚾️ Single Mom
⚾️ Small Town
⚾️ He Falls First
⚾️ Girl Tribe
⚾️ Touch Her & Die
⚾️ Found Family
My Thoughts
John Paul aka Pope returns home after he left to play major league baseball and comes face to face with everyone he left behind. This includes his best friend Whitley, who he finds out is now engaged to his nemesis and that she is a single mum to a little girl.
All is not as it seems though so I loved reading the book and unpacking everything that has happened since Pope left.
Nora was the sweetest little girl!!! I loved the things she said and it was so cute how she bonded with Pope so quickly.
The chemistry between Pope and Whitley was beautiful and I am glad he was there to protect her from certain people!
Overall, I think MJ has written a wonderful book and I am so excited to read more from this series.
Thank you so much to MJ and Wordsmith Publicity for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
Taking First is book #1 in the Rounding The Bases series by MJ Fields
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy rating: 🔥🔥
If you love these tropes, you are going to love this book!
⚾️ Professional Baseball Player
⚾️ Single Mom
⚾️ Small Town
⚾️ He Falls First
⚾️ Girl Tribe
⚾️ Touch Her & Die
⚾️ Found Family
My Thoughts
John Paul aka Pope returns home after he left to play major league baseball and comes face to face with everyone he left behind. This includes his best friend Whitley, who he finds out is now engaged to his nemesis and that she is a single mum to a little girl.
All is not as it seems though so I loved reading the book and unpacking everything that has happened since Pope left.
Nora was the sweetest little girl!!! I loved the things she said and it was so cute how she bonded with Pope so quickly.
The chemistry between Pope and Whitley was beautiful and I am glad he was there to protect her from certain people!
Overall, I think MJ has written a wonderful book and I am so excited to read more from this series.
Thank you so much to MJ and Wordsmith Publicity for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
March 16, 2024
John Paul aka Pope is a pro baseball player who goes back to his hometown after his mom’s death to take care of a few loose ends. He finds out his high school sweetheart is engaged to the town douchebag and a single mom. Oh how things have changed since he has been gone a few years to chase his dream.
Whitley is the love of his life. She gave him her vcard. She also had big dreams including with Pope and then her plans changed when she became a mom.
Pop and Whit have been best friends for years but drifted apart while he became a pro baseball player and now that he is back in town things are complicated. His feelings haven’t changed but now that she is a mom another big bomb is dropped and they navigate their new lives in this cute small town romance.
There is some suspense and twists and turns along the way.
4 ⭐️/ 1 🌶️.
There is mention of religion throughout the book. This book does not have spice but the connection between the MMC and the FMC is very strong. I enjoyed the book. This is a new author for me.
• Baseball Romance
• Small Town
• Friends to Lovers
• Marriage of Convenience
• Second Chance
• No 3rd act break-up
Whitley is the love of his life. She gave him her vcard. She also had big dreams including with Pope and then her plans changed when she became a mom.
Pop and Whit have been best friends for years but drifted apart while he became a pro baseball player and now that he is back in town things are complicated. His feelings haven’t changed but now that she is a mom another big bomb is dropped and they navigate their new lives in this cute small town romance.
There is some suspense and twists and turns along the way.
4 ⭐️/ 1 🌶️.
There is mention of religion throughout the book. This book does not have spice but the connection between the MMC and the FMC is very strong. I enjoyed the book. This is a new author for me.
• Baseball Romance
• Small Town
• Friends to Lovers
• Marriage of Convenience
• Second Chance
• No 3rd act break-up
March 17, 2024
Taking First by MJ Fields is a captivating sports romance novel that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. The author skillfully weaves together a story of love, passion, and determination set against the backdrop of the competitive world of professional baseball.
The characters in Taking First are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their world and making them emotionally invested in their journey. The dynamic relationships between the main characters are filled with tension, chemistry, and heartfelt moments that will tug at your heartstrings.
MJ Fields expertly crafts a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The emotional depth of the story adds layers of complexity, making it more than just a typical romance novel.
Taking First is a must-read for fans of sports romance novels. MJ Fields delivers a compelling story with well-rounded characters, sizzling romance, and enough drama to keep you turning the pages. This book is a perfect blend of passion, love, and triumph that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
The characters in Taking First are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their world and making them emotionally invested in their journey. The dynamic relationships between the main characters are filled with tension, chemistry, and heartfelt moments that will tug at your heartstrings.
MJ Fields expertly crafts a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The emotional depth of the story adds layers of complexity, making it more than just a typical romance novel.
Taking First is a must-read for fans of sports romance novels. MJ Fields delivers a compelling story with well-rounded characters, sizzling romance, and enough drama to keep you turning the pages. This book is a perfect blend of passion, love, and triumph that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
March 17, 2024
Pope and Whit were best friends from the day they met. When they cross the line right before he leaves for the majors things change in a big way between them. For years he doesn’t come home. When he finally does he see how much has changed he also see that his best friend Whit is engaged to his former bully. When the secret that will change everyones life is revealed it begins to heat up. Can Pope and Whit get past the past and find a future as a family? Will small town secrets keep them apart?
This was the most unexpected surprise kid book. It threw me for a loop. Add in that all way not a quiet as it seemed in the small town and this book kept me hooked. As arrogant as he appeared from the start all his friend quickly remind him of what is important. The small town embraces him right away. He falls into the family that he makes and will do anything to protect them.
Without giving much away this was a thrilling ride. When the secrets are finally revealed and villains unmasked its a twist that took me a little by surprise. I really hope that the other characters get books because this small town is just the best and I want to visit it some more.
This was the most unexpected surprise kid book. It threw me for a loop. Add in that all way not a quiet as it seemed in the small town and this book kept me hooked. As arrogant as he appeared from the start all his friend quickly remind him of what is important. The small town embraces him right away. He falls into the family that he makes and will do anything to protect them.
Without giving much away this was a thrilling ride. When the secrets are finally revealed and villains unmasked its a twist that took me a little by surprise. I really hope that the other characters get books because this small town is just the best and I want to visit it some more.
March 22, 2024
I really liked Pope and Whit, as well as their close friends. There was a lot more happening in this story than I was expecting, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's got romance, suspense, a pair of soul mates, a despicable villain, and a trip to Vegas, among other things. The groundwork was laid well, but I felt like the execution fell a little short. There are a couple places in the book where events are summed up like a recap, rather than told as things happened, and it just wasn't quite enough for me. So much build up, and not enough of a reward.
The characters held my interest, the spice was nice and hot, and I was invested in discovering the outcome of the story. I also loved how the baseball was written; we don't just get told that Pope is a baseball player and then never go to a game, we get to go along with his friends and see him in action. I am definitely interested in reading the next book in the series, and I may even seek out all the Steel books so I can get the background on that.
Thank you to the author and to Wordsmith Publicity for my gifted copy. I am voluntarily writing and sharing my honest review.
The characters held my interest, the spice was nice and hot, and I was invested in discovering the outcome of the story. I also loved how the baseball was written; we don't just get told that Pope is a baseball player and then never go to a game, we get to go along with his friends and see him in action. I am definitely interested in reading the next book in the series, and I may even seek out all the Steel books so I can get the background on that.
Thank you to the author and to Wordsmith Publicity for my gifted copy. I am voluntarily writing and sharing my honest review.
March 24, 2024
TAKING FIRST by MJ Fields
This is Pope and Whitley’s story. As soon as you start this story you will see just how strong a bond these two have. I am telling you right now be ready for them to absolutely steal your heart. Whitney has always owned Popes heart and she doesn’t even know it. Pope is an MLB player and he comes home to find out that the woman who owns and has always owned his heart is now engaged and it is not to him. However not only is she engaged but she is a single mom. So he does the only thing he can think of and that is to do everything in his power to get his girl back. I loved that he was determined to win Whitney back because to him that was no one else. Loved that he loved Nora from the get go I mean she was a pretty adorable girl. I really hated what Nelly did and I wish we could have gotten more answers from that. I really wanted for Kal to get what he deserved and sounds harsh but I thought he got off easy. He some will say his end was enough but nope I think he should have paid for all his involvement. I loves this book and would certainly recommend.
This is Pope and Whitley’s story. As soon as you start this story you will see just how strong a bond these two have. I am telling you right now be ready for them to absolutely steal your heart. Whitney has always owned Popes heart and she doesn’t even know it. Pope is an MLB player and he comes home to find out that the woman who owns and has always owned his heart is now engaged and it is not to him. However not only is she engaged but she is a single mom. So he does the only thing he can think of and that is to do everything in his power to get his girl back. I loved that he was determined to win Whitney back because to him that was no one else. Loved that he loved Nora from the get go I mean she was a pretty adorable girl. I really hated what Nelly did and I wish we could have gotten more answers from that. I really wanted for Kal to get what he deserved and sounds harsh but I thought he got off easy. He some will say his end was enough but nope I think he should have paid for all his involvement. I loves this book and would certainly recommend.
March 30, 2024
Taking First is book 1 in MJ Fields new series ‘Rounding Bases’ (but all can be read as standalone reads), and it starts with John Paul ‘Pope’ and Whitley’s story.
Pope leaves his hometown to go play in the MLB, leaving his best friend Whitley, behind and she was never the same, she needed him and he was no longer there for her.
Fast forward 4 years and Pope comes home during the off-season and is shocked to find his best friend engaged to be married to the one person he hates the most, Kal! But more than that, he finds Whitley is a singer mother to a beautiful 4 year old little girl, Nora.
Working out the math, he believes Nora is his, but Whitley is giving nothing away and Pope decides he’s gonna get his girls back if it’s the last thing he does
There’s a few breadcrumbs throughout this book and I found myself wanting to give Whitley a shake more than once - that she puts herself first for once! But in usual MJ fashion, you will fall hard for these characters and be 100% invested in getting that HEA.
I loved this book, a great start to a new series and U look forward to what’s still to come ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pope leaves his hometown to go play in the MLB, leaving his best friend Whitley, behind and she was never the same, she needed him and he was no longer there for her.
Fast forward 4 years and Pope comes home during the off-season and is shocked to find his best friend engaged to be married to the one person he hates the most, Kal! But more than that, he finds Whitley is a singer mother to a beautiful 4 year old little girl, Nora.
Working out the math, he believes Nora is his, but Whitley is giving nothing away and Pope decides he’s gonna get his girls back if it’s the last thing he does
There’s a few breadcrumbs throughout this book and I found myself wanting to give Whitley a shake more than once - that she puts herself first for once! But in usual MJ fashion, you will fall hard for these characters and be 100% invested in getting that HEA.
I loved this book, a great start to a new series and U look forward to what’s still to come ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 13, 2024
Taking First by M.J. Fields is the first book in the new Rounding the Bases Series.
A wonderful read, a single parent/ sports romance and I fell in insta love with story and characters.
Blurb:
Whitley
When Pope left our hometown my life changed. When he came back and saw his nemesis’ ring on my finger, I knew he would be angry, but people change, right?
When he found out I had a little girl he demanded I call things off with Kal. He says he refuses to let a man like him raise his child.
I told him she wasn’t his, but he still won’t back down.
Pope
The last thing I expected when I finally came home was to find out my best friend was a single mother to a four-year-old little beauty. Especially since that best friend asked me to rid her of her virtue before I left to play in the minors, nearly five years ago.
She says she’s not mine, but I know she belongs to me.
They say all is fair in love and baseball, but when secrets are revealed and truths are finally told, will he fight for a love he never expected or the game he was born to play.
A wonderful read, a single parent/ sports romance and I fell in insta love with story and characters.
Blurb:
Whitley
When Pope left our hometown my life changed. When he came back and saw his nemesis’ ring on my finger, I knew he would be angry, but people change, right?
When he found out I had a little girl he demanded I call things off with Kal. He says he refuses to let a man like him raise his child.
I told him she wasn’t his, but he still won’t back down.
Pope
The last thing I expected when I finally came home was to find out my best friend was a single mother to a four-year-old little beauty. Especially since that best friend asked me to rid her of her virtue before I left to play in the minors, nearly five years ago.
She says she’s not mine, but I know she belongs to me.
They say all is fair in love and baseball, but when secrets are revealed and truths are finally told, will he fight for a love he never expected or the game he was born to play.
March 17, 2024
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Rounding the Bases series and I'm here for it! Pope is delicious and add in him playing for the Mets even hotter. He returns to his hometown after years being away and boy things have changed. Including Whitley being a single mom to an adorable little girl. Though there is a lot more when it comes to Nora. Oh my gosh is Nora adorable! She just melts my heart. The scenes with her and Pope, swoon! Even though time has passed this group of friends are still tight and have one another's backs. They are going to need that support because some shady characters are up to no good. I loved the small town feel. This book sucked me right in and I read it in a day. I just couldn't put it down. Whitley, Pope, and Nora along with the secondary characters stole my heart. Not gonna lie some parts of this book had the tears flowing. I may have squealed a bit at the end with the nice little surprise! You know I'm looking forward to more from this series. It has me hooked!!
This is the first book in the Rounding the Bases series and I'm here for it! Pope is delicious and add in him playing for the Mets even hotter. He returns to his hometown after years being away and boy things have changed. Including Whitley being a single mom to an adorable little girl. Though there is a lot more when it comes to Nora. Oh my gosh is Nora adorable! She just melts my heart. The scenes with her and Pope, swoon! Even though time has passed this group of friends are still tight and have one another's backs. They are going to need that support because some shady characters are up to no good. I loved the small town feel. This book sucked me right in and I read it in a day. I just couldn't put it down. Whitley, Pope, and Nora along with the secondary characters stole my heart. Not gonna lie some parts of this book had the tears flowing. I may have squealed a bit at the end with the nice little surprise! You know I'm looking forward to more from this series. It has me hooked!!
March 24, 2024
Pope and Whit’s friendship was messed up by not communicating and her believing lies without question. He was hurt by his friends not making room in their lives for him when he visited, not understanding what they had going on without him being there to see it. The group of friends were all so important to each other growing up, especially Whit and Pope. Whit’s being a single mom really throws him and her withholding the story from him really complicates things. It takes until almost the end of the book for Nora’s story to be shown. I was shocked by Whit’s handling of Kal after the phone incident given what her volunteer work, but it made more sense after bits and pieces were given in the story. Pope is just all in. Whit and Nora are his girls and that is that. I like everyone expecting them to be together and work it out. EVERYONE. The wedding video was amazing. The epilogue s were great. I also liked that they weren’t a bunch of immature people, still stuck in high school mentality.
I received a free copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book.
March 12, 2024
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Taking First .
I absolutely loved reading this spectacular romance . Whitley Belington and John Paul have been friends since they were little . John Paul's dream was playing pro baseball . Whitley and his other friends stepped up and helped with his mother when she became ill . As several years went on Whitley and Popes communications drew further apart . Pope finds himself headed home to deal with obligations he's been putting off for too long . He's surprised to find Whitley engaged to another man and shocked that she is a mom too a little girl that could be his daughter . There's a lot of secrets and feelings to uncover and work through and as they work through them it brings danger . This story is an emotional and wonderful sexy second chance romance . I love having characters from other stories included in this story .Well written and interesting . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
I absolutely loved reading this spectacular romance . Whitley Belington and John Paul have been friends since they were little . John Paul's dream was playing pro baseball . Whitley and his other friends stepped up and helped with his mother when she became ill . As several years went on Whitley and Popes communications drew further apart . Pope finds himself headed home to deal with obligations he's been putting off for too long . He's surprised to find Whitley engaged to another man and shocked that she is a mom too a little girl that could be his daughter . There's a lot of secrets and feelings to uncover and work through and as they work through them it brings danger . This story is an emotional and wonderful sexy second chance romance . I love having characters from other stories included in this story .Well written and interesting . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
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