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Rounding the Bases #3
Force At Third
An Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Small Town Second Chance, Sports Romance.
Leland Locke is everything I always knew he would be.
Professional baseball player and F-boy extraordinaire, Locke’s the kind of man that no woman would ever give up a chance to call him theirs, even if for one night.
He’s just that good, and I hate that about him.
On the first day of my sophomore year of high school, I saw her and knew she was it.
That same night, I broke up with my girlfriend, Shelby Shutter, and Gwendolyn York became my girl, and I became her player. We were best friends and each other’s first everything.
She’s the last girl I loved, and I’m still the guy she hates.
Now, she and her partner are on a case involving my neighbor, and I will not stop until I get the answer to the one question I still how did we manage to mess up something as good as us?
Leland Locke is everything I always knew he would be.
Professional baseball player and F-boy extraordinaire, Locke’s the kind of man that no woman would ever give up a chance to call him theirs, even if for one night.
He’s just that good, and I hate that about him.
On the first day of my sophomore year of high school, I saw her and knew she was it.
That same night, I broke up with my girlfriend, Shelby Shutter, and Gwendolyn York became my girl, and I became her player. We were best friends and each other’s first everything.
She’s the last girl I loved, and I’m still the guy she hates.
Now, she and her partner are on a case involving my neighbor, and I will not stop until I get the answer to the one question I still how did we manage to mess up something as good as us?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
About the author
M.J. Fields
158 books3,986 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 76 reviews
May 24, 2024
Leland and Gwen
Another beautiful sports romance!
Second chance for them with a lot of action and suspense. I Love Gwen and Locke, this book has everything a good book should have chemistry and angst and hot love scenes.
I fell in love with this storyline, it's filled with amazing secondary characters that I love!
Painful secrets revealed and another chance of an incredible love that lasted through the years. Also, a perfect and beautiful ending!
Another beautiful sports romance!
Second chance for them with a lot of action and suspense. I Love Gwen and Locke, this book has everything a good book should have chemistry and angst and hot love scenes.
I fell in love with this storyline, it's filled with amazing secondary characters that I love!
Painful secrets revealed and another chance of an incredible love that lasted through the years. Also, a perfect and beautiful ending!
May 25, 2024
The third book in the series, Force at Third covers some of the things that happened in book 2, but from Locke's and Gwen's perspectives. It was a pretty quick read, and very intense at times while being very spicy at others.
Locke and Gwen have a long and complicated history. She's harboring a big secret, as well as serious trust-in-men issues. He's been kind of a man-wh*re since they split, but maintains that he's only ever loved her. The thing that bothered me was when her attitude towards him seemed to change like a switch had been flipped. I'm guessing that, due to the dire circumstances she finds herself in, Gwen finally stops fighting it; I just think it could have used some clarification about her reasons for the change of heart.
The ending was very sweet, and I enjoyed finding out how Gwen and Leland came together and worked things out. Her moms are awesome, and there's some great potential in the supporting cast of Locke's teammates. I also love seeing the characters from previous books in this series, and others.
Thank you to the author and to Wordsmith Publicity for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Locke and Gwen have a long and complicated history. She's harboring a big secret, as well as serious trust-in-men issues. He's been kind of a man-wh*re since they split, but maintains that he's only ever loved her. The thing that bothered me was when her attitude towards him seemed to change like a switch had been flipped. I'm guessing that, due to the dire circumstances she finds herself in, Gwen finally stops fighting it; I just think it could have used some clarification about her reasons for the change of heart.
The ending was very sweet, and I enjoyed finding out how Gwen and Leland came together and worked things out. Her moms are awesome, and there's some great potential in the supporting cast of Locke's teammates. I also love seeing the characters from previous books in this series, and others.
Thank you to the author and to Wordsmith Publicity for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
May 26, 2024
4.5⭐️ Force At Third, Leland Locke and Gwendolyn ‘Gwen’ York’s story, really started over fifteen years ago. Back when they were high school sweethearts in Walton, Texas…
Back to current day and Leland is a professional baseball player with the Jersey Jags, and Gwen is in the business of providing personal security. They’re put in close proximity once again, the chemistry is still there but lots has happened in the intervening years and it’s not exactly smooth sailing. Being in the same room can be a bit channeling. There’s squabbling - which is more like foreplay most of the time. If anything it will take a while for their relationship to get back on track, and it’s fun to watch it all unfold.
Like all the books in this series, the secondary characters are an absolute treat!
Back to current day and Leland is a professional baseball player with the Jersey Jags, and Gwen is in the business of providing personal security. They’re put in close proximity once again, the chemistry is still there but lots has happened in the intervening years and it’s not exactly smooth sailing. Being in the same room can be a bit channeling. There’s squabbling - which is more like foreplay most of the time. If anything it will take a while for their relationship to get back on track, and it’s fun to watch it all unfold.
Like all the books in this series, the secondary characters are an absolute treat!
May 31, 2024
Hitting it out of the Park! Stunning!
I think this one was my favourite of the three rounding the bases so far… First off Locke is that possessive, dominant, and determined softball player who makes it his mission to finally get his girl back. The two are enemies to lovers, per say… as Locke likes to push Gwen’s buttons in order to get a reaction and to stay close to her. She is it for him, he just needs her to finally figure out that he is it for her.
Tensions, situations, friends & family all work in favor of this couple coming together no matter what. I love the banter between them, and the side characters helping to drive them through. Overall, I loved this one from start to finish and look forward to the next one coming out!
I think this one was my favourite of the three rounding the bases so far… First off Locke is that possessive, dominant, and determined softball player who makes it his mission to finally get his girl back. The two are enemies to lovers, per say… as Locke likes to push Gwen’s buttons in order to get a reaction and to stay close to her. She is it for him, he just needs her to finally figure out that he is it for her.
Tensions, situations, friends & family all work in favor of this couple coming together no matter what. I love the banter between them, and the side characters helping to drive them through. Overall, I loved this one from start to finish and look forward to the next one coming out!
June 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
⚾️ Baseball Romance
♥️ Enemies to Lovers
⚾️ Second Chance
♥️ Close Proximity
Out of the park, like the rest of the series! I have wanted Leland & Gwen’s story since Taking First, and boy was it worth the wait! Full of witty banter, explosive chemistry, and years of well hidden longing, Force at Third was another example of baseball romance perfection.
I absolutely love the way MJ writes her MMCs! While Leland may have taken a while to be able to admit his feeling to himself, and even longer to Gwen, once he did, he never wavered. He made sure she knew how he felt and did it until she was ready to accept and admit her own feelings as well. I loved it!!
This series has also kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful twists and turns woven into the storyline. Honestly, from the first to last page, each book in this series has fully taken me over, and I’ve loved every minute of it!
Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity & MJ Fields for the chance to read & review this ARC.
🌶️🌶️
⚾️ Baseball Romance
♥️ Enemies to Lovers
⚾️ Second Chance
♥️ Close Proximity
Out of the park, like the rest of the series! I have wanted Leland & Gwen’s story since Taking First, and boy was it worth the wait! Full of witty banter, explosive chemistry, and years of well hidden longing, Force at Third was another example of baseball romance perfection.
I absolutely love the way MJ writes her MMCs! While Leland may have taken a while to be able to admit his feeling to himself, and even longer to Gwen, once he did, he never wavered. He made sure she knew how he felt and did it until she was ready to accept and admit her own feelings as well. I loved it!!
This series has also kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful twists and turns woven into the storyline. Honestly, from the first to last page, each book in this series has fully taken me over, and I’ve loved every minute of it!
Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity & MJ Fields for the chance to read & review this ARC.
May 22, 2024
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC to read and review!
I love MJ Fields’ sports romances and this is the third in her baseball romance series. I definitely recommend reading these in order because there is a lot of crossover between book 2 and 3!
Leland has been in love with Gwen since he saw her in high school. They broke up but have been hooking up on and off since. Now, she’s in his area investigating a case (from book 2) so Leland is ready to get her back!
I really enjoyed the love these two had for each other. I’m glad they were able to figure things out!
Check TW, there are mentions of pregnancy loss and high risk pregnancy.
Tropes:
Sports romance-baseball
Second chance
Enemies to lovers (kinda)
She has to get married by 35
I love MJ Fields’ sports romances and this is the third in her baseball romance series. I definitely recommend reading these in order because there is a lot of crossover between book 2 and 3!
Leland has been in love with Gwen since he saw her in high school. They broke up but have been hooking up on and off since. Now, she’s in his area investigating a case (from book 2) so Leland is ready to get her back!
I really enjoyed the love these two had for each other. I’m glad they were able to figure things out!
Check TW, there are mentions of pregnancy loss and high risk pregnancy.
Tropes:
Sports romance-baseball
Second chance
Enemies to lovers (kinda)
She has to get married by 35
May 24, 2024
4 Star Review Force At Third (Rounding The First #3) by M.J. Fields
This is Leland Locke and Gwendolyn (Gwen) York’s story and it was entertaining. I enjoy second chance at love stories and this was well written.
If they can come to terms with the past then they have a chance at a future.
The chemistry between them is intense and it was entertaining to watch their relationship develop.
This is Leland Locke and Gwendolyn (Gwen) York’s story and it was entertaining. I enjoy second chance at love stories and this was well written.
If they can come to terms with the past then they have a chance at a future.
The chemistry between them is intense and it was entertaining to watch their relationship develop.
May 24, 2024
I’ve been dying for Locke and Gwen’s story and let me say I wasn’t disappointed at all. Truly an amazing story that will have your emotions all over the place. Locke is a character that will definitely make you swoon hard. I love this series and the characters are absolutely amazing. The ending was absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Read
July 28, 2024⚾𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 ⚾
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝
I am so in love with Locke and Gwen!
Enter the release giveaway here!
https://kingsumo.com/g/p6cfo6/force-a...
Force At Third: An Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Second Chance, Sports Romance.
What to Expect:
⚾enemies to lovers
⚾second chance
⚾close proximity
⚾marriage of convenience
⚾baseball player
Leland Locke is everything I always knew he would be.
Professional baseball player and f-boy extraordinaire.
Locke's the kind of man no woman would ever give up a chance to call him theirs, even if for one night.
He's just that good, and I hate that about him.
On the first day of my sophomore year of high school, I saw her and knew she was it.
That very night, I broke up with my girlfriend, Shelby Shutter. Gwendolyn York became my girl, and I became her player.
We were best friends and each other first everything.
She's the last girl I loved, and I'm still the guy she hates.
Now, she and her partner are on a case involving my neighbor, and I will not stop until I get the answer to the one question I still have: how did we manage to mess up something as good as us?
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝
I am so in love with Locke and Gwen!
Enter the release giveaway here!
https://kingsumo.com/g/p6cfo6/force-a...
Force At Third: An Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Second Chance, Sports Romance.
What to Expect:
⚾enemies to lovers
⚾second chance
⚾close proximity
⚾marriage of convenience
⚾baseball player
Leland Locke is everything I always knew he would be.
Professional baseball player and f-boy extraordinaire.
Locke's the kind of man no woman would ever give up a chance to call him theirs, even if for one night.
He's just that good, and I hate that about him.
On the first day of my sophomore year of high school, I saw her and knew she was it.
That very night, I broke up with my girlfriend, Shelby Shutter. Gwendolyn York became my girl, and I became her player.
We were best friends and each other first everything.
She's the last girl I loved, and I'm still the guy she hates.
Now, she and her partner are on a case involving my neighbor, and I will not stop until I get the answer to the one question I still have: how did we manage to mess up something as good as us?
May 24, 2024
M J Field's book Force At Third: An Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Second Chance, Sports Romance (Rounding The Bases Book 3) is about two former high school sweethearts: Gwendolyn York, a security business owner, and Leland Locke, who is now a third baseman for the Jags' MLB team.
Locke's and Gwen's hearts were wrecked when they broke up at age 18. Gwen was in college while Locke began his career playing in a AAA baseball minor league; then, he was quickly called up to play for an MBL team. Gwen broke up with Locke because she didn't want to hold Locke back with career dreams becoming a reality. But was that Gwen's only reason for the breakup? As a result, their hearts shattered. Gwen treated Leland Locke as her enemy, not the man she still loved to keep her walls up and that barrier encasing her heart as protection from further hurt. Gwen went on to become a police officer for a time before she left to start a security firm with her best friend, Marks. Her good friend Chloe called her to let her know she wanted her to help find her child she put up for adoption and walked straight into a drama that is filled with danger, not just for Chloe and her sister CeCe but reaches out its tentacles of fear to their closest friends. As the romance or "making nice" between Locke and Gwen heats up, the suspense ratchets up page by page. Force at Third is a baseball romance with games played and all the characters involved by being a player in the game or having a relationship with the baseball player or as a friend.
Force at Third is a standalone book about Gwen and Locke, but it fits in perfectly with the previous books to know the backstory of the different ball players and friends. It was fascinating to read Force at Third and see how it mirrored the story of Stealing Second with CeCe and Roman living out their love story, but now the same story is being lived out by Gwen and Locke's POV. MJ Fields' baseball Rounding the Bases series has put delight back in reading a book for the love of opening the pages to read a good book.
Locke's and Gwen's hearts were wrecked when they broke up at age 18. Gwen was in college while Locke began his career playing in a AAA baseball minor league; then, he was quickly called up to play for an MBL team. Gwen broke up with Locke because she didn't want to hold Locke back with career dreams becoming a reality. But was that Gwen's only reason for the breakup? As a result, their hearts shattered. Gwen treated Leland Locke as her enemy, not the man she still loved to keep her walls up and that barrier encasing her heart as protection from further hurt. Gwen went on to become a police officer for a time before she left to start a security firm with her best friend, Marks. Her good friend Chloe called her to let her know she wanted her to help find her child she put up for adoption and walked straight into a drama that is filled with danger, not just for Chloe and her sister CeCe but reaches out its tentacles of fear to their closest friends. As the romance or "making nice" between Locke and Gwen heats up, the suspense ratchets up page by page. Force at Third is a baseball romance with games played and all the characters involved by being a player in the game or having a relationship with the baseball player or as a friend.
Force at Third is a standalone book about Gwen and Locke, but it fits in perfectly with the previous books to know the backstory of the different ball players and friends. It was fascinating to read Force at Third and see how it mirrored the story of Stealing Second with CeCe and Roman living out their love story, but now the same story is being lived out by Gwen and Locke's POV. MJ Fields' baseball Rounding the Bases series has put delight back in reading a book for the love of opening the pages to read a good book.
June 3, 2024
I received an eARC from WordSmith PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I just love this world. I just love these characters. This found family dynamic threaded through this whole series is top tier. But Locke and Gwendolyn York? They are definitely my favorite. Their story is one for the ages, and it's had a two-book build-up. It did not disappoint. I laughed, I shed a tear, and I swooned.
From the first time he saw Gwendolyn York (to frustrate her, he calls her by her full name hahah), Leland Locke was in trouble. This is one of the longest He Falls First I've ever read - and it was instant for him. Gwen was a tough nut to crack, but Locke was able to, and they were the It Couple in high school, spanning into college. Gwen didn't have the easiest life, so it jaded her in a lot of ways that mattered - especially between her and Locke. But then tragedy strikes and Gwen breaks up with Locke for what she feels is a good reason. Once he had a taste of Gwen, though, Locke would never be satisfied with anyone else, so that's why he took what he could get from her in the years that followed their break-up.
Lots of covert hooking up and run-ins later, They find themselves next door to each other as the events of Book 2 unfold around them (it's important to note that this book runs at the same time as Book 2, so some conversations and scenes are the same, just told from a different perspective).
Locke's unending love for his Gwendolyn York, his adamant assertion that they were meant to be and his insistence that they "make nice" are all pieces of the puzzle for Locke and Gwen inevitability. He was soft and sweet in all the right places and gruff and hungry when he needed to be. He pushed, and she pulled, and they just fit. Gloriously, I might add. I just can't get enough of Gwen and Locke, and I'd advocate an entire series of just them navigating married life hahaha
I cannot wait for Book 4 in this series.
I just love this world. I just love these characters. This found family dynamic threaded through this whole series is top tier. But Locke and Gwendolyn York? They are definitely my favorite. Their story is one for the ages, and it's had a two-book build-up. It did not disappoint. I laughed, I shed a tear, and I swooned.
From the first time he saw Gwendolyn York (to frustrate her, he calls her by her full name hahah), Leland Locke was in trouble. This is one of the longest He Falls First I've ever read - and it was instant for him. Gwen was a tough nut to crack, but Locke was able to, and they were the It Couple in high school, spanning into college. Gwen didn't have the easiest life, so it jaded her in a lot of ways that mattered - especially between her and Locke. But then tragedy strikes and Gwen breaks up with Locke for what she feels is a good reason. Once he had a taste of Gwen, though, Locke would never be satisfied with anyone else, so that's why he took what he could get from her in the years that followed their break-up.
Lots of covert hooking up and run-ins later, They find themselves next door to each other as the events of Book 2 unfold around them (it's important to note that this book runs at the same time as Book 2, so some conversations and scenes are the same, just told from a different perspective).
Locke's unending love for his Gwendolyn York, his adamant assertion that they were meant to be and his insistence that they "make nice" are all pieces of the puzzle for Locke and Gwen inevitability. He was soft and sweet in all the right places and gruff and hungry when he needed to be. He pushed, and she pulled, and they just fit. Gloriously, I might add. I just can't get enough of Gwen and Locke, and I'd advocate an entire series of just them navigating married life hahaha
I cannot wait for Book 4 in this series.
May 23, 2024
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 is the 3rd book in the Rounding the Bases series by M.J. Fields, featuring a steamy and emotional enemies to lovers/second chance romance with a little arranged marriage action thrown in too. When Leland Locke met Gwendolyn York in high school, all bets were off. She became his. They were each other’s first everything, but sometimes love isn’t enough in the face of big dreams. After the breakup, Locke became a playboy extraordinaire and public enemy number one for Gwen. So why can’t she stay away from him. Now that she’s working a security case for his neighbor, can Locke convince Gwen that they are meant to be together?
This was a great addition to the series!! I loved the way Locke and Gwen’s story unfolded with some surprising secrets, tragic emotional scars, and intriguing drama in and out of their relationship. I enjoyed the way this story offered another perspective and layer of the suspense plot from the last book. I definitely do not recommend reading this as a standalone, since there is some overlap with the last book. You could try, since much of the background is repeated, but the previous books are great in their own right. Gwen and Locke’s chemistry was fantastic, and their evolution as a couple was fun to watch! The found family vibes emanating from their friend group were stronger than ever, which is a huge selling point for me. And that epilogue? Sweet perfection!!🥰 I just wish it wasn’t over!😉 I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
#ForceAtThird #MJFields #RoundingtheBasesSeries #enemiestolovers #BaseballRomance #SecondChance #arrangedmarriage #CloseProximity #steamybooks
This was a great addition to the series!! I loved the way Locke and Gwen’s story unfolded with some surprising secrets, tragic emotional scars, and intriguing drama in and out of their relationship. I enjoyed the way this story offered another perspective and layer of the suspense plot from the last book. I definitely do not recommend reading this as a standalone, since there is some overlap with the last book. You could try, since much of the background is repeated, but the previous books are great in their own right. Gwen and Locke’s chemistry was fantastic, and their evolution as a couple was fun to watch! The found family vibes emanating from their friend group were stronger than ever, which is a huge selling point for me. And that epilogue? Sweet perfection!!🥰 I just wish it wasn’t over!😉 I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
#ForceAtThird #MJFields #RoundingtheBasesSeries #enemiestolovers #BaseballRomance #SecondChance #arrangedmarriage #CloseProximity #steamybooks
May 24, 2024
MJ Fields crafts a captivating tale in Force at Third, blending the allure of professional sports with the complexities of second-chance romance. This novel offers a compelling mix of drama, passion, and introspection, making it a solid choice for fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes and small-town romance.
Leland Locke epitomizes the charismatic yet enigmatic professional athlete, known equally for his prowess on the baseball field and his reputation as a ladies' man. His character is well-crafted, eliciting a blend of admiration and frustration from both the reader and his counterpart, Gwendolyn York.
Gwendolyn York, in turn, brings depth and vulnerability to the narrative. Her history with Leland is fraught with emotional turmoil, stemming from their high school relationship that ended abruptly. Their reunion in the context of a small-town setting and a shared case involving Leland's neighbour sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Leland and Gwendolyn adds tension and complexity to their interactions, driving the plot forward with a palpable sense of anticipation. MJ Fields adeptly navigates their conflicting emotions, allowing their past and present to intertwine in a seamless narrative arc.
If you love stories where the lines between love and hate blur, where past loves rekindle with fiery passion, and where characters are flawed yet deeply human, "Force at Third" is a must-read. With its dynamic characters and gripping plot, this book will have you turning pages late into the night.
Leland Locke epitomizes the charismatic yet enigmatic professional athlete, known equally for his prowess on the baseball field and his reputation as a ladies' man. His character is well-crafted, eliciting a blend of admiration and frustration from both the reader and his counterpart, Gwendolyn York.
Gwendolyn York, in turn, brings depth and vulnerability to the narrative. Her history with Leland is fraught with emotional turmoil, stemming from their high school relationship that ended abruptly. Their reunion in the context of a small-town setting and a shared case involving Leland's neighbour sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Leland and Gwendolyn adds tension and complexity to their interactions, driving the plot forward with a palpable sense of anticipation. MJ Fields adeptly navigates their conflicting emotions, allowing their past and present to intertwine in a seamless narrative arc.
If you love stories where the lines between love and hate blur, where past loves rekindle with fiery passion, and where characters are flawed yet deeply human, "Force at Third" is a must-read. With its dynamic characters and gripping plot, this book will have you turning pages late into the night.
May 24, 2024
Gwen and Locke are my favourite!!! I have been patiently waiting for MJ to share their story with us 🩷🩷🩷
Gwen. I am obsessed with her. I initially didn't realise how complex her personal story was. It was intense and proved to me once again how truly powerful Gwen York is. I love her personality and her spirit. She is so confident and sure of herself.
Locke. I love him so much. He's actually a really nice guy and has an awesome sense of humour which gels so well with Gwen's. He cares about his family, friends and team mates so much. He is big and beautiful and obviously so inlove with Gwen.
Gwen is extremely guarded when it comes to Locke and Locke does struggle to break those walls. When they are forced to be around each other alot more things get complicated, lines become extremely blurred (especially on Locke's side) and Gwen just keeps fighting it. I love the growth between Gwen and Locke, I personally think that (it was so evident) she always loved Locke but things were standing in their way and she thought she was doing the right thing for both of them. They both deserve happiness, especially Gwen and I believe that Locke is right for her. The thing is, Gwen's career puts her in extremely dangerous situations...
Read this story ASAP!!!!
Thank you so much to MJ and the beautiful team at Wordsmith Publicity PR for giving me a chance to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
🏒 dual pov
🩵 baseball player
🏒 enemies to lovers
🩵 second chance
🏒 forced proximity
🩵 spicy scenes
Gwen. I am obsessed with her. I initially didn't realise how complex her personal story was. It was intense and proved to me once again how truly powerful Gwen York is. I love her personality and her spirit. She is so confident and sure of herself.
Locke. I love him so much. He's actually a really nice guy and has an awesome sense of humour which gels so well with Gwen's. He cares about his family, friends and team mates so much. He is big and beautiful and obviously so inlove with Gwen.
Gwen is extremely guarded when it comes to Locke and Locke does struggle to break those walls. When they are forced to be around each other alot more things get complicated, lines become extremely blurred (especially on Locke's side) and Gwen just keeps fighting it. I love the growth between Gwen and Locke, I personally think that (it was so evident) she always loved Locke but things were standing in their way and she thought she was doing the right thing for both of them. They both deserve happiness, especially Gwen and I believe that Locke is right for her. The thing is, Gwen's career puts her in extremely dangerous situations...
Read this story ASAP!!!!
Thank you so much to MJ and the beautiful team at Wordsmith Publicity PR for giving me a chance to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
🏒 dual pov
🩵 baseball player
🏒 enemies to lovers
🩵 second chance
🏒 forced proximity
🩵 spicy scenes
May 31, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is a small town, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, sports romance. This is the story of Leland and Gwen. Gwen is woman holding on to some huge secrets. But she and Leland share a past. However, she also has some serious trust issues. Leleland is a baseball player who loves the ladies and has the reputation to go along with his woman loving ways. However, to hear him tell it he really has only ever loved her. It's been a long time since these two were high school sweethearts. Now he is a Jersey Jag profession baseball player and she is back in the area investigating a case. When they are thrown together again and things are about to get interesting quickly. There is some serious bickering between these two and it almost feels like their form of foreplay. This is his second chance and he knows it and we can only hope that he doesn't blow it. These two are so perfect for each other and while we know that, they don't. I really loved these characters and the secondary characters like in all the other books in this series. I have loved all those books and this one is no exception.
This is a small town, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, sports romance. This is the story of Leland and Gwen. Gwen is woman holding on to some huge secrets. But she and Leland share a past. However, she also has some serious trust issues. Leleland is a baseball player who loves the ladies and has the reputation to go along with his woman loving ways. However, to hear him tell it he really has only ever loved her. It's been a long time since these two were high school sweethearts. Now he is a Jersey Jag profession baseball player and she is back in the area investigating a case. When they are thrown together again and things are about to get interesting quickly. There is some serious bickering between these two and it almost feels like their form of foreplay. This is his second chance and he knows it and we can only hope that he doesn't blow it. These two are so perfect for each other and while we know that, they don't. I really loved these characters and the secondary characters like in all the other books in this series. I have loved all those books and this one is no exception.
June 5, 2024
I’m so frustrated because the chemistry & the good stuff here is all 5* material BUT the editing, a load of sloppy mistakes & the characters going off on long, random tangents makes it such a slog to read.
I don’t know if there’s an issue with the digital version I’m reading but so many paragraphs seem jumbled, words missing & it’s so jarring to have to keep re-reading when you stumble over an error. Here’s another one “Now, I would instead be sitting with the ball busters, letting them take whacks at my ego than on my couch…” that’s a start of a new paragraph totally out of left field. There are times where everything flows as you read & then you stumble over these clunky bits.
Whoever edited this should be ashamed as it’s ruining the whole experience.
Saying that, the story is good & these are my favourite characters which makes the editing & the jumble even more frustrating.
Also, I think you have to read these in order to make sense of all the characters. I’ve read book one, skipped 2 & landed here in befuddlement at all these people who are thrown in randomly throughout.
I don’t know if there’s an issue with the digital version I’m reading but so many paragraphs seem jumbled, words missing & it’s so jarring to have to keep re-reading when you stumble over an error. Here’s another one “Now, I would instead be sitting with the ball busters, letting them take whacks at my ego than on my couch…” that’s a start of a new paragraph totally out of left field. There are times where everything flows as you read & then you stumble over these clunky bits.
Whoever edited this should be ashamed as it’s ruining the whole experience.
Saying that, the story is good & these are my favourite characters which makes the editing & the jumble even more frustrating.
Also, I think you have to read these in order to make sense of all the characters. I’ve read book one, skipped 2 & landed here in befuddlement at all these people who are thrown in randomly throughout.
May 25, 2024
4.5 Stars
The third book in the series and another great addition to the series. I've been looking forward to Locke and Gwen's story. Things that happened in the previous book we get to see from a different prospective for me that was pretty interesting. Gwen and Locke you can tell have some unfinished business. This is their second chance. It's a bumpy road, but I could tell these two have what it takes to survive the journey. I really love the cast of characters in this series. I was hooked right from the beginning and I couldn't put this book down. I love the Steel cameos we get as well. They always make me a little giddy. This book delivers on the heat, heart, and humor with just a touch a suspense and danger. Trust me you do not want to miss this one. Locke and Gwen are going to have to gobbling up the pages and you will find yourself up in the middle of the night reading. Sleep is overrated when a good is involved right? I don't know how I can be patient for the next book in the series!
The third book in the series and another great addition to the series. I've been looking forward to Locke and Gwen's story. Things that happened in the previous book we get to see from a different prospective for me that was pretty interesting. Gwen and Locke you can tell have some unfinished business. This is their second chance. It's a bumpy road, but I could tell these two have what it takes to survive the journey. I really love the cast of characters in this series. I was hooked right from the beginning and I couldn't put this book down. I love the Steel cameos we get as well. They always make me a little giddy. This book delivers on the heat, heart, and humor with just a touch a suspense and danger. Trust me you do not want to miss this one. Locke and Gwen are going to have to gobbling up the pages and you will find yourself up in the middle of the night reading. Sleep is overrated when a good is involved right? I don't know how I can be patient for the next book in the series!
August 21, 2024
Force At Third is Rounding the Bases book 3 a second chance romance giving us Leland and Gwen’s story.
Although this can be read as a standalone, it is much better to have read the previous books in this series: Taking First and Stealing Second.
Leland Locke is a star baseball player who when he first met Gwendolyn Yorke, knew she was the one for him for forever, despite only being kids when they met and that became true for a time until it wasn’t, when Gwen breaks his heart.
Fast forward 16 years and Gwen is suddenly back ‘in his life’ as she runs a successful security agency as is working for his neighbour. Having never gotten answers over their breakup and truthfully never over Gwen he’s determined this time she won’t get away, but she’s very stubborn and still holds the secret from why she left years earlier.
I always love the characters that MJ writes, the push and pull between these two, the suspense, drama and pain that comes to light, keeps you page turning - this is yet another successful series.
Although this can be read as a standalone, it is much better to have read the previous books in this series: Taking First and Stealing Second.
Leland Locke is a star baseball player who when he first met Gwendolyn Yorke, knew she was the one for him for forever, despite only being kids when they met and that became true for a time until it wasn’t, when Gwen breaks his heart.
Fast forward 16 years and Gwen is suddenly back ‘in his life’ as she runs a successful security agency as is working for his neighbour. Having never gotten answers over their breakup and truthfully never over Gwen he’s determined this time she won’t get away, but she’s very stubborn and still holds the secret from why she left years earlier.
I always love the characters that MJ writes, the push and pull between these two, the suspense, drama and pain that comes to light, keeps you page turning - this is yet another successful series.
May 26, 2024
Force the Third #3 in Rounding the Bases Series by MJ Fields
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes
Sports romance
Second chance
It’s always been you
Painful secrets
Leland and Gwen have so much history, once they were each other’s firsts and he wanted her to be his last but sadly that’s not how it worked out. Years later, Leland is a star baseball player and Gwen is running a successful security business.
Crossing paths was inevitable since Gwen was protecting his neighbour and they still have friends in common. Sixteen years might have passed but their chemistry still sparks hotly between them.
I enjoyed the push pull between them and their relationships with other characters. Personally I would have liked to read more about their shared history and the aftermath that changed Gwen.
I have enjoyed reading this series but so far Roman is still my favourite. I recommend reading but start with book one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes
Sports romance
Second chance
It’s always been you
Painful secrets
Leland and Gwen have so much history, once they were each other’s firsts and he wanted her to be his last but sadly that’s not how it worked out. Years later, Leland is a star baseball player and Gwen is running a successful security business.
Crossing paths was inevitable since Gwen was protecting his neighbour and they still have friends in common. Sixteen years might have passed but their chemistry still sparks hotly between them.
I enjoyed the push pull between them and their relationships with other characters. Personally I would have liked to read more about their shared history and the aftermath that changed Gwen.
I have enjoyed reading this series but so far Roman is still my favourite. I recommend reading but start with book one.
May 27, 2024
Love Locke
MJ Fields continues her Rounding the Bases series with Force at Third and it is another must read.
Gwen and Leland have history and were once each other’s everything, but that was years ago. Now he’s a pro baseballer and she’s in security. The question is - What went wrong?
Now that she’s within reach, Leland is determined to find out and win Gwen back.
I love a ‘he falls first’, make it a second chance, enemies-to-lovers, add in some suspense and an arranged marriage and I am hooked.
These two are so great together, their chemistry leaps from the pages you can feel the love still simmering between them beneath the tension.
This is a heartfelt romance with humour, spice, emotion and a few bumps in the road, but there’s also a layer of suspense and danger that makes it that much better.
A wonderful addition to the series with a few cameos by familiar characters and a beautifully sweet HEA.
Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity.
MJ Fields continues her Rounding the Bases series with Force at Third and it is another must read.
Gwen and Leland have history and were once each other’s everything, but that was years ago. Now he’s a pro baseballer and she’s in security. The question is - What went wrong?
Now that she’s within reach, Leland is determined to find out and win Gwen back.
I love a ‘he falls first’, make it a second chance, enemies-to-lovers, add in some suspense and an arranged marriage and I am hooked.
These two are so great together, their chemistry leaps from the pages you can feel the love still simmering between them beneath the tension.
This is a heartfelt romance with humour, spice, emotion and a few bumps in the road, but there’s also a layer of suspense and danger that makes it that much better.
A wonderful addition to the series with a few cameos by familiar characters and a beautifully sweet HEA.
Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity.
June 2, 2024
Leland and Gwen were high school sweethearts but when he went off to become a pro baseball player and she went to college, things happened that tore them apart. Fast forward they are back in each other’s orbit. Gwen, a former police officer turned PI, is helping their childhood friends who happen to also be friends with Leland and his teammates in New Jersey, far away from their small Texas hometown. This time, Leland is determined to not let Gwen go, no matter what. But it is going to take some trial and error, and some convincing to get her on the same page. You will love both characters and the friends and family that surround them.
I have read the other two books in this series and liked them both. This would work as a stand alone but is better read in sequence since the books are all happening in largely a parallel time frame. It is a romance with a bit of suspense thrown in as well.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have read the other two books in this series and liked them both. This would work as a stand alone but is better read in sequence since the books are all happening in largely a parallel time frame. It is a romance with a bit of suspense thrown in as well.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 24, 2024
Seppy's 4 Star Review:
In book 2 of this series, we see the characters Gwen and Locke. There was also tension between the two and now with their book, we can read what was happening between the two. These two were high school sweethearts who broke up leaving both heartbroken. Locke is now a famous baseball player and Gwen opened her own investigation business with her partner. These two cross paths now because Gwen was hired as an investigator to help Locke's neighbor. Sparks still fly after all these years but Gwen is keeping her distance or is she? Locke is on a mission to win Gwen back.
I liked this one but it wasn't my favorite of this series. I enjoyed reading it. It was good to see what was happening between these two behind the scenes. Good read. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
May 25, 2024
I love MJ fields books. No matter what she writes I know what is going to be one amazing read. Romance and baseball, my two most favorite things.
Gwen and Locke are getting a second chance at love and forever. She has always been it for him. No one has ever come close.
The journey that brings them back together hasn't been easy. But when it's the right time everything will workout. It is finally their chance at forever. Locke just has to get Gwen on board with it.
I could not put this book down. Once you start you cannot wait to see what happens next. The reason why Gwen and Marks are here in Trenton just added to the suspense of this story. Bennett, Nour, Pope, and the other Jags also added to this story. I love the scenes on the field which only added to my love of baseball. Another incredible read by one awesome author and cannot wait for more
Gwen and Locke are getting a second chance at love and forever. She has always been it for him. No one has ever come close.
The journey that brings them back together hasn't been easy. But when it's the right time everything will workout. It is finally their chance at forever. Locke just has to get Gwen on board with it.
I could not put this book down. Once you start you cannot wait to see what happens next. The reason why Gwen and Marks are here in Trenton just added to the suspense of this story. Bennett, Nour, Pope, and the other Jags also added to this story. I love the scenes on the field which only added to my love of baseball. Another incredible read by one awesome author and cannot wait for more
May 28, 2024
Force At Third has been my favorite MJ Fields book thus far. I absolutely love Leland Locke and the way he wants to make nice or Locke It Down. He made me laugh so much. The banter between Leland and Gwendolyn York was hilarious. Gwen not Gwendolyn can dish out some sass and Leland gives as good as he gets. Their love story as teenagers was bittersweet but their second chance was spectacular. In this book, we get a more in depth look at the other baseball players and their personalities. A lot of this book runs along the same timeline as Stealing Second, the second book in the Rounding the Bases series, only it is from Gwen and Leland's point of view. I really like the way this was done as well as incorporating the story as teenagers. This book was well written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I am sure I will reread it many times because I love Leland so much.
May 29, 2024
I have been waiting for Gwen and Locke’s story since Taking First and let me tell you their story did not disappoint. I think they are my new favorite couple.
You don’t need to but I recommend reading the first 2 before this one because it heightens the excitement at least it did for me. It also adds to the tension because you see their relationship from an outside view before seeing their POV.
They have everything tension, history, swoon it has always been you type of relationship and I ate up every single minute of this book.
From the first chapter Locke had me hooked he is the obvious choice for everything.
~~What to Expect~~
⚾️Baseball Romance
⚾️Second Chance
⚾️Marriage of Convience
⚾️Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
⚾️Close Proximity
⚾️Obsessed MMC
⚾️Strong FMC
~Quote~
💖Even after she broke my heart and I shattered hers. I still crave her.
You don’t need to but I recommend reading the first 2 before this one because it heightens the excitement at least it did for me. It also adds to the tension because you see their relationship from an outside view before seeing their POV.
They have everything tension, history, swoon it has always been you type of relationship and I ate up every single minute of this book.
From the first chapter Locke had me hooked he is the obvious choice for everything.
~~What to Expect~~
⚾️Baseball Romance
⚾️Second Chance
⚾️Marriage of Convience
⚾️Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
⚾️Close Proximity
⚾️Obsessed MMC
⚾️Strong FMC
~Quote~
💖Even after she broke my heart and I shattered hers. I still crave her.
May 25, 2024
Gwen York and Leland Locke have a lot of history. They were high school sweethearts and stayed together at the beginning of college until Locke was called up in the big leagues. An unexpected tragedy happens and Gwen breaks it off with him.
Fast forward many years later and they are finally in the same place at the same time. The chemistry they shared in their younger years is still there, even though Gwen fights it.
5 stealing the bases stars!!! I’ve been waiting for their book! The pull these two characters have towards each other is undeniable. Gwen is successful in her career in security and Locke is still playing in the majors. Fate tore them apart, but love brought them back together.
Fast forward many years later and they are finally in the same place at the same time. The chemistry they shared in their younger years is still there, even though Gwen fights it.
5 stealing the bases stars!!! I’ve been waiting for their book! The pull these two characters have towards each other is undeniable. Gwen is successful in her career in security and Locke is still playing in the majors. Fate tore them apart, but love brought them back together.
May 26, 2024
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Force at Third . This is a sensational story . It's sexy , steamy and just down right Outstanding . Gwendolyn York and Leland Locke were together in high school Leland knew she was the one for him . Gwendolyn has always loved Leland but broke up with him in college while keeping a big secret . Leland now plays pro baseball for the Jags and Gwen and her partner Marks have an investigation and protect business .
Gwen and Leland have a love - hate relationship. This is their story and It's got it all . It's funny , emotional and wonderful with a bit of suspense . You get old and new characters such an enjoyable story .I couldn't put it down . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Gwen and Leland have a love - hate relationship. This is their story and It's got it all . It's funny , emotional and wonderful with a bit of suspense . You get old and new characters such an enjoyable story .I couldn't put it down . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
May 28, 2024
This is the third book in this series but the first one that I have read by MJ Fields. Overall a really good plot idea and good characters. But honestly I was pretty confused through the first half of the book. The author threw a ton of characters at you with no backstory as to who they are but they played important roles. Eventually you get an idea but it was very off putting. Some characters even tied to a completely different series, not just the previous two books in this series. I also felt like the story line jumped around a little bit, not bad but there were a few instances that were hard to follow.
So as much as I really did like the idea and plot of the book, I definitely had some struggles. Still a good book but I'm knocking it down a couple of stars.
So as much as I really did like the idea and plot of the book, I definitely had some struggles. Still a good book but I'm knocking it down a couple of stars.
June 3, 2024
Force at third by MJ Fields
⭐️4/5
🥰Baseball player
🥰Second Chance
🥰Enemies to Lovers
🥰Marriage of convenience
This is the third book of the series. I would recommend reading the First 2 books before reading this book.
Leland Locke and Gwen have so much chemistry. The Angst and Spice will have you on the edge of your seat.
Locke and Gwen have History. History full of secrets and trust issues. Locke is playing professional baseball for the Jersey Jags. While Gwen is doing personal security. They find themselves in close proximity again after a long time. Well since they broke up. The chemistry they had for each other years ago is still there and it’s pushing them closer together again.
I would highly recommend this as your next read!
⭐️4/5
🥰Baseball player
🥰Second Chance
🥰Enemies to Lovers
🥰Marriage of convenience
This is the third book of the series. I would recommend reading the First 2 books before reading this book.
Leland Locke and Gwen have so much chemistry. The Angst and Spice will have you on the edge of your seat.
Locke and Gwen have History. History full of secrets and trust issues. Locke is playing professional baseball for the Jersey Jags. While Gwen is doing personal security. They find themselves in close proximity again after a long time. Well since they broke up. The chemistry they had for each other years ago is still there and it’s pushing them closer together again.
I would highly recommend this as your next read!
June 14, 2024
FORCE AT THIRD by MJ Fields
Who knew baseball could be so sexy?
I sure didn’t. I have never in my life found baseball in any way shape or form remotely interesting or entertaining but this series sure has opened my eyes to baseball. Or is that a baseball players. Either way I am truly enjoying the series. This sis the third book and it is Leland & Gwen’s story. If you have been following the series then you have been patiently or maybe not so patiently waiting for Leland & Gwen’s story like I have. Oh and felt me tell you it did not disappoint at all. It was a home run. It was hit right out of the park. It is explosive and full of fun witty banter which hello I absolutely love. I’m in love with his book and the series and can’t wait for the next one.
Who knew baseball could be so sexy?
I sure didn’t. I have never in my life found baseball in any way shape or form remotely interesting or entertaining but this series sure has opened my eyes to baseball. Or is that a baseball players. Either way I am truly enjoying the series. This sis the third book and it is Leland & Gwen’s story. If you have been following the series then you have been patiently or maybe not so patiently waiting for Leland & Gwen’s story like I have. Oh and felt me tell you it did not disappoint at all. It was a home run. It was hit right out of the park. It is explosive and full of fun witty banter which hello I absolutely love. I’m in love with his book and the series and can’t wait for the next one.
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