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Lead-Off Bride
A brand-new series about baseball and weddings and happily ever afters from USA-Today best-selling author Rebecca J. Clark!
Welcome to Twin Rivers, Washington, home of the Rapids minor league baseball team and I Do-Overs, a wedding consignment shop on Main Street.
Sometimes, you just need a do-over.
Jack McCauley has just been demoted to the minor leagues to prove himself after a career-threatening injury. He has no identity outside of baseball, nor does he want one, and he has the string of pissed off ex-girlfriends to prove it. Jack’s focus must be 100% on getting back to the major leagues. So running into an old flame and learning he has a daughter he never knew about has Jack crying foul.
Wedding shop owner Beth Darrow made the gut-wrenching decision seven years ago not to tell Jack she was pregnant with his child, when he chose the game over a relationship with her. Now, he’s back in town. Once he learns about their child, how can she ever trust that he won’t make that choice again? How can she ever believe he’d be interested in her if not for their daughter?
Author's Note: All of the books in this series are stand-alone romances, with no cliffhangers. Each one has a new couple and story arc, but for even more enjoyment, read them in order. Characters from each book carry forward to the next.
* * * * *
Thank you for considering purchasing LEAD-OFF BRIDE, Jack and Beth's story.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE WEDDING series
Lead-Off Bride--Book 1
Designated Bride--Book 2
Walk-Off Bride--Book 3
Welcome to Twin Rivers, Washington, home of the Rapids minor league baseball team and I Do-Overs, a wedding consignment shop on Main Street.
Sometimes, you just need a do-over.
Jack McCauley has just been demoted to the minor leagues to prove himself after a career-threatening injury. He has no identity outside of baseball, nor does he want one, and he has the string of pissed off ex-girlfriends to prove it. Jack’s focus must be 100% on getting back to the major leagues. So running into an old flame and learning he has a daughter he never knew about has Jack crying foul.
Wedding shop owner Beth Darrow made the gut-wrenching decision seven years ago not to tell Jack she was pregnant with his child, when he chose the game over a relationship with her. Now, he’s back in town. Once he learns about their child, how can she ever trust that he won’t make that choice again? How can she ever believe he’d be interested in her if not for their daughter?
Author's Note: All of the books in this series are stand-alone romances, with no cliffhangers. Each one has a new couple and story arc, but for even more enjoyment, read them in order. Characters from each book carry forward to the next.
* * * * *
Thank you for considering purchasing LEAD-OFF BRIDE, Jack and Beth's story.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE WEDDING series
Lead-Off Bride--Book 1
Designated Bride--Book 2
Walk-Off Bride--Book 3
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2015
16 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 6, 2015
Lead-Off Bride is the most heartwarming contemporary romance you could ever read. You can litterly put yourself in Beth's shoes and see through her eyes. From the very first moment Jack comes back into her life to Jack meeting his daughter Lindsey for the very first time in 7 years. This beautifully written contemporary romance has everything you could ever read. Love, hopefulness, romantic comedy, courage, and family.
February 22, 2025
This book is adorable. It brings out many emotions and was such a fun read
August 2, 2025
This is a sweet second chance romance with lots of heart and a HEA.
*SPOILERS*
Beth and her sisters own a secondhand consignment shop tailored on bridal gown in a small town in Seattle. She’s happy and content…or so she thinks. On the day that she takes her 7 year old daughter, Lindsey to a minor league baseball game she gets the shock of her life…Jack McCaulegh in there…the boy who had taken her virginity over seven years ago, the boy she had been in love with, the boy who had left her…pregnant when he had been called to play in the big leagues.
Jack has a bum knee and has been sent to the minors to recuperate. He had to show the bigs that he still “has it” before they’ll even contemplate bringing him back. His focus, as always is on baseball until…a certain delightful 7 year old asks for his autograph and somewhat steals his heart, the fact that this 7 year old is “attached” to the girl he left behind is a total mind rush for him. He remembers Beth all too well and would like to remember her again. But then a bombshell is dropped in his lap…Lindsey is HIS DAUGHTER, a daughter that Beth never told him about. He’s initially pissed off until Beth explains her reasoning for not telling him and he realizes that in her shoes he would’ve done the same thing. He had been a selfish kid, and baseball was his life. Beth knew he wouldn’t have picked her, and sadly he knew it too. But that was then and this was now. He wanted to get to know his daughter, and he really wanted to re-know Beth. But baseball was still number 1 for him, so he would get to know his daughter and keep things…friendly and temporary with Beth…right??? But best laid plans always go to waste.
**THOUGHTS**
This book was sweet and heartwarming. It was a very very low angst second chance romance, and it is a lovely “filler” book if you’re coming off of a dark romance hangover (like I may have been lol). It’s paced pretty well, the characters are actually pretty believable and nicely well rounded. I think the only reason I gave this 3 stars and not higher is because even though the blurb tells you it’s sweet and heartwarming I had hoped for a little more “angst” a little more drama. Yes, yes, I may be a bit of a masochist but honestly when hidden love children are involved I usually expect more drama. This book was soooooo “easy” everything working out with no fighting no real misunderstandings and no severe consequences, just a happily ever after which frankly felt like a whole book happily ever after. Every moment which could’ve added some drama or spice to the book was so easily and happily explained away and tied up with a pretty little written bow. The baby situation was resolved with little to no drama, the fact that Jack was a selfish jerk was explained away happily with no drama and the leaving to go back to the big leagues was also resolved prettily with a happily ever after. I felt like I was going to go into diabetic shock at some moments with how SWEET this book was. I hoped there would be a little bit more “oomph” and that frankly, Jack would get called out for being a spoiled, narcissistic, selfish, jerk. Sure he had his reasons (his dad had been the same and raised Jack with no paternal love, just baseball goals) but that shouldn’t have negated the consequences of dating a sweet girl and leaving her for seven years without even as much as one phone call or a letter…anything. Basically this book is everything the blurb says. It’s sweet, heartfelt and…nice. It’s an easy read. I won’t be reading it again. And I probably won’t read the following books in the series because I enjoy a little drama trauma even in my “sweet” books, especially if they’re second chance romances. But there was nothing really “wrong” with this book. And some may like the easy read. If you’re looking for an easy “filler” book to take your mind off of anything, then this book is for you. If you’re looking for complicated or drama filled second chance romances, definitely skip this one.
*SPOILERS*
Beth and her sisters own a secondhand consignment shop tailored on bridal gown in a small town in Seattle. She’s happy and content…or so she thinks. On the day that she takes her 7 year old daughter, Lindsey to a minor league baseball game she gets the shock of her life…Jack McCaulegh in there…the boy who had taken her virginity over seven years ago, the boy she had been in love with, the boy who had left her…pregnant when he had been called to play in the big leagues.
Jack has a bum knee and has been sent to the minors to recuperate. He had to show the bigs that he still “has it” before they’ll even contemplate bringing him back. His focus, as always is on baseball until…a certain delightful 7 year old asks for his autograph and somewhat steals his heart, the fact that this 7 year old is “attached” to the girl he left behind is a total mind rush for him. He remembers Beth all too well and would like to remember her again. But then a bombshell is dropped in his lap…Lindsey is HIS DAUGHTER, a daughter that Beth never told him about. He’s initially pissed off until Beth explains her reasoning for not telling him and he realizes that in her shoes he would’ve done the same thing. He had been a selfish kid, and baseball was his life. Beth knew he wouldn’t have picked her, and sadly he knew it too. But that was then and this was now. He wanted to get to know his daughter, and he really wanted to re-know Beth. But baseball was still number 1 for him, so he would get to know his daughter and keep things…friendly and temporary with Beth…right??? But best laid plans always go to waste.
**THOUGHTS**
This book was sweet and heartwarming. It was a very very low angst second chance romance, and it is a lovely “filler” book if you’re coming off of a dark romance hangover (like I may have been lol). It’s paced pretty well, the characters are actually pretty believable and nicely well rounded. I think the only reason I gave this 3 stars and not higher is because even though the blurb tells you it’s sweet and heartwarming I had hoped for a little more “angst” a little more drama. Yes, yes, I may be a bit of a masochist but honestly when hidden love children are involved I usually expect more drama. This book was soooooo “easy” everything working out with no fighting no real misunderstandings and no severe consequences, just a happily ever after which frankly felt like a whole book happily ever after. Every moment which could’ve added some drama or spice to the book was so easily and happily explained away and tied up with a pretty little written bow. The baby situation was resolved with little to no drama, the fact that Jack was a selfish jerk was explained away happily with no drama and the leaving to go back to the big leagues was also resolved prettily with a happily ever after. I felt like I was going to go into diabetic shock at some moments with how SWEET this book was. I hoped there would be a little bit more “oomph” and that frankly, Jack would get called out for being a spoiled, narcissistic, selfish, jerk. Sure he had his reasons (his dad had been the same and raised Jack with no paternal love, just baseball goals) but that shouldn’t have negated the consequences of dating a sweet girl and leaving her for seven years without even as much as one phone call or a letter…anything. Basically this book is everything the blurb says. It’s sweet, heartfelt and…nice. It’s an easy read. I won’t be reading it again. And I probably won’t read the following books in the series because I enjoy a little drama trauma even in my “sweet” books, especially if they’re second chance romances. But there was nothing really “wrong” with this book. And some may like the easy read. If you’re looking for an easy “filler” book to take your mind off of anything, then this book is for you. If you’re looking for complicated or drama filled second chance romances, definitely skip this one.
March 14, 2018
This was so damn disappointing! I loved the first couple book I by Rebecca j Clark that I had read but she lost the chemistry between the main characters that made her books fun to read. This book was so boring and the complete lack of chemistry between the characters made them seem like selfish shitty people who do irresponsible things for no good reason
February 14, 2021
❤️
You can’t go wrong with a romance that involves baseball and an adorable kid. Rebecca gave us both. This was a fun but deep book that truly gives you a glimpse into the sacrifices players and their family’s go through to be the best. Great book.
You can’t go wrong with a romance that involves baseball and an adorable kid. Rebecca gave us both. This was a fun but deep book that truly gives you a glimpse into the sacrifices players and their family’s go through to be the best. Great book.
November 7, 2015
This was a really good book. This book is a second chance romance but also realizing that there is more to life than baseball. Seven years, Jack McCauley was playing for the minor league team in Twin Rivers, Washington. He met Beth Darrow and they dated during that summer but he told her from the start that baseball always came first and when he was called up for the major leagues and left her behind without a second thought. Beth found out she was pregnant when he was called up and she didn't tell him about the baby. He made it clear that baseball was the only thing important to him and that he didn't want to get married. Jack tore his ACL and had to have surgeries and rehab and now is back in Twin Rivers to heal and work with the minor league team and hope to get called back to the majors. He finds out that he has a daughter that he never knew about.
Beth hasn't had the easiest life but she loves her daughter and has done everything she can to protect her. She fell in love with Jack when she was 19 years old and then found out she was pregnant. Her best friend, David, offered to marry her to make things easier for them. David ended up dying but 6 months before his death, he left Beth and Lindsay for another woman. Beth and her two sisters, have a consignment and second-hand store called Do-Overs that their parents left them when they retired to Arizona. The store hasn't brought in a lot of money so each sister has a second job to live on. Beth works at a call center and the hours are all different week to week. When she finds out Jack is back in town, she fears for Lindsey and him finding out the truth. She doesn't want Lindsey's life to be harder and more confused. She thinks David was her father and when he left it hurt her but then he died and it hurt her more.
Jack was raised by a great ball player and his mother. His father told him from the beginning that baseball is all that matters and to not let other things get in the way. His father wasn't much of a dad and his mother is still married to him but she's terribly lonely and sad a lot. With him back in Twin Rivers, he finds out that he has a daughter. He's hurt to find that out but he kind of understands that. He remembers Beth and has fond memories of her. He finds her more attractive now and he fights his feelings for her. He's trying to be a dad but he's scared of making big mistakes and his father was a pretty bad one growing up. He loves Lindsey but he keeps making mistakes and beating himself up over it.
Worth reading.
Beth hasn't had the easiest life but she loves her daughter and has done everything she can to protect her. She fell in love with Jack when she was 19 years old and then found out she was pregnant. Her best friend, David, offered to marry her to make things easier for them. David ended up dying but 6 months before his death, he left Beth and Lindsay for another woman. Beth and her two sisters, have a consignment and second-hand store called Do-Overs that their parents left them when they retired to Arizona. The store hasn't brought in a lot of money so each sister has a second job to live on. Beth works at a call center and the hours are all different week to week. When she finds out Jack is back in town, she fears for Lindsey and him finding out the truth. She doesn't want Lindsey's life to be harder and more confused. She thinks David was her father and when he left it hurt her but then he died and it hurt her more.
Jack was raised by a great ball player and his mother. His father told him from the beginning that baseball is all that matters and to not let other things get in the way. His father wasn't much of a dad and his mother is still married to him but she's terribly lonely and sad a lot. With him back in Twin Rivers, he finds out that he has a daughter. He's hurt to find that out but he kind of understands that. He remembers Beth and has fond memories of her. He finds her more attractive now and he fights his feelings for her. He's trying to be a dad but he's scared of making big mistakes and his father was a pretty bad one growing up. He loves Lindsey but he keeps making mistakes and beating himself up over it.
Worth reading.
July 30, 2016
Jack McCauley has just been demoted to the minor leagues to prove himself after a career-threatening injury. He has no identity outside of baseball, nor does he want one, and he has the string of pissed off ex-girlfriends to prove it. Jack’s focus must be 100% on getting back to the major leagues. So running into an old flame and learning he has a daughter he never knew about has Jack crying foul.
Wedding shop owner Beth Darrow made the gut-wrenching decision seven years ago not to tell Jack she was pregnant with his child, when he chose the game over a relationship with her. Now, he’s back in town. Once he learns about their child, how can she ever trust that he won’t make that choice again? How can she ever believe he’d be interested in her if not for their daughter?
Love the story... love all the characters... love the ending... 5 stars
Wedding shop owner Beth Darrow made the gut-wrenching decision seven years ago not to tell Jack she was pregnant with his child, when he chose the game over a relationship with her. Now, he’s back in town. Once he learns about their child, how can she ever trust that he won’t make that choice again? How can she ever believe he’d be interested in her if not for their daughter?
Love the story... love all the characters... love the ending... 5 stars
October 31, 2015
4.5 stars
A book about second chances. Young love stepping aside for another's big chance can cost everyone involved. When you get a second chance at that love do you take it. Sweet and quick read. Always a sucker for the sports romance.
A book about second chances. Young love stepping aside for another's big chance can cost everyone involved. When you get a second chance at that love do you take it. Sweet and quick read. Always a sucker for the sports romance.
November 8, 2015
Entertainment for sure
Enjoyed the book. It was a great read while waiting on other books to be released. Author knows how to keep you interested waiting for the next ball to drop.
Enjoyed the book. It was a great read while waiting on other books to be released. Author knows how to keep you interested waiting for the next ball to drop.
May 3, 2017
Really cute story of second chance romance. I liked the way the characters faced their past hurts and moved forward without all of the drawn out back and forth of who did what, wrong in the past relationship. An easy, quick read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews