For a Little While

One Strike Away #1

by Mary J. Williams

FIRST LOVE

Breathtaking. Intense. Everything.

UNFORGETTABLE

Blue O'Hara.
Falling in love with her best friend's brother hadn't been in Blue's plans. She had known Spencer since she was a little girl. Annoying at times, he wasn't supposed to be The One. But an unexpected kiss changed everything. For two years, their relationship bloomed. She couldn't imagine her life without him. Then the unthinkable happened. Spencer broke Blue's heart.

Spencer Kraig.
Baseball was his dream. His life. Falling for Blue was unexpected. And the most intense experience of his life. A steady girlfriend in college was one thing. But he had his sights set on being the best in the game. He wasn't ready for anything permanent.

Breaking Blue's heart—and his own—was the hardest decision Spencer ever made.

Four years later, Blue lands her dream job with the Seattle Cyclones. So what if Spencer is their star player? She's not the same starry-eyed young woman who thought the sun rose and set with Spencer Kraig. She's moved on.

One look into Blue's eyes was all Spencer needed to know he wanted a second chance. Fame and fortune were great. But unless he had someone to share his life, what was the point? Not just anyone. The only woman he had ever loved. Could love. Blue.

Blue could forgive Spencer.
Trusting him with her heart—again—wasn't going to be as easy.

Grab your copy of this intense, love conquers all, standalone novel today.

Genres: Second Chance

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2017

About the author

I love books, I always have and always will. Writing is an extension of that and though it has taken me a while to get here, I now can officially call myself a published author.
I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington, so I wanted to set my books on the Columbia River in Washington state. Harper Falls is completely fictitious, but I think anyone from the area will know right where it would be if it did exist.
My hobbies are gardening, reading, baking(fattening desserts are my favorite), exercise(I don't love it, but it is necessary due to the desserts), and animals. I had a dog but when he died I couldn't bring myself to replace him. That is why I wrote Edgar, the dog into "If I Loved You", I consider him my surrogate puppy until I can get a real one.
I love to get feedback on my books so I hope everyone will feel free to leave a question or visit my website(it is a work in progress, but I'm getting there).
My Facebook page is up and running, please stop by for a look and a like.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-J.... I'm also on twitter https://twitter.com/maryjwilliams05

Reviews

[Jacqueline]

Dnf 50%

I tried, I really did, but third person narrative is rarely my friend. Not only was it slow (I was counting cliches at one point - average of three per page if you're interested) but the narrative jumped confusingly from person to person. I kept having to stop to work out who was saying or doing what. Then when they moved from hating one another to panting after one another on a whim then I was done.

I see others enjoyed this so it's probably me, so if you like a second chance romance with the bestie's big brother type story then this may be for you. Ah well 😦

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Other than the occasional twinge—usually when he spotted a flash of red hair in a crowded room—Spencer rarely thought about Blue."

[Karen Roma · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a Little While is book one in Mary J. Williams` One Strike Away series, and my first read by this author.

While the story had plenty of promise, and as a second chance/sport romance it was definitely appealing, I felt that the actual romance was missing and the connection between the primary couple, just wasn’t there. I found the characters lacking in depth, and Spencer rarely seemed to even think about Blue.

I hope the next story in the series has more substance and the characters are more engaging and commited.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was looking for some good romance when I landed on this one. This is also a second romance with I like to read to see how it will be spinned. Every author has their own with the characters driving it there. In this one it centers around Blue and Spencer with them being involved in baseball. I dod not like to watch sports but I do like to read about them in romance. Egos are sure to be involved. In this one too someone wakes up to see what is important really with us seeing how it gets there to have it be lasting. When feelings are involved each will be different with this author showing us theirs. to rekindle and have a lasting flame is also delightful to read about. This will also have a bit of emotional pull so watch out. This is wrapped up to satisfaction for the reader with you if given the chance would be up for more from this author.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a second chance love story about Spencer and Blue. These two dated years ago for two years until Spencer broke her heart (and his) when he no longer wanted a girlfriend since he had joined the baseball league. Before that, they had known each other most of their lives since Blue was best friends with Spencer’s sister.
Fast forward a few years and Blue believes she isn’t getting the job she wants because of Spencer’s star role on the team. She does get the job, confronts Spencer about why he didn’t want her to have it, and then learns he never didn’t want her to have it. They become friends again which then develops into something more.
Overall, this book was good. I felt something was missing, but I would still recommend it. This is my first book by this author. It is the first book in this new series.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've all been there...in college and in love. Then, even though you've been best friends forever and confidants since you were children, life's dreams and personal aspirations come along and muck the whole thing up.

Once a couple, Spencer and Blue now have to work together. Both of them now have their dream jobs. Spencer as the star player for the Seattle Cyclones, and Blue working in PR for the team. Can they forget what they meant to each other? Do they want to? Has Blue gotten over Spencer? Can Spencer win Blue back?

Ms. Williams has penned a delicious second chance romance. Two people dedicated to each other take different paths. Will love ultimately win and bring these two back together?

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

From the beginning I liked this book. I felt that I knew who the characters were and could easily relate to them.

The storyline is a true 2nd chance romance. Blue and Spencer have grown up together and started a relationships however things didn’t work out.

Blue returns to her hometown to take on assistant PR role to her favourite baseball team which spencer happens to play for. Here is where the second chance develops with the doubt, trust and insecurity issues.

I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the others in the series. I will also be checking out other books by this author.

#ForAlittleWhile(oneStrikeAwayBookOne)
#NetGalley

[Kathryn Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My new review read that I received from the author for an unbiased review.

About 20% so far and loving the characters. This is the second story I have read from the author and think this one is the better out of the two.

A good story start with a good traditional romance feeling. Nothing surprising so far but a good story anyway.

I would have like more of an effort from Spencer to win Blue's trust again. Just a tad to easy for me but a good nice romance novel that will tick the right boxes for any romantic reader.

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Mary J Williams! I really enjoyed Blue and Spencer's story. Love and trust. Broken. Can it be healed and all forgiven? Only time will tell with second chances and a willing heart. I can't wait for the rest of the series! As usual, the characters and their story pulls you in!

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary has written a wonderful second chance story. After being separated for four years can Spencer and Blue forgive the past and move toward a future together. I enjoyed following Blue and Spencer's story. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Leigh Ann Atwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

Cute story, but left me a bit flat. The story plays out with little depth. The drama comes and goes with little insight or impact. The characters are a little to pretty and superficial. All in all, a pleasant read that just scratched the surface.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like sports at all, but I totally don't mind reading a sports romance novel. As a matter of fact, most of what I know about sports came from reading them. This one was fun, exciting at times, and I felt like the characters could be my next door neighbors. Totally with 4 stars!!

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: One Strike Away
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I had a hard time staying interested in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

[Mary Burrows · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stilted writing. Couldn’t get into it, very confusing.

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy was badly in need of an edit. Nice second chance, sports (baseball), best friend's brother contemporary romance.

[domestic_godess_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was slow moving and I skimmed a lot of it. The characters lacked depth and really didn’t have much interaction. The book could have used a good editor to eliminate a lot of the unnecessary filler.

[Gwen Sargeant · Rating 5 out of 5]

For A Little While is a story of a second chance of love between Blue O'Hara Assistant To the Head of Public Relations with the Seattle Cyclones and third baseman Spencer Kraig of the Seattle Cyclones. The storyline flowed so smoothly and constantly kept your interest. Mary J. Williams is so refreshing as a writer. Her style doesn't need erotica/sex to make the story. It's the romance and love that she puts into it that makes it interesting where you use your imagination and dream right along with her. Sure there is a bit of sex in the book, however she adds just the right amount and doesn't ruin it. I have read all her books and each time I always say this one is my favourite, it's so hard to decide since she is amazing at what she does. I would love to see her get on the New York bestsellers list, as she richly deserves the honour. I look forward to the next instalment in this series One Strike Away.

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue O'Hara and Spencer Kraig were in love at college. Blue believed they would be in love forever. But then Spencer decided to follow his dream to become a baseball star and broke her heart.
Four years later, Blue returns to Seattle. She takes the chance to live her dream and become a member of the PR- team with the Seattle Cyclones, her all time favorite baseball team.
There she meets her former love Spencer again, who is now the star player of the team.
She believes she has overcome her love and is no longer as blue-eyed as in the past. But one single look in Spencer's eyes rekindles the feelings, she thought she had overcome, in even more intense strength.
Now Blue has to decide if she can trust Spencer again or not!
But Blue fights not only with her feelings, but also with her superior who wants to make her life as difficult as possible…

Mary J. William’s books always leave me speechless. They are that good that I always struggle to even find words to express my feelings about reading them.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Roshelle Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a little while is a second chance romance. Blue and Spencer both grow up to be amazing people. Spencer broke Blues heart. Will she be able to forgive him? Only time will tell ;)

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Mary J. Williams writes stories that are relatable but so far out of our realm. This is the start of another sports themed series, this time centered around Baseball. I loved Spenser and Blue's interaction and his time is prime for their second chance. Can they move on from the hurt of four years ago to become the people they grew into together or will old hurts and distrust set them back. I loved that there are cross over sports characters and I loved the cause that brought them together. Can't wait to read more in this series.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's an intenseness to Ms. Williams stories. She never holds anything back. From character flaws to heartache and tragedy, it's all exposed with a rawness and sincerity that is identifiable and emotional. Her gift of humanizing is what keeps me coming back and that quality is put on full display in For a Little While. Young love is a beautiful thing, but when life challenges and human imperfections creep in, it can implode really quickly. Can Blue and Spencer learn to forgive and put their hearts on the line for a second chance?

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book just renewed my love for sports romance novels. I haven't read one in such a long time. I'm so glad I got to read this one.
For A Little While is a sweet, paging turning romance. Baseball plays a huge part in this book but it doesn't overtake it all.
I absolutely fell in love with Blue and Spencer and their quest to rekindle a past love gone bad.
Quickly I have become a huge fane of Mary's writing. Her stories are all consuming and so well written.
5/5stars
A
T&A Book Blog

[Downward dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful second chance romance about a baseball player and the woman he loves. Great writing and engaging characters. Another hit by Mary J. Williams !!!

[Victoria pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not normally one to seek out second chance romance but this book sounded too good not to try.

Blue and Spencer were a couple I enjoyed reading about. I enjoyed thier story and though they had history the way it was written made it seem like they were brand new.

A really lovely book with great characters and a HEA xxx

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance at love novel. Well written and entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and the story. There were some surprising aspects that I wasn't expecting but they added perfectly to the story.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer kraig was the epitome tall, dark, and handsome. Charismatic, well spoken, well read. Smooth, he was also a great baseball player. A natural charm drew people to Spencer. When Spencer played. He played hard. Spencer had his pick of women, his circle of friends was wide and varied. Spencer had a strict motto and choose his friends, lovers, and business associates wisely. Spencer felt that the character of people who surround you said as much about you as it does about them. Spencer was the Seattle Cyclones third baseman. Blue hated Spencer so she said. Jordyn was blue’s best friend and Spencer’s sister. Jordyn ran an internationally successful high end cosmetics company she had started in college. Blue had went to the other side of the country and worked for four years in NYC after college. But she was back in Seattle for her dream job. Spencer was Blue’s ex and had broken her heart. Blue’s jon now was assistant to the head of public relations for the Seattle Cyclones. In two years when the head of public relations- Vance Settler- retires the job would be hers. Baseball was Blue’s first love and the gama had never let her down unlike Spencer. But then a family friend -Everette- who already worked for the Cyclones said rumor was Spencer was trying to stop Blue from getting the assistant job. Spencer was a big reason the Cyclones had a packed stadium for the last three years. But three weeks later Blue was told she got the assistant job. Spencer loved baseball and one reason was the tradition. In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil Spencer found something comforting in knowing baseball was a constant he could count on not to change. Spencer found more and more lately Blue intruded his thoughts. Blue and Spencer’s romance had been intensely passionate.Spencer had been Blue’s first love for two years. Blue thought they were practically perfect together then they weren’t. One mind altering kiss took blue and Spencer from friends to dating. It was Spencer’s fault it ended as he wasn’t ready for anything serious. Four years he and Blue had been free from each other but the minute she moved back to Seattle somehow Blue’s spirit haunted him reminding how they once were together. Blue was on a blind date with a handsome man bit Blue was there under duress from her mother- Dorothy. Dorothy felt it was her duty to make sure each of her children were settled in a relationship. There had been a time when Spencer and Blue had been perfectly in tune with each other, when they communicated with just a look. Then Spencer came up to Blue when she was on the boring date with Warren to say hi and introduce janelle who was on his arm. Before he left Spencer told Blue they would talk soon. The first time Blue had imagined kissing Spencer she was fifteen years old. Then she let the thought go another five years before that thought crossed her mind again. That year Spencer had made league MVP for the first time. Blue had known Spencer most of her life. When Jordyn and Blue met in first grade and they practically lived in each others pockets. Spencer went to Blue’s office to let her know he had not done anything to stop her from getting her job with the Cyclones. Vance was Blue’;s boss and seemed to want to make her quit. He basically gave her busy work. She believed Vance was being pushed to retire in two years and he resented she was a woman. But Blue was determined to do whatever he said as she only had two years to go through this and then she would be where she wanted to be career wise. Vance and blue seemed to be at a stalemate. Vance didn’t like Blue but he didn’t do any overt moves like when he sent her to N Y Blue still cared deeply for Spencer . Spencer’s two best friends were Travis and Nick who were also guys on his team. Off the field the three men spent more time with each other than anyone else. Spencer told Blue she liked strong willed women and he liked her, that he always had. Apparently once hooked on Spencer Blue found it was impossible to get him out of her blood. Blue had tried hard to find a substitute, but nothing compared to him, not even close.
This was a very good book. It was an easy, nice, quick, romantic read. I enjoyed the plot and pace. I loved Blue and Spencer together I really liked how Blue and her dad bonded over their love of baseball and the way the family interacted. I also liked the way the discovery of Drake being gay was handled and the support Drake got and how the author handled the whole part of this in the book. I was happy to see Blue and Spencer at least try to be friends and then more. I thought the ending came on a little quick but still liked it a lot. I loved the characters except for Vance of course and was glad when Spencer hit him. I liked the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

[Alison Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. A really good sports romance with the right mix of heartache and forgiveness. I would’ve liked a little more of the backstory on why the split wa so awful, maybe a back flash but ultimately it was a good read

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (6/14/2018)!💝

Blurb:
FIRST LOVE

Breathtaking. Intense. Everything.

UNFORGETTABLE

Blue O'Hara.
Falling in love with her best friend's brother hadn't been in Blue's plans. She had known Spencer since she was a little girl. Annoying at times, he wasn't supposed to be The One. But an unexpected kiss changed everything. For two years, their relationship bloomed. She couldn't imagine her life without him. Then the unthinkable happened. Spencer broke Blue's heart.

Spencer Kraig.
Baseball was his dream. His life. Falling for Blue was unexpected. And the most intense experience of his life. A steady girlfriend in college was one thing. But he had his sights set on being the best in the game. He wasn't ready for anything permanent.

Breaking Blue's heart—and his own—was the hardest decision Spencer ever made.

Four years later, Blue lands her dream job with the Seattle Cyclones. So what if Spencer is their star player? She's not the same starry-eyed young woman who thought the sun rose and set with Spencer Kraig. She's moved on.

One look into Blue's eyes was all Spencer needed to know he wanted a second chance. Fame and fortune were great. But unless he had someone to share his life, what was the point? Not just anyone. The only woman he had ever loved. Could love. Blue.

Blue could forgive Spencer.
Trusting him with her heart—again—wasn't going to be as easy.

[poppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good second chance/sports romance and while I did enjoy it I really hated the way Spencer ended things the first time they were together he was just so cruel and when they meet back up four years later I ended up pisses at Blue she did not make him work for it. While it was a good read I just did not feel the deep love between these two but that might just be me.