Strike Out

Barlow Sisters #2

by Jordan Ford

Baseball is her life, but a musician is strumming on her heartstrings. Will they strike a bad chord or make the perfect double play?

Max Barlow never takes her eyes off the ball. With a rare college baseball scholarship up for grabs, she can’t afford to lose focus. But when she accidentally stumbles into the music room on her first day at Armitage High, she can’t help but notice the hot guitarist. And he’s made it clear he wouldn’t mind giving her lessons…

Rock star Cairo Hale has a reputation for being able to play his way into any girl’s heart. But his streak comes to an end with tomboy baseball player Max. While she makes him promise to keep their lessons a secret, it turns out she’s an absolute natural. It looks like Cairo’s generous offer has blossomed into so much more…

Max is torn between her team responsibilities, her newfound passion for the guitar… and her dreamy tutor. When she can no longer balance her double life, Max must make a choice that could change her future for good…

Strike Out is the second standalone book in The Barlow Sisters’ Trilogy, a series of simmering YA contemporary romance novels. If you like endearing characters, love-ballad-worthy chemistry, and a hint of mystery, then you’ll love Jordan Ford’s sports romance series.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Sports, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Music, High School

Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2017

About the author

Jordan Ford is a teen and young-adult romance author. She loves to write romance novels filled with angst, mystery, danger and first love. If you're looking for heartfelt romance, loyal friendships, thrilling drama and characters you can fall in love with, then you're in the right place.

“Writing romance brings me the greatest joy. My heart bubbles, my insides zing, and I am at my happiest when immersed in a great scene with characters who have become real to me.”

To stay up-to-date with Jordan's latest news, you can sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/JF_book...
You'll also get a free introduction to her Ryder Bay series.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.jordanfordbooks.com
Email: jordan@jordanfordbooks.com

Reviews

[Life on Readpeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *

I generously received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review…

Ever since devouring Curveball (Maddie's story) a couple weeks ago I have been super anxious to get my hands on Strike Out, the second installment in the Barlow Sisters trilogy, because I wanted to see what Max's story had to hold. All I can say is that I was certainly not disappointed because as always Jordan Ford (aka Melissa Pearl) knows how to deliver a binge-worthy read.

This story is all about following your dreams and discovering that if you put in the hard work that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Max Barlow is the kind of person who always does what is expected of her. Her entire world is turned upside down when the Barlow family relocates to Armitage, California during the middle of the girls senior (Max & Maddie) and junior (Chloe) year. Suddenly she is expected to work overtime to keep her spot on the boy's baseball team. If her life wasn't chaotic enough enter Cairo Hale, the rockstar. The chemistry between Max and Cairo is undeniable right from the start, but she continues to fight it because she thinks she needs to focus on her father's goal - to secure a full-ride scholarship to college (sending three girls to college isn't cheap). When music starts to invade her thoughts she must decide if following her father's plan is the best decision.

Max is perhaps my favorite of the three Barlow sisters, although I must admit that I love them all for completely different reasons. Now that I've devoured Strike Out I seriously cannot wait to get my greedy hands on the final installment of the series, Foul Play (Chloe's story), especially after that intense ending!

[Secretly Adorkable Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strike out is the 2nd book in the Barlow Sister's series & this is Cairo and Max's story which is my favorite of the 2 so far! Who wouldn't love a HS rock star falling for the tomboy who plays baseball!

This is all about priorities and Max doesn't want anything to interfere her dream of becoming the best baseball player so she can make it to the pro's in college. Or is this her true dream or is she hiding the truth of what she really wants?

Cairo wants to show Max that there is more than baseball and he knows she is holding back but will Max fight for her dream or will it tear their relationship apart before it gets started? I just love this author's writing and how she keeps you intrigued with her stories and yearning for more! That ending!!!! I need more and cannot wait for Chloe's story!

[Paz Vivanco (Taylor's Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 freaking stars to this amazing book!

The first thing I want to say is that I connected so deeply with Max with all of her fears about the future, who she really is, what does she want to do with her life... that's definitely me. Jordan really captured that very well.

Now let's talk about the sexy musician; Cairo Hale. Oh boy! I really want him as my boyfriend. I fell in love with him from the very start, he was always so honest and trying to help Max in every way he could. If that's not love, then waht is?

And the last thing I need to say about this awesome book, without throwing some spoilers, is that the mysteries on these books are only getting better and better! Because it's no only romance what you'll reading this book, there's also something else going on that'll leave you gaping!

Jordan Ford has done it again! I can't wait to read the last book in this wonderful trilogy!

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series, but the ending.....arggghhhh when's the next one out?
This book runs parallel along side the first book, this is the second sister Max's story. Her secret romance with both a guy and a guitar. Her family think she is playing baseball, but she's growing up and persuing her own dreams. She gets caught up in some scary drama and her father cracks the whip in fear. I can't wait to read the 3rd sister's story as I have a feeling she's also rebelling.
Bravo Jordan Ford, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and this series and highly recommend it.

[Nana Pickrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to receive a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

This is the 2nd book in the series following the story of Max and Cairo. Max is the daughter that follows what her parents have planned out for her until the day she see a Stratocaster electric guitar in the music studio and her fingers itch to touch it. What follows is her struggle between doing what her parents want and doing what she feels in her soul. A journey from a young teenager scared to tell her parents what she really wants to do with her life to a young woman who finds the courage to stand up for herself. I loved it and can’t wait to read Chloe’s story.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strike Out returns the reader to the story of the Barlow Sisters. Max Barlow is a baseball prodigy. She is going to be one of the first girls in the country to play for a college baseball team. Her dad has it all planned out for his Maximus. Nevermind that Max is over baseball and dreams of music. Nevermind that when she gets the opportunity to learn guitar, it turns out that she's a natural. Nevermind, that music makes her feel alive, like baseball never has. Music is magic. It's her passion, but Max is too afraid to disappoint her father, so now she's living his dream, hiding her's.

Cairo Hale is the frontman and lead guitar for Velocity. He's beautiful. He's considered a man-whore because there is always a girl on his arm, but he's not. Anything, but. He uses girlfriends as a shield against all of the women who want him. From the moment he sees Max looking at his guitar like it's the treasure he feels it is, he is consumed with the idea of teaching her to play. When this idea comes to be, he's happier than he's ever been. He loves how alive she becomes with music; seeing her pure joy. He loves being the one to bring this magic into her life. It takes him much longer to figure out that he wants more than to only be her teacher. It's hard though, since Max is convinced that she will lose him and her music if her father finds out. She convinces him to keep their relationship and the lessons a secret. This creates a wedge between her and her sisters as well at a time when the family is already experiencing a rough patch. Family drama on several fronts and it turns out Max isn't the only one keeping secrets. Some drama can be worked out by talking, some drama turns out to be more serious, even deadly. And secrets end up being revealed sooner or later. Choices must be made. People end up hurt, angry. But the Barlow's are family. They may not agree with each other, they may hurt each other, but they love each other. When times get rough, the sisters draw closer to one another; they always have each other.

Once again, the characters make this story special. Max and Cairo are good together. They bring out the best in one another. Max has never thought for herself. She has always followed the plan set for her by her father. Her father comes across as insensitive, demanding, unobservant, and even uncaring at times, but I don't think he's as bad as it seems. Max is scared and out of her element when it comes to thinking for herself and speaking up for what she wants. I don't think she's truly a coward, just new at going against her father's wishes. Cairo is mostly wonderful. The first full day these two spent together was perfection. He created so many lovely moments, but he wasn't perfect. He was less understanding than he should have been towards Max's justifiable fear of her father, because he has the world's greatest parents. We should all be so lucky! He has never had to disappoint his parents or stand against them. He has no idea how painful this can be. As someone who cannot even put pushy women in their place, he shouldn't call anyone a coward. The side characters all add depth to the story. Mads and Chloe play their role as the Barlow Sisters. I can't wait until these girls have worked through their growing pains and are back at full strength. Velocity plays a key role within the story. I love band dynamics and like Roman and Austin. I cannot stand Latifa. She embodies everything I dislike about female charcters; nasty, jealous, deliberately hurtful. Nope, not a fan. And Uncle Conrad is a force of nature that impacts everything.

More than anything this is a coming of age story. It's a girl growing up, deciding what truly matters to her, deciding what is worth fighting for. It's about falling in love, showing courage, and becoming your own person. These Barlow Sisters are easy to connect to, easy to love. You can't help rooting for their happiness. This one ends on a scary note. Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Kate McMurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

G-rated, YA, multicultural romance

Max Barlow, an 18-year-old, high-school senior, is enormously skilled at baseball, but she is no longer as in love with it and committed to it as she has been for the past 13 years. Instead, she longs to cut back on it, and even give it up entirely if necessary, in order to carve out time to pursue music. Unfortunately, if she follows her own heart, she will break her father’s. He has been massively supportive all these years of Max, her twin Maddie, and her younger sister Chloe, as three terrifically talented baseball players. Dad loves all three of his girls, but Max believes he puts special focus on her as the son he never had. His dearest dream is that she win a scholarship to play college baseball, and he has put a huge amount of effort into helping make that happen.

Knowing all that, how can she possibly admit to him, after all his support and caring, that she doesn’t share his dream anymore? He will be crushed. But if she doesn’t follow her true passion, she will be crushed herself. Her own deepest dream is to play the guitar in a band and pursue a degree in music, something she is equally, naturally gifted at.

Her life seems to be at an intractable stalemate until a crucial, personal journey toward being true to herself is triggered by Cairo Hale, a gorgeous fellow senior at her school who is a professional musician who plays in a rock band. Cairo sees the musical passion in Max, volunteers to become her mentor, and very soon becomes a close friend who has the potential to be much, much more.

I really enjoyed this slow-burn, G-rated, YA romance. Though I was disappointed there was no focus on Max as a baseball star, because I personally love YA sports romances, I liked Max and Cairo a lot, both individually and as a couple. I also very much enjoyed Max's journey as a budding, gifted musician.

I always prefer romance novels written in dual point of view, as this book is, because it allows the reader to get to know the hero well, and Cairo is a delightful hero well worth knowing. His mother is an Indian-American of East Indian descent, and his father is an Irish immigrant who is the music teacher at the high school that Max and Cairo attend. I loved reading about Cairo’s delightful parents and his terrific, supportive relationship with them. They were one of my favorite parts of the book.

For all those reasons, this story was moving along swimmingly, as far as I was concerned, until the last 10% of the book. At that point, the author suddenly switches the tone of the book from light drama, focused on Max's romance and her growth as a musician, into a very dark, gritty melodrama with evil villains, which I found quite jarring. Though all plot points in this particular book are fully tied up and there is the expected HEA (or, rather, “happy for now”) that makes any romance novel worth reading, the author ends this book on a major cliffhanger on behalf of the inciting incident for the third book in the series. Based on that setup, it is clear that the third and final book in this trilogy isn't going to focus on baseball any more than this one does. Rather, it seems clear that it will continue full bore into more dark melodrama. This switch in tone may not be a problem for readers who enjoy evil villains. But that sort of story is a bit too harsh for my own personal taste, and I will most likely not continue on reading the third book even though I have read this book and the first one in this series.

I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Music Plot: 5 stars
Violent, Melodrama Plot: 2 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time I finished Curveball, I knew Max was going to be my favorite sister, and I was right. Nothing against Maddie or Chloe, but Max was the sister that I related to the most. And I loved how the author managed to tell Max's story in tandem to parts of Maddie's without making me feel like Curveball was just being retold. You knew Max had a secret when reading Maddie's story, and I couldn't wait to see what that was. Just as we know Chloe has something going on, but no idea what it really is.

Max is one of those girls who would be hard to dislike. She was tough, loyal, had her own style apart from her twin, and she played baseball. Although considered the tomboy, she was vulnerable too. She never had a boyfriend and was unsure how to behave around Cairo, the first guy she was actually attracted to and her relationship with her dad? Yeah, she wasn't as tough on the inside as she came across. I absolutely loved Cairo. In Curveball, he came across as aloof or standoffish (not quite the right word) when in reality, he was just very into his music and band, but still a really nice guy. And I loved him and Max as a couple.

This was definitely my favorite book in the series, but have to admit I was left intrigued with the ending. I had really, really hoped that Chloe would end up with the one guy most would not expect her to be with and was glad to see that I hit the nail on the head. I cannot wait to read the last book of the series. In my opinion, these are getting better with each book.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I really enjoyed book 1 in this series, so I couldn't start book 2 soon enough. And book 2 was even better. I really liked the topic this book dealt with and I got sucked into the story from the start. Max's future is all planned out, she's a great baseball player and her father hopes she can get a scholarship. But Max isn't as into baseball as everyone think she is, she would love to learn how to play music. And that's the chance she gets in this book.

I liked the set-up and I could really connect with these character on certain points. It deals with the topics of expectations, pressure and following your dreams. The struggle between doing what people expect and what you really want. I enjoyed seeing Max discover music and her struggle on how to handle it felt very believable. I did agree with Cairo that she shouldn't keep it a secret, but on the other hand I could also understand her fear and how tough it was to admit say she didn't want the future her father had planned out for her.

Max and Cairo are so perfect together. I liked how Cairo helped Max discover the beauty of music. Seeing them grow closer and try and figure things out was awesome to read about. They were just so fun to read about and I liked how their romance build slowly at first with them getting to know each other through the music lessons. And while Max had difficulties with her parents at times, Cairo had the most awesome parents. I liked reading about Cairo's interactions with his parents, they might've been a bit too perfect, but it sure made for some great scenes.

I also liked how the romance wasn't filled with drama but there are some complications and things they struggle with, which fit this book well. I also like books with drama now and then, but the low drama thing really works here and I liked how any miscommunications got cleared up pretty fast. They really listened to each other and found a way to make things work.

It mostly reads like a contemporary romance book until a bit of suspense later on. To be honest I found the suspense better interwoven into the story in book 1, here it felt a bit too sudden. I did like the plot line with her uncle and how that tied into things, but it just felt a tad off how the suspense went from none to suddenly a very suspenseful scene.

Another thing I have to mention about this book is when it takes place. At first I was a tad confused as this book start on their first school day in their new town, which is what we already read in book 1. But once I read further my impression gradually changed into being impressed by how well the author handled it. Yes parts of this story overlap with the timeline of book 1, but you get to see different events and things from another point of view and it didn't feel at all like we got to see the same things again as it was very well written. And we get these small hints of what happened in Maddie's story so you can tie things together with when everything's happening.

We also get to see a little bit more of Maddie and Chloe. For about 50% of the book it takes place during Maddie's story and then the later half takes place after book 1 ended. And we get to see Maddie's reaction when Max tells her what's going on with her and we see some glimpses of her and Holden, which was fun. There's also the set-up for Chloe's story in this book, with some small hints that something is up with her and then that ending has me so curious about Chloe's story. I wish I already had the last book.

To summarize: I enjoyed this book even more than book 1. Cairo and Max are great couple. The romance is low on the drama, but there are some struggles and complications, it was the perfect balance. It also deals with topics like expectations and following your dreams, which I really enjoyed reading about. I was so fun to see Max discover her passion and figure out how to fit that into her life. It also was very well done how this book half took place during the timeline of book 1, but it never felt like events of book 1 got repeated, but we did get to some bits so you know where in events of book 1 it took place. I wasn't sure if I would like this why of telling the story when I started reading, but it really worked out. And in this book we get some hints about what's up with Chloe and I can't wait to read book 3!

[Renee Adams-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I'm reviewing Strike Out written by Jordan Ford

This story is the 2nd in the series, behind Curveball (see previous review)

This one is centred around Max, Maddie's twin and the 'Middle' child. Max is the star hitter of the Baseball team and her father has his sights set on her getting a college scholarship for it. Growing up her entire life has been Baseball. She discovers another love/talent she has and when the schools Rock Star finds out about this, he makes it his mission to help her pursue it.

I really enjoyed this book. I have 2 sisters so these books are really speaking to me. At one point or another growing up, 2 have bonded leaving the other on the outer, so I could totally relate to the problems the three girls have and their drifting apart. Like Max I'm in the middle and felt like I was always doing what I knew would make other people happy but I got to a point where I just said, I'm making me happy now. Luckily my parents weren't as firm about my future as Max's.

I really love how she wrote Cairo. Book after book featuring 'Rock Stars' its all about the women they have fawning over them and them always 'gettin some'. I love how Cairo had girlfriends and not random hooks ups. It showed his character was more about the music and not the lifestyle. I love how even thought he wants to make it big, he has college plans and dreams. I loved the bond between him and his parents. Unlike other books where the rock star is rebelling, he is so stable within his home that he is genuinely a really nice guy. I honestly loved everything about him. Avan Jogia is the perfect muse for his character. 😍

Max's character was so relatable, as I mentioned. I know the feeling of not wanting to disappoint anyone, that you put everyone else first. I was glad, even though it was in secret, she managed to find herself that made her happy.

I found the supporting characters in this story really enjoyable and Cairo's parents... ❤️❤️❤️ Best Parents Ever!

I cannot wait until Chloe's book. Those last few paragraphs have me hooked. 😁

[LOVink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Barlow sisters trilogy has everything I love about Jordan Ford books
a touching love story
just the right amount of suspense
surprising twists
wonderful secondary characters
and m u s i c



I think it‘s the music that makes me love this book even more than the first one ♡
And Cairo of course, 100% bookboyfriendmaterial
Love him because he is honest and considerate and brave and he stole my heart because he „sees“ the real Max and just wants her to be happy.

„And I‘ll keep fighting for you because I love being around you, talking to you, playing guitar with you, kissing you.“

Cairo and his parents are my fav family, they‘re really adorable together.

And that first kiss...awww heart fluttering.
I did not expect Max and Cairo‘s tender romance to be so swoonworthy ♡





Jordan Ford‘s writing has once again given me all the feels and now I'm impatiently waiting for book#3 because I need to know what‘s up with Chloe...

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Barlow is a talented young baseball player who has an opportunity for a rare baseball scholarship to college. When she meets Cairo Hale, she can’t turn down an offer to give her guitar lessons. But Max’s parents have always made plans for her life and she has always followed their wishes. Now she has a choice between what they have decided for her and what her heart wants.

This is a coming of age type story. The characters are likable and the story line is well done. But what will a girl who never had to make important choices do now, especially when those choices are in direct opposition to her parents’ wishes? Will she find the courage to stand up to her parents? Or will she give up on the important things in life – happiness, love, growing into adulthood? I recommend this book. We can all relate to this time in our own lives when we had choices and challenges. Those choices are not always the right ones, but making them is part of growing up. See how Max handles her choices. I was given a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. My comments reflect my honest opinion.

[Bobo's Book Bank · Rating 5 out of 5]

STRIKE OUT is book two in the Barlow Sisters series and although it's a standalone, the plot flows better if read in order. Max's story is a young adult, opposites attract (baseballer & rocker) clean, contemporary romance. Here's what I love about Jordan Ford's writing...not only are they well written and fast paced but they illustrate REAL LIFE connections and explore REAL LIFE problems. It's so easy sometimes, as a parent, to forget what life's like as a teenager; the expectations of parents, the hardship of "fitting in", the pressure to make certain choices. Ms. Ford managed to portray Max and Cairo's teenage characters fabulously. I FELT the wonder of Max's first kiss and the giddiness in Cairo's stomach when he realized his feelings for Max. I EXPERIENCED the fear and shame of getting caught in a lie. I also loved the deep, heartfelt connections between the sisters and the attention to family dynamics. (My sister's & I were never that close as teenagers but are DEFINITELY very close as adults!) This is a wonderfully sweet coming of age tale with a touch of mystery and a dash of drama! Told from dual POVs with a happy for Max and Cairo end but an "OH NO!" end for little sis, Chloe.

[Jillian Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan Ford has done it again! I love this book so much because it brings out yet a new scenario. Max has a lot of pressure on her from her Dad and family to play baseball but has always wanted to do something else. She just feels like if she does she will let her family down. Max gets overwhelmed trying to make everyone else happy until someone finally helps her find her happiness. I absolutely adore the interaction between Cairo and Max because he knows just the right way to help her see who she wants to be. He never asks her to become something he wants, he just teaches her how to free and it's a beautiful thing. Seeing how not only they grow each other, but accept each other wholeheartedly for whom the other is, is inspiring and that is what makes this such a sweet romance. I have always thought the best partners are those that push each other and challenge each other to be better and to be who they want to be and that is what these two do. This is an amazing book filled with intrigue, adoration and even stressful moments but it just makes their romance that much better. I fully recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have loved her previous books!

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow your dreams is the the main theme in this second book in the Barlow girls series. Max is Maddies twin sister and her whole life has been spent playing baseball. A dream she thought she wanted until they arrive in Armitage and she lays her eyes on a beautiful guitar in her new high school's mysic room. She is spotted by Cairo Hale, school rockstar and frontman for the band Velocity. He sees her passion for music instantly and offfers her guitar lessons.

However like a Romeo and Juliet tragedy, Max decides to keep their lessons a secret as she knows her father will not understand her change of heart from baseball to music. As far as dating, from the outside they appear to be a complete mismatch, the sporty girl and the rocker. However, music can bring anyone together and if Max is brave enough to take a stand, she may change her destiny forever. Loved this second instalment and can't wait to now see Chloe's story.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy from the author.

Strike Out is book 2 in the Barlow Sisters series focusing on Max, Maddie's twin from the first book. Max has a secret desire for music. At her new school, she discovers she wants to play the guitar and musician Cairo is all too happy to teach her. The only problem is that Max needs to keep her music playing a secret from everybody, including her baseball loving family. I really liked delving into Max's secret love of music and seeing her first crush on a guy. I also enjoyed Cairo. He was such a sweet hero who wanted Max to reveal her secret to everyone and to embrace all aspects of her life, baseball and music. I loved how he encouraged her, yet was also disappointed with her silence. As always, the author writes a little suspense in her books, and this one was not lacking. I would strongly suggest reading Curve Ball first before this one. I'm looking forward to finishing this trilogy. I cannot wait to read Chloe's story.

[Amy Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of Strike Out in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Barlow Sisters Series, and the love story of Max and Ciaro. This is about following your own path no matter the expectations of others.

Max has found a new passion in music and has to hide it from her family.

Ciaro is free to follow any dreams that he has. His passion is music and watching Max find her love for music.

What I liked :
Max desire live up to her dad's expectations.
Ciaros' strong sense of honesty.

What I didn't like:
Max's constant lying.
The fact that she has to choose between music and baseball.

So, this book wasn't my favorite. It normally takes me a day or two at most to finish a book and this one took about a week. I had to push to stay interested. Sadly my favorite part was at the end when Jordan introduce Chloe's book. My rating is more of a 3.5. It was good but not my favorite.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. I can say that was a very interesting book from the beginning to the end. I absolutely loved Maxine. I didnt love what she told exactly but I loved her character. I loved that she wanted more from life then what her father had planned for her. I absolutely loved the sister bond that three sisters have. I was a little torn when they started drifting from each other. That was a turning point in the book for me. But this book was gripping. I loved the character chemistry between all the characters. Very well written and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone who might enjoy a good book written about a young girl who needs to make some very difficult options in her life. I cant wait until i can read the other two in this series.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barlow Sisters' Trilogy book two runs parallel along side the first book, & follows Barlow sister Max through her journey of following her dreams vs her responsibilities.
A fabulous addition to this YA contemporary sports romance trilogy. A intriguing plot with a bit of suspense interwoven into the story. Character's are complex & well seasoned with a perfect blend of supporting characters that add to the story. I fell in love with Cairo's as he has a beautiful soul. It was very easy to connect with the characters & their expectations & dreams. I love all the sisters equally for different reasons & I cannot choose a favourite. Max & Cairo are perfect together as they create beautiful songs together on a slow burning romance. I cannot wait to read sweet Chloe's story. I highly recommend reading this book/ series as it will not disappoint.

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I️ had the same problem with this book as I️ did with the first book of the series. I️ didn’t like all of the constant sneaking around and lying. Plus I️ just have a hard time believing that the mom was that oblivious to what was going on. She’s a stay-at-home-mom for Christ sake. Seems like that would open her up to the things that are going on in her children’s lives because she doesn’t do anything else. Plus I️ just really didn’t like the relationship between the sisters (mainly the twins). It really annoyed me that Max told her uncle what was going on instead of Maddie when she knew she was hurting her twin’s feelings. I️ just feel like everything was blown out of proportion for no reason whatsoever.

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Max and Cairo. Max is a baseball player with a heart for music. No, Max is a musician that plays baseball to make her dad happy. Cairo sees this in her. He knows Max will only ever be happy making music, so he starts giving Max guitar lessons that she keeps hidden from her family.
I couldn't put this book down. I never knew what the next page would have in store for Max and Cairo. All the characters brought this wonderful book to life.
Even though this is a stand alone book, I recommend reading the first one also. There are parts of the books that overlap and I loved seeing what happened from other people's point of view. I can't wait to read Chloe's book, the third and final book of the series.

[Gina Cihacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this book. OMG, this book is so good. A great addition to the Barlow series and another 5 star for Jordan Ford. I love the Barlow sisters and how even though they don't always agree with each other and may keep secrets from each other, they hold their family and sisters above all. One would be the luckiest girl around to be a Barlow Sister.

Overlapping Curveball, Strike Out is the second in the series and is Max's story. She's the one that everyone knows loves baseball above all else and she is the one to get a scholarship to allow all three girls to go to college. But what if she has other dreams and wishes?

This is a must read!!!!!

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan Ford never disappoints with her stories, and this is another one of her wonderful creations.
Max is experiencing such a complex moment in her life, having to follow he father's dreams in baseball when she has just discovered a true passion in her life, the music. Besides the music, her new tutor is also responsible for the moments where her heart actually beats faster. But going after her dreams is not as easy as Max would like, and Cairo, even being a great person, can't completely understand Max's fear of defying her father.
The story is great and the characters area amazing, but the end made me really anxious for the next book.

[KatyaRath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max is Up to Bat

A fabulous, consuming read. Max’s story is just as captivating as Maddie’s, and I loved every second of it!
Told in dual POV, Max and Cairo’s story fleshes out the timeline of the Barlow sisters’ transplant to California, intertwining with the story we’ve seen Maddie and Holden tell in the first installment of what’s turning out to be an epic trilogy with characters much beloved by its readers, and showing new sides that only Max and Cairo could provide.
Looking forward to Chloe’s story with barely withheld anticipation! As always, Jordan Ford has delivered an absolute winner.

[melikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Cairo might be my favorite couple yet. Ok they are definitely my favorite teenage couple. Cairo is the perfect book boyfriend. I do love Max and how she's trying to please everyone except herself. Together Max and Cairo discover a friendship that turns to so much more. You will become emotionally invested in these two youngsters. I only wish there was an epilogue like 10 years later. Hint hint.

[Chicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐

Maxine and Cairo were so much fun to read about. The way Maxine grows as a person in the whole book is well written and I loved getting to know her. In the first book, I had no idea where she was going or what she was doing but it was nice getting the full story. Cairo was a great hero and a great boyfriend. Maxine truly was a better person overall by the end.

I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~

Just when you think you have the story figured out, Jordan goes and throws a curveball (see what I did there). There is fantastic flow and angst in here that you can’t help but turn the page, just to find out what happens and why. Jordan writes beautifully. Making sure she leaves you needing more.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cairo 💜😍.....so awesome.

I really enjoyed Max’s story. It was very different from her sister Maddie’s and I appreciated that. I really, really love Cairo! My favorite male character so far from Jordan Ford. Heartfelt, honest and a teenage boy with integrity. In one word refreshing.

[Anna]

This is the second book in a trilogy it is a bout three sisters who play baseball and the guys that they get involved with it is a cute contemporary when lots of romance and the mystery it was clean and a lighthearted romance I enjoyed the characters very much I love the bond between the three sisters look forward to reading the rest of Jordan Ford and apples

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story by Jordan Ford. A lovely romance that keeps you guessing at each turn. Everyone should be reading this story. Certainly ready for more. Received an ARC.