Baseball and fast women are my life. What can I say? I’m good-looking and in the best shape of my career. Being a National League MVP contender, I’m even a great athlete. There’s only one thing I’m missing—Jocelyn Kennedy.
Ten years have passed since the night we broke each other's hearts. And not a day goes by that I don’t feel the sting from my actions.
But that’s about to change now that she’s single again.
When we arrive at a mutual friend's party, it reconfirms what I already know—we belong together. I’m confident I can win her back.
There’s just one thing I need to do—convince her.
Ten years ago, I didn’t fight hard enough. I won’t make the same mistake twice. Second chances don’t happen often. But here’s the thing, I go after what I want. And what I want is Jocelyn Kennedy.
Swing For The Fences is book two in this new standalone sports romance series. If you like sexy alpha baseball players, click to meet Jax in this hot new series.
Kimberly Readnour lives in the Midwest with her husband and a very snuggly cat.
Having a true passion for romance and HEAs, she took the leap from the young adult genre to romance and never looked back.
Unexpected Love, book two of the Unforeseen Destiny Series, is a #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller in the Medical Romance. Her series, the Bad Boys Redemption, has spent many weeks on Amazon's sports fiction bestseller list.
Kimberly worked as a Registered Nurse for fifteen years before hanging up her stethoscope. When she isn't running her own business, you can find her tucked away writing.
I am a fairly new reader to Kimberly, but after reading Swing For The Fences I can officially say I am forever a fan. Swing For The Fences was a home run. I would say this can be read as a standalone, but does interconnect with the first book in the series. So if you haven't read Second Chance Hero before reading this, there is some things that might be confusing, but it does not take away from Swing For The Fences. Swing For The Fences is dual POV. Which in my opinion is the best, because we can see what our hero and heroine are thinking in their own words. I very much enjoyed how the author gave us past snippets. It was just he right amount of back story to keep things interesting.
Jax and Joycelyn were simply amazing. I loved Jax, his love for Joycelyn knew know bounds. He made sure to make the best decisions for everyone involved. He was selfless and sincere. He was quick to realize his mistakes without justifying them. He owned up to his issues like a mature adult. Joycelyn was kinda the awkward person who planned for everything because it helps her anxiety. Her dreams have been put on hold because she has more people to think about than herself. Finally single, she tries to find her new normal after life has kicked her to the ground. What she doesn't expect is for the past to be knocking at her door with a face that holds good memories and bad. Can Joycelyn put away the past to make her future brighter or does past revelations get in the way?
I look forward to what else Kimberly writes. Her words were very relateable and the story simply amazing. I recommend this book to people who believe in second chances, and to people that believe love trumps all.
Raise your hand if you love second chance romances? 🙋 Raise your hand if you love characters that make you believe in true love? 🙋 Raise your hand if you love sports themed romances? 🙋🙋🙋 I thoroughly enjoyed reading Swing for the Fences! Love the characters! Jax and Jocelyn are characters you could easily fall in love with.. but honestly, the shining character for me was Jax's nana....what a hoot! So fun!! Loved her! This book was honestly, smooth sailing... Easy to read, it was heartwarming... Sweet, sexy, and a beautiful example of second chance romance.
Jax is secretly thrilled when he hears that his ex-girlfriend from college is getting a divorce, because now he might have a second chance with her. Jocelyn has always had trust issues with men, and after three kids and a messy divorce she doesn't see dating as an option - not even with Jax, the one she probably shouldn't have been so willing to walk away from ten years ago.
Their romance brings out all the good and bad - the amazing chemistry they've always shared, the heartwarming way Jax bonds with her kids, as well as the ever-present cleat chasers and never-ending doubts that any man could be faithful. Through it all, Jax and Jocelyn learn from their past mistakes and approach their second chance with a lot more maturity and awareness than before. Still, that might not be enough to overcome the objections and interference from Carl, Jocelyn's ex, or the secrets that Jax and Jocelyn each are keeping from the other.
This is a thoroughly captivating romance, and Jax is a true romantic hero. He proves that he is everything Jocelyn needs, and his transformation from playboy to devoted partner was a joy to read. Jocelyn feels like every woman's best friend, the one who is always there for her family, taking care of everyone else at the expense of her own dreams. She more than deserves their beautiful HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I love sports themed books and this one was no exception. This is book two in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Jocelyn Kennedy is a bad a** single mom to three great children. She’s dealing with a demanding ex husband and looking for a job while fate throws her college boyfriend at her at every chance. Jax Carrigan is a professional baseball player with an affinity for women but a weakness for Jocelyn, the one he didn’t fight for.
I love the dual perspectives and how it jumps back and forth from ten years ago to present day. I like how Jocelyn and Jax got their second chance at happily ever after. I might have cried at how surprises don’t really work out for Jocelyn. I LOVE how much Jax loves her kids!
Jax’s Nana was a hoot! She is a great, sassy lady with a lot of wisdom and a strength about her you don’t understand til the end. Carl. He’s about as dumb as his name. I wish Jax would have punched him!
I am really looking forward to reading AJ’s story and I’ll definitely be checking out Zach’s book.
Over the past year or so, my reading habits have gravitated from mainly MF with a side of MM to almost exclusively MM.
Kimberly Readnour is one of those MF authors who'll I'll read no matter what, and after waiting and demanding and waiting some more for Jax's book, I'm soooooo freaking happy it's here.
Jocelyn is a great mom and strong woman, dealing with a cheating ex-husband who's a dick and being confronted by the return of her college boyfriend back in her life.
Fate or the universe or whatever keep putting Jax in Jocelyn's way, and even after ten years apart, the sparks are still there--even if Jocelyn doesn't want them to be.
Jax always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn. She really has no hope.
Jax's flaw is he's too nice, and Jocelyn's flaw is she's untrusting (with good reason).
A great follow up to Second Chance Hero with less angst and drama than in the first.
I really wasn't sure about a sports romance by an author I was unfamiliar with but the book was really good. There was a little going back and forth in time but it wasn't annoying and really helped bring the story up to speed fast. The angst built and concluded in a surprising way. There was enough baseball talk to remind you why our guy is gone so much.. the season is long. Very entertaining!!
I loved the first book in this series- Second Chance Hero. Zach and Lacey's story checked off all my must haves in a romance. Jocelyn and Jax's book did not disappoint!
Ten years ago Jocelyn and Jax dated in their freshman year of college. Jax was on track to making it big as a baseball player. There were a lot of girls trying to get his attention. But it was Jocelyn Jax pursued. Jocelyn's boyfriend in high school cheated on her with her best friend. So it's no wonder that trust in a guy is not easy for her. But Jax tells her over and over that he's not that kind of guy. Right up until he breaks her heart....
"Keeping your tongue out of girls' mouths and explaining you have a girlfriend would help prevent mishaps."
Ouch.
Ten years later and Jax plays for the Philly's along side his best friend Zach. Zach's wife Lacey is good friends with Jocelyn and Jax has kept up on her life. She's recently divorced (her husband cheated!) and has three kids. Jax has always regretted the way things ended. But he's not sure he wants to jump into anything with Jocelyn (and would she want to?) since he knows she's been hurt and has a family to consider.
The last thing Jocelyn needs is to start things up again with Jax. He's in a whole different league than her. She's a single mom; he's a big time athlete. Why would he want to be with her anyway?
It seems Jocelyn and Jax's life together was full of miscommunications and stupid choices. But Jocelyn isn't a kid anymore and she has so much drama with Carl, her ex, and her kids. She has to find a job, she has to adjust to being the only real parent for her kids now and she has to learn to do it all alone. But Jax has always been her real true love. Can she just let this chance go?
"I was just as stubborn and a tad stupid. I though I had time to win you back, but when I saw you with Carl"-his nostrils flare-"I was just plain pissed."
Swing for the Fences is not without drama. It seems all sweet and light and then right out of nowhere-Bam! it's a big hardball to the head!
"I don't know if love is enough."
Sometimes you just have to step up to the plate and take that swing!
What better way to ring in Summer than a second chance love story about one of the boys of summer and his quest to win back the girl he foolishly lost.
The story goes from past to present (DUAL POV) providing the reader insight as to what brought these two star crossed lovers to this point in their lives. Jax is a SWOONY hot shot professional baseball player (baseball booty in those pants!) Jocelyn freshly reeling from a divorce from her douche nozzle ex, she is a single mom of 3 kids and DONE with cocky men (or so she thinks) Jax and Joycelyn dated in college. Poor choices and miscommunications choices led to Jax breaking Jocelyn heart. Jocelyn is left feeling broken and insecure. Jax focused on making it to the big leagues but always regretting letting THE GIRL slip through his hands.
Flash forward ten years and our J+J meet again – the electricity is PALPABLE – the chemistry between these two that was on a slow burn for years, has now come back with a vengeance! Jax is determined that he win back his girl! This was not an easy road to conquer, a lot of self-reflection owning up to past mistakes - Jax knew he needed to make Jocelyn feel secure and that despite their history he was in for the win. Jocelyn had a lot of things to consider, she was a mother first and foremost was reluctant to let anyone into her home. He was simply adorable with her kids (SIGH) – and NANA – OMG – I want to steal her away!!! This story sprinkles all the elements (steam, angst, fab secondary characters, wit) that made a solid romance
This was my first book from this author and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the J2 journey. I am looking forward to AJ and Zack’s stories.
I volunteered Reedus Arc for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading the story about Jaxon and Jocelyn. Jaxon is a professional baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies. Jocelyn is a single mom of three kids who is trying to move on with her life. Both of us Backyard Barbecue with mutual friends and haven't spoke to each other for 10 years. When they were in college together their freshman year they dated but things went haywire and they called it quits. But neither one of them ever forgot the other and there relationships during that past 10 years has shown. Jocelyn is trying to figure out what she needs to do because she needs a job her access being a jerk. Jaxon decides to talk to her the both feel the tension. Follow them on their Adventure as Jaxon tries to win Jocelyn's love back, even though it is never been far away. Watch as her ex tries to tear their new and improved relationship apart because of jealousy. Stooping so low as to hiring someone to cause problems for them. Jocelyn and Jaxon both have to try to win over her kids so they feel comfortable with Jaxon. Following their Whirlwind Romance you want to root on this couple that they hit a homerun out of the park. I definitely recommend reading the story is very well written and great characters. Lots of chemistry and fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Swing for the fences was beautifully written second chance story. I was totally new to the writing of Kimberly Readnour and all I could say is, I am happy about my decision to read this amazing book. The thing is "who doesn't love second chances?" Especially a complicated ones? Yeah I do! For me ...those get the closest to the reality. Then everyone knows that life can be a bitch but a person deserves to have a second chance to do things right. Maybe there are many regrets but that's it.
So while I read this book I felt like I was present in the middle of the story of Jax and Jocelyn. I sensed every single emotion with them, I cheered for them and I fell in love with them. That is the greatness of someone else's pen and my own imagination. That all together wrapped in entwined past and present was brilliantly done plot. So what else is here to say? I would not change.a.thing I loved every single word! And a plus? It's about the hottest baseball player mixed with some steaming scenes ;)
This was my second book by author Kimberly Readnour but it won't be my last!!! This is considered to be book 2, but it can be read as a standalone and the reader will be able to catch up and understand everything that is going on with no problems. I love baseball books, baseball, baseball season, EVERYTHING baseball and this book literally knocked it out of the park!!!
Jax grabs the readers attention from the very start and never lets it go!! He may just be my newest book boyfriend....(shhh don't tell my real BF)! Enter Jocelyn and the book gets steamy, fun and full of adventure. This books grabs the readers attention from page one and holds it as they zoom through the pages frantically trying to figure out what is going to happen next! This is a book that you will want to re-read once you finish the first time to see what you missed since you zoomed through so fast.
Be prepared to do nothing once you start this book because you won't want to stop to do anything else! A great read! I am already looking forward to book 3 by this author!!
If you were given a second chance would you go for it. That is exactly what Jax Carrigan does. Jax Carrigan is a player on and off the field but the one person who got away ten years ago is once again available and he will do anything to try and make it right once again. Jocelyn Kennedy is a single mom to three adorable kids, dealing with an Ex that is just obnoxious in every way and will stand in her way of being happy. What Jocelyn never expects is her past to become such a force into her now. There is history between Jocelyn & Jax some great memories but some not so great. Can people change after ten years or do the same patterns repeat themselves. Jax & Jocelyn will definitely go through a lot of emotional ups and downs but can second chances really work. You can’t help be a cheerleader for this couple right from the very first page that they connect but in the end you wish that they can truly find that HEA that they both deserve.
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction book blog. This is the second book in the Bad Boys Redemption series. It can totally be read as a standalone, but the characters from the first book do pop up in this novel, so I do recommend reading the first book also. I have to say this is one of the best second chance at love romances I have read in quite a while. What I liked was that the story would flash back to when they were first together and then back to the present when they were reacquainted. You ended up realising just how much Jax felt for Jocelyn and why he was more than ready to fight for the chance to be with her again. Their romance is so very far from smooth sailing, and Jax quite often decides to keep silent on possible issues, which doesn't do him any favours. But what they feel for each other surpasses any negative outcome. This is such a wonderful well written book, and I am looking forward to reading AJ's story next.
This is my first book by Kimberly Readnour and I thought it was great! If you love a second chance romance then this is for you, it starts in the present and has flashbacks from 10 years ago every now and then to add context. Jocelyn went out with Jax for only a few months but he stole her heart during that time unfortunately her self doubt and Jax not being open the break up. Now they are face to face due to mutual friends and Jax decides to try again even knowing she is a single Mum of 3 after divorcing a douchebag and he is a profession baseball player. There is plenty going against them and fate really seems to be trying to find their breaking point. You can not help but get emotional invested in them and hoping they get together and stay together and try not to love her kids and Jax's nana.
I enjoyed this 2nd book in the bad boys redemption sports themed series by Kimberly Readnour. Even though I found it a bit hard to believe that bad boy sexy as sin pro baseball player Jax would want to reconnect with his recently divorced mother of 3 young kids college sweetheart Jocelyn, I was totally swayed as I continued to read on. I don't want to give anything away, but I would encourage you to read the entire book, b/c it has more than just sex and steam, it has a bit of a mystery and suspense as well built in. I was surprised near the ending and my heart was warmed by some of the kids' reactions throughout the book. This was a feel good type second chance romance, but had enough sexy elements to make it a homerun! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you need me I’ll still be fanning myself from the red hot chemistry these two characters have. It’s evident they’ve met before, and in fact they were actually romantically involved years ago. The past comes up to haunt hem, when they both are at a mutual friend’s picnic. They can’t ignore their speak is still there, and Jax can’t hold back from hitting on Jocelyn. Jocelyn is as real as the come-she’s a single Mom of three going through dealing with a jerk of an ex-husband. Through her independence, it was done perfectly in that she was able to lean on Jax for some support. I loved how genuine Jax was, and how it wasn’t unbelievable that he came in to rescue her. I really enjoyed this book as a sports romance-even more so, this series has been great. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the other books in his series! - By Victoria
Jocelyn has recently divorced her cheating ex. She has enough going on in her life with her three kids and looking for a job so the last thing she needs is to get involved with her college boyfriend who broke her heart.
Jax is a professional baseball player who can have his choice of women but the one woman he wants is Jocelyn. He regrets how things ended between them in college and he wants a second chance to prove to her that he is a man she can trust and depend on.
Jocelyn’s friend is married to a teammate of Jax’s and the feelings between them are stronger than ever but with her history with men will she be willing to take a second chance on love?
Jax was so patient and understanding with Jocelyn and now that they are both older they know what they want and are willing to go after it. I am enjoying this series and this book is no exception.
First I have to say the kids are adorable and Jax is super swoon worthy. He is every woman's dream. What makes him special is his heart. The heart that belongs to one woman even through a gap in time. This author writes amazing second chance romances that keep you stuck on the page and living through the emotions of her characters. She is awesome in creating an environment where you feel every single emotion and it rings true. This is a wonderful read which will touch every corner of you heart and make you believe in second chances.
Great read. Awesome author can't wait for the next book in the series. Each book is a standalone but since the characters are near and dear you wont want to miss any of them.
This book was more than I could have hoped for as a sequel to Second Chance Hero. I wanted Jax's story soooooo bad and it didn't disappoint.
Jax and Jocelyn have a history- one in which they broke each other. But now they're older and they've been through so much in their lives. Jax is a baseball star. Jocelyn is a single mom. Their lives are so completely different, yet they somehow fit.
This is filled with all the sweetness I've come to know Kimberly Readnour for. What I love about her books is that the story doesn't happen as a result of the physical relationship. The physical scenes are only an expression of everything else. And while they're there, they aren't overdone or gratuitous. She knows when to pull back. It's like the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. I don't mind sex in a book but I also don't like when it is the point of the story, so I hesitate with a lot of romances, but never with Ms. Readnour's.
The worst part about this book is waiting for the next one.
I am such a sucker for a good second chance love story, and boy can Readnour deliver! Jax and Jocelyn had me falling completely in love with them and their story. Jax is a sexy, baseball player who has spent his entire career jumping from bed to bed, refusing to connect with anyone, and never really getting over his college girlfriend. Joceyln is an amazing single mom, just trying to make it day by day with 3 kids. When she and Jax run into each other again, it is obvious they are meant to be together. I couldn't get enough of this one and I can't wait to see what Ms. Readnour brings us next with this series!
Great story. The title really fits because Jax does swing for the fences in his rekindled romance with the one who got away. It is go big or go home. He will do whatever is necessary to get Jocelyn back. Jocelyn hasn't been able to really get over him either and he still sends chills down her spine. The flashbacks help outline what there relationship was and also what it could be in the present. There is some very hot and steamy romance going on here. Read this book and if you haven't already read the first Bad Boy Redemption about Zach and Lacey. Also thanks for mentioning Wrigley and Kris Bryant, Go Cubs !
Like a perfectly executed double play, Swing for the Fences brings a smile and maybe even a couple tears. Jax and Jocelyn’s story is perfectly told from both sides with just the right amount of current story backed up with flashbacks. I couldn’t wait to finish their story, rooting for them all the way. Some steamy scenes that every Mom deserves but without being overly crass. Will read this story again and can’t wait for the next from Kimberly Readnor. Baseball, family, and true love, what else can you ask for?
This was a wonderful book about figuring out what you want in life and holding onto the second chance at finding true love. At the pinnacle of his baseball career, Jax has always thought something was missing. That is the one that got away - Jocelyn. After a brief romance in college, the two reunite at a party ten years later, to find her a single mother and recently divorced. When the sparks fly again. can the two finally find happiness and become a family? Or will the females that chase the team be too much for her to overcome? With beautifully written characters, true and honest emotion that revolves around a top notch storyline, once again Kimberly Readnour does not disappoint. I cannot wait for more in this series.
I love second chance romances and “Swing for the Fences” definitely hit it out of the park for me. I loved Jax and Jocelyn’s story. I felt all the feels I Iook for in a great romance. I so wanted to throat punch Carl! I was cheering for Jax and Jocelyn from the very beginning. I felt the love, understood the hesitancy, felt the anger at other’s actions and manipulations. I loved how the children slowly came around to him, how they grew to love him. It felt genuine and real.
This is the first book I read in this series and even though this is book two, I didn’t feel lost or confused. I am definitely going to get book one and the rest of the books to follow!
I'm a sucker for a baseball romance and Swinging For The Fences didn't disappoint. Jax and Jocelyn met in college and start dating. After a misunderstanding they break up and see each other again through mutual friends. Jocelyn who is recently divorced with 3 children tries to push Jax (a star player for the Phillies now) away but Jax is determined to win the love of his life back. Swinging For The Fences had the right amount of romance, laughter, and drama and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
This is a new author to me but i can definately say i will be reading all her books from now on. This is the story of Jax Carrigan and Joselyn Kennedy's path to love. I was absorbed from the 1st chapter and couldn't put it down. The author writes in a way that makes the characters seem so real that when i finished i wanted more and can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was hooked from the first page, I was that captivated by this story. Has a fun plot, great writing, well developed characters who have great depth and chemistry and this author never stops to amaze me with her stories, which I just love. Great sports romance book that I could not put down and would read again in a heart beat. This is a must read, so you need to grab it and totally see what all the fuss is about. I would definitely recommend this book to all book lovers out there
Jax is hot. Jocelyn thinks he is too, but since he’s an athlete wants nothing to do with him, but he has other ideas! Unfortunately they are young (college age in the flashbacks) and things don’t work out. But ten years later... Don’t want to spoil it, but this is a really good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great follow up book. I loved Jax's story. Kimberly did not disappoint with this book. Him and Jocelyn are so great together. This book was a great second chance, sport romance that I've read in awhile. Great story and characters that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.