What do you think?
Rate this book
The Locals #2
Tailgates & Heartaches
It’s easy to fall in love but hard to find someone that will catch you. Can Madison find a way to continue her love story with Hamilton, or will telling him about their child prove too much to bear?
Madison raises Liberty on her own, beginning her new life, and contemplating on going back to the small-town she so longed to leave. An unexpected visit from her best friend, reveals more than she had planned to share. Madison now must find a way to keep the secret she desperately wants to hold a while longer.
Hamilton continues to thrive in Major League Baseball. Working his way through the Minor leagues and landing in the pitching rotation of the Chicago Cubs. As the Cubs move through a record-breaking year, he becomes a big part of the club. An unexpected love for Madison continues to grow, and he is desperate to be with her.
As Madison’s secret grows, she enlists the help of her newfound family to raise Liberty until this secret is revealed.
Will Hamilton and Madison find their way to each other, or will their new lives keep them apart?
Tailgates and Heartaches is the 2nd book in the Locals Series and will fill you full of emotion, love, and tenderness in this new adult, sports romance novel.
Read Tailgates and Heartaches and don’t miss out on catching this heartwarming novel today
Madison raises Liberty on her own, beginning her new life, and contemplating on going back to the small-town she so longed to leave. An unexpected visit from her best friend, reveals more than she had planned to share. Madison now must find a way to keep the secret she desperately wants to hold a while longer.
Hamilton continues to thrive in Major League Baseball. Working his way through the Minor leagues and landing in the pitching rotation of the Chicago Cubs. As the Cubs move through a record-breaking year, he becomes a big part of the club. An unexpected love for Madison continues to grow, and he is desperate to be with her.
As Madison’s secret grows, she enlists the help of her newfound family to raise Liberty until this secret is revealed.
Will Hamilton and Madison find their way to each other, or will their new lives keep them apart?
Tailgates and Heartaches is the 2nd book in the Locals Series and will fill you full of emotion, love, and tenderness in this new adult, sports romance novel.
Read Tailgates and Heartaches and don’t miss out on catching this heartwarming novel today
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2019
37 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Haley Rhoades
56 books247 followersBe sure to follow Haley on BookBub for the latest on sales https://buff.ly/3wdDaKH
Haley Rhoades’s writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek.
A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse’s career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long.
Haley’s under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family, to friends, to sports teams.
Haley’s guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher.
Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Des Moines area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers.
Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website…she would love to connect with her readers.
Haley Rhoades’s writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek.
A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse’s career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long.
Haley’s under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family, to friends, to sports teams.
Haley’s guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher.
Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Des Moines area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers.
Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website…she would love to connect with her readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 11, 2020
I really wanted to like this heroine, I did. But.....she was so strong in most aspects of her life but the most important one: family. She knowingly and with malice of forethought kept her daughter a secret from her father because she wanted him to live his sports dream. She made the decision for him that his baseball was more important than his daughter. Clueless.
November 24, 2024
More Life Drama with “The Locals” Fantastic Narration🎧
Tailgates & Heartaches
The Locals, Book 2
By: Haley Rhoades
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
This second book of Haley Rhoades’ “The Locals” series picks up soon after the first book ended and the characters are getting settled into their new normal after high school. The book mainly focuses and Madison and her relationship with Hamilton, but there we also get a peak in some of the other characters introduced in the first book, all who are in the same circle of friends. Most of Madison’s friends stayed in Athens, but she kept in touch with them all. Hamilton is playing professional baseball, is missing Madison, and professed his love for her. She still has not told him about Liberty, and comes up with every excuse why it is the right time, which is very disappointing. Madison has a new found family with Alma and her children, they treat her and her daughter as such too. Hamilton’s popularity is booming as his stats increase and he is busier than ever, and I am wondering if these two will drift more apart as they both get lost in their careers or will they find their way back to each other? There is never a dull moment in this book, with non-stop drama, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn romance. Haley Rhoades, thanks for another great addition to the series, one that leaves you wanting or rather needing more.
🎧📚🎧 Gideon Frost joins Allie Martina for this second book of the series and both deliver a solid performance, bringing these characters to life and do so with a complete understanding of who they are portraying, giving each a voice that is fitting and believable. Martina delivers a standout performance as Madison, grasping every aspect of her personality and demeanor, from her insecurities to her strength and determination. She is just as fabulous performing the roles of the secondary and support characters too, including Alma and all of Madison’s friends. Frost jumping in as Hamilton is an excellent move, and is a natural in the role, showcasing his personality perfectly. The pacing and tone are just right for the story, and their performance captures all the characters’ emotions, and has you feeling each one. These two make a great narration team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a performance that elevates the story to another level.
Tailgates & Heartaches
The Locals, Book 2
By: Haley Rhoades
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
This second book of Haley Rhoades’ “The Locals” series picks up soon after the first book ended and the characters are getting settled into their new normal after high school. The book mainly focuses and Madison and her relationship with Hamilton, but there we also get a peak in some of the other characters introduced in the first book, all who are in the same circle of friends. Most of Madison’s friends stayed in Athens, but she kept in touch with them all. Hamilton is playing professional baseball, is missing Madison, and professed his love for her. She still has not told him about Liberty, and comes up with every excuse why it is the right time, which is very disappointing. Madison has a new found family with Alma and her children, they treat her and her daughter as such too. Hamilton’s popularity is booming as his stats increase and he is busier than ever, and I am wondering if these two will drift more apart as they both get lost in their careers or will they find their way back to each other? There is never a dull moment in this book, with non-stop drama, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn romance. Haley Rhoades, thanks for another great addition to the series, one that leaves you wanting or rather needing more.
🎧📚🎧 Gideon Frost joins Allie Martina for this second book of the series and both deliver a solid performance, bringing these characters to life and do so with a complete understanding of who they are portraying, giving each a voice that is fitting and believable. Martina delivers a standout performance as Madison, grasping every aspect of her personality and demeanor, from her insecurities to her strength and determination. She is just as fabulous performing the roles of the secondary and support characters too, including Alma and all of Madison’s friends. Frost jumping in as Hamilton is an excellent move, and is a natural in the role, showcasing his personality perfectly. The pacing and tone are just right for the story, and their performance captures all the characters’ emotions, and has you feeling each one. These two make a great narration team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a performance that elevates the story to another level.
November 27, 2024
❤️ Tailgates & Heartaches takes the heartfelt foundation laid in book one and cranks up the emotional stakes, delivering a powerful continuation of Madison and Hamilton’s journey. Gone are the slow-start challenges of the first book—this sequel grabs your attention from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end.
✨ Why This Book Stands Out:
• Instant Immersion: Unlike book one, this sequel dives straight into the story. Madison’s struggles and resilience are front and center, and you’ll find yourself turning pages (or listening!) at lightning speed to see what happens next.
• High-Stakes Romance: Madison and Hamilton’s love story is full of longing, unspoken truths, and second chances. Watching them navigate their new realities while Liberty’s existence looms as an unspoken truth creates a gripping emotional tension.
• Compelling Characters: Madison’s growth as a mother and Hamilton’s rise in Major League Baseball are beautifully intertwined. Their lives seem worlds apart, yet their connection remains undeniable, pulling you deeper into their story.
• An Emotional Ride: From moments of tenderness to heart-wrenching secrets, this book tugs at your heartstrings in the best way possible.
Haley Rhoades delivers a sequel brimming with love, growth, and hope—and it’s impossible not to jump straight into book three afterward.
Thank you to High Gravity Productions for the ALC access that made this review possible!
3 ⭐ 1 🌶️ 4 🎧
✨ Why This Book Stands Out:
• Instant Immersion: Unlike book one, this sequel dives straight into the story. Madison’s struggles and resilience are front and center, and you’ll find yourself turning pages (or listening!) at lightning speed to see what happens next.
• High-Stakes Romance: Madison and Hamilton’s love story is full of longing, unspoken truths, and second chances. Watching them navigate their new realities while Liberty’s existence looms as an unspoken truth creates a gripping emotional tension.
• Compelling Characters: Madison’s growth as a mother and Hamilton’s rise in Major League Baseball are beautifully intertwined. Their lives seem worlds apart, yet their connection remains undeniable, pulling you deeper into their story.
• An Emotional Ride: From moments of tenderness to heart-wrenching secrets, this book tugs at your heartstrings in the best way possible.
Haley Rhoades delivers a sequel brimming with love, growth, and hope—and it’s impossible not to jump straight into book three afterward.
Thank you to High Gravity Productions for the ALC access that made this review possible!
3 ⭐ 1 🌶️ 4 🎧
November 28, 2024
Tailgates & Heartaches
The Locals, Book 2
By: Haley Rhoades
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
And I am off listening to book two of The Locals series, anxious to hear what is going to happen next! Haley Rhoades picks up where book one leaves off, and Madison is still holding the secret from Hamilton. The two continue their long distance friendship with brief encounters, but Madison never finds the right time to talk to him. Hamilton's baseball career is taking off, so things are changing a bit as the pressure of his career is on him. The problem is, her two best friends now know and the lives of the nine continue to go on. Will they be able to hold it or will the truth be told? Families are born, tragedy strikes and they all bond closer as life throws those curve balls. The next book is going to bring on more angst, friendship and excitement as they all grow and move into different facets of their lives. I can't wait to see how it continues to move.
Allie Martina continues her fabulous narration of the series with cameos of Hamilton by Gideon Frost. Martina gives Madison's point of view with that voice that holds a lot of emotion. She is conflicted, confused and in love, each nuance coming through. Frost pops in as Hamilton, his heart pure and wanting, each time pulling in the feels. I enjoyed their performance.
The Locals, Book 2
By: Haley Rhoades
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
And I am off listening to book two of The Locals series, anxious to hear what is going to happen next! Haley Rhoades picks up where book one leaves off, and Madison is still holding the secret from Hamilton. The two continue their long distance friendship with brief encounters, but Madison never finds the right time to talk to him. Hamilton's baseball career is taking off, so things are changing a bit as the pressure of his career is on him. The problem is, her two best friends now know and the lives of the nine continue to go on. Will they be able to hold it or will the truth be told? Families are born, tragedy strikes and they all bond closer as life throws those curve balls. The next book is going to bring on more angst, friendship and excitement as they all grow and move into different facets of their lives. I can't wait to see how it continues to move.
Allie Martina continues her fabulous narration of the series with cameos of Hamilton by Gideon Frost. Martina gives Madison's point of view with that voice that holds a lot of emotion. She is conflicted, confused and in love, each nuance coming through. Frost pops in as Hamilton, his heart pure and wanting, each time pulling in the feels. I enjoyed their performance.
September 29, 2021
It was a cute story. I haven't read the others so maybe there's a reason the author broke the story up. I felt like it could have been more complete by adding the part where Hamilton finds out about Liberty. Overall, a good and quick read. Love the strong heroine but definitely think the delay in revealing the truth to Hamilton drags out too long. I recommend the read though. Also, a more eagle-eyed editor because there were a few words that were misused--shutter for shudder, for example. But, again, I liked the story and would read more from this author. I received this book for free from the publisher but my opinion is my own.
November 26, 2024
Audio Review:
Oh break my heart Haley... I'm listening to Madison and her fears her struggles. Her worries of loosing her friend, loosing his love, wondering if he loves her as more or as just a friend. Hamilton and Madison seem to have the same struggles with their feelings but are in different places pacing each other unable to truly act on them. It is beautiful, it is captivating, it will cause your heart to ache in hopes they see what they can have with one another. Narrated again by Allie Martina , but this time adding in the amazing Gideon Frost. These two narrators I can easily be transported to the book world and get lost in their voices. Fantastic job.
Oh break my heart Haley... I'm listening to Madison and her fears her struggles. Her worries of loosing her friend, loosing his love, wondering if he loves her as more or as just a friend. Hamilton and Madison seem to have the same struggles with their feelings but are in different places pacing each other unable to truly act on them. It is beautiful, it is captivating, it will cause your heart to ache in hopes they see what they can have with one another. Narrated again by Allie Martina , but this time adding in the amazing Gideon Frost. These two narrators I can easily be transported to the book world and get lost in their voices. Fantastic job.
November 27, 2024
This is the second installment in The Locals series, a small town, sports romance. The story continues where the first book left off. Madison and Hamilton’s story is beautifully written and engaging, filled with drama, and secrets. There is a lot going on in this installment. The supporting characters are great. I like the friendship in the series. Allie Martina and Gideon Frost did a great job bringing these characters, and this story to life. Looking forward to listening to Tailgates & First Dates, the next book in the series, to know what happens next. I like this series. #HighGravityProductions
March 22, 2024
So many excuses! Madison is decisive in most of her life, she is a strong woman, and she is able to solve a lot of problems. Except when it comes to the biggest secret of her life. To be fair, she is not the only one holding secrets. In Tailgates and Heartaches, it seems like the whole story is in a holding pattern. Just when I start feeling annoyed I remember that these are nineteen-year-olds. With that in mind, some of the excuses, fears, and drama are understandable. Nothing much changes as the secrets continue and the excuses abound. There are a few surprises, though, so don’t be disheartened! The saga continues….
July 11, 2024
I fell in love with this series from the very first book! I’ve been routing on Hamilton and Madison from the very beginning and hate that her past came back to taunt her but she prevailed however it did not end the way I expected but just makes me anticipate what will happen in the third book and I’m here for it!
10/10 recommend grabbing this series and follow all the way through like me! You rock Haley 😊
10/10 recommend grabbing this series and follow all the way through like me! You rock Haley 😊
December 6, 2024
🎧Audiobook review🎧
Dual POV
Narrated by Allie Martina and Gideon Frost
Riddled with guilt and doing what she thinks is best for the 3 of them we watch Madison navigate life as a single mom while Hamilton's career advances.
I have enjoyed this series. ☺️
Allie did such an incredible job as Madison in the first book! BUT now we get Hamilton's POV and Gideon nailed his character and his emotions that came with being away from Madison!
I'm so excited to pick up the next book!
Dual POV
Narrated by Allie Martina and Gideon Frost
Riddled with guilt and doing what she thinks is best for the 3 of them we watch Madison navigate life as a single mom while Hamilton's career advances.
I have enjoyed this series. ☺️
Allie did such an incredible job as Madison in the first book! BUT now we get Hamilton's POV and Gideon nailed his character and his emotions that came with being away from Madison!
I'm so excited to pick up the next book!
September 7, 2024
While Hamilton is riding the career of his dreams, Madison and Libby are finding their own way. The addition of the majority of the locals finding their HEAs only adds salt tot he wounds. Hopefully soon all deceptions will be revealed. They have my heart and I am locked into seeing where this goes.
October 17, 2024
"The Locals" are back in the second installment. Much of the same struggles and heartbreak as life moves on -- one in college and one in the major leagues. The emotions are high and we get more of the friendships and the "tentative" friendship relationship that is changing with each month.
Not much different from the first book -- easy, peasy reading in a "what-you'd-expect" trope.
November 21, 2024
I am so invested in this story. I couldn’t stop listening! The narrators do a fantastic job. The angst in this book is “chef’s kiss”. Will things work out for the FMC? Don’t know but I will keep reading the books to find out! Highly recommend!
September 24, 2021
great book
Read
December 2, 2022Loved this book and the small town story I can relate to. Can't wait to read the next one😊
May 8, 2024
There wasn’t anything bad about this book, i just feel like it was a lot of words and a lot of time went by and nothing really happened. excited to see where their lives go in the next book!
May 21, 2024
Could not put this book down. I started it at like 5:30pm, and finished it slightly after 10pm.
September 1, 2024
I’m going to continue this series because I’m too invested not to… but I can’t believe it’s been nearly two years and she still hasn’t told her “friends” and “family” she has this child 🙃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
Tailgates and Heartaches continues The Locals series with Madison in college, Hamilton playing in the Major Leagues, and Madison continuing to harbor her secret from... everyone. The audio edition has added the fantastic Gideon Frost to the talents of Allie Martina narrating Hamilton and Madison's oh, so very heartfelt story, and they both do a wonderful job of bringing the couple to life, as well as Madison's found family and their friends. I highly recommend giving the book a listen as Madison and Hamilton friendship continues to grow into something more.
April 13, 2020
Enjoy!
I am greatly enjoying this series! Love being able to relate to the small town relationships. Can't wait to read the next book!
I am greatly enjoying this series! Love being able to relate to the small town relationships. Can't wait to read the next book!
Read
November 3, 2020Quick Read. Small town vs big city life.
I'm offering 3 giveaways on Goodreads to celebrate the approaching release of my next book. Check 2 of them out on the Goodreads Giveaway tab and one listed below.
This stand-alone is the second in the 7 Deadly Sins Series.
The first book, Bend Don't Break, 7 Deadly Sins: Envy is currently in a Goodreads Giveaway. Enter today.
Enter Here
I'm offering 3 giveaways on Goodreads to celebrate the approaching release of my next book. Check 2 of them out on the Goodreads Giveaway tab and one listed below.
This stand-alone is the second in the 7 Deadly Sins Series.
The first book, Bend Don't Break, 7 Deadly Sins: Envy is currently in a Goodreads Giveaway. Enter today.
Enter Here
March 7, 2020
Madison is still holding on to her secret and the longer she goes the less chance I see her telling anyone but the author leaves the end open for another book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews