Winning With Him

Men of Summer #2

by Lauren Blakely

alternate cover edition of ASIN B08ND9Z5K3

Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again.

The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist.

A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever.

But how do I become the man I want to be...with him or without him?

Trouble is, I can't seem to get Declan out of my head, even if I stand to lose everything I've worked for my entire life...

Winning with Him is book two in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series, and should be read following Scoring With Him. This romance between two professional athletes spans five epic years.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Audiobook, Second Chance, Contemporary

416 pages, ebook

First published August 3, 2021

About the author

You can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

“So, this is happiness. This is falling in love.”

Winning With Him is book two in the Men of Summer series by Lauren Blakely. These books must be read in order. There is a prequel, Crushing on Him, which isn’t required but added to my overall pleasure of the series. Then the first book, Scoring With Him. Winning With Him is the continuation of Declan and Grant’s story.



OH…MY…HEART! I could NOT love these two more. There were times during this book when I just didn’t know if my little tiny heart could hold any more. It both broke for these two and soared with happiness. They…are…everything!!!

Grant Blackwood’s heart is broken. He throws himself into the only thing that has ever been steadfast for him, baseball. We start out during the final days in spring training. This is what Grant has always dreamed of, his chance to play baseball professionally. So he ignores the pain in his heart and gives his all.



Declan Steele has been traded to New York. What started out as being the answer to all of he and Grant’s problems quickly changed. Now Declan is alone and his heart is also broken. He only wanted to do what was best. But was it?



This book spans over five years. It starts right up where book one left off and takes us on a journey. We get alternating points of view between Declan and Grant so we know what is happening in both of their lives. Of one thing we never doubt, through everything, their love for each other never dies. In my heart, I felt every emotion they did, I lived every moment right along with them. I loved watching them both grow and heal. I loved watching the rebirth of hope for what they could have together.

“This feels like the start of the rest of my life.”



My heart is so full. Lauren Blakely, if you read this, you are truly gifted writing MM romance. Your characters feel real to me, you make me feel so much! Declan and Grant truly had to go on a journey before they could come back together. Even though my heart was broken when they were apart, I feel they truly needed the time to be the men they were supposed to be.



This book comes to a complete HEA. There is absolutely no cliff hanger. BUT, Lauren says she’s not done with them yet. These characters have more to say. So she is continuing their story in one more book, All In With Him. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited for a book.

“This is my fantasy.
This is our reality.
This is our life.
And it’s spectacular.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audio 5 Stars
Story dnf@ Chapter 23

WTF?! Omg! What a disappointment! I really enjoyed book 1, but EVERYTHING about book 2 feels contrived. The reason behind the MCs' separation is so flimsy it's laughable. I. Just. Can't. 😖😖😖😖😖

[Lauren Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEWS!!!!
You asked for it, you're getting it!
WINNING WITH HIM is coming three days early on August 3rd in all formats! I can't believe I'm doing this, but so many of you have messaged me and asked to get it sooner so I'm doing it!

🔥 Passion. Angst. Heart-stopping emotion. And all the answer's you've been waiting for.

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/KindleWinning
✦ Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleWinning
✦ Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleWinning
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookWinning
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboWinning
✦ Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleWinning --Teddy Hamilton & Jacob Morgan

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Declan Steele is no longer my secret crush. He's not my nighttime tryst. And he's not my we're-not-making-a-plan-guy. He is all my plans, all my crushes. He's the man I'm going to love for the rest of my life."

honestly i don't know why i'm giving this 4 stars other than the fact i highly enjoyed it. critically the story is more of a 3 stars, actually even 2 stars, but i didn't really cared because i was enjoying it. not the best written but i was so invested from start to finish. i loved grant and declan and how they managed their relationship. the only thing that puzzles me even today is that why just they didn't come out as a couple right from the beginning. i'm confused. i will never get the 'it is either baseball or romance' way of thinking especially in this world lauren blakely has created where everyone is just accepting. another, the winning moment for me here was how this book went to a certain route i didn't expect. there was this drama wedged between the mcs right from the beginning. i thought it was going to be dragged out until eternity. thankfully they settled that down before reaching the half mark. overall, i loved all the other LB books. they just keep on pushing these buttons in me. they're far from great or being exceptional but they work for me. wouldn't recommend oops...

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm about to say this....but having now finished all three books, I think this one might be might favorite.



Do I still think three books was necessary?



Am I still mad at how the first one ended, espcially after reading the first part of this book and seeing how things could've gone down?



Call me crazy but....

--I was okay with the why of Declan's behavior
--I loved that they weren't with anyone else
--I loved that they didn't act like idiots for five years
--I liked the intro to all of the new characters that I hope get books

So there, I said it. I liked it.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok a bit of mixed feelings with this one.

What I loved:

-The narration..umm duh! It's Teddy and Jacob afterall.

- The fact that even after their seperation they weren't with anyone else. FOR YEARS. My heart just grew 10 times with this aspect. Romantic AF. Is it unrealistic? Yup! Did I care? Nop!

- The fact that Declan made huge steps towards being a better healthier version of himself, with everything he did.

- The pacing and the romance and the steam.

What I'm ambivalent about...
- The reason of their separation. I didn't like Grant's decision. I understood it, but I didn't like it. The "romance or baseball" angle didn't really convince me of the seperation.

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Blakely brings her epic Men of Summer duet to a heartwarming and sizzling hot happy ending.

Beneath their dazzling good looks and sports star status, Declan and Grant are trying to survive heartbreak as best they can.

Knowing that his career is just starting and though Declan’s unilateral decision to break off their secret relationship came from a good place, it was probably a good call, he throws himself into baseball and advocacy for the next five years until Declan reaches out once again. But can they fall again?

Winning With Him starts right where Scoring With Him left off and takes us on Grant and Declan’s journey. We see both of them grow as athletes, especially Grant who came into his own in a most wonderful way.

They both mature, but Declan especially finds it within himself to find a way to heal the wounds from his past and be a better man for him and for a possible relationship with Grant. And through it all, there’s never any doubt in the reader’s mind that these two not only love each other deeply, but a perfect for one another.

I loved how their relationship was developed, and just like in the past book, their story hit me in all the best feels. While this book ends with a beautiful happy ending, Lauren Blakely has announced that there will be another part to Grant and Declan’s story, All In With Him, I can’t wait to get my hands on! I hope Declan gets to win the world series in it ;)

Winning With Him is book #2 of the Men of Summer duet by Lauren Blakely. A sports romance told from both points of view, with HEA ending. Tropes: mm | forbidden romance

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3zOiJE3

★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★

Have fun with me on Instagram
♕ FaceBook ♕ More reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

***6 stars! ***
I have been waiting to get back to Grant and Declan since the cliffhanger in Scoring With Him. These two clearly already won over my heart and I loved them together in spring training. But it was also obvious that they would have plenty of challenges to overcome. Then everything changed anyway.

It is a time for them to rededicate themselves to the sport they love and their teammates. But there is still the indelible impression left on both of their hearts and the trust issues, regrets, pain, and guilt that came from it.

But eventually, their paths will cross again bringing back the tension, sparks, and unresolved feelings that cannot be erased. But problems do not just miraculously disappear and the repercussions of being hurt just make guarding their hearts safer. They are two men in a high-profile sport in different stages of their careers. They each have baggage of their own in addition to what they collected in the past.

These two both have work to do on themselves, healing that needs to occur, and personal goals to reach. Are they meant to be the one that got away or will there eventually come a time that their timing is right so that they can really try for something more?

Grant and Declan are just so wonderful together. I abso-freaking-lutely adore them both so much. I felt all of their feelings as they did. From the fragility of their first connection to the longing of what-could-have-been, and being so afraid to take a chance and risk their hearts and careers. The raw emotion and vulnerability that these two eventually begin to show really touched me. Along the way, they both have opportunities for growth and change and work to overcome obstacles. I was cheering them on from behind my kindle.

This is an epic, intense, emotional, scorching hot, M/M sports romance that spans time, distance, and painful situations. But despite the more emotional undertones, there is also humor, wit, and camaraderie too. It is about healing, honesty, sacrifice, and overcoming fears. Their relationship is complicated, deep, challenging, and passionate. Their connection is one that could not easily be forgotten, but there are no easy fixes. Their personal journeys are as intrinsic to the story as their emergence as a couple. And they have steps to take both individually and together in order to build a solid foundation.

The side characters and their relationships just add to the depth of the story, as well as providing support and comic relief. I love seeing their dynamic relationships and how this story parallels with some others in the series, but now we know that there was so much more going on under the surface with these two.

I cannot believe I am saying this but Grant and Declan have just surpassed my other favorite LB couple Fitz and Dean as my number one. Maybe it is the fact that they have kept me completely enthralled and invested for two amazing books and I still do not want to let them go. These guys have burrowed themselves into my heart and I feel like they are real. They are so well developed, have evolved so much, and all of their issues have been exposed and unraveled, and they have been rebuilt and healed through the course of this series.

Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

[Dísir · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOT SPOILER FREE

I realised with dismay that ‘Winning with Him’ was a second-chance romance midway through the book and that nearly caused me to stop reading, mostly because those never work out too well for me. Unfortunately, this probably counted as one of them….more so because I wanted the HEA after the cliffhanger of the first part.

Dealing with my own downed expectations is probably the hardest part of writing this review, because it felt like Lauren Blakely had taken the story into a turn midway (in the middle of a grovel) that somehow left me…fuming after I was bobbing along happily, caught in Declan’s and Grant’s storm in a teacup.

The Grant-responsible-time-separation felt like a cop-out, because I thought better decisions could have been made by both characters instead of a serendipitous decision that did neither of them good—or at least, left one in a better place than the other. I can well understand that both sides had issues to work through and that change was obviously not instantaneous, but if their 5-year-long separation was meant to be a time-and-career-equaliser, it turned out to be a plot device that ended up driving me nuts with the decisions that Grant took.

The lack of compromise that sat at the heart of it all felt a bitter aftertaste that didn't really fade, seeing as it was made with no intention at all of both sides ever getting back together again. That they did finally come back together simply felt like a matter of chance rather than intentioned action, which shook the foundation of my own romantic notions that both sides should after all, work for each other and for themselves...together.

If the five-year gap made Grant an older, more established, famous player, I thought it diminished Declan in contrast, making him more inclined towards realising that he needed to be ‘worthy’ of Grant. That Declan needed therapy to feel that way raised too many red flags for me, I really didn’t know what else he’d been learning about himself, other that love was made to feel a little more conditional than it was when they first got together.

The more I thought (and raged) about this, the more I felt there was an inequality of character growth during this separation—in fact, it felt detrimental to their HEA at the end—as Declan seemed to be the one who had to keep making up for crossing the distance to Grant, while the latter pretty much did…nothing. That Declan had to change and work through his own issues was clear, but shouldn't Grant have had to as well, given how he’d used his own abandonment and commitment issues as a reason for choosing his career above everyone and everything else? Couldn’t both of them have instead, worked through their issues together instead of separately because Grant insisted on carving his own path to success?

Clearly ‘Winning with Him’ stomped repeatedly on too many of my sore points and my personal boundaries of what I thought should or should not be acceptable in a second-chance story. As much as I liked their journey in the first book, I can’t say that it worked out the way I wished it to happen for the both of them.

[Maisha Farzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the only second chance romances I actually Love.

[Nelly S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"I don't know how to be with you half-way, Deck. When I'm with you, that is all I want. You are all I want," I say, baring my soul to him. "And trust me, that's not something I ever thought would happen to me. My parents didn't want me, so wanting another person like this makes no sense. And yet I do. I want to say fuck the world and be with you."
"...But I listen to my gut—to the instinct that tells me to get in the elevator and go.
To leave the first man I ever loved.
And hope the other love of my life doesn't abandon me."

The second book in the Men of Summer series, Winning with Him, explores detours in the relationship and the eventual reuniting of Grant and Declan. This is not a stand-alone and must be read after Book 1 for one to follow along.

The power dynamics change this time around in the couple’s relationship. Grant is no longer the starry-eyed, naive rookie who's willing to do anything for Declan. He's strong enough to turn Declan away when he asks for a second chance. Grant chooses to focus on baseball until he becomes an established player, as well as a high profile activist for LGBTQ rights. He grows in his own right. And Declan finds himself having to undergo profound emotional growth to win him back. By the time Declan finishes putting in the necessary work in therapy, he’s no longer the emotionally closed off guy who self-sabotages his relationships.

There’s strong relationship development and characterization. The love story stays sweet and becomes a bit sappy at the end. As a bonus, this is a seriously steamy read.

Although there’s a third (final) book in the series, I have little incentive to read it. By the end of the book, Grant and Declan are back together again and making plans to move in together. There is no conflict or cliffhanger. I can't imagine what an entire book on their live-in relationship could possibly be about.

[Cory · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some stories don't need three books. Some don't even need two books.

I'm hoping that book three is better because I really liked book 1 until the end.

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Oh my god. There's something wrong with me. Honestly, there's has to be. Because this is the second book in a row that has left me unimpressed.

Ok, so I'll say what I liked first:
- I liked Declan's development of his relationship with his father, the way he sheltered his mum from him. His love for his stepdad - how he made the effort to get to know that side of his family better.
- I liked Grant finding friendship in River and even going into business with him (although, River disappears from the book only to appear once again towards the end. I thought he was going to be a much stronger character.) I liked Grant's fight for equality and his work as an Advocate.

And that's basically all I liked.

As I said on my review of Book 1, I felt like the story ending where it did then was totally unnecessary. It was adding drama for drama's sake, and that believe was justified for me after reading this second book. I just don't see what the need for the separation was. Declan and Grant could have worked together on their issues. Grant would have supported Declan then -- and yes, maybe they weren't ready to put everything in the burner, they were young, but I think the "growing" they did while being separated would have happened the same while being together (And suddenly contacting each other when they decide to have a second chance five years later does not affect their game, but actually improves it? No. Just no. It actually made me mad that they made such a big thing about it in book 1 but now it was ok)

When they meet a few years later and Declan is going to therapy, there is a lot of focus on how little Grant knew about Declan when they were together, like this was an issue. When in reality it never felt like that reading book 1. They had only been together for like a month before Declan left for NY, so they were still in the process of getting to know each other. Don't know why they make such a big thing of it 4 or 5 years later.

Grant's scars are as deep as Deck's (overhearing his parents when he was a teen) and still his "emotional baggage" doesn't stop him from being and doing what he needs to be/do. I found Declan's "rules" (having to wait until one year of therapy, etc) and need to wait very OTT and pointless.

Oh, and are you telling me that neither of them had another partner in 5 years?! Yeah righ. Not flying. There is a tiny little mention that Grant says at the end, something like "And Deck is still the only one to ever spend the night". But listen, the fact that they NEVER talk about the fact that there may have been other men in those years they were separated, I just don't buy it!!!

I skimmed read the last 15% of the book because it was draaaaaaging. Like nothing happened. I even skimmed past the sex scenes *gasp!*. I was waiting for one last itsy bitsy bit of drama and it never came. It was just cheese overload.

So yeah, not a winner for me at all. Now I'm scared to choose another book, because I feel like the problem is ME seeing so many 5 stars reviews.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completed, OMG!! The swoons & feels were on a never-ending high! I hurted as years pass, but here, they discovered themselves & how can i resent that? I had tears majority of time, Sad, angry, Happy, So damn happy, content! I love Grant & Declan so much & am so happy to see their HEA! All so worth it♥️

Gosh, I'm excited to see them as couple in the next book!
Full RTC of this Duet soon!

At 46%, After completing SCORING WITH HIM & this one's 1st 21% all in a Sunday yesterday, I was hella worked up to start it today. Even woke up early!

Omg, At Years seperation...I was crying. Loving too much is a problem too.
The feels are hitting hard😭, I just want these two to be happy!!

[Rielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book.

I wanted to rate it lower, but I did read the whole thing and it kept me generally entertained. I didn’t love the character development in this book, I hated the separation, the logic behind basically every choice was so weird to me, and I just didn’t feel the chemistry anymore. It actually really bothered me that these guys were separated for 5 years and there was zero talk about them being with anyone else. It felt unrealistic…almost as unrealistic as many other spoilery choices I won’t mention.

I’m skipping the next book.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing and I’m so in love with them

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am done. I give up. I made it to 70%, but I cannot finish this book 🫠 It is bad. I was warned it was worse than the first one, but it was too late at that point because I'd already bought the audiobook. Honestly, that's the only reason I suffered through as long as I did. I should've cut my losses sooner, but I kept thinking something worthwhile would happen. It did not. Heads-up that rest of this is just going to be me venting my frustration.

The first half of the book was unbelievably hard to get through. Everything felt manufactured and unnecessary. I couldn't have been less interested in what was going on if I tried. I cannot fathom why the author thought this story needed to be a trilogy other than to make money on more books. If you took the best bits of all three books and put them together, you could probably cobble together one decent book... but three??? Absolute garbage filler.

Time-skips are a tricky thing, and wow was this one handled poorly. Why on earth would I want to spend the first half of the book going through what each of the MCs are up to while they are spilt up and have minimal interaction? This is supposed to be a romance, not a diary of what each MC did last summer. It was literally a multi-year overview of each MC doing their own thing FOR HALF OF THE BOOK. I think it was supposed to serve as character growth for their eventual reunion, but the way it was handled was the most uninteresting thing imaginable. Also, don't get me started on the complete improbability that neither of these smoking hot athletes would hook up with anyone else for FIVE YEARS, especially Declan. Believe me, I love the idea of "I was waiting for you" and all that, but these dudes barely communicated and left things as this isn't happening, can't happen, won't happen. The circumstances just didn't make sense for the scenario.

Beyond that, the writing was so cringey at points I had to laugh, and the dialogue was just plain bad at times. The word "sex-cameling" was used. What even is that? Weird choices were made. For example, when Declan and Grant finally decide to go out on a date again (after they hadn't been with anyone else or each other for years), they somehow both magically have their STD results ready on their phone??? They whip them out and in two seconds decide to go bare? Talk about whiplash. Maybe I missed something in my utter boredom, but that seemed incredibly out of place. It was one thing like that after another. Bad choices. Mainly mine in deciding to continue with this horrible book 🤣

The straw that broke the camel's back came after they finally slept together again. (They did flip-fuck, so points for that, but I digress). I thought they were getting somewhere, but no. Once again, Declan and Grant decided not to define their relationship. 🙄 What was the point in any of this? I no longer care. They can fly off into outer space on their undefined relationship for all I care.

Never again, Lauren Blakely, never again.

[Mir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed a lot of this. The reason for the character’s separation was absolutely absurd. And lasted WAYYYY too long. I actually read a few parts that were admittedly good. I also read near the end, enjoying their HEA. Until I learned there’s a THIRD BOOK. Not only that, but it said the third book is out now but when I clicked the link it says preorder. So it is certainly not out. Then I read the summary and I will absolutely not be reading that when it comes out. I don’t need any more contrived absurdity. I will leave these characters in the ending from this book.

[Monica Vidal · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have a expression here in Brasil, when we want to say we are someone’s biggest fan and loosely translated it could be something like “being someone’s little bitch”. Yeah, I know. Well, I am definitely Jacob Morgan’s little bitch. My man could narrated his grocery list and put it up for sell and I’d be the first one to buy it. His voice does things to me.

That said, I will listen anything he narrated, especially when he’s paired up with Teddy Hamilton (who is also another GOD).

Is this book great? Not really…it’s cute and it’s sweet and the MCs, are so ridiculously in love I got a little jealous, but Jacob Morgan takes it to another level.

Kudos for the author, cause she always picks THE best narrators for her books and I am here for it.

[ari · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5—their dialogues were just so so so sweet, people can't possibly converse like this in real life??? without reading off pages???

[Aricka Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is what it feels like to come back together. It’s like being home.”

Back at with Declan and Grant in the second book of the trilogy. Like I said I wasn’t expecting this to be a three part series but I am enjoying the ride. I am much happier to see that the boys used the time apart to figure themselves out and were able to connect on a more real level, rather than sex being the focal point that grounded their relationship. Though sex is a large part of it, it’s good to see more conversations about their pasts and their wants and wishes. They are communicating which is always great. Now they are on their way to their HEA though if you ask me it could end at this book. I don’t know what type of drama awaits me for the third book but I am looking forward to it. Believe me, if there was zero drama and just the two of them living life , I’d still eat it up because I’m all for a slice of life romance. But I doubt that’s what we will get. Either way I really did enjoy this but it’s just not a 5 star read for me. I need more, idk what. Just isn’t making my 5 star read list but that’s okay because it’s a good series with great dudes being dudes and I recommend it whole heartedly. ♥️

[Yai Min (semi i.a.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

IT WAS GOOD.
Let me explain first why I'm giving the book 4 stars when I have been ranting a lot of things all the way:
Firstly, even though I still think this book was unnecessary (for very obvious reasons like all that filler drama...), weirdly enough the book kept me glued to it all the time, wanting to know the outcome for Grant and Declan.
Second, I was already all they way in with both ML, although sometimes I hated Grant (to be brutally honest).
Third, I guess I did too because I liked the ending, if all the book could be erased but that beautiful ten (I think) last chapters, could be awesome.
Finally, I had fun reading this book, to my much surprise, I really did laugh A LOT, so that's a plus one from me always.

Things I didn't like:
1) I felt like Declan was leftvout by the writer, I mean, Grant was having an stellar rookie season then they the" world series", he was the spoke person for the Alliance. While Declan was doing nothing with his professional career, he didn’t win anything, he didn’t seem to upgrade himself... this I obviously didn't like at all. (I smell favoritism here 🥸)

2) The book in general was SLOW and could have been better without all that apart time drama... but I guess the ending makes up for all the suffering from before.

I recommend this book if you have read the first one, because we'll you deserve the HEA. Happy reading!! ❤ ❤

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read Scoring With Him and missed the part about it being a duet, I’ve been dying for this book. When I found out it was being released a week early, I was so excited and it did not disappoint!!! When I read Lauren Blakely’s books I know a few things going in. First, I’m going to love it or at least really like it. Secondly, it’s going to be super romantic and have delicious steamy scenes I need to read multiple times after I finish the book and thirdly I’m most likely not going to cry unless it’s happy tears. All those things were true except this book was gut wrenching to read during some parts and I cried my eyes out. I felt this shit hard because I’ve lived it. Knowing you met your match but the timing not being right for lots of reasons is heartbreaking 💔 This book cracked me open, made my heart bleed but thankfully Lauren’s one of those authors who knows exactly how to piece my heart back together so it’s even better than it was originally. I LOVED this book.

This picks up where the last one left off and it’s incredibly gut wrenching at times. Their love story spans over 5 years and this had some of the best fast forwarding into the future that I’ve seen. I didn’t feel like I missed anything or that the book suffered going forward in time. If anything, I thought it made the book better. There was just enough there to get a good idea what life was like for each of them over the 5 years. Once the book is in the present it takes off beautifully and I was so excited to see the paths both men went on in order to have their dreams come true. This was beautifully written and I absolutely love Declan and Grant. They are couple goals.

After reading this, I wasn’t ready to leave this world or this couple so finding out that there will be a third book in this series thrills me! There is no cliffhanger in this book but it does have a happy for now type ending. This is because the third book will be about their new life together and what comes after. It will be released near the end of August and I can’t wait. Scoring With Him was my first dip into MM romances and I cannot get enough. Love is Love 💗🌈

[Zofia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first part much more. I didn't even expect to like it so much but was travelling for several hours and had the audiobook handy and the book won me over despite the somewhat cliche premise. The MCs had good chemistry and it was a bit of a slow burn which I always enjoy. I happened to finish it on the very day of the second's book premiere and bought it right away to see what happens next to Grant and Declan. I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed (slight spoilers coming up): it started of nicely with some retrospections for both MCs explaining more about their past and what shaped them. Still, when "The Big Split" happens, I didn't quite buy it... I was saddened by it, I admit, felt their pain but also frustrated because it felt forced as well. I mean "I can't be with you because I love you too much"?? Who reasons this way?? And then the last third of the book was just such a typical setup to so many of the MM romances: the over-the-top talks about "you're the love of my life, you're my everything, this is what forever feels like". And don't get me wrong, I love romaces and I know they need those words said at some point, but perhaps every conversation towards the end of the book with each character and family member choking up and tearing up during them, was a bit much for me.. I don't think I'll be reading part three of this story.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 SMOOCHES!

I’m going to say right off the bat that Lauren Blakely’s Men of Summer series is my most anticipated read of the summer. Based on my reading experiences with Blakely’s other M/M romances, I had very high hopes for this series, and now, two books into it, and I can say that it’s an epic love story that has surpassed my expectations. After that cliffhanger ending in book one, Scoring With Him, I could not wait to dive into Winning With Him. It’s important that readers know going into this series that these are not standalone romances and these books must be read in order. Also, Lauren recently announced that she wasn’t quite done with Grant and Declan’s story, and she’s releasing a third book in this series, All In With Him, very shortly.

Winning With Him picks right up at that heartbreaking, gasp-inducing moment where Scoring With Him ends. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but Scoring With Him is the beginning of Declan and Grant’s story. Two professional baseball players, one is a rookie and the other a rostered player, on the same team. The tear-your-clothes-off, can’t-keep-away-from-each-other chemistry between them sizzled and was the perfect kindling to their fiery forbidden romance. Genuine feelings build, and in the throes of those beginning stages of new love, they begin to make plans. But a cold slap of reality forces the painful realization that they’re in a right person at the wrong time scenario.

In Winning With Him, Lauren takes her readers on Declan and Grant’s independent journeys through the next five years. These two characters grew and matured tremendously during their time apart, both personally and professionally. The thing is that neither of them has really moved on or truly gotten over the other. Their paths crossed on occasion, they still share a group of friends, and when it did, that spark was still very much there. Five long years later, it is finally their time, and the absolute gloriousness of that reunion brought me to tears.

The emotion in this story did a number on my poor little heart—I absolutely ached for these two. Winning With Him, the second part of Declan and Grant’s romance, was definitely one of Blakely’s most angsty love stories. There was so much emotion here, so much longing, but Lauren rewards her readers for all this heartbreak and angst with richly developed characters whose stories and histories I was completely invested in. For all the struggle and pain she put them – and me – through, she wasn’t greedy with the payoff. Declan and Grant’s reunion was one of the most rewarding second chances I’ve ever read from her.

Spanning five years, Winning With Him was the culmination of an extraordinary romance. Full of feels, hard fought, sweet and tender and a bit tragic, Declan and Grant did the work on themselves individually and found their way back to each other. It’s a painful twist of fate to meet your perfect person at the wrong time in both of your lives, and Blakely did an incredible job taking me through those emotions. I loved, I longed and I lamented right along with Declan and Grant, and when it finally was their time, I was as ready for their second chance as they were. A beautifully told, immensely engaging love story, I was all in from the very beginning of their journey. Blakely may have left readers hanging a bit in Scoring With Him, but she more than made up for that in Winning With Him. This series was my most anticipated read of the summer for good reason. Blakely surpassed all of my expectations by penning an utterly consuming, moving and memorable love story. Five smooches from me for Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely!
~Danielle Palumbo

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars.
This book was ok but I didn't love it. There was nothing bad but nothing felt amazing, either.

In comparision to the author's Hopelessly Bromantic Duet (Jude and TJ) and The Bromance Zone (River and Owen) this one fell flat for me.

There was no conflict to overcome for the MMCs to be together... it took them 5 years to become a pair because... they decided to. There hadn't been a real reason for them not being together other than they had felt the timing hadn't been right years before (although they had been passionately in love).
It didn't resonate with me and I didn't really get it.

Plus, the writing style wasn't flowing but felt constructed. Their conversations leading up to sex were cringey at times.

I won't finish the series.

Example :
"GRANT
We don’t stay for long. On the way home from the Spotted Zebra, Declan’s phone beeps. For a second, I tense. If it’s not his dad now, I suspect his father will be in touch soon. But we’ll deal with that together. Declan glances at the text message. “It’s a note from someone at the Alliance. Wants to know if I can go to that carnival this weekend. Do the dunk tank and pie toss as a celebrity guest.” “Will you do it?”
He nods as he types. “Definitely.” In the past, Declan has had a different approach to charity, preferring to support with money rather than time. That’s awesome and I love that he puts his wallet toward what matters. But lately, he’s been volunteering, and I can’t deny that it’s so damn sexy to see him step up in a new way. It’s even sexier when he says, “Do you want to go to the carnival together?” I slow the car at the light, look at him with wonder, and say, “Yes, and you asking me to do that is so incredibly sexy that you need to fuck me when we get home.” He cracks up. “That’s all it takes? Me agreeing to go to an LGBTQ carnival with you gets me mandatory topping?” “Yup. I’m so turned on right now, I’m going to get on my hands and knees for you, and you’re going to screw me right off the bed.”
“Maybe drive a little faster. And that’s mandatory.” "

Who talks like that?

[Sims · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF🙃...

Because I somehow was interested after the weird cliffhanger to read this 2nd part expecting some development in this but nope this was just too much dragging over...

I officially hate the trope of "It's not us but it's your career and mine" after this book. 1st declan takes the decision of parting ways because he had a situation going on and then Grant takes the decision of breaking apart because suddenly his career achievements were more sweet to him. And really why loving someone was portrayed as a distraction. Really at no point these characters were thinking of each other while apart. There life went smoothly infact they were doing better without each other, really?

Maybe its subjective because my love notions say if you really love someone then when you break up it badly effects all part of your lives including your career. Atleast the first few months after breakup are terrible. But that was not shown at all.

This brings me to the point.. firstly in the 1st book what they felt for each other was attraction or infatuation not love per say because if it was love then love makes you cross all boundaries for that person which we really didn't see happening. Yes, it was a 'what-if' only and I am glad it was mentioned in the book. The characters really liked each other and they badly wanted to experience that 'what-if' scenario with each other. They still hadn't experienced the intense love for each other as they presumed

I like that they wanted to give each other space and all... and they gave each other plenty🫣 5 years because CAREER. I really got tired at some point with this narrative of distraction. I don't think love is a distraction it infact is what keeps you going and if you don't feel that way for a person then maybe its not love you are feeling. And i really the characters to think this atleast at some point.... But i guess this is why these characters are grey because they don't make the right decisions throughout 😔

And well 1 star of being safe🩷

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Men of Summer duet and continues the story of Declan and Grant. This series needs to be read in order. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
One of my favorite things to read about in romance is personal growth the characters go through so they can be the best part of the relationship in their HEA. This book has that in spades. Gah!!!! Grant and Declan both grow so much over the course of their time apart. They both become who they need to be to succeed in a mature and loving relationship. I love that the author gave them this time to grow and have a shot at success together. This book packs some serious heat, some deeply intimate non-physical moments between the characters, love, romance, friendship, and some laughs. This story is deep, thorough, and emotional. I laughed, swooned, melted, ached, and loved right along side these beautifully written men. It takes five years for these two to go from attraction and passion to deep and consuming love. Their love makes me so happy. This author always does such a great job with both sports romance and her male/male couples and this book is the pinnacle of both. I absolutely loved it.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the first book ended, I really couldn't wait for this one. It did not disappoint. Declan and Grant's story is a real roller coaster ride of emotions. The fact that it took them a few years made it more real and emotional, with all the obstacles they have to go through.

But not going to lie, there are some parts of the story that seemed so unnecessary. It just makes the story seem draggy. I can't wait for the last book next

[Wil Loves Books! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely liked this one way more than the first, but again, apparently there’s a third book. Why? I don’t know, there’s really no need. Unlike the first, this one ends in a good note and the MCs are happy and together in the end. Overall, not a bad read,the audiobooks are fantastic!