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The Boys of Baseball #3
Safe at First
I have one more year of baseball eligibility left. One more year to show the major league scouts that I'm worth it. That I'm good enough to play professional baseball for them.
But honestly, I'm not sure that I am. I'm good enough to play for one of the best college baseball teams in the country, but that doesn’t mean that I have what it takes to go beyond that. So far, not a single one has approached me. There are no agents banging down my door, hoping to represent me, no emails, no phone calls, no messages through Coach Jackson. No, nothing.
I also want what my best friends have. The one thing that keeps alluding me; a girlfriend, a partner, a teammate. I know I come off as the team’s biggest player, but it's all a front. A defense mechanism. As long as I call the shots and keep the ladies playing by my rules, I can’t get humiliated like I did my Freshman year. I need to change and I have no idea how to do it. Especially when girls only want to be with me because I'm a baseball player.
What happens if I no longer am one?
Who would want me then?
But honestly, I'm not sure that I am. I'm good enough to play for one of the best college baseball teams in the country, but that doesn’t mean that I have what it takes to go beyond that. So far, not a single one has approached me. There are no agents banging down my door, hoping to represent me, no emails, no phone calls, no messages through Coach Jackson. No, nothing.
I also want what my best friends have. The one thing that keeps alluding me; a girlfriend, a partner, a teammate. I know I come off as the team’s biggest player, but it's all a front. A defense mechanism. As long as I call the shots and keep the ladies playing by my rules, I can’t get humiliated like I did my Freshman year. I need to change and I have no idea how to do it. Especially when girls only want to be with me because I'm a baseball player.
What happens if I no longer am one?
Who would want me then?
411 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2021
416 people are currently reading
1356 people want to read
About the author
J. Sterling
57 books6,198 followersJ. (jenn) Sterling is a New York Times and USA Today best selling author of multiple contemporary romances. She lives in California with her only son, Blake. If you can't find her sitting behind a computer screen writing new stories, then there's a good chance she's sitting in the bleachers of a baseball stadium watching him play.
Jenn enjoys traveling to new places, meeting her readers and spending time with the love of her life, the one & only, Jack F'n Carter! Oh yeah, it's true. <3
Stay in touch with Jenn here:
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/619557...
Website: http://www.jsterlingbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJSterling
Instagram & TikTok: @AuthorJSterling
Jenn enjoys traveling to new places, meeting her readers and spending time with the love of her life, the one & only, Jack F'n Carter! Oh yeah, it's true. <3
Stay in touch with Jenn here:
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/619557...
Website: http://www.jsterlingbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJSterling
Instagram & TikTok: @AuthorJSterling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 30, 2021
The first time my Mac boy entered into this series, I was smitten. There was something about this boy that had rules that girls would just go along with. I was intrigued and so excited to finally get his story. What was this first baseman all about and how was a woman going to tame the flirty baseball player?
Mac Davies plays at a top college for baseball. He is the first baseman and plays well on his feet. He's fast and makes good decisions. But he's not a power hitter. He knows how to get on base, but MLB wants homers. So no one is knocking on his door for the pros. He was passed over his junior year for the big leagues and is back for his senior year looking to make it. It's his last chance. He's stressing. But what is holding him back? How can he make it to the big stage that he has dreamed of and get out of under his dad's thumb? And will he keep being the playboy that we think he is? Or is there more to that story?
Oh Mac. This boy. He has my heart. What he has gone through and what he deals with from his past and the decisions he makes with his future just hit me. I liked that J Sterling gave us something real and passionate. And Sunny? What a good balance for him. She followed his rules, but those two apparently don't play by rules when it matters. She is just a ray of sunshine and someone that you wished had been there for him every year. You wished they had been together for so much longer than they were. They were a team that worked. But would he mess it up because of his past?
Love was always worth the risk, and I'd played it safe for too long, always selling myself short and taking less than I deserved. The only way to get through Mac's walls was to break them down. And I held the fucking jackhammer.
Ms. Sterling ended this series on such a strong note. She gave us the feels and she gave us another side of baseball. And Mac's past? I just wanted to hug him. So so glad he had Sunny in his corner.
I enjoyed having the past characters because they added to the story, but a neighbor that is a new character really intrigued me and I may just have to bother the author to get more of her. ;)
Mac's book is something special and different from the others. I really enjoyed their trip to NYC and getting to see Chance and Danika again. My only issue I had was that we didn't get more of the baseball season. That was relegated to the last bit of the book. For something that was so huge to Mac's future, I thought we'd get more. Overall, I enjoyed this book, the characters and the way this series wrapped up. It was satisfying and I think sports romance readers will love it.
Mac Davies plays at a top college for baseball. He is the first baseman and plays well on his feet. He's fast and makes good decisions. But he's not a power hitter. He knows how to get on base, but MLB wants homers. So no one is knocking on his door for the pros. He was passed over his junior year for the big leagues and is back for his senior year looking to make it. It's his last chance. He's stressing. But what is holding him back? How can he make it to the big stage that he has dreamed of and get out of under his dad's thumb? And will he keep being the playboy that we think he is? Or is there more to that story?
Oh Mac. This boy. He has my heart. What he has gone through and what he deals with from his past and the decisions he makes with his future just hit me. I liked that J Sterling gave us something real and passionate. And Sunny? What a good balance for him. She followed his rules, but those two apparently don't play by rules when it matters. She is just a ray of sunshine and someone that you wished had been there for him every year. You wished they had been together for so much longer than they were. They were a team that worked. But would he mess it up because of his past?
Love was always worth the risk, and I'd played it safe for too long, always selling myself short and taking less than I deserved. The only way to get through Mac's walls was to break them down. And I held the fucking jackhammer.
Ms. Sterling ended this series on such a strong note. She gave us the feels and she gave us another side of baseball. And Mac's past? I just wanted to hug him. So so glad he had Sunny in his corner.
I enjoyed having the past characters because they added to the story, but a neighbor that is a new character really intrigued me and I may just have to bother the author to get more of her. ;)
Mac's book is something special and different from the others. I really enjoyed their trip to NYC and getting to see Chance and Danika again. My only issue I had was that we didn't get more of the baseball season. That was relegated to the last bit of the book. For something that was so huge to Mac's future, I thought we'd get more. Overall, I enjoyed this book, the characters and the way this series wrapped up. It was satisfying and I think sports romance readers will love it.
March 12, 2021
So the end is what ruined it for me. After months of Mac's a-hole wishy washy attitude towards the fresh, friendly and sweet Sunny (first he is an asshat, then says sorry and she forgives him, then back to being an asshat and apologizes - sick cycle with Daddy issues thrown in) and his life being all about baseball..... he gets the girl, but no fricken baseball team wants him.
Are. You. Freakin. Kidding. Me?!
Almost 300 pages (which honestly could've been trimmed down by at least 100 pages for all the useless conversations and information I skimmed) and he doesn't get his life long dream.
So many colorful words coming out of my mouth at the end.
And now I got to start a new book immediately to get over the sting of wasting 3 hours of my day when I had been looking forward to this book for months! Guh 🥴
I hate books that end like that. I need to go find something to kick now...
Are. You. Freakin. Kidding. Me?!
Almost 300 pages (which honestly could've been trimmed down by at least 100 pages for all the useless conversations and information I skimmed) and he doesn't get his life long dream.
So many colorful words coming out of my mouth at the end.
And now I got to start a new book immediately to get over the sting of wasting 3 hours of my day when I had been looking forward to this book for months! Guh 🥴
I hate books that end like that. I need to go find something to kick now...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
A great story that was hard to put down. It consumed me from the very first chapter and it did not let me go until I finished the last page. The well written storyline and the well developed characters hooked me from the very first page! The interaction and the chemistry between Mac and Sunny kept me totally engaged throughout the whole book!
March 12, 2021
Another killer homerun for J. Sterling! Somewhat unexpected but what the moment called for at the same time for Sunny and Mac. Out of pain came a rare depth of emotions. With the end of their senior year of college near, uncertain futures lie ahead blocked by trust and safety issues between the two.
This third installment of The Boys of Baseball series is a bit more of a heavy hitter than the other two. Prepare your heart for some heart-tugging as you run the bases.
**Don’t miss Sunny’s Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe included in the book.**
March 24, 2021
This is the third book in this series and was thoroughly enjoyed by me. To fully appreciate Mac and Sunny's story, read the first two books before this one.
Mac is the first baseman on the baseball team, a senior, and discouraged that he wont get drafted. Now alone, he has to really focus on his future. His best friend, Chance, has been drafted (in the last book). He is also known as a player around campus. He doesn't do commitment (anymore) because of his nasty ex, Hayley. She publicly humiliated him during their freshman year...at the same time, breaking his heart.
Truth is, Mac is not really a player. He just lets people think he is to protect himself from another heartbreak. He doesn't sleep around. He just kisses girls a lot! He lets the girls know ahead of time what to expect...kiss and nothing more. He has been hurt by everyone he let get too close, even his parents who do not believe in him whatsoever. So he built a wall and only lets those in who he truly trusts. So far, it is only Chance, his best friend.
Enter Sunny...Sunny is one of Mac's previous girls that he kissed at a party. Sunny's best friend & previous roommate, Danika, moved out to be with Chance. Now Sunny is alone, which she is scared of. Sunny is an outgoing and optimistic person who just wants to be with Mac. After a long revealing phone conversation between Mac and Sunny, he quit talking to her. So she delves into her hobbies to take her mind off of Mac and being alone...such as baking cookies.
Mac can't hide his feelings for Sunny. They had a connection which he tried to ignore after their heartfelt phone conversation. He doesn't feel good enough for her, so he tried to push her away. However, true love always finds a way back to one another. While his future didn't go as planned, he figured it out in the end and was so much happier.
I really enjoyed this book. Mac was a complex character that we really got to know. He is nothing like what I read about him in the first two books. I thought he was a care-free college party boy...but he's so much deeper than that. The supporting characters were great, too. We meet Matt and Rocky, who added nicely to the story.
Mac is the first baseman on the baseball team, a senior, and discouraged that he wont get drafted. Now alone, he has to really focus on his future. His best friend, Chance, has been drafted (in the last book). He is also known as a player around campus. He doesn't do commitment (anymore) because of his nasty ex, Hayley. She publicly humiliated him during their freshman year...at the same time, breaking his heart.
Truth is, Mac is not really a player. He just lets people think he is to protect himself from another heartbreak. He doesn't sleep around. He just kisses girls a lot! He lets the girls know ahead of time what to expect...kiss and nothing more. He has been hurt by everyone he let get too close, even his parents who do not believe in him whatsoever. So he built a wall and only lets those in who he truly trusts. So far, it is only Chance, his best friend.
Enter Sunny...Sunny is one of Mac's previous girls that he kissed at a party. Sunny's best friend & previous roommate, Danika, moved out to be with Chance. Now Sunny is alone, which she is scared of. Sunny is an outgoing and optimistic person who just wants to be with Mac. After a long revealing phone conversation between Mac and Sunny, he quit talking to her. So she delves into her hobbies to take her mind off of Mac and being alone...such as baking cookies.
Mac can't hide his feelings for Sunny. They had a connection which he tried to ignore after their heartfelt phone conversation. He doesn't feel good enough for her, so he tried to push her away. However, true love always finds a way back to one another. While his future didn't go as planned, he figured it out in the end and was so much happier.
I really enjoyed this book. Mac was a complex character that we really got to know. He is nothing like what I read about him in the first two books. I thought he was a care-free college party boy...but he's so much deeper than that. The supporting characters were great, too. We meet Matt and Rocky, who added nicely to the story.
March 14, 2021
Beautiful Broken Love & Baseball
Safe at First is a story I have waited for since I first started reading this series. J. Sterling had me falling in love with these boys as soon as I opened the first page.
Mac may have been the most complex of the three yet held it all in and never wanted to burden others with his issues.
Mac had played the part of the playboy ball player all four years of college and never realized he was just going through life until he missed out on the draft his junior year and then life smacked him on the face. This beautiful broken boy has to find out what life is really about apart from baseball.
Sunny is exactly like her name says, the happy girl who always wants those around her to be just as happy. The connection she shares with Mac is so instant that you wonder why haven’t they just been together the whole time instead of avoiding once another. She is just what Mac needs when he overthinks things and goes into a spiraling mess.
I have loved Cole - Chance & Mac in this whole series and would recommend the series to anyone looking for great college baseball romance books.
We may not always know the path we are destined to take but that should never take you put of playing the game.
Safe at First is a story I have waited for since I first started reading this series. J. Sterling had me falling in love with these boys as soon as I opened the first page.
Mac may have been the most complex of the three yet held it all in and never wanted to burden others with his issues.
Mac had played the part of the playboy ball player all four years of college and never realized he was just going through life until he missed out on the draft his junior year and then life smacked him on the face. This beautiful broken boy has to find out what life is really about apart from baseball.
Sunny is exactly like her name says, the happy girl who always wants those around her to be just as happy. The connection she shares with Mac is so instant that you wonder why haven’t they just been together the whole time instead of avoiding once another. She is just what Mac needs when he overthinks things and goes into a spiraling mess.
I have loved Cole - Chance & Mac in this whole series and would recommend the series to anyone looking for great college baseball romance books.
We may not always know the path we are destined to take but that should never take you put of playing the game.
August 1, 2021
I really tried to like this book. Normally I'm a big J. Sterling fan. I loved the second book in this series and thought I would enjoy Mac & Sunny's story. Instead I tried for days to get through this book not liking either character very much. This book would be better titled "Whiny & The Doormat". Update: I kept slugging away and finally finished the book. I'm still not liking either character any better.
June 8, 2021
Meh…
I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately the opening chapters were so boring I put the story down three times because it didn’t hold my attention. DNF which is a shame, my time is valuable and this isn’t worth it.
I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately the opening chapters were so boring I put the story down three times because it didn’t hold my attention. DNF which is a shame, my time is valuable and this isn’t worth it.
March 12, 2021
I want to write so much but it would ruin it for everyone that has not read the book yet. So I will try my hardest to tell you how GOOD this book is without the spoilers.
Let’s start with Mac. We were introduce to him in the other books and what we saw about him is that he is a player. He doesn’t do commitment and is the center of attention. But in his story we learn that it’s all false. He is putting on a show. He is broken and he has been dealt a horrible hand his whole life. Mac is not a player, he never sleeps with any of the girls that he “hooks up” with. He has been hurt by everyone he lets in, so he stopped, he put a wall up and shows people the person he wants to show. The only person that knew him was his best friend Chance. But on Mac’s senior year of college he was alone, chance had been drafted for the NBL last year. He was happy for him but he was also a bit jealous, it was Mac's last chance to get drafted. All Mac has ever wanted was to play baseball professionally, he has worked extra hard to make his dreams come true. He needed this so he can escape, so he can start a new life. From the moment he put a bat in his hand he knew it was for him, it was his number one passion.
Sunny’s best friend/roommate move out the last day of junior year and she was left alone. It was one of the only things that scared her, being alone. So she was finding things to keep her busy and occupied like baking her famous cookies, going to campus and thinking of the one guy that doesn’t want her, like she wants him…Mac. Sunny was one of the girls that Mac made out with junior year. She knew the rules, kiss and walk away, nothing more. That was his rules, but she knew there was something between them, she could not ignore. So, when one night she got a call from Mac and he opened up to her for hours about things that no one else knew, she thought things had changed between them. She did not expect him to disappear and ignore her, like he did.
Mac has never felt for anyone like he felt for Sunny, not even his first “love”, but he knew deep down she deserved better than him. His life was everything but perfect and he was broken. He could not give her what she needed. So he ignored her and stayed away from her, however life kept throwing Sunny at him. She would be at places and he would go stupid in front of her. Sunny knew that he was broken and still wanted him. She would show him that they needed each other, she would show him that love is worth the pain and love can overcome loss. That all they need is each other and everything will be okay.
This book was not at all what I expecting. It shocked me, I had no idea what was coming. It was amazing. Great job J. Sterling. I give this 5 stars and I recommend reaching book 1 and book 2 before reading this one.
Let’s start with Mac. We were introduce to him in the other books and what we saw about him is that he is a player. He doesn’t do commitment and is the center of attention. But in his story we learn that it’s all false. He is putting on a show. He is broken and he has been dealt a horrible hand his whole life. Mac is not a player, he never sleeps with any of the girls that he “hooks up” with. He has been hurt by everyone he lets in, so he stopped, he put a wall up and shows people the person he wants to show. The only person that knew him was his best friend Chance. But on Mac’s senior year of college he was alone, chance had been drafted for the NBL last year. He was happy for him but he was also a bit jealous, it was Mac's last chance to get drafted. All Mac has ever wanted was to play baseball professionally, he has worked extra hard to make his dreams come true. He needed this so he can escape, so he can start a new life. From the moment he put a bat in his hand he knew it was for him, it was his number one passion.
Sunny’s best friend/roommate move out the last day of junior year and she was left alone. It was one of the only things that scared her, being alone. So she was finding things to keep her busy and occupied like baking her famous cookies, going to campus and thinking of the one guy that doesn’t want her, like she wants him…Mac. Sunny was one of the girls that Mac made out with junior year. She knew the rules, kiss and walk away, nothing more. That was his rules, but she knew there was something between them, she could not ignore. So, when one night she got a call from Mac and he opened up to her for hours about things that no one else knew, she thought things had changed between them. She did not expect him to disappear and ignore her, like he did.
Mac has never felt for anyone like he felt for Sunny, not even his first “love”, but he knew deep down she deserved better than him. His life was everything but perfect and he was broken. He could not give her what she needed. So he ignored her and stayed away from her, however life kept throwing Sunny at him. She would be at places and he would go stupid in front of her. Sunny knew that he was broken and still wanted him. She would show him that they needed each other, she would show him that love is worth the pain and love can overcome loss. That all they need is each other and everything will be okay.
This book was not at all what I expecting. It shocked me, I had no idea what was coming. It was amazing. Great job J. Sterling. I give this 5 stars and I recommend reaching book 1 and book 2 before reading this one.
March 17, 2023
Oh how I love Mac!! Mac and Sunny’s best friends pair off together in Behind the Plate so it was only natural that they gravitate towards each other! At the end of that book, Mac ends up not drafted and Sunny happens to be the one that is there for him. “Sunny made me feel less crazy when I felt like I was completely unraveling. She calmed me in every way. I wasn’t sure what I would have done without her but I was pretty positive I would have self destructed and sabotage it all if left to my own devices. So what did I do after we hung out? Never fucking called her again of course.” It broke my heart that he ditched her after she helped him like that but instantly I was sucked into the story and had to see how these two developed together! Fast forward to their senior year and this book takes them through a journey of ups and downs, groveling, dealing with mental health and learning to break down walls and let others in….and the story just gets even better once they are together! This book was an incredible end to this series and wrapped it up perfectly!
Oh Mac! My heart ached for him in this book and I fell so hard for his character! Throughout the book, Mac struggles emotionally a lot which was refreshing to see from a male character. His characterization was written so well as his feelings and emotions developed naturally throughout the course of the book and never felt forced! Also, he may have had reservations from his mental state but I love that he wanted her from the start even if he didn’t think he deserved her! “Sunny’s mine, whether she knows it yet or not.” So freaking good!!! My favorite kind of male character! You will fall in love with Mac in this story!
Desiree Ketchum and Tor Thom were so freaking perfect for Mac and Sunny! Their voices went so well together and captured all the emotions portrayed in this book perfectly! They completely brought Mac and Sunny to life for me and had me feeling all the things for these characters through their voices! Fantastic performance!!
Oh Mac! My heart ached for him in this book and I fell so hard for his character! Throughout the book, Mac struggles emotionally a lot which was refreshing to see from a male character. His characterization was written so well as his feelings and emotions developed naturally throughout the course of the book and never felt forced! Also, he may have had reservations from his mental state but I love that he wanted her from the start even if he didn’t think he deserved her! “Sunny’s mine, whether she knows it yet or not.” So freaking good!!! My favorite kind of male character! You will fall in love with Mac in this story!
Desiree Ketchum and Tor Thom were so freaking perfect for Mac and Sunny! Their voices went so well together and captured all the emotions portrayed in this book perfectly! They completely brought Mac and Sunny to life for me and had me feeling all the things for these characters through their voices! Fantastic performance!!
May 16, 2021
Life after baseball
Sunny: I really enjoyed that at her age she was able to see that some of the things we love aren’t meant to be done for money and rather our own personal enjoyment, and sometimes when we mix the two it becomes something we dread doing. I really liked the person she was to others, how loyal and fierce she was within her relationships. A young woman that knows exactly who she is.
Mac: my heart bleed for him. Unfortunately, we learn as we grow that not all parents are “good parents”. Satan/Dicks are often hiding in plain sight. Behind titles, careers or even within walls of their own homes. I was thrilled when the contract wasn’t enforced and his mother was able to move onto things much healthy for her emotional and physical well-being.
I’ve followed baseball the majority of my life, as well as other sports. Draft days are some of our favorites, because we really get to see the potential that’s out there, where they will be heading, and we look for the new ones and what they will be bringing to the teams.
We know, of course, some men never get there call. But with all the hype over the new prospects that ones left behind are overlooked - unless they are personally known. I’m beyond ecstatic that this book ended the way it did. It’s refreshing to get another POV on all that’s baseball.
Rocky: I’ve never been apart of an event/tragedy to this magnitude and I pray that the day comes this is something that no longer exists in our world. I’ve seen it on the news or heard about it via other sources, but reading something many people have went through always hits the heart and steals your breath. She able to realize that running away was not a part of the solution but a part of the problem. She made the appropriate steps in life to continue to get the help that she needed to overcome what she had went through.
Sunny: I really enjoyed that at her age she was able to see that some of the things we love aren’t meant to be done for money and rather our own personal enjoyment, and sometimes when we mix the two it becomes something we dread doing. I really liked the person she was to others, how loyal and fierce she was within her relationships. A young woman that knows exactly who she is.
Mac: my heart bleed for him. Unfortunately, we learn as we grow that not all parents are “good parents”. Satan/Dicks are often hiding in plain sight. Behind titles, careers or even within walls of their own homes. I was thrilled when the contract wasn’t enforced and his mother was able to move onto things much healthy for her emotional and physical well-being.
I’ve followed baseball the majority of my life, as well as other sports. Draft days are some of our favorites, because we really get to see the potential that’s out there, where they will be heading, and we look for the new ones and what they will be bringing to the teams.
We know, of course, some men never get there call. But with all the hype over the new prospects that ones left behind are overlooked - unless they are personally known. I’m beyond ecstatic that this book ended the way it did. It’s refreshing to get another POV on all that’s baseball.
Rocky: I’ve never been apart of an event/tragedy to this magnitude and I pray that the day comes this is something that no longer exists in our world. I’ve seen it on the news or heard about it via other sources, but reading something many people have went through always hits the heart and steals your breath. She able to realize that running away was not a part of the solution but a part of the problem. She made the appropriate steps in life to continue to get the help that she needed to overcome what she had went through.
May 26, 2021
J. Sterling I did not expect Mac's story to go the unexpected. I'm truly glad you went this route with his story. To be honest, in sports not everyone makes it to the pros and even though it was upsetting to read that Mac didn't make it to the pros, I'm glad you went the realistic route instead of the typical all the players in the series get drafted and they all live happily ever after.
He gave it his all in his Senior year to hopefully be recognized by agents of his skills in baseball and unfortunately it wasn't enough. Even though his baseball career was over, it didn't mean that life was over. I'm so glad he found something to make a career out of even if it wasn't his dream.
I will say this though, Sunny was indeed my favorite heroine that you have writtten. She stood by Mac through all his ups and downs and the pressure that he was under. She didn't let nobody bring her down nor her relationship with Mac and I admire her for that.
Oh don't get me started on Mac's piece of s**t of a father. I'm on Sunny's side in wanting to plan and commit murder myself. He was awful not only to his son but to his wife as well. Don't get me started on what he did to Mac, my mouth dropped while reading that part. I'm so glad that he and his mother left his ass and I hope he suffers a painful death (even though he's a fictional character.)
Overall, the ending was unexpected and I love that Mac and Sunny still pulled through and got their HEA in end. I'm not sure if this is the end to the next generation Fullton State Baseball Players, but I hope that J. Sterling writes more stories of these characters that we've grown as readers to love. Can't wait for what she has in stores for us next in the future.
He gave it his all in his Senior year to hopefully be recognized by agents of his skills in baseball and unfortunately it wasn't enough. Even though his baseball career was over, it didn't mean that life was over. I'm so glad he found something to make a career out of even if it wasn't his dream.
I will say this though, Sunny was indeed my favorite heroine that you have writtten. She stood by Mac through all his ups and downs and the pressure that he was under. She didn't let nobody bring her down nor her relationship with Mac and I admire her for that.
Oh don't get me started on Mac's piece of s**t of a father. I'm on Sunny's side in wanting to plan and commit murder myself. He was awful not only to his son but to his wife as well. Don't get me started on what he did to Mac, my mouth dropped while reading that part. I'm so glad that he and his mother left his ass and I hope he suffers a painful death (even though he's a fictional character.)
Overall, the ending was unexpected and I love that Mac and Sunny still pulled through and got their HEA in end. I'm not sure if this is the end to the next generation Fullton State Baseball Players, but I hope that J. Sterling writes more stories of these characters that we've grown as readers to love. Can't wait for what she has in stores for us next in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2022
I loved Sunny and Mac !!
I couldn't wait to read Mac's story he always seemed so fun loving in the previous books and a total ladies man.But actually he was the complete opposite of what we were all thought to believe him to be...I adored the softer side of him and the way he loved Sunny.
Mac's home life is not good he has a controlling father and a Mother who has turned to alcohol to numb the pain of being married to a bully.
All Mac wants to do is play Baseball,but his father wants him to work at his company and time is running out for Mac as this is his last year to get drafted.
Sunny had hooked up with Mac a year ago and she still held a torch for him,even though he had ignored her since he didn't get drafted last year and confessed all his feeling to her how hurt he was by it.
But after that confession Mac couldn't face her and decided to ignore her text,until he sees her again and wants her to be his,because they just have a connection that he now refuses to deny.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions,I felt so bad for Mac and the situation he was in with his family and trying to follow his dreams,knowing it was his last chance to fulfill them.
Sunny is the sweetest and just what Mac needs she is so supportive and understanding,but she is a little bit lost too,she has no idea what she wants to do with her life.
This was a beautiful inspiring story and the ending was not what I expected,I was relieved it was a happy one because I wasn't so sure it would be at first.
I have Loved J Sterlings writing and the way she told these Baseball trio's stories.Mac's was romantic and emotional and I enjoyed every single bit of it.
Amazing book.
5 Stars.
I couldn't wait to read Mac's story he always seemed so fun loving in the previous books and a total ladies man.But actually he was the complete opposite of what we were all thought to believe him to be...I adored the softer side of him and the way he loved Sunny.
Mac's home life is not good he has a controlling father and a Mother who has turned to alcohol to numb the pain of being married to a bully.
All Mac wants to do is play Baseball,but his father wants him to work at his company and time is running out for Mac as this is his last year to get drafted.
Sunny had hooked up with Mac a year ago and she still held a torch for him,even though he had ignored her since he didn't get drafted last year and confessed all his feeling to her how hurt he was by it.
But after that confession Mac couldn't face her and decided to ignore her text,until he sees her again and wants her to be his,because they just have a connection that he now refuses to deny.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions,I felt so bad for Mac and the situation he was in with his family and trying to follow his dreams,knowing it was his last chance to fulfill them.
Sunny is the sweetest and just what Mac needs she is so supportive and understanding,but she is a little bit lost too,she has no idea what she wants to do with her life.
This was a beautiful inspiring story and the ending was not what I expected,I was relieved it was a happy one because I wasn't so sure it would be at first.
I have Loved J Sterlings writing and the way she told these Baseball trio's stories.Mac's was romantic and emotional and I enjoyed every single bit of it.
Amazing book.
5 Stars.
April 9, 2021
Heart breaking beautiful
This book broke my heart. J Sterling has broken my heart in so many ways. I hope there is another book after this.... I mean we have to see what happens next.... right?
Mac is a baseball player who has a not so good swing but he is brilliant with being first stop, brilliant at getting people out. He had his ups as downs like us all but when it comes to being a baseball player you need the ups more then downs especially if you want to get drafted and be in the big leagues.
He had darkness and heartbreaking moments but he always had his sunshine around him to keep him alive.
Sunny is a girl who doesn’t know what she wants in her life, she doesn’t know what she’ll do after college. Sunny has her eyes set on someone but he has his rules but she wants to knock down those rules and be his one and only.
J Sterling brings you into the book and keeps you there. I have loved her books, always have done. My love for them started with Jack freaking Carter and it hasn’t stopped growing.
I cross fingers that there will be more and more.
This book broke my heart. J Sterling has broken my heart in so many ways. I hope there is another book after this.... I mean we have to see what happens next.... right?
Mac is a baseball player who has a not so good swing but he is brilliant with being first stop, brilliant at getting people out. He had his ups as downs like us all but when it comes to being a baseball player you need the ups more then downs especially if you want to get drafted and be in the big leagues.
He had darkness and heartbreaking moments but he always had his sunshine around him to keep him alive.
Sunny is a girl who doesn’t know what she wants in her life, she doesn’t know what she’ll do after college. Sunny has her eyes set on someone but he has his rules but she wants to knock down those rules and be his one and only.
J Sterling brings you into the book and keeps you there. I have loved her books, always have done. My love for them started with Jack freaking Carter and it hasn’t stopped growing.
I cross fingers that there will be more and more.
March 18, 2021
What an emotional rollercoaster of a story! Mac's dream, like every other baseball player, is to be drafted and play professional. This book is of his last season at college, and how the pressure of waiting to be drafted affects their life.
When Mac wasn't drafted the previous year, but his best friend was, he was devastated. That night Mac opened up completely to Sunny, Danika's best friend who had spent plenty time at the ball house the previous season. Sunny had different ideas about what this meant, she thought that she could be there for Mac. What she didn't expect was to be ignored all summer!
The story really starts back at college for that final year leading up to the draft, and we get to find out what Mac really has to deal with.
Great story, very complex character in Mac and he certainly isn't anything like your first impression. Can't wait to see if there are any more books in this series and who would be up next.
When Mac wasn't drafted the previous year, but his best friend was, he was devastated. That night Mac opened up completely to Sunny, Danika's best friend who had spent plenty time at the ball house the previous season. Sunny had different ideas about what this meant, she thought that she could be there for Mac. What she didn't expect was to be ignored all summer!
The story really starts back at college for that final year leading up to the draft, and we get to find out what Mac really has to deal with.
Great story, very complex character in Mac and he certainly isn't anything like your first impression. Can't wait to see if there are any more books in this series and who would be up next.
April 18, 2021
Baseball is my absolute favorite! I love the game, the teams, the players, the books - this is one of those books that gives you plenty of real life scenarios, so the reader can instantly tell that the author is a fan of the sport as well. They get the plays right, they know the lingo, they make the reader feel like they are a part of the team.
I have read the previous books in this series, but you could start here and be ok. The author does a good job of filling the reader in on the back stories and getting them up to speed without retelling the entire first two books.
The reader will root for the team and the romance and will become involved in the outcome like the book depends on them. It is a must read - all of them are a must read! Do yourself a favor and grab all three and prepare yourself to want to do nothing else but read them - from start to finish without moving from your comfy spot. Add them to your TBR list - you won't be sorry!
I have read the previous books in this series, but you could start here and be ok. The author does a good job of filling the reader in on the back stories and getting them up to speed without retelling the entire first two books.
The reader will root for the team and the romance and will become involved in the outcome like the book depends on them. It is a must read - all of them are a must read! Do yourself a favor and grab all three and prepare yourself to want to do nothing else but read them - from start to finish without moving from your comfy spot. Add them to your TBR list - you won't be sorry!
May 11, 2021
I’m so happy I was finally able to sit down and read this book because I had been dying for Mac’s book for so long, and let me just say that J. Sterling nailed his book.
From beginning to end I couldn’t put this book down, I read it in one sitting. I had to know what was going to happen with Mac and Sunny. Mac’s always been a bit of a mystery in the first 2 books, so to finally get a more in depth look at him and his life was just what I needed! Throw in the fact that I have loved Sunny from the jump and have been rooting for them, made this book that much sweeter!
I also have to say bravo to J. Sterling, because she threw me for some super unexpected loops, and while I wanted to hate them, it fully added more to the story. I also need to throw out there that I love the Carter family and Chance was my all-time fav, but I think Mac just took first spot! This is an excellent story, filled with everything I’ve come to know and love about J. Sterling’s writing!
From beginning to end I couldn’t put this book down, I read it in one sitting. I had to know what was going to happen with Mac and Sunny. Mac’s always been a bit of a mystery in the first 2 books, so to finally get a more in depth look at him and his life was just what I needed! Throw in the fact that I have loved Sunny from the jump and have been rooting for them, made this book that much sweeter!
I also have to say bravo to J. Sterling, because she threw me for some super unexpected loops, and while I wanted to hate them, it fully added more to the story. I also need to throw out there that I love the Carter family and Chance was my all-time fav, but I think Mac just took first spot! This is an excellent story, filled with everything I’ve come to know and love about J. Sterling’s writing!
March 24, 2021
Mac and Sunny finally figure things out and get together in their senior year. He is really trying to get drafted by MLB and she is trying to figure out what to do with her life after college. To say the book was a bit flighty at times is an understatement. She gets a wild hair and dyes her hair silver and thinks she reinvented womankind. Her neighbor, Rocky, was interesting, but her story really could trigger someone in this very difficult time (especially since what happened yesterday in Boulder, CO). Mac has no real support from his family and his father was ridiculous. I liked how Mac decided to stand up for himself, but felt he should have let the police know what really happened. Did like what Mac did with his life and how he made lemonade out of lemons. It was nice to see Danika and Chance in this book too.
July 20, 2021
Not being chosen in the draft, Mac has one last year to prove to everyone including himself that he has what it takes to make it in professional baseball. His connection to Sunny brings out all of his hopes as well as his fears, But with his father's hatred in the back of his head, Mac entire future depends on the upcoming year's draft. What happens if he is not chosen? What else will his future hold? And will Sunny stay with his through it all or walk away with her dreams in front of her? I would have to say it was a joy to read a story that was not all just a bed of roses and the customary HEA at the end. True emotion, true grit and true circumstances made these characters really work for their future and this is exactly what made this book a great read.
September 17, 2021
Sliding into First Place
Mac Davies is an excellent first baseman. He's a senior at Fullton State in California and hoping upon hope to be drafted into the MLB, but dreading he isn't good enough. He has no plan B except for his Dad's (who he despises) company (that he also hates). He's drawn to Sunny Jamison, she's best friends with Danika who is Mac's best friend, Chance Carter's girlfriend. And he's avoiding her at all cost. Ghosted her several times. He just can't see what he has to offer her. For a handsime, smart and talented man his family background has taught him insecurity and self doubt. But Sunny sees the real Mac, his intelligence, charm and understanding. She also sees the uncertainty he puts on himself. Now she's proving to him that his true, positive attributes can take him far with, or without, baseball. I really liked this couple. They get past all the despair and become truthful with each other and defend each other. They truly learn what's really important in life. Each Other.
Mac Davies is an excellent first baseman. He's a senior at Fullton State in California and hoping upon hope to be drafted into the MLB, but dreading he isn't good enough. He has no plan B except for his Dad's (who he despises) company (that he also hates). He's drawn to Sunny Jamison, she's best friends with Danika who is Mac's best friend, Chance Carter's girlfriend. And he's avoiding her at all cost. Ghosted her several times. He just can't see what he has to offer her. For a handsime, smart and talented man his family background has taught him insecurity and self doubt. But Sunny sees the real Mac, his intelligence, charm and understanding. She also sees the uncertainty he puts on himself. Now she's proving to him that his true, positive attributes can take him far with, or without, baseball. I really liked this couple. They get past all the despair and become truthful with each other and defend each other. They truly learn what's really important in life. Each Other.
June 9, 2021
Series End Not Ready to let go
Awesome finish to a great series. Was so eager to hear Sunny and Mac’s story. Thought the lesson of this book was great as not always can we have our dreams and sometimes our dreams change. The domestic violence issue was also raised and the message is not always is that violence physical. Psychological abuse can deem a person to breaking point this is true for both Mac and his Mum. Loved that karma finally took a stance with his ex too. Was stressing the whole book waiting for her to pop back up. So much to take away from this series but especially this final book.
Awesome finish to a great series. Was so eager to hear Sunny and Mac’s story. Thought the lesson of this book was great as not always can we have our dreams and sometimes our dreams change. The domestic violence issue was also raised and the message is not always is that violence physical. Psychological abuse can deem a person to breaking point this is true for both Mac and his Mum. Loved that karma finally took a stance with his ex too. Was stressing the whole book waiting for her to pop back up. So much to take away from this series but especially this final book.
April 27, 2021
Mac and Sunny
Wow!! What an amazing story that had an unusual happy ending. Sunny and Mac were perfect for each other and could see that in Chance and Danika’s book, however, Mac being Mac was going to fight it all the way! I love how Sunny and Rocky stood up to Mac’s ex Haley...she was such a witch! It was so emotional hearing how his father treated him and then reading the climax before the ending. Love how she brought it back though and was still able to give us their happy ending. Still want a little more from them though!
Wow!! What an amazing story that had an unusual happy ending. Sunny and Mac were perfect for each other and could see that in Chance and Danika’s book, however, Mac being Mac was going to fight it all the way! I love how Sunny and Rocky stood up to Mac’s ex Haley...she was such a witch! It was so emotional hearing how his father treated him and then reading the climax before the ending. Love how she brought it back though and was still able to give us their happy ending. Still want a little more from them though!
May 28, 2021
All the feelz
I waited to read this series until all 3 were released and let me just say WHAT a freaking journey! I laughed (out loud), cried happy tears and felt the pain as if it was my own. J. Sterling did NOT disappoint. Mac's story was my favorite because it was the most unexpected and the story within the story gutted me. Truly brilliant, exceptional and 100% worth the read. Every page, every moment, every emotion... ALL the feelz! Thank you J. Sterling for having such a talent that I could actually visualize every scene... love love love this series!!!❤
I waited to read this series until all 3 were released and let me just say WHAT a freaking journey! I laughed (out loud), cried happy tears and felt the pain as if it was my own. J. Sterling did NOT disappoint. Mac's story was my favorite because it was the most unexpected and the story within the story gutted me. Truly brilliant, exceptional and 100% worth the read. Every page, every moment, every emotion... ALL the feelz! Thank you J. Sterling for having such a talent that I could actually visualize every scene... love love love this series!!!❤
June 30, 2021
I loved the Boys of Baseball by J. Sterling. I could not wait for Mac's story and Sunny was the perfect match for him. Mac longed to play in the MLB after college and his buddies did. It is his senior year and he has a lot going on with baseball and his family. Sunny grounds Mac throughout the book. A plus is readers get a glimpse of Jack F'n Carter and the other boys of baseball. I hope she is going to continue with a few of the other boys who appeared often. It would be great to get a glimpse into the Chance, Cole, and Mac's lives.
November 27, 2021
I enjoy reading about attractive athletes (especially baseball players) who need a little help finding their way in life. Hence my love for Mac, as well as all of the other guys in the baseball house!
Sunny and Rocky were also shining stars, one offering up a killer cookie recipe and the other giving me series Billie Elijah vibes.
I’m also a huge fan of the HEA we’re given in this series, as it was unexpected and fitting of Mac’s character development.
I’ll miss the Boys of Baseball but it’s time to move onto to the next smokin’ hot athlete!
Sunny and Rocky were also shining stars, one offering up a killer cookie recipe and the other giving me series Billie Elijah vibes.
I’m also a huge fan of the HEA we’re given in this series, as it was unexpected and fitting of Mac’s character development.
I’ll miss the Boys of Baseball but it’s time to move onto to the next smokin’ hot athlete!
December 4, 2021
So disappointed! First I love J Sterling’s books. The Boys of Baseball series is awesome except for this one. I’m a person who loves to root for the underdog knowing their dreams will come true & this book was headed that way until the very end. Mac deserved his dream & am disappointed the author chose to crush him & her readers. Not sure I can read another book by Sterling knowing the outcome could be same. I read to feel the joy & happily ever after and not to feel so sad for the character when it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
This one was a bit different than the other two. Instead of swooning over the main characters there was trouble and frustration. Though the ending was lighter than anticipated, I was still hoping for a better outcome. I guess not every book can have a fairytale ending, but of all people? Our ladies man Mac was overcoming so much adversity that I wished he of all people would have had a happy ending. He was my favorite from the very beginning and just wished better for the poor fella.
Also, was it just me or was the blurbs about Sunny’s cookies just weird?
Also, was it just me or was the blurbs about Sunny’s cookies just weird?
December 4, 2022
I loved Mack in the other books but I wasn't overly feeling his book. There was just too much conflict going on in it for me and I kind of feel like Rocky was a random add in just to make a bit of a political statement vs. adding anything to the story (not that statements in books are bad, they just need to be tied in to the story well.) I'm really hoping we get more Boys of Baseball stories because I'm super interested in the other characters in the house - to be honest, they kind of took over Mack's spot in the books before his. Which works well because they're all very lovable.
April 2, 2021
Unexpected (but great) story
Wow, I loved Mac and Sunny’s story! I can’t wait to try those cookies! Mac is a typical hard-headed guy that has been hurt. He doesn’t believe he deserves anything good in life, except baseball. Sunny is as bright as her name, falls for Mac, and is undecided in her life after college, still. It finally takes teammates pushing then together to finally open someone’s eyes, but yet nothing is as easy as it seems. Baseball is priority, jersey chasers are all around, and a family life could wreck it all. Sunny keeps baking and finally things start to smooth out.
Wow, I loved Mac and Sunny’s story! I can’t wait to try those cookies! Mac is a typical hard-headed guy that has been hurt. He doesn’t believe he deserves anything good in life, except baseball. Sunny is as bright as her name, falls for Mac, and is undecided in her life after college, still. It finally takes teammates pushing then together to finally open someone’s eyes, but yet nothing is as easy as it seems. Baseball is priority, jersey chasers are all around, and a family life could wreck it all. Sunny keeps baking and finally things start to smooth out.
August 11, 2021
Loved SunnyMac
Cute story, some added storylines and characters that I never truly saw much purpose too or could have been more (Rocky & Hayley). I did hate that people made Mac feel like he wasn’t good enough and that sort of finds it’s way to be true, just kinda don’t love the negativity winning. Loved his career route though and loved Sunny’s attitude toward life. Her character is truly bubbly and adorable and I wanted to see her get the best!
Cute story, some added storylines and characters that I never truly saw much purpose too or could have been more (Rocky & Hayley). I did hate that people made Mac feel like he wasn’t good enough and that sort of finds it’s way to be true, just kinda don’t love the negativity winning. Loved his career route though and loved Sunny’s attitude toward life. Her character is truly bubbly and adorable and I wanted to see her get the best!
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