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Men of Summer #1
Scoring With Him
An emotional, sexy, forbidden romance! Scoring with Him is the first novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer Series!
I’m a rookie, in every sense of the word. But even though I have a wicked crush on the sexy shortstop on my baseball team, I won’t give in to my fantasies about him.
I’m here in the majors for the first time to play ball. Not to experience my first time with a man.
Trouble is, Declan Steele is sexy, flirty and now he’s my new workout partner. We’re spending mornings together in the gym, getting to know each other. Our connection is powerful – maybe because we each have our fair share of secrets and scars. Ones we'll both fight to protect.
I've got far too much trouble in my past to want to bring any into my present, no matter how much I long to sneak into his room at night and ask him a question.
But soon I can’t keep all this desire under wraps.
I take chances for a living, so I take the biggest chance one night at spring training when I send him the world’s sexiest selfie.
Right along with a question – would you be my first?
But falling for my teammate wasn't part of the plan.
Scoring with Him is book one in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series. This romance between two professional athletes spans five epic years and continues in Winning With Him.
I’m a rookie, in every sense of the word. But even though I have a wicked crush on the sexy shortstop on my baseball team, I won’t give in to my fantasies about him.
I’m here in the majors for the first time to play ball. Not to experience my first time with a man.
Trouble is, Declan Steele is sexy, flirty and now he’s my new workout partner. We’re spending mornings together in the gym, getting to know each other. Our connection is powerful – maybe because we each have our fair share of secrets and scars. Ones we'll both fight to protect.
I've got far too much trouble in my past to want to bring any into my present, no matter how much I long to sneak into his room at night and ask him a question.
But soon I can’t keep all this desire under wraps.
I take chances for a living, so I take the biggest chance one night at spring training when I send him the world’s sexiest selfie.
Right along with a question – would you be my first?
But falling for my teammate wasn't part of the plan.
Scoring with Him is book one in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series. This romance between two professional athletes spans five epic years and continues in Winning With Him.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
938 people are currently reading
7294 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
256 books24.2k followersYou 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 680 reviews
June 22, 2021
Batter up! Lauren Blakely hit it out of the park with Scoring With Him (Men of Summer Series Book 1). This addictive m/m romance is going to hit a home run with your heart! Baseball has never been this hot and sweet. I caught a case of the feels from Declan and Grant. That ending hurt like a pop fly that landed in my gut. I can’t wait to see what happens when Winning With Him (Men of Summer Series Book 2) comes out on August 6th
July 12, 2021
UGH! I’m so annoyed. I actually liked this until literally the last chapter. Pretty sure she (LB) pulled this shit in her last MM book. 😤
I’m almost positive there was no indication in the blurb that this would be a duet when I added it and of course this has a mother effing cliffhanger ending. Like why? Why? UGH LB are you BFFs with Ella Frank or what?
That ending was so uncalled for. And so annoying. And so frustrating. Contrived drama just to draw the series out and create a cliffhanger ending.
And now these two idiots are going to be what? idiots for the next 5 years? Their love story spans over 5 years? 🙄 If that’s how long its going to take for them to realize their idiotic ways and quit being idiots? Hell to the NO. Of course that’s after we figure out what happens as a result of the other bit of ridiculousness that happened on the last page of the book.
This was a solid 4/4.5 stars for me and now I’m just pissed. Pissed at how it ended and pissed because I liked these guys. I was invested in these guys. I seriously want to put my foot down and not read the next one. Just on principal alone.
I’m almost positive there was no indication in the blurb that this would be a duet when I added it and of course this has a mother effing cliffhanger ending. Like why? Why? UGH LB are you BFFs with Ella Frank or what?
That ending was so uncalled for. And so annoying. And so frustrating. Contrived drama just to draw the series out and create a cliffhanger ending.
And now these two idiots are going to be what? idiots for the next 5 years? Their love story spans over 5 years? 🙄 If that’s how long its going to take for them to realize their idiotic ways and quit being idiots? Hell to the NO. Of course that’s after we figure out what happens as a result of the other bit of ridiculousness that happened on the last page of the book.
This was a solid 4/4.5 stars for me and now I’m just pissed. Pissed at how it ended and pissed because I liked these guys. I was invested in these guys. I seriously want to put my foot down and not read the next one. Just on principal alone.
June 24, 2021
I really loved Declan and Grant. LB's MM stories are absolutely fantastic! They are spicy and emotional and downright beautiful.
It's obvious Grant never imagined he would have the opportunity to work with, and fall head over heels for, the fellow player and veteran he'd been crushing on for years. When he does, oh boy do sparks fly!
I appreciate that Blakely builds a Utopia of sorts by creating a world where all of pro sports is pretty much fully tolerant and accepting of LGBTQ players. It shows that queer characters can be written with a joyful love. Not all stories have to have the angst of a traumatic past, not that those are invalidated by any means.
Grant and Declan's energy and chemistry is electric. Not just physically but also emotionally and intellectually. They connect on so many levels and that's what makes their story so great. I love that it's a 2 part story because they definitely needed more than 1 book.
It's obvious Grant never imagined he would have the opportunity to work with, and fall head over heels for, the fellow player and veteran he'd been crushing on for years. When he does, oh boy do sparks fly!
I appreciate that Blakely builds a Utopia of sorts by creating a world where all of pro sports is pretty much fully tolerant and accepting of LGBTQ players. It shows that queer characters can be written with a joyful love. Not all stories have to have the angst of a traumatic past, not that those are invalidated by any means.
Grant and Declan's energy and chemistry is electric. Not just physically but also emotionally and intellectually. They connect on so many levels and that's what makes their story so great. I love that it's a 2 part story because they definitely needed more than 1 book.
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July 8, 2021
Scoring With Him is book one in the Men of Summer series by Lauren Blakely. This is a M/M sports romance. I don’t know how Lauren does it but her M/M romances just slay me every time.
Grant Blackwood is twenty two years old. He’s always dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues. His position is catcher. After college he did a season in the minors and has been invited to spring training for the San Francisco Cougars. It’s his dream. He has to blow them away to make the team. Grant didn’t have it easy growing up. In his senior year of high school he finally accepted he was completely gay. And he has chosen to live his life openly, no hiding. He approaches all of life that way, complete honesty. Except one secret he has kept for the last four years. He’s had a huge crush on the short stop of the San Francisco Cougars. Never did he think they’d play on the same time. Until the day he found himself face to face with his every fantasy.
Declan Steele is twenty six years old and has been short stop for the Cougars for four years. He’s openly gay but he has strict rules. He only dates during the off season. No distractions during the season. He needs to give his full attention to the game. Declan has also had a rough childhood and also chooses to live his life as a gay man openly. The day he came face to face with their new rookie catcher, he felt the sparks immediately. But he would not break his rules. They were set in stone. Only he hadn’t counted on Grant Blackwood. Especially when Grant admitted he was a virgin, and that he wanted Declan to be his first. So they make some new rules. They would check off a few items on Grant’s sexual bucket list. Then that’s it. No romantic feelings. Just some fun. Only, you know how those things usually work out!
These two together were like peanut butter and jelly, like crackers and cheese, well, you get the picture. They were perfect. They were equal in their strength, size, intellect, wit, and everything else. It’s my very favorite kind of couple. Equals in all ways, one doesn’t dominate over the other. Don’t even get me started on their chemistry. It sizzled right off the pages. But Grant’s time at spring training is a make it or break it time. Can he concentrate on the game while sneaking around with Declan at night? And you know their pasts try to sneak in there to mess with them as well.
I fell in love with both of these men, so in love. There is a cliffy. I knew that going in. But the next book is coming very soon. I’m okay with that. I need to let these two settle in my heart a little bit. I’ve thought of nothing but them for the last couple of days as I read this. The next book and the finale of Declan and Grant’s story is called Winning With Him. I’ll be first in line when Lauren has it ready!
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...
Grant Blackwood is twenty two years old. He’s always dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues. His position is catcher. After college he did a season in the minors and has been invited to spring training for the San Francisco Cougars. It’s his dream. He has to blow them away to make the team. Grant didn’t have it easy growing up. In his senior year of high school he finally accepted he was completely gay. And he has chosen to live his life openly, no hiding. He approaches all of life that way, complete honesty. Except one secret he has kept for the last four years. He’s had a huge crush on the short stop of the San Francisco Cougars. Never did he think they’d play on the same time. Until the day he found himself face to face with his every fantasy.
Declan Steele is twenty six years old and has been short stop for the Cougars for four years. He’s openly gay but he has strict rules. He only dates during the off season. No distractions during the season. He needs to give his full attention to the game. Declan has also had a rough childhood and also chooses to live his life as a gay man openly. The day he came face to face with their new rookie catcher, he felt the sparks immediately. But he would not break his rules. They were set in stone. Only he hadn’t counted on Grant Blackwood. Especially when Grant admitted he was a virgin, and that he wanted Declan to be his first. So they make some new rules. They would check off a few items on Grant’s sexual bucket list. Then that’s it. No romantic feelings. Just some fun. Only, you know how those things usually work out!
These two together were like peanut butter and jelly, like crackers and cheese, well, you get the picture. They were perfect. They were equal in their strength, size, intellect, wit, and everything else. It’s my very favorite kind of couple. Equals in all ways, one doesn’t dominate over the other. Don’t even get me started on their chemistry. It sizzled right off the pages. But Grant’s time at spring training is a make it or break it time. Can he concentrate on the game while sneaking around with Declan at night? And you know their pasts try to sneak in there to mess with them as well.
I fell in love with both of these men, so in love. There is a cliffy. I knew that going in. But the next book is coming very soon. I’m okay with that. I need to let these two settle in my heart a little bit. I’ve thought of nothing but them for the last couple of days as I read this. The next book and the finale of Declan and Grant’s story is called Winning With Him. I’ll be first in line when Lauren has it ready!
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...
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July 9, 2021
The moment I started reading Scoring With Him I completely fell in love. I fell in love with the story and with Grant and Declan. Their story is emotional, steamy, sweet and I loved the forbidden aspect to it.
Grant is a rookie, finally getting his chances of playing in the major leagues. I love that Grant isn’t afraid to be himself with his new team. He is fun and outgoing, but also determined and dedicated. Declan is the season pro, but once had to work his way up from the minor leagues. He is focused, determined, private. Like Grant, he doesn’t want any distractions during Spring Training or the season.
The instant connection between Grant and Declan is beautiful. These two men are just drawn to each other. They connected on more than just a physical level. The passion and the chemistry between them is off the charts. These two really heat up the pages at times.
The entire time I felt like I was right there along on the journey with these two. I was laughing, crying, swooning and felt my heart breaking for them.
Scoring with Him is book 1 in a duet, so this does end on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where things go with Grant and Declan’s romance.
If you’re looking for a forbidden, MM, sports romance with the perfect mixture of emotions, steam, and sweet moments this is one to check out!
Grant is a rookie, finally getting his chances of playing in the major leagues. I love that Grant isn’t afraid to be himself with his new team. He is fun and outgoing, but also determined and dedicated. Declan is the season pro, but once had to work his way up from the minor leagues. He is focused, determined, private. Like Grant, he doesn’t want any distractions during Spring Training or the season.
The instant connection between Grant and Declan is beautiful. These two men are just drawn to each other. They connected on more than just a physical level. The passion and the chemistry between them is off the charts. These two really heat up the pages at times.
The entire time I felt like I was right there along on the journey with these two. I was laughing, crying, swooning and felt my heart breaking for them.
Scoring with Him is book 1 in a duet, so this does end on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where things go with Grant and Declan’s romance.
If you’re looking for a forbidden, MM, sports romance with the perfect mixture of emotions, steam, and sweet moments this is one to check out!
June 25, 2021
With every new characters Lauren writes I say they are my favorite but I have to say Grant & Declan are right up their at the top.
Grant Blackwood is the newest player of the San Francisco Cougars and he will do whatever it takes to make the team what he didn’t know is that his crush Declan Steele would not only be a great guy but he would show him the ropes.
Declan Steele is one of the star players of The Cougars but when he meets Grant he can’t help feel the attraction he feels towards him, but is he willing to risk everything to show him that they can have it all. Watching these two men come together will have you saying gah they are fantastic together and you hope they can find a way to not only play a sport they love but also be a couple they deserve to be.
Grant Blackwood is the newest player of the San Francisco Cougars and he will do whatever it takes to make the team what he didn’t know is that his crush Declan Steele would not only be a great guy but he would show him the ropes.
Declan Steele is one of the star players of The Cougars but when he meets Grant he can’t help feel the attraction he feels towards him, but is he willing to risk everything to show him that they can have it all. Watching these two men come together will have you saying gah they are fantastic together and you hope they can find a way to not only play a sport they love but also be a couple they deserve to be.
June 28, 2021
I’m convinced LB tried to kill me with this one… If you love ball fields and tension galore, do not pass go! Declan and Grant are the answer to your prayers. These two are on a collision course before they’re even aware of it. When they land themselves in training camp together, it’s only a matter of time before things start to get steamy, and then they may be in over their heads. They are perfect foils for one another and can completely relate to what the other is going through, it may not be enough to make it work though. With that cliffhanger, I am dying for the rest of the duet… I need more stat!
December 1, 2022
Audiobook - 5++++ stars
Story - DNF 75% rating upto there 1.5 stars I am not feeling the chemistry at all.
I think it's time to give up on this author, as much as the narrators are always amazing, the stories are not for me. We don't Zing.
Story - DNF 75% rating upto there 1.5 stars I am not feeling the chemistry at all.
I think it's time to give up on this author, as much as the narrators are always amazing, the stories are not for me. We don't Zing.
July 12, 2021
Emotional. Sexy. Forbidden.
✦Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/KindleScoring
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✦ Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleScoring
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookScoring
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboScoring
✦ Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleScoring performed by Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton!
✦Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/KindleScoring
✦ Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleScoring
✦ Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleScoring
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookScoring
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboScoring
✦ Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleScoring performed by Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton!
July 28, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
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August 4, 2021
4 stars ☆
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
And would it have been worth it, after all...
i really liked the beginning of Declan and Grant's story! they were cute, i loved their conversations and how they slowly opened up to one another but i wouldn't say i'm attached to the point of i love them, i'm obsessed just yet and, considering this is a trilogy (and the romance is supposed to span over five years, based on the blurb), it made sense that this felt more of a build up to their relationship. the fact that they had an arrangement of 'no strings attached', wbk they would eventually fall in love. 🤪 although i'm more of an emotional connection enthusiast when it comes to romance over physical, the fwb situation they had didn't bother me that much bc they still had cute moments in between, which i adored. ♡
i personally thought the side characters in both Hs lives were the best parts of this book tbh, i loved how they were so supportive and protective of them (especially Grant's grandparents and best friend, Reese, as well as Declan's two best friends, Fitz and Emma). 🥺 i'm just glad i started reading this when book 2's already out bc, although i expected the cliffhanger, i just wanna see more development between Declan and Grant and, hopefully, it'll happen in the next book. 🤞
oh and also, it's a small thing but Declan's nickname to Grant, "rookie", was cute the first few times but it got repetitive for me and i cringed every time he still called him that while they were being physical in bed (ex: Then I give him a new instruction. "Now rub that beautiful cock against mine, rookie."). 😭 i'm hoping he won't call him that in the next book pls, lmao.
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
And would it have been worth it, after all...
i really liked the beginning of Declan and Grant's story! they were cute, i loved their conversations and how they slowly opened up to one another but i wouldn't say i'm attached to the point of i love them, i'm obsessed just yet and, considering this is a trilogy (and the romance is supposed to span over five years, based on the blurb), it made sense that this felt more of a build up to their relationship. the fact that they had an arrangement of 'no strings attached', wbk they would eventually fall in love. 🤪 although i'm more of an emotional connection enthusiast when it comes to romance over physical, the fwb situation they had didn't bother me that much bc they still had cute moments in between, which i adored. ♡
i personally thought the side characters in both Hs lives were the best parts of this book tbh, i loved how they were so supportive and protective of them (especially Grant's grandparents and best friend, Reese, as well as Declan's two best friends, Fitz and Emma). 🥺 i'm just glad i started reading this when book 2's already out bc, although i expected the cliffhanger, i just wanna see more development between Declan and Grant and, hopefully, it'll happen in the next book. 🤞
oh and also, it's a small thing but Declan's nickname to Grant, "rookie", was cute the first few times but it got repetitive for me and i cringed every time he still called him that while they were being physical in bed (ex: Then I give him a new instruction. "Now rub that beautiful cock against mine, rookie."). 😭 i'm hoping he won't call him that in the next book pls, lmao.
July 16, 2021
for some reason, i just loved LB's take on mm romance. i feel like im the only who raises and waves her flag. her stories are far from exceptional but keep on pushing the buttons for me. thats a win honestly.
November 7, 2021
dnf @ 55%.
July 14, 2021
The narration: 5+++++
The story:……meh
But best believe I’ll be tuned in for book 2 because I’m just that type of bitch 😌
August 25, 2021
3.5 stars
August 8, 2021
Update 2.0: Starting the next book!
Completed (from early morning to evening, 7hrs!), I was so happy for Dec & Grant, everything's going so well & hot, all looking up...Until that cliffhanger happened! Who's the mystery man from D's past? Will G be ok? You bet that I've started the next book & already read the prologue...But i feel like I need to sit on it for a few hours before starting the next book in earnest (Ya, I can't believe I'm saying that)
So... Tonight i start it & tomorrow, I'll complete this epic duet!
42%, Gosh these two are so hot! I'm mighty turned on (TMI?😆). Grant finally told Declan that he's a virgin!
Start: I've waited a MONTH to finally read this Duet, I'm diving in & binge reading 🤩. So exciting!
Completed (from early morning to evening, 7hrs!), I was so happy for Dec & Grant, everything's going so well & hot, all looking up...Until that cliffhanger happened! Who's the mystery man from D's past? Will G be ok? You bet that I've started the next book & already read the prologue...But i feel like I need to sit on it for a few hours before starting the next book in earnest (Ya, I can't believe I'm saying that)
So... Tonight i start it & tomorrow, I'll complete this epic duet!
42%, Gosh these two are so hot! I'm mighty turned on (TMI?😆). Grant finally told Declan that he's a virgin!
Start: I've waited a MONTH to finally read this Duet, I'm diving in & binge reading 🤩. So exciting!
May 12, 2022
A sweet baseball MM forbidden romance between a rookie catcher and a shortstop. Declan is a seasoned player, with strict rules about dating during the season. Grant the rookie, (in more ways than one) fighting to score a catcher position, just brought up from the minors.
July 25, 2021
I used to be one of those girls who was like "I hate sports romances" because they never seemed like they lived up to the hype of the sport itself but then I read my first Lauren Blakely book and the rest is history. She is who I attribute to falling in love with sports romances because she includes the sport but also gives you everything beautiful and heartbreaking about the love story between the two MC's and Scoring with Him was no different.
Grant & Declan were the culmination of so many beautiful things. They both had pasts that made them alter their future in a way that only someone does when they have experienced past trauma. I say trauma but that means different things to people and they both had to deal with their fair share of it in their own way.
A forbidden love that was never supposed to happen leads these two down a path of devastation and heartbreak and yet something beautiful came out of it. When you have never experienced real love and then you get to even if it is brief, you are that much more grateful for it even if it takes you awhile to believe it.
This was just a brief glimpse into the start of Declan and Grant's relationship and oh boy that mother f*cking cliffhanger got me entirely even though I knew it was coming. If you read Lauren's blurb for this book, then it will give you everything you need to know about this story and that is enough. Because I refused to read any reviews before I started this book and I went in mostly blind, I found this story much more enjoyable because of it. I felt like I was on the journey with them as they were "falling" and that was magical.
The narration was just perfection!! If you have never listened to Jacob Morgan or Teddy Hamilton, then you are missing out but if you have never heard their narration of a story together then you are seriously missing something powerful. While this was dual narration as all the stories, I have read of theirs are it is as if they are playing off of each other and you can feel the emotions radiating off the page and that really enhances the story for me.
Winning with Him is book two in the Men of Summer Series where we will get to find out what is in store for Declan & Grant. While I am truly terrified of the outcome because I know it will not be an easy read for them, I am excited to see what is ahead in their journey.
Grant & Declan were the culmination of so many beautiful things. They both had pasts that made them alter their future in a way that only someone does when they have experienced past trauma. I say trauma but that means different things to people and they both had to deal with their fair share of it in their own way.
A forbidden love that was never supposed to happen leads these two down a path of devastation and heartbreak and yet something beautiful came out of it. When you have never experienced real love and then you get to even if it is brief, you are that much more grateful for it even if it takes you awhile to believe it.
This was just a brief glimpse into the start of Declan and Grant's relationship and oh boy that mother f*cking cliffhanger got me entirely even though I knew it was coming. If you read Lauren's blurb for this book, then it will give you everything you need to know about this story and that is enough. Because I refused to read any reviews before I started this book and I went in mostly blind, I found this story much more enjoyable because of it. I felt like I was on the journey with them as they were "falling" and that was magical.
The narration was just perfection!! If you have never listened to Jacob Morgan or Teddy Hamilton, then you are missing out but if you have never heard their narration of a story together then you are seriously missing something powerful. While this was dual narration as all the stories, I have read of theirs are it is as if they are playing off of each other and you can feel the emotions radiating off the page and that really enhances the story for me.
Winning with Him is book two in the Men of Summer Series where we will get to find out what is in store for Declan & Grant. While I am truly terrified of the outcome because I know it will not be an easy read for them, I am excited to see what is ahead in their journey.
July 26, 2024
Alright, book 1 done and I’m happy with it, that cliffhanger has me a bit stressed though. I enjoyed this, I went with the audiobook because Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan of course.
Grants anxiety is soooo relatable, I get that anxious and it’s so stressful so I definitely sympathized with him, I’m still trying to figure out Declan, but I like him, except for that last text he sent Grant and caused the stupid freaking cliffhanger ugh! Anyways I won’t get ahead of myself and will start second book soon.
Grants anxiety is soooo relatable, I get that anxious and it’s so stressful so I definitely sympathized with him, I’m still trying to figure out Declan, but I like him, except for that last text he sent Grant and caused the stupid freaking cliffhanger ugh! Anyways I won’t get ahead of myself and will start second book soon.
January 8, 2022
↠Remind me (once again) the reason why they cannot be together?
They were forbidden? But why and how exactly? That actually makes no sense. Yet I really really liked it. What to say? My heart likes to make stupid decisions. (Shrugs)
They were forbidden? But why and how exactly? That actually makes no sense. Yet I really really liked it. What to say? My heart likes to make stupid decisions. (Shrugs)
July 14, 2021
GODDAMN CLIFF HANGER
I knew it was coming and I knew it would hurt but oof. I wasn’t ready.
I knew it was coming and I knew it would hurt but oof. I wasn’t ready.
July 10, 2021
As of a few hours ago, I've both read an advance copy of this story and listened to the audio and I mean .... I just ...
fuuucking *happy sigh*
Okay, I think I should tell you more about this great story. Not just the story, but also the execution of the story. It’s all going to mix up in this review because I am powerless to the absolute #swoonfest happening in my soul right now and I want to tell you all the things but I can’t because then why would you read the book so I might ramble. Like right now for example. LOL
This is the beginning of Declan and Grant’s journey, and what a beginning this has turned out to be! I’m assuming everyone is aware this is a duet by now and if you weren’t, well, now you are. With duets and trilogies, there’s an expectation of build-up to a crescendo in the story and, more than likely, a cliffhanger that gives the reader reason to pause or awe. Most of the times these cliffhangers are some sort of explosive plot point that leaves the reader blinking. None of that is happening and it is a glorious way to execute this story because the story spans several years. Yes, there is an incident at the end of Scoring With Him some might say is #fuckery run amok, but part of it was predictable and expected so very minor shock value at the cliffhanger. As for the crescendo, not only is the narrative a slow burn execution, but the relationship between Grant and Declan is also a slow burn, deliciously sexy in all the right places romance! I’m probably going about explaining this aspect of Grant & Declan’s journey wrong or not coming across explaining myself correctly but in short, Grant and Declan are still building, and nothing has peaked yet (in my opinion), and it all matches perfectly to their personalities, their circumstances, their backgrounds, just all the things and it is MAGIC!!
I’ve already told you that I both read and listened to this story, and they are both magic, so pick your poison and get started on this ride because it is sexy and delicious and just so darn swoony!!
✦Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/KindleScoring
✦ Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleScoring
✦ Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleScoring
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookScoring
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboScoring
✦ Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleScoring performed by Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton!
Okay, I think I should tell you more about this great story. Not just the story, but also the execution of the story. It’s all going to mix up in this review because I am powerless to the absolute #swoonfest happening in my soul right now and I want to tell you all the things but I can’t because then why would you read the book so I might ramble. Like right now for example. LOL
This is the beginning of Declan and Grant’s journey, and what a beginning this has turned out to be! I’m assuming everyone is aware this is a duet by now and if you weren’t, well, now you are. With duets and trilogies, there’s an expectation of build-up to a crescendo in the story and, more than likely, a cliffhanger that gives the reader reason to pause or awe. Most of the times these cliffhangers are some sort of explosive plot point that leaves the reader blinking. None of that is happening and it is a glorious way to execute this story because the story spans several years. Yes, there is an incident at the end of Scoring With Him some might say is #fuckery run amok, but part of it was predictable and expected so very minor shock value at the cliffhanger. As for the crescendo, not only is the narrative a slow burn execution, but the relationship between Grant and Declan is also a slow burn, deliciously sexy in all the right places romance! I’m probably going about explaining this aspect of Grant & Declan’s journey wrong or not coming across explaining myself correctly but in short, Grant and Declan are still building, and nothing has peaked yet (in my opinion), and it all matches perfectly to their personalities, their circumstances, their backgrounds, just all the things and it is MAGIC!!
I’ve already told you that I both read and listened to this story, and they are both magic, so pick your poison and get started on this ride because it is sexy and delicious and just so darn swoony!!
✦Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/KindleScoring
✦ Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleScoring
✦ Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleScoring
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookScoring
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboScoring
✦ Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleScoring performed by Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton!
December 26, 2022
Oh my heart, this story hit me in all the feels and gave me palpitations! I can't get the next book fast enough.
Rookie catcher Grant Blackwood had planned to focus singularly on his career his first year in MLB, but his longstanding a crush on one of his teammates will test his resolve like nothing ever has before.
The first piece of advise shortstop Declan Steel gave to Grant when he met him was to avoid all entanglements his first year. It was also the first of many rules they broke. They both know that getting involved is a bad idea, but can they resist their attraction?
Lauren Blakely crafts a sizzling hot novel, but more than that she writes an absorbing story about love. It’s hard not to get invested in a couple so charming and charismatic. I loved Declan and Grant equally. I liked Grant’s youthful openness and Declan’s caring heart.
Their banter is easy, flirty and fun, their chemistry is electric, the connection they build is so deep that despite the forbidden nature of teammates getting involved, their romance feels inevitable, but so are the obstacles that prevent them from having everything they want.
Knowing that this is a two part story, I was certain it would end with a cliffhanger. But I wasn’t expecting the angst and book hangover.
Scoring With Him is book #1 of the Men of Summer duet by Lauren Blakely. A sports romance told from both points of view, with maddening cliffhanger. Tropes: mm | forbidden romance
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author Candi Kane. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3yiQ6hu
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Rookie catcher Grant Blackwood had planned to focus singularly on his career his first year in MLB, but his longstanding a crush on one of his teammates will test his resolve like nothing ever has before.
The first piece of advise shortstop Declan Steel gave to Grant when he met him was to avoid all entanglements his first year. It was also the first of many rules they broke. They both know that getting involved is a bad idea, but can they resist their attraction?
Lauren Blakely crafts a sizzling hot novel, but more than that she writes an absorbing story about love. It’s hard not to get invested in a couple so charming and charismatic. I loved Declan and Grant equally. I liked Grant’s youthful openness and Declan’s caring heart.
Their banter is easy, flirty and fun, their chemistry is electric, the connection they build is so deep that despite the forbidden nature of teammates getting involved, their romance feels inevitable, but so are the obstacles that prevent them from having everything they want.
Knowing that this is a two part story, I was certain it would end with a cliffhanger. But I wasn’t expecting the angst and book hangover.
Scoring With Him is book #1 of the Men of Summer duet by Lauren Blakely. A sports romance told from both points of view, with maddening cliffhanger. Tropes: mm | forbidden romance
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author Candi Kane. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3yiQ6hu
Have fun with me on Instagram
♕ FaceBook ♕ More reviews
December 2, 2021
Loved everything about this.
The audiobook by the drool-inducing Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan
Both MCs were sweet and down to earth and just plain lovely.
The steam was great!
I mean, did it read like a baseball "Him" knockoff? Totally.
Did I care? Nop! I enjoyed it alot.
What I didn't enjoy? The ending. That mother-cracking ending that just came out of nowhere. WTF!
That is why I shaved off a star.
September 17, 2021
S'ok, I guess.
I mean... There's some good dirty talk during the sexy times.
*shrugs*
I feel like I know how this whole series is going to go, and it probably doesn't need to take 400 pages (the length of this first installment) let alone THREE books to get there.
The story is predictable. The characters are predictable AND generic. And this whole "I can't be with a teammate" schtick is so manufactured I can't drum up any enthusiasm for it as a plot driver.
Another thing that is kinda irking me is that I can't tell the perspectives apart -- it feels exactly the same to be in Grant's head as it does Declan's.
The book is fine. The characters are fine. Everything's fine.
I mean... There's some good dirty talk during the sexy times.
*shrugs*
I feel like I know how this whole series is going to go, and it probably doesn't need to take 400 pages (the length of this first installment) let alone THREE books to get there.
The story is predictable. The characters are predictable AND generic. And this whole "I can't be with a teammate" schtick is so manufactured I can't drum up any enthusiasm for it as a plot driver.
Another thing that is kinda irking me is that I can't tell the perspectives apart -- it feels exactly the same to be in Grant's head as it does Declan's.
The book is fine. The characters are fine. Everything's fine.
July 10, 2021
I loved this but OMG what the hell with that ending?! Why did I not realise that there was a second book and this has a cliff hanger ending?!🤬
September 19, 2021
I couldn't put this down. I think this could be my favorite MM Romance of the year!
Grant Blackwood is making his way into the MLB as a rookie. When he shows up for spring training, he runs smack into Declan Steele. The man he's admired over the years and who he has a major crush on.
Declan doesn't let himself get involved with anyone during baseball season. No distractions. Only baseball. But he's finding it hard to stick to his rules with the new rookie on board. To Declan, Grant is talented, outgoing and sexy as sin.
The flirting and all that sexual tension between these two guys has the pages on fire. So when Grant reveals he's a virgin, Declan decides to bend the rules a little to help him get around all the bases. *wink wink*
But soon all the rules are broken and they are falling for each other.
We are definitely left with a big cliff hanger at the end. I'm leaving this review now to order the next two books in this series. I have to know how all this plays out!
Grant Blackwood is making his way into the MLB as a rookie. When he shows up for spring training, he runs smack into Declan Steele. The man he's admired over the years and who he has a major crush on.
Declan doesn't let himself get involved with anyone during baseball season. No distractions. Only baseball. But he's finding it hard to stick to his rules with the new rookie on board. To Declan, Grant is talented, outgoing and sexy as sin.
The flirting and all that sexual tension between these two guys has the pages on fire. So when Grant reveals he's a virgin, Declan decides to bend the rules a little to help him get around all the bases. *wink wink*
But soon all the rules are broken and they are falling for each other.
We are definitely left with a big cliff hanger at the end. I'm leaving this review now to order the next two books in this series. I have to know how all this plays out!
August 29, 2024
“You and me fucking would be the worst idea ever. And yet I can’t get it out of my head.”
Well color me surprised when I thought this was a stand alone in a trilogy of books. Well fuck me sideways. Okay then. Well I guess I’m starting this series and I’m gonna finish it. So Declan and Grant are cute and now knowing this is a series I hope I get to see an even deeper connection with the two of them. As I’ve seen in other books by this author it’s mostly just a sexy time, one off books that are only skin deep connections with lust fueling the relationship that somehow morphs into love, which is nothing to scoff at. I eat that shit up, I’ll take a less deep sexy time any time, even though I love an emotionally charged book. Since this is a trilogy I am hoping to see more character development and emotional connection between Declan and Grant. We got a good start with lust fuels friends to lovers to.. whatever happened. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
Well color me surprised when I thought this was a stand alone in a trilogy of books. Well fuck me sideways. Okay then. Well I guess I’m starting this series and I’m gonna finish it. So Declan and Grant are cute and now knowing this is a series I hope I get to see an even deeper connection with the two of them. As I’ve seen in other books by this author it’s mostly just a sexy time, one off books that are only skin deep connections with lust fueling the relationship that somehow morphs into love, which is nothing to scoff at. I eat that shit up, I’ll take a less deep sexy time any time, even though I love an emotionally charged book. Since this is a trilogy I am hoping to see more character development and emotional connection between Declan and Grant. We got a good start with lust fuels friends to lovers to.. whatever happened. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
November 23, 2021
Incredibly steamy sports romance between two teammates.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. A big “fuck you for your timing and I can’t believe you did that” cliffhanger. But I don’t even really care and I’ve got the next book waiting for me.
This book was seriously spicy and I almost DNF’d it early on. I thought it would be overly dramatic about the “we can’t we’re teammates” aspect, but it wasn’t. I’m so glad I held on because once these two got together everything was perfect. This was the dreamiest falling in love situation and I was hooked. It’s so sweet.
I’m a little angry and a lot curious about how everything will work out.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. A big “fuck you for your timing and I can’t believe you did that” cliffhanger. But I don’t even really care and I’ve got the next book waiting for me.
This book was seriously spicy and I almost DNF’d it early on. I thought it would be overly dramatic about the “we can’t we’re teammates” aspect, but it wasn’t. I’m so glad I held on because once these two got together everything was perfect. This was the dreamiest falling in love situation and I was hooked. It’s so sweet.
I’m a little angry and a lot curious about how everything will work out.
November 1, 2022
Oh My…that was epic! I was so invested with this novel. Yes it’s a MM book, but most importantly is a love story. It’s a sports romance between two guys that have finally found their “it” person but it’s forbidden because they are on the same team. Grant Blackwood is the rookie, a twenty-two year old catcher who is at his first spring training for a major baseball team. He has had a crush on the shortstop Declan Steele for a while, but meeting him in person was surreal. I loved how Deck made it easy for Grant to fit in with the team and everyone had good banter with each other. This first book sets up their connection and the obstacles they have in being a couple.
There was so much that I loved about this book. Grant and Declan had similar backgrounds which shaped them into the men they are now. They have a good network of family and friends, each having a female bestie. Because Declan is four years older, he is a little more experienced than Grant, who hasn’t gone all the way with a man as yet. I adored his vulnerability sharing that with Deck, and also how Deck takes control and helps him make a list of wants to achieve before they have to end their liaison. There are rules, and two of the most important ones are to not let it affect their game and to not fall in love. Both of them break that rule.
This being a duet, you know there’s going to be a cliffhanger, it’s inevitable but it’s a different kind of intense ness. It’s not angsty but an oh crap moment that you’ll be wanting the next installment asap to know all the details and how they subsequently reach their HEA. I have to say, this is a classic LB tale with her ability to write good teasing, quirky humor and some of the hottest intimacy scenes I have read! Hot just doesn’t do them justice! Other words that come to mind…blazing, scorching and sizzling… very apt towards these two coming together. Now I have to wait, hopefully not long, for the second book to see both these amazing men find each other again.
There was so much that I loved about this book. Grant and Declan had similar backgrounds which shaped them into the men they are now. They have a good network of family and friends, each having a female bestie. Because Declan is four years older, he is a little more experienced than Grant, who hasn’t gone all the way with a man as yet. I adored his vulnerability sharing that with Deck, and also how Deck takes control and helps him make a list of wants to achieve before they have to end their liaison. There are rules, and two of the most important ones are to not let it affect their game and to not fall in love. Both of them break that rule.
This being a duet, you know there’s going to be a cliffhanger, it’s inevitable but it’s a different kind of intense ness. It’s not angsty but an oh crap moment that you’ll be wanting the next installment asap to know all the details and how they subsequently reach their HEA. I have to say, this is a classic LB tale with her ability to write good teasing, quirky humor and some of the hottest intimacy scenes I have read! Hot just doesn’t do them justice! Other words that come to mind…blazing, scorching and sizzling… very apt towards these two coming together. Now I have to wait, hopefully not long, for the second book to see both these amazing men find each other again.
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