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Pretty Tough #4
Stealing Bases: A PrettyTOUGH Novel
Reformed mean girl Kylie Collins desperately wants to put the craziness of basketball season behind her. (And with it, her cheater ex, Zachary Murphy.) Maybe she'll finally be able to silence her snarky streak and concentrate on her lifelong dream - being recruited for Division One softball.
But when Kylie arrives at her first softball practice of the season, she comes face-to-face with her worst Amber McDonald, the best pitcher in the state.
Now, Kylie's forced to warm the bench as Amber wows crowds again and again. With all the drama happening out on the softball diamond, Kylie finds herself drawn back to bad habits-sabotaging people and hanging out with a certain Zachary Murphy. . .
But when Kylie arrives at her first softball practice of the season, she comes face-to-face with her worst Amber McDonald, the best pitcher in the state.
Now, Kylie's forced to warm the bench as Amber wows crowds again and again. With all the drama happening out on the softball diamond, Kylie finds herself drawn back to bad habits-sabotaging people and hanging out with a certain Zachary Murphy. . .
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2011
11 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Leigh Shepherd
4 books9 followersNicole Leigh Shepherd is the Pretty Tough Series pseudonym for both Liz Tigelaar (Pretty Tough and Playing with the Boys) and Keri Mikulski (Head Games, Stealing Bases, Making Waves, and Fifteen Love).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 31, 2017
This book is amazing and really fun to read. It was really funny to see how sensitive she was.
September 26, 2017
it was awesome, i loved the drama, mixed with the realistic fiction
August 15, 2011
As I've mentioned before, I am not usually a big "sports" reader, but Keri Mikulski won me over with Head Games and Stealing Bases sealed the deal. I am definitely a fan of the Pretty Tough series!
Kylie was a returning character from Head Games, but this time around she was the narrator. Through Taylor's eyes in Head Games, Kylie had always seemed like a selfish and mean person, so I'm glad I got to know her side of the story in Stealing Bases. While it did take me a little while to warm up to Kylie, by the end of the book I did like her and felt for all she was going through. Kylie had a lot on her plate and her softball dreams are being shattered by the arrival of new star pitcher, Amber McDonald. I understood why Kylie was upset, she had always been the pitcher and now Amber had taken her spot, but at times she acted a little too immature. As I said before, going into this, I wasn't sure what I was going to think of Stealing Bases simply because I didn't like Kylie before. Getting to know her in this book did change my opinion of her though, and she really was trying to amend her mean ways. There were quite a few characters from the last book that reappeared in this one as well. Taylor even had a small role. I liked getting to see some of my favorite characters from Head Games, even when they only played a minor part in Kylie's story.
The plot of Stealing Bases was fresh and held my interest. I enjoyed learning about all the different plays in softball and how the team worked together. Kylie was faced with some tough choices during the course of the novel and learned a lot about both herself and those around her. Another character that was reintroduced in Stealing Bases was Zachary Murphy. He had an intriguing role in this book and Kylie had to make a decision about him once and for all. While Kylie put on a brave front, she was dealing with lot of issues back home. Her parents had recently divorced and she was living a family friend's pool house with her dad. I admired Kylie for staying strong during the ordeal and it made her a more realistic character.
Keri Mikulski always does a great job making her teenage characters realistic and believable, as well as all their experiences. I am a big fan of contemporary YA and Keri Mikulski does not disappoint. There were quite a few entertaining and important twists in the story that kept me reading and I enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and learn even more about softball. Stealing Bases isn't overly "sporty" either- it combines just the right amount of sports, romance, drama, and friendships. The girls even visit Pinkberry- I adore frozen yogurt!
All in all, Stealing Bases was an entertaining and realistic addition to the Pretty Tough series. Kylie was a character that had to grow on me, but in the end I did like her. Keri Mikulski has an eye for writing books that will appeal to a variety of readers and Stealing Bases is no exception. I'm eager for the release of Making Waves (coming in 2012)!
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Kylie was a returning character from Head Games, but this time around she was the narrator. Through Taylor's eyes in Head Games, Kylie had always seemed like a selfish and mean person, so I'm glad I got to know her side of the story in Stealing Bases. While it did take me a little while to warm up to Kylie, by the end of the book I did like her and felt for all she was going through. Kylie had a lot on her plate and her softball dreams are being shattered by the arrival of new star pitcher, Amber McDonald. I understood why Kylie was upset, she had always been the pitcher and now Amber had taken her spot, but at times she acted a little too immature. As I said before, going into this, I wasn't sure what I was going to think of Stealing Bases simply because I didn't like Kylie before. Getting to know her in this book did change my opinion of her though, and she really was trying to amend her mean ways. There were quite a few characters from the last book that reappeared in this one as well. Taylor even had a small role. I liked getting to see some of my favorite characters from Head Games, even when they only played a minor part in Kylie's story.
The plot of Stealing Bases was fresh and held my interest. I enjoyed learning about all the different plays in softball and how the team worked together. Kylie was faced with some tough choices during the course of the novel and learned a lot about both herself and those around her. Another character that was reintroduced in Stealing Bases was Zachary Murphy. He had an intriguing role in this book and Kylie had to make a decision about him once and for all. While Kylie put on a brave front, she was dealing with lot of issues back home. Her parents had recently divorced and she was living a family friend's pool house with her dad. I admired Kylie for staying strong during the ordeal and it made her a more realistic character.
Keri Mikulski always does a great job making her teenage characters realistic and believable, as well as all their experiences. I am a big fan of contemporary YA and Keri Mikulski does not disappoint. There were quite a few entertaining and important twists in the story that kept me reading and I enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and learn even more about softball. Stealing Bases isn't overly "sporty" either- it combines just the right amount of sports, romance, drama, and friendships. The girls even visit Pinkberry- I adore frozen yogurt!
All in all, Stealing Bases was an entertaining and realistic addition to the Pretty Tough series. Kylie was a character that had to grow on me, but in the end I did like her. Keri Mikulski has an eye for writing books that will appeal to a variety of readers and Stealing Bases is no exception. I'm eager for the release of Making Waves (coming in 2012)!
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
July 24, 2011
I seriously love this series. Not only is it very fun to read, I also feel like I am learning something about sports. Each book in the series focuses on a different sport and each book really explains what the sport is all about. It's a very interesting concept, especially for what seems like such girly books. =)
Kylie Collins knows that this will be her year. She is certain she will get her spot as starting pitcher on the softball team and she knows she will be nominated for prom princess. It's her junior year and it is shaping up to be perfect. And then it all comes tumbling down. First, Kylie doesn't get the starting spot. Then her ex, Zachary, starts stirring up trouble and her feelings for him get confused (again.) Things just get worse from there. Can Kylie turn her year around and make it the best one yet? Or is she determined to push everyone away and spend her year miserable and alone?
Kylie Collins is a b***h. That is all there is to it. If you read Head Games you know all about her. If not, I will explain it for you. She is jealous, backstabbing, and just plain nasty. It was hard for me to have any sympathy for her in the beginning. I finally started to like her a bit more about halfway through the book but it was hard to read about a main character I didn't really care for.
The story was great. Like I said, I know nothing about sports and these books spend a lot of time talking about sports. I was never once confused and I found myself really enjoying reading about the softball games. The prom thing was very fun as well. I loved reading about the prepping, the dresses, and the dates. Like I said, it is just a very girly story!
Overall, Stealing Bases is a great addition to the Pretty Tough series. This one may not have been my favorite but I still really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait for the next book.
Kylie Collins knows that this will be her year. She is certain she will get her spot as starting pitcher on the softball team and she knows she will be nominated for prom princess. It's her junior year and it is shaping up to be perfect. And then it all comes tumbling down. First, Kylie doesn't get the starting spot. Then her ex, Zachary, starts stirring up trouble and her feelings for him get confused (again.) Things just get worse from there. Can Kylie turn her year around and make it the best one yet? Or is she determined to push everyone away and spend her year miserable and alone?
Kylie Collins is a b***h. That is all there is to it. If you read Head Games you know all about her. If not, I will explain it for you. She is jealous, backstabbing, and just plain nasty. It was hard for me to have any sympathy for her in the beginning. I finally started to like her a bit more about halfway through the book but it was hard to read about a main character I didn't really care for.
The story was great. Like I said, I know nothing about sports and these books spend a lot of time talking about sports. I was never once confused and I found myself really enjoying reading about the softball games. The prom thing was very fun as well. I loved reading about the prepping, the dresses, and the dates. Like I said, it is just a very girly story!
Overall, Stealing Bases is a great addition to the Pretty Tough series. This one may not have been my favorite but I still really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait for the next book.
July 15, 2011
I just love this sports stories!! I really enjoyed this one cause it wasn't what I expected. Instead it throws several curve balls at me that I was dodging left and right. I really enjoyed the author, Ms. Mikulski shedding some light on Kylie, a character I read about in Head Games.
One thing I enjoyed in this book is the main character, Kylie. I really like it when I read about a characters in one book then that character gets their own book. I loved getting to know Kylie and finally seeing things from her point of view. Kylie is not at all what I was expecting. In the last book Kylie was fierce and mean. But I like that the reader saw Kylie for who she really is. She is so much more than an athlete.
The plot of this book has very simple elements, it is all it needs to be great! There is so much drama, family problems, boyfriend problems, that it keeps you entertain all the way till the very last page. What I especially loved about this book was that there was no love interest. Just Kylie finding herself and finally letting go. Sometimes we hold on to things for too hold without knowing what it is doing it us. Kylie has to recognize that in order for her to move on, to live a better free life, she had to let some things go. I just love it when a characters see's the light and come into who she is meant to be...just Kylie.
Once again, Ms. Mikulski just a fantastic job on writing this series. I enjoyed reading each one and enjoy getting in the feel of the characters. I love learning about sport and the passion the characters have for it. I can't wait to read the next book. This is a series I hooked on and can't get enough of!
One thing I enjoyed in this book is the main character, Kylie. I really like it when I read about a characters in one book then that character gets their own book. I loved getting to know Kylie and finally seeing things from her point of view. Kylie is not at all what I was expecting. In the last book Kylie was fierce and mean. But I like that the reader saw Kylie for who she really is. She is so much more than an athlete.
The plot of this book has very simple elements, it is all it needs to be great! There is so much drama, family problems, boyfriend problems, that it keeps you entertain all the way till the very last page. What I especially loved about this book was that there was no love interest. Just Kylie finding herself and finally letting go. Sometimes we hold on to things for too hold without knowing what it is doing it us. Kylie has to recognize that in order for her to move on, to live a better free life, she had to let some things go. I just love it when a characters see's the light and come into who she is meant to be...just Kylie.
Once again, Ms. Mikulski just a fantastic job on writing this series. I enjoyed reading each one and enjoy getting in the feel of the characters. I love learning about sport and the passion the characters have for it. I can't wait to read the next book. This is a series I hooked on and can't get enough of!
April 23, 2011
Mean girl Kylie Collins from Keri Mikulski's HEAD GAMES is back and ready to prove herself once and for all in STEALING BASES. Kylie is ready for the perfect softball season after the chaos of basketball is over. She's ready to step on the mound and give it her all, the glory of being the star pitcher in sight. However, things do not go as planned for Kylie when new, top-notch pitcher Amber wows both the coaches and team on day one of try-outs. Disappointed and ready to throw in the towel, readers see the softer side of Kylie, one who just wants her chance to stand out. This being said, Kylie does not fail to fall back into her old tricks in hopes of gaining back her starting position on the team. Combined with boy troubles pertaining to a certain Zach Murphy and family difficulties, Kylie is in for a whirlwind spring.
STEALING BASES is a book for everyone, not just those with a passion for sports. Kylie's character is one all can relate to with her determination and spunky attitude. Kylie is a dynamic character with whom you'll laugh, smile, and cringe for through her many ups and downs throughout the softball season. Be sure to pick up STEALING BASES to meet the good side of mean girl Kylie and learn the ultimate lesson of how important never giving up truly is.
STEALING BASES is a book for everyone, not just those with a passion for sports. Kylie's character is one all can relate to with her determination and spunky attitude. Kylie is a dynamic character with whom you'll laugh, smile, and cringe for through her many ups and downs throughout the softball season. Be sure to pick up STEALING BASES to meet the good side of mean girl Kylie and learn the ultimate lesson of how important never giving up truly is.
March 12, 2012
I thought the book was ok, but the other Pretty Tough books are better. Probably because in this one she didn't end up with the guy lol I like happy endings. Anyway, I had conflicting feelings about Kylie, sometimes I loved her, other times hated her, and sometimes sympathized for her. And I don't like how the author made the "enemy" Amber so nice and likable. I wanted to hate her but I couldn't and that bothered me. I think the best part of the book was the Kylie and Zachary parts because it was so up and down. Like she loved him but he was a different guy with her than he was to the rest of the world. And even though he claimed he loved her too, he still acted like an asshole and did things like cheat on her. I would say that was the most interesting part. I felt bad for Kylie with the whole mother leaving them aspect of the book. She was in denial but at the end she finally came to terms with what actually happened. I didn't like her father even though he kind of redeemed himself at the end of the book. And i thought all of Kylie's friends were annoying except for like Tamika and Jessica - the ones who didn't have huge storylines. I really didn't like Missy, I thought her and Hanna were annoying. I appreciate the fact that Kylie did get Prom Princess at the end so that was great. All in all, the book was ok. I guess.
August 18, 2011
Stealing Bases was a book I had quite high expectations for - while it didn't quite live up to every expectation I had for it after reading Head Games, it was still a stellar read that I absolutely devoured.
I loved getting inside the heads of some of the characters from Head Games that had played a little more of an outfield role. I thought Kylie was a great narrator, I loved getting to know her more as a character. I don't know why it is, but every Missy I meet in a book I really don't like and she turns out to be a very not nice word, I was happy to see Missy redeem herself a bit after being nasty - which made me smile a lot.
The plot was a bit predictable, but I still loved seeing how everything panned out. The writing was marvelous. Mikulski really has a way with words. I did not want to put this one down. I kept trying to sneak in more pages whenever I could.
Stealing Bases is a worthy read. Keri Mikulski pitches a great story filled with wonderful writing. The story will hit you fast and doesn't slow down until the end. I am very curious to see what will be next for Keri Mikulski, whatever it is, I will be reading.
I loved getting inside the heads of some of the characters from Head Games that had played a little more of an outfield role. I thought Kylie was a great narrator, I loved getting to know her more as a character. I don't know why it is, but every Missy I meet in a book I really don't like and she turns out to be a very not nice word, I was happy to see Missy redeem herself a bit after being nasty - which made me smile a lot.
The plot was a bit predictable, but I still loved seeing how everything panned out. The writing was marvelous. Mikulski really has a way with words. I did not want to put this one down. I kept trying to sneak in more pages whenever I could.
Stealing Bases is a worthy read. Keri Mikulski pitches a great story filled with wonderful writing. The story will hit you fast and doesn't slow down until the end. I am very curious to see what will be next for Keri Mikulski, whatever it is, I will be reading.
July 23, 2011
I played sports in high school, I played basketball and softball so I could really relate to Kylie’s feelings about the games as well as understanding some of the lingo, but I still think that you could get into these books even if you’ve never played sports.
This is the forth book in the series of companion novels and so even if you haven't read the other books (like me) you can still understand what is going on which I really appreciated.
I did not like Kylie as a character, I would not have been friends with her in high school. She was just too mean for me. And while she was trying to get past it, her arrogance was just way too overwhelming to me. But that being said I liked the way she related with the other characters, it was real and believable.
Besides Kylie’s personality I really liked this book, it’s a great book for both sports lovers as well as lovers of chick-lit!
This is the forth book in the series of companion novels and so even if you haven't read the other books (like me) you can still understand what is going on which I really appreciated.
I did not like Kylie as a character, I would not have been friends with her in high school. She was just too mean for me. And while she was trying to get past it, her arrogance was just way too overwhelming to me. But that being said I liked the way she related with the other characters, it was real and believable.
Besides Kylie’s personality I really liked this book, it’s a great book for both sports lovers as well as lovers of chick-lit!
September 11, 2015
Known as a former mean girl at Beechwood Academy, Kylie Collins, desperately wants to change things around. It's her junior year and softball season is coming up and Kylie is ready to give it her all and prove she is capable to go to UCLA. However things change when Amber McDonald shows up and takes her starting position. Determined to get her spot Kylie fights through all the pain and heartbreak she is facing to get where she wants to be.
I do recommend this book to anyone. It doesn't matter if you have a passion for sports or not. It teaches you about hard work and determination. But, it also includes actions that shouldn't have been made and consequences that could happen. Stealing Bases has a lot of twists and exciting moments that keep you wanting to read it. Also this book is very easy to relate too for most teenage girls. Not only does it have sports but it has romance, friendship, family hardship and much more.
I do recommend this book to anyone. It doesn't matter if you have a passion for sports or not. It teaches you about hard work and determination. But, it also includes actions that shouldn't have been made and consequences that could happen. Stealing Bases has a lot of twists and exciting moments that keep you wanting to read it. Also this book is very easy to relate too for most teenage girls. Not only does it have sports but it has romance, friendship, family hardship and much more.
October 28, 2024
Language - PG13 (21 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG
Kylie's life is falling apart. Her parents split, her BF cheated, and she lost her spot on the softball team! With everything going down hill so fast, how is she supposed to stop it? She tries the only way she knows how: get upset and let her emotions fly. Unfortunately, that doesn't help.
Although I loved the characters and all the drama, it didn't live up to the first few books. I enjoyed reading about softball and found the games in this book to be more interesting than the other sports that have been featured. I also loved how everything was resolved--the end is definitely worth reading.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Kylie's life is falling apart. Her parents split, her BF cheated, and she lost her spot on the softball team! With everything going down hill so fast, how is she supposed to stop it? She tries the only way she knows how: get upset and let her emotions fly. Unfortunately, that doesn't help.
Although I loved the characters and all the drama, it didn't live up to the first few books. I enjoyed reading about softball and found the games in this book to be more interesting than the other sports that have been featured. I also loved how everything was resolved--the end is definitely worth reading.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
February 18, 2013
I mean, there were times where her conversations among her and her teammates got a little boring to me. As well as the softball part(I know nothing about softball, so the "Two outs, any bag!" stuff was very confusing on my end),but overall, it was a charming book. As much as you'd think Kylie and Zachary are meant to be...oh boy, things take a turn. But I really did like this book. It made me want to be a part of a team. I loved the fact that the girls were always there for each other. Same with the coaches. Coach Kate and Coach Martie were amazing. I want coaches like that. That is, if I ever end up joining a sport(:
December 16, 2013
I mean, there were times where her conversations among her and her teammates got a little boring to me. As well as the softball part(I know nothing about softball, so the "Two outs, any bag!" stuff was very confusing on my end),but overall, it was a charming book. As much as you'd think Kylie and Zachary are meant to be...oh boy, things take a turn. But I really did like this book. It made me want to be a part of a team. I loved the fact that the girls were always there for each other. Same with the coaches. Coach Kate and Coach Martie were amazing. I want coaches like that. That is, if I ever end up joining a sport(:
December 23, 2013
I mean, there were times where her conversations among her and her teammates got a little boring to me. As well as the softball part(I know nothing about softball, so the "Two outs, any bag!" stuff was very confusing on my end),but overall, it was a charming book. As much as you'd think Kylie and Zachary are meant to be...oh boy, things take a turn. But I really did like this book. It made me want to be a part of a team. I loved the fact that the girls were always there for each other. Same with the coaches. Coach Kate and Coach Martie were amazing. I want coaches like that. That is, if I ever end up joining a sport(:
July 31, 2012
This book was just average in my opinion. I didn't really like any of the characters, which is rare for me. In every book I read there is usually one character I love but in this case. I felt for Kylie at some points but most of the time she was acting really bitchy, and never said what she meant so it didn't surprise me that she had all of these problems. I was really disappointed with the book, there was nothing special or interesting about it, it was just below average. There are much better books out there, in my opinion skip it!
February 21, 2016
I'm so happy I read this. I played softball for ten years and baseball is my favourite sport. It was fun to read all the parts when they were playing because I was imagining the plays actually happening.
Would have easily been five stars with Kylie wasn't as mean at times. I understand she had lots of issues going on but I felt like she barely changed from Head Games. It was nice to read about her basketball teammates in a different light.
It had a great ending and I'm glad Kylie did what I was hoping she would from page one.
Would have easily been five stars with Kylie wasn't as mean at times. I understand she had lots of issues going on but I felt like she barely changed from Head Games. It was nice to read about her basketball teammates in a different light.
It had a great ending and I'm glad Kylie did what I was hoping she would from page one.
August 15, 2011
This took me awhile to complete, but that was only because I was busy and partly because it was annoying me.
This was a good book and I love this series, but to my disappointment it barely had any softball in it (though I don't necessarily like softball) and more drama. To me, it was a bit irritating.
I understand that Kylie is a drama queen and so on, but it was just so blah.
This book seems predictable but it wasn't for me. Which was the only good part.
This was a good book and I love this series, but to my disappointment it barely had any softball in it (though I don't necessarily like softball) and more drama. To me, it was a bit irritating.
I understand that Kylie is a drama queen and so on, but it was just so blah.
This book seems predictable but it wasn't for me. Which was the only good part.
July 4, 2012
This book of the Pretty Tough series was also awesome! I liked how it was different from the other books because instead of her having a love interest at the end, she found herself and true friends. It was nice to see the mean girl's perspective then having her turn into an awesome person! Also, I loved how Kylie stayed very strong through all of her disastrous drama! I hope there will be another book to this series!!!
December 20, 2016
There are so many parts of this book that are unrealistic in a sports world, that I don't even know if it deserves 2 stars. Then, the resolution occurs suddenly and everything is all wonderful. Ridiculous book, and I was ready to love it- a girls' sports book. Research a bit further next time and make situations more believable. Did you run this book by female softball players? They might have helped you with the parts that just would not happen that way.
July 8, 2012
This is one of the best books i have ever read!! I just started playing softball a couple of years ago and i loved this book!!! I love how it involves softball and real life situations!!! The author did a really great job on this book and i want to read the rest of the series!!!!!!
This is a really good book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a really good book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 19, 2011
A fantastic follow up to HEAD GAMES! Keri once again kept me on the edge of my seat. Kylie's problems off the diamond were as real as the softball action. I can't wait to recommend this read to my sporty students.
June 3, 2014
This book is very relatable to young athletes. I could connect with the main characters struggles to choose sports or their social life. The book however was relatively easy and I got through it quickly.
July 31, 2011
I thought Head Games was good. This one was better. Get it. <3 <3 <3 <3
December 28, 2011
It's cute but I like the other books in the series a little better.
September 22, 2012
Easy and good read. If you like drama, you should read this book.
April 13, 2013
this one was my favorite on in the who series. they take some of the charictors from the last book and put in this one. i like that most dont do that.
November 23, 2013
Pengen baca Head Games!!
Bete bacanya urutannya kebalik. Jadi penasaran sama apa yang terjadi sama Zachary dan Kylie di masa lalu.
Tapi buku ini oke banget loh. Suka suka sukaaa!!!!
Bete bacanya urutannya kebalik. Jadi penasaran sama apa yang terjadi sama Zachary dan Kylie di masa lalu.
Tapi buku ini oke banget loh. Suka suka sukaaa!!!!
May 9, 2014
Loved this sooo much!!! A great story about high school girls fighting to get on the softball team at the most prestigious school in LA.
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September 7, 2014Loved it!
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July 14, 2014okay book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews