Review: Flirting With First by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Trista’s movie star status keeps her from the one guy she’s ever really wanted—professional baseball player, Ryker Stone.

Ryker Stone, one of the famed Belltown Six Pack loves what no one else notices in Trista McKinney. But when co-star and heart throb, Trevor Dayton, starts a social media campaign, competing for her attention, and Ryker’s baseball schedule and pressures amp up, Ryker lays it all on the line to win her over forever.

Trista McKinney doesn’t need winning. She’s been Ryker’s from the very beginning, but her movie’s production schedule and her dreams of one day winning an Oscar make it almost impossible for things to progress between the two.

With feelings high, both of their careers in the balance, can Trista and Ryker find a path to professional success without losing what they’ve found in each other?

My Review

It was so fun to see the continuation of a meeting that happened between two people in one of the previous Belltown books! Ryker fills in for Cole when he decides to ditch the famous actress his agent set him up with, and Ryker's friendship with Trista moves to the next level in this book. It was interesting to see Trista's insecurities and secret passion for math that makes acting and modeling just another job for her. Ryker is a good friend to her, but he's trying to play it cool so that she'll stay interested in him. I love the perspective of the guys and realizing how differently they think and perceive things. I enjoyed the personal side of their relationship, but the media side of their lives was not only frustrating and exhausting to them, it was to me as a reader. But that really drove the conflict and the plot, so I kept reading and appreciated the way Ryker and Trista handled the hype and obstacles along the way as they grew closer together. The dynamic of the Belltown Sixpack was as always a highlight of the book for me, it really makes this series stand out!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusetts, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: By Hook or By Rook by Rebecca Connolly

About the Book

Series: The London League  
Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance  
Publisher: Phase Publishing  
Publication date: July 1, 2019

The most dangerous journeys...

Jeremy Pratt is a spy for the Crown, and one of the best. He has been in more dangerous situations than he can admit, and has always come out unscathed. But escorting his colleague’s cousin home to her family, even in disguise, just might be beyond his skills, and the temptation beyond his ability to withstand.

...May be ones of the heart...

Helen Dalton is convinced there is more to this man escorting her than meets the eye, and something familiar about him, as well. There is only one man in the world who looks at her so intensely, banters with her so easily, and makes her blush so furiously. And when he manages a daring and heroic rescue, she wonders if she ever knew him at all.

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Cover Reveal

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What do you think?

Giveaway

(1) winner will recieve a print copy of By Hook or by Rook (US mailing addresses only).

Giveaway ends June 24 at 11:59pm MT. Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

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Blog Stops

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Review: Snatching the Catcher by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Grizz is about to break all of the rules for something he never imagined he would be risking . . . His heart.

Rachel Bennett has spent her entire life reaching for her dreams to dance professionally, and has come close enough that she’s content with where she is. Enter Grizz McCarthy, one of her brother’s best friends and a member of the beloved Belltown Six Pack. Ranked as one of the hottest pro athletes of the year, Rachel finds there is so much more to Grizz than that, and soon he has her reaching for more.

Rachel should be off limits for David “Grizz” McCarthy. That’s a universally accepted fact, courtesy of his bond with his brothers in the Six Pack. But the more time he spends with Rachel, the less he cares about that fact, and what it could do to his friendships.

My Review

I've been excited to read Grizz's story! As the level-headed catcher he is a leader of the faltering baseball team, and it was interesting to see how he dealt with the struggles while his other Belltown teammates found success. Rachel knows athletes and this group of players specifically since her brother is one of them, and when she connects with Grizz in Pittsburgh (he rescues her from a horrible date) their friendship naturally develops and deepens into something more. There is a great balance of humor, flirting, chemistry, and emotion as they support each other and see where the future leads. Rachel's love of dance and devotion to ballet was neat to read about since I'm currently taking beginner ballet classes for fun (and exercise) and felt like I could relate in the tiniest way ;) No excess drama or conflict here, which made the plot avoid the extreme highs and lows, but rather gave a pleasant experience with extremely likeable characters you can't help but root for. Another great addition to the fun Belltown Sixpack series! (These books can be read in any order- pick one... or all... of them up ASAP!)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusetts, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Review: The Beauty (Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School) by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Caroline Perkins cannot claim much in her life other than the dowry her uncle arranged for her and her physical beauty. Raised on the London docks, she bears the burden of being a tradesman’s daughter, and not one of respectability. In leaving Miss Bell’s School for Young Ladies, Caroline is leaving the only friends she has known and the only safe place she has lived. But she knows her companionship with Lady Ashby could give her the connections and opportunities she needs to secure a good future for herself. If her past does not return to haunt her present and future, that is.
 
Will Debenham isn’t certain what he is looking for in his life, but from the moment he sees Caroline Perkins, he is certain he has found it. Every interaction with her only enhances the feeling, and every day in her company makes him want her more. But can the son of an earl really marry a tradesman’s daughter? Or will station, birth, and Caroline’s own resistance keep them apart?

My Review

This is a sweet Regency story, but I wished for more in the way of plot and personality. The focus of the book is on Caroline's role as companion and her opportunity to find a husband as such. She was a bland character, and even as I attempted to find more interesting attributes about her, Will described her perfectly: "You are always so calm, so stalwart, so unaffected. You possess an unnatural serenity." She does feel the insults of others keenly, but instead of standing up for herself, she accepts it and even internalizes the belief that she is of less worth and undeserving. I was disappointed that she didn't have more of a backbone, although this is probably realistic of many women of the time who are victims of the precedence of status and birth in society. Will sees beyond all that and cherishes her for her beauty and grace, despite her unfortunate circumstances. My issue with him is that he observed her abuse and didn't do much to stand up for her either. He struggles with his desire to break out of his role as a gentleman, but doesn't take the opportunity to do so when she is in need of his help. I kept reading to the end to see how their happy ending would come about, and the final scene was lovely and emotional.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Ladies of Miss Belle's Finishing School series:

Review: Spinster and Spice by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Spinster, sweet Spinster 
 
Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success.

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?


My Review

The Spinster Chronicles is a fun series full of friendly banter and vibrant personalities. It was nice to get to know Izzy better and learn about why she has found herself as a doormat for her family, which bled into her social life in Society as well. I loved that Sebastian recognizes that there is more to her and encourages her to stand up for herself and her feelings. It takes some effort and some practice, but eventually she is able to demonstrate to herself and others that just because she's nice doesn't mean that she can be taken advantage of. While mentoring his sister during her debut brings them together more often, it is her storytelling talent that she has turned into a secret endeavor to be published that draws them even closer together. Their sweet romance is charming and full of chemistry, but not without conflict. This installment of the Chronicles kept me entertained and happy with the development of both plot and characters.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the first two books in the Spinster Chronicles series . . .

Book Blast: Spinster and Spice by Rebecca Connolly

Synopsis

Spinster, sweet Spinster

Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success.

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Giveaway

Giveaway ends May 11 at 11:59 MT.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.


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Check out the other tour stops . . .

April 30- Life is What It’s Called | Heidi Reads…
May 1- Emily Yager | Blooming with Books | Singing Librarian Books
May 2- Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic | Remembrancy​

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Spinster and Spice by Rebecca Connolly

Releases May 1st! Pre-order for only $1.99!

Synopsis

Spinster, sweet Spinster

Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success.

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Giveaway

Giveaway ends May 1 at 11:59 MT.

​Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along at SLB Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Charming the Shortstop by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He’s not looking. She’s been burned. But sparks fly, and they decide to go on a date. Just this once.

When professional baseball player Axel Diaz travels back to Belltown University for a friend’s wedding, he’s not planning on bringing a date. Until he meets Brighton West, the flight attendant who he can’t get off his mind. Although dubbed “Cold Axe” by some of his female fans, Axel asks Brighton to be his date to the wedding, all the while wondering why of all times and places he is breaking his no-dating streak. But the more he gets to know Brighton, the more he realizes she may be the one woman who can melt his cold heart.

My Review

Axel may be my favorite of the Belltown Six so far! He's devoted to his mother, teenage sister, and career, leaving no time for dating... but that's just an excuse. He doesn't feel like he's relationship material because of his issues with his father. It was great to see how his strong feelings for Brighton make him see that the risk is worth taking. I loved how he was a little vulnerable around her, and made his interest known instead of playing games. Brighton is overwhelmed by him but as she focuses on Axel as a person instead of his baseball fame, she sees what makes him so amazing. Their developing relationship was a pleasure to read, and even though there isn't a huge conflict or climax, the character-driven story made me so glad for their happy ending. Loving this series! The books are written so they can be read in any order, so don't hesitate to pick one up!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Review: Falling for Centerfield by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Cole has secrets.
Harlow has a past.
Will the part of his life Cole hides tear them apart, or become the very thing she loves most about him?

Major League Baseball Player, Cole Hunter, has strong ties to his college days and the university he shared with five of his best friends, now known as the #BellTownSixPack. When an old acquaintance, Harlow Ember, walks in, wearing his jersey and his signature sunglasses, he knows this woman might have what it takes to capture his heart. But none of Cole’s typical efforts to gain a girl’s attention seem to work on Harlow.

Harlow Ember is asked to report on a charity event for children back in Belltown sponsored by Cole Hunter and the Six Pack. Even though Cole attracts her in all the right ways, she has goals of her own that don’t involve losing her heart to one more guy who will end up leaving her cold. While her trust is at an all-time low, her interest and attraction are a raging pull in the other direction.

Will her hurts from the past and the secrets he hides work in their favor or end things before they can even begin?

My Review

Amazing characterization! The author does a great job of getting the reader in the head of Cole, who is both a showman and athlete. He's the type of guy that it's easy to swoon over, but I would never want to actually deal with the ego in a relationship. I loved that we got to see the deeper parts of Cole- what drives him, where he's vulnerable, and how he deals with his struggles. Harlow is strong, and her college friendship with the men of the Belltown Six Pack puts her in a unique position to challenge Cole in ways no other woman has. Their relationship has such a shifting dynamic, and my favorite parts are when they are both loose and relaxed, having fun together and being real. There are a lot of things standing in their way, and they have quite a journey to navigate. I most admired that Cole wouldn't give up on Harlow, and even when they felt betrayed by each other, they could see past the facade to the real person deep inside. Great contemporary romance, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third