Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Home Run
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://heidimclaughlin.com/
CITY:
rATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
LC control no.: no2015065131
LCCN Permalink: https://lccn.loc.gov/no2015065131
HEADING: McLaughlin, Heidi (Romance fiction writer)
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040 __ |a MnMHCL |b eng |e rda |c MnMHCL |d DLC
053 _0 |a PS3613.C57535
100 1_ |a McLaughlin, Heidi |c (Romance fiction writer)
370 __ |a Portland (Or.) |c United States |e Vermont |2 naf
371 __ |m heidi@heidimclaughlin.com
372 __ |a Love stories |2 lcsh
374 __ |a Women novelists |2 lcsh
375 __ |a female
377 __ |a eng
670 __ |a McLaughlin, Heidi (Romance fiction writer). Here with me, 2014: |b title page (Heidi McLaughlin)
670 __ |a McLaughlin, Heidi (Romance fiction writer). Choose me, 2015: |b title page (Heidi McLaughlin)
670 __ |a Facebook, May 13, 2015: |b Heidi McLaughlin, author. About (Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont … During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing … Email: heidi@heidimclaughlin.com) |u https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMcLaughlinAuthor/info?tab=page_info
670 __ |a Goodreads, WWW site, May 13, 2015: |b Heidi McLaughlin (born: Portland, the United States; gender: female ; genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit) |u http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin
PERSONAL
Married; children: two daughters.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and romance novelist.
WRITINGS
Forever My Girl has been adapted into a motion picture, LD Entertainment, 2018.
SIDELIGHTS
Romance novelist Heidi McLaughlin grew up in the Pacific Northwest. In an interview with Michael A. Ventrella for the Michael A. Ventrella website, McLaughlin commented on how she became interested in writing, noting: “When I was little I was an only child for the longest time and my playmates were my aunts and uncles who were older. I had to create worlds to entertain myself when they weren’t around and my grandma always told me to write them down.” McLaughlin’s debut romance novel, Forever My Girl, was first published in 2012 and and has been adapted for film. It tells the story of two high school sweethearts Liam and Josie, and how Liam fills his nights years later with a series of conquests as a rock star but still is in love with Josie.
Third Base
McLaughlin is also the author of “Boys of Summer” series, which begins with Third Base. Ethan Davenport, a third baseman for the Boston Renegades, finds himself having a hard time concentrating on baseball during home games because of the cute girl that is at every game sitting near the third-base line. In the past, Ethan, has had some trouble with women, including unwanted advances after he mistakenly tweets his home address. In addition, one night in a bar he has an encounter with an underage girl whom he thought was an adult.
Meanwhile, it turns out that the girl at the game is named Daisy, and eventually the two start dating. The dating however, does not make it easier for Evan to concentrate, mainly because Daisy has a secret that could end their relationship. Meanwhile, the BoReg Blogger, who released Ethan’s home address, keeps taking shots at Ethan. “The vibrancy of youth shines in this novel about baseball that non-sports enthusiasts will enjoy,” wrote RT Book Reviews website contributor Donna M. Brown. Amy Alessio, writing for Booklist, noted: Third Base “is a good blend of game details and relationship realities.”
Home Run
The second book in the “Boys of Summer” series, Home Run, finds young Cooper Bailey vying to become the starting centerfielder for the Boston Renegades, replacing veteran Steve Bainbridge. Spring training has just begun, and Steve is in no mood to help his competition. When the team takes underprivileged children to the zoo one day, Cooper is smitten with zoo facilitator Ainsley Burke. The two start dating, and Cooper is convinced that this is a relationship that could last.
The realtionship between Cooper and Ainsley, however, soon comes under stress. Ainsley is committed to caring for her dying mother while Cooper is starting out spring training poorly, something which his demanding father will not let him forget. The only bright side to his baseball career is that Steve suddenly seems to take a liking to him and becomes his mentor. When Ainsley’s mother goes to the hospital, the relationship between her and Cooper takes a major downturn. “The baseball team story line adds lively action without overwhelming the enjoyable love story,” wrote Amy Alessio in Booklist. A Publishers Weekly contributor remarked: “This novel will appeal to McLaughlin’s fans and win her many more.”
Grand Slam
Book three of “Boys of Summer” series, Grand Slam, revolves around a scandal. Travis Kidd, who plays left field for the Boston Renegades, has been accused of rape by a fan named Blue. It turns out that Travis, who has a reputation as a playboy, had earlier spurned Blue. Travis, however, has a witness to what really happened in the bar. It is the team’s publicist Saylor Blackwell. The only problem is that Saylor, who is divorced and a single mom, is fearful of coming out with the truth that Blue had threatened Travis after he ignored her advances.
Saylor should have never been in the bar because she was on probation for drunk driving, meaning that she could be sent to jail and lose custody of her daughter. The only reason she was out drinking was because she had become upset after her ex-husband sent her a threatening letter. Another complication arises as well. Saylor once spent a night with Travis in violation of team policy of no fraternization among employees. Meanwhile, Saylor finds herself falling in love with Travis, especially after she sees the connection he makes with five-year-old Lucy. Things get worse, however, when other women begin to make unfounded accusations against Travis. Meanwhile, Saylor’s ex-husband is intent on getting custody of Lucy.
“A first-rate cast of secondary characters bolsters this tale of how lies can destroy lives,” wrote a Publishers Weekly contributor. Noting that McLaughlin’s love “has hit the mark,” RT Book Reviews website contributor Donna M. Brown went on to note that Grand Slam contains “more than one great storyline to capture the imagination.”
Stripped Bare
McLaughlin is also the author of Stripped Bare: A Vegas Billionaire Novel. A Publishers Weekly contributor called the first book in the “Vegas Billionaire” series, “an amusing retake of Pretty Woman,” a 1990 film about a rich man who hires a prostitute to be his companion only to end up falling in love. McLaughlin’s novel features Macey Webster, the single mother of ten-year-old daughter, Morgan. Living in Spokane, Washington, Macey is having a difficult time financially and goes to Las Vegas for a week to make some money as a stripper. She also hopes to bolster her income by playing blackjack.
Unfortunately for Macey, at the blackjack table she loses all of the money she made stripping. However, Finn McCormick, a rich casino owner, has run into Macey. He reminds her that they were once lovers and offers Macey $30,000 to appear with him in public and to be his mistress. Macey is hesitant, but realizes it is a lot of money for one week and she cannot return home with no money. Before long, Finn is falling in love with Macey but is hesitant to proceed because he thinks Morgan is actually Macey’s boyfriend back in Spokane. Meanwhile, Macey allows Finn to keep thinking she has boyfriend to keep Finn from going any further with his feelings for her.
“One of the many reasons this book works so well is that it addresses contemporary issues of financially supporting a life style in different ways, the growing interest in titillating entertainment, and hard raw sexual excitement – with a dollop of nostalgia and tenderness added to the erotica,” wrote Grady Harp for the San Francisco Review of Books website. A Publishers Weekly contributor remarked: “The conflicted hero and unsinkable heroine make a great pair.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, March 15, 2017, Amy Alessio, review of Third Base, p. 30; May 15, 2017, Amy Alessio, review of Home Run, p. 26.
Publishers Weekly, February 6, 2017, review of Stripped Bare: A Vegas Billionaire Novel, p. 52; April 17, 2017, review of Home Run, p. 52; June 26, 2017, review of Grand Slam, p. 163.
ONLINE
A Book Whore’s Obsession, http://www.abookwhoresobsession.com/ (January 16, 2018), “Interview with Heidi McLaughlin.”
Dear Author, http://dearauthor.com/ (December 22, 2012), review of Forever My Girl.
Happy Ever After, http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/ (November 10, 2016), Rachel Blaufeld, “In Bed With a Romance Author: Heidi McLaughlin and Rachel Robinson Have My Heart Pounding,” author interview.
Heidi McLaughlin Website, http://heidimclaughlin.com (January 16, 2018).
Publishers Weekly Online, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (March 13, 2017), review of Third Base.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com (April 4, 2017), Donna M. Brown, review of Third Base; (June 6, 2017), Donna M. Brown, review of Home Run; (August 15, 2017), Donna M. Brown, review of Grand Slam.
San Francisco Review of Books, http://www.sanfranciscoreviewofbooks.com/ (September 27, 2017), review of Stripped Bare.
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.
When she’s isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Roth, in theaters January 19, 2018.
Interview with NY Times Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin
Posted on March 7, 2016 by Michael A. Ventrella
MICHAEL A. VENTRELLA: I am pleased to be interviewing Heidi McLaughlin today. Heidi is a bestselling author now living in Vermont with her family. A movie based on her bestseller FOREVER MY GIRL is currently in production. She’s also got a great story in my “Alternate Sherlocks” anthology coming out soon!Heidi Mc
First, tell us all about your latest book.
HEIDI McLAUGHLIN: My most recent release is called BLIND REALITY, which is Big Brother meets Married at First Sight, a fun little romantic comedy that is very reality-television based. If you’re not a reality TV fan, this book isn’t for you.
VENTRELLA: Romance continues to sell, but it goes through trends like all fiction. What is popular now?
McLAUGHLIN: Probably stuff I don’t write! Everyone loves the Alpha male, the down and dirty smut and shock factor. I like to keep everything mainstream and fun.
VENTRELLA: Do you find yourself writing what is popular or do you just write what you want and hope people will like it?
McLAUGHLIN: I write what I want to write. If I have an idea and I can make it work, I’m running with it. Life is no fun when you’re thinking like everyone else. I want to set the trend, not follow.
VENTRELLA: Do you feel there is a limitation with romance in that it pretty much has to have a happy ending? Or am I mistaken in that?
McLAUGHLIN: No, you’re very on point. In BLIND REALITY, it’s a cliffhanger, albeit it minor one, and people flipped out. Funny enough, when I’ve been asked about it and asked in return why they felt that way, the reader was able to answer their own question. Compared to some enormously huge bestselling novels, my cliffhanger is a blip and barely noticeable. Unfortunately, readers don’t see it that way and I’ve paid the price.
VENTRELLA: Perhaps more than other genres, romance has to have tremendously believable characters. Do you agree? How do you accomplish that?
McLAUGHLIN: I absolutely agree. When people read romance the way to feel like they’re the character being wooed or falling in love. They want to live in the happily ever after and avoid reality of a dirty kitchen, loads of laundry, etc… For me, modeling my characters after people I know or have encountered makes them believable. Every character I write I want the reader to feel like they know them, that they live next door or went to high school with them.6873690_orig
VENTRELLA: What’s the difference between romance and erotica?
McLAUGHLIN: Well that’s a loaded question (excuse the pun). Erotica is heavy behind the doors taboo stuff that you don’t discuss at the dinner table with Grandma sitting across from you even though Gram has probably read a good old fashioned Harlequin in her day. Romance is the light-hearted can’t-wait-to-tell-you-about-my-day happy stuff… most of the time.
VENTRELLA: What’s your opinion of FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY?
McLAUGHLIN: E.L. James hit the market when women needed something new to sink their teeth into. Erika is a marketing genius.
VENTRELLA: Have you ever had to censor yourself where you think you may have gone too far?
McLAUGHLIN: No, I’m fairly tame and am often told I need more detail with certain scenes.
VENTRELLA: Why do you think more men aren’t reading romance?
McLAUGHLIN: I have a contingent of male readers and my husband has even read JR Ward! I think some men are just afraid of what those pages hold.
VENTRELLA: What is the biggest misconception people have about romance novels (and romance novel writers)?
McLAUGHLIN: That writing is a hobby, or we’re just writing porn.
VENTRELLA: How did you first become interested in writing?
McLAUGHLIN: When I was little I was an only child for the longest time and my playmates were my aunts and uncles who were older. I had to create worlds to entertain myself when they weren’t around and my grandma always told me to write them down.1003461
VENTRELLA: How much of writing is innate?
McLAUGHLIN: Writing is a craft. you have to learn, process and repeat. No one is “good” out of the gate.
VENTRELLA: What is your writing process? Do you outline heavily or just jump right in, for instance?
McLAUGHLIN: I’ve never outlined. I take notes, and write. I’m a chapter by chapter and never out of order. If I have a scene in mind I’ll write it down and save it, but chances are I never come back to it.
VENTRELLA: Do you find yourself creating a plot first, a character first, or a setting first?
McLAUGHLIN: Lately, it’s been the plot first. I hate naming my characters so I tend to do that last. But show me an image, song, or something on the news and I can give you something to work with.
VENTRELLA: Writers are told to “write what you know.” What does this mean to you?
McLAUGHLIN: To me that means – don’t think outside the box. I’m glad I didn’t listen because I write a Navy SEAL series that I absolutely love, but I’m not in the Navy, nor have I even been though BUD/s. If we only wrote what we knew, we’d be boring.
VENTRELLA: What criticism of your work do you disagree with the most?
McLAUGHLIN: When people tell me how I should’ve ended a story, or assume they know my characters better than I do.
VENTRELLA: How did you get started? What was your first story or book published?
McLAUGHL3312058IN: I wrote a manuscript (my 3rd actually) and shared it with my friend who encouraged me to publish. My first story was FOREVER MY GIRL, which is slated to start production for the big screen this year.
VENTRELLA: Do you think it is important to start by trying to sell short stories or should a beginning author jump right in with a novel?
McLAUGHLIN: Short stories are fun, like the one we’re doing, but serial novels tend to make the reader wait too long for the conclusion. I do prefer a novel though.
VENTRELLA: Do you think short stories are harder to write than novels?
McLAUGHLIN: For me, yes, especially, when you’re limited on a word count.
VENTRELLA: In this market, with the publishing industry changing daily, how important is the small press?
McLAUGHLIN: Every press is important, but you can get lost with the big ones and just become a number. As with anything small, you’re always on their mind.
VENTRELLA: What sort of advice would you give an un-agented author with a manuscript?
McLAUGHLIN: Believe in yourself and the process. It does work. My first MS I queried 45 agents all to be told no, so I published and hit USA the next week and half those agents came back to work with me.
VENTRELLA: What’s the worst piece of writing advice you ever got?
McLAUGHLIN: That social media doesn’t sell books.8811796
VENTRELLA: What’s the best piece of writing advice you ever got?
McLAUGHLIN: Never give up.
VENTRELLA: What advice would you give to a starting writer that you wish someone had given to you?
McLAUGHLIN: Do not trust everyone you come in contact with, and do not share your story with you FB bestie. Keep your work close to your heart and invest in your craft.
VENTRELLA: Who do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?
McLAUGHLIN: I love paranormal romance, but also contemporary. However, Nelson DeMille is my favorite author.
VENTRELLA: What projects are you working on now? What can we expect next from you?
McLAUGHLIN: Right now I’m finishing up SAVE ME, which will come out April 5th – it’s a Navy SEAL novel, and I’ll be writing my manuscripts BLOW (Virtuous Paradox 1) and LEFT FIELD (The Boys of Summer 2).
In Bed With a Romance Author: Heidi McLaughlin and Rachel Robinson have my heart pounding
By: Rachel Blaufeld | November 10, 2016 12:00 am
The other day I was thinking about this column and my forever love of reading. I’m not sure if you knew this or not … before I was a writer, I was a clinical social worker.
So when I see a story with a broken character, I can’t help but want to dive into the pages and put him/her back together. These are some of my most favorite reads. The ones where I want to cry or scream or yell for someone to figure it all out.
More often than not in the depths of pain and suffering, love is found.
Blow by Heidi McLaughlinLike in Heidi McLaughlin’s latest book, Blow.
I admit this cover drew me in on NetGalley, but the story blew me away. McLaughlin always takes me on an epic journey, and this one is no exception.
Bodhi McKnight is a hot star, the face of Virtuous Paradox, the most recent band to climb the charts. On stage he sizzles, but behind the curtain, he’s falling apart. He’s surrounded himself with the wrong people and succumbed to the lure of cocaine.
Destined for destruction, his family and band manager refuse to allow it, and Bodhi lands in a treatment facility, forced to face his demons. Sweet Kimberly, daughter of the clinic director, is assigned to make sure Bodhi is comfortable. Instantly, there is something there, but it’s rehab … Bodhi has a hard road ahead of him.
Kimberly stays by Bodhi’s side, guiding him with patience. She’s honest and steady unlike anyone else in his rock band world. Through her, Bodhi learns to be a better man. But can their feelings survive the challenge of meeting in rehab and what comes after?
I can’t tell you! You need to go on the journey and get blown away all on your own. So much more than a rock-star romance, Blow is about the power of connection and the spirit of the heart in healing of emotional wounds.
Black and White FlowersMy rescue fantasy must have been in full bloom this week because next I read Black and White Flowers by Rachel Robinson. Flowers is the story of Carina and Smith, both equally broken and tormented.
Carina is stuck in a loveless, emotionally painful and physically abusive relationship. Sadly, she’s found herself in the same position her mom found herself in years ago. The first chapter had me wringing my hands.
An interesting twist: Carina’s only escape are the novels she writes under a pen name.
Until she meets Smith Eppington, a Navy SEAL, wearing the scars of his deployment. His appearance may be jagged, but his soul is kind. He volunteers to help Carina with the background she needs for her latest novel. Through this, a bond forms and Carina is compelled to leave her horrible situation.
Smith, equally intrigued by how Carina makes him feel, makes a few life-altering decisions of his own.
Over time, the pair slow-burn into something else altogether, and the way their story comes out is unique and refreshing. Not a light read, the angst and pain build in this book. A real white-knuckler and heart-pounder … just the way I like it!
Rachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger-turned-romance author. Her obsessions include running, coffee, icing-filled doughnuts, antiheroes and mighty fine epilogues. She is the author of the Electric Tunnel Series and Redemption Lane, and can be found at rachelblaufeld.com or on Twitter (@rachelblaufeld).
MORE ON HEA: See more of Rachel’s posts
rock star romance, Indie romances, Recommended reads, Top stories
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Interview with Heidi McLaughlin
I was so excited to sit down and chat with Best Selling author Heidi McLaughlin and discuss books, writing, and those Beaumont Boys. Read on to see what she had to say about everything from where’s she’s going to be signing this year, to her favorite reads, her favorite sex scene, and why her trailers kick a** …
1. In case any of our readers aren’t familiar with your work, sum up for us quickly what you have clickable right now, please …
Hot Navy SEAL who is ready to fight dirty for the love of his life (Here With Me)… and on the other side, we have hot band members waiting to meet you (The Beaumont Series).
2. What order should your Beaumont Series be read in?
Forever My Girl, My Unexpected Forever, Finding My Forever & the prequel for those who enjoy that type of story, Finding My Way. There is a novella, My Everything that can be read after Forever My Girl, and a new one coming out 2/1 called 12 Days of Forever that should be read last.
3. Your Here With Me trailer caught my attention right away (if you haven’t watched it – do it HERE!). The cover is phenomenal, but that trailer! Ahhhh! I’ve heard the book is fantastic and it’s on my “immediate TBR”! What inspired it?
Our Navy SEALs, our military, the men and women who fight for the luxuries our country has. The wives and families. I wanted to give readers something different than The Beaumont Series.
4. I’m guessing book boyfriends you write are like kids – you can’t pick just one. But if I asked you to, what would you say?
Toughest question ever! I’m partial to Harrison James (My Unexpected Forever) he’s very easy to write. And also Evan Archer (Here With Me), but him and I are spending a lot of time together lately.
5. Writing a novel must take a lot of time. How long does it take you from inspiration to completion?
That depends on my life schedule. If I have nothing going on and am able to write every day, 6-8 weeks before I send it off for edits. I like to allow myself three months though for comfort and no stress.
6. When you’re not writing, what do you like to read?
Paranormal and contemp romance.
7. What do you have coming up this year?
I just finished the novella 12 Days of Forever. I’m working on a novel for my agent. I’ve started writing the sequel to Here With Me, called Choose Me. And the 5th Beaumont novel will take us back to Liam and Josie, My Kind of Forever!
10922429_1064721446877685_3204425493739972784_n
8. What’s your favorite word?
Nice!
9. What’s your favorite sex scene that you’ve written?
Harrison & Katelyn on the motorcycle!
10. Let’s talk Beaumont for a minute – is it more sweet or sexy? Sensual or rough? YA or contemporary?
Swexy, sensual and definitely contemporary
11. Sometimes my favorite characters in a book are NOT the lead character! Who are the secondary characters in the Beaumont Series?
The kids are fabulous! Noah, Peyton, Elle & Quinn are total scene stealers and really round out the “adults” in the series.
12. Here With Me looks like a heartbreaking, gut-wrenching novel. Will I need tequila?
Body shots are available with Evan if need be.
10689931_1003256479690849_670312037149064063_n
13. Evan and Nate in Here With Me – break them down for me.
Twin brothers, both are SEALs, both in love with the same woman.
14. Do you use muses? If so, who are your book boyfriend muses for your work?
Stephen Amell (and he knows he’s the muse) for Liam Page, David Beckham for Harrison James, Brandyn Farrell for Jimmy Davis (Beaumont Series). Brant Daughtry for Evan Archer. Henry Cavill for Nate Archer.
NOTE: She’s not kidding …
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15. Where can we stalk … I mean find you?
Where am I not? Facebook, email (heidi@heidimclaughlin.com), Twitter , Pinterest, and TSU. PM me, I’ll answer.
16. Convince me to pick up Beaumont in 15 words or less:
WATCH THE TRAILERS! Haha Ever want to get lucky with a musician? This is your chance!
Forever My Girl – Watch HERE
My Unexpected Forever – Watch HERE
Finding My Forever – Watch HERE
17. Sell me on Here With Me with 15 words or less (and they cannot be WATCH THE TRAILER because that’s not fair!)
LOL! : WATCH THE TRAILER!!! (Watch HERE.)
6 years ago my love died, he’s back and I’m about to marry his brother.
18. Are you doing any signings this year?
I’ll be in Boston (April) Tulsa (May) Mystic CT (June) Portland OR (July) Authors in the OC (October) Philly (November)
19. What’s your favorite way to communicate with readers on social media? (FB, TSU, TWITTER, Pinterest, whatever):
Facebook is the easiest and best way!
20. What’s your favorite scene to write – funny, angsty, emotional, angry?
I love trying my hand at comedy, but it doesn’t always work. I tend to gravitate toward the angsty emotional side of things.
Thank you, Heidi, for spending a little time with me this morning! I’m probably going to spend another 10 minutes watching that Here With Me trailer – it just gets my attention!!! I think it’s going to be my next fun read! 🙂
-Cara
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Print Marked Items
Grand Slam: Boys of Summer, Book 3
Publishers Weekly.
264.26 (June 26, 2017): p163+.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Grand Slam: Boys of Summer, Book 3
Heidi McLaughlin. Forever, $14.99 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-1-4555-9831-1
Readers who don't object to the premise of McLaughlin's third Boys of Summer baseball contemporary
(after Home Run) will enjoy its handling of thorny legal and ethical conflicts. The Boston Renegades are
shocked when left fielder Travis Kidd, who's known for being a playboy, is accused of rape by a spurned
fan named Blue. Travis's publicist, single mother Saylor Blackwell, knows the story's a fake: she was in the
bar that night, reeling after a threatening letter from her ex, and heard Blue's threat to damage Travis's
reputation after he rejected her advances. If Saylor comes forward, she will admit to violating her probation
for drunk driving two years earlier, and could go to jail and lose custody of her daughter; if she admits that
she and Travis had a one-night stand, she might lose her job because of her boss's strict anti-fraternization
rules. Still, can she let Travis be convicted of a crime he didn't commit? Saylor fights her attraction to
Travis but finally caves in--and is immediately charmed by his ease with five-year-old Lucy, not to mention
his sense of humor and genuine caring for others. When other women make baseless accusations against
Travis and Saylor's ex tries to get custody of Lucy, the obstacles to happiness seem insurmountable.
McLaughlin is careful not to downplay actual assault or imply that false rape claims are common, but the
focus on them may nevertheless put some readers off. A first-rate cast of secondary characters bolsters this
tale of how lies can destroy lives. Agent: Marisa Corvisiero, Corvisiero Literary. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Grand Slam: Boys of Summer, Book 3." Publishers Weekly, 26 June 2017, p. 163+. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A497444370/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=6e56848d.
Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A497444370
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Home Run
Amy Alessio
Booklist.
113.18 (May 15, 2017): p26.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Home Run. By Heidi McLaughlin. June 2017.336p. Forever, paper, $14.99 (9781455598274); e-book,
$4.99 (9781455598281).
The second book in McLaughlin's Boys of Summer series (Third Base, 2017) focuses on rookie Cooper
Bailey. He is trying to earn his spot against a popular center fielder and does not want the distraction of a
girlfriend during spring training. But Cooper can't help himself when he meets zoo employee Ainsley on a
media outing, and their few dates show him that they could be a lasting couple. Ainsley is devoted to caring
for her dying mother, but she can't stop thinking about Cooper, who comes under pressure after a poor start
to the spring season, which provokes his demanding father. When Ainsley's mother enters hospice, the
couple fights as their stress reaches a boiling point. Their breakup leaves them both miserable. The baseball
team story line adds lively action without overwhelming the enjoyable love story. Sports romances are a
popular trend, and this is a strong addition to the subgenre.--Amy Alessio
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Alessio, Amy. "Home Run." Booklist, 15 May 2017, p. 26. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A496084774/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=befa1b4d.
Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A496084774
12/21/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1513877661116 3/5
Home Run
Publishers Weekly.
264.16 (Apr. 17, 2017): p52+.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* Home Run
Heidi McLaughlin. Forever, $14.99 trade paper (336p) ISBN 978-1-4555-9827-4
McLaughlin knocks it out of the park with her second Boys of Summer sports contemporary (after Third
Base). Ainsley Burke, raised by a single mother who's always warned her daughter about the danger of
falling for an athlete, has sworn not to date the baseball players who train in her Florida hometown. Then
Cooper Bailey, a player for the fictional Boston Renegades, comes to town. While on a media day at the zoo
where Ainsley works, Cooper asks Ainsley for her number. She refuses, but her coworker slips him the info,
and Ainsley and Cooper begin a red-hot relationship. Soon, though, Cooper's game starts to worsen--and his
overbearing, obnoxious father blames Ainsley, leaving the lovers to make some tough choices. This novel
goes above and beyond the typical sports romance with a hot, complex hero and a gutsy, multidimensional
heroine, as well as a stellar cast of supporting characters. McLaughlin keeps the pace lively throughout, and
just when readers think they have the finale figured out, she throws them a few curveballs. This novel will
appeal to McLaughlin's fans and win her many more. Agent: Marisa Corvisiero, Marisa Corvisiero Literary
Agency. (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Home Run." Publishers Weekly, 17 Apr. 2017, p. 52+. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A490820802/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=07183672.
Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
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Third Base
Amy Alessio
Booklist.
113.14 (Mar. 15, 2017): p30.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Third Base.
By Heidi McLaughlin.
Apr. 2017. 272p. Forever, paper, $14.99 197814555982361; e-book, $3.99 (9781455598243).
McLaughlin launches her Boys of Summer series with third baseman for the Boston Renegades Ethan
Davenport. Ethan has made some dumb mistakes: tweeting out his home address and mistaking an underage
girl for an adult at a bar. It doesn't help that the BoRe Blogger continues to post snide remarks. Ethan is
ready for a fresh start this season, but the cute woman who sits near the third-base line every single game is
making it hard for him to concentrate on baseball, and he is even more distracted when they start dating.
Daisy is reserved, and they take things slowly as it becomes clear that she has a secret that could cause them
to break up. Even though readers may be able to figure it out, they will still be invested in the happiness of
this couple. Sports romances are hot; look to Kate Angeli, Deirdre Martin, and Stephanie Evanovich, and
this is a good blend of game details and relationship realities. Readers will look forward to reading more
about the Renegades in future books.--Amy Alessio
Alessio, Amy
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Alessio, Amy. "Third Base." Booklist, 15 Mar. 2017, p. 30. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A490998471/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=af5b6886.
Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A490998471
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Stripped Bare: Vegas Billionaires, Book 1
Publishers Weekly.
264.6 (Feb. 6, 2017): p52.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Stripped Bare: Vegas Billionaires, Book 1
Heidi McLaughlin. Loveswept, $4.99 e-book
(224p) ISBN 978-0-425-28526-8
The first book in McLaughlin's (Home Run) new series, an amusing retake of Pretty 'Woman, entertains
with blistering physical desire and witty banter amid high-stakes personal conflicts. Macey Webster is a
struggling single mom in Spokane, Wash., and supporting her 10-year-old daughter, Morgan, is her utmost
responsibility. She hopes to earn much-needed funds through an arduous week of stripping in Vegas and a
few rounds at the blackjack table, but she loses all her earnings on one bad turn of the cards. Wealthy casino
owner Finn McCormick, vaguely recalling that they were once lovers, offers her $30,000--if she'll be his
public date and private mistress for a week. Macey reluctantly agrees, as going home broke is not an option.
Finn, who mystified himself by making the proposition, soon has to admit that their kinky lovemaking has
an underpinning of romantic connection. But there are stumbling blocks to moving forward: Finn thinks
Morgan is Macey's boyfriend back in Spokane, and Macey does not correct him, fearing what will happen if
Finn realizes Morgan is his daughter. The conflicted hero and unsinkable heroine make a great pair in this
sexy contemporary. with a heart of gold. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Stripped Bare: Vegas Billionaires, Book 1." Publishers Weekly, 6 Feb. 2017, p. 52. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A480593857/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=8a335add.
Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A480593857
Romance / Contemporary Romance / General Contemporary Romance
Image of Grand Slam (The Boys of Summer)
RT Rating:
Genre:
Romance, Contemporary Romance, General Contemporary Romance
Sensuality:
Hot
Published:
August 15 2017
Publisher:
Forever
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Amazon:
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BOOK REVIEWS
All Genres
Top Picks!
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Historical Fiction
Romantic Suspense
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Paranormal
Fantasy
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Inspirational
Mainstream
Science Fiction
Series
Erotica
RT Review Source
RT RATINGS GUIDE
5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: TOP PICK. Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
GRAND SLAM
Author(s): Heidi McLaughlin
McLaughlin has hit the mark with her third Boys of Summer novel. There’s more than one great storyline to capture the imagination in Grand Slam. Lucy is especially charming with her antics, adding humor to what could be a bleak situation. The conflicts are developed and blend well with the cast of characters.
Travis Kidd is the star left fielder for the Boston Renegades. He runs into a major problem when a woman he meets briefly in a bar accuses him of rape. Although a known womanizer, he swears he never touched Blue. Saylor Blackwell is handling the public relations for Travis once the allegations are public. In the past, Saylor and Travis had a one-time encounter, which she regrets. However, there’s more on her plate now than just navigating Travis’ bad press. Her ex-husband Elijah has decided to disrupt their five-year-old daughter life by asking to meet Lucy for the first time. As Saylor and Travis work together on the case, she realizes the ballplayer is being railroaded. Soon he is spending more time with her and Lucy, and even becomes the father that Lucy never had. While things are getting rough for Travis on the legal front, Elijah is making trouble for Lucy and Saylor at home. (FOREVER, Aug., 352 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed by:
Donna M. Brown
Image of Home Run (The Boys of Summer)
RT Rating:
Genre:
Romance, Contemporary Romance, General Contemporary Romance
Sensuality:
Hot
Published:
June 6 2017
Publisher:
Forever
BUY NOW!
Amazon:
Buy Now
Barnes & Noble: Buy Now
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and purchase an item from the vendor, we receive a percentage of the profit (even if you don't buy the item we've linked to). Thank you for supporting RT Book Reviews!
BOOK REVIEWS
All Genres
Top Picks!
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Historical Fiction
Romantic Suspense
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Paranormal
Fantasy
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Inspirational
Mainstream
Science Fiction
Series
Erotica
RT Review Source
RT RATINGS GUIDE
5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: TOP PICK. Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
HOME RUN
Author(s): Heidi McLaughlin
Warning: this book requires tissues. Although this could be dismissed as just a baseball tale, it’s much more than that. It’s a lovely, well-written love story involving the importance of friends and family. There’s plenty of angst to accompany the sweetness and sexiness. Several close friends play important roles as the novel unwinds and tie things together until the end. McLaughlin’s second Boys of Summer title hits a homerun.
Cooper Bailey is the aspiring centerfielder for the Boston Renegades. They are just beginning spring training at their Fort Myers camp. His main rival for the position is veteran Steve Bainbridge, who isn’t much help in the advice department. One team activity involves taking a group of underprivileged children to the zoo. The tour day arrives, and Cooper is immediately impressed with zoo facilitator Ainsley Burke. As warmups for the season begin and Cooper is not doing well either batting or fielding, he is amazed to find Bainbridge beside him in centerfield offering sage wisdom. The relationship between Cooper and Ainsley heats up rapidly until his father’s narrow mindedness and her mother’s cancer interfere. Both had unfortunate past experiences with their love lives — will they be able to move past that? (FOREVER, Jun., 336 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed by:
Donna M. Brown
Romance / Contemporary Romance
Image of Third Base (The Boys of Summer)
RT Rating:
Genre:
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Sensuality:
Hot
Published:
April 4 2017
Publisher:
Forever
BUY NOW!
Amazon:
Buy Now
Barnes & Noble: Buy Now
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and purchase an item from the vendor, we receive a percentage of the profit (even if you don't buy the item we've linked to). Thank you for supporting RT Book Reviews!
BOOK REVIEWS
All Genres
Top Picks!
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Historical Fiction
Romantic Suspense
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Paranormal
Fantasy
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Inspirational
Mainstream
Science Fiction
Series
Erotica
RT Review Source
RT RATINGS GUIDE
5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: TOP PICK. Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
THIRD BASE
Author(s): Heidi McLaughlin
The vibrancy of youth shines in this novel about baseball that non-sports enthusiasts will enjoy for the sweet love story and the relationship Daisy and her grandfather share. Tissues might be necessary. There’s a liberal sprinkling of non-fictional players throughout that piques interest. The effect of aging on players is well-documented.
Ethan Davenport is third baseman for the Boston Renegades, and his own worst enemy. The BoReg Blogger prints any and everything it can dig up about the team, so his home address was fodder for the blog. He cannot take his eyes off the girl sitting beside an empty seat — along the opposing first baseline. He contrives any way possible to meet the attractive young woman, finally taking control by throwing her a ball to get her attention. A pizza date is the result, where his main goal is to prove he doesn’t deserve his wild reputation. Her name is Daisy and the empty seat belongs to her grandfather, who apparently taught her everything she knows about baseball. The snipes in the blog escalate, much to the chagrin of team members. Everyone believes there must be a leak inside the clubhouse. (FOREVER, Apr., 272 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed by:
Donna M. Brown
Third Base: Boys of Summer, Book 2
Heidi McLaughlin. Forever, $14.99 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-4555-9823-6
MORE BY AND ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
McLaughlin’s second Boys of Summer contemporary sports romance (after Home Run) is as irresistible as an ice pop on a hot day. Told completely from the point of view of the hero, Major League Baseball player Ethan Davenport, it allows a frank examination of the different ways that men and women fall in love. When Ethan, who plays for the mythical Boston Renegades, first spots innocent Boston University student Daisy Robinson, it’s love at first sight. Sure, he’s slept with half the women in the Boston area, but Daisy is different. As he’s falling for her, Ethan becomes ever more irritated by an anonymous blog that explores all the most private details of his life. When he finds out Daisy is behind it, the shock may prevent this jock from ever opening his heart again. At the beginning of the book Ethan seems like a callous womanizer, as the story evolves he is revealed for who he really is: an imperfect yet thoughtful guy who adores his three-year-old niece and everyone else in his family, a man who will do a favor for an elderly friend and not think twice. Daisy is adorably flawed and incredibly loyal. McLaughlin’s strong characters, skillfully plotted story and authentic baseball lore will leave readers eagerly awaiting the third book, out in May. Agent: Marisa Corvisiero, Corvisiero Literary. (Apr.)
DETAILS
Reviewed on: 03/13/2017
Release date: 04/04/2017
Open Ebook - 288 pages - 978-1-4555-9824-3
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Book Review: 'Stripped Bare' by Heidi McLaughlin
Vermont author Heidi McLaughlin is a prolific writer and a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. Her genre is Chick Lit – a designator no longer considered ‘fluff for gals’ but instead in this age when most books are read on the go in one of the many tech formats, these stories are meant to be fast action romances with a taste of raw that provides solid entertainment as well as stimulus for putting spice in life. One of Heidi’s novels has been optioned as a film – so that informs us that this level of reading is growing rapidly in popularity.
One of the many reasons this book works so well is that it addresses contemporary issues of financially supporting a life style in different ways, the growing interest in titillating entertainment, and hard raw sexual excitement – with a dollop of nostalgia and tenderness added to the erotica.
Insight into the life of a stripper comes at us in the first paragraph – more sensitivity than expected - ‘The stench of deep fry emanates from my clothes. I hate the smell and I know the other girls can smell it, but I ignore the looks they’re giving me and hustle through the dressing room to my locker. The older women and the ones who have been stripping here longer always look down on the younger girls and the newbies. I’m somewhere in the middle. I stripped here when I was younger, during my first trimester with my daughter, and then again after she was born when I had my figure back. Actually, stripping helped me tone as a result of all the pole work that I had to do. I took some time off after that, but I always come back because the money is fast and somewhat decent. Each time I leave, though, I say that it’s for good and that was the last time and yet a few months later, I always find myself back again, knocking on Lew’s door and asking for my spot in the rotation back. Girls come and go around here, and in this business you can’t expect to make a lasting connection with anyone.’
Las Vegas and ‘they don’t call it the Strip for nothing’ The synopsis outlines Heidi’s story well – ‘In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off. Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets. Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.’
Sizzle, sparkle and very fine writing make this a satisfying quick read. Heidi has it down pat. Grady Harp, April 17
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this
Editor's note: This review has been published with the permission of Grady Harp. Like what you read? Subscribe to the SFRB's free daily email notice so you can be up-to-date on our latest articles. Scroll up this page to the sign-up field on your right.
December 22, 2012
REVIEW: Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin
JaneC- REVIEWSContemporary / New Adult / Rock-Star / self-published11 Comments
Dear Heidi McLaughlin:
I really wanted to read this book after reading the blurb and hearing Tori from SmexyBooks raving about it. I asked for a review copy and you kindly sent me one. I suspect that my discontent with the story will be a lone voice because there is a lot in the story that will likely appeal. However, I really struggled connecting with the female protagonist and felt the male protagonist was an emo stereotype.
Liam and Josie were high school sweethearts and went to college together, with every intention of settling down together at the completion of college. Liam decides he wants to abandon football and pursue music and cannot have any entanglements of his past interfering with his future. He breaks up with Josie one night and runs off, never to contact her or their two best friends for ten years. It isn’t until his former best friend’s death that he returns to his hometown to face Josie and all that he left behind.
To say that Liam does not grovel enough is an understatement. He does absolutely no groveling. I’m not sure he is even sorry for his actions. Sure, he is sad that he did not speak, email, text or have any contact with his former best friends, but ten years later, he still maintains that it was the right thing because Liam is too weak to be able to handle contact with anyone associated with Josie. I’m sure I am supposed to see this as a sign of his great love for her, but it came off as self absorbed.
I changed my cell phone number because she wouldn’t stop calling. I had to make a clean break and Mason was part of that. She and Katelyn were best friends and he’d tell her where I was and what I was doing. It was better this way.
In the intervening years, Liam has become a huge rock star and still loves Josie but soothes his broken heart with a string of one night stands from female concert goers. Liam has not respect for these women (or for any woman who is not Josie or Katelyn).
Forever My Girl Heidi McLaughlinHe is constantly running down the women he had slept with in the past and those that show up at his gigs. Girls that sleep with him one night and then expect more are dumb asses. “I didn’t pick you for your brains.” Women who wear short skirts at bars “just shows how easy they are.” The slut shaming felt extreme in this book. Where was Liam’s self shame and disgust at his own actions? His only feelings of regret had to do with the fact that the women he was sleeping with where not his one true love.
Why wasn’t the question asked about whether he respected himself or women in general? When one of the women he had a two night stand with announced she may be pregnant, he flees and treats the resultant miscarriage with relief.
She suggested marriage; I freaked and flew to Australia to learn to surf.
She miscarried two months in. I made a vow that we’d keep things professional from that point on and that is when I started my one night stand routine. Despite everything, she still loves me, and is waiting for me to change my mind.
The good girl that resists and the bad girl that wears short skirts and flirts at concerts are bright lines in this novel and perpetuate this concept that women deserve to be treated differently based upon their attire. A girl can wear a short skirt and flirt at a bar without being “easy” or not worthy of respect.
Then there was Josie who has never stopped loving Liam but has a serious boyfriend and fiance in Nick, a local pediatrician. When Liam returns after a ten year absence, there is no question as to who is going to win out in the love triangle. The protracted dance of uncertainty was disappointing, particularly when Josie fails to act as an adult and make a proactive decision about her love life.
This story is heavy on the emotional angst as Josie thinks constantly about how Liam broke her heart but how Nick is better for her. Liam internally rages against Nick and plots on how to win Josie back. It is a reunited lovers story with the added benefit of Liam as the rock star.
I can see this appealing to the crowd that is looking for the NA type books. The characters are in their late 20s but it still felt young. I liked the alternating first person point of view. I have a feeling I might be the odd person out but I didn’t like or respect either character. C-
Best regards,
Jane