ARC Review: My Unexpected Love by Heidi McLaughlin

My Unexpected Love is the second book in the Beaumont Next Generation series by Heidi McLaughlin. While this could technically be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading Holding Onto Forever before this one as I think it will help the reader really understand the characters better here. That being said, it isn’t necessary to read it or the Beaumont series to enjoy this one. 

This is Elle James and Ben Miller’s story. They have been best friends since they met in high school, and Ben has been in love with her just as long. While he has loved her, they have only ever been friends. But after a tragic accident in which she almost lost her sister, Elle hasn’t been the same. Struggling to cope and move forward with her life, Elle turns to parties and alcohol and Ben finds himself unable to help her. So when he gets the chance to head to New York for an opportunity, he realizes that it’s a chance for a new start. 

I will admit that I struggled with Elle here. I found it hard to relate to her, and honestly I found it hard to understand her. I do see how almost losing her sister would be a life changing event that would be cause for some of what she was going through, but honestly that only goes so far with me. She was very self absorbed and it didn’t get much better as the story went on. I felt so badly for Ben an all that he went through with her, trying over and over. He was fantastic. He deserved better than what Elle put him through. If there was one really high point for me in this story, it was absolutely Ben. 

Overall, I liked how things ended here and Ben is worth the read. I just wish that I had been better able to relate to Elle. It was great to see familiar faces though and I love the Beaumont world that Heidi McLaughlin has created. I think fans of this world will enjoy My Unexpected Love and should give this one a shot. While this wasn’t my favorite of Heidi’s, it was worth the read and I always look forward to Heidi’s books.

**ARC Provided by Buoni Amici Press**

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ARC Review: Holding Onto Forever by Heidi McLaughlin

I feel like I have been waiting for this book since I first read the Beaumont Series by Heidi McLaughlin. I was always curious about the kids and wanted their stories, but Noah and Peyton were always my favorites. You could just tell there was something there, and I couldn't have been more excited when I found out they were getting their story written. 

Peyton Powell-James and Noah Westbury both had clear paths for their futures since they were kids. They both knew that football would be a part of their lives, and they each worked hard to make that a reality. Noah is now the starting quarterback for the Portland Pioneers and has a beautiful girlfriend, while Peyton has just been given an important assignment to cover a professional game from the sidelines. But when an accident changes everything, both Peyton and Noah are forced to rethink where their lives are headed and both know it might finally be time to discuss what has always been between them. 

I loved these two. It was so clear that they belonged together and that they just needed to let each other know how they really felt. Their feelings were never their problem, it really was just a matter of talking to one another and communicating things. I do feel like they were absolutely meant to be though, and I loved the strong connection that they always had. Peyton and Noah both meant so much to one another, and even if they weren't together you could tell just what the other one was to them. They had great chemistry and an undeniable bond. 

Overall, it was a great story and I really loved seeing this next generation grow up and come into their own. If you have read the Beaumont series, you will love getting to see favorite characters again and how things have progressed for each of them. This book can be read as a complete standalone though, so if you haven't read those books you don't need to in order to understand this one. I will say though that for full enjoyment I would recommend reading the Beaumont series. Not only is it great, but you really get to see how everyone got to where they are and just how deep the connections between them are. I can't wait for more from Heidi McLaughlin and this is one I definitely recommend.

**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**

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ARC Review: Forever Our Boys by Heidi McLaughlin

Forever Our Boys by Heidi McLaughlin is a sort of check in for Beaumont fans. This short novella mainly features the wives of our favorite 4225 West rockers. It also sets up her new spin-off Beaumont Next Generation series. If you have enjoyed the Beaumont series, you will want to check this one out. 

With Katelyn and Jenna now living in California, they don't get to see Josie as often as they would all like. When their husbands basically push them out the door, the girls leave the kids at home with their guys and head out for a much needed vacation of girl time and visiting with their best friends.

It was great to check in with our favorite characters and see what was happening for each of them. I loved that we got to see how each family's HEA was progressing. I have loved all these characters and their husbands as well as children, so it was nice to be able to look into their lives after their books finished. I will warn readers that this one is short and leaves you on a cliffhanger, anxious for more. It leads perfectly into Holding Onto Forever, which is Peyton and Noah's book. I can't wait to get their story and see how our favorite kids from Beaumont get their own HEAs, just like their parents. If you haven't read the Beaumont series by Heidi McLaughlin, I definitely recommend it. Especially before the spin-off series and before Forever My Girl the movie comes out.

**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**

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ARC Review: Play Room by Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover

Play Room is the third book in the Society X series by Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover, but each book is a standalone story. I do recommend reading them all in order if possible though as you do get to see some familiar faces along the way and I have really enjoyed each book in this series. This book was a little more tame than the first two were, but I still really liked it and think fans of the series as well as new readers will like this one. 

Society X only has a few rules: no names, no numbers and everything is to remain anonymous. Kai is looking for something with no strings and knows the club is the best way to go. His current job has an expiration date and he doesn't need any complications. Alexandria is a virgin with very little experience looking to explore her sexuality and desires. But when their club lives and the real world collide, what will that mean for them? 

I really liked both Kai and Alex. They had a great connection and chemistry and I thought that they were so good together. Each of these two had their reasons for going to the club and yet they were both on the fence about it. I loved that they were a bit vulnerable and that we got to see them come into their own as they got to know one another. Like I said before this book was a bit more tame than the previous books and I liked that there was a sweetness as well as steam to the story. 

Overall, this was another great installment in this series. I really liked Kai and Alex, and the secondary characters here. Heidi and Leslie are a great writing team and I really like that their stories are so seamless. They haven't disappointed me yet and I really hope that they continue to write together as well as individually. These two are some of my favorite authors and I can't recommend this series or their books enough.

**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**

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ARC Review: Sexcation by Heidi McLaughlin

I was immediately drawn in by the blurb of Sexcation by Heidi McLaughlin. It really had me wanting to read this story without giving much information at all. While there was a lot of promise here and some enjoyable moments, this wasn't my favorite book of Heidi's. I still think that a lot of readers will enjoy it though and if it sounds like one you might like it's worth checking out. 

Jade and Jackson are on a week long vacation, and when they meet they are each looking for an escape from their lives. They decide to spend the week together with some great sex, but no details about each other, including names. But what happens when their time together is over and things aren't as easy as they thought they would be to walk away from? 

I did like these two, though I will admit that I struggled a bit at times with Jade. She was very emotional at times and that made it hard for me to connect with her. I liked Jackson and felt like he was a good guy, but again I felt like I couldn't connect with him. I just felt like there wasn't much that I could relate to or feel invested in with these two, and that had my interest waning as this book went on. They did have some good banter and some cute moments, but I just had a hard time finding much to really care about here.

I also felt like things were a bit repetitive at times, with Jackson constantly having to prove himself and Jade making things beyond complicated. There were a few surprises here and I did enjoy those. So while this one wasn't entirely what I was looking for or hoping it would be, there were several things that I did like. This one unfortunately though was just okay and wasn't great for me. I still think it is worth the shot though as a lot of other readers seemed to really love this one.

**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**

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ARC Review: Stripped Bare by Heidi McLaughlin

Heidi McLaughlin is one of those authors that I always jump at the chance to read. While I have had issues with some of her books, I always enjoy the stories. Stripped Bare had a super sexy cover and I couldn't wait to read it after reading the blurb. But once again while I wanted to love this one, there were some things I had problems with.

Finn is used to keeping things casual and living in a world full of one night stands. But when he comes across an old fling at a casino in Vegas, he can tell that she is down on her luck. Macey went to Vegas to try and earn money to support her daughter, but after blowing all her money on blackjack she needs help more than ever. When she runs into Finn, the guy that once broke her heart, she would like nothing more than to return the favor. But when he offers to pay her debts in exchange for some time around town and between the sheets she can't turn it down. 

A big part of my issues here were the characters. They were just pretty blah for me. There wasn't anything new or special about them, and I didn't feel like I could relate to them or like I was invested in their story. They weren't memorable, and the whole time I was reading this story I just kept thinking how similar this book felt to other stories that I have read or seen the movie of. It just felt a bit too Pretty Woman to me, only it couldn't touch the original. There were just too many scenes and things that were way too similar for my liking. 

Overall, I really wanted to like this story but unfortunately it was just okay. It wasn't anything new or memorable, with things too predictable and similar to so many other well loved stories that frankly I felt like did it better. I have had some issues with Heidi McLaughlin books recently, and while I would read more from her in the future I think I might take a break from her for awhile. If this one sounds like something you might like though, you might try giving it a shot.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin

LOVE ISN'T A GAME . . .

I’ve given up everything for the chance to play major league baseball. Everything. Now I’m so close I can practically hear the crowd chanting my name. There’s nothing that could take my dream away from me . . .

Unless I lose focus. And Ainsley Burke is the most beautiful, distracting woman I’ve ever met. When I’m with her, I can’t think of anything else.

But no matter how much I want Ainsley, there’s no room for love in my game plan. I can give her a quick tour of the bases, but that’s it. Then I have to let her go. If she wants to think I’m a love ’em and leave ’em player, fine.

All dreams require sacrifice. I just wish this one didn’t mean tearing out my own heart.

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Guest Post with Author Heidi McLaughlin and Giveaway

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in 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 Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

ARC Review: Grand Slam by Heidi McLaughlin

Grand Slam is the third book in the Boys of Summer series by Heidi McLaughlin. Each book is a standalone story, so don't worry about starting here if you haven't read the previous books. Fans of the series will recognize familiar faces though, and I think will enjoy this one. I will say that those that have read the previous books will notice that this book has a bit of a different feel than the previous books. This one focuses less on the sports aspect than its predecessors, though you do still get some. 

Travis enjoys his life and all that being left fielder for the Boston Renegades means. But the one woman that he wants is the one that wants nothing to do with him. When Travis finds himself in a legal jam though, he knows that Saylor Blackwell is the woman he wants on his side in more than one way. But can he make things right with her when there are so many obstacles standing in the way? 

I liked these characters a lot. Travis was great, sexy and sweet. He knew exactly what he wanted and there is something super hot about that. Saylor had been through a lot and I really felt for her. I will say that there were a lot of things she did that while I understood them, I didn't like them. These two had a connection though, and I really felt that what they had was worth fighting for. While I liked the two of them for one another though, I really struggled with Saylor at times and she was part of what kept me from really loving this story. 

Overall, this one was a good read and there were several things that I liked about it. But while I liked it, I still had some issues with the story and the characters. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed, which left me on a bit of a sour note. I do think that this series is worth reading and fans of the previous books will enjoy seeing familiar faces as well as getting to meet some new ones. If this one sounds like one you might like, I recommend giving it a shot.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin

Home Run is the second book in the Boys of Summer series by Heidi McLaughlin. Each book is a standalone, though they are interconnected. This series centers around the members of the MLB team, the Boston Renegades with this being Cooper and Ainsley's story. Cooper is a rookie center-fielder and Ainsley is a zoo attendant. While I did struggle with this one at times, I have to say that I liked it better than the first in the series. 

Finally having a shot at the majors, Cooper Bailey knows that he needs to focus on his game and getting through spring training. Though he can't afford to have any distractions, he finds himself drawn to Ainsley Burke. Soon they are spending all their time together, and his game begins to suffer. But can he make the choice between the game he loves and the girl that he can't get out of his mind? 

I had some problems connecting with these two, and while I liked them at times I never felt fully invested in them. Not that they weren't likable, there was just something about them that held me back. The attraction between them was instant, yet Ainsley pushed Cooper away constantly. I think that is part of what really kept me from loving these two. She seemed immature at times and it just never really got there for me. They were hot together, but I felt like their connection wasn't entirely genuine. Things felt rushed at times, yet would drag at others. 

Speaking of pacing, the story itself felt just like their relationship with some parts dragging and others seeming to move far too quickly. There was so much back and forth, and they spent so much time apart. But then they jump right back in and things were serious and strong and it just didn't feel quite right. While I really enjoyed the beginning and was hopeful, the middle and end of the story kept this one from being one I loved and made it just okay for me. While I have liked Heidi's books in the past and love sports romance stories like no other, this series so far has been one that just hasn't quite clicked for me. If you like sports romance or this one sounds like something you might like, I recommend giving it a shot. There are a lot of people who seem to really love this series, so it could just be a case of this one being me.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Feature: Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin

Meet Heidi McLaughlin author of Home Run.

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in 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 Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

ARC Review: Blow by Heidi McLaughlin

Blow is the first book in the new Virtuous Paradox series by Heidi McLaughlin. I have really enjoyed past books from McLaughlin, but I have to admit that this book didn't quite hit the mark for me. I was a bit underwhelmed with this one, and hope that things get better as this series continues. 

Bodhi is an addict, sent to rehab to get clean or be kicked out of his band, Virtuous Paradox. There he meets psychologist/counselor Kimberly Gordon. Though Bodhi finds it hard to trust, he also knows that he is drawn to Kimberly. As Bodhi tries to get clean, things begin to heat up between him and Kimberly. But what happens when Bodhi leaves rehab and returns to the world of rock and roll? 

This was a definite case of insta-lust/love, and it didn't really work for me. While I did see the attraction, I never felt the connection. There wasn't a spark or any real passion to me, and it just didn't feel real. Bodhi was almost instantly better, and that didn't feel believable to me. Addiction is a process to overcome, and it felt like he never really dealt with that and it was just brushed aside as the focus of the story shifted to romance. I also felt like Kimberly acted in ways that didn't feel believable, and while this is fiction, it just didn't seem like how someone in her position would actually behave. I tried to let part of that go and just enjoy the story for what it was and the forbidden nature of their relationship, but without being able to really feel any connection or chemistry between them I just couldn't let some of that go. 

Overall, I struggled with this book and really wanted to love it even though I couldn't. I did enjoy the fact that this was dual POV and we got to see both Bodhi and Kimberly's thoughts and feelings. I always love when a story gives readers both POVs because I think that it really helps to connect with the characters in a way that isn't possible otherwise. Unfortunately I never felt fully invested in this story and thought it was just okay when it could have been so much more. I am interested to see where this series goes, but I think that the next story will need to be a bit more realistic and give the reader more of a connection between the characters for this series to be one that readers love rather than just somewhat enjoy.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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