Third Base

March 13, 2017
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.

March 15, 2017
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 Angell, 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)