Third Base: Boys of Summer, Book 2

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.)