Winning with Him

Men of Summer Series, Book 2

By: L. Blakely, Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Jacob Morgan

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Performed by Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton, the emotional, intense, and sexy romance Winning with Him is the second novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series!

Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again.

The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist.

A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever.

But how do I become the man I want to be...with him or without him?

Trouble is, I can't seem to get Declan out of my head, even if I stand to lose everything I've worked for my entire life...

Winning with Him is book two in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series and should be listened to following Scoring with Him. This romance between two professional athletes spans five epic years.

©2021 Lauren Blakely Books (P)2023 Lauren Blakely Books

Love Grant and Declan

Picking up from that very cruel cliffhanger in book 1, Scoring With Him. Grant has fulfilled his dream of becoming an MLB catcher and has accomplished so much in very little time- a World Series win and a new business venture. However, Declan realizes that he needs to work on the demons of his past if he's ever going to move forward. With the support of their friends and family, Grant and Declan both begin to address the issues that prevented them from being a public couple.

As Grant & Declan begin to work through their issues, they find themselves leaning toward one another, not that they've been far from each other's thoughts. And just as you begin to think that they're going to wake up and realize what you've known all along, Lauren throws us a curveball and ramps up the angst! I was torn between wanting to knock one upside the head while feeling devastated for the other.

Let's talk about the narration. #Jeddy are my favorite MM couple. Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton never fail to bring life to the characters they narrate, and Grant and Declan were exceptional. I love that Lauren writes with the narrator's in mind, and the story of these two men is meant to be told by Jacob and Teddy. Now to wait to see what Lauren has in store for them in All in With Him.

Another home run

Lauren+Teddy+Jacob+hot athletes=pure joy! I love everything about this series, these characters, and this pair of narrators. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for future projects.

The Beautiful Love Story Continues

Thoroughly enjoyed the growth, patience and relationship development of two main out characters. Each owning their personal truths.

I love everything about this book

I love these two so much and the narrators are phenomenal! Growing up without the holidays them in my immediate family. This book means a lot to me and I can’t wait to read their second book

Love it!

This one had me talking back (out loud) as I listened. Jacob Morgan was so good in this story. Of course, my favorite Teddy (Mr Hamilton) never ceases to give an amazing performance. Great story, great ending.

Obsessed with this Series

The character development, the storyline, the spice. It’s all *chef’s kiss! Declan and Grant are two of my favorite characters and it’s a fun escape book especially if you’re a sports fan.

Such a sweet story!!

Sometimes the best things are the things you have to work the hardest for in both life and love. Our story begins with Grant and Declan on opposite sides of the country. They are both on uncertain footing and longing for the other, but unable to meet in the middle. Time passes and each one dives deep into their careers to cover the loss of the other. On and off the field, Grant accomplishes all he set out to do, but a piece of him remains missing. Declan finally starts to realize what drove them apart, what he really wants in life, and what he has to do to make it right. Years have passed, but his passion and love remains the same. Will it remain for Grant too?

Catch the 2nd part of this amazingly sweet love story that will bring a smile to your face, warm your heart, and possibly steam up the windows too. With winning narration from Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton, this will be a favorite in your library. A light and sweet story, with a characters you can’t help but love, plus a story that won’t let you put it down, Lauren Blakely hits it out of the part with this one!

Chemistry and Heart

Lauren has always created characters that have amazing chemistry, and Grant and Declan are no different. The dialogue in the Men of Summer series is humorous and heartfelt, and it sucks you into these characters’ stories. As always, Teddy and Jacob’s narrating is excellent — these actors bring this story to life and perfectly capture the essence of these men!

Lethally addictive; so amazing

First of all, I think I might be ruined. The passionate sex that Lauren Blakely writes is the most sizzling-hot sex I’ve ever vicariously had. And this book is about so much more than sex. It’s done me in, I fear.

But first, I have to say that I could not write a review for the first book, “Scoring With Him.” I try to write positive reviews when possible, and the ending of that book made me want to throw my phone against the wall just as hard as Grant did. I was pissed. I felt let down. I was scared that I might not be able to trust this author. When I read a romance, I need a HEA. Jus’ sayin’. I mourned, to be honest. I was THAT invested in this story. But please, do read on.

So, no review for the first book. It was fantastic, but only when combined with this one. The two stories need to be folded into one work. That’s just my angle. I have to admit that emotionally, I wasn’t prepared for this series. For some reason, Declan and Grant push all my buttons: Romance, Lust, all of it. I have been thrown into a tizzy over these two. Literally. I think about this story all the TIME.

But now… Holy hell. Book two. Book two makes it all better. I think I might live after all. No. MORE than simply live. I feel like I will be a survivor. A warrior. A lover? To be honest, this whole story INSPIRES me. Yes, it’s drama. Yes, it’s story. Yes, it’s entertainment. But this one goes deeper. Much deeper.

This second book in the series makes up for the anger and angst I felt at the end of the first one. I LOVE THIS series.

Now, as for the narrators. OMG. I think that was part of the problem I had with all of this. Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan, with their amazing talent—they’re spectacular. And don’t get me started about when they intone low and deep in their sexy, sultry tones. I swear those guys probably cause orgasms just by talking.

Now… on to book three. “All In with Him.” It starts now.

Sometimes a book is a fun escape….

…and sometimes a book touches you on a deeper level and sticks with you after it ends.

This series might be the best M/M romance I’ve read/listened to. I love these men!

I’m not a gay man and I don’t know any professional baseball players. I don’t know if this is a realistic depiction of their behind the scenes life. I do know these characters feel real to me. Lauren Blakely has written believably and with sensitivity the experiences of being closeted; coming out, the first time and again in each new job or social situation; having family who are not supportive and accepting, or who get it wrong even when they mean well; making choices about who to tell, and when, and how; and how we are different around people we know are “safe”, the comfort, relief, and relaxation to just be, knowing you won’t be judged for who you love. It is written so well, easily and naturally, as part of the story. It isn’t heavy handed or preachy. It’s just there. So well done.

Serious props to Ms Blakely from this middle-aged suburban lesbian. These stories have the power to do more than entertain. They can change the world one reader/listener at a time. Someone with the writing skill to do it well and the influence to get it in front of eyes/ears is a real ally/asset/advocate for our community. I hope Lauren Blakely continues to write these stories. We need more like them, more like her. I’m old enough to remember how it was and to be grateful for every baby step toward making that fictional world of acceptance a reality.

Teddy and Jacob hit it out of the park again with their performances. It is a joy to listen to narration by truly skilled and talented voice actors.