Fast Ball

The Diamond Boys #1

by Gigi Love

He’s a jaded baseball pitcher. She’s never even seen a baseball game. They don’t make any sense together, but they can’t seem to stay apart…

DYLAN BATES

So close.

I was so close to skipping college and heading straight to the major league.

But my best just wasn’t good enough, I guess.

And now, I am headed to college to prove that I’m good enough all over again.

I’d hate my life a lot more if it weren’t for Kayla Maron.

She knows nothing about baseball.

Or me.

My life is baseball.

But maybe? It could be more.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Baseball

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2023

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ sports romance
Series ~ The Diamond Boys #1
Publication date ~ March 15, 2023
Page Count ~ 39
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ college, baseball, journalist, very minimal steamage

Dylan & Kayla
Dylan’s dreams of going pro right out of high school are thwarted when he suffers an injury, so it’s off to college where he meets Kayla.
Kayla is a reporter for the school newspaper on assignment to interview star player, Dylan.

This is a super quick read, so I won’t say too much. They’re both so sweet and cute, and I loved their blushing during the interview. The support of what each other wants out of life was nice to see in young adults.

Side note ~ quite the muscles on this cover fella

*Thanks to the author and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 1 out of 5]

0✯

-insta lust
-dual POV
-no ow/om drama
-non virgin heroine 😩
-experienced hero (sometimes he sleeps with his fans)
-separation - after they had sex the h ghosted the hero for a week
-no cheating or scenes with OP
-the heroine was not the type of heroine I like - the day they met the hero invited her to see him play, she went to see him and after the game was over they decided to go out for a few drinks but while they were on their way to the bar she asked him to take her to his place instead 🤢, then they had sex and as soon as they were finished she left him because she 'wasn't girlfriend material' 🙄
-the hero was beta and a bit of a hoe and I still liked him more than the heroine
-lame epilogue: 2 years later -no marriage, no kids, no pregnancy...
----------

“Is this how you get all the guys? Picking them up in interviews? Wearing sexy black dresses and asking to come back to their apartments?” She laughs and says, “No, but it is how I’m going to get you.”

**********

I was not expecting for her to just run away right after sex with me. I want to make a teasing joke again, but maybe I misread the situation. Maybe this is all that she showed up for, really.

**********

I have so much to do and prove in my career. I don’t want to be mediocre; I want to be exceptional. Of all people, I know that Dylan would understand. I cannot be a girlfriend.

**********

“At least let me walk you out.” “No that’s okay,” she assures me. “I had a great time. Thank you for inviting me.” She doesn’t come close to me. Doesn’t kiss me. Doesn’t even offer a hug goodbye. I respect her space. I don’t push her. But I just have never seen someone bolt so quickly after sex. Not even my one night stands have ditched this abruptly. It makes me feel like shit.

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Me encanta jugar a la pelota universitaria. Me encanta la energía del equipo. Me encanta mi imagen en la pantalla grande. Me encantan las gradas y verla sentada ahí mirándome.
Estoy justo donde debo estar.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




Fast ball de Gigi Love serie The Diamond Boys libro 1

Argumento:

Es un lanzador de béisbol hastiado. Ella ni siquiera ha visto un partido de béisbol. No tienen ningún sentido juntos, pero parece que no pueden mantenerse separados...

DYLAN BATES

Tan cerca.

Estaba tan cerca de saltarme la universidad y dirigirme directamente a las ligas mayores.

Pero lo mejor de mí no fue lo suficientemente bueno, supongo.

Y ahora, me dirijo a la universidad para demostrar que soy lo suficientemente bueno de nuevo.

Odiaría mi vida mucho más si no fuera por Kayla Maron.

Ella no sabe nada de béisbol.

O de mi.

Mi vida es el béisbol.

¿Pero tal vez? Podría ser más.



Mi humilde opinión:

Gigi Love trae un romance deportivo en la universidad con dulzura y algo de steamy.

Kyla entrevista al jugador de baseball Dylan y tienen una conexión instantánea. Todo hace click para ellos muy rápido y hay un momento de dudas por parte de ella pero me encantó cómo al final lo resuelve.

Es una lectura sin dramas, cortita, linda, la disfruté.

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers* Dylan has been playing baseball since he was three years old. He was set up to get drifted in the first round right after highschool, but plans changed because he broke a finger and decided not to sell himself short and attend college, also he is conflicted about it and wants it all. Kayla is on the college school paper and knows she has to earn her place and it might take a while. She has no knowledge about baseball but shall interview a new player, Dylan. He invites her to his first game. There is something special about her, she does not know the pressure and how high he was ranked, which makes him feel very comfortable with her. He wants to get to know her, being intrigued by meeting her and learning about her passion for journalism. Love never fitted into Kayla’s plan and has not happened to her until now.She is very ambitious and focused on her career. But somehow between Dylan and her, as unlikely as it seems, it is more than just fun and it makes her back off. Will she be able to see she does not have to chose?
Dylan and Kayla really are a sweet and driven couple. Also their passions are difference, they both are very passionated and really show interest and respect for the other. Dylans grudges about attending college are gone and he is lucky that fate brought Kayla into his life. This is a short story with a great storyline and characters, it is touching. I want to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Kayla Maron has a plan and that is to be exceptional and she isn’t willing to let anything get in the way of her dreams so when she is sent on assignment to interview Dylan Bates the college baseball star the last thing she was expecting was to be attracted to him in a way that she has never felt before or agreeing to a date, never before has she ever been interested in baseball and had no idea how the interview would even go, and she certainly wasn’t expecting to be going to a game. It’s a night to remember for many reasons but is Kayla ready to give love a chance or is her career all she wants?

Dylan Bates was heading straight for the pro baseball league and had no plans to attend college he was ready to be a star but his plans had to change after an injury and that is how he found himself being interviewed by Kayla. She is unlike any girl that has met before and for once his sole interest isn’t baseball but a girl who has walked away from him like what they have shared was nothing. Will Dylan get the girl or is baseball all he has in his future?

I find these short stories of Gigi Love’s are adorable and short enough to read during my lunch break. 4* read.

[Moni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first work of the author's that I've read & I wouldn't mind reader a full length novel from them. It is book 1 of The Diamond Boys and is a standalone. The synopsis tells you exactly what to expect. It's a very short dual pov sports romance.

Because the novella is only 8 chapters that can be read in minutes, there's not much to add that the synopsis didn't already reveal. Kayla & Dylan are both dedicated to their respective future careers - journalism for her & baseball for him. Although different subjects, they are able to recognize the passion in doing what one loves in each other. That makes it easy for them to connect. There's no drama as the story is over before it really begins so this is perfect readers who are in a slump &/or want something that won't make you think much.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan was an up and coming baseball star but and injury made him step back and play College ball instead. He's glad he did or he never would have met Kayla. She was writing a piece for the school paper.
Kayla was asked to interview Dylan Bates on the baseball team, which she knew nothing about the sport. After the game, the sat and she asked her questions but in the process they started flirting. One thing led to another and that was it for the two of them.
Kayla thought she made a mistake and ignored her feelings for him but in the long run, she knew she was wrong and went to see him play.
Dylan always played a good game but with Kayla there cheering him on he succeeded.
She did great articles for the school paper and Dylan did great. The were the perfect team.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pipas Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, Fast and Sweet!!
It was such a cute read. This story is about Dylan Bates, a college baseball player with a successful future in sight, and Kayla Maron, an inspiring journalist.
These two meet because Kayla has been assigned to interview him, and let me just say, I loved how she kept blushing and getting shy during the interview. I also loved how the tables turned on Dylan being the blusher in the next chapter, getting nervous like never before.
It's such a short book that you can read it in one sitting, but it still doesn't feel rushed or leave you unsatisfied. Fast Fall was my first book from this author but it sure won't be the last! Totally recommend!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Ball is a fast college romance that take Dylan from the top dog, to fighting for his spot and Kayla determined to the best even as a freshman.

Dylan was slated to go pro out of high school when an injury pushed his dream back. Not wanting to go to college, Dylan found his path. Kayla was in journalism, at high school she was at the top now in college she finds herself swimming up stream.

This a sweet and heated romance, but also show that characters the reality of life and sometimes you have to start over.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an injury keeps him out of the majors right after high school, Dylan finds himself a freshman at college. At least he’s doing what he loves, playing baseball.
Kayla is tasked with interviewing Dylan. She is a shy freshman journalist, trying to figure out how to be a small fish in a big pond.
After cocktails, things get steamy. But she knows a relationship could derail her whole train. Can she figure out the truth?
This is a fast instalove sports romance. Perfect lunch break story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Dylan and Kayla’s story, Dylan us a jaded baseball pitcher, who has an injury which derailed his plans for the big leagues and is now attending college. Kayla is a junior reporter for the school newspaper, and she is assigned to interview Dylan, but she does not know anything about baseball or him. This is a well written story which is a quick read, college romance, which is an easy, entertaining, and steamy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, fun baseball romance. Dylan is the famous college baseball player while Kayla is the write for the college newspaper. When he gets close she freezes up and runs. But once she figures everything out, they find their happily ever after.

Great short, steamy read. This is a quick read. Can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s supposed to bypass college to play in the majors but one tiny injury sees him attending his parents old college. When a beautiful junior reporter for the school paper comes to interview him, he realises that maybe this college thing won’t be so bad after all.
Sweet, spicy, super quick instalove with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and quick read that is cute. The story is about a baseball player and a journalist, both passionate about their careers. Kayla is sent to interview the newest player on the team and knows nothing about baseball. Dylan was being recruited by the big boys until an injury now he has taken a slightly different path. Dylan and Kayla are great with loads of chemistry. I enjoyed their short story but wanted more.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star short read

Gigi Love has done a fantastic job with Dylan & Kayla's story. She's there to interview him for the college paper, knows nothing about baseball or who he is. His life is baseball but meeting Kayla has him thinking maybe there's more. Their attraction is undeniable, can Dylan convince Kayla they deserve a chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Dylan and Kyla's book. He was so close to skipping college and heading straight to the major league. But it wasn't good enough. So now, he's headed to college to prove he's good enough all over again. He'd hate his life a lot more if it weren’t for Kayla Maron. She knows nothing about baseball. He's all about it. But somehow they work. An intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Veronica Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one, it was a straight to the point romance and it was short and sweet, the characters were good together and the story played out nicely. I can’t wait for another one. I love a good sports romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this quick story about Dylan and Kayla. She a journalist for the school newspaper. He's a star baseball player. He is headed to college to play after an injury. She is assigned to interview him after his first game. They hit it off.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Gigi Love; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Diamond Boys Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Kayla & Dylan.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[lissyloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a baseball sports romance. It is about Kayla and Dylan. Kayla is a college journalist and Dylan is a college baseball player. It is an insta romance. It is a very short and quick read. It has a hot and steamy scene. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan

When Dylan gets an injury and can't become a baseball star he decides to play for college. Kayla is asked to interview him for a paper and when they sit down to talk they go from interview to flirting. She tried to deny her feelings for him, but can't resist and goes back to cheer him on at a game. Together they're a match.

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

C'est assez compliquer de s'attacher à une relation qui se crée sur deux semaines et pour laquelle on a un épilogue qui a lieu après une ellipse de 2 ans… Maintenant, je ne vais pas jeter la pierre, j'ai apprécié ce que j'ai lu mais j'ai un gros gout de manque. C'est comme regarder la bande annonce d'un film et ne le trouver nulle part car le tournage a été annulé…

[Bailey (Myveinsbleedink) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. I liked the characters they both had drive and commitment to be the best in their fields…no pun intended.
I actually could’ve seen this as a full novel and not just a novella. I haven’t read a full length baseball story but maybe it’s time.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Dylan and Kayla. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, desire, fear of relationships and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lillah Cruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was quite a page turner. For a short story, it has just enough of all the right things you need for a good story. Grab a copy you won’t be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TELA666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its fine for what it is, a 20 minute read with a blurb that explains it all. There is some sweet flirting and 1 probably realistic yet lacking action scene.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read. I definitely enjoyed reading it and loved Dylan. Definitely shorter and more of a palate cleanser but still good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this college romance of learning to take life in strides, not to rush. But to experience the ups and downs that life will always give you, and to enjoy your time with someone you love.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic series starter from Gigi Love. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is adorably sweet and cute. It’s a quick little hour read, perfect for a lunch break. It will send you back with your heart light and giddy. All the feels!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.