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Nashville Spicy #4
The Batter's Box
When you swing for the fences, you risk it all . . . Nate The game is all that matters. It's all that's ever mattered. I've dreamed of wearing a big-league jersey since the first day I grasped a baseball. Now I'm so close. Playing in the minors has been a blast, but I know I'm ready. Then Cooper appeared in the tunnel one night after a game. He's unlike anyone I've ever met - all wild hair and dimples, with a passion for numbers and a heart of gold. Being around him makes me forget all my worries, even when a batting slump threatens everything. Cooper People can be weird. Sometimes they say one thing that means something important, but they don't tell me that it's important because they want me to figure it out for myself otherwise it won't be a lesson learned or something stupid. Other times, they say the exact same thing using the exact same words but don't mean what they meant before and expect me to understand both meanings and know which I'm supposed to get. What's with that? Sorry, I kind of ramble when I get excited or happy or sad . . . or really into something . . . like, a lot. I mean, I ramble a lot, not get really into things a lot. Although, I can get really into things a lot sometimes. Um, I did it again, didn't I? Anyway. My grandmother took me in when I was little. When she died, and I had to tell those named in her will of their inheritances, my world tilted. Sam, a mechanic who'd helped Grammy with Pop's old car, was on the list. He inherited a car, but I gained so much more, a pair of amazing friends in him and his partner, Miguel. Then they took me to a baseball game . . . How can meeting one man make my legs feel like jelly and my heart thump like a helicopter? The Batter's Box is a slow-burn, nerd / jock mm sports romance where two men following very different roads converge on the path to happiness. If you like warm, fuzzy romances that make your toes curl, good-natured, snarky banter, and wild-ride emotional rollercoasters with authentic characters you want to know in real life, you'll love this book .
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
137 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Casey Morales
51 books411 followersCasey Morales is an LGBT storyteller and the author of multiple bestselling MM romance novels. Born in the Southern United States, Casey is an avid tennis player, aspiring chef, dog lover, and ravenous consumer of gummy bears.
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June 30, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
The Batter’s Box is book four in the Nashville Spicy series by Casey Morales. This was an unexpectedly swoony, wonderful story of finding the love of your life, found family and living life the best way you can.
Nate Stringer loves baseball. Since he was just a young boy, it’s been all he’s ever wanted to do. He is now playing in a triple A minors team and he just knows he is ready to go that next step to the majors. Nate has always known he was gay. But his coach and team manager are what he calls old school, in other words, you stay in the closet. Which he is, deeply. I think Nate is around twenty six or twenty seven years old. He has been on his current team for five years.
Cooper Hawk is nearly twenty eight. I’ll just tell you that I am madly in love with Cooper. On the outside, you would think he was a bit of a geeky nerd. Cooper loved numbers and that’s what he did for a living. When he got nervous, his mouth sort of just took off and you never knew what he would say next. It was so cute. Coop was raised by his grandparents, and later, just his grandmother. They were very close. I want to add that Cooper maybe was partially a nerd but there was so much more to him and I loved discovering it right along with Nate.
So the base of this story is that Coop loses his grandmother. It’s his job to notify certain people of what they inherited which brings him to Miguel, Sam, Gabe and Tyler. Which in turn brings him to the baseball field where he meets Nate. These two kind of have that first electrical meeting where you can almost feel the chemistry between them. And at a time when Cooper felt like he didn’t have anyone, he suddenly found himself in the middle of a new family and they enveloped him immediately. It was so cute how Miguel and Sam were kind of the parents of the group.
I loved these two together, really I loved them all as a family. I loved the effect they all had on Cooper. The only real issue I had was a couple of things that confused me. He and his grandmother were so close. She had been his world. So I didn’t understand how he didn’t know she had died. That the lawyer told him. And that he had no idea whatsovever at the immensity of her wealth. Also, I was confused with Miguel and Nate’s relationship. They lived in the same town. They had been close at one point, Miguel as Nate’s sort of mentor. But now they hadn’t seen each other in years. Regardless, I loved how they jumped right back in to being close. It just confused me as to how they hadn’t seen each other in so long.
This was a slow burn but it worked for Nate and Coop. And I loved seeing that other side of Coop, the brave, self assured man. And I think that Nate helped to bring that out of him. I also want to add that this took a couple of unexpected turns which I loved. What I thought was going to happen, didn’t happen which was such a surprise. I’ve gotten to the point where I often feel I can predict where a book will go but that wasn’t the case at all.
This was a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Just those couple of questions I had often ran through my mind. But I loved the found family that these men created and I adored Cooper and Nate together. The last book in this series, book five, is Buckeye. I have actually already read it. It was what drew me to this series. It’s an absolutely wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
“This was what living felt like, and I wanted to live forever.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
The Batter’s Box is book four in the Nashville Spicy series by Casey Morales. This was an unexpectedly swoony, wonderful story of finding the love of your life, found family and living life the best way you can.
Nate Stringer loves baseball. Since he was just a young boy, it’s been all he’s ever wanted to do. He is now playing in a triple A minors team and he just knows he is ready to go that next step to the majors. Nate has always known he was gay. But his coach and team manager are what he calls old school, in other words, you stay in the closet. Which he is, deeply. I think Nate is around twenty six or twenty seven years old. He has been on his current team for five years.
Cooper Hawk is nearly twenty eight. I’ll just tell you that I am madly in love with Cooper. On the outside, you would think he was a bit of a geeky nerd. Cooper loved numbers and that’s what he did for a living. When he got nervous, his mouth sort of just took off and you never knew what he would say next. It was so cute. Coop was raised by his grandparents, and later, just his grandmother. They were very close. I want to add that Cooper maybe was partially a nerd but there was so much more to him and I loved discovering it right along with Nate.
So the base of this story is that Coop loses his grandmother. It’s his job to notify certain people of what they inherited which brings him to Miguel, Sam, Gabe and Tyler. Which in turn brings him to the baseball field where he meets Nate. These two kind of have that first electrical meeting where you can almost feel the chemistry between them. And at a time when Cooper felt like he didn’t have anyone, he suddenly found himself in the middle of a new family and they enveloped him immediately. It was so cute how Miguel and Sam were kind of the parents of the group.
I loved these two together, really I loved them all as a family. I loved the effect they all had on Cooper. The only real issue I had was a couple of things that confused me. He and his grandmother were so close. She had been his world. So I didn’t understand how he didn’t know she had died. That the lawyer told him. And that he had no idea whatsovever at the immensity of her wealth. Also, I was confused with Miguel and Nate’s relationship. They lived in the same town. They had been close at one point, Miguel as Nate’s sort of mentor. But now they hadn’t seen each other in years. Regardless, I loved how they jumped right back in to being close. It just confused me as to how they hadn’t seen each other in so long.
This was a slow burn but it worked for Nate and Coop. And I loved seeing that other side of Coop, the brave, self assured man. And I think that Nate helped to bring that out of him. I also want to add that this took a couple of unexpected turns which I loved. What I thought was going to happen, didn’t happen which was such a surprise. I’ve gotten to the point where I often feel I can predict where a book will go but that wasn’t the case at all.
This was a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Just those couple of questions I had often ran through my mind. But I loved the found family that these men created and I adored Cooper and Nate together. The last book in this series, book five, is Buckeye. I have actually already read it. It was what drew me to this series. It’s an absolutely wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
“This was what living felt like, and I wanted to live forever.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 11, 2023
⭐️ 2 stars ⭐️
I liked the premise of the book, low angst cute romance, but it fell a little flat for me. It was entertaining at times, but predictable and boring the rest. It presented with too much filler, too long interactions with side characters I know nothing about and have no impact on the main couple really.
It had potential of being a good rom com style romance, but the lack of character development and actual plot made this read a miss for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the premise of the book, low angst cute romance, but it fell a little flat for me. It was entertaining at times, but predictable and boring the rest. It presented with too much filler, too long interactions with side characters I know nothing about and have no impact on the main couple really.
It had potential of being a good rom com style romance, but the lack of character development and actual plot made this read a miss for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Where do I start with this one? I loved the characters. If a book doesn’t have strong characters or characters I care about, I’ll put it down. Cooper and Nate are two of my favorites. The plot was great. The author, who I’m going to put on my to read list from now until the end of the summer, did a great job with giving us the happily ever after without falling into the same old tropes with pro athletes.
We’re introduced to Cooper in the first chapter who just comes across as very odd person. He’s one of these characters that a reader needs to warm up to. He’s just doesn’t fit in, and the author does a wonderful job at getting that across. He hasn’t really found his niche in the world, or at least the reader doesn’t know about it yet.
Cooper gets word that his grandmother has died. She was the one who took him in after his mother decided that she couldn’t or wouldn’t take care of him anymore. She was his world and it devastated him. Part of the terms of her will was that Cooper had to deliver in person the news of her death and to tell the recipient of what his Grammy left them in her will. In doing this, Cooper found out a lot about her that he didn’t know. She was a huge baseball fan. She helped out a woman who was taking care of her imprisoned daughter’s five children and so on. He had no idea.
Cooper meets Sam Prescott who was his grandmother’s baseball buddy. She left him her Bel Air because he ran an auto shop. I’m not a car person, but I googled it and they’re pretty sweet. She also paid off his mortgage and purchased all his leased equipment. In addition to this, she bought him a suite at the local baseball park.
We are introduced to the other supporting characters which include Sam’s partner Miguel who used to be a baseball player. It’s through Miguel we are introduced to Nate. Miguel and Nate were friends from when Miguel was still playing and Nate is playing for the hometown Nashville Sounds, which is a real minor league team.
Nate isn’t out to anyone, not even to Miguel. Cooper and Nate’s relationship develops over the baseball season. It’s a slow burn and it’s very sweet. They end up together at a music club where a friend of Nate’s is performing. It’s Nashville so everyone there is trying to get a record deal. Cooper was there with Sam and Miguel. Cooper volunteers to stay behind with Nate to watch his friend perform. Cooper rambles on as he usually does, and the author gives Nate the perfect line to sum up his growing affection for Cooper: “I’d never met anyone who could baffle and intrigue me all in one elongated, unpunctuated sentence.”
As I said earlier, the author doesn’t play into the usual trope of the main character getting outed. One character on the team does get outed and is traded because the ownership of the Sounds is portrayed as very conservative. That’s another reason that Nate doesn’t come out during the story. He does come out to his friends and eventually his parents. As for the baseball side, he gets kicked off the team because of his poor playing in the Minor League Championship Game. The Nashville Sounds are in the highest level of the minor leagues and there are levels below them, but Nate’s agent couldn’t find a place for him anywhere. His baseball career was effectively over. However, this story has a happily ever after ending.
Cooper worked in the numbers side for one of the largest hospital corporations in the nation. He hated it. The first few chapters describe how horrible his office life was. He was also a black belt in Tae kwon do. He completed the test to become a Master. I’m not sure what level because I didn’t understand a lot of the terminology and that’s my fault and not the author. It’s a very high level from my reading. One of the other masters asked him to buy her dojang, which is a training school. It would require him to move to Memphis.
Earlier in the season, the Sounds played an exhibition team called the Memphis Mangoes. Google the Savannah Bananas if you want an idea of what the Mangoes look like. As I said, we get our happily ever after. Nate’s agent got him a place on the Mangoes. So, we have Cooper and Nate leaving the nest and flying away together in love.
Usually this is where I say I want more of these two, but I think this is a pretty perfect ending. There are three other books in this series. Two feature characters from this one. I’m not sure about the first one, but it’s going on my to-read list very soon.
One thing I really want to bring up is that I loved the fact that there is so much diversity in this book. We have biracial couples. One couple consists of a deaf person and his husband who can hear. We also have Annie, a 70ish year-old woman who was best friends with Cooper’s Grammy and used to be on Broadway as the godmother of the group. We don’t get this in too many MM romances. We get stereotypical white gym bunnies and that’s about it. I love it when I find a new author, at least for me, who shatters the tired old tropes. Thank you Casey for this book! Can’t wait to devour the others!
Where do I start with this one? I loved the characters. If a book doesn’t have strong characters or characters I care about, I’ll put it down. Cooper and Nate are two of my favorites. The plot was great. The author, who I’m going to put on my to read list from now until the end of the summer, did a great job with giving us the happily ever after without falling into the same old tropes with pro athletes.
We’re introduced to Cooper in the first chapter who just comes across as very odd person. He’s one of these characters that a reader needs to warm up to. He’s just doesn’t fit in, and the author does a wonderful job at getting that across. He hasn’t really found his niche in the world, or at least the reader doesn’t know about it yet.
Cooper gets word that his grandmother has died. She was the one who took him in after his mother decided that she couldn’t or wouldn’t take care of him anymore. She was his world and it devastated him. Part of the terms of her will was that Cooper had to deliver in person the news of her death and to tell the recipient of what his Grammy left them in her will. In doing this, Cooper found out a lot about her that he didn’t know. She was a huge baseball fan. She helped out a woman who was taking care of her imprisoned daughter’s five children and so on. He had no idea.
Cooper meets Sam Prescott who was his grandmother’s baseball buddy. She left him her Bel Air because he ran an auto shop. I’m not a car person, but I googled it and they’re pretty sweet. She also paid off his mortgage and purchased all his leased equipment. In addition to this, she bought him a suite at the local baseball park.
We are introduced to the other supporting characters which include Sam’s partner Miguel who used to be a baseball player. It’s through Miguel we are introduced to Nate. Miguel and Nate were friends from when Miguel was still playing and Nate is playing for the hometown Nashville Sounds, which is a real minor league team.
Nate isn’t out to anyone, not even to Miguel. Cooper and Nate’s relationship develops over the baseball season. It’s a slow burn and it’s very sweet. They end up together at a music club where a friend of Nate’s is performing. It’s Nashville so everyone there is trying to get a record deal. Cooper was there with Sam and Miguel. Cooper volunteers to stay behind with Nate to watch his friend perform. Cooper rambles on as he usually does, and the author gives Nate the perfect line to sum up his growing affection for Cooper: “I’d never met anyone who could baffle and intrigue me all in one elongated, unpunctuated sentence.”
As I said earlier, the author doesn’t play into the usual trope of the main character getting outed. One character on the team does get outed and is traded because the ownership of the Sounds is portrayed as very conservative. That’s another reason that Nate doesn’t come out during the story. He does come out to his friends and eventually his parents. As for the baseball side, he gets kicked off the team because of his poor playing in the Minor League Championship Game. The Nashville Sounds are in the highest level of the minor leagues and there are levels below them, but Nate’s agent couldn’t find a place for him anywhere. His baseball career was effectively over. However, this story has a happily ever after ending.
Cooper worked in the numbers side for one of the largest hospital corporations in the nation. He hated it. The first few chapters describe how horrible his office life was. He was also a black belt in Tae kwon do. He completed the test to become a Master. I’m not sure what level because I didn’t understand a lot of the terminology and that’s my fault and not the author. It’s a very high level from my reading. One of the other masters asked him to buy her dojang, which is a training school. It would require him to move to Memphis.
Earlier in the season, the Sounds played an exhibition team called the Memphis Mangoes. Google the Savannah Bananas if you want an idea of what the Mangoes look like. As I said, we get our happily ever after. Nate’s agent got him a place on the Mangoes. So, we have Cooper and Nate leaving the nest and flying away together in love.
Usually this is where I say I want more of these two, but I think this is a pretty perfect ending. There are three other books in this series. Two feature characters from this one. I’m not sure about the first one, but it’s going on my to-read list very soon.
One thing I really want to bring up is that I loved the fact that there is so much diversity in this book. We have biracial couples. One couple consists of a deaf person and his husband who can hear. We also have Annie, a 70ish year-old woman who was best friends with Cooper’s Grammy and used to be on Broadway as the godmother of the group. We don’t get this in too many MM romances. We get stereotypical white gym bunnies and that’s about it. I love it when I find a new author, at least for me, who shatters the tired old tropes. Thank you Casey for this book! Can’t wait to devour the others!
June 15, 2025
I think Cooper is one of my favourite characters to read EVER. I love his crazy rambling tangents, his word vomit, his nerdy brain, his innocence alongside his naughty, cheeky streak. And seeing him get a happy ending with a man who adores him and all those things about him was perfect.
I laughed so much reading this one.
I laughed so much reading this one.
May 13, 2023
I think by now everyone knows I'm a huge fan of Casey Morales, and ever since I read his first story, My Accidental First Date, it's always been a 5 star for me. Well, here 5 stars were not enough for me!
Cooper is, along with Gabe (from his previous book) the best character he's written so far. Cooper is a man who understands numbers and statistics, and that's what he does, but understanding other people and their motivations, relating to them? It is not his forte and he tries to avoid it. At first, it may be hard to understand him or warm to him, but then you start to get to know him, and realize that under his "oodness" there is a warm, sweet man, and he has a certain innocence. A pure soul, I would call it. But that's just one facet, because we also have a man who feels sure of what he wants and expresses it in his intimate moments with another man, something that is understood doesn't happen often because, as I said before, he doesn't feel comfortable with other people. But he's deeply attracted to Nate and he feels Nate reciprocates, and this allows him to be himself, and oh boy, does he know how to turn Nate on! In the end, you end up as Nate, always wanting to be close to Cooper, listening to him talk endlessly and always straying from the main topic, watching him smile and enjoying his warmth.
And then we have Nate, who is a minor league baseball player. He decided years ago to remain in the closet, always waiting to be called up to the major leagues, something that unfortunately never happens. And even though he loves baseball profoundly, he can't help but feel guilty seeing how other players who are outed are treated by the league, teammates and club owners and he does nothing to defend them, but at the same time, it's something that makes him feel justified in his decision not to have any relationship or dating until he fulfills his dream. But then he meets Cooper, through Miguel (Sam's husband, both of them MCs of a previous book, who was also a friend of Cooper's grandmother), and can't help but feel drawn to him, not just physically, after all Cooper is gorgeous, but emotionally.
I don't want to say much more (and there's a lot to say, as I told before, Cooper is multifaceted, and during his story a lot of things happen to him that affect his life) because I think it's a book worth reading without any spoilers. But I can tell you that it's a MUST READ, that it's entertaining, that it has a certain sadness but also a lot of joy, and despite the fact that it's a slow burn, it has the right amount of hot and sexy moments. And that even though it ends up with them together, as one would expect, the ending is quite original.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Cooper is, along with Gabe (from his previous book) the best character he's written so far. Cooper is a man who understands numbers and statistics, and that's what he does, but understanding other people and their motivations, relating to them? It is not his forte and he tries to avoid it. At first, it may be hard to understand him or warm to him, but then you start to get to know him, and realize that under his "oodness" there is a warm, sweet man, and he has a certain innocence. A pure soul, I would call it. But that's just one facet, because we also have a man who feels sure of what he wants and expresses it in his intimate moments with another man, something that is understood doesn't happen often because, as I said before, he doesn't feel comfortable with other people. But he's deeply attracted to Nate and he feels Nate reciprocates, and this allows him to be himself, and oh boy, does he know how to turn Nate on! In the end, you end up as Nate, always wanting to be close to Cooper, listening to him talk endlessly and always straying from the main topic, watching him smile and enjoying his warmth.
And then we have Nate, who is a minor league baseball player. He decided years ago to remain in the closet, always waiting to be called up to the major leagues, something that unfortunately never happens. And even though he loves baseball profoundly, he can't help but feel guilty seeing how other players who are outed are treated by the league, teammates and club owners and he does nothing to defend them, but at the same time, it's something that makes him feel justified in his decision not to have any relationship or dating until he fulfills his dream. But then he meets Cooper, through Miguel (Sam's husband, both of them MCs of a previous book, who was also a friend of Cooper's grandmother), and can't help but feel drawn to him, not just physically, after all Cooper is gorgeous, but emotionally.
I don't want to say much more (and there's a lot to say, as I told before, Cooper is multifaceted, and during his story a lot of things happen to him that affect his life) because I think it's a book worth reading without any spoilers. But I can tell you that it's a MUST READ, that it's entertaining, that it has a certain sadness but also a lot of joy, and despite the fact that it's a slow burn, it has the right amount of hot and sexy moments. And that even though it ends up with them together, as one would expect, the ending is quite original.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
May 31, 2023
When Loves Comes From Unexpected Places…
I’ve been 📖 Casey Morales’ 📚 since the pandemic. The first series, “Raised By Wolves” are (5) chronological, autobiographical M/M romance novels based on the author’s “coming out” in the conservative South, while confronting his PK (preacher’s kid) upbringing juxtaposed with what it means to be a gay man in the Post-AIDS epidemic South.
It’s filled with plenty of snark, humor, passion, sex, sex with passion, heartbreak, coming out, growing up and even an HEA. After this transformative series, Casey began his “Nashville Spicy” series, beginning with “Winning His Vote”, a M/M political rom-com, dealing with a “ closeted” Republican gubernatorial candidate (no surprise there) and his charming, campaign operative and their do they/don’t they, will they/won’t they, could they/would they relationship.
It’s successor, “Wrenched” is another M/M rom-com with a murder mystery twist, whose 1/2 of the MCs, was carried over from an ongoing, extracurricular sexual relationship that became sidelined due to the burgeoning relationship between the first 📕’s MCs. The thrilling, exciting and sexually charged M/M relationship from “Wrenched” becomes the conduit (or) thread that runs through the next two 📚, “I Hear You” and “The Batter’s Box”, even though each book has their own wonderful M/M couples, dealing with the Deaf community, disability biases, drugs and promiscuity, circuit parties, homophobia (both societal and internalized), parental abandonment of a minor, loss of a guardian/mentor.
Like his previous works, “The Batter’s Box”, does not disappoint on any fronts. Both protagonists are charmingly infectious, whose individual and conjoined storylines draw you in from the git-go, making you laugh 😂, cry 😭, pant ❤️🔥, bloom 💗, and like all of his 📚, you are guaranteed to have your ❤️🩹, ❤️🔥, 💔 and then 💘. The main characters, their family, friends and cohorts are always well developed and thoroughly fascinating, but don’t worry when each 📕 and it’s tale ends, because you will most assuredly see some or all of them back in the next M/M ❤️🔥, possibly moving to the forefront as one or both of the MCs.
I cannot possibly recommend them enough and they get even better (if that’s even possible), if you buy the 🎧 when you’re finished 📖 them, because all of those emotions you will gave experienced become heightened even more once you’re attached to the characters and you get to hear👂 them talking back to you, sharing their story, the very story you hated to put down once finished…
I’ve been 📖 Casey Morales’ 📚 since the pandemic. The first series, “Raised By Wolves” are (5) chronological, autobiographical M/M romance novels based on the author’s “coming out” in the conservative South, while confronting his PK (preacher’s kid) upbringing juxtaposed with what it means to be a gay man in the Post-AIDS epidemic South.
It’s filled with plenty of snark, humor, passion, sex, sex with passion, heartbreak, coming out, growing up and even an HEA. After this transformative series, Casey began his “Nashville Spicy” series, beginning with “Winning His Vote”, a M/M political rom-com, dealing with a “ closeted” Republican gubernatorial candidate (no surprise there) and his charming, campaign operative and their do they/don’t they, will they/won’t they, could they/would they relationship.
It’s successor, “Wrenched” is another M/M rom-com with a murder mystery twist, whose 1/2 of the MCs, was carried over from an ongoing, extracurricular sexual relationship that became sidelined due to the burgeoning relationship between the first 📕’s MCs. The thrilling, exciting and sexually charged M/M relationship from “Wrenched” becomes the conduit (or) thread that runs through the next two 📚, “I Hear You” and “The Batter’s Box”, even though each book has their own wonderful M/M couples, dealing with the Deaf community, disability biases, drugs and promiscuity, circuit parties, homophobia (both societal and internalized), parental abandonment of a minor, loss of a guardian/mentor.
Like his previous works, “The Batter’s Box”, does not disappoint on any fronts. Both protagonists are charmingly infectious, whose individual and conjoined storylines draw you in from the git-go, making you laugh 😂, cry 😭, pant ❤️🔥, bloom 💗, and like all of his 📚, you are guaranteed to have your ❤️🩹, ❤️🔥, 💔 and then 💘. The main characters, their family, friends and cohorts are always well developed and thoroughly fascinating, but don’t worry when each 📕 and it’s tale ends, because you will most assuredly see some or all of them back in the next M/M ❤️🔥, possibly moving to the forefront as one or both of the MCs.
I cannot possibly recommend them enough and they get even better (if that’s even possible), if you buy the 🎧 when you’re finished 📖 them, because all of those emotions you will gave experienced become heightened even more once you’re attached to the characters and you get to hear👂 them talking back to you, sharing their story, the very story you hated to put down once finished…
May 27, 2025
The Batter’s Box (Nashville Spicy 4)
By Casey Morales
Published by the author, 2023
Five stars
This book gets five stars for being adorable. I don’t mean that with any criticism at all; The Batter’s Box made me smile all the way through. Casey Morales’s characters are always lovely, but these two somehow stood out as incredibly appealing (and quirky, because quirky is important).
Nate Stringer (aka String Bean, or Bean) is a five-year veteran of the Nashville Notes, a AAA minor league team. It has always been his dream to play baseball, and he loves what he does.
Cooper Hawk (there is a bird called a Cooper’s Hawk, by the way, known for its agility) is a statistics wonk who works for a big healthcare corporating, managing their endless spreadsheets related to budgetary operations. He also loves what he does, although not the way he’s treated by his coworkers.
The connection with characters from the earlier books in the Nashville Spicy series is twofold. Police officer Miguel Nunez played baseball with Nate, and considers him a little brother. Also, Miguel and Sam knew Cooper’s grandmother, Marjorie Polk. At her death, Mrs. Polk left a sky box at the baseball stadium to Miguel and his friends, honoring their shared love of the game.
And that’s how Nate and Cooper have their “Some enchanted evening” moment: after a baseball game in which Cooper sees Nate for the first time. Boom.
As always in a classic m/m romance set up, our two adorable men have complications (as who does not?). Nate is loved and supported by his Peruvian mother and African American father, but they live far away. Also, with his aspirations to rise into the major leagues, he pretty much has to stay closeted in the hostile world of professional baseball.
Cooper was raised by his grandparents, after his parents pretty much decided they couldn’t handle raising a child. Grammy and Pops Polk were great parents, but Cooper has never been able to shake the sadness of being abandoned by his mother and father. He’s also a seriously OCD guy whose extremely busy brain has trouble filtering his thought.
In a book without huge trauma, Morales manages to imbue the plot with emotional tension and also makes the insta-attraction between the two men both plausible and, as I said, adorable. There is, of course, the spicy part, which feels inevitable and joyous.
Happy endings only work if you really believe them, and I did. I love this series and all the men who populate it. Can’t wait to carry on into the next book.
By Casey Morales
Published by the author, 2023
Five stars
This book gets five stars for being adorable. I don’t mean that with any criticism at all; The Batter’s Box made me smile all the way through. Casey Morales’s characters are always lovely, but these two somehow stood out as incredibly appealing (and quirky, because quirky is important).
Nate Stringer (aka String Bean, or Bean) is a five-year veteran of the Nashville Notes, a AAA minor league team. It has always been his dream to play baseball, and he loves what he does.
Cooper Hawk (there is a bird called a Cooper’s Hawk, by the way, known for its agility) is a statistics wonk who works for a big healthcare corporating, managing their endless spreadsheets related to budgetary operations. He also loves what he does, although not the way he’s treated by his coworkers.
The connection with characters from the earlier books in the Nashville Spicy series is twofold. Police officer Miguel Nunez played baseball with Nate, and considers him a little brother. Also, Miguel and Sam knew Cooper’s grandmother, Marjorie Polk. At her death, Mrs. Polk left a sky box at the baseball stadium to Miguel and his friends, honoring their shared love of the game.
And that’s how Nate and Cooper have their “Some enchanted evening” moment: after a baseball game in which Cooper sees Nate for the first time. Boom.
As always in a classic m/m romance set up, our two adorable men have complications (as who does not?). Nate is loved and supported by his Peruvian mother and African American father, but they live far away. Also, with his aspirations to rise into the major leagues, he pretty much has to stay closeted in the hostile world of professional baseball.
Cooper was raised by his grandparents, after his parents pretty much decided they couldn’t handle raising a child. Grammy and Pops Polk were great parents, but Cooper has never been able to shake the sadness of being abandoned by his mother and father. He’s also a seriously OCD guy whose extremely busy brain has trouble filtering his thought.
In a book without huge trauma, Morales manages to imbue the plot with emotional tension and also makes the insta-attraction between the two men both plausible and, as I said, adorable. There is, of course, the spicy part, which feels inevitable and joyous.
Happy endings only work if you really believe them, and I did. I love this series and all the men who populate it. Can’t wait to carry on into the next book.
June 18, 2023
Nate and Cooper’s romance has me swinging for the fences! I thought the slow-burn would kill me (I’m impatient 🤷🏻♀️) but it was just enough delicious tension to keep the story sizzling. Even with taking it into extra innings, the delay is a lot more situational/timing than high-angsty stress.
Cooper is reeling from the loss of his Grammy, and spreading the wealth she left behind to those she loved. At one benefactor visit, he meets Sam and Ty (love interests from earlier books in the series). Both seem incredibly kind, ridiculously hot, and happily married to their beaux. They welcome Cooper into their friend family and to the local Nashville Sounders baseball game. Cooper is definitely not a sports guy, preferring numbers and spreadsheets… but he is a sneaky-hot tae kwon do black belt. So, he’s definitely “fit.”
Nate is a man on a mission to make it to the MLB. He’s been a Sounder for 5 seasons and is waiting for his number to be called up to the big time. His sole focus is on baseball: no dates, no distractions, and definitely no relationships. Add to that his way in-the-closet-ness, because his coach and franchise are not at all gay-friendly.
I loved Nate and Cooper’s meet-cute. I thought Cooper’s personality quirks were adorkable, and yet I loved that he was also very composed and in charge of his desires and intentions. The tension in the relationship is externally-driven, but inside of it is a cute Nate/Coop bubble of blossoming attraction and attention. I’d say my biggest critique is that a person would probably edit DMs instead of sending stream-of-conscious texts, but that’s super nit-picky of me to find fault with Cooper in that way. I’m sad that Nate doesn’t really take a stronger stand in defending his teammate who leaves after being essentially bullied for being gay… but I also get why Nate chooses to stay quiet and keep his head down. An epilogue or added scene to resolve that would have been appreciated, but again not all things in life end cleanly so who am I to judge the story choice.
Tropes:
- nerd/jock
- sports romance
- secret relationship
- hurt/comfort
- southern charmers
- found family
- low-to-moderate heat (not a “sweet” romance)
Cooper is reeling from the loss of his Grammy, and spreading the wealth she left behind to those she loved. At one benefactor visit, he meets Sam and Ty (love interests from earlier books in the series). Both seem incredibly kind, ridiculously hot, and happily married to their beaux. They welcome Cooper into their friend family and to the local Nashville Sounders baseball game. Cooper is definitely not a sports guy, preferring numbers and spreadsheets… but he is a sneaky-hot tae kwon do black belt. So, he’s definitely “fit.”
Nate is a man on a mission to make it to the MLB. He’s been a Sounder for 5 seasons and is waiting for his number to be called up to the big time. His sole focus is on baseball: no dates, no distractions, and definitely no relationships. Add to that his way in-the-closet-ness, because his coach and franchise are not at all gay-friendly.
I loved Nate and Cooper’s meet-cute. I thought Cooper’s personality quirks were adorkable, and yet I loved that he was also very composed and in charge of his desires and intentions. The tension in the relationship is externally-driven, but inside of it is a cute Nate/Coop bubble of blossoming attraction and attention. I’d say my biggest critique is that a person would probably edit DMs instead of sending stream-of-conscious texts, but that’s super nit-picky of me to find fault with Cooper in that way. I’m sad that Nate doesn’t really take a stronger stand in defending his teammate who leaves after being essentially bullied for being gay… but I also get why Nate chooses to stay quiet and keep his head down. An epilogue or added scene to resolve that would have been appreciated, but again not all things in life end cleanly so who am I to judge the story choice.
Tropes:
- nerd/jock
- sports romance
- secret relationship
- hurt/comfort
- southern charmers
- found family
- low-to-moderate heat (not a “sweet” romance)
May 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed The Batter's Box by Casey Morales. This is a mostly low angst, sweet, slow burn romance between two of my favorite characters in this series.
Cooper is a numbers person who is a little socially awkward and doesn't quite fit in with the people in his life. He was raised by his Pops, who passed when he was a teenager, and his Grammy. He finds out that his Grammy has passed away by from a phone call by a person in her attorney's office and also finds that he is the executor of her will. Cooper spends the first part of the book notifying people that his very wealthy Grammy left them generous gifts per her will.
While meeting with will beneficiaries, Cooper encounters Sam the Mechanic who was introduced in book 2 in the Nashville Spicy series. Sam and his partner Miguel bond with Cooper immediately and provide him comfort in the loss of his Grammy. After attending a baseball game with Sam and Miguel, Cooper meets Nate, a minor league baseball player whose mentor is Miguel.
Cooper and Nate start getting to know each other and spend time together outside of their friend circle. They finally give in to their attraction, but Nate is deep in the closet and while he's falling for Cooper he worries about what will happen if he comes out.
I loved the depth of the characters in the book, especially Cooper. He was so multifaceted and a complete contradiction to the person I first thought he was. His word vomits had me laughing out loud several times and I just adored him.
It was great to see the characters in books 2 and 3, and while this could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the entire series because the books are so different and just as engaging as this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cooper is a numbers person who is a little socially awkward and doesn't quite fit in with the people in his life. He was raised by his Pops, who passed when he was a teenager, and his Grammy. He finds out that his Grammy has passed away by from a phone call by a person in her attorney's office and also finds that he is the executor of her will. Cooper spends the first part of the book notifying people that his very wealthy Grammy left them generous gifts per her will.
While meeting with will beneficiaries, Cooper encounters Sam the Mechanic who was introduced in book 2 in the Nashville Spicy series. Sam and his partner Miguel bond with Cooper immediately and provide him comfort in the loss of his Grammy. After attending a baseball game with Sam and Miguel, Cooper meets Nate, a minor league baseball player whose mentor is Miguel.
Cooper and Nate start getting to know each other and spend time together outside of their friend circle. They finally give in to their attraction, but Nate is deep in the closet and while he's falling for Cooper he worries about what will happen if he comes out.
I loved the depth of the characters in the book, especially Cooper. He was so multifaceted and a complete contradiction to the person I first thought he was. His word vomits had me laughing out loud several times and I just adored him.
It was great to see the characters in books 2 and 3, and while this could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the entire series because the books are so different and just as engaging as this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2024
Having read one of Casey Morales' previous books, I was excited to dive into The Batter’s Box, especially since it focuses on Nate and Cooper, two characters who made a cameo in the previous story. I was particularly drawn in by Cooper—oh my gosh, he’s the most lovable statistic nerd, and his quirky habit of rambling when he’s nervous is both hilarious and adorable. It might seem strange at first, but once you get used to his non-stop word-vomiting, it’s endearing beyond belief.
On the opposite side, we have Nate, a baseball player who is absolutely devoted to the game. The contrast between Cooper’s nerdy, slightly awkward persona and Nate’s athletic, easy-going nature forms the heart of the book’s “opposites attract” dynamic. The chemistry between them is electric, yet natural, and it only gets better with every scene.
What really makes this book shine is the charm of all the characters. It’s not just about Nate and Cooper—Sam and Miguel, another couple from the Nashville Spicy series, bring such warmth and humor to the story, “adopting” Cooper and adding even more layers of light-hearted banter and wit. The friendship between all of them is so fun to read, filled with playful teasing and moments that are guaranteed to lift your mood.
Morales’ attention to detail when it comes to the baseball world is impressive. You can practically feel yourself stepping onto the field with the players, quirks and all. It’s this blend of sports and heartfelt connection that makes The Batter’s Box a must-read, even if, like me, you’re not usually a fan of sports romances.
I can’t recommend this book enough if you’re looking for something to brighten your day. It’s packed with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and just the right amount of romance and humor. By the end, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
On the opposite side, we have Nate, a baseball player who is absolutely devoted to the game. The contrast between Cooper’s nerdy, slightly awkward persona and Nate’s athletic, easy-going nature forms the heart of the book’s “opposites attract” dynamic. The chemistry between them is electric, yet natural, and it only gets better with every scene.
What really makes this book shine is the charm of all the characters. It’s not just about Nate and Cooper—Sam and Miguel, another couple from the Nashville Spicy series, bring such warmth and humor to the story, “adopting” Cooper and adding even more layers of light-hearted banter and wit. The friendship between all of them is so fun to read, filled with playful teasing and moments that are guaranteed to lift your mood.
Morales’ attention to detail when it comes to the baseball world is impressive. You can practically feel yourself stepping onto the field with the players, quirks and all. It’s this blend of sports and heartfelt connection that makes The Batter’s Box a must-read, even if, like me, you’re not usually a fan of sports romances.
I can’t recommend this book enough if you’re looking for something to brighten your day. It’s packed with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and just the right amount of romance and humor. By the end, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
May 3, 2023
The Batter’s Box is about Cooper Hawk and Nate Stringer who become part of the found family of Sam, Miguel, Ty and Gabe in book 4 in the Nashville Spicy series. It has a different flavour from the earlier books. It proves a welcome change and its energy carries you forward to the happy ever after ending. If you are into baseball, you’ll love this. If you don't, you'll still love it.
Coop is a complex character who oscillates between being sexually confident and socially inept. His mouth knows no bounds and is likely to spew out anything and everything in a ‘stream of consciousness way’ at any moment. He is also mourning the passing of his grandmother which causes a few breakdowns along the way.
Nate is an in the closet gay baseball player who has put all his dreams into being a top league baseball player. When he meets Coop his goals change and he cannot see how to juggle his growing love for Coop with his career choice.
As someone who avoids all sports, real or fictional, like the plague let's just say my eyes glazed over on occasions during some of the match scenes but I loved Nate and his dedication. Coop was a bit of a whirlwind with a mouth to die of embarrassment for. I so love them guys.
I was engaged on so many levels. The treatment of the players by the coach and management got me spitting. It made me think of modern-day slavery. I would have liked to know where Nick, one of the team members, ended up and seen Santi, another team member, get his just deserts (and that coach as well). In my imagination Nick joins Nate in his career move. I think you can say I liked it all, even the bits I hated. Yeah that sport!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Coop is a complex character who oscillates between being sexually confident and socially inept. His mouth knows no bounds and is likely to spew out anything and everything in a ‘stream of consciousness way’ at any moment. He is also mourning the passing of his grandmother which causes a few breakdowns along the way.
Nate is an in the closet gay baseball player who has put all his dreams into being a top league baseball player. When he meets Coop his goals change and he cannot see how to juggle his growing love for Coop with his career choice.
As someone who avoids all sports, real or fictional, like the plague let's just say my eyes glazed over on occasions during some of the match scenes but I loved Nate and his dedication. Coop was a bit of a whirlwind with a mouth to die of embarrassment for. I so love them guys.
I was engaged on so many levels. The treatment of the players by the coach and management got me spitting. It made me think of modern-day slavery. I would have liked to know where Nick, one of the team members, ended up and seen Santi, another team member, get his just deserts (and that coach as well). In my imagination Nick joins Nate in his career move. I think you can say I liked it all, even the bits I hated. Yeah that sport!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2023
Oh, my goodness, where to start with this book. I have loved all the books in this series, but this is now my favorite! Not only do we meet the sweetest guy, Cooper, that also has a feisty side, but we are visited often by Sam and Miguel! The book starts off with Cooper finding out his Grammy has passed, and he is tasked with letting her closest friends and family know what their inheritance is. Being the numbers nerd he is, this is the last thing he wants to do. Numbers good, people bad. But, for his Grammy, he will do it. The task leads him to Sam which brings him into the fold of the Sam/Miguel family as Grammy asked Sam to keep an eye on Cooper. As a part of this, they go to a baseball game, something Cooper only knows the stats about due to studying them the night before the game. During the game, he locks eyes with a player that Miguel has mentored for years. The gorgeous player is Nate, and he plays 2nd base for the Sounds. His only focus is of being a part of an MLB team one day. After being introduced by Miguel, the two form a friendship. From there things steadily become steamier but with Nate being so deep in the closet not even Miguel and Sam knew he was gay, they can't be open at least until Nate hits the big time. Grab this book and you will laugh so hard but also get a bit misty eyed due to Grammy and her darn letter! There is the normal funny banter between "Mom and Dad", and Ty and Gabe. You will also experience the funny never ceasing ramblings both verbal and internal of Cooper. Let's just say he leaves some people speechless when he gets going because his brain goes off on "squirrel" chases just like the dog in Up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2023
This is book 4 of the Nashville Spicy and it seems to have a different vibe to the previous books. It is a very slow burn, but this is how the book is described so it's totally fine. Previous characters are heavily involved in this book which gives the story a friendly and familiar feel. At first I struggled with both MC's characters, they just took a bit of getting to know before I warmed to them. This is a story of friendship and attraction and how a connection can turn into something so much more and wonderful, at their own pace. It was like Cooper and Nate each found their 'person'. The intimacy started before they were actually intimate because they both found it so easy to talk to each other and were both very honest. Once the intimate scenes started we see a totally different side to Cooper, which was hot. Nate feels no choice but to be in the closet because of baseball. He is reclusive when he needs to be, even Miguel had no idea he was gay and they played ball together. I really couldn't get over how the baseball team had such a 'throw away' culture. Nate's housemate and fellow team member just seemed to drop him. Nobody seemed concerned when another player was traded. It left me feeling really sad for Nate. This book really highlights the homophobia surrounding sport. I'm so glad Cooper and Nate found each other and could start their new life together doing what they both love. I received an advanced review copy of this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review
May 10, 2023
Nashville spice with Cooper and Nate.
I’ve really enjoyed this series, and this book was no exception. Back in the world with Sam, Miguel, Ty and Gabe we’re introduced to the adorably nerdy Cooper and the gorgeous baseball playing Nate. I loved both the characters, but Cooper was absolutely amazing, I loved every word vomiting sentence that came out of his mouth, I want him to be a real person because I need to be his friend.
I know absolutely nothing about baseball, I mean I’m British and we don’t even have baseball over here, or maybe we do, that’s how little I know about it. It took nothing away from the book in that it featured an unknown sport to me, if you’re into baseball, you’ll probably love this book even more. What the book did do is highlight homophobia in sports, I think that’s apparent no matter what country you’re in.
Nate and Cooper as a couple were great, they started as friends, but we didn’t have to wait too long before the inevitable happened, this was the perfect amount of slow burn. My only complaint is I would have liked to see an epilogue, or something with them a bit further in the future, settling into their new lives. Maybe the author has something planned for them to be mentioned in future books in the series, who knows.
I definitely recommend this book, if you’ve loved the previous books in the series, you’ll love this one as well.
I’ve really enjoyed this series, and this book was no exception. Back in the world with Sam, Miguel, Ty and Gabe we’re introduced to the adorably nerdy Cooper and the gorgeous baseball playing Nate. I loved both the characters, but Cooper was absolutely amazing, I loved every word vomiting sentence that came out of his mouth, I want him to be a real person because I need to be his friend.
I know absolutely nothing about baseball, I mean I’m British and we don’t even have baseball over here, or maybe we do, that’s how little I know about it. It took nothing away from the book in that it featured an unknown sport to me, if you’re into baseball, you’ll probably love this book even more. What the book did do is highlight homophobia in sports, I think that’s apparent no matter what country you’re in.
Nate and Cooper as a couple were great, they started as friends, but we didn’t have to wait too long before the inevitable happened, this was the perfect amount of slow burn. My only complaint is I would have liked to see an epilogue, or something with them a bit further in the future, settling into their new lives. Maybe the author has something planned for them to be mentioned in future books in the series, who knows.
I definitely recommend this book, if you’ve loved the previous books in the series, you’ll love this one as well.
June 7, 2023
Cooper was adorable when he rambled
Another solid book in the Nashville Spicy series. I have to hold my hand up and say that baseball doesn't do it for me. I'm English and it's not one of our national sports but I have been to a game in the US and I've never been so bored in my entire life. So when I say that I enjoyed this story, that's definitely a win I didn't expect.
Cooper was a curiosity when we first encounter him. Forever in his head, where his thoughts run away all the time, then the same thing happens as soon as he opens his mouth too. His word vomit was hilarious, as was the fondness of his new friends at his mind meanderings.
Nate was single minded, baseball his life, until he met Coop. Closeted to protect his career, the cute and extremely fit nerd broke through every barrier he'd erected.
I loved these two together but more than that, I loved seeing so much more of Sam and Miguel, who are my favourite couple in this series. Tyler and Gabe turned up too, and Annie, of course.
I think that Sam and Miguel 'adopting' Cooper and the conversations between the three of them are my favourite part of the whole series.
I would have liked to see an epilogue that showed Coop and Nate a few years down the line but I am holding out hope that we get that glimpse of their HEA in the rest of the series.
Another solid book in the Nashville Spicy series. I have to hold my hand up and say that baseball doesn't do it for me. I'm English and it's not one of our national sports but I have been to a game in the US and I've never been so bored in my entire life. So when I say that I enjoyed this story, that's definitely a win I didn't expect.
Cooper was a curiosity when we first encounter him. Forever in his head, where his thoughts run away all the time, then the same thing happens as soon as he opens his mouth too. His word vomit was hilarious, as was the fondness of his new friends at his mind meanderings.
Nate was single minded, baseball his life, until he met Coop. Closeted to protect his career, the cute and extremely fit nerd broke through every barrier he'd erected.
I loved these two together but more than that, I loved seeing so much more of Sam and Miguel, who are my favourite couple in this series. Tyler and Gabe turned up too, and Annie, of course.
I think that Sam and Miguel 'adopting' Cooper and the conversations between the three of them are my favourite part of the whole series.
I would have liked to see an epilogue that showed Coop and Nate a few years down the line but I am holding out hope that we get that glimpse of their HEA in the rest of the series.
May 9, 2023
This is the fourth novel in the Nashville series, and it reunites us with Sam and Miguel from Wrenched and Ty and Gabe from I Hear You.
Nate "Bean" Stringer is a minor league baseball player that aspires to play in the major leagues. Cooper "Coop" Hawk is working in a job he only slightly dislikes. Cooper's grandmother dies, leaving him as executor of her will. Sam (if you read Wrenched, you'll remember the elderly widow who had Sam fix her late husband's prize automobile), who is one of her benificiaries, gets handed the very car.Among the items Coop must give Sam is a letter begging Sam to look after Coop. Coop is now smack dab in the heart of a new family with Miguel, Ty, Gabe, and Annie. Coop accepts Miguel's invitation to attend a Sounds game after learning about his grandmother's affinity with this motley crew and her apparent love of baseball. There he meets and is captivated by Miguel.Miguel is enthralled as well, although he is deeply closeted.
I enjoyed the charming story about Nate and Coop. It's an adventure to see Miguel and Coop navigate love, baseball, and an a secret life. I believe these are some of my favorite characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Nate "Bean" Stringer is a minor league baseball player that aspires to play in the major leagues. Cooper "Coop" Hawk is working in a job he only slightly dislikes. Cooper's grandmother dies, leaving him as executor of her will. Sam (if you read Wrenched, you'll remember the elderly widow who had Sam fix her late husband's prize automobile), who is one of her benificiaries, gets handed the very car.Among the items Coop must give Sam is a letter begging Sam to look after Coop. Coop is now smack dab in the heart of a new family with Miguel, Ty, Gabe, and Annie. Coop accepts Miguel's invitation to attend a Sounds game after learning about his grandmother's affinity with this motley crew and her apparent love of baseball. There he meets and is captivated by Miguel.Miguel is enthralled as well, although he is deeply closeted.
I enjoyed the charming story about Nate and Coop. It's an adventure to see Miguel and Coop navigate love, baseball, and an a secret life. I believe these are some of my favorite characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 10, 2023
Another sweet and entertaining love story that packs in all kinds of good things. Casey gives us an almost ideal world with plucky old ladies, found friends and family, and diversity of race, ability, profession and wealth. Our first man is Cooper, who loves numbers and works in a terrible office where he is bullied. He lives inside his head, and his inner dialog spills out when he's nervous. Then he learns that he has to tell a bunch of people that his beloved Grandma has died and left them stuff. This leads him to Sam, the garage owner we're met before, who gets an antique vehicle. He and his partner adopt Cooper. Through them, he meets our second man, Nate, a second fielder for the AAA baseball team in town.
I go into all this detail because the book's opening is long, and we don't know where the romance is coming from. Nate doesn't enter until Chapter 8. But then, away we go! It's a slow burn because Nate is closeted due to his conservative team management. There are disasters and misunderstandings for both of them, and we learn a great deal about baseball and tae kwon do. But there is a happily ever after that follows, and it is a delight.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
I go into all this detail because the book's opening is long, and we don't know where the romance is coming from. Nate doesn't enter until Chapter 8. But then, away we go! It's a slow burn because Nate is closeted due to his conservative team management. There are disasters and misunderstandings for both of them, and we learn a great deal about baseball and tae kwon do. But there is a happily ever after that follows, and it is a delight.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
May 25, 2023
I absolutely loved Cooper and Nate! Cooper is so sweet and caring, but you just never know what will come out of his mouth. When he gets nervous, he tends to word vomit and always is entertaining. His grandmother passed away, which leads him to Sam and Miguel. It was so wonderful to see all our favorite friends from the previous books. Cooper is introduced to Nate after getting to meet him after a baseball game, which just happens to be Miguel's friend. Cooper and Nate start to build a friendship when Cooper reaches out via IG DMs to apologize for his round of word vomit. I love how natural their friends to lover relationship builds. The chemistry between them is off the charts.
Nate has never shared with anyone in his life or on his team that he is gay. It breaks my heart to see him struggle with not only wanting to live his life and let others know what Cooper means to him but also having to watch how his team-mate is being treated by others because they think he is gay.
I laughed so much with this book and may have gotten a little teary-eyed when Sam reads the letter from Coopers grandmother. This family that has formed during this whole series is just wonderful. I love how accepting and loving they are with each other.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nate has never shared with anyone in his life or on his team that he is gay. It breaks my heart to see him struggle with not only wanting to live his life and let others know what Cooper means to him but also having to watch how his team-mate is being treated by others because they think he is gay.
I laughed so much with this book and may have gotten a little teary-eyed when Sam reads the letter from Coopers grandmother. This family that has formed during this whole series is just wonderful. I love how accepting and loving they are with each other.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2023
This is another great book in the Nashville Spicy series by Casey, with many of the same characters playing significant roles in the story of Cooper and Nate.
Cooper is a nerd, a whiz at numbers, socially fairly inept, he loses himself in his thoughts and is apt to word vomit things that make no sense and get others to look at him and think “what???”. When his grandmother dies and leaves him executor of her not insignificant estate, he needs to notify 12 heirs of her passing and their inheritance. One such notification takes him to Sam and Miguel (Nashville Spicey book 2, Wrenched), leading to gaining two new lifelong friends, and to Ty and Gabe (Nashville Spicey book 3 I Hear You) two more lifelong friends, along with Ben and Annie. These friendships lead Cooper to meet Nate, a minor league ball player and the love of his life. The road to happiness for the two is not an easy one, especially since Nate lives baseball and is deep in the closet. With lots of humor, some low level angst, wonderful characters who all complement each other, and lots of baseball knowledge, this book was a fun read, and a perfect addition to the Nashville Spicey series. Well done again, Casey Morales.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cooper is a nerd, a whiz at numbers, socially fairly inept, he loses himself in his thoughts and is apt to word vomit things that make no sense and get others to look at him and think “what???”. When his grandmother dies and leaves him executor of her not insignificant estate, he needs to notify 12 heirs of her passing and their inheritance. One such notification takes him to Sam and Miguel (Nashville Spicey book 2, Wrenched), leading to gaining two new lifelong friends, and to Ty and Gabe (Nashville Spicey book 3 I Hear You) two more lifelong friends, along with Ben and Annie. These friendships lead Cooper to meet Nate, a minor league ball player and the love of his life. The road to happiness for the two is not an easy one, especially since Nate lives baseball and is deep in the closet. With lots of humor, some low level angst, wonderful characters who all complement each other, and lots of baseball knowledge, this book was a fun read, and a perfect addition to the Nashville Spicey series. Well done again, Casey Morales.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2024
I loved and utterly enjoyed reading this book, captivated and immersed from the first page to the last one.
Quirky yet endlessly charming and witty, Cooper falls in love with an attractive, introverted, charismatic baseball player, Nate, at first sight.
Following the development of their relationship from the first awkward meeting to a full-blown love is a heartwarming, sunny, sometimes sad, enjoyable, fascinating, and entertaining journey.
The plot is straightforward, with no angst and drama. Yet the masterful writing, witty dialogs, and deep reflection into characters’ thoughts and feelings make it compelling and never dull reading.
The book’s best features are the exceptionally well-developed, intriguing, charming MCs, masterful and engaging writing, deep introspective emotions, and utterly witty and amusing banter and analogies.
It is a must-read book for literature lovers seeking profound insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions and artful, eloquent, masterful writing that simultaneously entertains and shatters you.
However, if you are into fast-paced, easy-to-read, high-angst, steamy novels, you might want to miss this one.
I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
Quirky yet endlessly charming and witty, Cooper falls in love with an attractive, introverted, charismatic baseball player, Nate, at first sight.
Following the development of their relationship from the first awkward meeting to a full-blown love is a heartwarming, sunny, sometimes sad, enjoyable, fascinating, and entertaining journey.
The plot is straightforward, with no angst and drama. Yet the masterful writing, witty dialogs, and deep reflection into characters’ thoughts and feelings make it compelling and never dull reading.
The book’s best features are the exceptionally well-developed, intriguing, charming MCs, masterful and engaging writing, deep introspective emotions, and utterly witty and amusing banter and analogies.
It is a must-read book for literature lovers seeking profound insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions and artful, eloquent, masterful writing that simultaneously entertains and shatters you.
However, if you are into fast-paced, easy-to-read, high-angst, steamy novels, you might want to miss this one.
I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
July 24, 2025
Cooper Hawk is a nerdy financial whizz who’s great with numbers and Taekwondo, but socially awkward with colleagues. His brain and mouth tend to race when he gets nervous. When Cooper’s beloved, wealthy grandmother dies, her law firm encourages Cooper to contact some of the beneficiaries and he meets Max and Miguel (from book #2 Wrenched) who introduce Cooper to minor league pro-baseballer Nate Stringer (aka Bean). Nate is deeply in the closet. He’s charmed by Cooper but can he risk a relationship that might jeopardise his ambition to play in the majors?
This slow-burn jock / nerd romance was totally heartwarming, Cooper was so cute and funny and I loved his blossoming relationship with Nate. I love a good sports romance and this didn’t skimp on the game play, the team dynamics, and the often-cranky coach. What I liked most was that quiet Cooper was an elite athlete in his own right, his Taekwondo skills were next-level and he was even fitter and more ripped than Nate. I also thought Casey Morales handled the loss of Cooper’s grandmother well, I really felt for him—great job on the writing! 🎧 I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Dan Levy’s audio narrations in this series, he gives really strong performance that communicate the humour as well as the heartache.
This slow-burn jock / nerd romance was totally heartwarming, Cooper was so cute and funny and I loved his blossoming relationship with Nate. I love a good sports romance and this didn’t skimp on the game play, the team dynamics, and the often-cranky coach. What I liked most was that quiet Cooper was an elite athlete in his own right, his Taekwondo skills were next-level and he was even fitter and more ripped than Nate. I also thought Casey Morales handled the loss of Cooper’s grandmother well, I really felt for him—great job on the writing! 🎧 I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Dan Levy’s audio narrations in this series, he gives really strong performance that communicate the humour as well as the heartache.
May 12, 2023
Cooper lives a quiet life. Always a bit of an outsider, he's shocked by the death of his Gran. But her passing brings him a whole new family that he never expected (including some favs from previous books in the series). Nate is a closested minor league baseball player married to the game - the last thing he has time for is a relationship. He knows that coming out will tank his career- but Coop makes him not care quite as much.
Low-angst, super sweet and easy to read, The Batter's Box was a quick, enjoyable book! This book didn't follow the predictable trope of anyone being outed- it just followed the natural progression of two people meeting, taking interest in each other and falling in love. My biggest complaint is that I wish the book had a bit more depth. During the first part of the book, it was very strongly hinted that Cooper was neurodivergent, but that was very quickly dropped and he was just "quirky". I would have loved to see more digging there, but it didn't take too much away from my overall enjoyment of this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Low-angst, super sweet and easy to read, The Batter's Box was a quick, enjoyable book! This book didn't follow the predictable trope of anyone being outed- it just followed the natural progression of two people meeting, taking interest in each other and falling in love. My biggest complaint is that I wish the book had a bit more depth. During the first part of the book, it was very strongly hinted that Cooper was neurodivergent, but that was very quickly dropped and he was just "quirky". I would have loved to see more digging there, but it didn't take too much away from my overall enjoyment of this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Have tissues ready cause you're going to cry laughing.
Cooper is awkward but loveable. He gets nervous, and he rambles, and it is hysterical. He doesn't really fit in anywhere. When his grandmother passes and is in charge of telling some of her friends of her passing and that they were left an inheritance. In doing so, he met with Sam and Ty, not knowing at the time they all would become really great friends. Their relationship was strong, and I must say hysterical.
Coopers grandmother left a note for Sam that she bought a box at the field they loved going to. She wanted Sam to take Cooper to games. Which is where Cooper met Nate. Nate was focused on his ball career and had no interest in anything else. Until Cooper started DMing Nate.
I absolutely loved this story. I found myself cracking up. I want Cooper as my friend. I hope we revisit Cooper, Nate, Sam, Miguel, and the rest in future books.
The only thing I missed was, how did Cooper not know of his Grandmother passing. Why did he hear it from her lawyer. Maybe I missed something.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cooper is awkward but loveable. He gets nervous, and he rambles, and it is hysterical. He doesn't really fit in anywhere. When his grandmother passes and is in charge of telling some of her friends of her passing and that they were left an inheritance. In doing so, he met with Sam and Ty, not knowing at the time they all would become really great friends. Their relationship was strong, and I must say hysterical.
Coopers grandmother left a note for Sam that she bought a box at the field they loved going to. She wanted Sam to take Cooper to games. Which is where Cooper met Nate. Nate was focused on his ball career and had no interest in anything else. Until Cooper started DMing Nate.
I absolutely loved this story. I found myself cracking up. I want Cooper as my friend. I hope we revisit Cooper, Nate, Sam, Miguel, and the rest in future books.
The only thing I missed was, how did Cooper not know of his Grandmother passing. Why did he hear it from her lawyer. Maybe I missed something.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
Audio
I've said it once and I'll say it again, Casey Morales stands up passionately for inclusivity!! As with the previous book of this series, Cooper is very similar to Gabe’s character with his awkwardness and his inability to function outside of the world of numbers. He's timid until he comes in contact with Nate, the baseball player in the closet. Their dynamic was appropriate, albeit the audience of side characters. I loved their chemistry and Coop’s reactions added humor to the plot.
As always, Dan Levy’s presentation was phenomenal! His ability to alternate between all characters is mesmerizing and pulls the listeners into the scenarios along with the storyline. He brought just the right amount of emotions when needed, and boy was there multiple!
There was a uniqueness to this story, though, as it was mixed with various life-altering circumstances, and I must give credit to Cooper for handling his grandmother's estate with a certain level of professionalism. I enjoyed the cameos, especially Sam, Miguel, and Anne! I am a little bummed to say goodbye to these characters (and the narrator), but amazing job by the author for this wonderful world of spice!!
I've said it once and I'll say it again, Casey Morales stands up passionately for inclusivity!! As with the previous book of this series, Cooper is very similar to Gabe’s character with his awkwardness and his inability to function outside of the world of numbers. He's timid until he comes in contact with Nate, the baseball player in the closet. Their dynamic was appropriate, albeit the audience of side characters. I loved their chemistry and Coop’s reactions added humor to the plot.
As always, Dan Levy’s presentation was phenomenal! His ability to alternate between all characters is mesmerizing and pulls the listeners into the scenarios along with the storyline. He brought just the right amount of emotions when needed, and boy was there multiple!
There was a uniqueness to this story, though, as it was mixed with various life-altering circumstances, and I must give credit to Cooper for handling his grandmother's estate with a certain level of professionalism. I enjoyed the cameos, especially Sam, Miguel, and Anne! I am a little bummed to say goodbye to these characters (and the narrator), but amazing job by the author for this wonderful world of spice!!
May 3, 2023
Casey Morales has done it again. I swear this author knows how to make you laugh through your tears, turn up the heat and then make you sob like a baby…. All within a 10 minute time frame. I didn’t think I could fall for any more characters in this series but, man, does Cooper grab you not let you go and then shove Nate in your face all while screaming MINE… why do I like torturing myself by reading these stories by Casey. Every time you finish a book and your like that’s it, I’m don’t I can’t take by more the author says oh, you thought we were finished… hahahahaha here’s some more fictional people for you to fall in love with.
In all seriousness read this book, as much as I’ve loved the others this is by far hands down my favorite of the series… funny the 4th book seems to be a theme for me on favorites. I won’t tell you anything about who these guys are or why happened to them. You need to read their story, trust me, you’ll fall for them too…. Especially Cooper
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In all seriousness read this book, as much as I’ve loved the others this is by far hands down my favorite of the series… funny the 4th book seems to be a theme for me on favorites. I won’t tell you anything about who these guys are or why happened to them. You need to read their story, trust me, you’ll fall for them too…. Especially Cooper
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2023
Another fantastic read from Casey Morales. This one features Cooper, a quirky, nerdy guy who has recently lost his Grammy and Nate, a minor league baseball player who dreams of making it to the majors. Oh, and Nate is deep in the closet because the homophobia is strong in his team. There are also characters from previous books: Gabe, Tyler, Sam and Miguel. The book opens with Cooper finding out his grandmother has died and her will has him going to people to tell them his grandmother has left them things. That's how he meets Sam and Miguel. They take him to a baseball game and that's where he meets Nate. Cooper is attracted to Nate but he's a bit socially inept. In spite of that, Nate feels a closeness to Coop. As they get to know each other, their attraction grows. But Nate feels he has to keep things a secret. There are places in the book where I was laughing out loud. I also had to keep a tissue handy because I was tearing up. But don't worry it has an HEA. The story flows well and I could have finished it in one sitting but I took my time so I could savor it.
June 16, 2023
DM FRIENDS TO LOVERS!
This is the fourth book in the Nashville Spicy series and all I can say is Casey Morales hit it out of the ballpark again!
I loved the premise of the book and found the story line very captivating as usual as with all the books of the series but this book is the best one by far of the series, we will have to see what Nicks story delivers…
The friendship that evolved from a simple DM was so beautiful and sweet but also so steamy when they eventually couldn’t keep their hands off each other!
I loved the insightful look into the locker rooms of players and how big a role homophobic slurs play when they are slung at out players…
The ramblings of Cooper were so cute and endearing not too mention entertaining especially when Nate can see only one way to shut him up…
The found family of the previous two books are very supportive of Cooper and Nate and also funny in their antics!
I laughed and I cried with these characters till the beautiful end!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the fourth book in the Nashville Spicy series and all I can say is Casey Morales hit it out of the ballpark again!
I loved the premise of the book and found the story line very captivating as usual as with all the books of the series but this book is the best one by far of the series, we will have to see what Nicks story delivers…
The friendship that evolved from a simple DM was so beautiful and sweet but also so steamy when they eventually couldn’t keep their hands off each other!
I loved the insightful look into the locker rooms of players and how big a role homophobic slurs play when they are slung at out players…
The ramblings of Cooper were so cute and endearing not too mention entertaining especially when Nate can see only one way to shut him up…
The found family of the previous two books are very supportive of Cooper and Nate and also funny in their antics!
I laughed and I cried with these characters till the beautiful end!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2023
"The Batter's Box" is a heartwarming and engaging story. With its charming characters and gradual romance, this book offers a delightful and unique reading experience.
The story follows Nate Stringer and Cooper Hawk, who, despite their different paths in life, find themselves on a journey toward happiness. One is a charismatic and athletic jock, while the other is a nerdy and intelligent individual with a penchant for rambling. This charming singularity adds an extra layer of depth and relatability to the character, making them feel more authentic and lovable. It also provides moments of humor and tenderness, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The slow-burn aspect of the book adds depth and authenticity to the characters' connection. As their paths converge, the story explores their individual growth, their shared experiences, and the development of a genuine emotional bond.
"The Batter's Box" is a home run that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
The story follows Nate Stringer and Cooper Hawk, who, despite their different paths in life, find themselves on a journey toward happiness. One is a charismatic and athletic jock, while the other is a nerdy and intelligent individual with a penchant for rambling. This charming singularity adds an extra layer of depth and relatability to the character, making them feel more authentic and lovable. It also provides moments of humor and tenderness, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The slow-burn aspect of the book adds depth and authenticity to the characters' connection. As their paths converge, the story explores their individual growth, their shared experiences, and the development of a genuine emotional bond.
"The Batter's Box" is a home run that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
December 24, 2023
This is a book that is good. Indeed, I read it right through quickly. However, it is not exceptional.
It starts very slowly with a spreadsheet guy who becomes the executor of his grandmother's estate but he had no idea she had died or that he was to be the executor and had no idea who the many heirs were or even that she was as rich as she was. That in itself was fishy and takes up a great deal of the book.
Through one of the heirs he gets to meet a baseball player and eventually the story is about them and that part of the story is emotionally engaging. They take to each other whereas before they had both been in jobs that they were not really happy with despite the fact they were focused on their jobs.
I will not spoil the ending but it turns out to be good for both of them - perhaps better for Cooper than for Nate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
'The Batter's Box' (Nashville Spicy #4) written by Casey Morales (Audible) narrated by Dan Levy
Hmm...this book is just not flying for me and I'm not really sure why that is because usually I like this author, plus I liked other books in this series.
Maybe it's Cooper's constant brain nattering on & on & on plus the annoying amount of word vomit spewing from him every time he gets nervous, or is that always?
Aside from that, there are some cool side characters from previous books that show up in here. Their interactions and banter is what kept me reading as far as I did!
Unfortunately, it's not enough to save me from utter boredom and I find myself not caring what happens to the main characters...it's just at that tipping point of, you know, "stop the world I want to get off!"...and I think I don't want to waste my time on this anymore, so it's going to be a DNF for me, at least for now.
Apologies to the author, because usually I like their books.
Hmm...this book is just not flying for me and I'm not really sure why that is because usually I like this author, plus I liked other books in this series.
Maybe it's Cooper's constant brain nattering on & on & on plus the annoying amount of word vomit spewing from him every time he gets nervous, or is that always?
Aside from that, there are some cool side characters from previous books that show up in here. Their interactions and banter is what kept me reading as far as I did!
Unfortunately, it's not enough to save me from utter boredom and I find myself not caring what happens to the main characters...it's just at that tipping point of, you know, "stop the world I want to get off!"...and I think I don't want to waste my time on this anymore, so it's going to be a DNF for me, at least for now.
Apologies to the author, because usually I like their books.
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