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Nashville Spicy #5
Buckeye
Gold Medal Winner in the 2023 Global Book Awards & BookFest Awards . . .
A traded player, a children's home, and a love to defy all odds.
Climbing the ladder of professional baseball is hard. As one of the only openly gay players in the league, Nick Dunlap's path is rockier than most.
When Nick is traded mid-season, despite a team-leading batting average, everyone knows his "open secret" is to blame.
He flies to Ohio in hopes of a fresh start but finds so much more.
On his second day in Columbus, Nick agrees to visit a non-profit whose mission is to counsel children and families. Speeches are made, balls are signed, and before the day ends, Nick meets Ethan, a troubled eight-year-old boy who hasn't spoken in months.
Nick's heart yearns to aid the lost boy.
Then he meets Dr. André Martin, a French psychiatrist with flowing salt-and-pepper hair and kind smile. André has been on the staff of the non-profit for over twenty years and questions Nick's sincerity, thinking he is little more than a grandstanding player looking for photo ops.
Until Nick returns the next day . . .
Buckeye is a heartwarming story of a man finding love in the most unexpected places. Themes include found family, hurt/comfort, an age gap romance, children in need, and so much more.
If you enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue and Call Me by Your Name, you'll love Buckeye.
There are themes and scenes depicting the lives of children and adults with troubled pasts. Some overcome their challenges, while others struggle.
A traded player, a children's home, and a love to defy all odds.
Climbing the ladder of professional baseball is hard. As one of the only openly gay players in the league, Nick Dunlap's path is rockier than most.
When Nick is traded mid-season, despite a team-leading batting average, everyone knows his "open secret" is to blame.
He flies to Ohio in hopes of a fresh start but finds so much more.
On his second day in Columbus, Nick agrees to visit a non-profit whose mission is to counsel children and families. Speeches are made, balls are signed, and before the day ends, Nick meets Ethan, a troubled eight-year-old boy who hasn't spoken in months.
Nick's heart yearns to aid the lost boy.
Then he meets Dr. André Martin, a French psychiatrist with flowing salt-and-pepper hair and kind smile. André has been on the staff of the non-profit for over twenty years and questions Nick's sincerity, thinking he is little more than a grandstanding player looking for photo ops.
Until Nick returns the next day . . .
Buckeye is a heartwarming story of a man finding love in the most unexpected places. Themes include found family, hurt/comfort, an age gap romance, children in need, and so much more.
If you enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue and Call Me by Your Name, you'll love Buckeye.
There are themes and scenes depicting the lives of children and adults with troubled pasts. Some overcome their challenges, while others struggle.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2023
165 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Casey Morales
62 books415 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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March 20, 2024
Buckeye is a MM sports romance by Casey Morales. It is the fifth book in the Nashville Spicy series but can be read as a complete stand alone. This is my very first book by Casey. I often look for a word to describe a book for the beginning of a review and the only word I can think of that best describes this book is, “lovely!” This story, these characters, are simply lovely! This is the story of found family, of finding your “one,” of fitting in, of finding home!
Nick Dunlap is twenty three years old. He has dreamed of being a pro-baseball player since he was a child. He is an openly gay player currently playing in the minor leagues in Nashville. But the team has never accepted him, they’ve never actually been a “team,” despite Nick’s stellar averages. He is unexpectedly given the news that he is traded to The Clippers in Columbus, Ohio. As surprising as this is, Nick’s not saddened by the news. Maybe this will be a fresh start. Right from the beginning, he realizes this will be a whole different experience.
Dr. Andre Martin is forty three years old and is a psychiatrist. He has worked for over twenty years at The Buckeye Ranch, a home for troubled, abandoned or otherwise in need children. Andre loves his work, his life has been devoted to these children.
There is one particular eight year old boy at Buckeye Ranch, little Ethan. For no apparent reason, several months ago, Ethan stopped talking. He hasn’t made a peep. No amount of counseling has broken through. Until one wary looking baseball player walked in, and changed everything.
It’s only Nick’s second day in Columbus. His first day he went directly to a game. He already feels like he fits in better here than he ever has before. So he can’t say no when the guys convince him to come with them to spend some time with the kids at Buckeye. Nick just wants to observe from a distance on this first visit. Except a little boy approaches him and instantly steals his heart.
“In that moment, everything settled into place, and I knew I was home.”
It was impossible to “not” love these characters. I loved how Nick’s confidence grew with his new team and teammates. Neither he nor Andre were looking for love or commitment. But the bond between them grew slowly and steadily, as it did between Nick and little Ethan. But, when the off season is over and Nick is back on the field, will they be strong enough to stay together? And what happens if his dream is ever realized and he’s called up to the big leagues?
The writing was beautifully done with this story. There is humor, steam, banter and so much sweetness. I also loved Nick’s oh so straight roommate, Marcus. It seems like there could be a fun story there!!! hint hint What I loved the most was the way Casey handled the relationship between Nick, Andre and little Ethan. Watching them all bond was such a beautiful thing. As I said, this is my first book of Casey’s and I can guarantee there will be more.
“Two men, one heart.”
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...
Nick Dunlap is twenty three years old. He has dreamed of being a pro-baseball player since he was a child. He is an openly gay player currently playing in the minor leagues in Nashville. But the team has never accepted him, they’ve never actually been a “team,” despite Nick’s stellar averages. He is unexpectedly given the news that he is traded to The Clippers in Columbus, Ohio. As surprising as this is, Nick’s not saddened by the news. Maybe this will be a fresh start. Right from the beginning, he realizes this will be a whole different experience.
Dr. Andre Martin is forty three years old and is a psychiatrist. He has worked for over twenty years at The Buckeye Ranch, a home for troubled, abandoned or otherwise in need children. Andre loves his work, his life has been devoted to these children.
There is one particular eight year old boy at Buckeye Ranch, little Ethan. For no apparent reason, several months ago, Ethan stopped talking. He hasn’t made a peep. No amount of counseling has broken through. Until one wary looking baseball player walked in, and changed everything.
It’s only Nick’s second day in Columbus. His first day he went directly to a game. He already feels like he fits in better here than he ever has before. So he can’t say no when the guys convince him to come with them to spend some time with the kids at Buckeye. Nick just wants to observe from a distance on this first visit. Except a little boy approaches him and instantly steals his heart.
“In that moment, everything settled into place, and I knew I was home.”
It was impossible to “not” love these characters. I loved how Nick’s confidence grew with his new team and teammates. Neither he nor Andre were looking for love or commitment. But the bond between them grew slowly and steadily, as it did between Nick and little Ethan. But, when the off season is over and Nick is back on the field, will they be strong enough to stay together? And what happens if his dream is ever realized and he’s called up to the big leagues?
The writing was beautifully done with this story. There is humor, steam, banter and so much sweetness. I also loved Nick’s oh so straight roommate, Marcus. It seems like there could be a fun story there!!! hint hint What I loved the most was the way Casey handled the relationship between Nick, Andre and little Ethan. Watching them all bond was such a beautiful thing. As I said, this is my first book of Casey’s and I can guarantee there will be more.
“Two men, one heart.”
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...
January 23, 2024
DNF @ 80%. I should have stopped at 11%. I kept pushing because I wanted to give this a fair go, but the descriptions in this were just too much for me. The humour also felt a little juvenile. I didn't really understand why the MC was lusting after his roommate so hard when he wasn't the love interest either.
One thing i did like about this was the kids in the story and they were part of the reason I continued. I wanted to love this but it just didn't work for me.
One thing i did like about this was the kids in the story and they were part of the reason I continued. I wanted to love this but it just didn't work for me.
July 6, 2023
I wasn’t aware this was part of a series, as I picked up an ARC of this one through Book Sirens. It’s marketed as a MM sports romance.
Nick is dropped from Nashville and finds home starting over again with a new baseball team. He’s suffered prejudice and discrimination at Nashville and is apprehensive about the move. Within days he’s welcomed into the baseball family and visits a local group home for children and young people as part of his team’s outreach program. He meets Andre, a psychiatrist (who happens to be French) at the centre but they aren’t enamoured until they spend more time together due to Nick’s connection with 8you Ethan, who has been selectively mute …until Nick.
There’s not a great deal of baseball per se in this book - thought there’s alot of proximate to baseball stuff in terms of Nick’s teammates, relationships, and his experience. The majority of the book is about Nick’s relationship with Ethan and his relationship with Andre. It’s told in alternating pints of view. It addresses some important themes of parental loss, childhood trauma, identity and sexuality, and grief.
It’s definitely not your stereotypical sports romance and a quick read of the author’s notes/preface will explain why, which makes the book all the more poignant. There’s some issues with how things that happen in the book would never fly where I live in terms of boundaries and conduct, foster care systems and processes but these translated to the page as part of an overall story I could live with. There’s a large age game between Andre and Nick (approx 20 years) as well.
Nick is dropped from Nashville and finds home starting over again with a new baseball team. He’s suffered prejudice and discrimination at Nashville and is apprehensive about the move. Within days he’s welcomed into the baseball family and visits a local group home for children and young people as part of his team’s outreach program. He meets Andre, a psychiatrist (who happens to be French) at the centre but they aren’t enamoured until they spend more time together due to Nick’s connection with 8you Ethan, who has been selectively mute …until Nick.
There’s not a great deal of baseball per se in this book - thought there’s alot of proximate to baseball stuff in terms of Nick’s teammates, relationships, and his experience. The majority of the book is about Nick’s relationship with Ethan and his relationship with Andre. It’s told in alternating pints of view. It addresses some important themes of parental loss, childhood trauma, identity and sexuality, and grief.
It’s definitely not your stereotypical sports romance and a quick read of the author’s notes/preface will explain why, which makes the book all the more poignant. There’s some issues with how things that happen in the book would never fly where I live in terms of boundaries and conduct, foster care systems and processes but these translated to the page as part of an overall story I could live with. There’s a large age game between Andre and Nick (approx 20 years) as well.
August 20, 2023
🤩 😻 😍
I don’t have words at the moments to convey how much I loved this book, ‘Buckeye’ by Casey Morales.
I’d only read one of Casey’s books, ‘ My Accidental First Date’ and it did not prepare me for my second Casey Morales book, ‘Buckeye’. The first struck me as a funny frivolous teen story, ‘Buckeye’ is eons above that in terms of writing quality, dept of emotional connections, and the storytelling.
This was a gut punching read. Nick Dunlap had to hide his sexuality when he was playing with his first minor Baseball team in Nashville. He was traded when suspicions were raised. He was so unprepared for the welcoming he received when he arrived in Columbus, Ohio.
There he made friends straightaway with three wonderful friends, Zack and Kervin, an out and fabulous couple, and the mysterious, magnificent Marcus. He is Nick’s Roommate. A giant Greek God from Brazil, but from Nicks point of view out of reach. Marcus says he is straight. Hmmm?
Zack and Kervin are hilarious if you’re lucky enough to be in their orbit, and so is Marcus when he tries to match their humorous comments in his mangled English in his Brazilian accent.
When they introduce Nick to the ‘Ranch’ a facility for homeless children, Nick is bowled over (pardon the pun) when he meets some of the children. He is not too enamoured with Staff Member Dr. Martin, Child Psychologist who assumes Nick is just visiting for publicity for his selection on to the local Baseball Team.
The tears I shed were of sorrow for the sad partings when Baseball success called and the tears of joy were for Ethan finding exactly what he needed. I was hoping good things would happen for Noah, an enigmatic 16 year old. He tore at my heart strings, I wanted someone to reach out and earn his trust and give him hope.
Having read Casey’s Epilogue, I get it, I could sense how much this real character featured in real life for him. So yes, my tears fell again when I read the Epilogue. I hope Noah is out there somewhere, maybe he runs a shelter for animals and has two dogs that adore him to bits. Maybe even a person of his own too.
Yes I hated when I reached the end of this book, I’d fallen for the MC’s, for Zack and Kervin, and I hope Casey will give Marcus his own book.
Why? Because there is a huge story waiting to be told from this Brazilian Baseball player. Hope you hear me Casey.
I don’t have words at the moments to convey how much I loved this book, ‘Buckeye’ by Casey Morales.
I’d only read one of Casey’s books, ‘ My Accidental First Date’ and it did not prepare me for my second Casey Morales book, ‘Buckeye’. The first struck me as a funny frivolous teen story, ‘Buckeye’ is eons above that in terms of writing quality, dept of emotional connections, and the storytelling.
This was a gut punching read. Nick Dunlap had to hide his sexuality when he was playing with his first minor Baseball team in Nashville. He was traded when suspicions were raised. He was so unprepared for the welcoming he received when he arrived in Columbus, Ohio.
There he made friends straightaway with three wonderful friends, Zack and Kervin, an out and fabulous couple, and the mysterious, magnificent Marcus. He is Nick’s Roommate. A giant Greek God from Brazil, but from Nicks point of view out of reach. Marcus says he is straight. Hmmm?
Zack and Kervin are hilarious if you’re lucky enough to be in their orbit, and so is Marcus when he tries to match their humorous comments in his mangled English in his Brazilian accent.
When they introduce Nick to the ‘Ranch’ a facility for homeless children, Nick is bowled over (pardon the pun) when he meets some of the children. He is not too enamoured with Staff Member Dr. Martin, Child Psychologist who assumes Nick is just visiting for publicity for his selection on to the local Baseball Team.
The tears I shed were of sorrow for the sad partings when Baseball success called and the tears of joy were for Ethan finding exactly what he needed. I was hoping good things would happen for Noah, an enigmatic 16 year old. He tore at my heart strings, I wanted someone to reach out and earn his trust and give him hope.
Having read Casey’s Epilogue, I get it, I could sense how much this real character featured in real life for him. So yes, my tears fell again when I read the Epilogue. I hope Noah is out there somewhere, maybe he runs a shelter for animals and has two dogs that adore him to bits. Maybe even a person of his own too.
Yes I hated when I reached the end of this book, I’d fallen for the MC’s, for Zack and Kervin, and I hope Casey will give Marcus his own book.
Why? Because there is a huge story waiting to be told from this Brazilian Baseball player. Hope you hear me Casey.
June 27, 2023
Buckeye is Nick and Andre’s story. Nick Dunlop is one of the baseball players from The Batter’s Box. He was one of the secondary characters who was dropped for no good reason. Here we find out how he pulls himself together and won’t be a victim of gay prejudice again. Dr Andre Martin is the other main character and the love interest for Nick. Andre works at Buckeye Ranch children’s home and meets Nick when he visits with some of his team members to offer their support.
Nick is moved to do what he can for at least one of the children, Ethan, and starts to visit on a regular basis during the off-season. Once Andre realises Nick is sincere he begins to let him into his heart.
This is a story of two parts. There’s the baseball team banter and comradeship and there’s the love story set in and around the children’s home. Sometimes the team banter side has a French farce feel with characters’ mouths falling open in shock, and characters being spooked by someone turning up without them noticing. The banter can be beyond naughty but is all in fun and usually involves team members Marcos, Zack and Kervin. The love story has its saucy moments while being wonderfully told.
The story is honest and does not not shy from covering the problems faced by sports people and their loved ones in terms of compromises made and lives disrupted by the pursuit of fame. A fun and thoughtful read.
Nick is moved to do what he can for at least one of the children, Ethan, and starts to visit on a regular basis during the off-season. Once Andre realises Nick is sincere he begins to let him into his heart.
This is a story of two parts. There’s the baseball team banter and comradeship and there’s the love story set in and around the children’s home. Sometimes the team banter side has a French farce feel with characters’ mouths falling open in shock, and characters being spooked by someone turning up without them noticing. The banter can be beyond naughty but is all in fun and usually involves team members Marcos, Zack and Kervin. The love story has its saucy moments while being wonderfully told.
The story is honest and does not not shy from covering the problems faced by sports people and their loved ones in terms of compromises made and lives disrupted by the pursuit of fame. A fun and thoughtful read.
June 16, 2025
Buckeye is my favourite of this series.
The depth of character in both main men was beautiful, the falling-in-a-father's-love was emotional and heartwarming.
André's directness, his initial prejudices, his devotion to his work and later to Nick, his insecurities, his hobbies - made for a gloriously well rounded character.
Nick's new team and coach were a healing experience after how things ended for him in the previous book. It all felt like a balm on his (and my!) wounded soul. The support of his friends throughout the story and especially when he was drafted to the major leagues, "leaving them behind", felt special and beautiful.
I teared up more than once during this book, both when André and Nick spoke of their growing feelings for eachother, and when they proposed to Ethan, "please let me be your dad".
Casey's dedication and afterword were moving and made the story that much more real.
I'll be remembering this one for a while yet.
The depth of character in both main men was beautiful, the falling-in-a-father's-love was emotional and heartwarming.
André's directness, his initial prejudices, his devotion to his work and later to Nick, his insecurities, his hobbies - made for a gloriously well rounded character.
Nick's new team and coach were a healing experience after how things ended for him in the previous book. It all felt like a balm on his (and my!) wounded soul. The support of his friends throughout the story and especially when he was drafted to the major leagues, "leaving them behind", felt special and beautiful.
I teared up more than once during this book, both when André and Nick spoke of their growing feelings for eachother, and when they proposed to Ethan, "please let me be your dad".
Casey's dedication and afterword were moving and made the story that much more real.
I'll be remembering this one for a while yet.
July 18, 2023
Another Good Story in This Series
Each story in this series has been very interesting to read and this one as no different. There were a few things here or there that slightly disrupted the flow of the story for me but I enjoyed reading the story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Each story in this series has been very interesting to read and this one as no different. There were a few things here or there that slightly disrupted the flow of the story for me but I enjoyed reading the story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
January 20, 2025
⭐️: 3.5 stars!
July 7, 2025
I loved this book.
Nick who had no family and felt out of place on his team. Gets traded to another one and instantly feels like family. More than he had ever felt before. Throw in Ethan and he is making strides in coming out of his shell.
Frenchie had put himself out there in a long time. Something just gravitates towards Nick and he doesn't know how to handle it. The Dr. in him wants to fix him and he know that he needs to do it himself.
This was a intense but great read.
Nick who had no family and felt out of place on his team. Gets traded to another one and instantly feels like family. More than he had ever felt before. Throw in Ethan and he is making strides in coming out of his shell.
Frenchie had put himself out there in a long time. Something just gravitates towards Nick and he doesn't know how to handle it. The Dr. in him wants to fix him and he know that he needs to do it himself.
This was a intense but great read.
December 3, 2024
4.5
Fair warning: I've grown fond of Casey Morales. I was so excited about this book that I took a break from reading another book to read it. Every book in this series has piqued my interest. This story is no different. This is a touching story about Nick Dunlap, whom we briefly met in Batter's Box. At the end of the novel, we learn that the homophobic coach and team owners had traded Nick to another team. This book begins with him aboard a plane on the night of the exchange. Once in his new city with his new colleagues, he is hesitant to announce his sexuality for fear of repeating Nashville's experience. He is pleasantly surprised to discover that his new roommate is a staunch ally and that two of his teammates are in a serious relationship with one other. Congratulations, Nick!!
On the second day of his trip to Ohio, he meets Dr. Andre Martin at a team publicity event at a residential facility for young children in the foster care system. He also meets a young boy who steals his heart and bonds with him. As the story progresses, Nick and the good doctor fall in love, Nick realizes his ambition of playing in the major leagues, and he eventually adopts the young kid from the residential facility.
While all of that is excellent and much-anticipated, the real treasure in this article is that it exposes a real facility that works with at-risk youngsters. This is an MM romance, but it's also the story of a parent falling fiercely in love and building a forever home for a child.
This narrative demonstrates the author's sensitivity because he is sharing anecdotes about people who have had a profound impact on him.
What I liked:
1) 1st person POV
2) Reoccurrence of characters from the other books in this series-allowing the series to come full circle and the characters to resolve some issues from Batter’s box
3) HEA
4) A positive presentation of mental health treatment
What I didn't like:
1) Minor plot inconsistencies. Two of the side characters recount how they met early in the novel, but when Nick asks them again in a later chapter, the story is completely different. In an internal monologue, Nick also informs the reader that his father abandoned the family when Nick was 14, leaving him alone with his mother. Later, he tells Andre that when Nick was eight years old, his mother committed suicide, leaving him alone with his father, who was later killed while responding to a call. The final mentions of his parents are congruent with the second story.
2) While I appreciate that Nick was able to play with a former teammate, Nate, in an exhibition game, I wish Nick had the opportunity to play against his previous team.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fair warning: I've grown fond of Casey Morales. I was so excited about this book that I took a break from reading another book to read it. Every book in this series has piqued my interest. This story is no different. This is a touching story about Nick Dunlap, whom we briefly met in Batter's Box. At the end of the novel, we learn that the homophobic coach and team owners had traded Nick to another team. This book begins with him aboard a plane on the night of the exchange. Once in his new city with his new colleagues, he is hesitant to announce his sexuality for fear of repeating Nashville's experience. He is pleasantly surprised to discover that his new roommate is a staunch ally and that two of his teammates are in a serious relationship with one other. Congratulations, Nick!!
On the second day of his trip to Ohio, he meets Dr. Andre Martin at a team publicity event at a residential facility for young children in the foster care system. He also meets a young boy who steals his heart and bonds with him. As the story progresses, Nick and the good doctor fall in love, Nick realizes his ambition of playing in the major leagues, and he eventually adopts the young kid from the residential facility.
While all of that is excellent and much-anticipated, the real treasure in this article is that it exposes a real facility that works with at-risk youngsters. This is an MM romance, but it's also the story of a parent falling fiercely in love and building a forever home for a child.
This narrative demonstrates the author's sensitivity because he is sharing anecdotes about people who have had a profound impact on him.
What I liked:
1) 1st person POV
2) Reoccurrence of characters from the other books in this series-allowing the series to come full circle and the characters to resolve some issues from Batter’s box
3) HEA
4) A positive presentation of mental health treatment
What I didn't like:
1) Minor plot inconsistencies. Two of the side characters recount how they met early in the novel, but when Nick asks them again in a later chapter, the story is completely different. In an internal monologue, Nick also informs the reader that his father abandoned the family when Nick was 14, leaving him alone with his mother. Later, he tells Andre that when Nick was eight years old, his mother committed suicide, leaving him alone with his father, who was later killed while responding to a call. The final mentions of his parents are congruent with the second story.
2) While I appreciate that Nick was able to play with a former teammate, Nate, in an exhibition game, I wish Nick had the opportunity to play against his previous team.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2023
This book highlights the struggles of children in foster care and with mental challenges and does it well. That is the reason this book is getting 3 stars - Ethan and Noah as characters are heartbreaking and a joy at the same time. That part is a 4/5 star read.
The reason the book doesn’t get more stars from me is because I didn’t really feel Andre and Nick together. I did not get into their romance or banter - it felt forced and false, like it was throw together as a side dish to the foster children. I really didn’t enjoy the French accent being written with “ze” instead of “the” frequently. Ok we get it - Andre is French. The banter was silly, not in a good way but in an eye rolling way, between the friends on the baseball team - again feeling forced. I honestly had felt this way before in a Casey Morales book so it must just be that the writing style isn’t for me. Missing a natural feeling of chemistry and emotional attachment between characters. 2/5 stars on the romance portion of the book.
All in all, that leaves me with a 3/5 star review.
The reason the book doesn’t get more stars from me is because I didn’t really feel Andre and Nick together. I did not get into their romance or banter - it felt forced and false, like it was throw together as a side dish to the foster children. I really didn’t enjoy the French accent being written with “ze” instead of “the” frequently. Ok we get it - Andre is French. The banter was silly, not in a good way but in an eye rolling way, between the friends on the baseball team - again feeling forced. I honestly had felt this way before in a Casey Morales book so it must just be that the writing style isn’t for me. Missing a natural feeling of chemistry and emotional attachment between characters. 2/5 stars on the romance portion of the book.
All in all, that leaves me with a 3/5 star review.
July 19, 2023
FR- Alors alors....alors le résumé me faisait vraiment de l'œil et j'étais très intriguée par ce roman. Et après ma lecture, je suis légèrement déçue. J'ai aimé le roman, j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture. Les personnages sont super intéressants, la plume de l'auteur très agréable et j'ai beaucoup aimé la façon dont les thèmes choisit sont abordés. On sent que l'auteur sait de quoi il parle et le prologue et l'épilogue explique certains de ses choix.
J'ai beaucoup aimé les personnages principaux. Que ce soit Nick ou André, les deux sont très attachants, avec leurs failles et leurs blessures, avec leur volonté d'avancer, de s'en sortir et d'aider les autres. J'ai beaucoup aimé leur relation et ce qu'ils s'apportent l'un à l'autre. J'ai pleuré plusieurs fois et je me suis énormément attachées à eux.
Ce qui m'a plus posé problème, ce sont les personnages secondaires. On va commencer par les membres de l'équipe de Nick.
Le roman commence avec Marcus, qui va être le colocataire de Nick et la personne qui l'accueil lorsqu'il arrive dans l'équipe. Pendant quelques chapitres, Nick est partout pour soudain disparaitre complètement du roman sous prétexte de vacances d'inter saison. Plus de Marcus pendant tout le reste du roman jusqu'à ce qu'il réapparaisse brièvement pendant quelques chapitres.
Il y a ensuite le couple gay, Kervin et Zack, que j'ai trouvé parfois de trop.. comme un élément obligatoire, le couple gay heureux, qui n'apporte pas grand chose à l'histoire ni aux personnages principaux.
Puis il y a les enfants. Deux enfants en particulier : Noah et Ethan. Si l'épilogue apporte des précisions concernant Noah, j'aurai aimé avoir plus de scènes avec Ethan. Il est parfois au troisième voir quatrième plan et est presque juste une excuse pour expliquer le rapprochement entre Nick et André. Et puis tout d'un coup, comme si l'auteur se souvenait de sa présence, il y a une ou deux scènes avec Ethan. J'aurai aimé que cet aspect là soit plus développé.
Pour autant, la romance est mignonne, pleine de bons sentiments sans tomber dans le coté caricatural. On sent vraiment que l'auteur sait de quoi il parle. La plume de l'auteur est fluide et agréable et on ressent tout un tas d'émotion. En résumé, une jolie romance mais si vous vous attendiez à ce que le thème des enfants placés soit au centre du roman ce n'est pas vraiment le cas. Ce qui ne nous empêche pas de passer un excellent moment de lecture.
ENG- So well well ... well the summary really caught my eye and I was very intrigued by this novel. And after reading it, I'm slightly disappointed. I liked the novel, I had a good time reading it. The characters are super interesting, the pen of the author very pleasant and I really liked the way the chosen themes are approached. We feel that the author knows what he is talking about and the prologue and the epilogue explain some of his choices.
I really liked the main characters. Whether it's Nick or André, both are very endearing, with their faults and their wounds, with their desire to move forward, to get by and to help others. I really liked their relationship and what they bring to each other. I cried several times and got very attached to them.
What bothered me the most were the secondary characters. We'll start with the members of Nick's team.
The novel begins with Marcus, who is going to be Nick's roommate and the person who welcomes him when he arrives on the team. During a few chapters, Nick is everywhere to suddenly disappear completely from the novel under the pretext of inter-season holidays. No more Marcus for the rest of the novel until he briefly reappears for a few chapters.
Then there's the gay couple, Kervin and Zack, who I sometimes found too much.. like a mandatory element, the happy gay couple, which doesn't add much to the story or the main characters.
Then there are the children. Two children in particular: Noah and Ethan. If the epilogue clarifies about Noah, I would have liked to have had more scenes with Ethan. He is sometimes in the third or even fourth plan and is almost just an excuse to explain the rapprochement between Nick and André. And then all of a sudden, as if the author remembers his presence, there are one or two scenes with Ethan. I would have liked this aspect to be developed more.
However, the romance is cute, full of good feelings without falling into the caricatural side. You really feel that the author knows what he is talking about. The pen of the author is fluid and pleasant and we feel a lot of emotion. All in all, a lovely romance but if you were expecting the theme of foster children to be central to the novel, it's not quite the case. This does not prevent us from having a great time reading.
J'ai beaucoup aimé les personnages principaux. Que ce soit Nick ou André, les deux sont très attachants, avec leurs failles et leurs blessures, avec leur volonté d'avancer, de s'en sortir et d'aider les autres. J'ai beaucoup aimé leur relation et ce qu'ils s'apportent l'un à l'autre. J'ai pleuré plusieurs fois et je me suis énormément attachées à eux.
Ce qui m'a plus posé problème, ce sont les personnages secondaires. On va commencer par les membres de l'équipe de Nick.
Le roman commence avec Marcus, qui va être le colocataire de Nick et la personne qui l'accueil lorsqu'il arrive dans l'équipe. Pendant quelques chapitres, Nick est partout pour soudain disparaitre complètement du roman sous prétexte de vacances d'inter saison. Plus de Marcus pendant tout le reste du roman jusqu'à ce qu'il réapparaisse brièvement pendant quelques chapitres.
Il y a ensuite le couple gay, Kervin et Zack, que j'ai trouvé parfois de trop.. comme un élément obligatoire, le couple gay heureux, qui n'apporte pas grand chose à l'histoire ni aux personnages principaux.
Puis il y a les enfants. Deux enfants en particulier : Noah et Ethan. Si l'épilogue apporte des précisions concernant Noah, j'aurai aimé avoir plus de scènes avec Ethan. Il est parfois au troisième voir quatrième plan et est presque juste une excuse pour expliquer le rapprochement entre Nick et André. Et puis tout d'un coup, comme si l'auteur se souvenait de sa présence, il y a une ou deux scènes avec Ethan. J'aurai aimé que cet aspect là soit plus développé.
Pour autant, la romance est mignonne, pleine de bons sentiments sans tomber dans le coté caricatural. On sent vraiment que l'auteur sait de quoi il parle. La plume de l'auteur est fluide et agréable et on ressent tout un tas d'émotion. En résumé, une jolie romance mais si vous vous attendiez à ce que le thème des enfants placés soit au centre du roman ce n'est pas vraiment le cas. Ce qui ne nous empêche pas de passer un excellent moment de lecture.
ENG- So well well ... well the summary really caught my eye and I was very intrigued by this novel. And after reading it, I'm slightly disappointed. I liked the novel, I had a good time reading it. The characters are super interesting, the pen of the author very pleasant and I really liked the way the chosen themes are approached. We feel that the author knows what he is talking about and the prologue and the epilogue explain some of his choices.
I really liked the main characters. Whether it's Nick or André, both are very endearing, with their faults and their wounds, with their desire to move forward, to get by and to help others. I really liked their relationship and what they bring to each other. I cried several times and got very attached to them.
What bothered me the most were the secondary characters. We'll start with the members of Nick's team.
The novel begins with Marcus, who is going to be Nick's roommate and the person who welcomes him when he arrives on the team. During a few chapters, Nick is everywhere to suddenly disappear completely from the novel under the pretext of inter-season holidays. No more Marcus for the rest of the novel until he briefly reappears for a few chapters.
Then there's the gay couple, Kervin and Zack, who I sometimes found too much.. like a mandatory element, the happy gay couple, which doesn't add much to the story or the main characters.
Then there are the children. Two children in particular: Noah and Ethan. If the epilogue clarifies about Noah, I would have liked to have had more scenes with Ethan. He is sometimes in the third or even fourth plan and is almost just an excuse to explain the rapprochement between Nick and André. And then all of a sudden, as if the author remembers his presence, there are one or two scenes with Ethan. I would have liked this aspect to be developed more.
However, the romance is cute, full of good feelings without falling into the caricatural side. You really feel that the author knows what he is talking about. The pen of the author is fluid and pleasant and we feel a lot of emotion. All in all, a lovely romance but if you were expecting the theme of foster children to be central to the novel, it's not quite the case. This does not prevent us from having a great time reading.
June 30, 2023
I received a free advance copy of this book. I am leaving this review completely voluntarily, and am not being compensated in any way.
Nick Dunlap is a Triple-A professional baseball player, and he’s just been traded (mid-season) to a new team. He knows no one in Columbus Ohio, but that’s where he’s going, the newest member of the Columbus Clippers (a farm team for the Cleveland Guardians). His first game with his new team is within hours of his plane touching down (he was supposed to report at the stadium by 5pm and arrived at 4:58). He needs to prove himself since he’s the new guy, he has never met the coach or any of his teammates, and oh yeah – he’s openly gay (not something that’s well-accepted in many pro-level sports). You think he might be a bit nervous?
Dr. Andre Luis Adolfo Martin the 3rd is one of the staff psychologists at Buckeye Ranch, a large group home placement that takes in orphans and other troubled Foster Kids. Most of the kids at Buckeye (also simply known as “The Ranch”) have been wards of the State of Ohio for multiple years due to various medical, social or psychological issues. Because of their various issues many of the kids have been deemed either temporarily or permanently unadoptable. The kids live and attend school right there on the compound. Dr. Andre, born in France and now a US Citizen, is both an impartial professional and a fierce defender of those kids.
The next day, Nick’s 1st full day in Columbus, Nick accompanies some of the other players to a PR appearance. The Clippers have a standing arrangement with the Ranch that members of the team periodically make visits, where talk to the kids, and generally to Charity PR. Nick is a bit shy at first as he’s known his companions for less than 24 hours and he doesn’t know what’s really expected of him. He pretty much feels like a fish out of water until he is approached by a little boy named Ethan. Nick and Ethan chit-chat for a bit and then it is time to go.
Dr. Andre notices the interaction and is a bit shocked. This was the first time Ethan has spoken a word to ANYONE in months, and Ethan been chatting and laughing with a total stranger. Andre is thrilled that Ethan has possibly made a bit of a breakthrough, but at the same time fearful. Ove the 15+ years of his professional practice Andre has met many athletes and other celebrities who don’t actually have any interest in Buckeye Ranch or the kids, just showing up to pose for the cameras and make their publicists happy. As Andre suspects Nick won’t be setting foot on the Ranch again anytime soon, he wonders if this brief moment of improvement will only be the prelude to multiple steps backward. When Nick shows up again to visit with Ethan, Andre begins to change his mind.
This book is described by the author as a lighthearted age-gap romance. I would add to that in saying the story is sweet, and has a lot of fun banter between Nick and Andre. On top of that, many of the interactions between Nick and other members of the Clippers are HILARIOUS. While reading the book I had to leave the room because I was laughing out loud while my husband was trying to concentrate on something.
In my opinion this book is an easy 5/5. The characters are well-rounded and well-written, the plot moves along at a pace that makes perfect sense, and unless you have no heart whatsoever you will LOVE the HEA.
Nick Dunlap is a Triple-A professional baseball player, and he’s just been traded (mid-season) to a new team. He knows no one in Columbus Ohio, but that’s where he’s going, the newest member of the Columbus Clippers (a farm team for the Cleveland Guardians). His first game with his new team is within hours of his plane touching down (he was supposed to report at the stadium by 5pm and arrived at 4:58). He needs to prove himself since he’s the new guy, he has never met the coach or any of his teammates, and oh yeah – he’s openly gay (not something that’s well-accepted in many pro-level sports). You think he might be a bit nervous?
Dr. Andre Luis Adolfo Martin the 3rd is one of the staff psychologists at Buckeye Ranch, a large group home placement that takes in orphans and other troubled Foster Kids. Most of the kids at Buckeye (also simply known as “The Ranch”) have been wards of the State of Ohio for multiple years due to various medical, social or psychological issues. Because of their various issues many of the kids have been deemed either temporarily or permanently unadoptable. The kids live and attend school right there on the compound. Dr. Andre, born in France and now a US Citizen, is both an impartial professional and a fierce defender of those kids.
The next day, Nick’s 1st full day in Columbus, Nick accompanies some of the other players to a PR appearance. The Clippers have a standing arrangement with the Ranch that members of the team periodically make visits, where talk to the kids, and generally to Charity PR. Nick is a bit shy at first as he’s known his companions for less than 24 hours and he doesn’t know what’s really expected of him. He pretty much feels like a fish out of water until he is approached by a little boy named Ethan. Nick and Ethan chit-chat for a bit and then it is time to go.
Dr. Andre notices the interaction and is a bit shocked. This was the first time Ethan has spoken a word to ANYONE in months, and Ethan been chatting and laughing with a total stranger. Andre is thrilled that Ethan has possibly made a bit of a breakthrough, but at the same time fearful. Ove the 15+ years of his professional practice Andre has met many athletes and other celebrities who don’t actually have any interest in Buckeye Ranch or the kids, just showing up to pose for the cameras and make their publicists happy. As Andre suspects Nick won’t be setting foot on the Ranch again anytime soon, he wonders if this brief moment of improvement will only be the prelude to multiple steps backward. When Nick shows up again to visit with Ethan, Andre begins to change his mind.
This book is described by the author as a lighthearted age-gap romance. I would add to that in saying the story is sweet, and has a lot of fun banter between Nick and Andre. On top of that, many of the interactions between Nick and other members of the Clippers are HILARIOUS. While reading the book I had to leave the room because I was laughing out loud while my husband was trying to concentrate on something.
In my opinion this book is an easy 5/5. The characters are well-rounded and well-written, the plot moves along at a pace that makes perfect sense, and unless you have no heart whatsoever you will LOVE the HEA.
January 5, 2025
I am an addict. Addicted to the Nashville Spicy books. I am so sad that this is the last one (well, with the exception of the Christmas special) and yet, what an outstanding story to finish on. I wasn't without tears in my eyes that is for sure.
The story begins with an introduction from the author, explaining the inspiration for this particular story and how it might not be considered your usual MM romance. I appreciated hearing this, hearing about where the ideas came from and who the story was dedicated to. I have to say though that as much as I appreciate the author suggesting to readers that this is not a conventional MM I disagree, I have now read a number, probably half a dozen at least, of MM romances which involve children in care, men being left or widowed and with young children. It is perhaps a growing trope in the genre. This one takes us away from Nashville but at the same time keeps a toe there.
In the previous book Nick, a player on the Nashville baseball team, was traded and with immediate effect left, sent to Columbus. The story opens with his journey and first day there. It is brilliant, here, from the outset, Nick finds true friends, a truly open, warm and loving team that almost instantly become the family he needs. He is, quite literally, alone in the world. This team are what he so desperately needs even if he has never admitted it. Like all players he dreams of getting to the big time but for now he plays pro and loves it. Moving in with new flatmate Marcus is fun and hilarious to read. Marcus is incredibly hot and very straight but a guy who loves to tease! Then there are Zack and Curve. I don't think anything I say could sum them up - they are brilliant and had me laughing out loud.
Then my heart was stolen by Ethan and Dr Andre of course! A second day in Columbus and Nick is on a visit to the Buckeye Ranch for children in the care system. It is here that he meets Ethan, who he has no idea has not spoken a word for months. Until now. A gentle bond begins between the pair but ranch psychiatrist Dr Andre only sees a jock who will not be back. He is proven utterly wrong. Nick wants to come back and once he starts he can't stop. He loves spending time with Ethan and something changes in them both as they get to know one another. Getting over his initial surprise Dr Andre is also captivated by Nick and from there on we have the story of the baseball player in his new city, trying to settle in and find his feet. The baseball player and the small boy who has become his best friend (and much to the amusement of the adults his catching coach) and the Dr who soon becomes his lover. Ethan and Andre become Nick's world.
Friends from Nashville make an appearance when the Mangoes come to play, changes are on the horizon for Nick but love, the love of a found family, children, a partner and a game are everything and this story has the most satisfying, happiest of endings - that part may have seen me shed a few tears too!
Now I need more Casey Morales but I will be coming back. I have already read this series once and then listened to it, I am truly addicted to this amazing author!
The story begins with an introduction from the author, explaining the inspiration for this particular story and how it might not be considered your usual MM romance. I appreciated hearing this, hearing about where the ideas came from and who the story was dedicated to. I have to say though that as much as I appreciate the author suggesting to readers that this is not a conventional MM I disagree, I have now read a number, probably half a dozen at least, of MM romances which involve children in care, men being left or widowed and with young children. It is perhaps a growing trope in the genre. This one takes us away from Nashville but at the same time keeps a toe there.
In the previous book Nick, a player on the Nashville baseball team, was traded and with immediate effect left, sent to Columbus. The story opens with his journey and first day there. It is brilliant, here, from the outset, Nick finds true friends, a truly open, warm and loving team that almost instantly become the family he needs. He is, quite literally, alone in the world. This team are what he so desperately needs even if he has never admitted it. Like all players he dreams of getting to the big time but for now he plays pro and loves it. Moving in with new flatmate Marcus is fun and hilarious to read. Marcus is incredibly hot and very straight but a guy who loves to tease! Then there are Zack and Curve. I don't think anything I say could sum them up - they are brilliant and had me laughing out loud.
Then my heart was stolen by Ethan and Dr Andre of course! A second day in Columbus and Nick is on a visit to the Buckeye Ranch for children in the care system. It is here that he meets Ethan, who he has no idea has not spoken a word for months. Until now. A gentle bond begins between the pair but ranch psychiatrist Dr Andre only sees a jock who will not be back. He is proven utterly wrong. Nick wants to come back and once he starts he can't stop. He loves spending time with Ethan and something changes in them both as they get to know one another. Getting over his initial surprise Dr Andre is also captivated by Nick and from there on we have the story of the baseball player in his new city, trying to settle in and find his feet. The baseball player and the small boy who has become his best friend (and much to the amusement of the adults his catching coach) and the Dr who soon becomes his lover. Ethan and Andre become Nick's world.
Friends from Nashville make an appearance when the Mangoes come to play, changes are on the horizon for Nick but love, the love of a found family, children, a partner and a game are everything and this story has the most satisfying, happiest of endings - that part may have seen me shed a few tears too!
Now I need more Casey Morales but I will be coming back. I have already read this series once and then listened to it, I am truly addicted to this amazing author!
July 5, 2023
I still remember what I felt when I read Casey Morales´s first story about a clumsy, naive and full of curiosity man, who made me cry tears of laughter, more than a year ago. It was kind of a short autobiography and one of my first reviews, and it left an impression on me that hooked me deeply and since then I could never stop reading everything he writes. He has something in his style (and it's something that I always mention when I review his books) that is deeply refreshing, but not only that, it's the way he tells these stories, not just the ones where he shared great part of his life (Raised by Wolves Complete Box Set), but in the following ones, which makes you feel deeply what his characters feel.
Each of his books teach us something. They are not simply a typical romance between two people where the only remarkable feature is that they belong to the same sex, but rather speaks of an inclusion that goes beyond sexuality itself. Either because of the economic disparity that may exist between the MCs, the different backgrounds, the different political or religious beliefs, or because one of them is deaf or neurodivergent or any other difference that may exist. In his stories, they are all just human beings who deserve to be respected, accepted, and loved just the way they are. And I have learned so many things by reading them that I am ashamed to say how ignorant I was a few years ago, and how much I still have to learn.
Nick and Andre story is a beautiful one. It's kind of one of insta lust, yes, but it's also one where they take their time to get to know each other, to share, to learn to trust each other. And while there are doubts between them due to their age difference and their different stages in life, they are both mature enough to know that the only way to continue building their relationship is to face those doubts and fears by doing something that most people don't: TALK.
And if up to now we have an incredible love story, another even more incredible one is developing at the same time. And it's the bond that forms between Nick and Ethan from the first moment they meet. And I think it's even more important and more wonderful than the relationship between Nick and Andre. It is a deep bond between two people, an adult and a child, who recognize themselves among so many other people around them, and who know that in the other is what will fill the void that exists within them and make them whole.
Casey once again put a lot of himself into this story, from his life as a child and how it surely marked him during his adult life. So thank you for sharing another incredible piece of you with us.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Each of his books teach us something. They are not simply a typical romance between two people where the only remarkable feature is that they belong to the same sex, but rather speaks of an inclusion that goes beyond sexuality itself. Either because of the economic disparity that may exist between the MCs, the different backgrounds, the different political or religious beliefs, or because one of them is deaf or neurodivergent or any other difference that may exist. In his stories, they are all just human beings who deserve to be respected, accepted, and loved just the way they are. And I have learned so many things by reading them that I am ashamed to say how ignorant I was a few years ago, and how much I still have to learn.
Nick and Andre story is a beautiful one. It's kind of one of insta lust, yes, but it's also one where they take their time to get to know each other, to share, to learn to trust each other. And while there are doubts between them due to their age difference and their different stages in life, they are both mature enough to know that the only way to continue building their relationship is to face those doubts and fears by doing something that most people don't: TALK.
And if up to now we have an incredible love story, another even more incredible one is developing at the same time. And it's the bond that forms between Nick and Ethan from the first moment they meet. And I think it's even more important and more wonderful than the relationship between Nick and Andre. It is a deep bond between two people, an adult and a child, who recognize themselves among so many other people around them, and who know that in the other is what will fill the void that exists within them and make them whole.
Casey once again put a lot of himself into this story, from his life as a child and how it surely marked him during his adult life. So thank you for sharing another incredible piece of you with us.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
July 31, 2025
I don’t like baseball, I hate foie gras, but I loved Casey Morales, until Ethan, and Nick, and Marcus, and André. I loved Casey Morales, amazing author, great stories, very realistic, and they tend to stay with you. Then I saw this ARC opportunity, and I blindly jumped into it, ignoring the fact that baseball was involved. And now, my voluntary review: prepare to have your heart turned into foie gras. Yes, I know, it’s made out of liver, but seriously, this book wrecked me. I empathized with André from the first second, such a relatable character (except for the foie gras, but he’s so lovable, I’ll let it go). I felt really bad for Nick, he got dealt a pretty bad hand, but then… Ethan. Just… how? How can someone make you love a made up character so much, you want to go to war again every single person who’s ever hurt them?? HOW? Yes, it’s based on a lot of real people, but they aren’t people I know, they aren’t truly real, but… it feels like they are. It feels like they are real, and lovable, and hurt, and they deserve the world, and I want to give it to them. This book healed a hurt part that I kept hidden, right along with Ethan. I said I loved Casey Morales, but now, now I can say he’s one of my favorite authors. He doesn’t write stories, he paints life with his words, he shows you slices of reality, and immerses you in a world that you don’t want to leave once the book is over. This book is so vivid that I cannot explain how I feel after reading it. I feel like I was given the privilege to live these characters’ lives for a bit, like a got a glimpse into their innermost secrets, and their stories aren’t done once the book is finished, they continue elsewhere, hidden from me, but the impact they’ve made will stay with me forever. Reader, beware: once you read this, you won’t be able to leave them behind.
July 8, 2023
Beautifully brilliant
Casey has written this from his heart and it shows. It's not just a love story between two men but also a love story between a lost man and the silent child he meets and becomes immediately attached to.
Nick appeared in The Batter's Box, where he got a very raw deal (but you don't have to read that to understand this), so I'm very happy Casey decided to give us his story.
I loved Nick as a character, such a good person with a sad story who hides all that away. Seeing him thrive both as a person and in his career, away from his previous team, was very rewarding but more than that, he found friends who turned into family. Marcus and Kervin and Zack were so funny, so lovable, and Nick together with them cracked me up.
It took me a while to warm up to André but he eventually won me round. Both he and Nick needed love in their lives and they found it, when least expected, in each other and the age gap between them was never an issue. They just fit together seamlessly, almost from the start, and worked hard to maintain their relationship as things changed.
But let's put all that aside and talk about the real romance that made me cry. Ethan and Nick, completely in love from the first meeting, everything changed irrevocably for them the instant they set eyes on each other. There was only going to be one outcome (I hoped, with everything in me) and this was the pairing that I needed, more than any other, from this whole series.
I would love it, when the series is finished, if Casey wrote us a bonus novella so we can catch up with all the couples who, so far, run in the same circles (and maybe he'll even give us a sighting of the elusive Joe and his beau, David, who I loved from Winning His Vote). Please?
Casey has written this from his heart and it shows. It's not just a love story between two men but also a love story between a lost man and the silent child he meets and becomes immediately attached to.
Nick appeared in The Batter's Box, where he got a very raw deal (but you don't have to read that to understand this), so I'm very happy Casey decided to give us his story.
I loved Nick as a character, such a good person with a sad story who hides all that away. Seeing him thrive both as a person and in his career, away from his previous team, was very rewarding but more than that, he found friends who turned into family. Marcus and Kervin and Zack were so funny, so lovable, and Nick together with them cracked me up.
It took me a while to warm up to André but he eventually won me round. Both he and Nick needed love in their lives and they found it, when least expected, in each other and the age gap between them was never an issue. They just fit together seamlessly, almost from the start, and worked hard to maintain their relationship as things changed.
But let's put all that aside and talk about the real romance that made me cry. Ethan and Nick, completely in love from the first meeting, everything changed irrevocably for them the instant they set eyes on each other. There was only going to be one outcome (I hoped, with everything in me) and this was the pairing that I needed, more than any other, from this whole series.
I would love it, when the series is finished, if Casey wrote us a bonus novella so we can catch up with all the couples who, so far, run in the same circles (and maybe he'll even give us a sighting of the elusive Joe and his beau, David, who I loved from Winning His Vote). Please?
June 2, 2025
Buckeye (Nashville Spicy 4)
By Casey Morales
Published by the author (3 Aussies), 2023
Five stars
Once more, Casey Morales had me in tears with his pitch-perfect romance with a powerful child-centered twist.
Nick Dunlap is the gay minor-league baseball player who was unceremoniously removed from the Nashville Notes in book 3 of this series. He turns up in Columbus playing for the Clippers, where—to his astonishment—he finds a welcoming team that opens their arms and hearts to him right away.
The only other direct contact with Nashville in this book is when the Memphis Mangoes come to Columbus and we get to see an emotional connection with characters from earlier books.
But Nick is a great character, immediately appealing (and not just to the reader). Before he even has time to adjust to his new team, he is whisked away to do a PR visit to “The Ranch,” a residential center for orphaned and/or troubled kids. There he not only meets the highly dedicated professional staff (including one French-born 43-year-old named Andre Martin); but also the children who depend on them. Among them is an undersized 8-year-old named Ethan, who tells Nick his name.
It's the first word he’s spoken in months.
So here’s the triple-threat story line, with a young ballplayer trying to find his way on a new team; trying to sort out his feelings for the older social worker; and trying to forge a bond with a troubled child who seems to connect with him. With his usual light touch and deft way with romance, Morales makes us fall for everybody that matters. This makes the not-entirely-surprising outcome even more emotionally powerful.
There’s a personal aspect to this story, which the author reveals in a gentle epilogue. All in all, an enormously satisfying read.
By Casey Morales
Published by the author (3 Aussies), 2023
Five stars
Once more, Casey Morales had me in tears with his pitch-perfect romance with a powerful child-centered twist.
Nick Dunlap is the gay minor-league baseball player who was unceremoniously removed from the Nashville Notes in book 3 of this series. He turns up in Columbus playing for the Clippers, where—to his astonishment—he finds a welcoming team that opens their arms and hearts to him right away.
The only other direct contact with Nashville in this book is when the Memphis Mangoes come to Columbus and we get to see an emotional connection with characters from earlier books.
But Nick is a great character, immediately appealing (and not just to the reader). Before he even has time to adjust to his new team, he is whisked away to do a PR visit to “The Ranch,” a residential center for orphaned and/or troubled kids. There he not only meets the highly dedicated professional staff (including one French-born 43-year-old named Andre Martin); but also the children who depend on them. Among them is an undersized 8-year-old named Ethan, who tells Nick his name.
It's the first word he’s spoken in months.
So here’s the triple-threat story line, with a young ballplayer trying to find his way on a new team; trying to sort out his feelings for the older social worker; and trying to forge a bond with a troubled child who seems to connect with him. With his usual light touch and deft way with romance, Morales makes us fall for everybody that matters. This makes the not-entirely-surprising outcome even more emotionally powerful.
There’s a personal aspect to this story, which the author reveals in a gentle epilogue. All in all, an enormously satisfying read.
July 26, 2025
This was such a beautiful, charming age-gap romance! Pro Minor League baseballer Nick Dunlap is unsure of his welcome to the Ohio Clippers after the homophobic treatment and his abrupt trade from Nashville. But his new team couldn’t be more different, they welcome him with open arms and encourage him to volunteer with them at the Buckeye Ranch, a foster home for children. Two people at Buckeye capture Nick’s heart: a sophisticated French psychiatrist, Dr André Martin, and Ethan, a troubled 8-yo orphan who has simply shut down.
What a brilliant, moving finale to the Nashville Spicy series! I shed tears of happiness for Ethan and sadness for those children whose endings aren’t as happy. I really liked this, I felt so sorry for Nick in the previous book (#4 The Batter’s Box), it was lovely to see his big heart blossom under friendship, love, and acceptance and watch him give back to the kid’s home. In some ways, the tender romance between Nick and André played second fiddle to the story of Nick’s career and his time with Ethan and I liked it that way. Although author Casey Morales always delivers a HEA, he has a habit of not tying off every loose end in each story. He’ done that quite deliberately here and addresses it in the heartfelt bitter-sweet epilogue. I’m on a high with such a great series but I’m sad this is the final book in the box set, there were so many great minor characters that could have their own story. 🎧 Dan Levy narrates the audio with his usual excellence and Joel Leslie drops in André’s dialogue. The editing was seamless and Joel’s interjections felt entirely natural.
What a brilliant, moving finale to the Nashville Spicy series! I shed tears of happiness for Ethan and sadness for those children whose endings aren’t as happy. I really liked this, I felt so sorry for Nick in the previous book (#4 The Batter’s Box), it was lovely to see his big heart blossom under friendship, love, and acceptance and watch him give back to the kid’s home. In some ways, the tender romance between Nick and André played second fiddle to the story of Nick’s career and his time with Ethan and I liked it that way. Although author Casey Morales always delivers a HEA, he has a habit of not tying off every loose end in each story. He’ done that quite deliberately here and addresses it in the heartfelt bitter-sweet epilogue. I’m on a high with such a great series but I’m sad this is the final book in the box set, there were so many great minor characters that could have their own story. 🎧 Dan Levy narrates the audio with his usual excellence and Joel Leslie drops in André’s dialogue. The editing was seamless and Joel’s interjections felt entirely natural.
May 2, 2025
This book was a disappointment on so many levels. At first I was happy to hear Nick's story, he had been touched on in an earlier book in the series and then just cast aside. But there was no depth to him until about 3/4 of the way through the book. At that point I had to rethink my lack of sympathy for his shallowness. He was also a bit of a horndog in the beginning, lusting after every good looking man which I found offensive. Then he falls in love with a 20 year older French man, no reason given on either side for their love. Unfortunately Andre was voiced in a horrible pseudo-French accent, at points almost unintelligible and at other times sounding like a mouth full of spit. Neither of these men had any "there there". They just were, without explanation, including why Andre was even in this country. The story of Ethan was heartwarming and made me cry several times and was the only good part of the narrative. Noah was left un realized. The Notes at the end explain that both boys were based on real characters and that Ethan stayed as part of the author's world while Noah did not. That was a great reason but just annoying that it came after the book had ended. This whole series, Nashville Spicy, was up and down in quality. Even to minor things like Nick being traded because they first team thought he was gay and then he was seen kissing a guy, to this book where he was called an out gay man while at the prior team. Not sure if I will read anything else by this author or not. I will not buy any more of his books.
June 27, 2023
All the stars! Casey is one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint with this book. The entire Nashville Spicy series is great, but this book has all the emotions. First, there is the usual humor that makes me want to highlight entire chapters. I mean, "Brazilian Hot" Marcus messing with his gay teammates by teasing them and then reminding them he is straight is hilarious. Second, heartbreak reading about all of the kids and what they have survived and are trying to navigate. Third, SO MUCH LOVE! There is the love of the found family that is Nick's new team. But there is love between Nick & Andre, the players and the children, and the found family at the center. I cannot express enough that this book is just phenomenal in bringing to you the love that should be shown to those around you because you never know what they are dealing with behind their shy smiles and silence. Get this book but I will warn there will be a few tears because Ethan is the best little boy ever and deserves everything that comes to him at the end of this book. Oh, Nick and Andre, forgot about them for a minute. Their story is also wonderful, sweet and helps Nick grow in so many ways that by the end of the book he is so ready for everything he has ever wanted and needed. I didn't think this series could get better and I keep changing my favorite with each book. But this book, is now my favorite, bar none. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, and laughed and cried my way through it. These characters spoke to me, Nick especially, with his intuition and empathy, reaching out to Ethan and Noah, recognizing things within both boys that resonated with him; and his hesitation to commit to Andre, not even knowing for sure what love was nor how to recognize it, based on his own past. Andre spoke to me, too, a man past his youth, drawn to a younger man but unsure whether to invest his heart, willing to try to capture the love he felt for this man despite what obstacles may have to be faced. And Ethan, such an amount of love he had stored inside, willing to give it all to the man whose kindness spoke to him, getting through his shell without even trying, just being that strong, steady presence who saw him as he was and what he needed. Every time Ethan saw Nick and raced toward him to wrap around him, I smiled, picturing the joy in his face in my mind and hearing his welcoming cry in my ears. I felt myself to be in the room with the characters, an observer and almost a participant, thoroughly caught up in what was evolving around me.
This beautiful book will join my list of favorites, and the author is on my list as well. I would give 10 stars if it was possible. Thank you, Casey, for a beautiful, heartfelt read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This beautiful book will join my list of favorites, and the author is on my list as well. I would give 10 stars if it was possible. Thank you, Casey, for a beautiful, heartfelt read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2023
Buckeye is a sports novel, but so much more.
Nick Dunlap is a minor leaguer in Nashville who’s traded mid-season to Columbus, OH after some team drama about him being openly gay.
Soon after landing, he’s part of community outreach at a home for troubled and abandoned children. His new team encourages him to shine - a marked difference from his former toxic team and he bonds with 8-year old Ethan and catches the eye of a foxy French doctor…
Dr. Andre Martin is a romantic hero come to life with his silver fox sexiness, flowing locks, French accent, and the fact he’s chosen to work with children. Watching him expertly deal with a surly teenager will make you fall a bit in love with him kindness and empathy.
Both of these men are lovely. Two MCs who are good men trying to be better.
Nick and Ethan’s friendship is so touching. They really are great friends.
It’s a slow burn, which makes sense given their situations. I loved their dates, and seeing their relationship develop was satisfying. Casey is a vivid writer, you’ll taste the food Andre woos Nick with, and feel the the warm hug of family that develops between Nick, Andre, and Ethan.
There. Is baseball, and Nick’s team is awesome - especially his wiser-than-he-looks, straight roommate Marcus.
The HEA is well earned. And if the epilogue doesn’t make a bit teary, I don’t know what to say.
This is such a sweet story about finding your one, a family, and people who love you for just being you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Nick Dunlap is a minor leaguer in Nashville who’s traded mid-season to Columbus, OH after some team drama about him being openly gay.
Soon after landing, he’s part of community outreach at a home for troubled and abandoned children. His new team encourages him to shine - a marked difference from his former toxic team and he bonds with 8-year old Ethan and catches the eye of a foxy French doctor…
Dr. Andre Martin is a romantic hero come to life with his silver fox sexiness, flowing locks, French accent, and the fact he’s chosen to work with children. Watching him expertly deal with a surly teenager will make you fall a bit in love with him kindness and empathy.
Both of these men are lovely. Two MCs who are good men trying to be better.
Nick and Ethan’s friendship is so touching. They really are great friends.
It’s a slow burn, which makes sense given their situations. I loved their dates, and seeing their relationship develop was satisfying. Casey is a vivid writer, you’ll taste the food Andre woos Nick with, and feel the the warm hug of family that develops between Nick, Andre, and Ethan.
There. Is baseball, and Nick’s team is awesome - especially his wiser-than-he-looks, straight roommate Marcus.
The HEA is well earned. And if the epilogue doesn’t make a bit teary, I don’t know what to say.
This is such a sweet story about finding your one, a family, and people who love you for just being you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
June 22, 2023
Nick got traded from a homophobic Nashville minor league baseball team to a new welcoming one in Columbus, Ohio. He goes to a Ranch for foster/troubled kids with his teammates and meets Andre, a doctor there. This is a love story, no doubt but the love story I focused on was one Nick found with a little 8 year old non-communicative boy, Ethan. I'm barely into the book before tears are running down my face as Ethan opens up to Nick and two lonely people become best friends, even family. Casey couldn't have pulled my heartstrings more if he tried finding my weaknesses effortlessly. I laughed so hard at Nick's conversations in person or texting with his roommate, Marcus. Between the Brazilian's and the Frenchman's accents, the double entendres and puns flow fast and furious. Zack and Kervin are a traveling comedy show. So many parts of this book touched the whole spectrum of emotions. As for Nick and Andre, two souls who evolved into one. As Casey says, "Two men, one heart". Nick not even knowing what love was. Andre feeling past his prime grasping at and fearing Nick's youth. And the ending, I sobbed big ugly tears of happiness like I haven't since the Little Mermaid left her father. I can't remember reading a more touching book ever, and doubt there will be one to top it. 100 stars!!! I received a copy of this book through BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2023
Casey did an amazing job navigating the emotions and heavy themes of this book. Nick and Andre have a story that needed time and understanding to be able to achieve their happily ever after. The slow burn of their relationship is exactly what needed to happen for this to unfold and grow. I absolutely loved getting to see them grow and change not only during their romantic relationship but also with their relationship with Ethan. Nick not only finds Andre but a supportive team that becomes more of a family. This made me so happy to see after everything he endured with his old team. Check out The Batter's Box for more on that. Plus, Nate and Cooper are fabulous. It was great to see Sam, Miguel, Cooper, and Nate again, even for just a few moments.
Nick and Andre have amazing chemistry together, but I love that we don't just jump right in with it. It builds, which gives them a strong foundation for their love story. Don't worry. We still get all the sweet moments and plenty of naughty banter. Plus, we get some amazing new friends who join us with Marcos, Kervin, and Zack. They are so much fun and are exactly what Nick needs with all the changes going on.
This book made me laugh and cry, but this journey Nick and Andre is so worth it. I definitely suggest giving it a read. I can't wait to see what Casey has in store for us next. The Nashville Spicy books just keep getting better.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nick and Andre have amazing chemistry together, but I love that we don't just jump right in with it. It builds, which gives them a strong foundation for their love story. Don't worry. We still get all the sweet moments and plenty of naughty banter. Plus, we get some amazing new friends who join us with Marcos, Kervin, and Zack. They are so much fun and are exactly what Nick needs with all the changes going on.
This book made me laugh and cry, but this journey Nick and Andre is so worth it. I definitely suggest giving it a read. I can't wait to see what Casey has in store for us next. The Nashville Spicy books just keep getting better.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2024
I've read - by which I mean listened to - about 600 romance books in the last few of years. It's been a tough time when I needed an escape. More recently I became enchanted with M/M romance, of which I've read probably 150. This books is a standout in any genre. Out of all of those books I've read, I can count the number of times I've been moved to happy tears on one hand.
This book was one of those times.
What an extraordinary story! Casey Morales is writing from a place of experience and passion for the subject of his book, and the result is profoundly moving. Nick and André's romance is wonderfully complex and passionate, all while being a very satisfying "slow burn," full of exploration, respect and tenderness. Nick's relationship with the little boy, Ethan, evolves so beautifully and authentically that my heart was bursting by the end. Nick's relationship with his fellow teammates, who become close friends, is a funny and endearing addition to the story that lightens the mood while at the same adding depth to all of the relationships. And I fell in love with dear André from the beginning, only loving him more as the story unfolded.
And if you like baseball, it's a fun bonus, but it's not at all necessary in order to enjoy the story.
I've enjoyed all of Casey Morales' books, even loved many of them, but this one is in a whole different universe of wonderful.
This book was one of those times.
What an extraordinary story! Casey Morales is writing from a place of experience and passion for the subject of his book, and the result is profoundly moving. Nick and André's romance is wonderfully complex and passionate, all while being a very satisfying "slow burn," full of exploration, respect and tenderness. Nick's relationship with the little boy, Ethan, evolves so beautifully and authentically that my heart was bursting by the end. Nick's relationship with his fellow teammates, who become close friends, is a funny and endearing addition to the story that lightens the mood while at the same adding depth to all of the relationships. And I fell in love with dear André from the beginning, only loving him more as the story unfolded.
And if you like baseball, it's a fun bonus, but it's not at all necessary in order to enjoy the story.
I've enjoyed all of Casey Morales' books, even loved many of them, but this one is in a whole different universe of wonderful.
July 1, 2023
An age gap MM romance between an unlikely match. Nick is a minor league ball player moving to a better and hopefully more understanding team. He has no family left and endured some difficult childhood years leaving him feeling lonely and adrift. Andre is a psychiatrist that works with troubled youths. His focus is his work and doesn’t have the time or desire for anything more. The wrong kind of sparks ignite upon their first meeting as Andre believes Nick is just fulfilling his teams’ charity work by visiting the facility and spending time with the children. But when Nick makes a connection with Ethan, a troubled boy, and helps to break down his walls, Andre might need to change his opinion of him. As they spend more time together and get to know each other deep feelings develop. But what happens if Nick gets called to the major league? Can they survive long distance and what about the connection between Nick and Ethan? A good story about how the right people can make a huge difference in your life. The other teammates – Kervin, Zack and Marcus were funny and provided a great comedic element, as well as the true meaning of friendship. I look forward to much more by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2023
I like Casey's books, and I have really enjoyed this series. They are all very different stories that tie in loosely but can also be read as a standalone. I liked Nick's character tye best, he is young and has a plan to get to the Major's. I couldn't relate to André as much. The french and corny jokes didn't work too well for me. The sexual chemistry wasn't particularly strong and I got confused whether Marcus was going to factor into this story because Nick mentions him a lot. I loved the angle with Ethan and the special bond they had; it was less a romance story and more of a book with a meaning. We don't get to the intimate scenes until 75% in and I guess that is because this book isn't just centred around a romance. The overwhelming narrative was on the children at the ranch and how sometimes people find an unlikely ally and friend. The sentiment at the end was very moving and I really hope that children in similar situations get their happy ending too. It was a special story that you could tell meant a lot to the author. Do read this book because it is a great story but don't expect a spicy plot.
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.
June 30, 2023
4.5 stars.
I have loved all the Nashville Spicy series, and each one I read I think this one was my favourite, but I think this one really was, I loved both the characters in this book, Nick was such a genuinely nice guy, the fact that he’d gone through everything his past had thrown at him and become the loving man he did was amazing, and I LOVED André, I mean what’s not to love about a sexy silver fox Frenchman.
The chemistry and relationship that formed between Nick and André was amazing to witness, I really liked the side characters of Nick’s new team mates as well. It was also great to see characters from previous books in the series make a cameo.
My only real negative in this book is that the ending felt a bit rushed, I also would have liked to see the epilogue feature Nick, André and their new family a bit further down the road, but that’s probably because I loved this book so much I didn’t want it to end, so I felt a bit disappointed when it ended a bit abruptly.
I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read so far by Casey Morales, I love the world and the characters he creates, I definitely recommend this book, as well as the entire series.
I have loved all the Nashville Spicy series, and each one I read I think this one was my favourite, but I think this one really was, I loved both the characters in this book, Nick was such a genuinely nice guy, the fact that he’d gone through everything his past had thrown at him and become the loving man he did was amazing, and I LOVED André, I mean what’s not to love about a sexy silver fox Frenchman.
The chemistry and relationship that formed between Nick and André was amazing to witness, I really liked the side characters of Nick’s new team mates as well. It was also great to see characters from previous books in the series make a cameo.
My only real negative in this book is that the ending felt a bit rushed, I also would have liked to see the epilogue feature Nick, André and their new family a bit further down the road, but that’s probably because I loved this book so much I didn’t want it to end, so I felt a bit disappointed when it ended a bit abruptly.
I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read so far by Casey Morales, I love the world and the characters he creates, I definitely recommend this book, as well as the entire series.
July 22, 2023
Buckeye - far more than a destination in Ohio!
Florida author Casey Morales continues his excellent series Nashville Spicy that manages to mix such themes as sports bias, gender identity, life focus decisions, and foster care facilities with his MM erotica. Book 5 - BUCKEYE - displays his gift for complex characterizations that underscore the challenges and advantages of partnering. The tenor is set as the novel opens, with baseball pro Nick speaking: ‘My brain knew it was just part of the game, but my heart felt like somebody had yanked it out, stomped on it, and tossed it out the window…’ Opening lines such as this, from a baseball pro who is forced to confront his team’s response to his being gay, opens one of Casey’s more personal and sensitive MM tales. This episode moves from Tennessee to Ohio, blending compassion, insight into the plights of lost souls in the foster care system and Nick’s entry onto that stage as a caring man, coupled with one fine new romance discovery with psychiatrist Dr. André Martin, making this book the strongest of the series to date. Very highly recommended.
Florida author Casey Morales continues his excellent series Nashville Spicy that manages to mix such themes as sports bias, gender identity, life focus decisions, and foster care facilities with his MM erotica. Book 5 - BUCKEYE - displays his gift for complex characterizations that underscore the challenges and advantages of partnering. The tenor is set as the novel opens, with baseball pro Nick speaking: ‘My brain knew it was just part of the game, but my heart felt like somebody had yanked it out, stomped on it, and tossed it out the window…’ Opening lines such as this, from a baseball pro who is forced to confront his team’s response to his being gay, opens one of Casey’s more personal and sensitive MM tales. This episode moves from Tennessee to Ohio, blending compassion, insight into the plights of lost souls in the foster care system and Nick’s entry onto that stage as a caring man, coupled with one fine new romance discovery with psychiatrist Dr. André Martin, making this book the strongest of the series to date. Very highly recommended.
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