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Nashville Songbirds #2
Stepping Up to the Plate
No one wants to catch their husband cheating.
Especially in his office.
With his coworker.
And his brother.
After a messy breakup, Lola moves to Nashville to be closer to her cousin and friends. While rediscovering her wants, needs, and voice, she finds something she wasn’t looking for: Brady Miller.
After a decade of playing in the MLB, Brady is feeling the itch for something more. That more comes in the form of a sweet, resilient beauty who moved into his building.
The couple navigates a budding relationship while also reaching for their dreams. Add a rambunctious friend group, toe-tingling banter, a heap of spice, and determined MMC, and you have a recipe for a whirlwind romance.
If only things were always that simple…
Stepping Up to the Plate is a spicy sports romance that follows newly single Lola as she overcomes past baggage and learns to trust the stoic yet caring Miller. If you like a he falls first, possessive alpha hero with daddy vibes and a healing yet strong female lead who won’t let him push her around, this book is for you!
SUTP is the second book in the Nashville Songbirds Series and part of the Nashverse interconnected universe to come. It is a full-length, 18+ open door contemporary romcom with a guaranteed HEA!
Pre-order now at the early bird price, now through September 30! Read Behind in the Count to get started in the Nashville Songbirds universe!
Especially in his office.
With his coworker.
And his brother.
After a messy breakup, Lola moves to Nashville to be closer to her cousin and friends. While rediscovering her wants, needs, and voice, she finds something she wasn’t looking for: Brady Miller.
After a decade of playing in the MLB, Brady is feeling the itch for something more. That more comes in the form of a sweet, resilient beauty who moved into his building.
The couple navigates a budding relationship while also reaching for their dreams. Add a rambunctious friend group, toe-tingling banter, a heap of spice, and determined MMC, and you have a recipe for a whirlwind romance.
If only things were always that simple…
Stepping Up to the Plate is a spicy sports romance that follows newly single Lola as she overcomes past baggage and learns to trust the stoic yet caring Miller. If you like a he falls first, possessive alpha hero with daddy vibes and a healing yet strong female lead who won’t let him push her around, this book is for you!
SUTP is the second book in the Nashville Songbirds Series and part of the Nashverse interconnected universe to come. It is a full-length, 18+ open door contemporary romcom with a guaranteed HEA!
Pre-order now at the early bird price, now through September 30! Read Behind in the Count to get started in the Nashville Songbirds universe!
Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2023
9 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Kat Summers
7 books67 followersKat Summers is a millennial spicy contemporary romcom author living in Tennessee. Her books are filled with just enough angst to hurt your feelings, witty banter to make you laugh, and steamy, swoon-worthy men to make you blush. She creates stories with strong, sassy heroines who can hold their own but love being called a "good girl."
Kat has had a love for reading and writing her entire life. She grew up on The Royal Diaries Series (IYKYK) and rediscovered her love of the written word sitting on a beach on her honeymoon. After consuming what some would call way too many books, she decided to take the stories she told herself to fall asleep and put them on paper.
When she isn't writing, she can be found reading and spending time with her family and furbaby or out gossiping with the girls over margs and queso. Fueled by Diet Dr Pepper and a dream, Kat is excited to bring the couples that live in her mind to the rest of the world. Follow her for sneak peeks of future projects.
Kat has had a love for reading and writing her entire life. She grew up on The Royal Diaries Series (IYKYK) and rediscovered her love of the written word sitting on a beach on her honeymoon. After consuming what some would call way too many books, she decided to take the stories she told herself to fall asleep and put them on paper.
When she isn't writing, she can be found reading and spending time with her family and furbaby or out gossiping with the girls over margs and queso. Fueled by Diet Dr Pepper and a dream, Kat is excited to bring the couples that live in her mind to the rest of the world. Follow her for sneak peeks of future projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 17, 2025
4.25 stars
August 16, 2024
Me encantaba Brady hasta que pasó lo de las fotos y me decepcionó su reacción, o sea son vecinos, sólo tenía que bajar unos pisos para hablar con ella antes de que se enterara por la prensa, pero en su lugar fue con su publicista y manager y no se le pasó por la cabeza como le afectaría. Luego cuando por fin va a explicarle la situación prefiere proteger a otra mujer que decirle la verdad a Lola y todo el tienpo se ma pasó diciendola importancia de la comunicación. Ah, y nunca le pidió una disculpa.
“I didn’t cheat on you,” I say for what may be the thousandth time. But I will tell her a million times if that is what it takes for it to sink in.
“I know,” she states.
“You do?”
“I mean, I don’t know for sure, but I believe you if you say you didn’t. You’re not a liar and frankly, I don’t think you had the time or emotional capacity to cheat.”
Filled with relief, I pull her into my chest. It takes a moment to realize she isn’t returning my embrace. I lean back to peer down at her. She’s stiff as a board, worrying her lip. “You say you believe me, but it doesn’t feel like we’re okay.”
“Are you sorry?” she asks.
“For what?”
Her neutral expression shifts to one of annoyance and sadness. “For purposefully misleading me, for betraying my trust, for putting us in the situation to begin with.”
“I didn’t betray you, I swear. I could have been more forthcoming, but I was trying to save you from unnecessary anxiety. I did what I thought was best based on how the night should have gone. I won’t apologize for trying to protect you, but I am sorry you were hurt. The situation spiraled beyond my control.”
She lets out a disappointed sigh. “I’m not saying it was your fault, but it was your responsibility. While you’ve focused on defending your need to protect me, you haven't considered how I was affected in the aftermath. You’re not the only one caught up in this. Your reputation is linked to mine. You never addressed the pictures more than to ask for privacy. You didn’t deny cheating allegations.”
“Because I didn’t care what people thought!” I snap.
“Did you ever think that I might? That while people may think you were a cheater, they would think of me as the poor woman who wasn’t enough? Or that the brand I’m building has its foundation set in boundaries and openness and people might think I wasn’t being true to that? Not to mention how embarrassing it is to have people assume you’ve been cheated on, again.”
Shit. I didn’t think about that. I have never put much stock into people’s opinion of me. I have thick skin and my livelihood is largely unaffected by the fickle court of public opinion. I forgot others don’t have that luxury. I knew I would be cast as the villain, but I didn’t consider how Lola would be judged or pitied the way a woman usually is when publicly scorned. Stay, go. It’s a lose-lose proposition for them. With her career focused on social media and how active she is within her community, of course she is forced to face the opinions of others.
“You should have told me what happened at the club as soon as it was over. It would have saved me the shock of sitting with those images for hours – days, really – questioning their validity. You were too busy trying to manage my perceived insecurities that you set us up for failure. I’m not fragile, Brady.”
“You’re right. I didn’t think about how any of this was affecting you outside of the scope of our relationship. I’m so sorry, Lola. No matter how unintended, my actions had consequences that affected you in ways I couldn’t anticipate. Had I been more forthcoming from the get-go, a good deal of this hurt could have been avoided. I truly apologize.
“I didn’t cheat on you,” I say for what may be the thousandth time. But I will tell her a million times if that is what it takes for it to sink in.
“I know,” she states.
“You do?”
“I mean, I don’t know for sure, but I believe you if you say you didn’t. You’re not a liar and frankly, I don’t think you had the time or emotional capacity to cheat.”
Filled with relief, I pull her into my chest. It takes a moment to realize she isn’t returning my embrace. I lean back to peer down at her. She’s stiff as a board, worrying her lip. “You say you believe me, but it doesn’t feel like we’re okay.”
“Are you sorry?” she asks.
“For what?”
Her neutral expression shifts to one of annoyance and sadness. “For purposefully misleading me, for betraying my trust, for putting us in the situation to begin with.”
“I didn’t betray you, I swear. I could have been more forthcoming, but I was trying to save you from unnecessary anxiety. I did what I thought was best based on how the night should have gone. I won’t apologize for trying to protect you, but I am sorry you were hurt. The situation spiraled beyond my control.”
She lets out a disappointed sigh. “I’m not saying it was your fault, but it was your responsibility. While you’ve focused on defending your need to protect me, you haven't considered how I was affected in the aftermath. You’re not the only one caught up in this. Your reputation is linked to mine. You never addressed the pictures more than to ask for privacy. You didn’t deny cheating allegations.”
“Because I didn’t care what people thought!” I snap.
“Did you ever think that I might? That while people may think you were a cheater, they would think of me as the poor woman who wasn’t enough? Or that the brand I’m building has its foundation set in boundaries and openness and people might think I wasn’t being true to that? Not to mention how embarrassing it is to have people assume you’ve been cheated on, again.”
Shit. I didn’t think about that. I have never put much stock into people’s opinion of me. I have thick skin and my livelihood is largely unaffected by the fickle court of public opinion. I forgot others don’t have that luxury. I knew I would be cast as the villain, but I didn’t consider how Lola would be judged or pitied the way a woman usually is when publicly scorned. Stay, go. It’s a lose-lose proposition for them. With her career focused on social media and how active she is within her community, of course she is forced to face the opinions of others.
“You should have told me what happened at the club as soon as it was over. It would have saved me the shock of sitting with those images for hours – days, really – questioning their validity. You were too busy trying to manage my perceived insecurities that you set us up for failure. I’m not fragile, Brady.”
“You’re right. I didn’t think about how any of this was affecting you outside of the scope of our relationship. I’m so sorry, Lola. No matter how unintended, my actions had consequences that affected you in ways I couldn’t anticipate. Had I been more forthcoming from the get-go, a good deal of this hurt could have been avoided. I truly apologize.
November 13, 2023
Stepping Up to the Plate is book two in the Nashville Songbirds series and is centred around Lola and Brady. I didn’t realise this was book two until I got this ARC so I did read Behind in the Count first on KU, but both stories can be read as a stand-alone.
I was so excited for Lola’s story after meeting her in book one, and I’m actually gutted I finished it so quickly, I was hooked from the very first chapter! We catch up with Lola after she finally leaves her cheating husband and moves to Nashville. Her friend eventually tries to encourage her to put herself out there again, only for it to end in disaster. Chapter one was completely out of left field (pun not intended!) and left me wanting more!
I absolutely loved Lola’s character development as she navigates a divorce in her twenties whilst unexpectedly falling for Brady, a baseball player for the Nashville Songbirds. Their banter is fantastic and I found myself laughing out loud way more than once (and getting weird looks in the process!) I love that she isn’t afraid to tell him off, despite their rocky start, and I always love a man who’s protective without losing her newly found independence.
Lola’s friends are so caring and supportive, even if it does backfire sometimes, but it’s obvious they’d all do anything for each other. The characters are detailed and well written, but this doesn’t divert attention away from the plot, and I can’t wait to see more of them in the coming books!
*I received an advance review copy for free (thank you Kat Summers), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I was so excited for Lola’s story after meeting her in book one, and I’m actually gutted I finished it so quickly, I was hooked from the very first chapter! We catch up with Lola after she finally leaves her cheating husband and moves to Nashville. Her friend eventually tries to encourage her to put herself out there again, only for it to end in disaster. Chapter one was completely out of left field (pun not intended!) and left me wanting more!
I absolutely loved Lola’s character development as she navigates a divorce in her twenties whilst unexpectedly falling for Brady, a baseball player for the Nashville Songbirds. Their banter is fantastic and I found myself laughing out loud way more than once (and getting weird looks in the process!) I love that she isn’t afraid to tell him off, despite their rocky start, and I always love a man who’s protective without losing her newly found independence.
Lola’s friends are so caring and supportive, even if it does backfire sometimes, but it’s obvious they’d all do anything for each other. The characters are detailed and well written, but this doesn’t divert attention away from the plot, and I can’t wait to see more of them in the coming books!
*I received an advance review copy for free (thank you Kat Summers), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
April 17, 2024
I thought this book was super cute! Not too dramatic, not too angsty and cute without being cheesy.
Are there a few minor misspellings or grammatical errors? Yes. Enough to detract from the book? Absolutely not. And I really loved all the side characters, enough that while I didn't read the first in the series, I'm going back to read it.
Lola is in an unhappy marriage but almost one of those that you don't realize things aren't good until it's shoved in your face. Her slimy gaslighting husband is cheating on her and likely has been a long time. Due to some emotional and verbal abuse, it really makes Lola emotionally fragile for a while. This is her journey not only on self-discovery moving to another state, finding a new job that she's actually happy with and on moving on with a man that WANTS her and wants to take care of her while being a little over the top possessive. It's pretty well done especially for an author's second only book (could be mistaken). There's minor other woman drama, an abusive ex, some perceived cheating by new man (no cheating!) and lots of personal growth. There is sort of a third act breakup which is mildly annoying, but it's well done and more of a break for her mental health.
There's SOME sports and baseball references but mostly on a timeline scenario. I do think the owning a sex club is a little overdone lately but again, not too bad in this book.
💋 ONS gone wrong
❤️🩹 a healing FMC
🐻 possessive, doting MMC
👯♀️ found family
🥰 he falls first
⚾️ a bit of baseball
💬 lots of praise
🌶️ plenty of spice
Are there a few minor misspellings or grammatical errors? Yes. Enough to detract from the book? Absolutely not. And I really loved all the side characters, enough that while I didn't read the first in the series, I'm going back to read it.
Lola is in an unhappy marriage but almost one of those that you don't realize things aren't good until it's shoved in your face. Her slimy gaslighting husband is cheating on her and likely has been a long time. Due to some emotional and verbal abuse, it really makes Lola emotionally fragile for a while. This is her journey not only on self-discovery moving to another state, finding a new job that she's actually happy with and on moving on with a man that WANTS her and wants to take care of her while being a little over the top possessive. It's pretty well done especially for an author's second only book (could be mistaken). There's minor other woman drama, an abusive ex, some perceived cheating by new man (no cheating!) and lots of personal growth. There is sort of a third act breakup which is mildly annoying, but it's well done and more of a break for her mental health.
There's SOME sports and baseball references but mostly on a timeline scenario. I do think the owning a sex club is a little overdone lately but again, not too bad in this book.
💋 ONS gone wrong
❤️🩹 a healing FMC
🐻 possessive, doting MMC
👯♀️ found family
🥰 he falls first
⚾️ a bit of baseball
💬 lots of praise
🌶️ plenty of spice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
“I hate seeing you upset, doll. I’d rather take a 100mph fastball to the gut than ever be the reason you cry again.”
✨eARC Review✨
Stepping Up to the Plate
By Kat Summers
4⭐️|3🌶️
This was my first book I’ve read by Kat and I think I’ll definitely read the first book of this series!
Brady and Lola have a not so meet cute when her bestie decided to bring her to a sex club after Lola’s separation from her husband. When her and someone else’s files get switched, a masked stranger is the one to enter the room. A miscommunication has Lola running. Fast forward months and she connects the dots and figures out that the masked man from the club is actually her cousins fiancés teammate!!
When a book starts off in a sex club and the masked guy saying *insert quote* you know it’s gonna be good! This book had me laughing within the first chapter and then throughout the book! Brady is swoony book boyfriend that always puts Lola’s needs first! He’s such a caretaker and always wants Lola to know how amazing she is! It’s like a kinky sweet rom com, that also has me blushing and quenching my thighs 😂 It has a lot of self discovery and finding yourself when it comes to Lola post divorce! The only thing I’m mad at is that I wanted to see Brady’s reaction at the end of the book, that was the only disappointment!
Tropes:
Kinky-ish
Baseball romance
Forced proximity
He falls first
Divorcée
Lots of praise
Found family
✨eARC Review✨
Stepping Up to the Plate
By Kat Summers
4⭐️|3🌶️
This was my first book I’ve read by Kat and I think I’ll definitely read the first book of this series!
Brady and Lola have a not so meet cute when her bestie decided to bring her to a sex club after Lola’s separation from her husband. When her and someone else’s files get switched, a masked stranger is the one to enter the room. A miscommunication has Lola running. Fast forward months and she connects the dots and figures out that the masked man from the club is actually her cousins fiancés teammate!!
When a book starts off in a sex club and the masked guy saying *insert quote* you know it’s gonna be good! This book had me laughing within the first chapter and then throughout the book! Brady is swoony book boyfriend that always puts Lola’s needs first! He’s such a caretaker and always wants Lola to know how amazing she is! It’s like a kinky sweet rom com, that also has me blushing and quenching my thighs 😂 It has a lot of self discovery and finding yourself when it comes to Lola post divorce! The only thing I’m mad at is that I wanted to see Brady’s reaction at the end of the book, that was the only disappointment!
Tropes:
Kinky-ish
Baseball romance
Forced proximity
He falls first
Divorcée
Lots of praise
Found family
Read
July 15, 2024"I swear on my Gilmore Girls box set..." may be the start to the best threat ever. I also enjoyed "he is dreaming about the Pillsbury Dough Boy and it did not seem platonic." And I did not know that Chuck E. Cheese still existed.
Apparently 'Nashville Songbirds' is a three books series, though I will be disappointed if author Kat Summers does not give readers a story with Sean (and Tiffany or Haley). He might as well just get traded to Nashville.
Thus far, I am enjoying 'Stepping Up to the Plate' a lot more than the first book in this series. It is more outside of the box, I love Tiffany's witty banter and am jealously anticipating the things Papa Bear can teach Lola. I want my own Brady Bear. I do not love the use of the word 'breed' between people. Even in play, this is a term for animals. And it's weird to read a book with a character who shares your name. At least I think it's weird.
"...the joint bank account Phil hasn't cut me off from." Seriously? Do you hear yourself? Phil has been having threesomes for months behind your back. Get off the couch, to go the bank, and transfer all of the money into an account with only your name. If you really cannot stomach spending it, donate it to Carina's non-profit.
"I've been happy with my life, but seeing two of the men closest to go..." I'm closest to or closest to me. I have noticed other sentences that use the incorrect tense, eliminate or add an unnecessary letter or word or leave off closed quotation marks. Maybe the version I am reading had a printing problem and thus has unexpected errors.
Apparently 'Nashville Songbirds' is a three books series, though I will be disappointed if author Kat Summers does not give readers a story with Sean (and Tiffany or Haley). He might as well just get traded to Nashville.
Thus far, I am enjoying 'Stepping Up to the Plate' a lot more than the first book in this series. It is more outside of the box, I love Tiffany's witty banter and am jealously anticipating the things Papa Bear can teach Lola. I want my own Brady Bear. I do not love the use of the word 'breed' between people. Even in play, this is a term for animals. And it's weird to read a book with a character who shares your name. At least I think it's weird.
"...the joint bank account Phil hasn't cut me off from." Seriously? Do you hear yourself? Phil has been having threesomes for months behind your back. Get off the couch, to go the bank, and transfer all of the money into an account with only your name. If you really cannot stomach spending it, donate it to Carina's non-profit.
"I've been happy with my life, but seeing two of the men closest to go..." I'm closest to or closest to me. I have noticed other sentences that use the incorrect tense, eliminate or add an unnecessary letter or word or leave off closed quotation marks. Maybe the version I am reading had a printing problem and thus has unexpected errors.
November 11, 2023
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Y’all…Kat sucked me into her world after I read the first book in the Nashville Songbird series, Behind in the Count, and I had been dying to read Lola’s story, so you know your girl signed up for that ARC and OMGEEEE was it EVERYTHING.
Lola’s world has just been turned upside down when her good for nothing, piece of caca husband does the unthinkable. She finds herself in her cousin’s apartment in Nashville to start her like over. She makes a list of all the things she wants to do to reset her life and find herself again. She starts a blog, documenting her journey and I was totally her for this self discovery.
Papa Miller has always been the overprotective, caring and loyal friend. Captain of the Nashville Songbirds, all the guys look up to him for advice. He is also a dream boat. His first encounter with Lola was definitely an unforgettable one, and when he runs into her again, he feels this pull towards her that he’s never felt before.
Listen the mouth on this man was *chef’s kiss*, but the aftercare and the attention he provides absolute GOLD. The way he wants to devour Lola and stake his claim, has me swooning for more. This was such a good read, the perfect palette cleanser in between those Dark Romances.
10/10 recommend you go read this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Y’all…Kat sucked me into her world after I read the first book in the Nashville Songbird series, Behind in the Count, and I had been dying to read Lola’s story, so you know your girl signed up for that ARC and OMGEEEE was it EVERYTHING.
Lola’s world has just been turned upside down when her good for nothing, piece of caca husband does the unthinkable. She finds herself in her cousin’s apartment in Nashville to start her like over. She makes a list of all the things she wants to do to reset her life and find herself again. She starts a blog, documenting her journey and I was totally her for this self discovery.
Papa Miller has always been the overprotective, caring and loyal friend. Captain of the Nashville Songbirds, all the guys look up to him for advice. He is also a dream boat. His first encounter with Lola was definitely an unforgettable one, and when he runs into her again, he feels this pull towards her that he’s never felt before.
Listen the mouth on this man was *chef’s kiss*, but the aftercare and the attention he provides absolute GOLD. The way he wants to devour Lola and stake his claim, has me swooning for more. This was such a good read, the perfect palette cleanser in between those Dark Romances.
10/10 recommend you go read this one.
May 27, 2024
I didn't love the story of Lola and Brady but I wouldn't say I hated it.
Lola's decision to document her self-discovery was a very cool way to show that divorced women don't stop living their life and they can go on a new journey of life. I think this is what helped her be open with Brady and for her to accept the relationship.
That being said, I don't understand some point. Why was her ex so fixated on getting her back or her not spilling the secrets when it would be obvious once people saw her with a famous baseball player. He didn't love her either anymore so why was he bothering?
I also don't think the famous baseball player being part owner and PARTICIPATING in a sex club is very believable. Owning it? sure. Participating in it here and there? absolutely not. The amount of press and fake gold diggers would be enough to stop that notion but it added a twist to the relationship I guess
I can't say I was a fan of Brady's controlling aspect even though he insisted it was coming from a good place in his heart, it seemed more like he was trying to shelter Lola and then of course when Lola felt that, she acted like a moron.
The third act break up was so ridiculous ! Lola made no sense. Let me run away to my bff that all he does is talk shit about my (ex) bf while still not speaking to him like a grown up. Then she finally speaks to him and she says "I forgive you and we are good but in reality, we aren't good because I want a break." girl, bye.
I wanted so bad for Brady to give up on her and move on. He deserved that.
I don't know if I will read the next in the series just because the writing is a bit long but I will see
Nicknames: Doll, baby, pretty girl
Lola's decision to document her self-discovery was a very cool way to show that divorced women don't stop living their life and they can go on a new journey of life. I think this is what helped her be open with Brady and for her to accept the relationship.
That being said, I don't understand some point. Why was her ex so fixated on getting her back or her not spilling the secrets when it would be obvious once people saw her with a famous baseball player. He didn't love her either anymore so why was he bothering?
I also don't think the famous baseball player being part owner and PARTICIPATING in a sex club is very believable. Owning it? sure. Participating in it here and there? absolutely not. The amount of press and fake gold diggers would be enough to stop that notion but it added a twist to the relationship I guess
I can't say I was a fan of Brady's controlling aspect even though he insisted it was coming from a good place in his heart, it seemed more like he was trying to shelter Lola and then of course when Lola felt that, she acted like a moron.
The third act break up was so ridiculous ! Lola made no sense. Let me run away to my bff that all he does is talk shit about my (ex) bf while still not speaking to him like a grown up. Then she finally speaks to him and she says "I forgive you and we are good but in reality, we aren't good because I want a break." girl, bye.
I wanted so bad for Brady to give up on her and move on. He deserved that.
I don't know if I will read the next in the series just because the writing is a bit long but I will see
Nicknames: Doll, baby, pretty girl
April 6, 2024
This book was pretty good. I like the "my spouse is scum so I started over and found true love" trope, and in that sense this did not disappoint. I would have liked to see a more substantial confrontation with Lola and her ex with Brady present, but the way things went was good enough.
My only real gripe with this book is Brady. He is portrayed as this big cuddly cinnamon roll, but he wasn't. I have no issue with possessive, overprotective MMCs (in books, not in real life), but for some reason he just really rubbed me the wrong way. Lola spent this book trying to better herself, find herself, and heal from not only her childhood trauma, but also her marriage trauma, and while Brady did initially help, he was way too over the top for me.
This is likely my own issue though, and not necessarily a book issue. I have found that I only like MMCs like this in very specific situations, and this wasn't one of them. Lola was not broken enough to warrant someone basically taking over her whole life. So he bugged me, and I never really got over it. Which is unfortunate, because I usually really like the book boyfriends.
My only real gripe with this book is Brady. He is portrayed as this big cuddly cinnamon roll, but he wasn't. I have no issue with possessive, overprotective MMCs (in books, not in real life), but for some reason he just really rubbed me the wrong way. Lola spent this book trying to better herself, find herself, and heal from not only her childhood trauma, but also her marriage trauma, and while Brady did initially help, he was way too over the top for me.
This is likely my own issue though, and not necessarily a book issue. I have found that I only like MMCs like this in very specific situations, and this wasn't one of them. Lola was not broken enough to warrant someone basically taking over her whole life. So he bugged me, and I never really got over it. Which is unfortunate, because I usually really like the book boyfriends.
June 5, 2024
„Show me, don’t tell me” - that’s my biggest issue with this book. The writing is just annoyingly bad. We don’t get to live the story, instead we’re getting cliff notes with barely any dialogue.
This also means that it’s hard to get emotionally invested in the book, because I don’t feel like I’m a part of it. I just get a recap of events that happened. And there’s no space left to draw any conclusions, everything is spelled out for the readers like if we are some first graders learning reading comprehension.
It’s a shame, since the premise of the book had a big potential. The execution fell flat though.
The character arc makes no sense half the time and the third act breakup was ridiculous. Again - not necessarily due to the idea, but the execution. They never fixed/ cleared up all that the mfc was originally upset about, yet she was happy to move on after a break that didn’t feel very broken. So what was the point of it all? Beats me.
I think this series is my one and only meeting with the author. I liked her plot ideas, I’m bored and tired with the way those ideas are executed.
This also means that it’s hard to get emotionally invested in the book, because I don’t feel like I’m a part of it. I just get a recap of events that happened. And there’s no space left to draw any conclusions, everything is spelled out for the readers like if we are some first graders learning reading comprehension.
It’s a shame, since the premise of the book had a big potential. The execution fell flat though.
The character arc makes no sense half the time and the third act breakup was ridiculous. Again - not necessarily due to the idea, but the execution. They never fixed/ cleared up all that the mfc was originally upset about, yet she was happy to move on after a break that didn’t feel very broken. So what was the point of it all? Beats me.
I think this series is my one and only meeting with the author. I liked her plot ideas, I’m bored and tired with the way those ideas are executed.
September 4, 2024
I didn't care for this book as much as the first. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it but I got the creeps from Brady on many occasions. I loved meeting Lola in the first book and to hear more about what was going on with her it made so much sense. Lola was tossed aside basically by her disgusting ex who wanted his cake and eat it too. Proud of Lola standing up for herself and doing what was beat for her! Brady, a baseball player and part sex club owner....what a combination. First I felt like him describing himself as "vanilla" was not the truth. He seemed into more than what he led on and also talked more than just praise, like calling her greedy. Maybe I am too vanilla because I didn't get much of the sex club talk etc. I also got the worst feeling over Brady being so possessive. It is one thing to have possessive tendencies but his was extreme I felt. A male couldn't even so much as look Lola's way even platonically and he was about to end them. As someone who has been in a possessive relationship, that didn't set well with me. Ultimately I was happy for Lola getting the love she deserved and hoping that Brady would calm down once he found it and tied it down too!
April 13, 2024
1. The way this book went back and forth from past to present was confusing.
2. If Phil spent no time with Lola and had no interest in having $ex with her anymore, why was he so desperate to get her back after she caught him cheating?
3. The blurb advertised this as a sports romance but when I started reading it, it turned out that it was just another book about a guy who owned a BDSM/kink club. Why does EVERY author have to try to jump on the FSOG bandwagon? The author even used the term “kinky fuckery” straight from FSOG.
4. I hate the nickname “doll”; it’s straight out of the 1950’s.
5. Brady thought the best time to resolve the issue with Lola was when she was falling down drunk?
6. This author really needs a decent editor. Lola had no idea that Brady thought Charli was a woman despite the fact that he used “him” twice in the conversation about her.
7. “… kisses my forehead before tossing it into the hamper.” LOL
8. After the mix-up with “Charli”, the author did the exact same thing again with Lola’s friend “Georgie”? *yawn*
2. If Phil spent no time with Lola and had no interest in having $ex with her anymore, why was he so desperate to get her back after she caught him cheating?
3. The blurb advertised this as a sports romance but when I started reading it, it turned out that it was just another book about a guy who owned a BDSM/kink club. Why does EVERY author have to try to jump on the FSOG bandwagon? The author even used the term “kinky fuckery” straight from FSOG.
4. I hate the nickname “doll”; it’s straight out of the 1950’s.
5. Brady thought the best time to resolve the issue with Lola was when she was falling down drunk?
6. This author really needs a decent editor. Lola had no idea that Brady thought Charli was a woman despite the fact that he used “him” twice in the conversation about her.
7. “… kisses my forehead before tossing it into the hamper.” LOL
8. After the mix-up with “Charli”, the author did the exact same thing again with Lola’s friend “Georgie”? *yawn*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
If you love a story about a girl who finds herself with a side of spicy, this is the book for you. Stepping Up to the Plate is the second book from Kat Summers Nashville Songbird Series.
The FMC- Lola is just out of a bad marriage. You see her blossoming into a better person with the help of MMC-Miller. What I liked about this book is that Miller is there to help her with this transition in her life, but Lola does take the distance needed to build herself back stronger.
Plus, there is some excellent spicy in this book. You might find yourself googling a few terms here or there because Miller is the co-owner of an adult-only club!
This book is standalone, so you don’t have to read the first book. But I loved the first book, so it’s worth it. Additionally, I think it increases the quality of the banter when you meet some of the characters in the first story.
Check for trigger warnings if you have sensitive around child abandonment or BDSM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
If you love a story about a girl who finds herself with side of spicy this is the book for you. This is the second book from Kat Summers Nashville Songbird Series. The FMC- Lola is just out of a bad marriage. You see her blossoming into a better person with the help of MMC- Miller.
What I liked about this book is that Miller is there to help her with this transition in her life but Lola does take distance needed to build herself back stronger. Plus there is some great spicy in this book. I will say you might find yourself googling a few terms here or there because Miller is the co-owner of an adult only club!
This book is standalone so you don’t have to read the first book but I loved the first book so I think it’s worth it. Additionally, I think it increases the quality of the banter when you meet some of the characters in the first story.
Check for trigger warnings if you have sensitive around child abandonment or BSDM.
What I liked about this book is that Miller is there to help her with this transition in her life but Lola does take distance needed to build herself back stronger. Plus there is some great spicy in this book. I will say you might find yourself googling a few terms here or there because Miller is the co-owner of an adult only club!
This book is standalone so you don’t have to read the first book but I loved the first book so I think it’s worth it. Additionally, I think it increases the quality of the banter when you meet some of the characters in the first story.
Check for trigger warnings if you have sensitive around child abandonment or BSDM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
“He never calls attention to these actions, simply does them as if they’re no big deal. Competency kink unlocked.”
•
Book: Stepping Up to the Plate (Nashville Songbirds book 2)
Author: Kat Summers
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
•
After her terrible marriage ends and she relocates to Nashville, Lola is ready to start over. But a terrible misunderstanding at an exclusive sex club was not what she had in mind for a fresh start. And she definitely didn’t expect to find out she knew the man from that night. None other than the Nashville Songbirds first baseman and one of her new friends, Brady Miller. As this relationship develops, she realizes that Miller is far from who she initially thought and might be exactly what she was missing. Can he help her heal the wounds from her past? And can she trust him enough to let him even try? Miller will stop at nothing to make that happen, and that is abundantly clear from the start.
•
Another great book from the Nashville Songbirds series! This book was wonderfully written and had a completely unique plot line I had never read before. I loved seeing Lola on this personal growth journey from beginning to end. She was such a badass and I loved her character development! And Brady Freaking Miller! He knew exactly what he wanted and it was Lola. He knew exactly how to take care of her and showed how easy it is to love the right person. Plus the man co-owns a sex club! He knows what he’s doing both in and out of the bedroom, that’s for damn sure!😮💨
•
Another great book from Kat Summers! Like I mentioned before, I had never read a book with a plot line like this one. And while I enjoyed it, it didn’t feel like there was enough of a conflict when we were nearing the end. But of course, we got our HEA and for those of you who love a grand gesture, this ending is for you!😘 I will be a Songbirds fan for as long as Kat gives us more baseball men to love. Thank you to her and her team for the opportunity to read this ARC! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!🐤🎶
If you like:
-Insta Love
-Possessive MMC
-Small Acts of Love
-He falls first & Hard
TW🚫: divorce & cheating (not between the MC’s)
Reviewed by: Regan💛
This review was written by members of the Sporty Spice Book Club (sporty.spice.book.club on both Instagram and TikTok).
•
Book: Stepping Up to the Plate (Nashville Songbirds book 2)
Author: Kat Summers
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
•
After her terrible marriage ends and she relocates to Nashville, Lola is ready to start over. But a terrible misunderstanding at an exclusive sex club was not what she had in mind for a fresh start. And she definitely didn’t expect to find out she knew the man from that night. None other than the Nashville Songbirds first baseman and one of her new friends, Brady Miller. As this relationship develops, she realizes that Miller is far from who she initially thought and might be exactly what she was missing. Can he help her heal the wounds from her past? And can she trust him enough to let him even try? Miller will stop at nothing to make that happen, and that is abundantly clear from the start.
•
Another great book from the Nashville Songbirds series! This book was wonderfully written and had a completely unique plot line I had never read before. I loved seeing Lola on this personal growth journey from beginning to end. She was such a badass and I loved her character development! And Brady Freaking Miller! He knew exactly what he wanted and it was Lola. He knew exactly how to take care of her and showed how easy it is to love the right person. Plus the man co-owns a sex club! He knows what he’s doing both in and out of the bedroom, that’s for damn sure!😮💨
•
Another great book from Kat Summers! Like I mentioned before, I had never read a book with a plot line like this one. And while I enjoyed it, it didn’t feel like there was enough of a conflict when we were nearing the end. But of course, we got our HEA and for those of you who love a grand gesture, this ending is for you!😘 I will be a Songbirds fan for as long as Kat gives us more baseball men to love. Thank you to her and her team for the opportunity to read this ARC! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!🐤🎶
If you like:
-Insta Love
-Possessive MMC
-Small Acts of Love
-He falls first & Hard
TW🚫: divorce & cheating (not between the MC’s)
Reviewed by: Regan💛
This review was written by members of the Sporty Spice Book Club (sporty.spice.book.club on both Instagram and TikTok).
November 11, 2023
This book was super cute and very contemporary! I really enjoyed the writing style and the plot of the story.
It’s centered around a woman named Lola who quickly becomes a divorcee and finds the man of her dreams in a very awkward and unintentional way. Brady is a club co-owner and baseball player, who just so happens to like “playing”.
I really enjoyed Brady and Lola together, especially after everything she went through to find someone that would treat her right. A must read!
TW: third act breakup, previous cheating, mentions of cheating
Tropes:
✨ divorcee
✨ club hedone 🤭👀
✨ baseball
✨ protective mmc
✨ “good girl” & lots of praise
It’s centered around a woman named Lola who quickly becomes a divorcee and finds the man of her dreams in a very awkward and unintentional way. Brady is a club co-owner and baseball player, who just so happens to like “playing”.
I really enjoyed Brady and Lola together, especially after everything she went through to find someone that would treat her right. A must read!
TW: third act breakup, previous cheating, mentions of cheating
Tropes:
✨ divorcee
✨ club hedone 🤭👀
✨ baseball
✨ protective mmc
✨ “good girl” & lots of praise
November 13, 2023
I loved Brady and Lena's story, it was so sweet and emotional! Brady was so understanding and protective of Lena and you could see how much he loved her through all of his actions. Lena had been through so much and I loved that she learned to love herself and got through all of her trauma and hurt. She deserved someone like Brady, who would do anything to make her happy and feel safe. They some issues to work through and had some communication issues but by the end they thankfully found a way to get through it together🩷
💚 baseball romance
💚 divorcee
💚 he falls first
💚 found family
💚 LOTS of praise
This was such a sweet story about finding yourself after a horrible relationship and I'm so glad she got the HEA she deserves! Definitely recommend this book!
💚 baseball romance
💚 divorcee
💚 he falls first
💚 found family
💚 LOTS of praise
This was such a sweet story about finding yourself after a horrible relationship and I'm so glad she got the HEA she deserves! Definitely recommend this book!
November 10, 2023
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
I really enjoyed this second book from Kat Summers! Lola and Brady are such a great couple and I’m so glad we got their story so soon after Robby and Carina’s. They definitely have communication problems to work out but the conflicts were detailed and worked through well. Brady falls for Lola first and WAY harder but she catches up eventually. This is a great story with some well developed characters. Enjoy this book today!
I really enjoyed this second book from Kat Summers! Lola and Brady are such a great couple and I’m so glad we got their story so soon after Robby and Carina’s. They definitely have communication problems to work out but the conflicts were detailed and worked through well. Brady falls for Lola first and WAY harder but she catches up eventually. This is a great story with some well developed characters. Enjoy this book today!
November 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and the beautiful relationship Lola and Brady create. Lola shows that sometimes your heart has to break in order to find yourself and sometimes the one who will be there to pick up the broken pieces. Brady is a strong leader who will go to the ends of the earth for the ones he cares about no matter the cost. It is so beautiful to see him show how a girl is supposed to be loved and cherished. This book made my heart burst with love and adoration for these two and rooting for them throughout the whole book!
April 7, 2024
I found this book searching for a new sports romance to read. I absolutely loved this book; it was just what I needed for a pick me up. The characters and story line were great, not a cheesy typical sports romance. This story had depth and kept me wanting to find out what would happen. I am happy that Miller and Lola got their HEA. I am going back to read the first book in the series. I definitely will be following Kat Summers.
November 12, 2023
Oke hoor. Wel echt onschuldiger dan verwacht. Er is alsnog niet echt karaktergroei. Meer omdat haar love interest haar echt onrealistisch goed behandeld. En dat hij opeens veranderd is ... Echt niet verwacht dat het zo netjes was. Hij bezit een seksclub. Laatste 10 procent eigenlijk wel geskipt. Had geen zin meer. Gelukkig had ze goede vrienden
April 13, 2024
Am I the only one that read the scene where Lola was confronting Brady about how everyone perceived the bdsm club situation/photo leak as him cheating on her because he never made a public statement or tried to deny anything.... and was highly disappointed when Brady proceeded to still never make a public statement even after she told him how hurt she was by it?
May 8, 2024
Quick, cute book. Honestly I skipped over some of the sex scenes because I was more interested in the conversation and plot of the story. They aren’t bad just not what I was looking for. The author does let you know what chapters have spice in them which is great and I highly suggest if whether or not you like spicy books.
November 11, 2023
I really liked this one! Lola and Brady were so sweet together. Brady was such a caring, protective mmc, and I loved all the small things he did for Lola to show her he cared. There’s a lot of personal growth with Lola as she figures out her life as a newly divorced woman in her 20’s, and Brady is there to fully support her and her personal goals. I totally love their crazy friend group and can’t wait to see who’s next in this series!
November 21, 2023
*I was sent an ARC from Kat Summers in exchange for my honest review!
OHH BRADY MILLER!!!!
After finding her husband cheating on her, Lola packs her bags and leaves him, after months and months of living like a roommate. Lola heads to Nashville, moves in with her best friend/cousin, finds a job writing for a magazine and starts a blog about adjusting after divorce. She decides Nashville is home to her, putting her with a great group of friends and a group of MLB players.
Meanwhile, Brady has spent 10 years in the MLB as a first baseman with the Nashville Songbirds, worked his way up to team Captain, and a businessman; but he has begun to feel like he was missing something in his life.
Brady finds what he is missing in Lola, and Lola finds what she never thought was possible in him. Someone who sees her as everything.
Lola's history does play a big part in her own personal growth, her and Brady's relationship and her career even. The book follows the couple growing through rough spots in their life and relationship.
MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this book! The characters, the side characters, the plot- all of it. The book started out really strong for me, and I was snagged immediately! Which is what I love in a book!
Brady is definitely a top book boyfriend for 2023 for me! His nature is to take care of those he loves. He dotes on Lola, takes care of her like no one has ever done. He is possessive, jealous and wants to take care of her. He falls first, and hard.
OHH BRADY MILLER!!!!
After finding her husband cheating on her, Lola packs her bags and leaves him, after months and months of living like a roommate. Lola heads to Nashville, moves in with her best friend/cousin, finds a job writing for a magazine and starts a blog about adjusting after divorce. She decides Nashville is home to her, putting her with a great group of friends and a group of MLB players.
Meanwhile, Brady has spent 10 years in the MLB as a first baseman with the Nashville Songbirds, worked his way up to team Captain, and a businessman; but he has begun to feel like he was missing something in his life.
Brady finds what he is missing in Lola, and Lola finds what she never thought was possible in him. Someone who sees her as everything.
Lola's history does play a big part in her own personal growth, her and Brady's relationship and her career even. The book follows the couple growing through rough spots in their life and relationship.
MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this book! The characters, the side characters, the plot- all of it. The book started out really strong for me, and I was snagged immediately! Which is what I love in a book!
Brady is definitely a top book boyfriend for 2023 for me! His nature is to take care of those he loves. He dotes on Lola, takes care of her like no one has ever done. He is possessive, jealous and wants to take care of her. He falls first, and hard.
November 14, 2023
-Arc review- Book two in the Nashville Songbirds series focused on Lola and Brady.
I loved Lola's character who falls for Brady the baseball player for the Nashville Songbirds. Their banter is adorable.
Such a great read and love story. Highly recommended.
Out now!
I loved Lola's character who falls for Brady the baseball player for the Nashville Songbirds. Their banter is adorable.
Such a great read and love story. Highly recommended.
Out now!
November 15, 2023
I read Stepping Up To The Plate in one day, I couldn’t put it down. I loved how it was light and still maintained it’s intenseness and seriousness when needed. The characters all had moments and I liked it.
November 23, 2023
I liked how clearly communicated everything in this story was.
December 2, 2023
This is book 2 and is Lola and Brady's story. Loved their banter. Such a fun, sweet read. I enjoyed it.
I received an arc and this review is my own.
I received an arc and this review is my own.
April 11, 2024
This one opens with infidelity but ends with a fantastic HEA. I loved the friendships in this book, both the female and male ones. Great character growth and a dash of spice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews