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Carolina Catfish #1
The Mascot
Newsflash: Carolina Catfish Baseball Game delayed due to humping incident.
There it is, in flashing lights. My most embarrassing moment for everyone to see. When I accepted my dream job working in the marketing department for my favorite team, I wanted to hit the ground running. I wanted to make an impact immediately. I even hoped I’d make a good impression.
I made an impression alright. Right on Tate Scorchin’ Sorenson’s thigh. Laying there, on top of the best shortstop in baseball, I wanted to crawl into a hole a die.
What’s worse than making the team’s best player and your not-so-secret crush the laughingstock of the MLB? Him finding you nursing your injury in the First Aid room and staring at you like you’re a Philly cheesesteak.
I tried my best to stay away. I did everything in my power to ignore my feelings, but Scorchin’ Sorenson got too hot to resist.
There it is, in flashing lights. My most embarrassing moment for everyone to see. When I accepted my dream job working in the marketing department for my favorite team, I wanted to hit the ground running. I wanted to make an impact immediately. I even hoped I’d make a good impression.
I made an impression alright. Right on Tate Scorchin’ Sorenson’s thigh. Laying there, on top of the best shortstop in baseball, I wanted to crawl into a hole a die.
What’s worse than making the team’s best player and your not-so-secret crush the laughingstock of the MLB? Him finding you nursing your injury in the First Aid room and staring at you like you’re a Philly cheesesteak.
I tried my best to stay away. I did everything in my power to ignore my feelings, but Scorchin’ Sorenson got too hot to resist.
326 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 12, 2024
I really tried to struggle through because I hate DNF ing but I immediately stopped when it’s reveled that Cali’s adult best friend has been dating her underage brother??? And no one thinks it’s weird? Besides that, Cali is immature, the writing is bad, and can the author please get an editor? Bad grammar, misspelled words, etc.
December 4, 2023
honestly I wanted to DNF this book but I didn’t because it was hilariously cringy I just HAD to get through it
May 2, 2024
This book was so cringy. Tate was a pretty good guy, but Cali was so annoying. Every time it felt like they were making progress, they took two steps back because she was an idiot.
November 9, 2024
I think I’m in my baseball era now…. <3
September 4, 2024
Absolutely Amazing!!!!
Hello baseball romance, you are soooo fun & hot!!! Baseball is my favorite sport to watch. I haven’t read many baseball romances and that needs to change. Enter Ana Shay and her incredible stories, thank you Ana!!! Ana Shay’s writing is fantastic!!! She is heartfelt, funny and soooo swoony! The texting banter back and forth in this book is absolutely incredible!!!
Tate and Cali are phenomenal! They are soooo meant for each other. He is her celebrity crush. But he falls first and hard. He is determined to win him over and Cali is nervous the reality of Tate will not live up to the fantasy of him in her head.
Their meet-cute is absolutely amazing. The story gets better and better each chapter. I mean it, I was laughing and swooning throughout the entire book. You absolutely must read Ana Shay! She hit this one out of the park, baseball pun intended!
Hello baseball romance, you are soooo fun & hot!!! Baseball is my favorite sport to watch. I haven’t read many baseball romances and that needs to change. Enter Ana Shay and her incredible stories, thank you Ana!!! Ana Shay’s writing is fantastic!!! She is heartfelt, funny and soooo swoony! The texting banter back and forth in this book is absolutely incredible!!!
Tate and Cali are phenomenal! They are soooo meant for each other. He is her celebrity crush. But he falls first and hard. He is determined to win him over and Cali is nervous the reality of Tate will not live up to the fantasy of him in her head.
Their meet-cute is absolutely amazing. The story gets better and better each chapter. I mean it, I was laughing and swooning throughout the entire book. You absolutely must read Ana Shay! She hit this one out of the park, baseball pun intended!
January 23, 2025
around 22%, i realized this book had a lot of grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors and mistakes that i tried to overlook but it was really prevalent. how ever lets get into the book.
the book is centered around Tate and Cali (California) who both are on the Carolina Catfish as staff. Tate plays on the MLB team and Cali is underpaid (not paid at all intern) who only got the job due to her bestfriend getting them to approve her to be an intern despite all ten spots being filled for their yearly internship roles. Cali is an obsessed superfan with Tate and that is where the chemistry ends. Throughout the book mostly towards about 50% i felt no chemistry between Tate and Cali. Cali was very standoffish and Tate seemed to be overpossessive with multiple instances of double, quadruple, and quintuple times where he texted and got no response & yet she didnt respond and said she was late because of work which was true. her boss was an ass.
tate seemed to turn corners when he spoke with the gm and made him aware of what was happening with the interns.
however, there was still barely any communication between both MMC & FMC. neither of them would communicate about anything including the rumor mill and drama from tabloids till it was the last second and they would avoid each other till necessary which made me realize the chemistry and romance? wasnt all there even though this is a romance novel and he’s supposed to fall first/harder even despite her being a superfan.
calis best friend mary also starts to date her (calis) brother penn, just a few weeks after he turns 18. and has NOT graduated high school. barely legal and not even out of high-school dating a 23 year old. normally im all for age gap but that is not okay.
rating:
2/5 🩷 romance
2.5/5 🌶️ spice
2/5 ⭐️ overall
tropes/aesthetics:
workplace romance
he falls first?
baseball romance
sports
slight age gap (4 years mmc is 27, fmc is 23)
the book is centered around Tate and Cali (California) who both are on the Carolina Catfish as staff. Tate plays on the MLB team and Cali is underpaid (not paid at all intern) who only got the job due to her bestfriend getting them to approve her to be an intern despite all ten spots being filled for their yearly internship roles. Cali is an obsessed superfan with Tate and that is where the chemistry ends. Throughout the book mostly towards about 50% i felt no chemistry between Tate and Cali. Cali was very standoffish and Tate seemed to be overpossessive with multiple instances of double, quadruple, and quintuple times where he texted and got no response & yet she didnt respond and said she was late because of work which was true. her boss was an ass.
tate seemed to turn corners when he spoke with the gm and made him aware of what was happening with the interns.
however, there was still barely any communication between both MMC & FMC. neither of them would communicate about anything including the rumor mill and drama from tabloids till it was the last second and they would avoid each other till necessary which made me realize the chemistry and romance? wasnt all there even though this is a romance novel and he’s supposed to fall first/harder even despite her being a superfan.
calis best friend mary also starts to date her (calis) brother penn, just a few weeks after he turns 18. and has NOT graduated high school. barely legal and not even out of high-school dating a 23 year old. normally im all for age gap but that is not okay.
rating:
2/5 🩷 romance
2.5/5 🌶️ spice
2/5 ⭐️ overall
tropes/aesthetics:
workplace romance
he falls first?
baseball romance
sports
slight age gap (4 years mmc is 27, fmc is 23)
April 6, 2022
First of all, I don't think this book was proofread, and that's a huge pet peeve of mine. Example: the use of plutonic instead of platonic. There were 3 or 4 instances of wrong words like that, in addition to other typos.
This is where the review gets into spoiler territory:
- The "hero" (Tate) won't ever take no for an answer and does several big gestures that are just creepy and make the heroine uncomfortable. That's not romantic: that's controlling.
- The heroine (Cali) is so full of drama and insecurity that I don't understand what the guy sees in her beyond her looks.
- Their issue is never really resolved. There is this constant back and forth over Tate's ex girlfriend and Cali not believing they're broken up. Then at the end of the book, Cali is mad about compromising photos she sees, but all is forgiven because Tate performs a large public display of affection that does what she doesn't want: spoils who is behind the mascot, and makes their relationship super public. It's not even logical.
- Finally, can we discuss the gross relationship between the 23 year old college grad and a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, who may or may not have been 17 when they initially got together (I swear he says he's almost 18 at one point)?!?! Just because the 23 year old is a woman and the high schooler is a boy does not make it ok.
This book takes what could be a fun premise and makes everyone involved unlikeable.
This is where the review gets into spoiler territory:
- The "hero" (Tate) won't ever take no for an answer and does several big gestures that are just creepy and make the heroine uncomfortable. That's not romantic: that's controlling.
- The heroine (Cali) is so full of drama and insecurity that I don't understand what the guy sees in her beyond her looks.
- Their issue is never really resolved. There is this constant back and forth over Tate's ex girlfriend and Cali not believing they're broken up. Then at the end of the book, Cali is mad about compromising photos she sees, but all is forgiven because Tate performs a large public display of affection that does what she doesn't want: spoils who is behind the mascot, and makes their relationship super public. It's not even logical.
- Finally, can we discuss the gross relationship between the 23 year old college grad and a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, who may or may not have been 17 when they initially got together (I swear he says he's almost 18 at one point)?!?! Just because the 23 year old is a woman and the high schooler is a boy does not make it ok.
This book takes what could be a fun premise and makes everyone involved unlikeable.
July 9, 2023
A 5 out of 5 stars for me!!
I heard so much about this book on TIKTOK! I read this book in 3 hours….. I loved watching Tate and Cali aka California (COOL NAME) love story unfold! I love how the ultimate fan turns into a lover which is a new take on a romance story. Honestly living our fan girl dreams with this story! Honestly a huge Ana Shay fan and can’t wait to read more from her! If your looking for a fan to lover/baseball Romance you MUST add this to your TBR
I heard so much about this book on TIKTOK! I read this book in 3 hours….. I loved watching Tate and Cali aka California (COOL NAME) love story unfold! I love how the ultimate fan turns into a lover which is a new take on a romance story. Honestly living our fan girl dreams with this story! Honestly a huge Ana Shay fan and can’t wait to read more from her! If your looking for a fan to lover/baseball Romance you MUST add this to your TBR
June 25, 2022
Baseball Fanatic - 3.5 out of 5 stars
Cali is not just a fan, she's a fanatic. She has been obsessed with every shortstop for the Carolina Catfish since she was a little girl, and Tate Sorenson is the latest, and probably her biggest obsession. Until he asks her out, and she refuses the man. Cue the challenge.
Is the story cute, yes. Did it make me laugh... some. I felt the timeline of the story was a little off... weeks would take place and we'd get (paraphrased) 'we texted almost every night', or 'I hadn't seen her in three weeks.' Really?? Do I like the characters.. mostly.
Cali is not just a fan, she's a fanatic. She has been obsessed with every shortstop for the Carolina Catfish since she was a little girl, and Tate Sorenson is the latest, and probably her biggest obsession. Until he asks her out, and she refuses the man. Cue the challenge.
Is the story cute, yes. Did it make me laugh... some. I felt the timeline of the story was a little off... weeks would take place and we'd get (paraphrased) 'we texted almost every night', or 'I hadn't seen her in three weeks.' Really?? Do I like the characters.. mostly.
April 29, 2021
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book, and I was hugely impressed with how much the story captivated me. It was a fantastic sports (pro baseball player) workplace romance with some ex- drama and a minor secret/forbidden relationship aspect, written in dual POV (alternating).
Cali was hilarious and quirky; her silliness had me laughing constantly! 😂 I especially loved the chapters from her POV for her commentary on her awful boss:
"I swear I could poop gold, and he’d still find an issue with the nugget size."
"Josh can go stick a carrot up his ass for all I care."
Tate was a great jock hero who wasn't too cocky to work hard for Cali's attention. He supported her career ambition and put in a lot of effort toward understanding her motivations. His decision to mettle in her work life in an attempt to help annoyed me, but it was very true to character and obviously well-intentioned. The same is true of their communication issues - they were frustrating, but it is also very believable since one of the most common issues in relationships is an inability to communicate well.
I was honestly impressed by the way this story put the couple through conflict to make their relationship stronger without creating some outlandish drama for them to have to overcome. Their love story was adorable and also realistic. I appreciated that despite it being a athlete-and-fan couple, Cali never misinterpreted her fandom for love - her affections had to be earned by the man rather than the public figure.
Their connection was very steamy and included some memorable office and sexting scenes. 🔥😍
The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was quite possibly just me being picky about grammar. The verb tense bounced back and forth a lot between past and present tense, and for me it prevented the book from reading smoothly. Nonetheless, the story was very enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more of Ana Shay's work! I am hoping Grayson gets a book in this series 😁
Cali was hilarious and quirky; her silliness had me laughing constantly! 😂 I especially loved the chapters from her POV for her commentary on her awful boss:
"I swear I could poop gold, and he’d still find an issue with the nugget size."
"Josh can go stick a carrot up his ass for all I care."
Tate was a great jock hero who wasn't too cocky to work hard for Cali's attention. He supported her career ambition and put in a lot of effort toward understanding her motivations. His decision to mettle in her work life in an attempt to help annoyed me, but it was very true to character and obviously well-intentioned. The same is true of their communication issues - they were frustrating, but it is also very believable since one of the most common issues in relationships is an inability to communicate well.
I was honestly impressed by the way this story put the couple through conflict to make their relationship stronger without creating some outlandish drama for them to have to overcome. Their love story was adorable and also realistic. I appreciated that despite it being a athlete-and-fan couple, Cali never misinterpreted her fandom for love - her affections had to be earned by the man rather than the public figure.
Their connection was very steamy and included some memorable office and sexting scenes. 🔥😍
The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was quite possibly just me being picky about grammar. The verb tense bounced back and forth a lot between past and present tense, and for me it prevented the book from reading smoothly. Nonetheless, the story was very enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more of Ana Shay's work! I am hoping Grayson gets a book in this series 😁
June 27, 2021
3.7 for edition
The story was super entertaining. It was not instalove (which I can't stand), but it did not took long for the characters to get together, which I found super nice. I really liked their relationship and the way it developed. It was also great to see a strong female character as Cali is, she was really funny and independent and real. I liked how she didn't run because of Tate, she was -unfairly- busy and she made no excuses. I felt so bad to see how her work treated her, but she was fantastic, even though sometimes I wanted to shake her (like when she would not talk to him about the articles and just made a bunch of assumptions). About Tate, I really liked Tate. He knew he wanted her and he went after her, he did not give up until she let go of her fears and went out with him. He was not afraid to show his feelings and he was a fantastic friend too. Sometimes he said some misogynistic stuff that throw me off, but he was all right. The two were really great together.
Now the not so good: I will first start with the editing. It was non existent! It was so badly edited that I almost gave up at the beginning (I'm glad I didn't tho). Pauses where they shouldn't be, run over sentences, spelling mistakes, repetitive words, etc. It was hard to understand at times. I also hated the extended epilogue. Like, really hated it. Cali was young and the author actually made her think about how she DID NOT WANTED kids, and then she got her pregnant right at the end. Authors: there can be HEAS without marriage and kids! Don't force it. Also, if the book was badly edited, the epilogue had no edition at all. It was really cringe worthy and annoying.
Overall, the story was really entertaining, it was original and interesting. I absolutely enjoyed this book. Just wish the edition was not so bad or I would've definitely enjoy it more.
The story was super entertaining. It was not instalove (which I can't stand), but it did not took long for the characters to get together, which I found super nice. I really liked their relationship and the way it developed. It was also great to see a strong female character as Cali is, she was really funny and independent and real. I liked how she didn't run because of Tate, she was -unfairly- busy and she made no excuses. I felt so bad to see how her work treated her, but she was fantastic, even though sometimes I wanted to shake her (like when she would not talk to him about the articles and just made a bunch of assumptions). About Tate, I really liked Tate. He knew he wanted her and he went after her, he did not give up until she let go of her fears and went out with him. He was not afraid to show his feelings and he was a fantastic friend too. Sometimes he said some misogynistic stuff that throw me off, but he was all right. The two were really great together.
Now the not so good: I will first start with the editing. It was non existent! It was so badly edited that I almost gave up at the beginning (I'm glad I didn't tho). Pauses where they shouldn't be, run over sentences, spelling mistakes, repetitive words, etc. It was hard to understand at times. I also hated the extended epilogue. Like, really hated it. Cali was young and the author actually made her think about how she DID NOT WANTED kids, and then she got her pregnant right at the end. Authors: there can be HEAS without marriage and kids! Don't force it. Also, if the book was badly edited, the epilogue had no edition at all. It was really cringe worthy and annoying.
Overall, the story was really entertaining, it was original and interesting. I absolutely enjoyed this book. Just wish the edition was not so bad or I would've definitely enjoy it more.
June 12, 2024
A fast read if you need something not very deep.
Cali is the biggest fan of the Carolina Catfish, and she got an internship at the marketing department of the team, but she didn't expect to end up wearing the Catfish mascot costume when the guy who is the original mascot ends up hurt.
This ends up with a very embarassing meet up in the field with her favorite player, Tate.
Tate is one of the best players in the league, and has been playing in Carolina for years, and when he meets Cali, he falls hard and quick for her.
This is where the story starts to get interesting but at the same time a bit frustrating. Cali lies to Tate, she doesn't tell him she is the mascot, and she doesn't wants to risk her internship by dating him (even when they KNOW it is accepted and won't get her in trouble).
Cali is stubborn and annoying. I liked Tate a lot, and he was a nice guy the whole book, but Cali acted like a child most of the story, she would freak out over nothing and stop talking to him and it was very hard to like her.
The story was okay, I liked Tate and the baseball scenes, but I hoped for more, when I started reading it, I think the plot was lost around the middle of the book, and I just wanted to end it at some point, it lost the appeal.
Cali is the biggest fan of the Carolina Catfish, and she got an internship at the marketing department of the team, but she didn't expect to end up wearing the Catfish mascot costume when the guy who is the original mascot ends up hurt.
This ends up with a very embarassing meet up in the field with her favorite player, Tate.
Tate is one of the best players in the league, and has been playing in Carolina for years, and when he meets Cali, he falls hard and quick for her.
This is where the story starts to get interesting but at the same time a bit frustrating. Cali lies to Tate, she doesn't tell him she is the mascot, and she doesn't wants to risk her internship by dating him (even when they KNOW it is accepted and won't get her in trouble).
Cali is stubborn and annoying. I liked Tate a lot, and he was a nice guy the whole book, but Cali acted like a child most of the story, she would freak out over nothing and stop talking to him and it was very hard to like her.
The story was okay, I liked Tate and the baseball scenes, but I hoped for more, when I started reading it, I think the plot was lost around the middle of the book, and I just wanted to end it at some point, it lost the appeal.
April 18, 2026
OHMYGOSH!!!
The Mascot by Ana Shay
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
This book made me giggle so much!! I put off reading this series for so long because I was so in love with the football and hockey series, that I was scared the baseball boys would let me down… but how could any of the Shay boys let anyone down? I can’t wait to have Grayson’s story and to see who makes him fall hard! It’s always the players who never want to settle down that end up falling the hardest.
Cali, the way she is dedicated to the Fish! Every company wishes they had a Cali. The late hours, the putting in her all, the taking on dressing up as the team mascot until the original guy was back. Honestly, every Tate wishes they had a Cali too! Who doesn’t want their girl to be absolutely batshit obsessed with them😂
Everyone needs a Tate in their life. A man who will fight for you and prove to you that no matter what, you are all he wants. The man who knows you are terrified of committing and is okay with taking it slow.
The kind of man who will go out of his way to have a special costume made for you just so he can wear the original to ask you to be his girlfriend.
The Mascot by Ana Shay
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
This book made me giggle so much!! I put off reading this series for so long because I was so in love with the football and hockey series, that I was scared the baseball boys would let me down… but how could any of the Shay boys let anyone down? I can’t wait to have Grayson’s story and to see who makes him fall hard! It’s always the players who never want to settle down that end up falling the hardest.
Cali, the way she is dedicated to the Fish! Every company wishes they had a Cali. The late hours, the putting in her all, the taking on dressing up as the team mascot until the original guy was back. Honestly, every Tate wishes they had a Cali too! Who doesn’t want their girl to be absolutely batshit obsessed with them😂
Everyone needs a Tate in their life. A man who will fight for you and prove to you that no matter what, you are all he wants. The man who knows you are terrified of committing and is okay with taking it slow.
The kind of man who will go out of his way to have a special costume made for you just so he can wear the original to ask you to be his girlfriend.
April 11, 2026
It's like someone dropped her into my life as a joke. The hottest girl—my biggest fan—yet she wants nothing to do with me.
Cali is probably Tate‘s biggest fan out there. I am talking Bobbleheads, calenders, jerseys and more. When she meets him and he thinks she is most gorgeous woman out there, she isn’t sold on the idea and trys to keep her distance. But Tate wears her down - as he is still her favorite Baseballplayer. They say you should never meet your idols, but is Tate different?
Yes, Tate is different! He is such a sweetheart. He wants to be her friend before becoming something more. He takes his time and doesn’t rush anything.
Cali is one overworked woman. She is being an intern for the Team and also Catty, the Catfish Mascot.
Let me tell you, you will love meeting Catalina 🥹
The Mascot is such a funny story, you will definitely laughing out loud (I mean the boxers are hilarious! 🤣), but it also pulls at your heartstrings 🤍
Ana, this is another amazing book! I am so happy to have found your books! 🤍
Cali is probably Tate‘s biggest fan out there. I am talking Bobbleheads, calenders, jerseys and more. When she meets him and he thinks she is most gorgeous woman out there, she isn’t sold on the idea and trys to keep her distance. But Tate wears her down - as he is still her favorite Baseballplayer. They say you should never meet your idols, but is Tate different?
Yes, Tate is different! He is such a sweetheart. He wants to be her friend before becoming something more. He takes his time and doesn’t rush anything.
Cali is one overworked woman. She is being an intern for the Team and also Catty, the Catfish Mascot.
Let me tell you, you will love meeting Catalina 🥹
The Mascot is such a funny story, you will definitely laughing out loud (I mean the boxers are hilarious! 🤣), but it also pulls at your heartstrings 🤍
Ana, this is another amazing book! I am so happy to have found your books! 🤍
April 29, 2026
skip this read
Where to start… I can say this is honestly the first time I have ever read a romance book and was convinced they didn’t even like each other. I mean he likes her but I don’t know why. She is so immature she can’t even respond to a text message, and they hardly even see each other the whole book…. Like 5 months and they maybe hung out 3 times. As a reader you’re reading and reading wondering when they might start actually dating and being around each other. The sex is rushed and just as awkward as their whole relationship. They never even talk about their feelings and not once in the whole book do either one say I love you…. It ends with her thinking he might be purposing and she freaks out before he’s just like ehhh it’s just my apartment key you should move in with me. I know most won’t see this review but I promise you can’t get those hours back you spent reading and your just going to end the book if you even finish it being like WTF did I just read that for.
Where to start… I can say this is honestly the first time I have ever read a romance book and was convinced they didn’t even like each other. I mean he likes her but I don’t know why. She is so immature she can’t even respond to a text message, and they hardly even see each other the whole book…. Like 5 months and they maybe hung out 3 times. As a reader you’re reading and reading wondering when they might start actually dating and being around each other. The sex is rushed and just as awkward as their whole relationship. They never even talk about their feelings and not once in the whole book do either one say I love you…. It ends with her thinking he might be purposing and she freaks out before he’s just like ehhh it’s just my apartment key you should move in with me. I know most won’t see this review but I promise you can’t get those hours back you spent reading and your just going to end the book if you even finish it being like WTF did I just read that for.
August 5, 2023
this might be because i have never been a sports fan, but i found cali’s commitment to a baseball team insufferably stupid. she tolerated being treated like shit by her horrible boss, worked to the point of exhaustion, and sacrificed every single other part of her life for an UNPAID INTERNSHIP. she worried nonstop about being fired from a job that she WASN’T EVEN GETTING PAID TO DO 😤 she was so complicit in her own misery that it became hard to even feel sorry for her.
i think tate’s back might be broken from carrying this book. he was a real golden retriever and was infinitely more patient with cali than i would have been.
if you’re looking looking for a slightly annoying, slow burn-ish book with a FMC who refuses to get out of her own way, this one is for you. if not- maybe just skip it.
i think tate’s back might be broken from carrying this book. he was a real golden retriever and was infinitely more patient with cali than i would have been.
if you’re looking looking for a slightly annoying, slow burn-ish book with a FMC who refuses to get out of her own way, this one is for you. if not- maybe just skip it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
Catty for the win!
This was my first book from Ana Shay and I loved the story! Tate is so smitten with Cali and he made sure she knew it. What a mouth on him especially with that Southern drawl....oh my goodness. He was so sweet and patient. The heat in this book was just right and fun.
My heart went out to Cali for what she had to endure as an intern working for her favourite baseball team. Her devotion to the sport of baseball and her favourite player was adorable.
Overall, a great first read! A classic romance with all the swoony feels and cannot wait to read about Grayson! I want to meet the woman willing to take this player down. 💕
This was my first book from Ana Shay and I loved the story! Tate is so smitten with Cali and he made sure she knew it. What a mouth on him especially with that Southern drawl....oh my goodness. He was so sweet and patient. The heat in this book was just right and fun.
My heart went out to Cali for what she had to endure as an intern working for her favourite baseball team. Her devotion to the sport of baseball and her favourite player was adorable.
Overall, a great first read! A classic romance with all the swoony feels and cannot wait to read about Grayson! I want to meet the woman willing to take this player down. 💕
June 28, 2025
This was hilarious!! There were moments I had to set the book down because I was laughing so hard. I saw a lot of people didn’t like this book, buy in my option this is a fluffy read that is here to make you laugh.
I give this 3.5 stars because the whole OW drama was annoying. There was also a chapter that just stated off really weird to me and I just didn’t like that. It also gave me some second hand embarrassment just btw.
But all in all this book is here to make you laugh and have a good time. It’s a quick and easy read (took me less than a day to finish it). I recommend this to someone who needs a little fluff after reading an intense book.
I give this 3.5 stars because the whole OW drama was annoying. There was also a chapter that just stated off really weird to me and I just didn’t like that. It also gave me some second hand embarrassment just btw.
But all in all this book is here to make you laugh and have a good time. It’s a quick and easy read (took me less than a day to finish it). I recommend this to someone who needs a little fluff after reading an intense book.
December 31, 2025
3.5/5 not quite a 4
I actually like this book. It was fun, and such an easy read. I love baseball romances and this one definitely hit the spot. Tate was a great MMC and I loved how supportive and intentional he was with Cali. The workplace and sports romance combo worked really well, and the banter/texting moments were some of my favorite parts. Also Catty and Catalina?? CUTE af.
The only thing that held this back for me was Cali feeling a little immature at times, which pulled me out of the story here and there. Even so, I still really enjoyed it. The chemistry was there, the romance was cute and steamy, and I flew through it. Can’t wait to read Grayson’s story.
Overall, a solid 3.5 star read and a fun baseball romance, I’d happily pick up more from Ana Shay.
I actually like this book. It was fun, and such an easy read. I love baseball romances and this one definitely hit the spot. Tate was a great MMC and I loved how supportive and intentional he was with Cali. The workplace and sports romance combo worked really well, and the banter/texting moments were some of my favorite parts. Also Catty and Catalina?? CUTE af.
The only thing that held this back for me was Cali feeling a little immature at times, which pulled me out of the story here and there. Even so, I still really enjoyed it. The chemistry was there, the romance was cute and steamy, and I flew through it. Can’t wait to read Grayson’s story.
Overall, a solid 3.5 star read and a fun baseball romance, I’d happily pick up more from Ana Shay.
April 2, 2022
It was a good story with a strong but somewhat cringy heroine, which made for some funny parts.
There’s quite a few grammatical errors that threw me off a bit but it’s not that bad.
Overall enjoyed the story and how intent Tate was on proving to Cali he wanted her, even if he made some questionable decisions along the way..
Gotta say though, if you agree with what Cali says when they finally get together, don’t read the epilogue. Very disappointing to see the author go back on it. The epilogue was what brought my rating down.
There’s quite a few grammatical errors that threw me off a bit but it’s not that bad.
Overall enjoyed the story and how intent Tate was on proving to Cali he wanted her, even if he made some questionable decisions along the way..
Gotta say though, if you agree with what Cali says when they finally get together, don’t read the epilogue. Very disappointing to see the author go back on it. The epilogue was what brought my rating down.
February 15, 2023
This book was a fun, obsessive, angst-filled joy to read. The characters are funny and relatable. Callie and Tate were so fun to read, and the progress of their relationship was fantastic. The conversations Catty and Tate have are an excellent addition to this story. My favorite part wasn't the catfish humping, but when Tate hunted Callie down and found her desk, and discovered that she is one of his biggest fans, and she even though she is one of his biggest fans she won't give in to him and what he wants.
October 30, 2021
Such a sweet story. I love Tate so much, he knows what he wants and goes for it. Cali is so unsure about him but likes him anyway. To be fair before actually meeting him she was a little obsessed with him.
There are so many funny parts and this book, explores some of the push and pull of starting a relationship whilst keeping it light.
Loved it and read it really quickly as I couldn’t put it down
There are so many funny parts and this book, explores some of the push and pull of starting a relationship whilst keeping it light.
Loved it and read it really quickly as I couldn’t put it down
September 17, 2022
Cute but immature
Concept is cute and at time every funny. My problem is with Cali. She is very immature. Yes she was an intern but she needed to stand up for herself. When she was the mascot she should habe told them she coukdnt do both roles. I have a problem with her BFF Mary putting Cali in the position. I also have a proble! With Tate not refuting Sams stories to the media. He let it drag on. No INE Cali thought they were real.
Concept is cute and at time every funny. My problem is with Cali. She is very immature. Yes she was an intern but she needed to stand up for herself. When she was the mascot she should habe told them she coukdnt do both roles. I have a problem with her BFF Mary putting Cali in the position. I also have a proble! With Tate not refuting Sams stories to the media. He let it drag on. No INE Cali thought they were real.
September 30, 2024
Cali lives and breathes baseball, and is doing an internship with the marketing team. After the mascot gets injured, they throw her under the costume and make her preform during the games. On the opening night she ends up falling on a player Tate, and completely embarrassingly herself. Not only is it the best play on the team, but it’s her crush for the longest she can remember. After the game Tate spots cali in the Dr office at the fields, and falls head over heels for her.
March 14, 2025
Gonna be honest, this wasn’t my favorite. Cali was just insufferable. I honestly really liked Tate. He did everything to make her feel appreciated and cared for and happy, but she fought back at every chance. Cali’s character didn’t feel grown up at all. She was in a tough situation and didn’t want to help herself at all. This book any gets a decent rating because of Tate. Literally he saved the vibes on the book.
June 9, 2025
The premise of this book is similar to Tessa Bailey’s Fangirl Down, which was cute and fun, but this is Fangirl Down from Temu. It CONSTANTLY switches from present to past-tense WITHIN THE SAME SENTENCE. And from sentence to sentence. It’s very confusing.
No editor involved whatsoever, either, based on the *many* distracting errors (ahem, “plutonic” when they meant “platonic”). I can give grace, but baby, this book needs a whole fucking redemption
No editor involved whatsoever, either, based on the *many* distracting errors (ahem, “plutonic” when they meant “platonic”). I can give grace, but baby, this book needs a whole fucking redemption
March 30, 2026
This book was decent. It had some great moments and a few “just get on with it” moments. The story overall was good, but I really got tired of the Sam drama and especially the Cali wanting to end it with Tate nonsense. Girl, he’s into you. Don’t be so ridiculous! Trust him already!
Anyway, I liked the mascot “proposal” and that was swoon-worthy especially to a huge baseball fan. It had some good moments and I enjoyed most of this book. I would pick up this author again in the future!
Anyway, I liked the mascot “proposal” and that was swoon-worthy especially to a huge baseball fan. It had some good moments and I enjoyed most of this book. I would pick up this author again in the future!
January 4, 2023
This was a fun and light easy read. Both Callie and Tate were likeable characters and I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold from the beginning of the book as Tate was so sure they should be dating. The book didn’t delve too deep into any storylines, so it felt like the book moved at a quick pace, but it suited the story that had been created.
September 17, 2025
OMG..ANA SHAY...YOUR NEXT GREAT SERIES!!
LOVE TATE AND CALI...YOUR BOOKS ARE SO REAL...LOVERS...FRIENDS...FAMILY.. SPORTS..GREAT STORYLINES AND CHARACTERS!!
CANNOT Wait FOR MY NEXT READ/REREAD!
THANKS FOR FANTASTIC BOOKS!!!
1000+
LOVE THESE NEW GUYS!! AND GALS!!!
MORE MORE MORE MORE
THE JOURNEY IN YOUR BOOKS ARE REALLY BELIEVABLE AND GREAT!
DGH
SC
LOVE TATE AND CALI...YOUR BOOKS ARE SO REAL...LOVERS...FRIENDS...FAMILY.. SPORTS..GREAT STORYLINES AND CHARACTERS!!
CANNOT Wait FOR MY NEXT READ/REREAD!
THANKS FOR FANTASTIC BOOKS!!!
1000+
LOVE THESE NEW GUYS!! AND GALS!!!
MORE MORE MORE MORE
THE JOURNEY IN YOUR BOOKS ARE REALLY BELIEVABLE AND GREAT!
DGH
SC
January 13, 2022
DNF
I hated the heroine’s “best friend” Mary. She’s the reason Cali was stuck in that shitty situation with the costume. Not to mention, that she saw how hard Cali was working and never did anything, even though Cali was doing it for her. (She was also annoying.)
The heroine was a doormat.
I hated the heroine’s “best friend” Mary. She’s the reason Cali was stuck in that shitty situation with the costume. Not to mention, that she saw how hard Cali was working and never did anything, even though Cali was doing it for her. (She was also annoying.)
The heroine was a doormat.
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