What do you think?
Rate this book
The First Baseman's Grumpy Fan: A Spicy Baseball Romance
Surrounded by baseball her whole life, Gale Frost has one no dating ball players.
Finn Nixon has been rewriting the rules since he started playing the game, becoming a social media sensation thanks to his dancing and tricks on the field.
A foul ball sends these two opposites on a literal collision course, sparking undeniable chemistry between them. Finn's immediately all in, but Gale’s unimpressed by Finn's fun-loving antics and is concerned about his influence on the team her family spent decades building.
As Gale prepares for the team’s charity gala, Finn volunteers to help in an effort to prove he’s more than the goofball she’s seen in his viral videos. Despite her reservations, Finn's dedication to the event begins to crack the grumpy facade around her heart.
But when pictures and rumors of the unlikely pair surface, it thrusts Gale into the spotlight she’s tried so hard to avoid and skyrockets her need to make the gala a success.
And when she’s forced to choose between upholding her family’s legacy and Finn, will Gale throw out her rule book for a chance at a home run romance, or will Finn strike out in the game of winning her heart?
A note from the author: There are TWO different versions of this book. Each has the same book title but are in different series to distinguish them from one another. 1) A sweet, closed-door version without swearing that features only kissing but retains the smolder, listed as Book 1 of the Home Run Hearts series. 2) A spicy, open-door version with some mild explicit language and all the sex scenes on the page, listed as Book 1 of the Home Run Heat series. This is the spicy version. Please choose the version that works best for you.
Finn Nixon has been rewriting the rules since he started playing the game, becoming a social media sensation thanks to his dancing and tricks on the field.
A foul ball sends these two opposites on a literal collision course, sparking undeniable chemistry between them. Finn's immediately all in, but Gale’s unimpressed by Finn's fun-loving antics and is concerned about his influence on the team her family spent decades building.
As Gale prepares for the team’s charity gala, Finn volunteers to help in an effort to prove he’s more than the goofball she’s seen in his viral videos. Despite her reservations, Finn's dedication to the event begins to crack the grumpy facade around her heart.
But when pictures and rumors of the unlikely pair surface, it thrusts Gale into the spotlight she’s tried so hard to avoid and skyrockets her need to make the gala a success.
And when she’s forced to choose between upholding her family’s legacy and Finn, will Gale throw out her rule book for a chance at a home run romance, or will Finn strike out in the game of winning her heart?
A note from the author: There are TWO different versions of this book. Each has the same book title but are in different series to distinguish them from one another. 1) A sweet, closed-door version without swearing that features only kissing but retains the smolder, listed as Book 1 of the Home Run Hearts series. 2) A spicy, open-door version with some mild explicit language and all the sex scenes on the page, listed as Book 1 of the Home Run Heat series. This is the spicy version. Please choose the version that works best for you.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
16 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
dnf
July 7, 2025Sadly a dnf for me, not enough happening to hold my engagement, alongside some off balance pacing and tension. The place I stopped also had the H thinking of love, which feels insta to me. The author has loads of details to give background to her characters and the premise, but the book dragged in places. Cuteness and sweetness though with decent baseball inclusion. Nice h and playful but layered H. I didn’t get to any spice, however I read the open door version so it was coming lol.
From what I read - written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both were experienced (H had hook ups in the past but wasn’t about that anymore; h hadn’t been with anyone in a while and had a rule against dating baseball players).
From what I read - written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both were experienced (H had hook ups in the past but wasn’t about that anymore; h hadn’t been with anyone in a while and had a rule against dating baseball players).
July 18, 2024
4.5* - Rounded up to 5...
Gale has always been into Baseball, probably because it is her family's legacy. But after her father's passing, she finds herself staying away from ALL things baseball. Until her friends trick her into attending a match, and she almost get's squished by the new First Baseman, Finn.
Finn get's super surprise transferred to from the Sailors to the Snowhawks, and has to get to the Snowhawks stadium for a game happening in just a few hours! When he goes for an amazing catch, he ends up almost squishing a gorgeous woman, and only after organising a team gift basket for her as an apology, does he learn that she is the granddaughter of the founder of the Snowhawks team.
This is a sweet story of overcoming fear to find love. I loved Gale's group of friends, and appreciated how Finn was just a great guy, and understood Gale's reservations. I loved the banter, and how everyone came together for the charity event. I also loved how Finn encouraged Gale to stretch herself, and go for things she never thought possible, in a way that helped her really grow into herself, and find what would truly make her happy.
Overall a really fantastic read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gale has always been into Baseball, probably because it is her family's legacy. But after her father's passing, she finds herself staying away from ALL things baseball. Until her friends trick her into attending a match, and she almost get's squished by the new First Baseman, Finn.
Finn get's super surprise transferred to from the Sailors to the Snowhawks, and has to get to the Snowhawks stadium for a game happening in just a few hours! When he goes for an amazing catch, he ends up almost squishing a gorgeous woman, and only after organising a team gift basket for her as an apology, does he learn that she is the granddaughter of the founder of the Snowhawks team.
This is a sweet story of overcoming fear to find love. I loved Gale's group of friends, and appreciated how Finn was just a great guy, and understood Gale's reservations. I loved the banter, and how everyone came together for the charity event. I also loved how Finn encouraged Gale to stretch herself, and go for things she never thought possible, in a way that helped her really grow into herself, and find what would truly make her happy.
Overall a really fantastic read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The meet-cute was epic. Probably one of the most entertaining and interesting that I have read. In spite of various obstacles, the relationship developed and built in a lovely way. There were lots of fun and cute moments in the story. The baseball elements were incorporated in an accessible way for romance readers and were very entertaining. The characters were fun too, including the team dynamics. Future stories for the friend group and the teammates were set-up and I look forward to reading them. The author offers two versions a sweet one and a spicy one. I love it when authors give readers this choice. This one is the spicy version. It is a detailed open-door romance with moderately strong innuendo and some strong harsh language.
Gale ran the charitable foundation that was part of her family‘s legacy. The other part of that legacy was the associated baseball team, the Snowhaven Snowhawks. When first baseman Finn was traded to the team unexpectedly, Gale initially had reservations about him and his showmanship and his incorporation of extra entertainment and social media in baseball. Their relationship gradually developed as they came to trust one another and overcame obstacles together. This story includes elements that involve parental death, grief, divorce, parental estrangement, intrusive media, and relationship-driven self-consciousness regarding food choices.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gale ran the charitable foundation that was part of her family‘s legacy. The other part of that legacy was the associated baseball team, the Snowhaven Snowhawks. When first baseman Finn was traded to the team unexpectedly, Gale initially had reservations about him and his showmanship and his incorporation of extra entertainment and social media in baseball. Their relationship gradually developed as they came to trust one another and overcame obstacles together. This story includes elements that involve parental death, grief, divorce, parental estrangement, intrusive media, and relationship-driven self-consciousness regarding food choices.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️
Rosalie sets up a great story with great MCs and SCs who I can’t wait to see if they get their own stories! Because they should!!
Gale and Finn are great MCs who both love baseball, but in different ways. Gale has been involved due to her family and their legacy. Finn is a pro ball player who has been traded to Gale’s family team. Their meet cute happens during the game (which was super cute) and Finn is immediately taken by Gale.
Gale is hesitant to Finn’s advances. She is fearful of being hurt again and Finn is so accepting of this! He is patient and never oversteps. It was lovely reading about the two of them coming together while they both fought through their own things; together and individually.
I really hope to see more from Rosalie, as this is the first book I read of hers and I greatly enjoyed it! There are two versions of this story, sweet and spicy! Which I love when an author does to not alienate anyone who many love sport romances, but doesn’t want all the spice.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
⚾Pro Baseball MMC
🌺Baseball Legacy FMC
⚾He Falls First
🌺Slow Burn
⚾Great Side Characters
Rosalie sets up a great story with great MCs and SCs who I can’t wait to see if they get their own stories! Because they should!!
Gale and Finn are great MCs who both love baseball, but in different ways. Gale has been involved due to her family and their legacy. Finn is a pro ball player who has been traded to Gale’s family team. Their meet cute happens during the game (which was super cute) and Finn is immediately taken by Gale.
Gale is hesitant to Finn’s advances. She is fearful of being hurt again and Finn is so accepting of this! He is patient and never oversteps. It was lovely reading about the two of them coming together while they both fought through their own things; together and individually.
I really hope to see more from Rosalie, as this is the first book I read of hers and I greatly enjoyed it! There are two versions of this story, sweet and spicy! Which I love when an author does to not alienate anyone who many love sport romances, but doesn’t want all the spice.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
⚾Pro Baseball MMC
🌺Baseball Legacy FMC
⚾He Falls First
🌺Slow Burn
⚾Great Side Characters
July 16, 2024
This was amazing!! I absolutely adore how this story played out.
A chance meeting with a new baseball player to the towns team, and a 'grumpy' sheltered event planner. Finn and Gale's relationship with sweet, funny, dorky, steamy, and down right amazing.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters and I finished this book faster than I anticipated. I'm not much of a sports watcher or reader, but I truly truly enjoyed how in-depth Rosaline wrote about the sport. I especially enjoyed the alternating povs, it really made me understand both of the characters and see the love that they have for each other.
Overall, an outstanding story, enjoyable but slow burn steam, and lovable characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!
PS. This got me out of my reading slump!! 😂❤.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A chance meeting with a new baseball player to the towns team, and a 'grumpy' sheltered event planner. Finn and Gale's relationship with sweet, funny, dorky, steamy, and down right amazing.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters and I finished this book faster than I anticipated. I'm not much of a sports watcher or reader, but I truly truly enjoyed how in-depth Rosaline wrote about the sport. I especially enjoyed the alternating povs, it really made me understand both of the characters and see the love that they have for each other.
Overall, an outstanding story, enjoyable but slow burn steam, and lovable characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!
PS. This got me out of my reading slump!! 😂❤.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2024
This is the first book in the “Home Run Heat” series which introduces the reader to the Snowhawks baseball team and community, focussing on Gale and Finn first. Gale is part of the family which established the team, and Finn is a new player, joining after a very quick trade. We follow Gale and Finn as their relationship grows closer and they struggle with whether a serious relationship between them could work. I read the spicy, open door version so some mild steamy scenes were included. This was a gentle and comforting read with the author developing a genuinely deep connection between Gale and Finn. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Very cute book! My biggest hang up was how much of a slooooooooow burn this was (there’s 2 versions spicy/sweet) but I could tell the sweet version was the first one written. The spice, while good, was obviously inserted in. But they didn’t even kiss until mid second half of the book. The spice didn’t happen until 75% in. But once it hit they went from kissing to ILY to a 💍 in like a month 😅 I know it happens in real life from time to time but it’s still hard to believe. Some of the action/dialogue was difficult to follow and I had to reread a few lines to figure it out. Overall I enjoyed the story and the characters. Will probably be back for book 2 (I’m a sucker for a catcher 😍)
Very cute book! My biggest hang up was how much of a slooooooooow burn this was (there’s 2 versions spicy/sweet) but I could tell the sweet version was the first one written. The spice, while good, was obviously inserted in. But they didn’t even kiss until mid second half of the book. The spice didn’t happen until 75% in. But once it hit they went from kissing to ILY to a 💍 in like a month 😅 I know it happens in real life from time to time but it’s still hard to believe. Some of the action/dialogue was difficult to follow and I had to reread a few lines to figure it out. Overall I enjoyed the story and the characters. Will probably be back for book 2 (I’m a sucker for a catcher 😍)
March 22, 2025
Since I dove down the sports romance rabbit hole I wanted to find some baseball romance books and this was just what I was looking for! I was absolutely OBSESSED with Finn right off the back and binge read this book so fast! I literally couldn't put it down.
Perfect for baseball fans! I loved seeing the grumpy sunshine trope in reverse, usually I see the MMC as the grumpy one. The spice is so good! The author also has a closed door version in case spicy isn't your thing!
I'm a fantasy reader at heart, but it was a nice change up (see what I did there? 😉⚾️) to read a stand alone contemporary with a HEA! ❤️
Rating = 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice = 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
Perfect for baseball fans! I loved seeing the grumpy sunshine trope in reverse, usually I see the MMC as the grumpy one. The spice is so good! The author also has a closed door version in case spicy isn't your thing!
I'm a fantasy reader at heart, but it was a nice change up (see what I did there? 😉⚾️) to read a stand alone contemporary with a HEA! ❤️
Rating = 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice = 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
July 14, 2024
Well, if you are after a nice, cosy read with all the feel goods, this is the perfect book for you!
The characters are perfectly developed and although there are a couple of things that could trigger (parental loss to cancer) it has been done amazingly well.
Although this was the open version, in real terms it was rather tame.
However I absolutely love this book! X.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are perfectly developed and although there are a couple of things that could trigger (parental loss to cancer) it has been done amazingly well.
Although this was the open version, in real terms it was rather tame.
However I absolutely love this book! X.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2024
This story had a sweet and wholesome story line. With no big drama but lots of little hurdles any couple could encounter making it easy to connect with. This story also has light steam between our two main characters and lots of set up for stories to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2024
As a huge Bananaland fan (IYKYK), this really tickled my need to see this kind of baseball in book form. Finn falls first and hard, which is never not going to be my fave, and he and Gale made such a sweet couple. Loved that the author didn't shy away from the baseball gameplay—really made the book, imo.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2024
This book is why baseball romances are my favorite! The perfect slow burn and well worth the wait. Finn and Gale's meet cute had me laughing out loud. A cute and laugh out loud romance with the perfect amount of steam. Look forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2024
Baseball romances are the best of all sport romances in my opinion.
We have an epic meet/cute between Finn and Gale that will have everyone melting like an ice cream in July.
I am impressed with the author for releasing two versions of the story depending on your comfort level of spice. It let’s all enjoy the story.
I’m excited to see whose story is next.
We have an epic meet/cute between Finn and Gale that will have everyone melting like an ice cream in July.
I am impressed with the author for releasing two versions of the story depending on your comfort level of spice. It let’s all enjoy the story.
I’m excited to see whose story is next.
July 18, 2024
Finn & Gale: Book 1 of Home Run Heat: Spicy version. If you want the clean version, choose the same title in the Home Run Hearts series. Reverse Grumpy-Sunshine/ Workplace/ Baseball RomCom: This was a great slow burn romance. I enjoyed the storyline and their spicy chemistry.
July 25, 2024
This story follows a grumpy heroine who falls for a charming baseball player. With a focus on chemistry and steamy scenes, this book is perfect for fans of open-door romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2025
It took me 3 months to come back and finish this because the FMC was so off putting in the beginning.
A lot of reality needed to be suspended for the 180 she pulled with the MMC. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
A lot of reality needed to be suspended for the 180 she pulled with the MMC. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
July 18, 2024
The First Baseman's Grumpy Fan: A Spicy Baseball Romance
Book 1 of Home Run Heat
Rosalie Pease
I loved watching their story unfold. I recommend this book to those who love a sports romance.
Book 1 of Home Run Heat
Rosalie Pease
I loved watching their story unfold. I recommend this book to those who love a sports romance.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews