Stealing Home

by Charlie Dee

I never thought I’d move away from home but when you realize that your life is just flat lining you decide to make a change.

Moving across the country made me realize I wanted more for myself but I never expected the full of himself catcher to pull me in and make me feel that I was home.

Just as life was becoming more than what I could ever imagine, something unexpected came out of left field on a warpath to derail my happiness.



Finally, free of my past relationship I can live my life and concentrate on baseball without worry. My bingo card didn’t include meeting a sassy brunette that would turn my life upside.

I would give up my world to make her happy. I just didn’t expect to have to prove that someone couldn’t steal home from right in front of me.

But I will stop at nothing including risking my entire career to save her before it’s too late. It’s the only option. I can’t live without her.

Genres: Sports, Baseball

364 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2024

Reviews

[Linz_loves_books (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐rounded up!
This was such a cute sports romance but don't let it fool you because it also has a little bit of suspense. I was absolutely shocked to learn that this was the author's debut novel because she sucked me in from the very beginning.

Our FMC, Adriana, is having a horrible day. First, she loses her job and all she wants is to go home and cry into her boyfriends arms. However, when she gets home she finds her boyfriend cheating with not just one but two females. Four months later, she gets a job interview near her best friend with the New York Grizzlies baseball team. Accepting the job, she quickly bonds with her new boss like they have been friends forever. She moves in next door to her boss but she was not expecting her boss's brother-in-law, Cole. Cole is the catcher for the New York Grizzlies and the most patient, sweet, caring man determined to break down Adriana's walls one by one. Unfortunately, as soon as Adriana lets her walls down something comes out of left field to derail her happiness.

What to Expect
⚾Sports Romance
⚾Baseball Romance
⚾Golden Retriver MMC
⚾Forced Proximity
⚾Found Family
⚾Suspense

The romance in this story was so cute, patient, and understanding. However, what makes this whole story for me is the found family between the New York Grizzlies. I absolutely adore all of the characters and the bonds they have in this story.

Pre-Read Review: Baseball Romance with forced proximity and found family, not to mention a Golden-Retriever MMC! YESSSSS Please!

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!
ARC review
Release date 10/11

TROPES-
Baseball Romance
Workplace
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Golden Retriever MMC
Curvy FMC
Rom-Com
Suspense
Slow-ish burn

Check your triggers before diving in ⚠️

"Cole's hugs are filled with warmth and safety. The combination makes my insides go all gooey."

✨️I'm absolutely astonished that this is a debut novel! I was sucked in from the very beginning and could not put it down. The found family in this book is so good! Cole is such a sexy and sweet man! Adriana is a stron, sassy FMC! The chemistry, the drama, the relatable characters and issues, what's not to love? If you're looking for a bingeable sport's romance that you won't want to put down, look no further!!

Thank you to Charlie Dee for allowing me to read and review your debut novel! I can't wait to read more from you!

[Briana Mullis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading debut books from authors! I love to see new talent enter the pool! Charlie Dee did a fantastic job with her book and am excited for more!

⚾️Tropes⚾️
»Baseball Romance
»Rom-Com
»Forced Proximity
»Found Family
»Curvy FMC
»Workplace
»Golden Retriever MMC
»Suspense

Adriana had a really, really bad day. But it was the push she needed to move forward in life. New job, new city, new friends. Although, the man next door is making it difficult to uphold her self imposed no dating rule.

Cole had heart eyes for his sister-in-law’s new assistant. She beautiful, kind, and right next door. He’s done with the hook ups and is looking for the one, and he thinks he may have found her within his reach.

I really enjoyed the slow burn in this one. The respect Cole has for Adriana is out of this world. He wants her, but is not pushy. He’s definitely a good one even to have around as a friend!

Poor Adriana. I felt for her. The beginning of her story is kinda heartbreaking, but I love that she is able to persevere and be her true self.

The story was pretty fast paced so it was able to hold my attention. The twist towards the end really helped it all come full circle.

Be sure to check out Stealing Home by debut author Charlie Dee today!

[rissys.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ Forced Proximity
~ Found Family
~ Baseball Romance

4.5/5 Stars


✨My Thoughts ✨
This was such a fun read. I love a good baseball romance. This one definitely hit the spot. Adriana story was fun to read. Seeing her truly love herself was exciting to see. Her story felt so real and definitely relatable. Cole is just the dream golden retriever MMC. He is understanding and listens to Adriana. He is just a top tier book boyfriend. I loved the found family in this book too. This story flowed so well. The romance was so so good. I loved the element of suspense that happened too. The communication in this book was just so good. I am excited to see this world grow. If you need a good baseball romance I can't recommend this one enough.

Stealing Home is book one in The NY Grizzlies series. It is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is Charlie Dee's debut novel. This book is available on KU.

✨ I want to thank Charlie Dee for an e-arc of this book. These are my own true thoughts ✨

[Kimberly Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing debut for Charlie Dee! Adriana is going through it, but her luck quickly starts to turn around when she gets a brand new job in a new city. She’ll get to be near her best friend and she ends up Cole, catcher for the NY Grizzlies. The Found Family of it all is what got me 😍 you know those books where you root for the main characters, but equally care about what’s going to happen to the side characters as well? Charlie Dee made me care!!

Cole is the sweetest, smooth-talking mmc and the love that he and Adriana developed was so sweet to watch. The plot twist made my jaw drop, but I’m obsessed with how it all wrapped up.

Perfect for fans of sports romance, who don’t mind a little more sports in their story, readers who want to see their FMC winning and romance readers in general.

[Drishika Bikraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Adriana finds her boyfriend cheating on her on the same day she loses her job, she decides to turn her life around. She finds a new job in a new city close to her best friend, but the man next door is making it hard to follow her self-imposed “no dating” rule.
This was a really cute story and Cole and Adriana were adorable together. Their relationship developed quite naturally from friends to lovers and once they decided to act on their attraction for each other, their chemistry was so great. I could kinda see the twist coming but the suspense kept the story going. I loved the girls’ friendship but the super excited and happy vibe wasn’t really for me.

[Heather H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The MMC was very swoon worthy.
I’m sure other will love it but the ending twist just wasn’t for me. It didn’t seem to really fit in my eyes.
Just as a reminder reading is subjective and just because I have those opinions doesn’t mean they’re the same for everyone! Just trying to give my honest opinion. I loved everything else.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stealing Home" is a beautifully written and heartfelt tale that resonates on many levels. I loved exploring Dani, Heather, and Adriana’s friendship; it was absolutely beautiful! Heather is the best friend every girl wants and needs in their life.
This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates rich character development and a narrative that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended.

[Jessica Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out loud. It was hard to put down. I loved how the story played out for the main characters. There is some spice to this but not much. If you like a baseball romance this is for you

[christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great debut for Charlie Dee. The characters were a joy to read. None of them out shine the others. Adriana and Cole had instant chemistry. It was nice to see their relationship grow from friends to lovers naturally. This book isn't just all romance. There was a twist that I didn't expect. Overall, I would recommend this book.

[Jami Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*

Adriana Johnson walks in on her fiancée with not one, but two women, on the day she is told that her company is shutting their doors immediately. And you would have thought that was the worst thing to happen to her that day. Adriana dusts herself off and starts looking for jobs, and not just in Colorado where she lives. There’s nothing keeping her there. Her parents are both gone, and her friends were just basically work acquaintances. Within a couple of months, Adriana finds not only a great job working for the head of a newly formed foundation for the NY Grizzlies baseball team, but a new place to call home and a great boss, who’s more like a sister. Plus, her bestie Dani lives in the City and they can see each other all the time.

NY Grizzlies Catcher Cole Evans is quite the catch himself. Although his last relationship left him soured for that playboy lifestyle and he’s looking towards his future. That’s why when his older brother, NY Grizzlies First Baseman Tyler and his sister-in-law, Heather (who’s running the Foundation) told him that the house next door to the house in the suburbs they were putting an offer in on was for sale, he jumped on it. This way when Cole settles down, the brothers can raise their families together. He just didn’t see it happening this fast, especially with someone who feels the same way about relationships as he does.

Adriana moves into the apartment over Heather and Ty’s garage, and before long, the four of them are doing things together. Feelings quickly ignite between Adriana and Cole, but they are taking things slowly. I love how he puts her needs first and doesn’t try to rush her into something new, especially so soon after moving to a new city and what happened with her ex.

Charlie Dee was great to put trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Because what does happen to try to break the foundation Adriana and Cole are building together is something pretty major. I am not about to spoil it here but let me just say that what happens would have broken me.

This first novel by new author Charlie Dee hits it out of the park. I’m a huge reader of sports romance and this one didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to see which NY Grizzlies star gets his story told next. But I’m secretly hoping that it’s King’s.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - Author

Thank you, Charlie, for letting me ARC read this before it comes out! The number of times I cried during this book towards the end.... we will have some words about that. This was so beautifully written, and I need more about the Grizzlies😭 (maybe Dani and King😉) Some spoilers in my mind, so marking as spoilers.

I love Adrianna and Cole so much! I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end with this book, work did not help when I need to let some tears loose, but this story is so good! Following Adrianna after a terrible day at work to surprising her now ex with food, she carries a lot on her shoulders as we go through this book. She managed to score the job of her dreams and near her best friend, Dani. Her boss, Heather, runs a foundation for the NY Grizzlies which means they get to hang out with the players a lot and attend games. Heather is married to Tyler Evans and her brother-in-law Cole Evans just got out of a relationship before the season started. Seeing Cole and Adrianna form this friendship that leads to more is just so cute, the way he treats her like they have known each other for years is adorable. I never want to meet anyone like Crawford in my life, that man has serious issues, and I could tell from when they started talking about him something was going to happen.

Fav Quotes:
“This man is starting to make cracks in my walls and I don’t know if they need to be reinforced or if I should just let him chip away at them.”
"Cole's hugs are filled with warmth and safety. The combination makes my insides go all gooey."
"You might just be my game changer, Casanova."
"Adrianna, you are the love of my life. My home, my everything. You have made my world and days brighter. You are the person I want to share everything with for the rest of my life. Will you make me the happiest man alive and be my forever home?"

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good sports romance, but this one was a “home run.” Ariana loses her job and walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her with not one, but two women. Talk about the worst day! She has no real family or friends in Colorado, so on a wing and a prayer she goes to NY to interview for a foundation tied to the Grizzlies baseball team. What she finds there is a great job, and friendships. She also meets Cole. Cole is the brother of fellow teammate Tyler, who is married to Heather the head of the foundation. Ariana moves into the garage apartment in Tyler and Heather's home. Cole lives in the house next door.

Ariana is feeling soured towards relationships. Cole wants what his brother has and serial dating doesn’t hold the same appeal as it used to. He is attracted to Ariana. The writing here was so perfect. Dee gives us the foundation for them to build a romantic relationship based on friendship. We know that is what Ariana needs. Cole gives the best hugs and is willing to go at Ariana’s pace knowing she is his end game. It is so well written and realistic that I was completely captivated and drawn in. The banter between them was so good and is spot on! He calls her "sugar." She calls him "Cassanova."I straight up devoured this book.

The twist was CRAZY and the events that come to try to destroy them is hard. Cole is truly a white knight. The way the men on the team came together really exemplified the found family that Ariana got. She is family to them, the same way that Tyler and Cole are. I can’t wait to read more about the Grizzlies. I hope King gets the next book, maybe Dani finally gets a keeper!

[kelly north · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m In the Dugout with the Grizzlies

I can’t remember the last time I felt so completely pulled into a story. Stealing Home, has this almost magical way of blending sharp, witty dialogue with such authentic characters that I genuinely felt like they were my own personal friends. The conversation felt so real, so natural, that I couldn’t help but get swept up in their quirks, rivalries, and inside jokes. The dialogue is vibrant, each voice distinct, and each line layered with personality—by the end, I could almost predict how each character might react to the next mishap or victory. The text bubbles seem as if you are reading them off a phone.

The story itself is such a breath of fresh air. It’s a light, fun read that keeps you turning pages. While reading, I constantly found myself wondering what my favorite players were up to, as though they were real people out there, hanging out and gearing up for another game. The world of the Grizzlies feels so alive that it was easy to forget this wasn’t a real team.

The pacing is spot-on, and the narration immerses you in the playful but heartfelt journey of this team. You can experience the thrill of every hit, pitch, and team bonding. It doesn’t get bogged down in heavy themes but instead revels in the camaraderie, dreams, and passion that makes you root for every single player.

If you’re a baseball fan or like myself just love a story filled with laughter, friendship, and heart in a different setting, “Stealing Home” is a book you’ll be sad to finish and eager to recommend. Go Grizzlies! I can’t wait to see if there are more to come…..

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

Oh my gosh, buckle up because this book is a wild ride from start to finish! Picture this: our main girl is at a crossroads in life, feeling totally stuck. So what does she do? She packs up and moves across the country, ready to start fresh. And just when she's settling into her new, exciting life, BAM—enter Mr. Cocky Catcher. You know the type—confident, maybe even a little too sure of himself, but oh, he’s got that charm. Suddenly, she's not just falling for a guy, she’s finding a new version of herself too.

But wait, just when you think things are golden, life throws a curveball. Drama? Check. High stakes? Double-check! Someone is determined to ruin this happiness, and let me tell you, it had me gasping. I mean, how could it all go so wrong, so fast?

And then there's our leading man. He's finally rid of his messy past and laser-focused on his baseball career. He so didn’t see this spitfire brunette coming, but wow, does she turn his world upside down! Their chemistry? Off the charts. And just when things are heating up (in all the best ways), they have to face some serious danger that threatens not only their relationship but also his entire career.

This guy is ready to throw everything on the line—his future, his dreams, his career—because losing her isn’t an option. I mean, COME ON, how can you not root for this guy?

The book had me screaming, swooning, and flipping pages like a madwoman. It’s full of tension, swoony romance, and some seriously heart-pounding moments. A perfect 5-star read, and I'm absolutely obsessed! Trust me, this is a one-sitting, can’t-put-it-down kind of book that will leave you with all the feels! Highly, highly recommend!

[Laurie Reads Reverse Harem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

This book gave me Windy City series vibes. This book was good, not great or amazing. But it was good for a debut. It does not make me want to scream and shout or recommend heavily to friends but it had a beautiful love story although I believe they could have just been together about 100 pages less than when they did get together. It was almost forced in how long it was.

A & Cole - such a cute fluffy romance whirlwind but with the length, I was expecting love, marriage and kids.. or at the very least to see kids being brought into the book from another relationship. I can already feel who the next book will be about - because this has set us up for a series and it's almost too obvious who will be completing this series. Also, I would have loved it if another person had been the villain and not the obvious answer of the ex. Although we didn't get a conclusion for him and we almost needed it. As I said, good book but not great. Cute plot, bit crazy 75% in and definitely could have been shorter.

Overall 3.75 stars.

[Heather Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went in on a blind read! And I am so grateful I did. This book was written with so much love and emotion that I cannot wait until book 2 comes out. Set against the backdrop of the New York Grizzlies baseball team, the story follows Adriana, a woman seeking a fresh start after a series of personal setbacks, and Cole, a dedicated catcher whose charm and kindness make him the quintessential "golden retriever" hero, pssst- Cole is ENDGAME!!!
Adriana's life takes a dramatic turn when she loses her job and discovers her boyfriend's infidelity. Seeking solace and a new beginning, she relocates to New York to work for a foundation associated with the Grizzlies. There, she meets Cole, who lives next door to her new home. Despite her initial reservations about relationships, Adriana finds herself drawn to Cole's unwavering support and gentle nature. Their budding friendship gradually evolves into a deep and passionate romance, built on mutual respect and understanding.
The plot twist of all plot twists took me by surprise!
3 🌶️, but it was so perfect that any more would have been over the top.

[Ashtyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

*arc review*
3/⭐️
2/🌶️

This was a very cute story.
Cole was a very great character and I enjoyed him very much.
But I didn’t connect with the FMC, Adriana, very well. To me, she seemed very immature. I mean, I don’t know anyone that says SHEEESH, in real life and very enthusiastically, and calls her two friend besties, even after 2 days of knowing each other. As the story went along I liked her more, I could see her and Cole being good together, but at first I couldn’t connect with her.
Also all the females in this story just screams preppy happy, super excited about everything girls, and that’s not my favorite.

Cole, and most the other side characters, mostly the baseball team, seemed very chill and relaxed, which I very much enjoyed. Plus the man was very swoon worthy with his girl.

I loved the little suspense in the story. It brought some fun drama.

I skimmed a lot of it unfortunately.
I feel like as the author gets more experience with writing she will be an amazing writer and I can’t wait to see how the next story develops.

[Crystal CC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Stealing Home as part of a book re-release. I previously read Perfect Game, book 2 in the NY Grizzlies series, and really enjoyed it. So, my expectations were pretty high for this book.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t for me. I probably should have DNF. The dialogue was too cheesy. The word unrealistic encompasses so many issues- the role with the non-profit foundation, the number of times the characters, including the athletes, have pizza and beer, and the boss/employee relationship which was both unrealistic and immature. I also noticed continuity/editing issues.

Cole is called a f*boy but was in relationship and doesn’t seem to have a history of promiscuous relationships.

There was a surprise ending that seemed kind of thrown in there. The villain was easy to spot and threaded in pretty easily.

Characters:
Cole
Adriana

What to Expect:
Dual POV
Baseball romance
Found family
Curvy FMC

Spice:
🌶️/5


Thank you Charlie Dee and Twisted Chaos PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's our home and I'll be damned if anyone else ever tries stealing home from me again."

The characters in this book are perfection. Adriana is strong & fierce yet soft & sweet. Cole is the definition of a golden retriever book boyfriend: kind, sweet, protective, funny, & swoonworthy. A & Co had great banter and chemistry. Heather & Ty are couple goals: they accept each other for who they are & support each other through anything. The rest of the side characters were so great and I can't wait to find out more about them, Dani, King, Laine, & Dean especially.

The pacing of the story was great and it was hard not to read the entire book in one sitting. I loved how the author made this not only a romance story with suspense, but also a great story about found family. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series and will check out more from this author.

[Alax Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You just might be my game changer.”

This book releases FRIDAY! ⚾️🤍 i absolutely ate this book up. I loved it so much, and I cannot believe this is Charlie’s debut novel. If you love baseball romances, forced proximity, nicknames, a golden retriever MMC, secret relationship, and a smidge of suspense thrown in there, please give Stealing Home a chance! Be sure to read the trigger warnings beforehand. Adriana walks in on her long-term boyfriend with not only one, but TWO women, on the same day she gets laid off from her job. So she decides to uproot her entire life. Best. Decision. Ever. The found family in this book was so so good. The chemistry and banter was amazing. Cole was so swoony and sweet and I died when Adriana would call him “Co” but was not a huge fan of “Casanova”. Adriana was full of sass and I loved every bit of it. The two of them connected on some DEEP emotions, and they just worked so well together. Pure perfection. Absolutely recommend.

Thank you to Charlie Dee for an ARC copy to review. I cannot wait to read more!

[Danielle Coon-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all this book was EVERYTHING! Charlie, you seriously knocked this one out of the park! ;)

The slow burn between Cole and Adrianna was super swoony and although there wasn't tons of spice, there was enough to give the perfect balance and keep the story very spicy. This story will send you through all the feels and I loved the way Charlie really made the storyline believable. Her character development was spot-on and the world building set you up for what is sure to be a phenomenal series, in the NY Grizzlies.

The main characters, supporting characters, everyone in this book had their part to play and I can't wait to see others get their stories down the line. Please be mindful of triggers before reading, I love that Charlie includes a list at the beginning of the book. Congrats Charlie on your Debut Novel, I cannot wait to see you flourish as an author!

Thanks for the early read!

[Charmelle Hendriks · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC Review

Do you want to completely and utterly swoon over a man? And I mean every. Single. Part of him?
The do yourself the biggest favor because Cole is the definition of swoonworthy 🫠

I love the friendships that Adriana was able to build 🥺 and the found family she got 🥺
She really built the best life for herself despite being off to a rocky start.

Cole's friends (and brother obviously) are the most loyal and supportive guys ever!
All of the friendships are something special, they all always have each other's backs and will do anything to help and protect one another 😍

Oh, and then we're hit with the plot twist and suspense 😫 where I wanted to close my eyes because I didn't want to see what happens but I also couldn't stop because I just needed to know.

Also that ending and HEA had me tearing up 🥺 - the cutest!

[Shere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing home

This was a super sweet read, it’s be a while since I read a romance like this one.

I loved Adriana’s spirt, her relationship with her girlfriends and just her character in general. She’s very loyal and exactly what you’d want in a friend.

Cole is so so so sweet, he is like model behaviour for a perfect man. “ I always want to give you what you need and when you need it” ( I’ll pause for you to melt 🤭) He’s got depth and was just fun to read about. He’s got a little growly side and a touch of she’s mine. Which is 👌

I would classify this one as a spice light, it’s there but not a central part of the book. I enjoyed the flow of the story and all of the banter between characters, there are a few twists and turns. They will have you going huh did not see that one coming, so be prepared!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole Cole Cole ♥️ I just love that man
The MMC was such care bear and our FMC, Adriana, was a sweet heart that had been dealt too many bad hands. (Give the girl a break)

Cole and Adriana build a love that so many of us desire… patient, understanding, kind, respectful, playful and just encouraging. It’s really beautiful and mature.

I’ve read a few sports romance but not alot of baseball. I really appreciated the amount of times the sport is referenced in the book and the found family that comes from it all. So precious

The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is because there were a few parts that I had enough about reading and other parts where I needed more. Like the surprise… I really wanted his reaction and a sweet moment to come from them.

Overall it was a cute read that I really enjoyed!

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This man is starting to make cracks in my walls and I don’t know if they need to be reinforced or if I should just let him chip away at them.”

Tropes
❤️ Baseball Romance
⚾️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Workplace
⚾️ Golden Retriever x Curvy FMC
❤️ Suspense

Charlie Dee absolutely brought the A-game with this debut! Adrianna & Cole had such a beautiful dynamic from the beginning with incredible banter, support for one another’s need and we really got a realistic view of their love being built from friendship up. The chemistry was in point, the drama throughout the story keeps you engaged (and wanting more) and the twist?! Did not see it coming and was so well done.

This is a wonderful romantic comedy, with some suspense/twist at the end, that highlights their depth, building a found family that rivals everything else and find safety within one another.

[Dana Eaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The epilogue was my favorite part of the book but I’m not going to spoil it for you but it does have to deal with home plate 🥰

You are introduced to the female character Adriana who gets laid off of work and walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her with not one girl but TWO. Adriana is a girl who lives in Colorado and ends up leaving her past behind her and finds herself living in NYC as an assistant for Heather for the Grizzlies baseball team. Heather is the ultimate boss but during Adriana’s interview she meets Cole. Cole is the sweetest person and not to mention Heather’s brother in law. Can you see where this is going now? I definitely think it was love at first sight.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be apart of her Arc team ❤️

Rate: 3⭐️
Spice: For me it wasn’t that spicy

[aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a debut novel! i’m a sucker for hallmark movies & this book felt like i was reading a hallmark movie! while it did dip into heavy topics & discussions, a lot of it was fun fluffy sweetness and i love that. i’m also a big fan of books that have a lot of dialogue bc i feel like when dialogue is too restrictive that you miss out on so much between characters, this book has that! i love the text bubbles too, i think they’re cute LOL. i didn’t see that plot twist coming at all, especially with who it was but i’m glad they got what they deserved. nobody hurts our girl!
i’m excited to see what happens next with these characters (especially heather & ty) & hopefully a couple other characters get their own books too. (cough cough, laine & dani LOL) now when does the next season start, i want tickets!

[Elizabeth Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was basically a cheesy hallmark movie. There was one spicy scene and it was a 🌶️1/5

The truth;
The book kind of dragged a bit and I figured who the bad guy was off the bat pretty quick. The wording kind of gave me ick vibes. Like saying “boss lady” a lot, plus when she calls him “Casanova” the first time was cute you know, like flirty. But it stuck throughout the whole book and I kept finding it a little rude. Like he obviously is a golden retriever and falls hard so he is no way a womanizer. For example there is no other woman drama and he isn’t a f#ckboy. So why is she calling him that?? It just sounded out of place for the character that had been described.

That said;
The plot was pretty good! I loved the characters dynamics and the baseball term talk. I wish there was more of that. The book was really good. I love sports romance!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Adriana

Tropes:
* Baseball romance
* Found Family
* New beginning

I enjoyed this.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was a great read.
A golden retriever professional baseball player, a full-on insta-something-to-love connection from the minute they meet and a found family that is created immediately/

Is that all realistic? No.
Is it entertaining? Yes.

Some of the dialogue did make me cringe, but all of the characters were so cheesy and gooey that I just ran with it. It fit their characters, didn’t chop and change, so no harm, no foul.

There was a twist. But it was a bit predictable to me. I picked from the minute we met this character that we would have an issue… oh well.

A great ensemble of characters, again, you can pick who is up next, so we’ll see how that plays out.

Thanks Charlie Dee, for providing me a copy for consideration.