Game on, Love: Pitch and Pits #1: Special Cover Edition

Pitch and Pits #1

by Chahak Kawatra

He’s the prince of English cricket. She’s the queen of not caring.

Oliver King is cricket royalty—literally. The fourth generation of King men to dominate the sport. He’s got the talent, the charm and the cheeky grin that melts hearts. Whether it’s smashing centuries on the field or making waves with his swoon-worthy post-match interviews, he’s a headline maker. To him, no distraction is worth it... until her.

Raina Patel knows nothing about cricket—and she prefers it that way. As a rising sports journalist, she’s earned her reputation by chasing the thrill of the racetrack, sidestepping the sport that brings up memories she’d rather not revisit. But when a restructure forces her to trade pit lanes for pitches, the last thing she expects is to be captivated by the pair of eyes that keep finding hers.

It’s a game of love, and neither of them is ready to lose first. But as they navigate the world of cricket, will they find a way to win each other’s hearts, or will their differences prove too much to overcome?



Tropes:
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Sports Romance
- Athlete x Journalist
- Forced Proximity

Genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance

415 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2025

Reviews

[Himani · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always I love you and never "Maybe in this lifetime, but it feels like l've known you in all the ones before this one.'

Is it too early to say that this might be one of my absolute favorite reads of the year?

When he’s 6’1, calls you ‘love,’ loves cooking food for you, and is totally obsessed with you… do I need to say more to convince you to read this book?

Oliver, the man that you are!!! I knew the moment I started reading this book that I would be completely obsessed with both Raina and Oliver. Their banter? Perfect. Their relationship? Immaculate. I was completely invested in their friendship that eventually turned into the best relationship.

This book was everything I wanted but didn’t know I needed. Please do yourself a favor and read this book!

I’ll be forever recommending this book to everyone I know! Reading an ARC for this has been a privilege and I’ll be boosting about it for as long as I shall live.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a random recommendation for this book one day on threads and I am so grateful for it. This little cricket romance made my heart so happy.

I liked that they knew they were it for each other as soon as they saw each other across the room at the party. However if you don’t like instalove don’t worry, they take a while to get together.

Oliver is the sweetest man ever, he knows that Raina can’t take all of him at once so he just keeps letting her know that he’s interested. The little bet they made to teach each other about f1 and cricket was adorable. They just wanted to spend more time with each other without actually asking for it. Raina has a hard time letting people in and this was an easy way for her to digest it.

The book is just full of a lot of subtle romance if that makes any sense. They are just simply there for each other and learn to lean on one another in times of need. I’m just absolutely obsessed with them taking one look at each other and instantly knowing that something is wrong. It takes a bit for Raina to be comfortable with that but once she is, Oliver is her home. He is her ultimate comfort place that she hasn’t had since her mom died.

Raina really loves baking as it helps calm her anxiety and Oliver is gladly there to eat all of her treats. The start of their bonding is actually in the kitchen while she makes them brownies. Oliver will do literally anything to be in Raina’s presence. She knows that he will never choose between her and her brother and that brings Raina some kind of comfort. She just wants someone who will be by her side no matter what.

Raina also has two cats, Milo and Lily, and Milo can’t stand men but immediately warms up to Oliver and if that isn’t true love I don’t know what is.

There is a whole subplot with her brothers and why they were separated for so long that gets wrapped up pretty good but leaves a little mystery. I imagine/hope that the brothers will get books and we will get a little more information in those.

This so good especially for a debut and I will absolutely be reading all of her releases.

[alyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so warmly welcomed to the world of f1 and cricket. i had never read a cricket romance before and gosh, who’d known that cricket players could be so hot? the story telling was descriptive and imaginative, it was hard to believe this was an indie publishing debut- it read smoothly and was so so enjoyable. this love story was a slow, slow burn. we saw these characters mature emotionally before a romance. i liked both characters. raina was delicate yet courageous, whereas oliver was charming and funny. as a sports romance this one discussed sports quite heavily and in detail. i liked how you learn about the sport through the book and not just have it as a random trope to appeal to a wider audience. at times i was confused and felt that the characters history was not explained in enough detail, this doesn’t really affect the enjoyment or the romance though. this book contains no spice but so much lingering touches and fluff that’ll make you kick your feet and giggle.

[lisas.bookselection · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s always i love you and never “Maybe in this lifetime, but it feels like I’ve known you in all the ones before this one.” ❤️

*Alexa play The Archer by Taylor Swift*

First of all i want to say thank you my sweetest @authorchahak for this ARC 🥰 but even without the ARC i would’ve bought this book (still did 🤭). But this friendship had zero influence in my opinion.

I wanna start off this review by saying i’d be lying if I told you how good this story is for a first time author. With me being a hockey x f1 girlie with zero clue in what the heck cricket is, i was intrigued to learn more about this gentlemen sport. Do i know more about it now? Unfortunately i understood zero about it but that’s all on me 😂

This book has it all
- emotions
- chemistry
- lighthearted & cheesy scenes
- not one but TWO cats
- a charming MMC who calls her love and gorgeous (Oliver when can i date you?)
- a strong FMC who basically has my dream job (Raina when can we switch careers?)

Is it THE best book i’ve ever read? No. BUT i’m looking forward to seeing Chahak evolve in her writing and getting more confident in her abilities to write catching stories. She’s one to look out for 🥰

Tropes:
brothers best friend
sports romance
athlete x journalist
he falls first
forced proximity
mental health rep

Game on, Love now available on amazon.

[Isha Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver the man that you are
*Alexa play london boy by Taylor swift*


I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't shocked by how GOOD this book was. Now, it's a debut and a cricket/F1 romance and I have got zero clue about either sports. So I wasn't sure how I'd like this and BOY was I suprised. This book has it all - emotions, chemistry, lighthearted scenes, bamter, TWOOOO CATS!!??? A strong FMC and a hot MMC who isn't shy to talk about his feelings.

If you enjoy family dynamics, invisible string theories, lots of flirting, then this book is FOR YOU.

The writing? Immaculate.
The feelings? I could feel them.
The banter? Off the charts.
The author? The SWEETEST GIRL EVER!

I haven't read any other F1/ cricket sports romance book but if I had to suggest one, YOU DAMN WELL KNOW WHAT I'M GONNA SAY!

Tropes:
Brother’s Best Friend
Sports Romance
Athlete x Journalist
Forced Proximity

Game on, Love is now available on Amazon so grab your copies nowwww LOVE!!!!! 🔪

Also, I can't wait for the next books!!!!!😭😭😭😚


Also I got an ARC SO SUCK IT LOSERSSSS

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 THIS HAD ME IN A CHOKEHOLD FROM MY SWEET BABY OLIVER TO THE GROWTH WE SEE BETWEEN RAINA AND HER BROTHERS!! I LAUGHED I CRIED I FELT ALL THE EMOTIONS

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy 5 stars. From the first chapters, I was completely hooked by the soft atmosphere and the emotional depth between Raina and Oliver. Their relationship felt like comfort, slow, thoughtful, and full of small moments that meant everything. The writing was tender but strong, and even without spice, the romance felt incredibly intense and real. I liked how the sports weren’t just a background, but actually played a meaningful role in how the characters connected and grew. Oliver was the type of guy that made my heart melt, patient, emotionally open, and completely in love. And Raina's growth throughout the story was written with care. I finished this book with a full heart and immediately wanted to reread it. If this is just the debut novel of the author, I cannot wait for what it will come next. Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of her book and giving me the opportunity to read it.

[est · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible. beautiful. heartwarming, soft, wholesome excellence. the kind of book I will hold dear to me for a really really long time!

like I finished this on ku and immediately want to buy the paperback to experience this love all over again!!

to think this is a debut, i am in awe. chahak is going to change my life with each book she writes

[Michaela Hörschläger · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice book, liked the relationship

[Abigail Enright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect!

Oliver King, you have stolen my heart! The perfect gentleman 🥹
The banter, the relationships, the ocean references, this whole book is simply incredible!

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙🏏🐈‍⬛🪞🎤🧶🌌🎥🥯

4.25 ★

“You are overthinking? I will over-explain.”

after reading the dedication of this book I already knew this would be such a beautiful, heartfelt story.
this one is for the people who believe in the red string theory and soulmates, who believe that everything happens for a reason, for the girlies that love the archer by taylor swift and the ones who wish for a safe, soft love that heals your soul.

I know basically nothing about F1 & cricket but I do love me a good sports romance and this gave all the right vibes!! the beginning of the story immediately had me intrigued and it was interesting to see the changing family dynamics between Raina and her brothers.

I loved the instant pull and connection that oliver and raina felt towards each other, without it feeling as insta-lovey. they really are the definition of soulmates 🥹 their banter. how he is so patient with her and knows what she needs without having to ask. his nicknames for her. the way that he is just so utterly obsessed with her. ugh, I love them so much!! seeing Raina find the love that she absolutely deserves was so heartwarming.

knowing that this is Chahak’s first books makes it even more impressive. and regardless of my friendship with her, these are 100% my honest thoughts. I’m excited to see how much more she will grow and evolve with her next books 🥹 also, this is on kindle unlimited so y’all should definitely add this one to the list 🏃🏽‍♀️

“Maybe in this lifetime, but it feels like I’ve known you in all the ones before this one.”

⊹ read this if you like:
sports romance books, book playlist, dual pov, he falls first, forced proximity, gentle love, no third act breakup, anxiety rep, slow burn, brother’s best friend

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page to the very last page, this entire story was nothing short of beautiful. The dedication was so heartfelt, it immediately captured both my heart and my attention.

Firstly, somebody finally wrote a Cricket romance, I’ve been praying for this day to come!!!. And then when you add Formula One to the mix, the book was practically made for me.

From the second Oliver and Raina first laid eyes on one another you could instantly feel the pull they had towards each other. The tension and chemistry between them was off the charts from their very first conversation. Oliver always knowing just what Raina needed when she was in her own head was so special to me, I adored how they were both always there for each other through every single thing. The playful banter and jokes, the baking sessions, the Cricket and Formula One lessons, they were all perfect. Oliver and Raina are officially one of my new favourite book couples.

Oliver’s relationship with his parents was so beautiful and different to what you normally see from a legacy child. Raina’s family aspect shattered my heart, especially the relationship between her and Rihaan. I’m super excited to see the relationships between all of the siblings grow in the rest of the series.

When I say my jaw is dropped at the fact that this is Chahak first book, i really mean that. This book had a perfection combination of character development, relationship development, friendship, heartache, and ambition. It was truly perfect.

[Millie Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it wasn’t my favourite. Just because there were so many family storylines and names and full detailed sports that at times my brain got a bit lost but that is probably because I don’t understand sports but all the characters were great! The brothers were all funny guys and the interaction with each other was funny.
Oliver is such a sweet sweet soul and I loved reading every minute about him!! He is so caring and was hit with love at first sight and I love the way his feelings were described throughout the book. Heartthrob for sure!!

[LordFluffyEars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Debut

⭐️s 5 for story (3 for editing). 🌶️s 0.5.
Wowzer this story sucked me in! Do I watch cricket? No. Didn’t matter. I loved these characters. I am ususally an open door romance or bust kind of person, but this book had enough story and tension between the characters that I didn’t mine it was closed door.

My only criticism might be the editing could have been a little tighter, but I don’t deduct stars for grammar if the story is there, and it really was.

[Priya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Isa | bookishandantisocial · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Overall I enjoyed this book.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was way longer than it should’ve been so many parts needed to be shorter or just removed for storytelling ease and readability… it could have been half the length and still told the same story, and kept my attention far better. I’d only reached 50% when I thought the end must only be a few pages away, but was very wrong about that!

Other than running on way too long, with crazy family dynamics, I did enjoy the love story between Raina and Oliver. Too much about the sports (cricket and F1), but overall, I give it 3.5 stars.

[naz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was alright ig. Nothing special. Romance was good. If I was to describe this book I would say it’s a straight line. That is so random ik but it just works. Only thing that happened was the family drama. The dad acting like a victim after having a bastard child and bringing his mistress around his children before they could even understand cheating/affairs was sickening. Get tf out my face bro. Also, Rihaan being mad at Raina was so weird. Bro had sister issues 😭😭😭