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Off the Bench #1
Switch Pitching
He’s my teammate, he’s straight, and we live together. Three strikes should be enough to shut my feelings down, but the rules of baseball don’t matter when you’re off the field.
Ethan
Making it to the big leagues is everything I’ve been working for. I’m ready to show that I belong with Boston, but I didn’t count on James Hernandez. He’s the team’s star rookie pitcher, and the guy is as charming as he is talented. My goal is to keep my head down and work hard, but James is everywhere—in the dugout, in our shared apartment, and in my head.
I’m not sure if he’s a distraction I can afford. I’ve always been able to keep my guard up, but around James, I feel it slipping. That’s dangerous, because the closer we get, the harder it is to stick to my number one don’t fall for your straight friends.
James
Baseball has always been my life, and getting signed by Boston is a dream come true. Everything is falling into place, but it’s a little more complicated when your new teammate is Ethan Sullivan. He keeps to himself, but there’s just something different about him that I can’t put my finger on.
He’s talented, sure, but he’s also way too easy to be around. I thought this season was just about proving myself, but the more time I spend with Ethan, the more I wonder if I’m playing a completely different game.
Switch Pitching is a bi-awakening, friends-to-lovers MM romance. It is the first book in the Off the Bench series, but can be read as a standalone.
Note: Content updates affecting approximately 5% of the original text were applied in April 2025. These revisions were made to improve sensitivity and character portrayal in the final chapters. The overall storyline remains unchanged.
Ethan
Making it to the big leagues is everything I’ve been working for. I’m ready to show that I belong with Boston, but I didn’t count on James Hernandez. He’s the team’s star rookie pitcher, and the guy is as charming as he is talented. My goal is to keep my head down and work hard, but James is everywhere—in the dugout, in our shared apartment, and in my head.
I’m not sure if he’s a distraction I can afford. I’ve always been able to keep my guard up, but around James, I feel it slipping. That’s dangerous, because the closer we get, the harder it is to stick to my number one don’t fall for your straight friends.
James
Baseball has always been my life, and getting signed by Boston is a dream come true. Everything is falling into place, but it’s a little more complicated when your new teammate is Ethan Sullivan. He keeps to himself, but there’s just something different about him that I can’t put my finger on.
He’s talented, sure, but he’s also way too easy to be around. I thought this season was just about proving myself, but the more time I spend with Ethan, the more I wonder if I’m playing a completely different game.
Switch Pitching is a bi-awakening, friends-to-lovers MM romance. It is the first book in the Off the Bench series, but can be read as a standalone.
Note: Content updates affecting approximately 5% of the original text were applied in April 2025. These revisions were made to improve sensitivity and character portrayal in the final chapters. The overall storyline remains unchanged.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2025
179 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Crawford
3 books29 followersS.J. Crawford writes MM romance novels. His goal for every story is to explore the enjoyably chaotic side of relationships through realistic characters and experiences.
Growing up, S.J. moved constantly, but he decided that he likes things cold so he now lives in Canada. Rest assured, his books bring a lot more heat than the weather outside.
Growing up, S.J. moved constantly, but he decided that he likes things cold so he now lives in Canada. Rest assured, his books bring a lot more heat than the weather outside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 14, 2025
Going to rip the bandaid off and say that when I saw this title, I automatically assumed: Oh, flip fucking. Cool. Yeahhhhh...that's not what it was referencing.
If I had to summarize this, it would be a straight best friend bi-awakening wet dream. But like an emotional wet dream.
These two are adorable with each other from the jump, though James was definitely doing a lot of flirting and confusing tf out of Ethan.
James tickles Ethan when he's about to fall asleep because he feels left out. How adorable is that(for everyone except Ethan)?
Wants to do a lot of cuddling just because. Very tactile.
A lot of boner hiding ensued. But finally! Ethan's boners got salvation. We thank God.
The conflicts in this were external to them and their relationship. Sports related and family stuff.
Loved the sports bit, hated the family bit but maybe it was best for the MC in question.
Loved the revelation that James had been unwittingly emotionally terrorizing his unsuspecting gay besties for a while.
Like yeah, I'm unsurprised there was a pattern there and also that he never saw it before.
His closet was glass, the door was wide open AND there was a mysteriously strong gale of wind pushing him out.
It was enjoyable, even in the face of zero flip fucks but I guess we can't have everything.
I got an ARC of this via GRR.
If I had to summarize this, it would be a straight best friend bi-awakening wet dream. But like an emotional wet dream.
These two are adorable with each other from the jump, though James was definitely doing a lot of flirting and confusing tf out of Ethan.
James tickles Ethan when he's about to fall asleep because he feels left out. How adorable is that(for everyone except Ethan)?
Wants to do a lot of cuddling just because. Very tactile.
A lot of boner hiding ensued. But finally! Ethan's boners got salvation. We thank God.
The conflicts in this were external to them and their relationship. Sports related and family stuff.
Loved the sports bit, hated the family bit but maybe it was best for the MC in question.
Loved the revelation that James had been unwittingly emotionally terrorizing his unsuspecting gay besties for a while.
Like yeah, I'm unsurprised there was a pattern there and also that he never saw it before.
His closet was glass, the door was wide open AND there was a mysteriously strong gale of wind pushing him out.
It was enjoyable, even in the face of zero flip fucks but I guess we can't have everything.
I got an ARC of this via GRR.
Read
February 27, 2025Dnf 20%
The vibes are not vibing with me.
There's nothing decidedly wrong, but I neither click with the characters nor do I feel anything. Their banter does nothing for me, plus there are little inconsistencies in the writing. It's not smooth, either.
It was annoying how one MC from the first time he saw the other MC constantly is like, "I can't loose focus on baseball because of my attraction to him, he's straight, he's straight, I have to concentrate on baseball not a straight player, he's straight!" although there's nothing the author gives me that would back that sentiment up.
I even watched some YouTube videos on baseball rules to be prepared a bit for the sports part, but there wasn't much baseball until 20%.
The vibes are not vibing with me.
There's nothing decidedly wrong, but I neither click with the characters nor do I feel anything. Their banter does nothing for me, plus there are little inconsistencies in the writing. It's not smooth, either.
It was annoying how one MC from the first time he saw the other MC constantly is like, "I can't loose focus on baseball because of my attraction to him, he's straight, he's straight, I have to concentrate on baseball not a straight player, he's straight!" although there's nothing the author gives me that would back that sentiment up.
I even watched some YouTube videos on baseball rules to be prepared a bit for the sports part, but there wasn't much baseball until 20%.
February 20, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
⚾️ Baseball
⚾️ Teammates & Roommates
⚾️ Friends to lovers
⚾️ Pining
⚾️ Queer awakening
Switch Pitching was a very sweet and fluffy baseball romance. Loved the slow burn from friends to lovers, how touch-feely James was, Ethan pining for his teammate.
It fizzled out towards the end for me, but it was still a lovely & cuddly read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Light restraints
- Homophobia
- Top/bottom on page
TROPES:
⚾️ Baseball
⚾️ Teammates & Roommates
⚾️ Friends to lovers
⚾️ Pining
⚾️ Queer awakening
I can already see it unfolding. Us: roommates. Him: everywhere. Me: crushing helplessly.
Switch Pitching was a very sweet and fluffy baseball romance. Loved the slow burn from friends to lovers, how touch-feely James was, Ethan pining for his teammate.
It fizzled out towards the end for me, but it was still a lovely & cuddly read.
I curse silently at how James unknowingly makes not falling for him way harder than it needs to be.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Light restraints
- Homophobia
- Top/bottom on page
November 6, 2025
I was planning on reading this one before the World Series ended, but then, tragedy happened, and the Jays lost 😞. Still, I wanted to read a baseball book, and this one has a nice cover.
The book starts promising. Two rookies become friends: Ethan, who is gay, and James, who is straight. For plot reasons, they also become roommates and, of course, feelings ensue. I really think it had potential. The beginning was entertaining and only a little too much on the cheesy side. My problem with it was that there were so many time skips, like weeks would pass between a chapter ending and one beginning, then suddenly they are months into their relationship and like it’s fine, but also it felt weird.
There is a 3rd act conflict that just felt exaggerated. James was exhausting. I get he was feeling a certain way, but he didn’t have to act the way he acted. It was a bit over the top, and it was all there just for the sake of drama.
The story with Ethan’s mom had no place, and I still do t get what the point of having it there was, but sure.
At the end I liked it and I think is a pretty ok debut novel, hopefully the next books will continue to be good.
The book starts promising. Two rookies become friends: Ethan, who is gay, and James, who is straight. For plot reasons, they also become roommates and, of course, feelings ensue. I really think it had potential. The beginning was entertaining and only a little too much on the cheesy side. My problem with it was that there were so many time skips, like weeks would pass between a chapter ending and one beginning, then suddenly they are months into their relationship and like it’s fine, but also it felt weird.
There is a 3rd act conflict that just felt exaggerated. James was exhausting. I get he was feeling a certain way, but he didn’t have to act the way he acted. It was a bit over the top, and it was all there just for the sake of drama.
The story with Ethan’s mom had no place, and I still do t get what the point of having it there was, but sure.
At the end I liked it and I think is a pretty ok debut novel, hopefully the next books will continue to be good.
December 7, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up for the middle of the book being a good story.
I enjoyed a lot of this and it is a nice, lighthearted story. I felt like it dragged at times and the writing was a bit jarring. The pacing could have been better but for a debut it was really good. I expect this author will get better the more they write.
I liked seeing Ethan and James as friends and teammates and their relationship evolving into more. James seemed clueless but from how it’s described he probably had sone attraction to men before but never strong enough to take it further. Ethan was a serious guy who loosened up more as he became more comfortable with James.
The last part of the book kind of went off the rails for me because it threw more family drama into the story and I didn’t feel like any of that was needed.
I love baseball and there was a good amount of the game in here to be interesting without weighing it down. I am definitely going to check out the next book in the series.
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
I enjoyed a lot of this and it is a nice, lighthearted story. I felt like it dragged at times and the writing was a bit jarring. The pacing could have been better but for a debut it was really good. I expect this author will get better the more they write.
I liked seeing Ethan and James as friends and teammates and their relationship evolving into more. James seemed clueless but from how it’s described he probably had sone attraction to men before but never strong enough to take it further. Ethan was a serious guy who loosened up more as he became more comfortable with James.
The last part of the book kind of went off the rails for me because it threw more family drama into the story and I didn’t feel like any of that was needed.
I love baseball and there was a good amount of the game in here to be interesting without weighing it down. I am definitely going to check out the next book in the series.
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
February 19, 2025
A good debut, but I struggled with some of the pacing and some of the writing felt stilted. Still, the characters are sweet and this is a fun, light romance.
November 6, 2025
This was cute. The first half was better than the last.
I think most of my issues were with the pacing, time jumps, and James annoying me. There were elements introduced in the second half that didn’t feel fully developed (Ethan’s mom for example), and I was left wanting more.
Ethan I really liked as a character. To be honest.. he deserves better 🫢
I think most of my issues were with the pacing, time jumps, and James annoying me. There were elements introduced in the second half that didn’t feel fully developed (Ethan’s mom for example), and I was left wanting more.
Ethan I really liked as a character. To be honest.. he deserves better 🫢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
round to 3.5⭐️
I enjoyed this book, i had some conflicts with things said in the book and the writing is def not for me but other than that i liked reading ethan and james story
I enjoyed this book, i had some conflicts with things said in the book and the writing is def not for me but other than that i liked reading ethan and james story
September 22, 2025
DNF 9%
I can't. If you're going to write about a sport that you don't know anything about, then do not include the sport part in your romance. Plus the "banter" is awkward.
I can't. If you're going to write about a sport that you don't know anything about, then do not include the sport part in your romance. Plus the "banter" is awkward.
February 13, 2025
Ethan and James, you have my heart forever. This is honestly one of the best MM romance debuts I’ve ever read. It reads like a seasoned author, not a first novel.
What starts out as Ethan trying not to crush hard on his new teammate and roommate, and James obliviously joke flirting with him, ends with a sweet & spicy romance rife with understanding and love. I especially loved the handling of James’ situational depression. It felt very realistic and I love that it wasn’t used as some third act conflict, but rather a way for them to ultimately grow closer and understand James more. Speaking of third act conflict - there is none! Overall, this is a low-angst romance which is my favourite kind. I loved that when James realised that his joke flirting was real flirting, that it took him literal seconds to choose to kiss Ethan. And when he told Ethan they were exclusive and boyfriends? Swoooooon.
I can’t recommend this enough; I really encourage anyone reading this to try it. It’s out February 26th and is worth every page.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is entirely my own.
What starts out as Ethan trying not to crush hard on his new teammate and roommate, and James obliviously joke flirting with him, ends with a sweet & spicy romance rife with understanding and love. I especially loved the handling of James’ situational depression. It felt very realistic and I love that it wasn’t used as some third act conflict, but rather a way for them to ultimately grow closer and understand James more. Speaking of third act conflict - there is none! Overall, this is a low-angst romance which is my favourite kind. I loved that when James realised that his joke flirting was real flirting, that it took him literal seconds to choose to kiss Ethan. And when he told Ethan they were exclusive and boyfriends? Swoooooon.
I can’t recommend this enough; I really encourage anyone reading this to try it. It’s out February 26th and is worth every page.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is entirely my own.
November 6, 2025
This one was alright. A new author to me.
The characters were alright. Kind of surface level. Their relationship progressed pretty quickly which I didn’t mind but the book itself was kind of meh to me.
I was super confused about James’ f boy status. The guys on the team swear he’s a playboy and then James is all like I’m not like that it’s all rumors but then proceeds to talk about how he’s had a bunch of hookups and going a certain time without sex is rare for him. So all that screams f boy to me.
Also it’s clear James is a POC and since I only come across like a handful of books a year with a character that is a person of color I wish this was talked about. It wasn’t mentioned at all that James had a Hispanic background and you wouldn’t know it expect his last name and the cover of the book. A very missed opportunity if you ask me.
I also wish the issue with James would have been expanded on. He clearly had some type of depression but he wrote it off and then it was never talked about again. A lot of things were up in the air with this book. I ended up skimming the end.
NO CHEATING
ONE MC FLIRTS WITH SOME GUY AT A CLUB
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
HFN
The characters were alright. Kind of surface level. Their relationship progressed pretty quickly which I didn’t mind but the book itself was kind of meh to me.
I was super confused about James’ f boy status. The guys on the team swear he’s a playboy and then James is all like I’m not like that it’s all rumors but then proceeds to talk about how he’s had a bunch of hookups and going a certain time without sex is rare for him. So all that screams f boy to me.
Also it’s clear James is a POC and since I only come across like a handful of books a year with a character that is a person of color I wish this was talked about. It wasn’t mentioned at all that James had a Hispanic background and you wouldn’t know it expect his last name and the cover of the book. A very missed opportunity if you ask me.
I also wish the issue with James would have been expanded on. He clearly had some type of depression but he wrote it off and then it was never talked about again. A lot of things were up in the air with this book. I ended up skimming the end.
NO CHEATING
ONE MC FLIRTS WITH SOME GUY AT A CLUB
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
HFN
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March 1, 2025
This was a cute teammates/friends to lovers story that focuses on Ethan and James, both rookie baseball players moving up to the big leagues and trying to navigate all thattttt.
Definitely more on an insta-lust vibe from both of the characters as they were drawn to each other at first sight.
Unfortunately I just didn’t connect with either character and some of the pacing felt really off. There was also what appeared to be a forced “bad moment” for one of the MMCs, and I feel like it needed to be deeper or just removed completely. It just threw the whole story off for me.
If you’re looking for something cute and low-angst, this will be for you!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
Definitely more on an insta-lust vibe from both of the characters as they were drawn to each other at first sight.
Unfortunately I just didn’t connect with either character and some of the pacing felt really off. There was also what appeared to be a forced “bad moment” for one of the MMCs, and I feel like it needed to be deeper or just removed completely. It just threw the whole story off for me.
If you’re looking for something cute and low-angst, this will be for you!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
March 3, 2025
3.5* rounded up because I thought it was a good debut.
The writing was a bit stilted sometimes and probably needed some parts to feel more organic but it wasn't too jarring.
I thought James was a more rounded character, even if totally spoiled and I think that the story line at the end for Ethan was a bit off.
Overall, I did enjoy this and I would like to read more from this author.
The writing was a bit stilted sometimes and probably needed some parts to feel more organic but it wasn't too jarring.
I thought James was a more rounded character, even if totally spoiled and I think that the story line at the end for Ethan was a bit off.
Overall, I did enjoy this and I would like to read more from this author.
June 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I adore a good teammates to lovers story and this definitely delivers! James and Ethan are very opposite but they fit each other so well. James getting Ethan out of his shell and Ethan’s steadfastness were a perfect match. A fun quick low angst read!
I adore a good teammates to lovers story and this definitely delivers! James and Ethan are very opposite but they fit each other so well. James getting Ethan out of his shell and Ethan’s steadfastness were a perfect match. A fun quick low angst read!
March 3, 2025
dnf @80%. i just couldn’t connect with the MCs enough to root for them.
April 4, 2025
3.25 / 5 ☆
January 30, 2026
Super cute and an easy read and I laughed out loud quite a bit too! ⚾️
February 18, 2026
I was hooked with these characters from the get. They were cute, relatable, real, and intriguing.
March 9, 2026
Pretty cute. Will say it sort of felt as if this was more of a draft of a book rather than a fully polished one? Just that parts weren’t very cohesive or smoothly transitioned as the story goes on.
July 11, 2025
super cute! love a friends to lovers and i personally felt their chemistry, both as friends and more, from the beginning. it was very low angst and that’s exactly what i needed.
March 3, 2026
I couldn’t put this down! Lovable characters and great back stories! Very swoony and some great spice!
March 11, 2025
********** Contains Spoilers**********
This is the first book that I’ve read by SJ Crawford and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book. I just loved Ethan and James and thought that they were great together and their chemistry was off the charts, as well as hot as hell.. I also enjoyed how their relationship progressed from team mates, to best friends to meaning everything to each other. I’m glad that there was no third act break up which happens in a lot of books and considering James was going through some sh*t, therefore distancing himself from Ethan it would’ve been the perfect time for one but it actually brought them closer together which is great. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series as it continues, as well as more books by SJ Crawford in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This is the first book that I’ve read by SJ Crawford and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book. I just loved Ethan and James and thought that they were great together and their chemistry was off the charts, as well as hot as hell.. I also enjoyed how their relationship progressed from team mates, to best friends to meaning everything to each other. I’m glad that there was no third act break up which happens in a lot of books and considering James was going through some sh*t, therefore distancing himself from Ethan it would’ve been the perfect time for one but it actually brought them closer together which is great. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series as it continues, as well as more books by SJ Crawford in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
February 27, 2025
I was excited for this book but ultimately I was kinda disappointed.
First and foremost, I did not like the writing. To me it was clunky and a lot of the descriptions were a little odd. Most of the dialogue was stilted and unnatural, and quite a bit of it was extraneous and didn’t really need to exist. My least favorite thing though, was the telling. So much telling. Of everything. Not only was every little moment in between significant events given a sentence but every movement, look, dialogue tag was over explained. It made me feel like the author thought I was an idiot, and made the story much clunkier than it needs to be. For example, you do not need to tell us he—an athlete who just returned from practice—showered because he wanted to be refreshed. We understand why he showered, that is the purpose of a shower. There were countless others like that and it continuously took me out of the story.
In theory, I liked both of the characters, but the fact that I didn’t like the writing threw the metric off. I also didn’t feel like we got enough cohesive time with them as they became friends which made every part of their relationship feel rushed and unconvincing to me. There also wasn’t much development for either of them besides getting together.
I think in the end I liked Ethan better even though I thought the way he went back and forth about the level of his crush at the beginning was frustrating—presumably some amount was a missed copy edit but it was odd.
James was over the top in everything. He was overall a nice guy, but his level of physical closeness and flirty speech was excessive, worsened by the fact that he added a “bro” or “dude” to everything he did and said. He made a lot of moves that were very uncomfortable to me without precedent or conversation.
And then he had a realization and they immediately had sex. That is so wrong to me on so many levels, and I lost a lot of respect for the novel when it happened. Figuring out your queerness is a very vulnerable place to be in, and Ethan at least should have known that. Personally, I don’t think it’s an emotional place you can consent from, and even if it was, they needed to have a conversation first and foremost. It was made worse for me when they didn’t have a conversation about that at all. They talked about their relationship, but not about James, and I think that conversation really needed to happen, even just for James to have a chance to talk about this new important thing.
I did actually enjoy the mini plot that put pressure on the relationship. It wasn’t a breakup and it felt very realistic and pretty well done.
The second mini plot, because neither of them were truly a third act conflict in my opinion, was more Ethan centric, and that one I wasn’t fond of. It was nice in theory but there was so little time spent on it that it was overall rushed and unfulfilling. I think it should have been introduced much earlier and could have run through the second half of the novel as a background that culminated at the end. Or there should have been mention of it after—it was supposed to be a big step for him. Or it could have gone differently, and still there should have been shockwaves.
Overall I think this book needed another round of edits, and I don’t think I’ll be picking up another one by this author because of the writing.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the eARC in exchange for a honest review
First and foremost, I did not like the writing. To me it was clunky and a lot of the descriptions were a little odd. Most of the dialogue was stilted and unnatural, and quite a bit of it was extraneous and didn’t really need to exist. My least favorite thing though, was the telling. So much telling. Of everything. Not only was every little moment in between significant events given a sentence but every movement, look, dialogue tag was over explained. It made me feel like the author thought I was an idiot, and made the story much clunkier than it needs to be. For example, you do not need to tell us he—an athlete who just returned from practice—showered because he wanted to be refreshed. We understand why he showered, that is the purpose of a shower. There were countless others like that and it continuously took me out of the story.
In theory, I liked both of the characters, but the fact that I didn’t like the writing threw the metric off. I also didn’t feel like we got enough cohesive time with them as they became friends which made every part of their relationship feel rushed and unconvincing to me. There also wasn’t much development for either of them besides getting together.
I think in the end I liked Ethan better even though I thought the way he went back and forth about the level of his crush at the beginning was frustrating—presumably some amount was a missed copy edit but it was odd.
James was over the top in everything. He was overall a nice guy, but his level of physical closeness and flirty speech was excessive, worsened by the fact that he added a “bro” or “dude” to everything he did and said. He made a lot of moves that were very uncomfortable to me without precedent or conversation.
And then he had a realization and they immediately had sex. That is so wrong to me on so many levels, and I lost a lot of respect for the novel when it happened. Figuring out your queerness is a very vulnerable place to be in, and Ethan at least should have known that. Personally, I don’t think it’s an emotional place you can consent from, and even if it was, they needed to have a conversation first and foremost. It was made worse for me when they didn’t have a conversation about that at all. They talked about their relationship, but not about James, and I think that conversation really needed to happen, even just for James to have a chance to talk about this new important thing.
I did actually enjoy the mini plot that put pressure on the relationship. It wasn’t a breakup and it felt very realistic and pretty well done.
The second mini plot, because neither of them were truly a third act conflict in my opinion, was more Ethan centric, and that one I wasn’t fond of. It was nice in theory but there was so little time spent on it that it was overall rushed and unfulfilling. I think it should have been introduced much earlier and could have run through the second half of the novel as a background that culminated at the end. Or there should have been mention of it after—it was supposed to be a big step for him. Or it could have gone differently, and still there should have been shockwaves.
Overall I think this book needed another round of edits, and I don’t think I’ll be picking up another one by this author because of the writing.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the eARC in exchange for a honest review
February 20, 2025
4.25-4.5⭐️ but I had such a good time, I need people to pick this up - that's why it's not 4 stars!
Okay, this is such a good debut! Fluffy, lighthearted, with a little bit of depth, you get a feel for the characters and it was a baseball romance that really showed the sport! Oblivious baby bis (er, I mean "straights") are among my favourite things in queer romance and James is such a good one! I loved the dynamic between James and Ethan when they were only friends (and roommates) already and I grinned so hard when they finally took things further. It's advertised as a slowburn, and while it's definitely not insta love, I also wouldn't necessarily consider this a slowburn - it's by far not painful pining and miscommunication, just a really healthy pace, open coversations and these two are consent kings, I loved it.
The writing style was super fluent, I honestly was surprised this is a debut. There also were no lengths or boredom. I really had a great time with this book and am SO looking forward to book 2 - even tho I hoped for a baseball series and the next book features hockey (but there are never too many hockey romances, are there?)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC, left this review voluntarily and it features my honest opinion.
Okay, this is such a good debut! Fluffy, lighthearted, with a little bit of depth, you get a feel for the characters and it was a baseball romance that really showed the sport! Oblivious baby bis (er, I mean "straights") are among my favourite things in queer romance and James is such a good one! I loved the dynamic between James and Ethan when they were only friends (and roommates) already and I grinned so hard when they finally took things further. It's advertised as a slowburn, and while it's definitely not insta love, I also wouldn't necessarily consider this a slowburn - it's by far not painful pining and miscommunication, just a really healthy pace, open coversations and these two are consent kings, I loved it.
The writing style was super fluent, I honestly was surprised this is a debut. There also were no lengths or boredom. I really had a great time with this book and am SO looking forward to book 2 - even tho I hoped for a baseball series and the next book features hockey (but there are never too many hockey romances, are there?)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC, left this review voluntarily and it features my honest opinion.
April 19, 2025
This was a quick, fun, cute read and I loved James and Ethan together. I wish we got of them rather than the time jumps every month just telling us what happened last month.
I also feel like the little slump of depression James got into after he got injured should’ve been explored more. This is because it felt like the mood of the whole book changed with his injury which obviously makes sense - but then getting out of the depression the way he did could’ve been written better rather than saying him needing Ethan close was the only thing that helped.
I am happy that Ethan’s parents were trying to make amends with him after all those years but I wish we got to see more of that in the epilogue. Maybe even something to tell the reader how Ethan’s dealing with them in the epilogue.
I also feel like the little slump of depression James got into after he got injured should’ve been explored more. This is because it felt like the mood of the whole book changed with his injury which obviously makes sense - but then getting out of the depression the way he did could’ve been written better rather than saying him needing Ethan close was the only thing that helped.
I am happy that Ethan’s parents were trying to make amends with him after all those years but I wish we got to see more of that in the epilogue. Maybe even something to tell the reader how Ethan’s dealing with them in the epilogue.
February 17, 2025
This is a remarkable love story from a new author in this space.
A few entries in the MM Sports Related Romance space that I have read capture the essence of this debut novel by S. J. Crawford.
The two main characters are on the same baseball team. Ethan is the newest, having just been promoted from the minors. James is a sought-after pitcher. His secret is that he can pitch right-handed or left-handed.
James is from a well-to-do family but lives modestly and in travel arrangements for the team, Ethan is placed with James. James clearly has been close with his friends, and sometimes teammates. He’s a bit affectionate and “handsy” and it sends mixed signals. Ethan pegs him as charming, noting he presents as straight. James befriends Ethan and the friendship matures.
Ethan has a family history that is not pleasant, and James has the type of family that buys him a condo when he mentions he’s looking for a better place. For Ethan, the unpleasantness was him coming out to his family and being ousted from his home four years earlier.
How James handles that news, how he cares for Ethan and the growing unspoken desire to use the “L-word” hangs over them.
These two become more than friends, and the journey S. J. Crawford presents is well-developed. The straight dude likes cuddling, and clearly wants to be with Ethan.
As for meaningless page-adding tropes, each obstacle presented by S. J. Crawford is sensible, particularly when James is injured and stuck away from Ethan. However, his family and friends are the push to reconcile his feelings.
I cannot count the times I have read an MM romance with the phrase “companionable silence.” There’s not much of that ‘almost required language’ in this book, and it’s a pleasant change. It’s a story, developed well, told well, and engaging. I read this book in two sittings, interrupted only by life requirements.
His next book also focuses on a sports figure but will include a childhood friend of James. I’ll be watching for that book.
I did receive an Advance Read Copy, but this review is my opinion only and was not influenced by others.
A few entries in the MM Sports Related Romance space that I have read capture the essence of this debut novel by S. J. Crawford.
The two main characters are on the same baseball team. Ethan is the newest, having just been promoted from the minors. James is a sought-after pitcher. His secret is that he can pitch right-handed or left-handed.
James is from a well-to-do family but lives modestly and in travel arrangements for the team, Ethan is placed with James. James clearly has been close with his friends, and sometimes teammates. He’s a bit affectionate and “handsy” and it sends mixed signals. Ethan pegs him as charming, noting he presents as straight. James befriends Ethan and the friendship matures.
Ethan has a family history that is not pleasant, and James has the type of family that buys him a condo when he mentions he’s looking for a better place. For Ethan, the unpleasantness was him coming out to his family and being ousted from his home four years earlier.
How James handles that news, how he cares for Ethan and the growing unspoken desire to use the “L-word” hangs over them.
These two become more than friends, and the journey S. J. Crawford presents is well-developed. The straight dude likes cuddling, and clearly wants to be with Ethan.
As for meaningless page-adding tropes, each obstacle presented by S. J. Crawford is sensible, particularly when James is injured and stuck away from Ethan. However, his family and friends are the push to reconcile his feelings.
I cannot count the times I have read an MM romance with the phrase “companionable silence.” There’s not much of that ‘almost required language’ in this book, and it’s a pleasant change. It’s a story, developed well, told well, and engaging. I read this book in two sittings, interrupted only by life requirements.
His next book also focuses on a sports figure but will include a childhood friend of James. I’ll be watching for that book.
I did receive an Advance Read Copy, but this review is my opinion only and was not influenced by others.
February 27, 2025
Simple, sweet, maybe a lil cheesy in a good way, easy read. No angst, no dumb stuff, just a light story featuring teammates to besties to lovers. Really, that’s it! Great if you need a brain break from angst and please-god-no-more miscommunication conflict.
Baseball rookie Ethan is thrilled to be signed into the majors to play the outfield for Boston. Meeting the very friendly flirty (he’s that way with all his bros!🧐) superstar fellow rookie pitcher James is a bit intimidating, but James’s easygoing manner and welcoming approach soon has a bromance in the works.
Only...the very straight James doesn’t know Ethan’s gay, and though becoming housemates makes sense, James’s friendly bro-flirting is getting...hard...to...not take...seriously...wait now we’re kissing?
LOL. Definitely overdue bi-awakening for James! He’s never thought about being with guys, but soon Ethan’s all he thinks about.
It’s sweetly sexy, two men being up front about what they’re feeling, shy Ethan and outgoing James becoming fast friends and then a whole lot more. James has a rep as a player, but it’s unearned. Ethan has no interest in picking up, he’s focused on baseball, but...actually his roommate is distractingly appealing...
Anyway, they’re too cute for words and I enjoyed not having a damn thing to worry about for once! There's some tension from an injury and need for mental health check ins, but really, these guys go all in with each other.
HEA, teammates to friends to lovers, baseball romance. No cheating, no taking others home, a little flirting at a bar before things move forward but nothing icky...totally safe for me, and a pleasure to read. Didn’t need to think too hard. Recommended!
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Baseball rookie Ethan is thrilled to be signed into the majors to play the outfield for Boston. Meeting the very friendly flirty (he’s that way with all his bros!🧐) superstar fellow rookie pitcher James is a bit intimidating, but James’s easygoing manner and welcoming approach soon has a bromance in the works.
Only...the very straight James doesn’t know Ethan’s gay, and though becoming housemates makes sense, James’s friendly bro-flirting is getting...hard...to...not take...seriously...wait now we’re kissing?
LOL. Definitely overdue bi-awakening for James! He’s never thought about being with guys, but soon Ethan’s all he thinks about.
It’s sweetly sexy, two men being up front about what they’re feeling, shy Ethan and outgoing James becoming fast friends and then a whole lot more. James has a rep as a player, but it’s unearned. Ethan has no interest in picking up, he’s focused on baseball, but...actually his roommate is distractingly appealing...
Anyway, they’re too cute for words and I enjoyed not having a damn thing to worry about for once! There's some tension from an injury and need for mental health check ins, but really, these guys go all in with each other.
HEA, teammates to friends to lovers, baseball romance. No cheating, no taking others home, a little flirting at a bar before things move forward but nothing icky...totally safe for me, and a pleasure to read. Didn’t need to think too hard. Recommended!
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
November 17, 2025
It was cute and I liked it but I was a little bummed that most of the couch cuddling movie nights happen off page. Also, Their "connection" didn't seem so special when you find out James flirted with, kissed on, and cuddled with all his guy friends.
The rookie MCs moved in together after hitting it off during training camp. Ethan was steady, sweet and had a ton of self control. James, oh goodness, he was adorable and completely oblivious that he was flirting with guys.
It all came to a head when one afternoon James jokingly straddled Ethan's lap. Ethan decided he couldnt hide his feels anymore and sat James down for a TALK. During the talk, James realized his feelings werent platonic and kissed Ethan. bada bing bada boom. BJs.
The story tapered off after James was injured and spiraled into depression. After a couple of weeks with James being immobile Ethan came home and James was packed ready to fly out to his parents.
James basically ghosted Ethan for a little over a month. He ignored most of his calls and texts. He spent his days hangs out with his parents or Luke or doing physical therapy.
Ethan is just training, playing ball or sitting home alone waiting to hear from his boyfriend.
*** Unfortunately, We didn't get Ethan's POV during the separation***
After coming out to his parents James pulled his head out of his ass and realized he was being a complete douchbag. They met up that weekend when Ethan came to town for a game. IMO, Ethan forgave him way too easily, he is understanding and supportive of being ghosted for almost 2 months. They immediately head to the hotel for sexy time.
**We never get a team reaction to the couple but James family accepts Ethan with open arms.
The rookie MCs moved in together after hitting it off during training camp. Ethan was steady, sweet and had a ton of self control. James, oh goodness, he was adorable and completely oblivious that he was flirting with guys.
It all came to a head when one afternoon James jokingly straddled Ethan's lap. Ethan decided he couldnt hide his feels anymore and sat James down for a TALK. During the talk, James realized his feelings werent platonic and kissed Ethan. bada bing bada boom. BJs.
The story tapered off after James was injured and spiraled into depression. After a couple of weeks with James being immobile Ethan came home and James was packed ready to fly out to his parents.
James basically ghosted Ethan for a little over a month. He ignored most of his calls and texts. He spent his days hangs out with his parents or Luke or doing physical therapy.
Ethan is just training, playing ball or sitting home alone waiting to hear from his boyfriend.
*** Unfortunately, We didn't get Ethan's POV during the separation***
After coming out to his parents James pulled his head out of his ass and realized he was being a complete douchbag. They met up that weekend when Ethan came to town for a game. IMO, Ethan forgave him way too easily, he is understanding and supportive of being ghosted for almost 2 months. They immediately head to the hotel for sexy time.
**We never get a team reaction to the couple but James family accepts Ethan with open arms.
February 22, 2025
This was a cute teammates to lovers book! It starts with Ethan getting his call up to the big leagues, where he quickly makes friends with James, in a sort of "opposites attract" friendship. Some of the youngest members on the team, they bond quickly, spending more time outside of Spring Training together. Ethan can be friends with other guys, he's spend long hours with teammates before and kept it strictly platonic - he can do it now too, with James.
As they're preparing for the season, James asks Ethan to get a place together. It's the perfect deal - two friends, two teammates, and now roommates. Ethan is going to be okay with it - he's not going to fall for a straight guy. That's not what's happening. James is a lady's man, the team has dubbed him a bit of a player. It's just a friendship and their roommate arrangement isn't going to change anything, right?
This one just fell flat to me. I felt like we didn’t get enough character development or growth so I didn’t get attached to them in any capacity. I barely felt the chemistry. The time jumps sped through important moments for their friendship and relationship that it just felt like piecing everything together and not a coherent journey.
The story had a lot of telling and much less showing. It felt disconnected overall. The conflicts felt short and mostly ignored rather than fully resolved.
I did like the general plot and the basics of the characters. I did enjoy but definitely expected and hoped for a lot more.
This is definitely set up well for a series and I am excited for book 2!
As they're preparing for the season, James asks Ethan to get a place together. It's the perfect deal - two friends, two teammates, and now roommates. Ethan is going to be okay with it - he's not going to fall for a straight guy. That's not what's happening. James is a lady's man, the team has dubbed him a bit of a player. It's just a friendship and their roommate arrangement isn't going to change anything, right?
This one just fell flat to me. I felt like we didn’t get enough character development or growth so I didn’t get attached to them in any capacity. I barely felt the chemistry. The time jumps sped through important moments for their friendship and relationship that it just felt like piecing everything together and not a coherent journey.
The story had a lot of telling and much less showing. It felt disconnected overall. The conflicts felt short and mostly ignored rather than fully resolved.
I did like the general plot and the basics of the characters. I did enjoy but definitely expected and hoped for a lot more.
This is definitely set up well for a series and I am excited for book 2!
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