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Vivienne Cardoza is exactly my type. From her curves to her brilliant mind, she’s captivating. If my dating life hadn’t been benched the moment my daughter came screaming into the world, I’d have asked her out.

But, as it is, Vivienne hates me. And I don’t blame her.

I blew my first shot at a good impression with the stunning brunette when I wrongly assumed she was a fan just because she knew my name. Talk about embarrassing.

I struck out again when I volunteered at a youth baseball camp she was running—with my newborn daughter in tow and a missing nanny. Now she thinks I’m not just a jerk, but an incompetent one.

I don’t hate Xavier Kingsley, but I certainly think he’s a man-child. And that’s the last thing I need in my life.

I’ve spent too many years caring for the ever multiplying nieces and nephews in my family. Old habits die hard and when Xavier shows up to a Double Play event with baby Holland and no nanny, I shift into problem-solving mode calling my niece, Tenley, to save the day.

Little did I know I was intertwining our worlds more than I ever intended. Xavier needs a reliable nanny and my niece is his best option.

I find myself spending more and more time around the handsome, single dad, and because life loves to throw me curveballs, my body’s unprecedented reaction makes it impossible to fight the enticing pull I feel towards him. It’s clear he wants me too.

So when the single dad baseball player offers to lend me a hand—and then some—I let him. As long as he doesn’t fall in love with me, and no one gets hurt. We are two consenting adults. Surely we can give into our physical desires and not catch feelings. Right?!

Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2025

36 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Lo Everett

8 books185 followers
Hey! I'm Lo. As an avid reader I love contemporary romance with a side of humor. That's what you'll find in my books. I live for quirky characters that make you fall in love with them and equally intriguing secondary characters.

I sat down to write my first book because I was dying for more sports romance after devouring everything out there.

If I am not writing, you can find me watching my kids play sports, hiking with my girlfriends, or on vacation to a new place.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren (lololovesthings).
793 reviews83 followers
April 14, 2025
3.5 stars.

Lo Everett's "Passed Ball" is the final novel in the Denver Bandits series. It tells the story of Xavier, a ginger catcher and new single dad, and Vivi, a charity director and recovering people pleaser who wants to explore a "list" she has written so she can learn to take control of her life and body and agency. Vivi doesn't have the best impression of Xavier at first, so she comes off as extremely judgmental towards him. They eventually become friends, and once she gets to know him, and once she lets her own walls down, they come to an agreement, and Xavier volunteers as tribute to help Vivi complete her special list. The more they "hang out," the more they realize that their feelings are not merely fleeting. I enjoyed this book for the most part. Vivi and Xavier's relationship is slow to unfold, but once it does, it's pretty much straight to physical city and rarely lets up. They do have good chemistry with one another once they become more than friends. There's a lot of spice here, some of which doesn't feel seamlessly integrated into the story and has merely been added just because, just to add more spice. Still, it's well-written spice, so that's a plus, I guess? There is a lot of drama with Xavier and Holland's mother, who is not in the picture for the majority of the book, and that leads to a lot of tension throughout the story regarding his daughter Holland. I feel like I had a little bit of a difficult time getting into this book. I kept picking it up and putting it down. Still, ultimately, I was satisfied with this book. It's quick enough that it's worth a read.

Thanks to Lo Everett and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Dawn Cornelius.
92 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2025
ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Mini Blurb:

Vivienne and Xavier’s first meeting doesn’t go well when he thinks she’s just a fan instead of the one running the youth camp his team is volunteering for one day.

A year later Xavier gets the surprise of lifetime with a daughter whose mom wanted nothing to do with her. When he nanny disappears at an event that brings him yet another bad impression with Vivienne, she asks her niece, Tenley, to play nanny for the day.

Tenley is on summer break from college and decides to play match maker with her favorite aunt and the star catcher by becoming the new nanny for Holland.

When Xavier accidentally overhears Vivienne share her lackluster bedroom experiences, he has to correct that for her…and she accepts.

The spice level is 🥵🥵 and perfect as their feelings grow and they both have to overcome childhood trauma to risk falling for each other.

Xavier golden retriever personality perfectly complimented Vivienne’s harsh exterior with a soft interior throughout the book.

This was by far my favorite of the series!
Profile Image for Bari (justbookedup).
762 reviews43 followers
March 13, 2025
Lo Everett's spicy baseball romance with Xavier & Vivi's story. This story has so much heart and incredible banter that had me both laughing out loud and also in my feels.

Brand new single dad & catcher for the Denver Bandits, Xavier, needs help come season time & Vivi, the team's charity coordinator, needs him to be present for her events. When Xavier needs a nanny, Vivi suggests her 20-year-old niece, Tenley, who is not only perfect for the job but a bit of a meddling matchmaker.

The chemistry between Xavier & Vivi is instant & I loved that it's a "not the nanny" love interest. There is a bit of an enemies-to-lovers vibe between Xavier & Vivi to start which always gives way to the best banter. And then throw in Vivi's sassy niece who in my opinion steals the show at times, it's just such a fun & captivating ride. Plus, when Xavier decides he wants to help Vivi conquer her "spicy" list - hello hotness!

Outside of the incredible spice, there is a lot of heart to this story. Vivi has never had anyone take care of her & Xavier shows up in some SWOON-worthy ways that will melt your heart. Xavier finds his balance, allowing himself to find love outside of his love for baseball & his daughter. They both balance each other nicely and with the rest of the Bandit couples in their corner, it's just an incredible sendoff to this world that I enjoyed diving into throughout the 5 books. I’m going to miss this series but I think (hope) we are set up for a spinoff with Vivi’s brothers that just has me so excited 🤞🏻



⚾️ Baseball Romance
❣️ Workplace Romance
➶ Single Dad
⚡️ Opposites Attract
💖 Situationship
🔥 Spice List
✌🏻 Dual POV
Profile Image for Emily Day.
4 reviews
March 6, 2025
Are there enough words to describe how much I LOVED this book? No. Am I still going to try? Absolutely yes!

I woke up to this ARC in my email and about d!ed from excitement. (No, really I was like a kid on Christmas..) My whole day was cleared to make way for devouring this book in one sitting. This is my first ARC from this author, but I binged the first 4 in this series when I first discovered Lo’s books late last year.

Can we have a moment please for Ginger Daddy?
And another one for the dynamic of this group of characters? The way they show up for each other over and over again is so special to me.
AND A SLOW CLAP (paired with more than a few tears) for Vivi, because her character development/growth was so so sweet to see.
And the biggest, most raucous, round of applause for Lo Everett. The whole series was a win for me, but this book had something a little extra special for me.

Overall, 5000000/5 stars. I ate this up, and in all honesty would probably sacrifice a limb to be able to read this again for the first time.

~ I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review ~
Profile Image for Emily Hawes.
337 reviews
March 21, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. While I think you can read this without reading the rest of the series and enjoy it, I do think I missed some context picking it up this late in the series.

I don't know why I had such a hard time with this book, because every time I picked it up I really enjoyed the story and the chemistry between Vivi and Xavier, but this wasn't a book I found myself reaching for often.
Xavier is the greenest of green flags and how much he cares for everyone in his life was truly inspiring. The healing process for both Xavier and Vivi was wonderful to watch, but I do think everything went a little too smoothly at times.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I'd probably read more in this series.
Profile Image for Morgan.
433 reviews116 followers
March 22, 2025
4.5⭐️ 📖 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙮 𝙇𝙤 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳—𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦.” 💫

The Denver Bandits series by Lo Everett has been such an emotional ride and I loved every second of it! Finishing this last book in the series left me with happy tears. I’m so sad it’s completed but it was beyond satisfying to see all of our favorite couples and how their love stories have progressed and the different milestones they are reaching.

Xavier and Vivienne’s story was perfect! Seeing Xavier step into the roll of a single dad was the freaking sweetest. He gave off all the “ginger daddy” vibes! He’s sweet, playful and UBER protective of his “girls”.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭—𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.”

While Vivienne didn’t have the best first impression of Xavier, she quickly realized there was way more to the hot professional baseball player than meets the eye. She is a recovering people pleaser that had to sacrifice a lot of things when tragedy struck her family. Xavier helped her learn that it’s okay to prioritize herself and her mental health over the needs of others.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩.”

This book has a spicy wishlist that just got hotter and hotter! 😮‍💨❤️‍🔥 Xavier systematically worked through all of her wildest fantasies and I LOVED IT!

“𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬.”

The baseball game chapters at the end of the book literally gave me chills! I felt like I was in the stands, at the edge of my seat!

Vivi’s niece, Tenley was the unexpected gem of this story! Xavier & Vivi’s love story wouldn’t have been the same without her. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she gets a whole book dedicated to her HEA!

If you love swoon inducing baseball romances filled with the best found family ever, go add 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙮 𝙇𝙤 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩, to your TBR today!

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🎀 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
⚾️ 𝘗𝘳𝘰 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭
💕 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
❤️‍🔥 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
🐈‍⬛ 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘢𝘵 (𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘪𝘮)
❤️‍🩹 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘳
🤭 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘍𝘜𝘕
💫 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
😮‍💨 “𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵.”
🫶🏼 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
Profile Image for madmanreads.
445 reviews107 followers
March 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Well OKAYYYY ginger daddy! 🔥 While I’m sad to see this series come to a close, this book was a truly wonderful ending.

⚾️ Baseball romance
✨ Single dad
⚾️ Spicy wish list
✨ Situationship
⚾️ Workplace romance

📖 After an unfortunate first encounter, Vivienne’s niece Tenley ends up nannying Xavier’s daughter Holland, who decides to meddle and get the two adults together. Xavier overhears Vivi discussing her lackluster bedroom experiences, and the two decide to enter into a physical relationship to cross some items off her spicy wish list!

Xavier was just perfection. The perfect golden retriever with a dirty mouth and the father that he was to Holland?? 😭 swoon.

Vivi started off the story with a hard outer shell and a heart she fiercely protected. Throughout the story, as Xavier wormed his way past her defenses and she healed pieces of herself, she became a softer, more loving version of herself and it was such a beautiful journey to witness.

The spice??? 🥵 sheesh. I loved how vocal and adventurous both of the main characters were as their relationship progressed, and the way they just had to have each other at any given moment. The jersey moment & the strawberry scene were just amazing 🔥.

If you haven’t started this series yet, you definitely need to move it up your TBR!!! The found family. The banter. The spice. It’s all so good and I’ve loved this series so much.

Thank you so much to Lo Everett for the opportunity to beta & arc read Passed Ball 🥹🖤.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
327 reviews32 followers
March 17, 2025
Bases Loaded with Spice, Banter, and a Baby!

Dedication: For all you single daddy hoes—this one wears baseball pants, and I wrote him just for you. Enjoy.

Vivienne (FMC): Director of a Nonprofit • Guardian of her Niece • Independent • Stubborn • Career Driven • Caretaker •
Xavier (MMC): MLB Catcher • Single Dad • Cinnamon Roll • Protective • Ginger Daddy • Dominant • Heart of Gold •

Tropes:
⚾️ Single Dad x Not the Nanny
🌌 Baseball Sports Romance
⚾️ Workplace Romance
🌌 Spicy Situationship
⚾️ Found Family
🌌 Text Conversations
⚾️ Spicy Checklist
🌌 Chapter Interstitials - Lists, Todos, Schedules, Checklists, etc.
⚾️ Meddling Niece 🔟
🌌 Not Looking for Love
⚾️ Nicknames
🌌 Snuggly Sidekick 👶🏼
⚾️ Baseball Boys Shenanigans

Rating: 🍓🍓🍓🍓 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️(🐫, dirty talk, praise, fun on FaceTime , self pleasure, hand necklace, biting, 👅, lite degradation, 💦💦, pearl necklace, fun with food 🍓, toys as teammates, b00bie bobsled, "spit on it", 🍑 play)
T/W: parental abandonment (on page), alcoholism (referenced), loss of a parent (referenced), fatal complications during childbirth (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), IVF/fertility challenges (side character, on page), grief (referenced), parental neglect (referenced)

Take one hot, slightly frazzled, single dad baseball player. Add in a fiercely independent woman with a spicy bucket list and a determination not to fall for said baseball player. Sprinkle in a sassy meddling niece and an absolutely adorable baby. What do you get? A situationship that turns into feelings, a lot of steamy moments, and a romance that will have you swooning right into extra innings.

I loved the slow emotional build between them. Xavier isn’t just about the dirty talk (though, trust me, he excels in that department😉); he’s the kind of guy who listens, who sees Vivi for who she is, and who helps her realize she deserves to set boundaries and be cared for, too. Watching Vivi go from someone who holds everyone at arm’s length to someone who lets herself be loved was so satisfying.

The side characters added so much charm—Tenley, in particular, was an absolute scene-stealer, and the found family vibes with Xavier’s teammates were perfect. My only small gripe? A few moments dragged, but honestly, the swoon-worthy romance and the ridiculously adorable baby moments made up for it.

It’s not goodbye to this series, just a see you later—and I, for one, am so ready for more. Maybe some more Tenley. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

Swoony Lines:

“Why do I feel like you’re about to change my life with a kiss, sweetheart?”

“Knowing I can call you when I’m feeling isolated or overwhelmed is like a breath of air when you’ve stayed underwater too long.”

“You came into my life like a shooting star—unexpected and brilliant. This might be a streak in the sky, but the spark you’ve left on my heart will last forever. You deserve the same, and if I can give you a hint of that spark, it’s yours to take.”

"Loving you has made me stronger, fuller, more whole than I ever thought I could be.”

I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah Guzak.
459 reviews29 followers
March 13, 2025
What a phenomenal way to round out this incredible series.

I need all my sports romance girlies to pick up this series ASAP. It's one of my favorites and deserves so much more hype and attention.

Lo's writing has everything you could possibly want: from found family, to witty banter, to some of my favorite spicy moments - her books have it all.

Blurb: Xavier Kinglsey is a new single dad to an adorable baby girl. With his ex-girlfriend out of the picture, Xavier is just trying to make it through, navigating single parenthood one day at a time. He's exhausted trying to keep up being the best parent possible to his daughter, Holland, all while playing major league baseball for the Denver Bandits.
What he could really use is a nanny... Especially after his first one left him high and dry. Luckily, he's able to find someone responsible and trustworthy enough to watch his adorable baby girl - Tenley Cardoza. What Xavier doesn't expect is to be spending more time with Tenley's Aunt, Vivienne Cardoza. He's already made a fool of himself the first time they crossed paths, but now Vivienne seems to be everywhere Xavier is...
While the two aren't looking for a serious relationship, they do come up with a plan to cross items off Vivienne's spicy list. The rules are simple - no catching feelings, and this can't possibly turn into more. But how can Xavier just walk away when Vivienne looks at him and his daughter like they put the stars in the sky? Just maybe fate has other plans...

I highlighted so much of this book (a lot of it being the spicy scenes - OOPS, sorry not sorry), and enjoyed every second of Vivienne and Xavier's love story. It was also so good to catch up with all of our favorite Denver Bandits characters and experience the love of true friendship and found family.

I'm emotional over the fact that this series has come to an end, but it was honestly the best possible ending Lo could give us.

Highly recommend Passed Ball for lovers of:
- baseball romance
- single dad (Ginger Daddy)
- food play
- found family
- meddling side characters
- situationship
- shmex / spicy list
- workplace romance
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,484 reviews24 followers
March 20, 2025
What a way to end a series: the feelings I felt explored the whole gamut of emotions while reading Xavier and Vivienne’s story! My heart first burst with Xavier’s relationship with his daughter-him accepting and embracing being the best single father he could be and still not losing his drive to be a successful pro-baseball catcher and that need to find a true love. Then it went to rooting for Vivienne and her exploring, seeking, pursuing and accepting a relationship that makes her happy and satisfied. The banter and then the spice of the two-whoo, it was hot. But also the vulnerability and growing love too…equally well done! Tenley, Vivienne’s niece and Xavier’s nanny, was a hoot and offered such a great, humorous reprieve. Once again, I was smitten by the found family aspect-with teammates and their wives becoming family. And the epilogues…so, so satisfying and filled my heart even more.
I had the opportunity to read early from the author, my thoughts are honest and voluntary. 4.25 stars
Profile Image for Lisa Slone.
183 reviews7 followers
March 18, 2025
As sad as I am to see this series come to an end, I think wrapping it up with Xavier, Holland, and Vivi was the perfect way to go.

Xavier is the new parent we all can understand - feeling like it’s one step forward, two steps back. Worried he’s going to mess up his kid for life and desperately wanting to give her everything he didn’t have. Needing, but not knowing how to ask for help in the beginning.

Vivi is the one we all need. The one who reassures us we’re doing great, and doesn’t let us self pity for too long. Sure, she has some relationship and responsibility demons of her own, but she is like a breath of fresh air to Xavier.

My favorite character - Tenley. I’m seriously hoping she gets her own book because she is so well written.

The development of the relationship that started as a situation ship between these two was amazing. The pace was just right for them and even though they agreed to work on Vivi’s spicy list, I love that they approached it a little at a time.

This book was so, so good. There are so many times I laughed out loud, swooned, sweated, and was sniffling about the characters. I can’t wait for Timberline Peak.
Profile Image for Courtney Byrne.
129 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2025
4 ⭐️| 2 🌶️

Passed Ball was such a sweet and enjoyable read! 💕
Vivi and Xavier were such an easy couple to fall in love with—their banter, the spice 🔥, and the heartfelt moments made this book an easy read!

Xavier is the ultimate girl dad 👨‍👧, and Vivi is the ultimate girl boss! They each came into the other’s lives at just the right time. Their connection felt so natural and real.
And Tenley? Absolutely hilarious! 😂 She stole so many scenes, and I really hope she gets her own book one day.

This was the perfect mix of romance, humor, and heart—definitely a must-read! 📖❤️
Profile Image for My Reading Era.
558 reviews31 followers
March 20, 2025
Xavier, a single dad and catcher for the Denver Bandits, struggles to balance baseball season and fatherhood. Vivi, the team’s charity coordinator, steps in with a solution, her niece, Tenley, who proves to be both a perfect nanny and their eventual matchmaker.

With a hint of tension, Xavier and Vivi’s banter is electric, and their connection only grows stronger especially when Xavier helps Vivi tackle her spicy bucket list. Beyond the spice, this story shines with heartfelt moments as Xavier learns to open his heart while Vivi finally feels cared for. If you're looking for a hot single dad romance, this is one you'll want to add to your TBR!

Thank you, Lo Everett for the ARC.
Profile Image for ❅ Karen ❅.
281 reviews94 followers
March 27, 2025
Yes yes yes!! Lo never disappoints with her new books!! I am so happy I got to read this book!! These characters were just amazing! Tenley was my favorite!
You follow Xavier, a baseball player, and Viviana, who is the director of a nonprofit. They sign up for a good time and the lines begin to blur. Xavier is trying to focus on being a single dad, while Viviana wants to keep her independence. The natural connection between the two had me invested. They teased and simply enjoyed each other's company. But they had their own burdens that really gave each character their own growth

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Jordan Huggins.
180 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2025
Ahhh, I love Xavier so much 🥰🥰🥰. He’s dad goals. And his dirty talk game was on point 🤫I love a single parent, and this one did not disappoint. I was scared going into this one because I didn’t love the last one, but I’m so glad I did. What a great way to end the series ❤️. Vivian is amazing! She went through exactly how I felt at a point in my life, so connecting with her character was so heartwarming knowing she made it out the other side ❤️
714 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2025
Thank you to Lo for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. Vivienne and Xavier were just the perfect couple, and I loved Holland. The plot was so well written, and I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Vivienne and Xavier, which was perfect, and i enjoyed the bond that formed between Holland, Xavier, and Vivienne. The found family vibes were amazing, I enjoyed the inclusion of characters from the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Isabel Jarnow.
242 reviews
March 23, 2025
Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC!

I loved the found family in this book! Xavier was so cute with Holland, his daughter, and I loved how Vivienne loved Holland but was not the nanny in this book.
Watching Xavier and Vivienne grow more comfortable, and realizing they could trust each other was so beautiful to see.

Tropes:
Baseball
Single dad
Found family
Profile Image for Aj Wathern.
117 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2025
I just loved this!

It’s book 5 in a series but I read it as a standalone and don’t feel like I lost anything from not reading the first 4 (which I will definitely do now).

Vivi and Xavier were adorable and very clearly meant to be from the beginning. I loved their banter, their chemistry, and their dynamic.

I loved the twist on the single dad x nanny genre and Tenley was giving big Parent Trap vibes which warmed my little nostalgic heart.

Just, top marks!
Profile Image for Nicola.
185 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2025
5 ⭐️ ARC

Absolutely incredible !
Loved seeing the sparks fly between Vivi and Xavier ! Was such a naturally progressing love story and omg it was just soooo good !
Profile Image for CONNIEBENNETT26.
152 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2025
For all Baseball Romance readers.! Xavier and Vivienne is for you.
Lo Everett has an effortless writing style that can engage the reader to laugh out loud, shake their head in wonder.
I really enjoyed the banter between all characters in this story. Absolutely a sweet storytelling with lots of sparks.!
The reality of being a single parent is so defined.
First impressions are not always lasting , just as Xavier and Vivienne.!


“I still have no idea what I’m doing and I have no help-no family, no nanny,no Kristy.
But everything I need, I’m holding in my arms.”
560 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2025
5 before I was done

This may just be my favorite. I loved every minute of this. The tension, the flirting, the undeniable want they had for each other. 😮‍💨 I was hooked after the first few pages. My heart broke so bad for Xavier, being left a single parent to a newborn. & I felt seen so hard in Vivienne-being the caretaker and people pleaser. Xavier helped her find her voice and herself again, and she helped overcome his fears of being a parent.

And Tenley was just a damn delight.

I'm so sad to say goodbye to this family....but I your next series going off the characters here? 🤔
Profile Image for Tiffany Adams.
877 reviews27 followers
March 21, 2025
The Denver Bandits have my whole heart and while I’m so incredibly sad this is the final story for this baseball team, it was the PERFECT ending to the series!!!

Xavier and Vivi’s story is a swoony single dad romance with cutest little red haired newborn and a NOT the nanny storyline that was so different and unique which I LOVED!! The found family aspect also continued to shine in this series as Xavier’s teammates and significant others just elevate the story even more with how they rally around him AND also welcome Vivi into the group. Of course I can’t forget Vivi’s niece Tenley who is not only an amazing nanny but SO much fun! And the spice…there is a burning hot spice list in this book that they go through and it makes this one steaming romance!!!

I love all single dad romances BUT it just melts my heart when it’s a single dad with a newborn!!! Xavier is a stand up man who steps up when his ex ditches the baby after birth. The absolute LOVE he has for his daughter from the start had me in a complete puddle but also admiring the hell out of him as he refuses to talk bad about his daughter's mother, despite her being the worst person.

Dare I say this is Lo’s spiciest book yet?? “Vivi’s Orgasm Wish List” is fully stacked with things she wants to try and it was so hot seeing them checked off!!! Xavier’s also got quite the dirty mouth and loves to pleasure his woman!!!

And that epilogue😭 I cannot recommend this whole entire series enough!! It was the perfect ending for all of the characters I have grown to love!

Overall, I loved watching Vivi & Xavier's romance naturally grow and develop from a situationship to finding the love they both truly deserve! Their story is the perfect mix of baseball, humor, found family, heat and even healing! While I’m sad this is the end of this series, I cannot wait to see what Lo has in store next with Timberline Peak after the little peaks into the town in this book!

🍼Single Dad
Not the Nanny
⚾️Baseball Romance
Spice List
Workplace Romance
Found Family

📖Xavier’s life completely changes when his ex walks out of the hospital, leaving him behind to raise their little newborn girl on his own. He’s dealing with the exhaustion of being a new single dad while getting ready to start the baseball season again. One day he goes to volunteer at Double Play, a youth baseball camp and realizes his nanny is gone. Out walks Vivi who is the director of operations, who he didn’t have a great first encounter with the first time they met. However, she saves the day and offers to have her niece Tenley watch his daughter. Now, Tenley becomes his new nanny which has their lives intertwining…
Profile Image for The Bashful Bookworm by Andrea.
517 reviews
March 12, 2025
⚾️Baseball Sportsmance
🍼Single Dad
⚾️Workplace (Adjacent) Romance
🍼Opposites Attract
⚾️Spice List
🍼Situationship

I’m obsessed with Ginger Daddy! Xavier gives a calm and relaxed vibe, even as a hot mess single dad, but I was melting for him as he leveled up to DADDY with his filthy mouth and dedicated/can-do/will-do attitude. 🥵🥵😮‍💨 I enjoyed the chemistry and tension between Vivienne and Xavier. After learning about Vivi’s lackluster sexual past, he could no longer dance around their attraction and so they start a situationship. The spice between them was so hot and on point!

The build up to the deeper feelings between them was masked by their reasons for the situationship added a little angst to the story. But as they slip past the other’s defenses those reasons fall away, not because they weren’t valid but because they realize with the right person they are taken seriously and have become a foundation for a solid relationship, a place where their hearts are safe, and their love and commitment is respected and cherished. And that is why I read romance! With each intimate (emotional and physical) layer add, it makes it hard not to root for the couple and their HEA.

Xavier (and Lo) address feeling sort of like he was on the periphery of the friend group and I sort of had that thought early on but that’s thing I love about found family in series, the way the “family” grows and embraces additions, especially when it’s needed and least expected. Seeing the group come to Xavier’s aid without being asked, watching him embrace them, and how Vivi was so readily accepted all had me falling more in love with this group!

I have loved this whole series but throughout Hendrix and Poppy have continued to remain my favorite couple/book. However, Xavier and Vivi (plus Tenley and Holland) sure gave them a run for their money that I’m not sure how to choose a fave, so they are now tied. Finishing this book made me feel both so happy and sad! I loved this story and this couple on their own but they were perfect to wrap up the series, a fantastic end! But with the introduction and Easter eggs for Lo’s new series, and as she says herself, this isn’t a goodbye but so long! 🥹

I love when a side character steals my heart and in this book it was Tenley! She was perfect for Holland, she was Vivi’s niece/sister/daughter/best friend all wrapped in one, her ragging on Ginger Daddy, and her overall hilarious MC energy have me hoping she will get her own story someday.



________________________________________________

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for modernbooklore ⚡️ olivia.
345 reviews23 followers
March 19, 2025

“Because it’s messy. It takes away all of your carefully constructed control and puts me in charge. You get to be unapologetically yourself, and no one but me gets to see you like this, do they?”

Rating: 4.25 ✨
Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Passed Ball is book 5 in the Denver Bandits Baseball series and y’all better believe I’m going back to read the others 😩
The tropes & microtropes for this book caught my eye on bookstagram and Lo Everett really did not disappoint!

Xavier Kingsley’s entire life changes when he finds out he’s going to be a single dad. He wants the world & then some for his daughter, but is struggling to find a nanny he trusts to take care of her.
In walks Vivienne Cardoza to save the day, but no, she’s not the nanny!

And there starts their sex list to best friends to lovers story that will pull on your heartstrings and have you smiling at all that they overcome to be together ♥️
This is the kind of authentic storyline I love to read where the FMC is a people pleaser who actively works to overcome those tendencies and shows the difficulties of doing so. I also loved seeing her internal discourse and conflicting emotions for her family.

Xavier was also THE match for this girlie turned caregiver too soon. He refused to let her forget her needs and made sure she always felt empowered when asking for what she wanted. I loved how observant he was and how safe he made her feel😩

Their relationship was truly a look into the kind of love that makes you feel alive after just going through the motions for too long and I absolutely ate it up.

Double Play, Tenley and Xavier’s praise both in and out of the bedroom were the cherries on top!

Overall, this is a must read if you’re looking for a feel-good romance with just the right amount of trauma bonding, beautiful character arcs & a mix of tender & rough smut🤭

&& if you love:
⚾️ Single daddy x not the nanny
⚾️ Found family vibes
⚾️ Baseball romance
⚾️ Smut list x teach me / show me
⚾️ Girl gang

Then this is also for you♥️

Huge thank you to Lo Everett for trusting me with this one and for sending me this e-arc!
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,444 reviews156 followers
March 27, 2025
4.25 Stars! 💗⚾🍼

As soon as I saw the announcement for this book I wanted to read it right away. Being new to this author's work I couldn't wait to pick this book up. Baseball is my favorite sport and with opening day coming up I needed to read this book even more. I got right into the Mile-High Hearts: Denver Bandits Baseball world. I really enjoyed this story so very much!

Vivienne AKA Vivi and Xavier's journey pulled me in right from the start! Xavier is a catcher for the Denver Bandits baseball team and a single father to daughter, Holland. Vivi is Director of Operations at Double Play and always there for her family. When Xavier and Vivi first collided it didn't go well. As they're brought back together through an event for Double Play, Xavier needs someone to watch Holland and Vivi asks her niece, Tenley to help out. When Tenley becomes Xavier's nanny it brings Vivi and Xavier closer together. Can Xavier and Vivi take a chance and catch each other's hearts in the process?

Both Vivi and Xavier had my undivided attention so quickly! I enjoyed the ways that Double Play and Tenley becoming Xavier's nanny brought them closer together. I couldn't wait to see how everything would play out when it came to them being around each other, all things baby Holland, baseball and Double Play, personal stuff, the spice list, and their feelings for one another.

Vivi was such a strong and awesome character. I loved how she was the Director of Operations at Double Play. How much she cared for others, especially her family as well as baby Holland was so sweet. I admired Xavier so much for stepping up to be the best dad to baby Holland. The way that Vivi got to him and how he was all about her had me falling for Xavier even more! Vivi and Xavier's chemistry was fantastic and undeniable. These two had me feeling a lot with them all throughout!

The moments that both Xavier and Vivi shared with baby Holland warmed my heart! There was such realness to both Xavier and Vivi and I enjoyed peeling back both of their layers. Both of them had such big hearts!

I so enjoyed being in the Mile-High Hearts: Denver Bandits Baseball world for the first time. I loved what all that baseball and the other characters brought to this story!

With Passed Ball, Ms.Everett has created such a wonderful sports / workplace romance that brought baseball, family, depth, heart, steam, and so many feels that all kept me turning the pages! I'm so glad that I finally got to read this author's work with Vivi and Xavier's story. I can't wait to go back and pick up the four previous installments in this series! 💗⚾🍼

Be sure to check out the author's note about the content/triggers.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Notes PR / the author*
Profile Image for Rachel Nahabedian.
828 reviews25 followers
March 15, 2025
Loved it (rounded up)

This was such a great ending of the series. Each of the past couples were there but we also (finally) got Xavier and Vivienne.

Let me tell you that this book was written just for me because I go feral for redheads, catchers, and single dads. This book has all of it in Xavier!

Both Xavier and Vivienne have a past that stops them from having a relationship. Xavier has a brand new baby, being a single dad, and the start of baseball season. He can't hold down a nanny and to say he's struggling is an understatement.

Vivienne has her own family struggles she's still trying to move past. She's trying to focus on herself and what she wants outside of her family. Trying not to be a people pleaser and starting to be a self-pleaser. Her niece, Tenley, is more like her own child and her little sister and her best friend all in one. Because Tenley ends up being Xavier's nanny, she gets a second chance at a good impression with Xavier.

There's an Org@sm wishlist and both start working their way through it. It's just a situationship. We all know how those go. It's a textbook formula, but the heart between the two of these characters is what makes it a little different. The journey these two go through. The fact that they never hide what they're doing and the connection that Vivi and Holland end up having just melt Xavier and he stops fighting.

There's something about a single dad/non nanny romance that always hits the spot for me. Nothing against nannies or single dad/nanny romances, but they always seem so convenient and easy. With non-nannies there's more work to put in to the relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable and the fact that their original meeting(s) have all been horrible, there's something extra with things going right for Xavier when it comes to Vivienne is everything.

I've been reading this series out of order so while the series is over, I'm happy I still have a few stragglers to read and keep this party going.

Thank you, Lo Everett for the ARC.
Profile Image for Renee (aredheadwithbedhead).
204 reviews36 followers
March 20, 2025
“Nothing compares to the sight of you uninhibited, claiming the pleasure you deserve. You’re a damn masterpiece with my name pouring out of your mouth.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

What an AMAZING conclusion to an incredible series!! Passed Ball will melt your heart, it’s so satisfyingly spicy, incredibly funny and exactly the sports romance I needed right now!

As in all her books, Lo has made me fall in love with yet another MMC, and this one is the GINGER DADDY of my dreams! When Xavier’s ex walks out on him after the birth of their daughter Holland, he’s left to find a way to give her the best life possible as a single parent. With the season is about to start, he desperately hires the niece of the one woman who truly dislikes him, Vivienne Cardoza, forcing them closer than ever.

Okay, first…this man is SO COMMITTED to his daughter that you will melt into a puddle 😭 Second, he is the kindest golden retriever with the FILTHIEST mouth and he’s on a mission to make Vivi know how much he worships her!

🔥 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: Xavier’s confidence, his determination to show her what the right partner can be like, and the claiming things he says were SO HOT! There’s an spicy list and a few surprise microtropes that I promise will not disappoint. The moment these two set aside their differences and give into their chemistry, they are FIRE.

Vivi was such a powerhouse FMC. She spent her whole life in service of others and now safeguards her heart and independence very closely. She might have started the book with a colder exterior, but her character growth throughout the book was so sweet to witness.

Last but not least, we need to have a round of applause for Tenley, Vivi’s niece and Holland’s nanny. This side character had me laughing so hard and was truly the rockstar of this book! You’ll LOVE HER and her master manipulation plans 😂👏🏻

If you’re looking for a spicy baseball romance, with the sweetest single dad, the strongest found family vibes and hilarious banter, you’ll want to start reading this one today!

Thank you to Lo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩵 I’ll miss the Bandits family so much, but it’s not goodbye!
Profile Image for Ashley | AJBOOKADVENTURES.
19 reviews
March 19, 2025
4.5 /5 ⭐️
4/5🌶️

Ahhh, okay! This book was seriously amazing. I was a little worried because babies/pregnancy, etc are not one of my preferred tropes. However, it was not the singular focus of the characters and I loved the way Lo wrote it!

This book is the finale of the Denver Bandits series, although all of them can be read as a standalone. We finally get Ginger Daddy Xavier’s story, as well as the icon that is Vivi. This is a smidge of a second chance romance, as Vivi and Xavier have met before… but it didn’t go well. But now Xavier has become a single dad through his ex and Vivi gets to see a completely new side of him. Neither one of them wants a relationship but there’s no harm in giving into their chemistry right??

What I loved about this story is that it is a romance but it was also about the characters finding themselves both together and separately. Both of them have had trauma that follows them into their present day lives. Xavier had to find his personal strength and confidence in being a dad and partner, while Vivi needs to find a way through her hyper independence to accept the love and care that she deserves. They both support each other in a way that builds up their relationship and allows them to have individual growth.

Oh and did I mention that there is a spice list?? Because YEAH. And it’s just as fun to check off as you would have imagined. 🍓🍓🍓

The only thing I wish is that we would have gotten a little more fluffiness between the characters because I absolutely love their dynamic. And I need more Tenley’s story, now!

Overall, this book was the perfect ending to the Denver Bandits story. Xavier and Vivi were amazing characters with a perfect storyline. I loved how we got a perfect little wrap up to everyone’s story as well. I will miss this universe so much but I can’t wait for Lo Everett’s future novels!

Thank you to Lo Everett for this ARC and for sharing this world with me.

Read for:
⚾️ Baseball Romance
⚾️ Spice List
⚾️ Single Dad
⚾️ Situationship
⚾️ Dual POV
Profile Image for Kylie Bernhardt.
98 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2025
"...intrusive thoughts are normal. Surviving, let alone thriving, with these nonstop grenades of terror being launched at you by your own subconscious, every second of every day, seems too daunting to be normal."

"There’s more love here than there is in some homes, and this is as much a family as those by blood."

As a mother, I physically cannot fathom a mother not wanting anything to do with her baby minutes after being born. But it happens every day, and it sounds like the best thing that could have happened for Holland. Vivienne is a better mother figure to Holland than her birth mom could be. Xavier, as a single dad, is something else! He was a bit of a hot mess in the beginning, but weren't we all?? Moms, dads, doesn't matter - newborn life is not for the weak! And he handled it so well with the help of the Bandits family.

One of my favorite things about the whole series ( I haven't read book 2 yet, but I'm pretty sure it's got a similar vibe.) is the found family within the Denver Bandits. Everyone already knew Vivienne through the charity that works with the team, but when she started spending more time with Xavier, she was welcomed in with open arms despite their "situationship" status. Because let's be honest, everyone knew it was always going to be more than a situationship between them! I mean, that chemistry, though!

The best part of the final book in the Denver Bandits series was definitely the "O List." Vivi hasn't ever been treated well in the bedroom in the past, and Xavier sets out to change that immediately. He tells her to make a list and make a list, she does! But the whole thing is so much more than a list. It's about Xavier teaching her to be more empowered and speak about what she wants - in and out of the bedroom. Vivi's walls are built high to protect herself and her independence, but Xavier is able to break them down little by little until they come completely crumbling down!

This was a beautiful ending to this series, and I couldn't have asked for anything more!
Profile Image for Ehva .
271 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2025
4.5 stars ❤️

Xavier and Vivienne 🥹🔥😍 Absolutely phenomenal and breathtaking! The story, writing, characters, spice, angst, and chemistry 🧎‍♀️ I could not get enough. Thank you so much, Lo Everett, for the ARC ❤️

Xavier Kingsley 🤭 6'4, blue eyes, handsome beyond words, protective, possessive, sunshine, charming, seductive, a billionaire, catcher for the Bandits, a baseball player, the most amazing and loving single dad, and obsessed with his woman. His bond with Viv is sizzling 🔥 Their journey from enemies to lovers was perfect 🔥 The mouth on this man and the absolute skill 🧎‍♀️😏 The book starts off with Xavier meeting his ex, who didn't inform him about her pregnancy, and he immediately notices how flighty she is. She proves him right when she abandons him and Holland the day after her birth. It was heartwarming to witness how dedicated he is to not only being there for his daughter but also to being the best dad he could possibly be.

Vivienne Cardoza 😍 Beautiful, intelligent, feisty, striking green eyes Xavier that can't get out his head, successful, resourceful, Director of Operations for a youth camp - Double Play, protective, possessive, sassy, bold and inexperienced. Her annoyance towards Xavier started when he assumed she was just another flirty fan 😂 The man worked on her nerves every time they met! Xavier overhears her speaking to the WAGs about never having an orgasm with a man, and shortly after, he volunteers to help 😏🔥 He makes her write out an orgasm wishlist, which he is more than eager to fulfill 😏

Viv asks her niece, Tenley, to help watch Holland after Xav's nanny abandons them in the middle of the afternoon, and their relationship only gets deeper now that they're constantly in each other's orbit. It helps even more that they've been drawn to each other since their first meet 🥹 I loved everything about this couple! From their first meet to their happily ever after! They deserved this and their beautiful family more than anything 😍
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