Swinging for the Fence

by Nicole Crystal

Rule #1 of Natalie Ashford's Single Mom Never, ever fall for your kid's babysitter.

Especially when he's a 22-year-old baseball phenomenon with scouts watching his every move and dimples deep enough to get lost in. But when Miles Jacobs—with his farm boy charm and morning coffee ritual—moves into her spare room, Natalie's carefully constructed boundaries start crumbling faster than her resolve.

Miles has his eye on one making it to the majors. Babysitting a 12-year-old baseball fanatic? Just a means to an affordable housing end. Falling for said fanatic's gorgeous, stubborn, entirely-too-old-for-him mother? Definitely not part of the game plan.

Between morning coffee battles, early-morning dishwasher repairs, and the way Natalie quotes his batting average from memory, Miles finds himself rewriting his future playbook.

At least until the MLB draft starts calling his name...

A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud rom-com about finding home plate exactly where you least expect it. Because sometimes the perfect pitch has you Swinging for the Fence.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2025

Reviews

[Keeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! I just got my ARC and have not been able to put it down! Must read ! Nat and Miles are just perfect 😍 and Camden is golden! Really hoping there’s more books coming in this universe!

[Stephanie Hemry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie and Miles captured my heart from the beginning. There was a lot of character development throughout the story, both between the characters, as well as individually. This was one of the more realistic baseball rom coms I have read, and I loved the fact that the main character Natalie was older as most books I've read with an age gap have the MMC as the older one. I have read Nicole Crystal's other books "Rewriting the Rules" & "Rewriting December " so I also thoroughly enjoyed being able to see some of the other characters from those books make some appearances in this one.

[Dana Eisinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I learned about Crystal Nicole after winning one of her books in a Goodreads Giveaway. Now I’m hooked. Thanks to the author for this ARC. She does such a great job of character development and love all the side relationships too. Definitely try her books! This one features a single mom and an age gap relationship with a baseball player.

[Crystal Littler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The relationships and the love story was perfect. this was really well written too. Overall a good story

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. All the characters added something to the story. While it’s a little unusual to think a 22 year old male and a 30 year old would consider dating and falling in love, these characters and their situation just made sense and it worked.

Miles isn’t the typical 22 year old college athlete and being the oldest of 7 kids certainly made him the perfect fit to help Natalie with her son Caden. I am a huge lifelong baseball fan, so I loved the entire baseball storyline and found it to be about the most realistic portrayal in a sports romance about baseball that I’ve read.

So much to love about this book and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for further books by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Cohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So stinkin’ cute! You can’t help but to root for Nat and Miles!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we can do 4.5 stars.

The author did a great job writing this story. I love how for an age gap main character it was the FMC. Majority of the age gap storyline is usually is usually the male.

This is one story where the characters were allowed to grow and take their time figuring things out for themselves. It reminds me of everyday life and the choices we make daily. I can't go into much on this point because it will give spoilers.

I didn't give the full 5 because it took to the end of the story for the FMC to be secure in her decision.

Other than this is was great with a little bit of spice. ;)

[briebriereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚾️ Age Gap
🧢 Spice
⚾️ Found Family
🧢 Second Chances (at life!)
⚾️ Witty Banter
🧢 HEA

This is the second book I’ve read by Nicole Crystal. Both times I’ve been so enamored by her stories that I had a hard time putting the book down! Nat and Miles are the main characters of this book. While their situation is less than ideal, their chemistry is perfect. Their banter is witty. They both have to make hard decisions about life. I love Miles. He was a perfect MC. Caring, patient, thoughtful, and knows what he wants. Natalie is admirable as well. She’s had a hard life alone so when Miles shows up he makes her question and feel things she hasn’t before. I am a sucker for a good HEA. And as a baseball fan, this was a good read!

I have said this before, but Rewriting December was one of my favorite reads last year so I’ll always recommend checking that book out as well!

I’m hoping there’s another book coming about Ryan & Claire 👀

[Angie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand slam! Nicole Crystal has developed a home-run-hit plot. Filled with heart and warmth, her characters come alive. It is a bit repetitive at times and also contains a few editing issues. However, her love of the game shines through and makes you weak in the knees.

[Debbie Pyette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Nat and Miles unlikely relationship was more believable with the length of time it took to develop. Miles had a lot of patience. This book would be appealing to Baseball fans. Thanks to the author for the arc. This is my honest opinion.

[Amanda Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing. I laughed a little, and I cried a little, but it all came together perfectly. This is an author I will be keeping my eyes on. Absolutely, terrifically heartwarming.

[Megan Harvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun rom-com that couldn't put down

[Barbara Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review which I caught myself not being able to put down 😍
First read by this author
Age gap in reverse definitely refreshing
Natalie has a lot in her past to keep her from ever dreaming let alone let herself find possibly a second love...
Miles may be young but who says his upbringing keeps him from making several dreams of his come true...My new book BF for sure 🥵
Lots of emotions
Only wish it had a tad more spice although the burn throughout is HOT

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the idea of this book and the characters, but some of the writing style made it not my favorite. How most of the chapters started bugged me - like, just get to the plot? Idk. And it felt like it should have been condensed into a novella. And the ending? It felt like their plan wasn’t the best. Like him spending 8 months of the year away from them was a solution? Not my favorite.

[Nuclerjon · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this 5 stars. loved the age gap part where the woman is the older one. there is not many books like that way around. it was actually nice that her ex became friends with the new guy in her life instead of being against like he did at first.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

just finished this and I loved it. I love how practical it was whilst also showing a single mum struggling with being truly happy or not

[Melissa Kastner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise. A slow burn age gap sports romance with a bit of spice. Miles is a college baseball player with plenty of dreams to choose from. Natalie is a single mom with dreams of her own and needs help with her son while she works. It’s instant attraction between Mikes and Nat

The romance was slow building with Nat and Miles building their friendship first, learning to trust each other. I liked how it didn’t feel rushed or forced and you actually wanted this couple to make it.

Miles is a loveable almost to perfect guy but you definitely plant yourself in his corner, I mean he pays attention and listens. And Natalie is doing the best she can in doing what’s right for all of them even though she worries Miles will leave like everyone else.

And I loved Miles family and their easy acceptance and willingness to get to know Natalie and her son.

And you meet Natalie’s mom and their relationship and the issues were well written and made you feel for Natalie and her sister.

Definitely worth the read and would recommend.

[Gretchen (we_read_past_our_bedtime) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎:
📚 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
✍️ 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹
⭐️ 5/5

Natalie is dead set on avoiding romantic entanglements—especially with her son’s babysitter… who just so happens to be a 22-year-old, up-and-coming baseball star.

Miles takes the gig to save money while chasing his MLB dreams. But as their lives begin to collide—through morning coffee, dishwasher disasters, and Natalie secretly memorizing his batting stats—their boundaries start to crumble.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the age gap (especially with the MMC being younger), but Miles completely won me over. He’s got the heart of an old soul, the charm of a cinnamon roll, and trust me… falling for him is inevitable.

What truly made this book stand out? Nicole Crystal’s WRITING. It’s warm, funny, passionate, and so refreshingly real. I loved how each chapter opened with a reflective thought—it felt like the author was letting you in on something personal, setting the tone for what was to come and quietly tracking each character’s emotional journey.

Both Natalie and Miles are working through big life shifts—second chances, unexpected love, and redefining what success really means.

Swinging for the Fence is a total home run. If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh, swoon, and feel like you’re part of the story—this one deserves a spot in your 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗢𝗪, 𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡. ♥️

[Angie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I did, but it totally surprised me. The age gap dynamic felt different in the best way, Miles and Natalie just made sense together. It wasn’t forced or cringey, it felt real. And I actually loved that the FMC was the older one for once. It was refreshing to see that flipped.

Miles is mature beyond his years and his connection with Natalie’s son, Caden, added so much heart to the story. Their bond made everything between Miles and Natalie feel even more believable. I also have to say the sports angle was one of the most realistic I’ve read in a romance.

This was a great slow burn with just enough spice and a ton of heart. I laughed, I got a little teary, and by the end, I didn’t want to leave these characters behind. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles and Natalie should not work. Natalie is almost a decade older than Miles and she is a single mom of a pre-teen. Miles is a college senior who is about to be drafted to the MLB. But Miles needs a place to stay and Natalie needs someone to watch her son. The attraction is immediate, but oh so forbidden!

Miles is pulled in so many directions. Should he go into the draft and live his dream? Would Natalie and Caden come with him? Could he help make Natalie's dreams come true? What about the farm that his dad says is Miles' legacy?

Natalie is having trouble with the age difference and is just now starting to come into her career dreams. Will Miles leave her like everyone else has left her?

I loved Miles and Natalie's story! Nicole Crystal writes engaging stories and very developed characters. This one is a grand slam!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swinging for the Fence is a grand slam and a top favorite baseball romance book for me! I am obsessed with Miles and Natalie! Their connection and relationship growth was beautiful and heartwarming. I could not get enough of them as a couple and as a family with Natalie’s son Caden. Miles is ultimate book boyfriend material with an old soul and mature beyond his years. Miles has a special family and I loved how they welcomed Natalie and Caden from the beginning. I am looking forward to more books by Nicole Crystal.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won in a giveaway. I love a quasi forced proximity forbidden roommate trope in a romance book, but man was this a slow burn. Took forever for them to get together after pages and pages of agonizing “I want to, but we shouldn’t”. Kind of wore me out. I liked it when they got together and wanted more of that. They were cute together. Very little in the spice department if that’s something you’re looking for. Overall it was cute but dragged on a bit for me.

[Melissa Eyben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read for me by Nicole Crystal!! I love how this author develops these amazing realistic characters that become a part of you as you read. This story of a guarded single mom and a young but mature up-and-coming baseball player captured my heart with all the feels!

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, but i got distracted by the typos and repeated sentences

[Hannah Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles is the epitome of a great man written by a woman… flawed but such a gem when it counts!! Excited to see what happens with Claire, Ryan, and the MCs in the next story!