Haylee Trew has served up the ultimate swoony, spicy, feel-it-in-your-bones romance with Strike Three. I devoured this book and lived for every single second of Madelyn and Carter’s fiery, banter-filled, emotionally loaded story.
Let’s talk about these two. Madi and Carter start with a one-night stand that quickly explodes into something so much more—an epic friendship wrapped in tension, trust, and absolutely magnetic chemistry. Their connection is instant, but the way they grow together is what really makes this book shine. The banter? Top-tier. The flirting? Delicious. The emotional intimacy? Gut-punching in the best way.
Despite their age gap (which they joke about constantly), they fit. Effortlessly. Carter sees Madi—every sharp edge, every soft part—and he meets her exactly where she is. And Madi? She brings out this beautiful, untapped side of Carter that’s just...everything. He starts as the guy who never saw himself with a wife or a kid—and ends up being the most loving, protective, head-over-heels family man for Madi and Bailey. The way he falls in love with both of them made my ovaries ache. No joke, I was kicking my feet and squealing with every sweet scene.
Madi is a powerhouse. Fierce, loyal, and absolutely devoted to her daughter, she’s a mama bear in heels and a heart of gold. Her friendships with Erica and Sarah? So real, so ride-or-die, and full of the kind of moments that made me laugh and tear up all in one chapter.
And the family dynamics? WOW. Madi and Carter don’t just fall for each other—they bring their entire lives along for the ride, and it’s beautiful to watch. Madi’s parents are loving, grounded, and fiercely protective of their daughter and granddaughter. Their warmth radiates off the page and you can tell exactly where Madi gets her strength from. Carter’s parents? Equally amazing. Supportive, open-hearted, and fully in his corner even when he’s fumbling his way through love and fatherhood. They don’t just accept Madi and Bailey—they embrace them. It’s the kind of blended-family magic that makes your heart feel so damn full.
Carter’s teammates also add so much color and comic relief, but they’re also his rock-solid support system when things get tough. And Madi’s ex? Let’s just say he deserves a very special place in the literary hall of shame. A manipulative, selfish snake who never deserved a woman like Madi or a daughter like Bailey. Watching Carter step into that space and love them the way they should be loved? Utterly satisfying.
And we cannot forget the spice. This book brings the heat. Carter is flirty, filthy, and oh-so-kinky—but only for Madi. Their intimacy is more than just steam—it’s this perfect blend of passion and deep emotional connection that makes every spicy scene hit hard. You’ll need a fan. Or two.
Plus—TWO epilogues! Haylee Trew blesses us with not one but two perfect endings, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing how far this little family comes, and dreaming about Bailey’s future story? Pure joy.
If you love stories with heart, heat, family, found love, and banter that will leave you cackling—Strike Three is your next read. This book had me kicking my feet, gasping, laughing, and swooning nonstop.