Way Off Base

North Bay #3

by Stephanie Giese

Asking for help is hard enough, but when the problem is this embarrassing, reaching out for advice couldn't possibly be any more humiliating. Or so I thought until I accidentally forwarded the most awkward voicemail of my life to my brother's best friend. Now North Bay's gorgeous first baseman knows way more about me than he bargained for, and this situation is getting entirely out of hand.


Way Off Base is Book 3 in the North Bay Series. This is a standalone with interconnected characters. It contains mild-to-medium open door spice.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 13, 2026

About the author

Stephanie Giese specializes in creating cozy chaos. Since we know you're wondering, her last name rhymes with "rice." If you like small-town romance and tropes like found family, you're in the right place! Stephanie writes lightly spicy love stories and classic romantic comedies intended to make you laugh out loud while also addressing more serious concerns like mental health, treatment, and consent. Originally from Maryland, she now lives in Florida with her large family and one very naughty beagle.

In addition to her contemporary romance books, Stephanie's writing has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and three humor anthologies, including the New York Times best-selling I JUST WANT TO PEE ALONE. In 2021, she worked in collaboration with her oldest son, Nicholas, on the memoir ALL I NEVER KNOWED, which addresses the children's mental health crisis in America. Her parenting articles have been featured on HuffPost, Good Morning America, Parents Magazine, and the Today Show. She has also worked for multiple non-profit organizations as a parenting "expert" (which she thinks is hilarious, as she never claimed to know what she was doing).

After a fifteen-year career creating parenting content and working as a children's mental health advocate, Stephanie decided to focus on something new that made her smile. At the top of the list? Romance novels. She is now the author of the North Bay romantic comedy series, which begins with OUT OF LEFT FIELD.

Follow her author journey on TikTok or Instagram @stephaniegieseauthor

Visit her website & sign up for the newsletter to receive free bonus scenes: https://www.stephaniegiese.com/

Purchase signed copies and book boxes: https://www.etsy.com/shop/stephaniegiese

Reviews

[Brandi T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first came across Stephanie’s books a few months ago when I walked into my local B&N where she was promoting Out of Left Field and Right as Rain. I walked up to her table and spoke to her for a bit and I bought both of her books which she kindly signed. I came home and read them back to back in the matter of days. I fell in love with the town of North Bay.

So when i saw she was looking for ARC readers for Way off Base I knew I had to sign up. So here we are. I finished Shelly and Jordan’s story and I can honestly say it was so beautiful reading the development of their relationship. I loved how it touches on how relationships don’t always have to be physical and that the emotional connection is just as important. Stephanie’s books are well written and keep you interested during the whole book. I love North Bay and I hope we can some more of it.

[Tara May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie is so good at writing books that speak to your soul! Way Off Base is such a fine example of finding your person and growing a relationship the right way! Women are often shamed when our bodies don’t work the way we want them too, and Stephanie reminded us that with the right person by our side, we can be loved!

I love the character development, the way Jordan and Shelley develop their relationship through their words and their emotions. Their story is a good reminder that we are all different in our own ways and being accepted for who we are is truly what being loved is all about.

I did receive a copy of this book for review, but my views are my own!

[Melissa Holifield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ever ARC read and I was very nervous about it. What if I hate the book? What if I have to write a bad review (because I won't be anything but honest) and I hurt the author's feelings?
So imagine my relief to find the FMC very relatable in that way. Adult ADHD and obvious OCD causing extreme overthinking. I loved the representation of neurodiversity that wasn't viewed as negative. I loved the personal and relationship growth between Shelley and Jordan. Pacing was done well and made for a quick read. I would have loved for the final chapter to be a little longer though. IYKYK
I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Giese!

[Karen Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions. Shelley has every woman’s nightmare an intimate voicemail sent to the wrong person but turns out to be the right person in the end.
Shelly and Jordan are really made for each other, both drowning under emotional baggage. You feel so sorry for Shelley and her problem but Jordan can help if only she’d let him.
A charming story of two people overcoming life’s challenges to get their HEA

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy Stradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Shelley is a law student and Jordan is a minor league baseball player and Shelley’s brother’s best friend. Shelley accidentally sends Jordan a personal text meant for someone else and it starts their friendship which evolves into more. Aside from not wanting to hurt her brother, Shelley is also neurodivergent and has had problems in the past with intimacy. Jordan has his own insecurities about his sexuality so they bond quickly. This story has funny parts, but also has emotional family dynamics. It can be read as a standalone, but is the third book in the North Bay Series. Thank you to Stephanie Giese for the opportunity to ARC read this.

[Paula Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely am honored that I was given this advanced readers copy to read. I do now know that I definitely need to read the first 2 books in this series. I love Jordan like is he not the best man ever? I feel if I write too much I will spoil this book for others!

[Sky-Niya Minter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was something different for me I usually read thriller or dark romance or fantasy but I can honestly say I loved every second of this book

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚾✨ ARC Book Review: Way Off Base by Stephanie Giese ✨⚾

If you’re looking for a small-town, brother’s best friend romance packed with heart, humor, and all your favourite tropes—including found family—Way Off Base delivers big time. Stephanie Giese blends laugh-out-loud awkward moments with genuine emotional depth, creating a story that’s both swoony and meaningful.

Shelley is just trying to ask for help… but when the problem is this embarrassing, the last thing she expects is to accidentally forward the world’s most mortifying voicemail to her brother’s best friend. Suddenly, North Bay’s gorgeous first baseman knows way more about her body than anyone ever should—and things quickly spiral from uncomfortable to undeniably electric.

What makes this story shine is its responsible physical and mental health representation, paired with characters who feel warm, real, and wonderfully human. Jordan and Shelley’s dynamic is tender, funny, and absolutely addictive.

⚾ What I loved:
✨ Sharp, playful banter and off-the-charts chemistry
✨ A brother’s-best-friend setup done so right
✨ Neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ representation woven respectfully and naturally
✨ Dual POV that makes you fall for both characters
✨ A perfect balance of heart, humor, and mild-to-medium open-door spice

Way Off Base is Book 3 in the North Bay Series, but works as a dual-POV standalone with interconnected characters—and it’s easily a new favorite.

Added the first two to my TBR. Loved it. 😍📚

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5

A must read for all ✨

Plot: A young adult romance with brother's best friend while being strongly present for herself and the things that matter.

Genre: Young Adult Romance, Sports Romance, Small Town Romance

Highlight:
+Sensitivity to mental health terminologies
+Acknowledgement of LGBTQIA+
+Respect to Consent
+Acknowledging the conflict with family
+Character description
+Dual POV

My experience: The plot is very simple to understand, however the way it caters to the challenges, curiosity and exploration that are a significant part of young adulthood is brilliant. It clearly gives strong space and voice to how sexual concerns and consent require a genuine space among relationships without being considered as a taboo. It easily transitions to all the conversation between FL and ML regarding their perceived flaws, insecurities and the need for a safe space to communicate it all is truly the biggest highlight. I truly loved that ✨
Although, I really did find the epilogue section a bit rushed but all the other things were so good that I won't be reducing the rating for it. It deserves to be read by all readers and authors to understand the depth and intensity of safe communication space in any relationship.

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

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW | ⭐️ 4 | 🌶️ 0.5

From page one, I knew this book was going to deliver on representation and wow, did it. A neurodivergent FMC, LGBTQIA+ exploration, and the realities of addiction within families… this story had depth, honesty, and real heart.

Shelly is one of the most authentic neurodivergent heroines I’ve read. The way the author captured an ADHD brain, Spot. On! Every high, every crash, every “why isn’t the world built for me?” moment felt raw and incredibly real. It was refreshing, validating, and beautifully written.

Jordan’s journey in understanding and expressing his sexuality was just as compelling. His open conversations with Shelly were soft, vulnerable, and some of the best moments in the book.

Their relationship unfolds slowly, naturally, and with intention. Jordan giving Shelly the time and space her brain needs. That was a highlight gentle, patient, and deeply respectful.

If I had one issue, it’s that Mikey’s reaction dipped a little too far into alpha-male territory, and I wished for a bit more connection with the side characters. But honestly the representation steals the show here thoughtful, layered, and done with genuine care.

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

[Kandice Coppala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. Stephanie never disappoints when it comes to tackling heavier, often overlooked topics with both authenticity and heart, and this story is no exception. Shelley’s journey with her sexual health is one we don’t see nearly enough in fiction, handled with honesty, empathy, and a very “human” aspect.

Stephanie takes the so-called “taboo” of women’s sexual health and needs, flips it the bird, and reminds readers that our stories deserve to be told. What I loved most is how she balances that vulnerability with her signature humor, giving us characters who feel both deeply human and delightfully witty.

Simply put, I’ll read anything Stephanie writes. Here’s to hoping this isn’t our last visit to North Bay!

[Latisha Jahoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting to read about Jordan and Shelly since the first book in the North Bay series. I knew their story was going to be amazing but honestly I was not prepared for the emotional journey this was going to take me on.

The author did such an amazing job with describing the aspects of Shelly’s mental health and even Jordan’s struggles that it had me tearing up.

I’m so sad that this is the last book but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.

Favorite moment: learning that Jordan crochets. Like come on, did we need even more reasons to fall in love with him.

I did receive an ARC of the novel but this review is my honest opinion after having read the series and falling in love with the characters.

[Aivy’s One More Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve officially found my new book boyfriend!

Jordan is everything a person would want in a partner. Patience, kind, caring, loving, understanding and of course good looking, specially with the glasses! I love that Stephanie’s books are close door romance but this one felt like the door cracked open a bit and gave us a mild level of spice (if you read it, you know what I’m talking about). I would’ve loved to know if Shelly found her big “O” but by that epilogue I’m guessing YES!
I think this is the last one in the series? I am sad it’s over but so glad I read them and was part of their love story. I think the person I will miss the most is Honey but I know we’ll all miss her!

[Mackenzie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Stephanie is so good at writing realistic scenarios and emotions into her stories. This is what makes me lo e the North Bay series the most. Shelley and Jordan's story is the most realistic in my opinion. Stephanie did a great job portraying neurodivergence and the idea that we are all just doing our best to figure life out on our own terms.

Shelley and Jordan's story is so tender. you can feel how much they care for each other with every word. I loved reading about how their relationship develops together and also as individual characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back to North Bay.

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Shelly’s story her brain is a lot like mine and doesn’t turn off. Sometimes you meet the one person who can shut it all down.

Best friends little sister trope

Age gap

Found family/love

I love a good broken man but in this case she was broken and I can relate to that I too have felt broken being a woman with medical problems no one can solve. To have the support Jordan shows is unwavering. Yes again another underrated series. Well done. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I received an advanced eBook copy, these opinions are solely my own.

I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I am immediately adding the first and second book to my tbr list. I loved reading about their relationship and felt as though some of these topics were really important conversations to be had. The characters were so relatable and it was nice to be able to see some struggles from another person's POV. The relationship was so sweet and supportive while they worked their own issues.

[Zoey’s Review Corners❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My greatest fault was I just found this author because what do you mean I loved this book front to back. Damn girl you really know how to get a girl hooked. Jordan was such a cutie patuti I absolutely loved him the whole book. Shelly was such a sunshine character with a lot of depth I absolutely loved her so much. I loved the two of them individually but when the got together I was swooning through and through. These two belonged together from chap one to the last. No notes no unnecessary smut no 3rd act absolutely loved it and would recommend.

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵ARC READER🩷

WAY OFF BASE by Stephanie Giese... what an amazing book! This hits a topic I've never seen addressed in a romance novel before and it's such a sweet story!

Jordan is such a sweetheart and is definitely my favorite MMC of the series.
Shelly is a highly relatable FMC and I see a lot of myself in her, and that makes me love her even more.

Looking for a series of short and sweet sports romance books? The North Bay series is for you!

(all opinions are my own and given freely)

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

the author can do no wrong i swear. every book i read of theirs is always a hit and this one was no different. this one took you on a roller coaster of emotions. the topics discussed in this book were done so well and honestly. the characters was relatable and the book flowed with ease. i loved reading about the relationship and getting different pov of the struggles that were overcome. overall i highly recommend this

[Dominique Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so happy I got to arc read this book. This is a cute book but I do feel like the whole sex problem dragged a little too long for me. Other than that I love how open these characters become to each other. Building a friendship before a relationship definitely helps build the love. I enjoyed reading this book. Definitely give this book a try!

[Cassie Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously enjoyed this short read so much! Reading about the personal struggles and how they affect your everyday life and relationships was amazing! The happily ever after was even better! Lighter on the spice but kept me engaged. Love a good brother’s best friend trope!