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New York Stars #3
Fielder's Choice
Hearts live by being wounded… but sometimes those wounds run deeper than the surface.
Olive Finch should be in the prime of her life at twenty-three. But after shutting herself off from everything and everyone for six years, she’s only just starting out. Trying to find her path, she starts teaching ballet lessons at her mother’s studio. It’s there she meets her student Sage, daughter of Lane Brooks, center fielder for the New York Stars.
Lane has never taken life too seriously… that is, until he finds out he got his one-night stand pregnant. As a single dad, he always puts his daughter first, but at thirty-two, he longs to give Sage a family and find someone to share his life with. After a chance meeting with a beautiful woman at a coffee shop, he’s practically ready to drop to one knee.
When they meet again, it isn’t as strangers. To Lane, it’s fate. And Olive can’t deny how much she enjoys having him around.
But when secrets kept and truths exposed leave them both reeling, it’s clear that trauma has become an unwelcome third wheel. Can they leave their respective pasts behind, or is just being the fielder’s choice not enough?
Olive Finch should be in the prime of her life at twenty-three. But after shutting herself off from everything and everyone for six years, she’s only just starting out. Trying to find her path, she starts teaching ballet lessons at her mother’s studio. It’s there she meets her student Sage, daughter of Lane Brooks, center fielder for the New York Stars.
Lane has never taken life too seriously… that is, until he finds out he got his one-night stand pregnant. As a single dad, he always puts his daughter first, but at thirty-two, he longs to give Sage a family and find someone to share his life with. After a chance meeting with a beautiful woman at a coffee shop, he’s practically ready to drop to one knee.
When they meet again, it isn’t as strangers. To Lane, it’s fate. And Olive can’t deny how much she enjoys having him around.
But when secrets kept and truths exposed leave them both reeling, it’s clear that trauma has become an unwelcome third wheel. Can they leave their respective pasts behind, or is just being the fielder’s choice not enough?
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
4 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 20, 2025
Still wiping my tears and hugging this book tight.
Ashley, you really did that!
Fielder’s Choice is one of the most raw, tender, and emotionally powerful stories. I have read in a long time. Olive’s trauma? Gut – wrenching. But the way Lane showed up for her - with quiet, consent, love and care – was everything. It was not grand gestures, it was the little things. The things that actually matter.
And can we talk about Lane for a second? Top – tear book boyfriend energy . He is vulnerable, steady, and never leaves you guessing where his heart is. I love a man who communicates and means it.
Watching these to build something real, something healing, something beautiful together – it just hit me in all the right places. Their journey was messy, raw, and completely unforgettable.
I laughed. I cried. I highlighted half the book. And now I’m emotionally attached to fictional people..again. This book owns a piece of my soul at this point.
Ashley, thank you for trusting me with this ARC. You are so talented and this story is one I won’t forget!
Ashley, you really did that!
Fielder’s Choice is one of the most raw, tender, and emotionally powerful stories. I have read in a long time. Olive’s trauma? Gut – wrenching. But the way Lane showed up for her - with quiet, consent, love and care – was everything. It was not grand gestures, it was the little things. The things that actually matter.
And can we talk about Lane for a second? Top – tear book boyfriend energy . He is vulnerable, steady, and never leaves you guessing where his heart is. I love a man who communicates and means it.
Watching these to build something real, something healing, something beautiful together – it just hit me in all the right places. Their journey was messy, raw, and completely unforgettable.
I laughed. I cried. I highlighted half the book. And now I’m emotionally attached to fictional people..again. This book owns a piece of my soul at this point.
Ashley, thank you for trusting me with this ARC. You are so talented and this story is one I won’t forget!
Read
July 25, 2025Note to self: h was raped by OM. Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
⚾️ No Spoilers ARC Review ⚾️
Lane & Olive’s relationship had me going back to when I first started dating my husband. I was smiling & getting butterflies reading their banter. The vibes were a cute & feel good read other than what Olive experienced in her past.
I loved how Lane had no shame & was so bold with how he felt for Olive! The spicy scenes were the best! 😍 I also enjoyed how genuine their relationship was & their draw to one another. There wasn’t a lot of baseball scenes / talk until the end of the book since their relationship started during Lane’s off season.
I absolutely adore short chapters so thank you for that! Can’t wait to read more about all of the friend group couples! I’m especially intrigued to see Ari & Lucia’s story.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
💞I received this ARC from the author & Book Buzz PR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review 💞
Lane & Olive’s relationship had me going back to when I first started dating my husband. I was smiling & getting butterflies reading their banter. The vibes were a cute & feel good read other than what Olive experienced in her past.
I loved how Lane had no shame & was so bold with how he felt for Olive! The spicy scenes were the best! 😍 I also enjoyed how genuine their relationship was & their draw to one another. There wasn’t a lot of baseball scenes / talk until the end of the book since their relationship started during Lane’s off season.
I absolutely adore short chapters so thank you for that! Can’t wait to read more about all of the friend group couples! I’m especially intrigued to see Ari & Lucia’s story.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
💞I received this ARC from the author & Book Buzz PR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review 💞
June 27, 2025
"... the beauty of this moment is in Lane's eyes, not our surroundings. Its in the way he gazes at me as if I'm precious to him. It's in the way he sees me."
Lane, Olive and Sage were so stinkin' cute together! I loved this from start to finish. It was full of green flag Hero moments, emotional growth, healing, romance, friendship and family. Our MCs are perfect blend of sexy and sweet and their heartfelt romance literally melted me into a puddle. Fielder's Choice is one of the comfiest love stories I've read in a while.
I loved seeing the fun, flirty side of Lane and being around Olive definitely brought this side of him. The Lane we've met in the previous books was a single dad, always responsible and always calm and collected. But from the moment he meets Olive, we get a hint of the old Lane. Down to his core, Lane is a protector and caregiver. Meeting Olive gave him another outlet to love and care for someone but also have someone in his corner, someone he can lean on. And he really was the perfect person to help Olive come out of her shell and reclaim herself.
Olive is an heroine you'll love to root for. Watching her put herself out there for the first time with a cute guy at a coffee shop was adorable and the chemistry between her and Lane was palpable from their very first meet cute 😊 Meeting Lane gives Olive the chance to experience things she thought she'd missed out on when she was younger. Her journey of self discovery and healing from a traumatic past is inspiring. I wish everyone could have the supportive family and friend group that Olive has. Not only does she find love but she gains a beautiful friend group and little Sage too!
If you like spice lessons, trust me when I say you haven't experienced it quiet like the Lane and Olive Edition because not only was it spicy AF, it was so sweet and full of sensual intimacy and promise. It was a slooooow burn that pays off 10 times over.
The connection between Lane and Olive was strong from the very beginning but the romance was a little seedling that need time to grow and with the constant care and attention that they share between them, it really blossomed into a love story that will stay with me rent free for years to come.
Long story short, this book did not disappoint! I loved Olive and Lane and I'm now feral for Ari and Lucia because if there ever was a enemies to lovers, it's these two 😏
Favorite Bits:
🖤 100% LANE!! Smitten Lane, daddy Lane, consent king Lane, porn star Lane! I need them ALL
🖤 The sloooow burn 🔥🔥🔥 *chef's kiss*
🖤 The swoony date nights!
SAFETY INFO:
April 26, 2025
WOW, these two characters! I was in love with Lane and Olive after the first two chapters and I only loved them more as the story went on. Olive's experience was beautifully written and she is an incredible FMC. Lane is the ultimate girl dad and friend. The mental health rep throughout was realistic and consistent. I have loved all the books in this series but these two might be my favorite.
Thank you Ashley for an advance copy!
Thank you Ashley for an advance copy!
April 22, 2025
First things first, all I can say is wow. Ashley, you have truly outdone yourself here, what a book 👏🏼 Not that I expected any less from you but this book was something else entirely.
This book is one of the most raw but beautiful stories. Olive’s trauma was absolutely devastating to read about but the tenderness in which Lane dealt with it was incredible. The smallest but most important acts of care when she needed them helped her heal in a way she never would have expected. They both really needed each other and it shows.
Lane is the most amazing MMC. The way he cares about the people he loves is unmatched. He’d do anything for them to know exactly how he’s feeling so that they’re never left in the dark. He’s open & honest and that was what I loved most about him.
I adored the relationship they built up in this book & the fact that they’ve now got the family they both wanted so bad is everything. I’ve laughed and I’ve had some tears reading this book but I’ve really enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of it all. I have never been so happy for fictional characters & the New York Stars series has my heart forever ❤️🩹
Ashley, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to alpha read Fielders choice for you. It was an honour and I hope you realise just how talented you really are.
This book is one of the most raw but beautiful stories. Olive’s trauma was absolutely devastating to read about but the tenderness in which Lane dealt with it was incredible. The smallest but most important acts of care when she needed them helped her heal in a way she never would have expected. They both really needed each other and it shows.
Lane is the most amazing MMC. The way he cares about the people he loves is unmatched. He’d do anything for them to know exactly how he’s feeling so that they’re never left in the dark. He’s open & honest and that was what I loved most about him.
I adored the relationship they built up in this book & the fact that they’ve now got the family they both wanted so bad is everything. I’ve laughed and I’ve had some tears reading this book but I’ve really enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of it all. I have never been so happy for fictional characters & the New York Stars series has my heart forever ❤️🩹
Ashley, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to alpha read Fielders choice for you. It was an honour and I hope you realise just how talented you really are.
June 16, 2025
Fielder's Choice follows the story of Olive and Lane.
Olive is stepping back into the world of ballet. She was raised in the studio and due to an incident in her teens she stepped away from dancing and tucked herself away. She is going to therapy to help her with her previous trauma and teaching one student a week.
Lane is our single dad who plays baseball! Who doesn't love a single dad sports romance? They are like candy to me! Anyway, Olive is tasked with speaking to a person to help with her therapy of stepping outside her comfort zone. She ends up speaking to our MMC but has no idea who he is until he brings his daughter, Sage to her ballet lesson.
This slow slow burn sports romance showcases how a supportive partner (like Lane) can help you rediscover yourself, discover what an 'o' is and taking your time to learn your partner can be more intimate than anything else. The connection is everything. I really enjoyed the pace of this book because it wasn't overly done on the intimacy and these two characters evolved together.
Fielder's Choice is a slow burn, healing journey for our FMC and a showing of character evolution for our MMC from being a playboy to being a golden retriever down bad for his woman. There is no 3rd act break up and a happy ever after. :D
Olive is stepping back into the world of ballet. She was raised in the studio and due to an incident in her teens she stepped away from dancing and tucked herself away. She is going to therapy to help her with her previous trauma and teaching one student a week.
Lane is our single dad who plays baseball! Who doesn't love a single dad sports romance? They are like candy to me! Anyway, Olive is tasked with speaking to a person to help with her therapy of stepping outside her comfort zone. She ends up speaking to our MMC but has no idea who he is until he brings his daughter, Sage to her ballet lesson.
This slow slow burn sports romance showcases how a supportive partner (like Lane) can help you rediscover yourself, discover what an 'o' is and taking your time to learn your partner can be more intimate than anything else. The connection is everything. I really enjoyed the pace of this book because it wasn't overly done on the intimacy and these two characters evolved together.
Fielder's Choice is a slow burn, healing journey for our FMC and a showing of character evolution for our MMC from being a playboy to being a golden retriever down bad for his woman. There is no 3rd act break up and a happy ever after. :D
June 27, 2025
Thank you so much Ashley & BookBuzz PR for giving me an ARC for Fielder’s choice.
What an absolute book. I fell hard for Lane’s story with Olive and Sage.
This was such a raw book - emotionally. This book held a lot of trauma for both Lane and Olive.
Olive’s story was so beautifully told and the way Lane supported Olive and loved her no matter what and expressed that to her in small yet big gestures was just so beautiful. Her story was so gut wrenching but Ashley you so delicately told it.
Lane was a diamond and I must admit one of my top five MMC’s. The way he loves the people around him and the way be wears his heart on his sleeve and shows how he cares just makes my heart burst. His communication skills, vulnerability and letting you know where his heart is made me even fall in love with him.
The mental health aspect was both realistic and consistent.
I’ve laughed throughout as well as I’ve cried throughout.
I’ve never rooted for two main characters than I have these two. There journey at times was messy but it was healing and raw.
What an absolute book. I fell hard for Lane’s story with Olive and Sage.
This was such a raw book - emotionally. This book held a lot of trauma for both Lane and Olive.
Olive’s story was so beautifully told and the way Lane supported Olive and loved her no matter what and expressed that to her in small yet big gestures was just so beautiful. Her story was so gut wrenching but Ashley you so delicately told it.
Lane was a diamond and I must admit one of my top five MMC’s. The way he loves the people around him and the way be wears his heart on his sleeve and shows how he cares just makes my heart burst. His communication skills, vulnerability and letting you know where his heart is made me even fall in love with him.
The mental health aspect was both realistic and consistent.
I’ve laughed throughout as well as I’ve cried throughout.
I’ve never rooted for two main characters than I have these two. There journey at times was messy but it was healing and raw.
June 26, 2025
Lane Brooks has everything going for him. He’s got a successful career as a baseball hotshot, he’s got a good group of friends and he has an adorable toddler, Sage, who is the light of his life. But as Sage gets older, Lane realizes that he doesn’t want her to grow up without a mother. As he watches his friends all find love and settle down, he feels the lack of companionship in his own life.
Olive Finch is finally stepping out of the shadow of her trauma and living her life. With the help of her family and her therapist, she’s finally ready to step out into the world. She decides to teach ballet at her mother’s ballet school. She’s instantly smitten with her adorable student who just so happens to be Sage. So you can only imagine what happens when Olive and Lane meet!
I loved reading about Lane and Olive’s story. This book was emotional and oh so spicy! I loved the way Ashely wrote Olive, a person touched by her trauma and not governed by it. Lane’s growth was a revelation. He was the perfect partner for Olive. I cannot wait to read about the next couple! I’m hoping it’s a certain trainer and a commitment averse baseball player! 🤭
Olive Finch is finally stepping out of the shadow of her trauma and living her life. With the help of her family and her therapist, she’s finally ready to step out into the world. She decides to teach ballet at her mother’s ballet school. She’s instantly smitten with her adorable student who just so happens to be Sage. So you can only imagine what happens when Olive and Lane meet!
I loved reading about Lane and Olive’s story. This book was emotional and oh so spicy! I loved the way Ashely wrote Olive, a person touched by her trauma and not governed by it. Lane’s growth was a revelation. He was the perfect partner for Olive. I cannot wait to read about the next couple! I’m hoping it’s a certain trainer and a commitment averse baseball player! 🤭
June 24, 2025
❤️🔥ARC REVIEW❤️🔥
📖- Fielders Choice
RELEASED 6/20 ON KU!!!
✍🏻- Ashley Bow
📚- New York Stars series, book 3
Started on June 19th. 2025
Finished on June 20th. 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This was one of the arcs I hoped and hoped I would get, I was seeing it everywhere! I couldn’t be happier or more thankful to be an arc reader for this book! I loved every second of it!! Sage was just the absolute most adorable little thing, probably my favorite character, she kept it real 💁🏻♀️
The trauma was so real, and it was so beautiful getting to see Olive bloom the way she did!! 🥹
I love that it wasn’t the typical nanny/dad romance! I can’t even get started on the friendships in this book either, they were all so beautifully written! I WILL DEFINITELY be going to read the first two books as well, and I WILL ABSOLUTELY be buying a copy of this series for my bookshelves!!
10/10 would certainly recommend!!
LIKE SERIOUSLY, GO READ THIS BOOK!! ❤️🔥
📖- Fielders Choice
RELEASED 6/20 ON KU!!!
✍🏻- Ashley Bow
📚- New York Stars series, book 3
Started on June 19th. 2025
Finished on June 20th. 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This was one of the arcs I hoped and hoped I would get, I was seeing it everywhere! I couldn’t be happier or more thankful to be an arc reader for this book! I loved every second of it!! Sage was just the absolute most adorable little thing, probably my favorite character, she kept it real 💁🏻♀️
The trauma was so real, and it was so beautiful getting to see Olive bloom the way she did!! 🥹
I love that it wasn’t the typical nanny/dad romance! I can’t even get started on the friendships in this book either, they were all so beautifully written! I WILL DEFINITELY be going to read the first two books as well, and I WILL ABSOLUTELY be buying a copy of this series for my bookshelves!!
10/10 would certainly recommend!!
LIKE SERIOUSLY, GO READ THIS BOOK!! ❤️🔥
June 14, 2025
4.5 Stars
I received this book as an arc and read it without obligation. I really enjoyed Olivia and Lane (and little Sage!) this book borders pretty close to insta-love for me, but I liked their characters so much it didn’t really deter me. There were moments that could’ve felt rushed, but the dialogue was done so well it was flushed out even if it felt fast-paced.
I definitely look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received this book as an arc and read it without obligation. I really enjoyed Olivia and Lane (and little Sage!) this book borders pretty close to insta-love for me, but I liked their characters so much it didn’t really deter me. There were moments that could’ve felt rushed, but the dialogue was done so well it was flushed out even if it felt fast-paced.
I definitely look forward to reading the other books in this series.
June 27, 2025
Rate: 5/5 Spice: 5/5
I devoured this book! If you love baseball and ballet you will love this book. This book has single dad, dance teacher, virgin FMC, age gap, and found family. There are some triggers so be sure to read the trigger warnings. We love a patient and supportive MMC. I love how Liv hits on Lane first with the coffee shop meet cute! Also Sage is the most adorable little girl! I highly recommend if you love the single dad trope! 🩷🩰⚾️
I devoured this book! If you love baseball and ballet you will love this book. This book has single dad, dance teacher, virgin FMC, age gap, and found family. There are some triggers so be sure to read the trigger warnings. We love a patient and supportive MMC. I love how Liv hits on Lane first with the coffee shop meet cute! Also Sage is the most adorable little girl! I highly recommend if you love the single dad trope! 🩷🩰⚾️
June 18, 2025
ARC Review
Not much to say. This book was ok. The storyline was pretty predictable, but definitely not the worst thing I’ve ever read. If you want an easy read, this honestly would be a great choice! Sometimes we just need something like this as a palate cleanser.
Not much to say. This book was ok. The storyline was pretty predictable, but definitely not the worst thing I’ve ever read. If you want an easy read, this honestly would be a great choice! Sometimes we just need something like this as a palate cleanser.
June 29, 2025
5 ⭐️
-single dad
-age gap
-found family
-overcoming trauma
-cinnamon roll mmc
-ballet teacher x baseball player
10/10!! What a book. raw. tender. emotional. I laughed, cried & smiled throughout this story. I loved it.
-single dad
-age gap
-found family
-overcoming trauma
-cinnamon roll mmc
-ballet teacher x baseball player
10/10!! What a book. raw. tender. emotional. I laughed, cried & smiled throughout this story. I loved it.
June 23, 2025
⚾️ Single Dad
🩰 Age Gap
⚾️ Center Fielder
🩰 Daughter’s Dance Teacher
⚾️ Found Family
🩰 Dual POV
⚾️ No Third Act Breakup
🩰 Overcoming Trauma
⚾️ Slow(ish) Burn
🩰 Reformed Playboy/Cinnamon Roll MMC
⚾️ Virgin FMC
🩰 Open Door Spice
⚾️ “Teach Me”
🩰 He washes her hair
⚾️ New York Stars Series #3
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hearts live by being wounded… but sometimes those wounds run deeper than the surface.
This is Lane and Sage Brooks' story and I couldn’t wait for this book. Lane has been amazing in the previous books. Sage? She is adorable from the first moment you meet her, and I wanted to know more about their story. I also appreciated that this wasn't your typical single father and nanny love story.
🩰 Olive Finch is our FMC. She is 23 and Sage’s ballet teacher at Finch Ballet Company. She is shy, awkward, and reserved, but she is overcoming some past trauma. She is on a journey to learning to love herself and learning that her trauma doesn’t define her. Her favorite color is pink, and her favorite drink is caramel lattes. "I am courageous. I am loved. I am not my trauma."
⚾️ Lane Brooks is our MMC. He is 32 and is the center fielder for the New York Stars. But his most important job is being a single dad to Sage. Although he is a reformed playboy, Lane is still cocky and a shameless flirt. He is super protective of those he loves. And if you have the privilege of being loved by Lane, consider yourself lucky. “On your darkest days, lean on me, Liv. You’re safe with me, and I’m happy to be your comfort.”
🩰 Sage Brooks is our Little FMC. She is 2 (almost 3) and is the stealer of the show. She is a total Daddy’s Girl who loves dinosaurs, the color purple, and her aunts and uncles. I love how Sage voices her mind, her almost 3-year-old mind. She knows what she likes and wants, and it's adorable. “Lovebug” is obsessed with ballet, and like her daddy, she is also obsessed with Owive. “I like Owive.”
I loved this book. Learning Lane’s back story of him finding out he was gonna be a father, made me love him more. He was all in, scared yes, but completely all in. I had so many emotions while reading this book. I was smiling and giddy with Lane flirting with Olive. The beginning stages of dating are so fun. The getting to know each other, the flirting, the butterflies. It was fun to see their stages. Lane was exactly what Olive needed. He was patient, caring, and so supportive of her. He never once pressured her or pushed her to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with. It was always her speed and her pace. He truly valued her and put her first.
Olive was amazing. She was so caring and a beautiful broken soul. She was overcoming a trauma but I loved how she learned to not let it define her. Her baby steps were good and realistic, she didn’t change overnight. Seeing her out of her comfort when she first approaches Lane is great. My face hurt from smiling so hard during that whole scene. She had her doubts, but she kept pushing. When she was the most herself was in the dance studio. Teaching sage or dancing for herself. I was rooting for Olive from the first page, I wanted her to find her true love and get everything she deserved.
Miss Sage aka Lovebug. She stole every scene she was in and I just wanted to jump in the book so I can hang out with her. So full of love for everyone, and so full of sass and personality. Her favorite person ever was her Daddy, and Owive quickly became her second favorite person. She had all her daddy’s love, and not to mention all the love from her aunts and uncles, and even her “grandpa” Skip. But Lane wanted her to have what she deserved the most, a mommy. He could give her everything but that, and it tore him up. I teared up seeing him so conflicted over wanting to give her that. Lovebug you’re daddy is the best.
Just like the first two books, you get the found family aspect and you get to see everyone from before. I love how close they all are and how they are always there for each other. Always. Family doesn’t always have to be blood and Friends are the families we pick for ourselves.
🩰 Age Gap
⚾️ Center Fielder
🩰 Daughter’s Dance Teacher
⚾️ Found Family
🩰 Dual POV
⚾️ No Third Act Breakup
🩰 Overcoming Trauma
⚾️ Slow(ish) Burn
🩰 Reformed Playboy/Cinnamon Roll MMC
⚾️ Virgin FMC
🩰 Open Door Spice
⚾️ “Teach Me”
🩰 He washes her hair
⚾️ New York Stars Series #3
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hearts live by being wounded… but sometimes those wounds run deeper than the surface.
This is Lane and Sage Brooks' story and I couldn’t wait for this book. Lane has been amazing in the previous books. Sage? She is adorable from the first moment you meet her, and I wanted to know more about their story. I also appreciated that this wasn't your typical single father and nanny love story.
🩰 Olive Finch is our FMC. She is 23 and Sage’s ballet teacher at Finch Ballet Company. She is shy, awkward, and reserved, but she is overcoming some past trauma. She is on a journey to learning to love herself and learning that her trauma doesn’t define her. Her favorite color is pink, and her favorite drink is caramel lattes. "I am courageous. I am loved. I am not my trauma."
⚾️ Lane Brooks is our MMC. He is 32 and is the center fielder for the New York Stars. But his most important job is being a single dad to Sage. Although he is a reformed playboy, Lane is still cocky and a shameless flirt. He is super protective of those he loves. And if you have the privilege of being loved by Lane, consider yourself lucky. “On your darkest days, lean on me, Liv. You’re safe with me, and I’m happy to be your comfort.”
🩰 Sage Brooks is our Little FMC. She is 2 (almost 3) and is the stealer of the show. She is a total Daddy’s Girl who loves dinosaurs, the color purple, and her aunts and uncles. I love how Sage voices her mind, her almost 3-year-old mind. She knows what she likes and wants, and it's adorable. “Lovebug” is obsessed with ballet, and like her daddy, she is also obsessed with Owive. “I like Owive.”
I loved this book. Learning Lane’s back story of him finding out he was gonna be a father, made me love him more. He was all in, scared yes, but completely all in. I had so many emotions while reading this book. I was smiling and giddy with Lane flirting with Olive. The beginning stages of dating are so fun. The getting to know each other, the flirting, the butterflies. It was fun to see their stages. Lane was exactly what Olive needed. He was patient, caring, and so supportive of her. He never once pressured her or pushed her to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with. It was always her speed and her pace. He truly valued her and put her first.
Olive was amazing. She was so caring and a beautiful broken soul. She was overcoming a trauma but I loved how she learned to not let it define her. Her baby steps were good and realistic, she didn’t change overnight. Seeing her out of her comfort when she first approaches Lane is great. My face hurt from smiling so hard during that whole scene. She had her doubts, but she kept pushing. When she was the most herself was in the dance studio. Teaching sage or dancing for herself. I was rooting for Olive from the first page, I wanted her to find her true love and get everything she deserved.
Miss Sage aka Lovebug. She stole every scene she was in and I just wanted to jump in the book so I can hang out with her. So full of love for everyone, and so full of sass and personality. Her favorite person ever was her Daddy, and Owive quickly became her second favorite person. She had all her daddy’s love, and not to mention all the love from her aunts and uncles, and even her “grandpa” Skip. But Lane wanted her to have what she deserved the most, a mommy. He could give her everything but that, and it tore him up. I teared up seeing him so conflicted over wanting to give her that. Lovebug you’re daddy is the best.
Just like the first two books, you get the found family aspect and you get to see everyone from before. I love how close they all are and how they are always there for each other. Always. Family doesn’t always have to be blood and Friends are the families we pick for ourselves.
August 30, 2025
Ughh OH MY GOD!!! You have absolutely no idea how hard I fell in love with this book and the FL Olive Finch and the ML Lane Brooks. Fielder's Choice is my number one favorite summer vacation story that I read this year that had me believe that true love can and does exist in this world. Let me tell you that I could not stop reading once I started. Not only did I fall in love with the two main characters in this beautiful, sweet, heart warming story. But I also fell in love with Lane's adorable sweet daughter Sage 🥹😍💕
Olive is Sage's ballet teacher and teaches her ballet but that's not how Olive met Sage's daddy. Olive met Lane at a coffee shop before Sage's ballet lessons. Loved the courage of Olive to take the initiative to flirt with a guy because usually it's the guy that does it with the woman. I can see a little bit of myself in Olive when it comes to her trying to come out of her comfort zone around handsome men and not be so shy. Olive went through a lot in her life, with what happened to her in her past. Not going to say what it is cuz I don't want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read the book. All I will say is that Lane helped her come out of her comfort zone again and be confident in herself.
Lane is center fielder for the New York Stars baseball team and he didn't plan to have a baby from his one-night stand. But I loved how he took the responsibility to man up and be the dad that he is for his daughter. Something that his ex the mother of his child didn't want to do, because she didn't want nothing to do with the baby sadly. Lane is a single dad raising his sweet daughter Sage, now he thinks it's time that his daughter has a mother figure in her life. He wants for his daughter to have a mom and a family. Someone he can share his life with. That life that he's wanted comes true when he meets Olive at a coffee shop. Sparks fall immediately between the two and they thought they would never see each other again, but they do meet again at Olive's ballet studio where Lane's daughter Sage gets ballet lessons from her. It's fate that they meet again and then spend time together, enjoying each other as both fall in love.
Secrets are kept between them and truths are exposed, that make them question and Olive question is being the fielder's choice not enough. Trauma has become an unwelcome third wheel in their relationship. In the end they make it work and leave their respective past behind them to make it work for their beautiful relationship that they created and to have a loving family.
Sage loves Olive just as much as her handsome sexy daddy does. She wants Olive to be her mommy, and she makes it pretty clear to her dad that she wants her as a mom. I won't spoil it to much, but I will say that in the book can't remember what chapter it is. Sage says "Olive mommy!" right in front of Olive 🥹🥹🥹 so freaking adorable 💓 I think that's what Sage said. Not sure now if she said it like that, but you understand what I mean.
I loved all the cute moments between Olive and Sage. I loved all the romantic funny moments between Olive and Lane.
Info of what's inside the book 📖
Ages: Olive is 23. Lane is 32 and Sage is 2 going on 3 years old. Triggers: Mention of sexual assault (off page, mentioned but not detailed) mental health, therapy (on page)
My favorite words from the book: "the beauty of this moment is in Lane's eyes, not our surroundings. It's in the way he gazes at me as if I'm precious to him. It's in the way he sees me." Ugh so beautiful and so romantic. That's pure poetry right there!
MCs are a perfect blend of sexy, sweet, and heartfelt romantic literally melted me with each page that I read. Fielder's Choice is one of the most romantic love stories I read in a while.
I recommend this book to readers to read.
If this book can't make you fall in love with love or make you believe that there still is hope to have love then you're missing out on a beautiful love story 💖
5 stars plus 5 more equals 10 so it's a 10 for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🌸 single parent
🌸 found family
🌸 flirty banter
🌸 sweet blended family
🌸 talk of inferiority
🌸 no 3rd act break up
🌸 open door spice
🌸 strong friend group & girl gang
Olive is Sage's ballet teacher and teaches her ballet but that's not how Olive met Sage's daddy. Olive met Lane at a coffee shop before Sage's ballet lessons. Loved the courage of Olive to take the initiative to flirt with a guy because usually it's the guy that does it with the woman. I can see a little bit of myself in Olive when it comes to her trying to come out of her comfort zone around handsome men and not be so shy. Olive went through a lot in her life, with what happened to her in her past. Not going to say what it is cuz I don't want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read the book. All I will say is that Lane helped her come out of her comfort zone again and be confident in herself.
Lane is center fielder for the New York Stars baseball team and he didn't plan to have a baby from his one-night stand. But I loved how he took the responsibility to man up and be the dad that he is for his daughter. Something that his ex the mother of his child didn't want to do, because she didn't want nothing to do with the baby sadly. Lane is a single dad raising his sweet daughter Sage, now he thinks it's time that his daughter has a mother figure in her life. He wants for his daughter to have a mom and a family. Someone he can share his life with. That life that he's wanted comes true when he meets Olive at a coffee shop. Sparks fall immediately between the two and they thought they would never see each other again, but they do meet again at Olive's ballet studio where Lane's daughter Sage gets ballet lessons from her. It's fate that they meet again and then spend time together, enjoying each other as both fall in love.
Secrets are kept between them and truths are exposed, that make them question and Olive question is being the fielder's choice not enough. Trauma has become an unwelcome third wheel in their relationship. In the end they make it work and leave their respective past behind them to make it work for their beautiful relationship that they created and to have a loving family.
Sage loves Olive just as much as her handsome sexy daddy does. She wants Olive to be her mommy, and she makes it pretty clear to her dad that she wants her as a mom. I won't spoil it to much, but I will say that in the book can't remember what chapter it is. Sage says "Olive mommy!" right in front of Olive 🥹🥹🥹 so freaking adorable 💓 I think that's what Sage said. Not sure now if she said it like that, but you understand what I mean.
I loved all the cute moments between Olive and Sage. I loved all the romantic funny moments between Olive and Lane.
Info of what's inside the book 📖
Ages: Olive is 23. Lane is 32 and Sage is 2 going on 3 years old. Triggers: Mention of sexual assault (off page, mentioned but not detailed) mental health, therapy (on page)
My favorite words from the book: "the beauty of this moment is in Lane's eyes, not our surroundings. It's in the way he gazes at me as if I'm precious to him. It's in the way he sees me." Ugh so beautiful and so romantic. That's pure poetry right there!
MCs are a perfect blend of sexy, sweet, and heartfelt romantic literally melted me with each page that I read. Fielder's Choice is one of the most romantic love stories I read in a while.
I recommend this book to readers to read.
If this book can't make you fall in love with love or make you believe that there still is hope to have love then you're missing out on a beautiful love story 💖
5 stars plus 5 more equals 10 so it's a 10 for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🌸 single parent
🌸 found family
🌸 flirty banter
🌸 sweet blended family
🌸 talk of inferiority
🌸 no 3rd act break up
🌸 open door spice
🌸 strong friend group & girl gang
June 10, 2025
Ballet Slippers & Baseball Mitts
Dedication: To the ones who feel broken, the ones that have suffered unspeakable trauma at the hands of somebody else. You are courageous. You are loved. You are not your trauma. Lane Brooks is for all of you.
Olive (FMC): 23 • Ballet Teacher • Shy & Awkward • Reserved • Overcoming Trauma • Learning to Love Herself • Loves Pink and Caramel Lattes •
Lane (MMC): 32 • MLB Centerfielder • Single Dad • Reformed Playboy • Cocky • Shameless Flirt • Protective •
Tropes:
⚾️ Center Fielder x Daughter's Dance Teacher
🩰 Age Gap
⚾️ No Third Act Breakup
🩰 Single Dad
⚾️ Adorable Tiny Sidekick 👧🏻
🩰 He Falls First and Harder
⚾️ Found Family
🩰 Overcoming Trauma
⚾️ Slow(ish) Burn
🩰 Reformed Playboy/Cinnamon Roll MMC
⚾️ Virgin FMC
🩰 "Teach Me"
⚾️ He Washes Her Hair
🩰 Nicknames
⚾️ Text Conversations
🩰 They Comfort Each Other
⚾️ Therapy Rep
Rating: 🫖🫖🫖🫖 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (self pleasure, virgin, “talk you through it”, praise, he 💥 in his pants, 👅, dirty talk, toys as teammates, fun on FaceTime)
T/W: SA (referenced), grief (on page), anxiety (on page), parental death (referenced), car accident (referenced), stroke (referenced), grandparents death (referenced), STD (referenced), pelvic inflammatory disease (referenced), infertility (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), therapy (on page)
Ashley Bow knocked it out of the park with Fielder’s Choice—a tender, slow-burn romance that will leave your heart full and your Kindle overheated.
Lane is the definition of a dream man: single dad, center fielder, emotionally available, and 100% down bad for his daughter’s ballet teacher. Olive is quiet strength personified—a survivor doing the hard, unglamorous work of healing and rediscovering her voice after trauma. Their story isn’t rushed. It’s respectful, patient, and full of small, stunning moments that made me pause and feel.
The way Lane shows up for Olive is gentle, steady, and unshakable. The way Olive opens up to Lane is brave, vulnerable, and real. Together, they create something so tender and genuine it hurts in the best way. And don’t even get me started on Sage, Lane’s three-year-old daughter; she is pure sunshine in glitter leggings and a feather boa, stealing every scene with her sweetness.
This isn’t just a love story. It’s a story about safety, found family, grief, trust, and choosing joy after pain. Ashley Bow handles hard topics with reverence, heart, and grace—and still manages to deliver swoons, laughter, and all the found-family feels you could ask for.
Fielder’s Choice hit me right in the feels and left me begging for Lucia’s book next. I’m officially a New York Stars lifer.
Swoony Line:
“On your darkest days, lean on me, Liv. You’re safe with me, and I’m happy to be your comfort.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Dedication: To the ones who feel broken, the ones that have suffered unspeakable trauma at the hands of somebody else. You are courageous. You are loved. You are not your trauma. Lane Brooks is for all of you.
Olive (FMC): 23 • Ballet Teacher • Shy & Awkward • Reserved • Overcoming Trauma • Learning to Love Herself • Loves Pink and Caramel Lattes •
Lane (MMC): 32 • MLB Centerfielder • Single Dad • Reformed Playboy • Cocky • Shameless Flirt • Protective •
Tropes:
⚾️ Center Fielder x Daughter's Dance Teacher
🩰 Age Gap
⚾️ No Third Act Breakup
🩰 Single Dad
⚾️ Adorable Tiny Sidekick 👧🏻
🩰 He Falls First and Harder
⚾️ Found Family
🩰 Overcoming Trauma
⚾️ Slow(ish) Burn
🩰 Reformed Playboy/Cinnamon Roll MMC
⚾️ Virgin FMC
🩰 "Teach Me"
⚾️ He Washes Her Hair
🩰 Nicknames
⚾️ Text Conversations
🩰 They Comfort Each Other
⚾️ Therapy Rep
Rating: 🫖🫖🫖🫖 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (self pleasure, virgin, “talk you through it”, praise, he 💥 in his pants, 👅, dirty talk, toys as teammates, fun on FaceTime)
T/W: SA (referenced), grief (on page), anxiety (on page), parental death (referenced), car accident (referenced), stroke (referenced), grandparents death (referenced), STD (referenced), pelvic inflammatory disease (referenced), infertility (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), therapy (on page)
Ashley Bow knocked it out of the park with Fielder’s Choice—a tender, slow-burn romance that will leave your heart full and your Kindle overheated.
Lane is the definition of a dream man: single dad, center fielder, emotionally available, and 100% down bad for his daughter’s ballet teacher. Olive is quiet strength personified—a survivor doing the hard, unglamorous work of healing and rediscovering her voice after trauma. Their story isn’t rushed. It’s respectful, patient, and full of small, stunning moments that made me pause and feel.
The way Lane shows up for Olive is gentle, steady, and unshakable. The way Olive opens up to Lane is brave, vulnerable, and real. Together, they create something so tender and genuine it hurts in the best way. And don’t even get me started on Sage, Lane’s three-year-old daughter; she is pure sunshine in glitter leggings and a feather boa, stealing every scene with her sweetness.
This isn’t just a love story. It’s a story about safety, found family, grief, trust, and choosing joy after pain. Ashley Bow handles hard topics with reverence, heart, and grace—and still manages to deliver swoons, laughter, and all the found-family feels you could ask for.
Fielder’s Choice hit me right in the feels and left me begging for Lucia’s book next. I’m officially a New York Stars lifer.
Swoony Line:
“On your darkest days, lean on me, Liv. You’re safe with me, and I’m happy to be your comfort.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
June 13, 2025
Ashley Bow serves up a home run with Fielder’s Choice, a slow-burn, emotionally charged, and deliciously sexy romance that’s equal parts heart-melting and toe-curling. This one isn’t just about love—it’s about healing, hope, and the beauty of being truly seen by someone who holds space for every version of you.
At 23, Olive Finch is surviving—barely. After six years of shutting herself off from the world, she’s stepping cautiously back into life by teaching ballet at her mom’s studio. It’s safe. Quiet. Predictable. Until Sage walks in, a tutu-wearing force of glitter and giggles… with a ridiculously handsome, flirtatious single dad in tow.
Lane Brooks is a star center fielder, a devoted girl dad, and a reformed playboy who never expected fatherhood from a one-night stand—but wouldn’t change a second of it. At 32, he’s all in on parenting, but secretly longing for someone to come home to. From the moment he meets Olive—first in a flirty, fate-fueled coffee shop encounter, then again as his daughter’s dance teacher—he’s hooked. And oh, does he fall hard.
What follows is a love story that simmers and sizzles in all the best ways. Lane is steady, safe, and sexy as hell—equal parts gentleman and dirty talker, with a soft spot for ballet buns and bedtime stories. Olive is quiet strength—brave in her vulnerability, cautious with her heart, and learning, one step at a time, how to let someone love her without losing herself.
The chemistry between them? Absolutely electric. But it’s the emotional intimacy—the slow trust, the small gestures, the whispered reassurances—that steals the show. Lane never tries to “fix” Olive. He simply loves her where she is and stands by her while she finds her way forward.
Their steamy moments are packed with tension and tenderness—each one a testament to trust, consent, and connection. And yes, Lane absolutely knows how to bring the heat (that FaceTime scene alone… 🔥). But it’s how he shows up for Olive that will have you swooning into your Kindle.
And we can’t talk about Fielder’s Choice without shouting out the vibrant supporting cast—from the hilarious and supportive friend group to the pint-sized scene-stealer Sage, who is sunshine personified in glitter leggings and a boa.
This book is more than a romance. It’s a story about choosing joy after pain, about the courage it takes to let love in, and the magic that happens when you find someone who makes you feel safe and seen. Ashley Bow doesn’t shy away from hard topics—she meets them with honesty and heart, and still manages to deliver the banter, spice, and butterflies we crave.
At 23, Olive Finch is surviving—barely. After six years of shutting herself off from the world, she’s stepping cautiously back into life by teaching ballet at her mom’s studio. It’s safe. Quiet. Predictable. Until Sage walks in, a tutu-wearing force of glitter and giggles… with a ridiculously handsome, flirtatious single dad in tow.
Lane Brooks is a star center fielder, a devoted girl dad, and a reformed playboy who never expected fatherhood from a one-night stand—but wouldn’t change a second of it. At 32, he’s all in on parenting, but secretly longing for someone to come home to. From the moment he meets Olive—first in a flirty, fate-fueled coffee shop encounter, then again as his daughter’s dance teacher—he’s hooked. And oh, does he fall hard.
What follows is a love story that simmers and sizzles in all the best ways. Lane is steady, safe, and sexy as hell—equal parts gentleman and dirty talker, with a soft spot for ballet buns and bedtime stories. Olive is quiet strength—brave in her vulnerability, cautious with her heart, and learning, one step at a time, how to let someone love her without losing herself.
The chemistry between them? Absolutely electric. But it’s the emotional intimacy—the slow trust, the small gestures, the whispered reassurances—that steals the show. Lane never tries to “fix” Olive. He simply loves her where she is and stands by her while she finds her way forward.
Their steamy moments are packed with tension and tenderness—each one a testament to trust, consent, and connection. And yes, Lane absolutely knows how to bring the heat (that FaceTime scene alone… 🔥). But it’s how he shows up for Olive that will have you swooning into your Kindle.
And we can’t talk about Fielder’s Choice without shouting out the vibrant supporting cast—from the hilarious and supportive friend group to the pint-sized scene-stealer Sage, who is sunshine personified in glitter leggings and a boa.
This book is more than a romance. It’s a story about choosing joy after pain, about the courage it takes to let love in, and the magic that happens when you find someone who makes you feel safe and seen. Ashley Bow doesn’t shy away from hard topics—she meets them with honesty and heart, and still manages to deliver the banter, spice, and butterflies we crave.
June 21, 2025
--ARC Review--
This book marked the high point of the series so far. Lane had already been one of my favorite characters since Book 1, and this story only solidified that. While it didn’t have as much spice as previous installments, the emotional depth and the beautifully developed relationship between Lane and Olive made it stand out in a completely different, yet equally satisfying, way.
The trauma representation was handled with care, and Lane’s response to Olive’s experiences was nothing short of perfect. His constant reassurance, gentle patience, and steady presence gave their connection a tenderness that stood out. He continually reminded her, through words and actions, that she was strong and safe, and those moments were direct hits to the heart. Sage was also an absolute joy. Her sweetness was impossible to overlook, and her interactions, especially with Olive, were filled with such genuine affection that they practically radiated off the page. These scenes added so much warmth to the book as a whole.
☆ "I am courageous. I am loved. I am not my trauma." ☆
Lane’s vision for the future, along with the way he spoke about Sage and Olive, was incredibly endearing and added so much depth to his character. His tenderness, his clear love for both of them, and the way he imagined their life together made me fall for him even more. He struck the perfect balance: grounded and emotionally open, all while maintaining that filthy mouth that made him so fun to read.
☆ "Olive Finch deserves the f*cking world, and I'll be the one to make sure she receives it." ☆
It was also rewarding to see the other couples from the series again and watch their relationships continue to evolve. Rather than fading after their own books ended, their presence here made the story feel rich and interconnected. And the burning hot tension between Lucia and Ari? Off the charts. I’m obsessed and already counting down to the next one!
Ashley didn’t just step up to the plate with this book; she hit it out of the park!
Stars: 4.5/5 (Rounded up)
Spice: 2.5/5
Tropes Include:
★ Single Dad ★
★ Baseball Player x Ballerina ★
★ Age Gap (9 years) ★
★ Slow Burn ★
This book marked the high point of the series so far. Lane had already been one of my favorite characters since Book 1, and this story only solidified that. While it didn’t have as much spice as previous installments, the emotional depth and the beautifully developed relationship between Lane and Olive made it stand out in a completely different, yet equally satisfying, way.
The trauma representation was handled with care, and Lane’s response to Olive’s experiences was nothing short of perfect. His constant reassurance, gentle patience, and steady presence gave their connection a tenderness that stood out. He continually reminded her, through words and actions, that she was strong and safe, and those moments were direct hits to the heart. Sage was also an absolute joy. Her sweetness was impossible to overlook, and her interactions, especially with Olive, were filled with such genuine affection that they practically radiated off the page. These scenes added so much warmth to the book as a whole.
☆ "I am courageous. I am loved. I am not my trauma." ☆
Lane’s vision for the future, along with the way he spoke about Sage and Olive, was incredibly endearing and added so much depth to his character. His tenderness, his clear love for both of them, and the way he imagined their life together made me fall for him even more. He struck the perfect balance: grounded and emotionally open, all while maintaining that filthy mouth that made him so fun to read.
☆ "Olive Finch deserves the f*cking world, and I'll be the one to make sure she receives it." ☆
It was also rewarding to see the other couples from the series again and watch their relationships continue to evolve. Rather than fading after their own books ended, their presence here made the story feel rich and interconnected. And the burning hot tension between Lucia and Ari? Off the charts. I’m obsessed and already counting down to the next one!
Ashley didn’t just step up to the plate with this book; she hit it out of the park!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stars: 4.5/5 (Rounded up)
Spice: 2.5/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes Include:
★ Single Dad ★
★ Baseball Player x Ballerina ★
★ Age Gap (9 years) ★
★ Slow Burn ★
July 7, 2025
Let me tell you this story has my heart clenched, and my emotions entwined page after page! First off our fmc Olive is one of my fav’s characters written by our author. Olive has been through pain, trauma that had left her confined in it but she was still kind, quiet, caring and still had so much to give and offer to the world even when so much grief/pain happened to her. I loved how her character took the advice and decided to push her boundaries and flirted which took her life in such a positive direction and unlocked more passion, growth and healing in her life afterwards. On to our mmc Lane, I loved how he was such a devoting and charismatic man, boyfriend but most importantly father to his daughter. The real Lane is caring, calm, loverboy, such a good provider for his loved ones and he is also so caregiving, besides the outside opinions of his character he shines above. Now on to Lane and Olive romance I loved the emotional and vulnerability their romance brought especially with Olive becoming comfortable with a relationship as well as allowing that intimacy level with her partner, that trust and I love how Lane was patient, gentle and understanding. Lane knew the growth and care their relationship needed as well as Olive and that is what made their relationship evolve & progress healthy. This relationship not only was well paced, but the aspects of staying true to oneself, healing, and the vulnerability throughout was what made this book everything and more. Truly a good read, I recommend everyone to read!
🩷 this story was such a vulnerable and healing read. This novel highlighted intimacy, and love that allowed not only the progression of healing but pushed new opportunities as well as wholesome connections. Thank you, I recommend everyone to read!!
Tropes:
⚾️ Single Dad
🩰 Age Gap
⚾️ Center Fielder x Daughter’s Dance Teacher
🩰 Found Family
⚾️ No Third Act Breakup
🩰 Dual POV
⚾️ Interconnected Standalone
🩰 Overcoming Trauma
⚾️ Slow(ish) Burn
🩰 Reformed Playboy/Cinnamon Roll MMC
⚾️ Virgin FMC
🩰 Open Door Spice
⚾️ “Teach Me”
🩰 He washes her hair
⚾️ Good girl/Good boy
🩷 this story was such a vulnerable and healing read. This novel highlighted intimacy, and love that allowed not only the progression of healing but pushed new opportunities as well as wholesome connections. Thank you, I recommend everyone to read!!
Tropes:
⚾️ Single Dad
🩰 Age Gap
⚾️ Center Fielder x Daughter’s Dance Teacher
🩰 Found Family
⚾️ No Third Act Breakup
🩰 Dual POV
⚾️ Interconnected Standalone
🩰 Overcoming Trauma
⚾️ Slow(ish) Burn
🩰 Reformed Playboy/Cinnamon Roll MMC
⚾️ Virgin FMC
🩰 Open Door Spice
⚾️ “Teach Me”
🩰 He washes her hair
⚾️ Good girl/Good boy
June 17, 2025
Title: Fielder’s Choice: New York Stars (Book 3)
Author: Ashley Bow
Genre: Sports Romance
Pages: 423
Rating: 4⭐️/5
“I am courageous. I am loved. I am not my trauma.”
At 23, Olive Finch is finally stepping back into the world after six years of silence and self-isolation. Once a rising ballerina, she walked away from everything after a traumatic event at 17—but now, teaching at her mom’s dance studio is slowly helping her reconnect with the girl she used to be. Then she meets Lane Brooks at a coffee shop—flirty, charming, and completely unaware she’s his daughter’s ballet teacher. Lane, 32, is a pro baseball star and single dad who gave up his carefree, bachelor life the moment he found out a one-night stand was expecting. With his grandparents—who raised him—gone, and his focus solely on his daughter, love wasn’t even on his radar. But something about Olive draws him in. What starts as a spark turns into something deeper, healing, and life-changing—for both of them.
Fielder’s Choice is a beautifully tender, slow-burn sports romance that’s just as much about healing as it is about love. Olive’s trauma is handled with care, and Lane—an emotionally available, reformed playboy turned devoted single dad—shows up for her in the gentlest, most swoony ways. Their connection builds slowly through trust, vulnerability, and the kind of quiet intimacy that hits you right in the heart. Sage, Lane’s tutu-loving daughter, adds pure sunshine to every page, and the found family vibes from the friend group round it all out perfectly. No third-act breakup, just two people learning to love—and be loved—at their own pace. A must-read for anyone who believes in second chances, slow love, and healing through connection!
A big thanks to Book Buzz PR and Ashley Bow for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Releasing 06/20/25, on Amazon, KU and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: Ashley Bow
Genre: Sports Romance
Pages: 423
Rating: 4⭐️/5
“I am courageous. I am loved. I am not my trauma.”
At 23, Olive Finch is finally stepping back into the world after six years of silence and self-isolation. Once a rising ballerina, she walked away from everything after a traumatic event at 17—but now, teaching at her mom’s dance studio is slowly helping her reconnect with the girl she used to be. Then she meets Lane Brooks at a coffee shop—flirty, charming, and completely unaware she’s his daughter’s ballet teacher. Lane, 32, is a pro baseball star and single dad who gave up his carefree, bachelor life the moment he found out a one-night stand was expecting. With his grandparents—who raised him—gone, and his focus solely on his daughter, love wasn’t even on his radar. But something about Olive draws him in. What starts as a spark turns into something deeper, healing, and life-changing—for both of them.
Fielder’s Choice is a beautifully tender, slow-burn sports romance that’s just as much about healing as it is about love. Olive’s trauma is handled with care, and Lane—an emotionally available, reformed playboy turned devoted single dad—shows up for her in the gentlest, most swoony ways. Their connection builds slowly through trust, vulnerability, and the kind of quiet intimacy that hits you right in the heart. Sage, Lane’s tutu-loving daughter, adds pure sunshine to every page, and the found family vibes from the friend group round it all out perfectly. No third-act breakup, just two people learning to love—and be loved—at their own pace. A must-read for anyone who believes in second chances, slow love, and healing through connection!
A big thanks to Book Buzz PR and Ashley Bow for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Releasing 06/20/25, on Amazon, KU and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
June 27, 2025
Home run!
⚾ 🩰 Fielder’s Choice by Ashley Bow completely caught me off guard—in the best way possible. 🥹 This story gripped my heart from the start.
Olive is a ballerina who went through something traumatic, and after being abandoned by her friends and losing her sense of safety, she basically hid away from the world for six years. But after a lot of therapy and healing, she finally starts taking little steps toward living again—starting with teaching a private dance class for a sweet little girl who instantly steals her heart. 💜 Sage, the little girl that she teaches is usually brought into her class by her nanny but she's excited to meet the parents because the nanny is out of town this week. 🤔 😜
Enter Lane—a pro baseball player with a complicated past, a precious daughter, and a surprising soft side. If you've read the first two books in the series then you know who Lane is... Just yummy 😋 🤤
One random coffee shop encounter between these two—where Olive is pushing herself way out of her comfort zone—turns into something neither of them expected. Especially when Lane shows up to her next dance class... as her new student’s dad.
There’s so much emotional depth in this story. Olive’s journey out of darkness and Lane’s growth into a devoted dad hit all the right notes. And don’t even get me started on the chemistry between them! 🔥 But what really got me? The tenderness. The care. Lane is patient, gentle, and incredibly supportive. Their connection grows naturally, with a beautiful balance of emotional depth and simmering chemistry. The way Lane helped Olive feel safe in her own skin again. Their connection was soft and slow and sexy and so healing.
This book reminded me of what a love story is supposed to feel like... Pure warmth. Pure heart. I smiled the entire time—and immediately downloaded book one when I finished. This book will make you fall in love with love again.
Ashley Bow’s writing is like a hug I didn’t know I needed. 🤍✨
⚾ 🩰 Fielder’s Choice by Ashley Bow completely caught me off guard—in the best way possible. 🥹 This story gripped my heart from the start.
Olive is a ballerina who went through something traumatic, and after being abandoned by her friends and losing her sense of safety, she basically hid away from the world for six years. But after a lot of therapy and healing, she finally starts taking little steps toward living again—starting with teaching a private dance class for a sweet little girl who instantly steals her heart. 💜 Sage, the little girl that she teaches is usually brought into her class by her nanny but she's excited to meet the parents because the nanny is out of town this week. 🤔 😜
Enter Lane—a pro baseball player with a complicated past, a precious daughter, and a surprising soft side. If you've read the first two books in the series then you know who Lane is... Just yummy 😋 🤤
One random coffee shop encounter between these two—where Olive is pushing herself way out of her comfort zone—turns into something neither of them expected. Especially when Lane shows up to her next dance class... as her new student’s dad.
There’s so much emotional depth in this story. Olive’s journey out of darkness and Lane’s growth into a devoted dad hit all the right notes. And don’t even get me started on the chemistry between them! 🔥 But what really got me? The tenderness. The care. Lane is patient, gentle, and incredibly supportive. Their connection grows naturally, with a beautiful balance of emotional depth and simmering chemistry. The way Lane helped Olive feel safe in her own skin again. Their connection was soft and slow and sexy and so healing.
This book reminded me of what a love story is supposed to feel like... Pure warmth. Pure heart. I smiled the entire time—and immediately downloaded book one when I finished. This book will make you fall in love with love again.
Ashley Bow’s writing is like a hug I didn’t know I needed. 🤍✨
June 27, 2025
ARC Review of Fielders Choice the 3rd book in the New York Stars by Ashley Bow This book is now available on Kindle Unlimited. I love this book definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️It is such a sweet romance and such an easy enjoyable read. This is a pro baseball player, single dad, daughters ballet teacher, slow burn, lots of spice, he falls instantly, age gap romance. This book is sweet and a rom com but also deals with heavier topics and dealing with past trauma as well. This is Olive and Lane's story. Lane is a 32 year old single dad he has an almost 3 year old daughter and he is center fielder for the New York Stars professional baseball team. Olive is 23 and is a Ballet teacher at her mothers dance studio Olive is still trying to get over a traumatic assault she suffered when she was seventeen. Olive spots Lane at a coffee shop after her therapist appointment and flirts with him as part of her suggestion for healing Lane likes her instantly and doesn’t tell her his name saying he will tell her next time he sees her. Being in NYC with so many people Liv doesn’t think she will see him again but she see him the next day at the dance studio her student is his daughter Sage. They can’t deny the pull they have toward each other. I love how confident Lane is, how flirty he is with Liv, and what an amazing dad he is with Sage. I love how even though Liv is nervous and unsure she is starting to take steps to get her life back she is dancing again which she loves and she is teaching and she has made friends she put herself put their with Lane going up to him first I love seeing her growth throughout the book. Her connection with Sage is so sweet Sage absolutely adores Olive. Even though there are heavy topics they are handled well and I love how Lane is there for Olive he’s so understanding and supportive. Also love all love text chats and side characters they are hilarious cant wait to read their books. I definitely recommend this book
June 27, 2025
I got to Alpha Read this book, and seeing it in its final version warms my heart. First of all, this book had my attention from page one. It’s truly a 10 out of 10 for me. I didn’t want to put it down the first time, or the second time. Ashley’s writing style is pure gold. It’s easy, and the moments felt well thought out. I think that’s what makes the book so amazing. I felt like I got to really see Lane and Olive come together in the most beautiful way. The emotional depth of this story is beyond comparison. It’s filled with love, care and a tenderness that sweeps you off your feet. Olive believing in herself, Lane finding his true love, and freaking sage who just captures your heart. It’s the perfect amount of seriousness but also genuine romance.
I think the best part of this story is the mental health representation. Olive has a story that just broke my heart, but she’s everything and more. It truly made sense why she closed herself off but of course the found family came to the rescue. Seeing all the other girls bring her in, and make her part of the crew was adorable. Especially when sage is involved. Also, I loved how lane eased her into his life. It was forced, and he took his Time with her.
LANE IS KING! That man…has my entire heart. He’s just so amazing. He truly loved her, and waited for her to feel the same. I just adored that man.
My favorite moment of the entire story is when she tells her friends the truth about her past. It just warmed my heart, and their reaction was so amazing. It showed true friendship and how one can really come into friendship with people who support you. I also loved the side story of Ari and Lucia….I can’t wait.
Thank you Ashley for letting me read this amazing story. I truly cried so much because it was beautiful and thank you Book Buzz PR for letting me be on the team!
June 28, 2025
At twenty-three, Olive Finch is just starting to take back the life she put on hold years before. Instructing ballet at her mother's dance studio, she's intent on baby steps forward—until a student's charming, wonderfully familiar father knocks her off course. Lane Brooks, sports star and single father devoted to his daughter, is the type of man who could alter everything. But when their worlds collide, so do the scars they've both struggled to conceal. Fielder's Choice is a slow-burn romance of healing, second chances, and learning that love isn't necessarily simple—but always worthwhile.
Fielder's Choice is the type of book that wraps itself around your heart and won't release. Olive's path felt so intimate—quiet, brutal, and so full of strength. Her recovery wasn't rushed or sentimentalized. It was ugly and lovely and authentic. And Lane? Lane Brooks is the best. Soft, steady, respectful, and utterly head over heels for his girls. A man who shows up and never makes you wonder where you stand? Top-shelf book boyfriend behavior.
But what truly made this tale sparkle—beyond the soul-melting slow burn—was how Ashley penned the relationships. Not only Olive and Lane, but the whole crew surrounding them.
Sage? Literal sunshine in a tutu. That little human swiped every scene she had and brought so much heart and humor to the narrative. The way she immediately bonded with Olive made my chest hurt in the best possible way.
And the found family atmosphere? Flawless. The friends, the girl squad, the familiar faces from the earlier books—each brought an extra layer and some much-needed warmth. It made the world feel inhabited, as if you weren't simply reading a romance novel, but being invited into a community that has room for healing, joy, and connection.
I laughed. I wept. I highlighted like crazy. And I'm now horribly in love with people who don't exist.
Fielder's Choice is the type of book that wraps itself around your heart and won't release. Olive's path felt so intimate—quiet, brutal, and so full of strength. Her recovery wasn't rushed or sentimentalized. It was ugly and lovely and authentic. And Lane? Lane Brooks is the best. Soft, steady, respectful, and utterly head over heels for his girls. A man who shows up and never makes you wonder where you stand? Top-shelf book boyfriend behavior.
But what truly made this tale sparkle—beyond the soul-melting slow burn—was how Ashley penned the relationships. Not only Olive and Lane, but the whole crew surrounding them.
Sage? Literal sunshine in a tutu. That little human swiped every scene she had and brought so much heart and humor to the narrative. The way she immediately bonded with Olive made my chest hurt in the best possible way.
And the found family atmosphere? Flawless. The friends, the girl squad, the familiar faces from the earlier books—each brought an extra layer and some much-needed warmth. It made the world feel inhabited, as if you weren't simply reading a romance novel, but being invited into a community that has room for healing, joy, and connection.
I laughed. I wept. I highlighted like crazy. And I'm now horribly in love with people who don't exist.
June 25, 2025
3/5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
This book was a very sweet story and I absolutely loved Lane and Olive! There were also a lot of my favorite tropes: single dad, age gap, virgin fmc.
While there were a lot of things I loved, there were also some things that I found frustrating which resulted in the 3 star rating. For starters, it was too long. The last third of the book started to feel repetitive and I ended up skimming a few scenes. A lot of the dialogue and friendships felt very cheesy, I could look past it to a certain point (like when you’re in the mood for a hallmark movie) but it was straddling the line between cute and annoying and started to tip towards annoying.
Minor spoilers ahead ⬇️
What I struggled the most with was how much spice there was, especially when the FMC is uncomfortable with a lot of physical intimacy. If you read the author’s note you’ll know the FMC was previously sexually assaulted. Understandably, she’s lived life in a bit of bubble since and is very sexually inexperienced and wants to take things very slow. While it makes sense for her character, the spice itself felt like I was reading about a 14 year old girl’s first time kissing a boy and like I was spying on something I shouldn’t be as an adult woman. I think we only needed one or two scenes to understand that while she trusts Lane she wasn’t ready to go further, and he was willing to wait as long as she needed. Cutting out a lot of those scenes would have made me enjoy the rest of the spice more and would have made the book a better length in general.
This book was a very sweet story and I absolutely loved Lane and Olive! There were also a lot of my favorite tropes: single dad, age gap, virgin fmc.
While there were a lot of things I loved, there were also some things that I found frustrating which resulted in the 3 star rating. For starters, it was too long. The last third of the book started to feel repetitive and I ended up skimming a few scenes. A lot of the dialogue and friendships felt very cheesy, I could look past it to a certain point (like when you’re in the mood for a hallmark movie) but it was straddling the line between cute and annoying and started to tip towards annoying.
Minor spoilers ahead ⬇️
What I struggled the most with was how much spice there was, especially when the FMC is uncomfortable with a lot of physical intimacy. If you read the author’s note you’ll know the FMC was previously sexually assaulted. Understandably, she’s lived life in a bit of bubble since and is very sexually inexperienced and wants to take things very slow. While it makes sense for her character, the spice itself felt like I was reading about a 14 year old girl’s first time kissing a boy and like I was spying on something I shouldn’t be as an adult woman. I think we only needed one or two scenes to understand that while she trusts Lane she wasn’t ready to go further, and he was willing to wait as long as she needed. Cutting out a lot of those scenes would have made me enjoy the rest of the spice more and would have made the book a better length in general.
May 2, 2025
5⭐️
*BETA READ REVIEW*
Ashley, wow! Just when I thought you couldn’t get any better, you prove me wrong.
What can I even say? Like I am genuinely in shock at how this book captured me, but I’m also not even surprised because Ashley’s writing will have that effect on you.
Olive’s trauma was so beautifully written and portrayed & the tender loving and understanding from Lane had me feeling all the feels.
I loved both Olive & Lane from the first couple of chapters and my love for them just blossomed as their relationship blossomed in the book. You could just feel it through the pages, it’s just simply amazing! I really believe they needed each other.
I absolutely adore the “found family” trope and it warmed the cockles of my heart that they both got the family they so very much deserved! 🩷
I laughed, I kicked my feet, I cried. I felt all possible feels during my read of this book and I can hand on my heart say the New York stars series and all the characters hold the most special place in my heart!
Ashley, thank you SO much for allowing me to beta read for you. You had my whole heart from Off Pitch & I feel incredibly lucky and honoured you allowed me to have access to Lane & Olive’s story! You know by now I’m a one woman hype band and I will tell everyone who will listen about you and your books, as you deserve all the love and attention!
Pre-order on Amazon now. Released 20th June 2025
June 29, 2025
This is my first time reading a book by Ashley Bow and it did not disappoint!! I loved how her novel actually tackles real world issues that people go through in such a responsible and meaningful way. The fact that we see mental representation through Olive’s trauma and how she was able to piece back together her life little by little. It truly demonstrated how trauma can be life consuming unless you want to help yourself and have the support of your family to fall back on 🫶🏽
And then we meet Lane, who is a baseball player for the New York Stars. His life ends up being turned upside down about three years ago due to a one night stand. He ends up having the cutest daughter of all time, Sage, who is enrolled in the ballerina school that Olive works at. His teammates/friends are always down to helping him out and making sure Sage has all the love and help in the world.
Olive and Lane meet by chance at a bar when Olive tries to flirt with him and he flirts right after! Sparks fly and their chemistry is to die for 🙂↕️ Lane is truly a gentleman and he was always patient with Olive. Not once did he rush her or force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do or feel comfortable with. And that’s what true love is all about !! The way he cares for her is just so cute !!!! 🥰 this book made me feel all types of emotions and I truly love how amazing these two go well with each other!
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
And then we meet Lane, who is a baseball player for the New York Stars. His life ends up being turned upside down about three years ago due to a one night stand. He ends up having the cutest daughter of all time, Sage, who is enrolled in the ballerina school that Olive works at. His teammates/friends are always down to helping him out and making sure Sage has all the love and help in the world.
Olive and Lane meet by chance at a bar when Olive tries to flirt with him and he flirts right after! Sparks fly and their chemistry is to die for 🙂↕️ Lane is truly a gentleman and he was always patient with Olive. Not once did he rush her or force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do or feel comfortable with. And that’s what true love is all about !! The way he cares for her is just so cute !!!! 🥰 this book made me feel all types of emotions and I truly love how amazing these two go well with each other!
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
June 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I literally have nothing negative to say about this book, it was plain amazing.
The book starts off with us meeting Lane as he struggles with the knowledge that he is going to be a single dad. The mom doesn’t want the baby so Lane steps up and takes the baby in. Fast forward about 3 years and Lane and the baby, Sage, are doing just fine. Lane is apart of the MLB and Sage is thriving in her dance class. In enters Olive (I love this name, by the way), Sage’s dance teacher, and shakes up Lane’s existence. Will Olive let Lane into her life? Will Sage accept Olivie as more than just her teacher? And will Lane finally get the family he has been missing?
First of all, I love Lane. He is accepting, caring, and so so supportive. But when that man is given the green light he. goes. all. in. This book is most definitely a teasing slow burn but Lane Brooks makes that sloooooow burn absolutely worth it.
Ashley Bow, you did our girl Olive wrong with that back story (no spoilers i swear, fellow reader). That girl deserves endless hugs, loving from Lane, and girls nights with the WAGs. I loved her evolution throughout the story.
If you like the found family trope you’ll love this book. You’ll like it even more if you like when the MCs still have family but their friends just add to that.
I highly highly recommend!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I literally have nothing negative to say about this book, it was plain amazing.
The book starts off with us meeting Lane as he struggles with the knowledge that he is going to be a single dad. The mom doesn’t want the baby so Lane steps up and takes the baby in. Fast forward about 3 years and Lane and the baby, Sage, are doing just fine. Lane is apart of the MLB and Sage is thriving in her dance class. In enters Olive (I love this name, by the way), Sage’s dance teacher, and shakes up Lane’s existence. Will Olive let Lane into her life? Will Sage accept Olivie as more than just her teacher? And will Lane finally get the family he has been missing?
First of all, I love Lane. He is accepting, caring, and so so supportive. But when that man is given the green light he. goes. all. in. This book is most definitely a teasing slow burn but Lane Brooks makes that sloooooow burn absolutely worth it.
Ashley Bow, you did our girl Olive wrong with that back story (no spoilers i swear, fellow reader). That girl deserves endless hugs, loving from Lane, and girls nights with the WAGs. I loved her evolution throughout the story.
If you like the found family trope you’ll love this book. You’ll like it even more if you like when the MCs still have family but their friends just add to that.
I highly highly recommend!
June 23, 2025
Tropes:
✨Single Dad
✨Age Gap
✨Baseball Romance
✨Teach Me
Ashley knocked it out of the park again!
This book follows Lane and Olive. Lane is a single dad baseball player with the sweetest little girl, and Olive is a sexual assault survivor who happens to be Lane’s daughter’s ballet teacher.
I did not expect to love Lane as much as I did. He is the absolutely best father to the cutest little girl. He has put his only family first, no matter the cost. And the way he is with Olive. Oh my stars, he was absolute perfection. He wasn’t pushy at all. He let her run their relationship at her pace. He did everything in his power to make her comfortable. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Olive has had a rough go of it. When she meets Lane, she is slowly picking up the pieces. She went from completely broken to being one of the most confident woman I have ever seen and I was so freaking proud of her. But my absolute favorite thing was her and Sage’s relationship because it was so freaking beautiful. I had tears in my eyes with how touching it was.
Ya’ll, Sage stole the show in this one! I could not get over how freaking cute she is. From being just a happy kid all the way to being ecstatic everytime she sees daddy and Olive. And that first real moment between her and Olive just pulled on my heart strings. Also, she’s the best wing woman!
✨Single Dad
✨Age Gap
✨Baseball Romance
✨Teach Me
Ashley knocked it out of the park again!
This book follows Lane and Olive. Lane is a single dad baseball player with the sweetest little girl, and Olive is a sexual assault survivor who happens to be Lane’s daughter’s ballet teacher.
I did not expect to love Lane as much as I did. He is the absolutely best father to the cutest little girl. He has put his only family first, no matter the cost. And the way he is with Olive. Oh my stars, he was absolute perfection. He wasn’t pushy at all. He let her run their relationship at her pace. He did everything in his power to make her comfortable. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Olive has had a rough go of it. When she meets Lane, she is slowly picking up the pieces. She went from completely broken to being one of the most confident woman I have ever seen and I was so freaking proud of her. But my absolute favorite thing was her and Sage’s relationship because it was so freaking beautiful. I had tears in my eyes with how touching it was.
Ya’ll, Sage stole the show in this one! I could not get over how freaking cute she is. From being just a happy kid all the way to being ecstatic everytime she sees daddy and Olive. And that first real moment between her and Olive just pulled on my heart strings. Also, she’s the best wing woman!
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