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Framing the Pitch
Making everyone believe will be as easy as framing a pitch.
Softball is my passion—my dream—and, luckily, my job, and I'm ready for another season as the starting catcher for the San Antonio Storm. But before the season can begin, my best friend Trace Davenport—pro football safety and social media’s Dallas Dreamboat—runs into a sticky situation, and his agent seems to think fake dating me will be the answer to all his problems.
Which is utterly ridiculous.
Until the owner of the Storm tells the team to do everything we can to bring in bigger numbers for the team and the league as a whole. New expansion franchises for the Women’s Fastpitch League are on the line, and I’d do just about anything to bring more fans and players to the sport I love.
Including pretending to date my best friend for the season.
Between spending time with Trace, attending a wedding, and competing in front of thousands of fans, pretending to be in love with Trace will be as easy as framing a pitch…right?
Or will our fake relationship blur the lines between friendship and romance?
Softball is my passion—my dream—and, luckily, my job, and I'm ready for another season as the starting catcher for the San Antonio Storm. But before the season can begin, my best friend Trace Davenport—pro football safety and social media’s Dallas Dreamboat—runs into a sticky situation, and his agent seems to think fake dating me will be the answer to all his problems.
Which is utterly ridiculous.
Until the owner of the Storm tells the team to do everything we can to bring in bigger numbers for the team and the league as a whole. New expansion franchises for the Women’s Fastpitch League are on the line, and I’d do just about anything to bring more fans and players to the sport I love.
Including pretending to date my best friend for the season.
Between spending time with Trace, attending a wedding, and competing in front of thousands of fans, pretending to be in love with Trace will be as easy as framing a pitch…right?
Or will our fake relationship blur the lines between friendship and romance?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
9 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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September 26, 2025
RTC!!
Pre-read review:
I got the ARC!! Y'all, I literally signed up for it thinking I wouldn't be accepted, but I got it!! I'm so excited!!
Pre-read review:
I got the ARC!! Y'all, I literally signed up for it thinking I wouldn't be accepted, but I got it!! I'm so excited!!
September 14, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Book 1}
🥎 Release Date: August 12, 2025 🥎
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.
.
To be perfectly honest, I have not been in a romcom mood lately so this book was already not something I was in the mood to read. Along with that, I’ve been getting frustrated at the cliché aspects found in romcoms and the lack of actual comedy as well. All of that combined made for a not-very-enjoyable reading experience, and a lot of frustration. I wouldn’t say there was anything inherently wrong with this book—it simply was not for me.
I’m already not a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, so that definitely didn’t add to my reading enjoyment at all. I do love a good fake dating trope, but, alas, I felt like this one fell rather flat because of the whole friends-to-lovers aspect. I won’t deny that Trace and Naomi had definite chemistry, but I just did not enjoy watching any part of their relationship play out—a lot of it just felt cringy or cliché. I also felt like this book was a bit much for a clean romance 😬
I thought a softball romcom with the FMC playing the sport would be right up my alley, but I quickly found that to be less than true. A lot of the technical stuff flew over my head and didn’t interest me in the least. I’m sure that anyone who is actually really into the sport would find themselves loving this story, but that was just not me.
I think for the time being I’m going to be avoiding romcoms—unless they’re by my favorite authors. I still have some upcoming romcom arcs to read so hopefully those won’t fall flat as well 🤞🏻
.
.
.
Thank you, Ashley, for allowing me to read an arc of your new book 💙
{𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Book 1}
🥎 Release Date: August 12, 2025 🥎
.
.
.
To be perfectly honest, I have not been in a romcom mood lately so this book was already not something I was in the mood to read. Along with that, I’ve been getting frustrated at the cliché aspects found in romcoms and the lack of actual comedy as well. All of that combined made for a not-very-enjoyable reading experience, and a lot of frustration. I wouldn’t say there was anything inherently wrong with this book—it simply was not for me.
I’m already not a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, so that definitely didn’t add to my reading enjoyment at all. I do love a good fake dating trope, but, alas, I felt like this one fell rather flat because of the whole friends-to-lovers aspect. I won’t deny that Trace and Naomi had definite chemistry, but I just did not enjoy watching any part of their relationship play out—a lot of it just felt cringy or cliché. I also felt like this book was a bit much for a clean romance 😬
I thought a softball romcom with the FMC playing the sport would be right up my alley, but I quickly found that to be less than true. A lot of the technical stuff flew over my head and didn’t interest me in the least. I’m sure that anyone who is actually really into the sport would find themselves loving this story, but that was just not me.
I think for the time being I’m going to be avoiding romcoms—unless they’re by my favorite authors. I still have some upcoming romcom arcs to read so hopefully those won’t fall flat as well 🤞🏻
.
.
.
Thank you, Ashley, for allowing me to read an arc of your new book 💙
July 19, 2025
GENRE
-sports rom-com
CONTENT
-🤬: very mild language (1 d, 1 h)
-❤️: make outs
-⚠️: stalker; awful, unsupportive parents
I love Ashley Funk's books and was so excited for this new series. It did not disappoint! Naomi Baer is the catcher for a pro women's softball team, the San Antonio Storm. Her best friend, Trace, is a pro football player. Trace is having some issues with an ex-girlfriend, and Naomi's league needs all the publicity they can get. The solution to help with both of these issues: fake dating.
It was so refreshing to have a book where the FMC is the athlete with the greater focus. We didn't see much at all of Trace's career, but he was there at so many of Naomi's games. One of my absolute favorite things was Trace wearing NAOMI's jersey! Like, YES. Just yes.
I loved that despite the fact that Naomi's parents were truly terrible, she had created a family of her own.
This one releases 8/12/25, and it's worth picking up!
Favorite Quotes:
-Trace, at his core, is a nice guy. Always the accommodating one, making sure everyone is happy and comfortable. He doesn't like being a jerk.
I have no such compunctions.
-"What are you doing here?" I mumble into his neck.
"I wanted to see you."
I pull back. "But I thought we agreed on Oklahoma City?"
"I couldn't wait that long."
I laugh. "It's only, like, two more days."
"Two days too long."
-And even though I can't forget who I'm kissing, any worry of ruining our friendship leaves my body because how could this ruin anything when it feels so right?
-"It's only you." Our foreheads touch again, and my heart swells, hearing Trace's words. "It's always been you."
-sports rom-com
CONTENT
-🤬: very mild language (1 d, 1 h)
-❤️: make outs
-⚠️: stalker; awful, unsupportive parents
I love Ashley Funk's books and was so excited for this new series. It did not disappoint! Naomi Baer is the catcher for a pro women's softball team, the San Antonio Storm. Her best friend, Trace, is a pro football player. Trace is having some issues with an ex-girlfriend, and Naomi's league needs all the publicity they can get. The solution to help with both of these issues: fake dating.
It was so refreshing to have a book where the FMC is the athlete with the greater focus. We didn't see much at all of Trace's career, but he was there at so many of Naomi's games. One of my absolute favorite things was Trace wearing NAOMI's jersey! Like, YES. Just yes.
I loved that despite the fact that Naomi's parents were truly terrible, she had created a family of her own.
This one releases 8/12/25, and it's worth picking up!
Favorite Quotes:
-Trace, at his core, is a nice guy. Always the accommodating one, making sure everyone is happy and comfortable. He doesn't like being a jerk.
I have no such compunctions.
-"What are you doing here?" I mumble into his neck.
"I wanted to see you."
I pull back. "But I thought we agreed on Oklahoma City?"
"I couldn't wait that long."
I laugh. "It's only, like, two more days."
"Two days too long."
-And even though I can't forget who I'm kissing, any worry of ruining our friendship leaves my body because how could this ruin anything when it feels so right?
-"It's only you." Our foreheads touch again, and my heart swells, hearing Trace's words. "It's always been you."
August 5, 2025
What a great story! This is a fantastic sports romance between two athletes. It’s also not only a fake dating scenario, but also a best friends to more romance, as well. I loved so much about this book by this new to me author.
The first thing I noticed was that this story is all from Naomi’s point of view. I usually prefer when stories have a dual point of view, but I have to say that seeing things from Naomi’s perspective for the entire book was the absolute best way to tell this story. Seeing her begin to wonder if their “fake” dating relationship might be sliding into more of a “real feelings” situation was perfection.
Even though Trace is a pro football player, the focal sport of this novel is softball and the author did a great job of including multiple games. I feel like I’ve learned so much about this sport and it helped me feel invested in not only Naomi’s personal relationship but also in her professional life and the outcome of the season for her.
The chemistry was off the charts for these two and I loved the way things moved from fake to real, with true communication between Trace and Naomi. I loved how open Trace ended up being about his feelings, first in the way he treated Naomi and in the affectionate way he was with her, but also in the way he clearly let her know what his feelings had grown into. These two were so sweet together and it made me so happy to read every scene that they were in together.
I loved this story and am happy to have found a new author to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The first thing I noticed was that this story is all from Naomi’s point of view. I usually prefer when stories have a dual point of view, but I have to say that seeing things from Naomi’s perspective for the entire book was the absolute best way to tell this story. Seeing her begin to wonder if their “fake” dating relationship might be sliding into more of a “real feelings” situation was perfection.
Even though Trace is a pro football player, the focal sport of this novel is softball and the author did a great job of including multiple games. I feel like I’ve learned so much about this sport and it helped me feel invested in not only Naomi’s personal relationship but also in her professional life and the outcome of the season for her.
The chemistry was off the charts for these two and I loved the way things moved from fake to real, with true communication between Trace and Naomi. I loved how open Trace ended up being about his feelings, first in the way he treated Naomi and in the affectionate way he was with her, but also in the way he clearly let her know what his feelings had grown into. These two were so sweet together and it made me so happy to read every scene that they were in together.
I loved this story and am happy to have found a new author to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 18, 2025
Naomi Baer loves softball. When she's getting ready for a new season as the starting catcher for San Antonio Storm she finds out that her best friend Trace Davenport, famous fotball pro, has some trouble with his ex. To solve the problem Trace's agent thinks they should fake date. If it can increase interest for the Women's Fastpitch League Naomi doesn't mind. They know each other inside and out, so pretending to be in love should be easy.
I've mentioned a few times that baseball romance is my latest obsession, and now I have to include softball as well! I love how the game and the matches are a big part of the story - it's obvious that the author herself loves softball! But even if you're not a sports fan like me there are several reasons to pick up this book: fake dating, friends to lovers and found family are some tropes I really enjoy. The only thing I miss is dual POV's. We only get Naomi's, but although I miss not getting Trace's POV I like that it's the female athlete who is the focal point when they both have professional sports careers.
Naomi and Trace have a friendship to envy. They can talk about everything and they support each other when it's needed. His parents are more like family than her own; Naomi's parents are truly horrible and not supportive at all. The chemistry between the best friends is perfect, both as friends and when they become "more". I really loved their interactions and the whole atmosphere of the book, so I read it slowly to be able to stay with them for as long as possible! Highly recommend!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
I've mentioned a few times that baseball romance is my latest obsession, and now I have to include softball as well! I love how the game and the matches are a big part of the story - it's obvious that the author herself loves softball! But even if you're not a sports fan like me there are several reasons to pick up this book: fake dating, friends to lovers and found family are some tropes I really enjoy. The only thing I miss is dual POV's. We only get Naomi's, but although I miss not getting Trace's POV I like that it's the female athlete who is the focal point when they both have professional sports careers.
Naomi and Trace have a friendship to envy. They can talk about everything and they support each other when it's needed. His parents are more like family than her own; Naomi's parents are truly horrible and not supportive at all. The chemistry between the best friends is perfect, both as friends and when they become "more". I really loved their interactions and the whole atmosphere of the book, so I read it slowly to be able to stay with them for as long as possible! Highly recommend!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
July 16, 2025
This was admittedly my first book by Ashley Funk and I’m now OBSESSED!!
A sports romance where the focus is on the FMC’s sport? Sign me up! Fake dating when they’ve been besties for years? Don’t have to tell me twice! This book is likely going to ruin me for all future softball romances. To me, a sports romance has to have actual gameplay action and make it a massive part of the story and this one did just that! I felt like I was with Naomi behind home plate in her games throwing down runners and of course framing pitches (which was also fun since I used to pitch so this was like I was getting to be on the other side lol). I absolutely loved her as a character and her found family that supported her when her own family didn’t. From her friends on the team to Trace’s parents, her support system was the best and I felt like I was with them at times cheering her on.
Trace was the absolute cutest. From his close friendship with Naomi to respecting her boundaries when his manager first proposed the fake dating, he put her first each and every second. The way that they fell into the fake dating then the actual dating was so seamless and I loved how they didn’t dance around it when it finally came time to confess their real feelings for each other. This was such a healthy relationship and the green flags were flying high. And even though he’s a professional athlete in his own right, the focus is Naomi’s story and he supports her so seriously and proudly. The tattoo he got? AHHHH! Seriously, where do I find myself a Trace?
I’ve been meaning to read Ashley’s books for a while now and I’m so glad I finally did because now I’ll 100% be reading her backlist. As a sports and sports romance girlie, this book right here is exactly what I’m looking for. The perfect balance of actual sports action and a beautiful romance, this is easily a new favorite of mine!
Thank you to Ashley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
A sports romance where the focus is on the FMC’s sport? Sign me up! Fake dating when they’ve been besties for years? Don’t have to tell me twice! This book is likely going to ruin me for all future softball romances. To me, a sports romance has to have actual gameplay action and make it a massive part of the story and this one did just that! I felt like I was with Naomi behind home plate in her games throwing down runners and of course framing pitches (which was also fun since I used to pitch so this was like I was getting to be on the other side lol). I absolutely loved her as a character and her found family that supported her when her own family didn’t. From her friends on the team to Trace’s parents, her support system was the best and I felt like I was with them at times cheering her on.
Trace was the absolute cutest. From his close friendship with Naomi to respecting her boundaries when his manager first proposed the fake dating, he put her first each and every second. The way that they fell into the fake dating then the actual dating was so seamless and I loved how they didn’t dance around it when it finally came time to confess their real feelings for each other. This was such a healthy relationship and the green flags were flying high. And even though he’s a professional athlete in his own right, the focus is Naomi’s story and he supports her so seriously and proudly. The tattoo he got? AHHHH! Seriously, where do I find myself a Trace?
I’ve been meaning to read Ashley’s books for a while now and I’m so glad I finally did because now I’ll 100% be reading her backlist. As a sports and sports romance girlie, this book right here is exactly what I’m looking for. The perfect balance of actual sports action and a beautiful romance, this is easily a new favorite of mine!
Thank you to Ashley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between Trace and Naomi is off the charts amazing. He's a famous pro football player, but the focus is all on Naomi and pro softball - the story is all told from her POV only. I would've loved to know what Trace was thinking, but I think it was pretty obvious. He wasn't subtle or wishy washy with his feelings at all.
It's obvious the author knows and loves softball, and she makes this a real sports romance with all the great details! I was so immersed in this world and all the characters, and whenever I had to stop reading I just wanted to get back!
I may have a few quibbles... Best friends romances in general don't make a ton of sense to me when they're so obviously extremely attached to each other and have been for years. And why did Trace date Millie in the first place?? She was a little over the top, but I guess you never know what someone's really like at first.
But all that doesn't matter a bit in light of the amazing story that unfolds between these two people. Highly recommended!
It's obvious the author knows and loves softball, and she makes this a real sports romance with all the great details! I was so immersed in this world and all the characters, and whenever I had to stop reading I just wanted to get back!
I may have a few quibbles... Best friends romances in general don't make a ton of sense to me when they're so obviously extremely attached to each other and have been for years. And why did Trace date Millie in the first place?? She was a little over the top, but I guess you never know what someone's really like at first.
But all that doesn't matter a bit in light of the amazing story that unfolds between these two people. Highly recommended!
November 13, 2025
Such a fun sports romcom! I love that both Naomi and Trace are professional athletes and that the story is focused on her career, plus I learned so much about softball!
I'm not usually the biggest fan of friends to lovers, but gosh, I loved Naomi and Trace. They are just so sweet to each other, they're each other's home. I'm obsessed with Trace and how much he adores Naomi. He supports her, defends her, and encourages her. Their friendship lays such a beautiful foundation and the fake-dating gives them the opportunity to test the waters a little, and that first kiss? Chef's kiss.
I also loved Naomi's teammates and can't wait for the rest of the Red Dirt Romance series! Thank you so much, Ashley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story was so cute, you hit it out of the park! (Get it? You know, because of softball)
I'm not usually the biggest fan of friends to lovers, but gosh, I loved Naomi and Trace. They are just so sweet to each other, they're each other's home. I'm obsessed with Trace and how much he adores Naomi. He supports her, defends her, and encourages her. Their friendship lays such a beautiful foundation and the fake-dating gives them the opportunity to test the waters a little, and that first kiss? Chef's kiss.
I also loved Naomi's teammates and can't wait for the rest of the Red Dirt Romance series! Thank you so much, Ashley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story was so cute, you hit it out of the park! (Get it? You know, because of softball)
August 12, 2025
4.5 stars
I will never be accused of being a softball or baseball fan, but I sure loved this book!
What started as a favor between long-time friends, quickly became the sweetest best friend romance.
I loved all of the explanations about the ins and outs of softball. You can tell the author feels passionate about the sport, and I learned a lot about it and gained a new appreciation for it.
The big selling point? Naomi, our main female character, is 6 feet tall. Far too many main female characters are petite, waifish women who have to strain their necks to look up at their partners. Some of us are giants, and it's nice to be able to relate to a fictional character.
This book has a lot of depth and deals with relationships in an honest and sometimes raw way.
I could have used a little bit more communication between our main characters, but that's a minor quibble in a book I enjoyed immensely.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. Framing the Pitch publishes 8/12/25.
I will never be accused of being a softball or baseball fan, but I sure loved this book!
What started as a favor between long-time friends, quickly became the sweetest best friend romance.
I loved all of the explanations about the ins and outs of softball. You can tell the author feels passionate about the sport, and I learned a lot about it and gained a new appreciation for it.
The big selling point? Naomi, our main female character, is 6 feet tall. Far too many main female characters are petite, waifish women who have to strain their necks to look up at their partners. Some of us are giants, and it's nice to be able to relate to a fictional character.
This book has a lot of depth and deals with relationships in an honest and sometimes raw way.
I could have used a little bit more communication between our main characters, but that's a minor quibble in a book I enjoyed immensely.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. Framing the Pitch publishes 8/12/25.
July 5, 2025
Friends-to-lovers, sports romance, and fake dating?! YES PLEASE. Ashely has done it again! I binged this book cause I couldn’t put it down. The romance was sooo swwooonyyyy. Trace is everything you want in a “eyes only for her” MMC, and Naomi was such a strong and vulnerable FMC. I loved them both and their ending was PERFECT.
August 20, 2025
So cute!! I loved learning more about softball and getting onto the field with the characters. I definitely have a greater appreciate for the sport now.
The single POV worked really well for me in this story. I loved being in Naomi’s head and navigating her fake relationship with her NFL star best friend and guessing at Trace’s feelings with her.
I am obsessed with the fake dating trope. Add in some celebrity athletes and I was SOLD! So well done and so much fun to read.
🔥: Kisses
The single POV worked really well for me in this story. I loved being in Naomi’s head and navigating her fake relationship with her NFL star best friend and guessing at Trace’s feelings with her.
I am obsessed with the fake dating trope. Add in some celebrity athletes and I was SOLD! So well done and so much fun to read.
🔥: Kisses
August 12, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
‘𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝐼’𝓂 𝓀𝒾𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉?’
Naomi is a professional softball player. Trace, her best friend, is a professional football player. When the WFL is looking for more publicity and Trace finds himself with a stalker ex-girlfriend the opportunity presents itself to fake date each other. The WFL would get the publicity of a professional football player and Trace’s ex-girlfriend would see he has moved on. Naomi will do anything to protect Trace and Trace will always support Naomi’s career. I love that we get a strong, tall, independent FMC who is living her best life away from her toxic parents. The representation of women in sports and creating boundaries for oneself was done amazingly well and I was instantly pulled into this story!
“𝕊𝕦𝕘𝕒𝕣,” 𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕪𝕤, 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕤, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕚𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕡 𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕝𝕪, “𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕦𝕥𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕔𝕜."
The chemistry between Naomi and Trace is ah-mazing!! The near kisses, constant support from Trace and his parents, and the ‘one hotel room’ creates a fun sizzling tension filled story!!
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵?’
I really loved that this story is told from only Naomi’s POV. We get to focus on Naomi’s career, how her feelings for Trace evolve, and how she overcomes her parents’ toxic behavior. Even though Trace is a professional football player, the focus stays on Naomi and her softball career.
Things I loved:
A protective FMC
Naomi’s team
Best Friends to more
Single 1st person POV
Trace’s southern charm
Weekend getaway
The ill-timed phone calls/messages
The sister’s wedding
Eyes-only-for-her MMC
Trace’s nickname for her
All the flirty comments
Luella and Archie
Fake dating
Trace’s mom and dad
The epilogue!
'𝘐 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘪𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴.
I am grateful I was able to read this story early! There are moments in the book that hit so close to home, brought me to tears, and encouraged my own strength. Ashley wrote an amazing story that I recommend everyone read. Whether you know about softball or not, this story is for you.
Thank you to the author for my eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
‘𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕-𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒍𝒊𝒏, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕.’
‘𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝐼’𝓂 𝓀𝒾𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉?’
Naomi is a professional softball player. Trace, her best friend, is a professional football player. When the WFL is looking for more publicity and Trace finds himself with a stalker ex-girlfriend the opportunity presents itself to fake date each other. The WFL would get the publicity of a professional football player and Trace’s ex-girlfriend would see he has moved on. Naomi will do anything to protect Trace and Trace will always support Naomi’s career. I love that we get a strong, tall, independent FMC who is living her best life away from her toxic parents. The representation of women in sports and creating boundaries for oneself was done amazingly well and I was instantly pulled into this story!
“𝕊𝕦𝕘𝕒𝕣,” 𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕪𝕤, 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕤, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕚𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕡 𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕝𝕪, “𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕦𝕥𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕔𝕜."
The chemistry between Naomi and Trace is ah-mazing!! The near kisses, constant support from Trace and his parents, and the ‘one hotel room’ creates a fun sizzling tension filled story!!
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵?’
I really loved that this story is told from only Naomi’s POV. We get to focus on Naomi’s career, how her feelings for Trace evolve, and how she overcomes her parents’ toxic behavior. Even though Trace is a professional football player, the focus stays on Naomi and her softball career.
Things I loved:
A protective FMC
Naomi’s team
Best Friends to more
Single 1st person POV
Trace’s southern charm
Weekend getaway
The ill-timed phone calls/messages
The sister’s wedding
Eyes-only-for-her MMC
Trace’s nickname for her
All the flirty comments
Luella and Archie
Fake dating
Trace’s mom and dad
The epilogue!
'𝘐 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘪𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴.
I am grateful I was able to read this story early! There are moments in the book that hit so close to home, brought me to tears, and encouraged my own strength. Ashley wrote an amazing story that I recommend everyone read. Whether you know about softball or not, this story is for you.
Thank you to the author for my eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
‘𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕-𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒍𝒊𝒏, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕.’
August 12, 2025
FRAMING THE PITCH
by: ASHLEY FUNK
@ashleyfunk.writes
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~Making everyone believe will be as easy as framing a pitch…
““It’ll be like framing a pitch. We’re already close to a strike. We’re best friends. Now we
just need to make everyone see what we want them to see.”
-FRAMING THE PITCH, is a great story to not miss. It’s a story where dear main characters both have obstacles they face and a solution that may fix the dilemmas comes down to possibly fake dating. If you are a fan of friends to more, sports, and faking dating, this fun story will be your next home run. I thoroughly enjoyed how both dear main characters play pro football and softball, this story shinned a greater focus on the softball aspect for the MFC. Yet, both characters completely support each other through it all. I loved watching feelings from dear friends effortlessly move from pretending toward something more. I enjoyed how the open and clear communication, trust, and the chemistry between this pair was off the charts. Seeing dear characters find belonging and love despite upbringing and strained family dynamics was heartwarming. This is a cute story worth reading!📚🙌🏻⚾️
-“It’s only you. It’s always been you.”
•Content: some very mild language (1 d, 1 h words), stalker situation/restraining order, estranged family, a couple of drinking scenes with side characters, unsupportive/emotionally manipulative parent, kissing (some make-outs).
“I know you don’t need me to protect you, but I’m always willing to stand by you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Apparently, you’re a hot commodity, and I’m not about to let you go.”
#framingthepitch
“You are more important than all of that. If you need me there, I’m there.”
#ashleyfunkwrites
“Wherever you go is where I’ll be”
#allaboutthebestreads
“What matters is we’re there together.”
by: ASHLEY FUNK
@ashleyfunk.writes
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~Making everyone believe will be as easy as framing a pitch…
““It’ll be like framing a pitch. We’re already close to a strike. We’re best friends. Now we
just need to make everyone see what we want them to see.”
-FRAMING THE PITCH, is a great story to not miss. It’s a story where dear main characters both have obstacles they face and a solution that may fix the dilemmas comes down to possibly fake dating. If you are a fan of friends to more, sports, and faking dating, this fun story will be your next home run. I thoroughly enjoyed how both dear main characters play pro football and softball, this story shinned a greater focus on the softball aspect for the MFC. Yet, both characters completely support each other through it all. I loved watching feelings from dear friends effortlessly move from pretending toward something more. I enjoyed how the open and clear communication, trust, and the chemistry between this pair was off the charts. Seeing dear characters find belonging and love despite upbringing and strained family dynamics was heartwarming. This is a cute story worth reading!📚🙌🏻⚾️
-“It’s only you. It’s always been you.”
•Content: some very mild language (1 d, 1 h words), stalker situation/restraining order, estranged family, a couple of drinking scenes with side characters, unsupportive/emotionally manipulative parent, kissing (some make-outs).
“I know you don’t need me to protect you, but I’m always willing to stand by you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Apparently, you’re a hot commodity, and I’m not about to let you go.”
#framingthepitch
“You are more important than all of that. If you need me there, I’m there.”
#ashleyfunkwrites
“Wherever you go is where I’ll be”
#allaboutthebestreads
“What matters is we’re there together.”
August 12, 2025
This book had me captivated from the very first page!
Naomi and Trace’s chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS! I was wary of the single POV at first, as the majority of my reading is dual POV. I was wrong. Absolutely wrong. The single POV from Naomi is perfection! It really helps hone in on everything she is experiencing and not knowing exactly what Trace is thinking keeps the tension ever-present. There is a lot more of him showing how he feels instead of just telling the audience what’s going on in his head. And the FOREHEAD KISSES (and cheek and temple and….) are to die for! Let’s not forget that nickname, either.
This story is FULL of delightful interactions between Naomi and Trace as well as with her team. They are all best friends and that really shows throughout the book. The ease they have around each other is fantastic and I appreciate that it wasn’t a “pining after him for years” type of friends to lovers story.
I love the relationship Naomi has with Trace’s mom, especially as she navigates difficulty within her own family. It was so tender to watch as some of those relationships shifted, exposing the true cause of estrangement, and rebuilding what was thought to be lost.
I went into this story expecting “just” a fun sports romance with humor and a good HEA. What I found was SO much more! I knew NOTHING about softball going into this, and I feel like I have a fairly good grasp on it now.
I was sobbing through scenes between Naomi and her sister, and when true feelings were finally revealed…That first REAL kiss was EVERYTHING.
This friends to lovers, fake dating, softball romance brings the humor, the sports, and the swooning all at once. I cannot wait for the next Red Dirt Romance book!
Naomi and Trace’s chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS! I was wary of the single POV at first, as the majority of my reading is dual POV. I was wrong. Absolutely wrong. The single POV from Naomi is perfection! It really helps hone in on everything she is experiencing and not knowing exactly what Trace is thinking keeps the tension ever-present. There is a lot more of him showing how he feels instead of just telling the audience what’s going on in his head. And the FOREHEAD KISSES (and cheek and temple and….) are to die for! Let’s not forget that nickname, either.
This story is FULL of delightful interactions between Naomi and Trace as well as with her team. They are all best friends and that really shows throughout the book. The ease they have around each other is fantastic and I appreciate that it wasn’t a “pining after him for years” type of friends to lovers story.
I love the relationship Naomi has with Trace’s mom, especially as she navigates difficulty within her own family. It was so tender to watch as some of those relationships shifted, exposing the true cause of estrangement, and rebuilding what was thought to be lost.
I went into this story expecting “just” a fun sports romance with humor and a good HEA. What I found was SO much more! I knew NOTHING about softball going into this, and I feel like I have a fairly good grasp on it now.
I was sobbing through scenes between Naomi and her sister, and when true feelings were finally revealed…That first REAL kiss was EVERYTHING.
This friends to lovers, fake dating, softball romance brings the humor, the sports, and the swooning all at once. I cannot wait for the next Red Dirt Romance book!
August 13, 2025
In a world of dual POV writing, author Ashley Funk is out here proving that the single POV is not only enjoyable to read, but an absolute home run (see what I did there?).
—
Professional fast pitch player Naomi Baer is a Catcher on the San Antonio Storm. Naomi, along with her best friend Erica, are part of the fortunate few women who have the ability to play their sport professionally as the league only has four teams (while in pre-publication the league announced that it was expanding! In real life impact!).
Advocating for the sport she loves is part of Naomi’s life, and when the option to fake date her best friend (and fellow professional athlete) Trace Davenport is presented to her, she is nervous about how this will impact their friendship but she can’t help but accept knowing that it could help advance her sport.
Trace? Well, he needs to have a buffer to help his overbearing and clingy ex get the picture once and for all that their relationship is over.
The problem? They both have real feelings for each other that have gone unaddressed for years. Feelings that make fake dating seem easy, make a relationship feel real all too fast…but then again…does it matter if they swing for the fences?
—
This book is fabulous. I am quite certain that the real life experience of the author helps it feel like you actually are watching a season of the sport. I teared up with particular moments of the game, and felt deeply for our FMC as he is neglected by her parents. This was such a delightful read and I adore the single POV with no 3rd act breakup.
—
Professional fast pitch player Naomi Baer is a Catcher on the San Antonio Storm. Naomi, along with her best friend Erica, are part of the fortunate few women who have the ability to play their sport professionally as the league only has four teams (while in pre-publication the league announced that it was expanding! In real life impact!).
Advocating for the sport she loves is part of Naomi’s life, and when the option to fake date her best friend (and fellow professional athlete) Trace Davenport is presented to her, she is nervous about how this will impact their friendship but she can’t help but accept knowing that it could help advance her sport.
Trace? Well, he needs to have a buffer to help his overbearing and clingy ex get the picture once and for all that their relationship is over.
The problem? They both have real feelings for each other that have gone unaddressed for years. Feelings that make fake dating seem easy, make a relationship feel real all too fast…but then again…does it matter if they swing for the fences?
—
This book is fabulous. I am quite certain that the real life experience of the author helps it feel like you actually are watching a season of the sport. I teared up with particular moments of the game, and felt deeply for our FMC as he is neglected by her parents. This was such a delightful read and I adore the single POV with no 3rd act breakup.
August 19, 2025
This romcom hit so many of my favorite beats — fake dating, best friends to lovers, sports romance, and a swoony man who knows how to cheer for his girl.
She’s a professional softball player fighting for her sport to get more recognition. He’s her best friend and a professional football player dealing with a persistent ex who just won’t quit. The solution? Fake date each other. For him, it keeps the ex away. For her, it boosts softball’s visibility and fan base. Win-win… until all that time together blurs the line between friends and something much more.
I adored how he never overshadowed her but instead celebrated her career and passion — cheering her on, building her a practice space at his house, and wearing HER jersey (swoon!). I also loved that she found a family who would show up and cheer her on, even when her own family didn’t. The found family aspect was heartwarming, the chemistry was fantastic, and the epilogue tied it all up perfectly.
And can we just take a moment to appreciate that this was a sports romance centered on a woman’s sport? The softball scenes felt authentic and exciting, showing the grit, talent, and dedication of female athletes. This story is a perfect reminder that risking a friendship for something more can be the best play you’ll ever make.
She’s a professional softball player fighting for her sport to get more recognition. He’s her best friend and a professional football player dealing with a persistent ex who just won’t quit. The solution? Fake date each other. For him, it keeps the ex away. For her, it boosts softball’s visibility and fan base. Win-win… until all that time together blurs the line between friends and something much more.
I adored how he never overshadowed her but instead celebrated her career and passion — cheering her on, building her a practice space at his house, and wearing HER jersey (swoon!). I also loved that she found a family who would show up and cheer her on, even when her own family didn’t. The found family aspect was heartwarming, the chemistry was fantastic, and the epilogue tied it all up perfectly.
And can we just take a moment to appreciate that this was a sports romance centered on a woman’s sport? The softball scenes felt authentic and exciting, showing the grit, talent, and dedication of female athletes. This story is a perfect reminder that risking a friendship for something more can be the best play you’ll ever make.
July 31, 2025
Sports romances are always some of my favorites, and as such, I've read a lot of them. In most of these books (at least the ones I've read), it seems to be more likely that that MMC is the athlete, so seeing a female athlete was a fun change. Okay, so, Trace IS also a football player, but Naomi's softball career definitely takes center stage here. Admittedly, I have no interest in softball myself, but one of the things that I really appreciated about this story is that the author's love of the game clearly shines through! I definitely found myself learning a few things! More importantly though, I'm here for the romance... and Trace and Naomi's was the sweetest. Best friends + fake dating? What could be better than that? When she needs more eyes on the league and he needs to get a stalkerish ex off his back, it seems like a great solution... but those feelings don't seem fake for long. While I usually prefer dual POV in a romance, I didn't mind not seeing Trace's in this one--- I think his actions and how he showed up and supported her truly just spoke for themselves! I truly just adored these two together!
Framing the Pitch is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Framing the Pitch is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
-this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
-this is told from Naomi’s point of view
-it is mentioned/shown that a character is estranged from their family due to an emotionally manipulative parent
-it is mentioned that a character appears to be followed/stalked by an ex
-there are a few brief mentions of tongue in some kisses (about 3 mentions); the guy’s jacket is removed during one make out
Review:
This story was filled with all the best parts of a best friends to more fake romance! I loved Naomi and Trace’s story so so much! They had great chemistry and were so comfortable around each other before their fake relationship that it was almost easy for them to pretend. I loved how well they knew each other and were willing to show up when the other person needed help. I loved the relationship Naomi had with Trace’s family too! It was so sweet to see her accepted and know that Naomi was accepted by them way before their relationship even happened.
I also learned quite a bit about the world of softball by reading this book! (Though if you ask me questions I’ll probably not be able to pull the information up in my head. 😅)
I don’t know who’s going to get a story in this series next, but I’m kinda hoping for Naomi’s best (girl) friend Erica! She was a lot of fun in this book and I’d love to get to know her better!
Side note: Even though Trace is a football player, we don’t really ‘see’ any football in this book due to it being from Naomi’s point of view and it being softball season. So the majority of the book shows softball things.
Summary:
Naomi loves softball and has the absolute dream job of playing in the Women’s Fastpitch League. And her best friend Trace has supported her every step of the way, even when his career as a star football player shot him into the spotlight. They can’t always physically be there for one another like they used to, but when they are together it’s like no time has passed between them.
But Trace hasn’t told Naomi everything and when his agent sheds light on something Trace hadn’t shared with her yet, Naomi finds herself given a very odd proposal. Trace needs help and his agent thinks that putting him in a fake relationship with Naomi would fix his problem. But Naomi thinks it’s ridiculous and clearly Trace agrees. They’ve always only been friends… even when Naomi’s had to push down any shred of attraction to her best friend over the years.
But when Naomi finds out that the league has an opportunity to expand if the teams bring in more numbers of fans, the proposal sticks out to her. With Trace’s social media presence and popularity, the league (through her) could skyrocket. All it would take is accepting the offer, convincing Trace that they could do this, and it’d benefit both of them without any detriment to their friendship. It’d be as easy as framing a pitch, right?
-this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
-this is told from Naomi’s point of view
-it is mentioned/shown that a character is estranged from their family due to an emotionally manipulative parent
-it is mentioned that a character appears to be followed/stalked by an ex
-there are a few brief mentions of tongue in some kisses (about 3 mentions); the guy’s jacket is removed during one make out
Review:
This story was filled with all the best parts of a best friends to more fake romance! I loved Naomi and Trace’s story so so much! They had great chemistry and were so comfortable around each other before their fake relationship that it was almost easy for them to pretend. I loved how well they knew each other and were willing to show up when the other person needed help. I loved the relationship Naomi had with Trace’s family too! It was so sweet to see her accepted and know that Naomi was accepted by them way before their relationship even happened.
I also learned quite a bit about the world of softball by reading this book! (Though if you ask me questions I’ll probably not be able to pull the information up in my head. 😅)
I don’t know who’s going to get a story in this series next, but I’m kinda hoping for Naomi’s best (girl) friend Erica! She was a lot of fun in this book and I’d love to get to know her better!
Side note: Even though Trace is a football player, we don’t really ‘see’ any football in this book due to it being from Naomi’s point of view and it being softball season. So the majority of the book shows softball things.
Summary:
Naomi loves softball and has the absolute dream job of playing in the Women’s Fastpitch League. And her best friend Trace has supported her every step of the way, even when his career as a star football player shot him into the spotlight. They can’t always physically be there for one another like they used to, but when they are together it’s like no time has passed between them.
But Trace hasn’t told Naomi everything and when his agent sheds light on something Trace hadn’t shared with her yet, Naomi finds herself given a very odd proposal. Trace needs help and his agent thinks that putting him in a fake relationship with Naomi would fix his problem. But Naomi thinks it’s ridiculous and clearly Trace agrees. They’ve always only been friends… even when Naomi’s had to push down any shred of attraction to her best friend over the years.
But when Naomi finds out that the league has an opportunity to expand if the teams bring in more numbers of fans, the proposal sticks out to her. With Trace’s social media presence and popularity, the league (through her) could skyrocket. All it would take is accepting the offer, convincing Trace that they could do this, and it’d benefit both of them without any detriment to their friendship. It’d be as easy as framing a pitch, right?
August 12, 2025
Loved this sports romcom “twist” where the FMC is the main athlete.
I don’t know much (technically anything) about softball, but the way Ashley wrote this flowed so smoothly that I felt like I was getting a play-by-play and I was on the edge of my seat wanting them to win all the games.
Naomi and her team were put through the wringer.
Trace wins the MVFTB (Most Valuable Friend turned Boyfriend) award. Seriously, he’s an all-star, golden retriever, cinnamon roll, swoony MMC. He’s all about supporting and building Naomi up.
"You are more important than all of that. If you need me there, I'm there."
“I know you don't need me to protect you, but I'm always willing to stand by you."
Naomi and Trace were so cute!! I can’t tell you how much I adore their connection. It’s flawless.
I love fake dating and friends to lovers and I was squealing with delight when Naomi started accepting her long hidden feelings for Trace. The progression was so easy and natural.
“His smile isn’t anything out of the ordinary. I’ve seen that same smile aimed in my direction for years, but something about it today makes my heart flip like a pancake.”
I also loved the found family aspect. Everyone in Naomi’s corner since her parents have no desire for a relationship. Naomi’s parents are truly horrible to her, pitting Naomi and her sister against each other, but I loved how they found their way to one another, healing years of resentment and lies.
Highlights:
🥎Luella and Archie
🥎Trace’s parents
🥎4th of July
🥎First kiss
🥎His tattoo
🥎Trace wearing her jersey
I’ve read and loved every book Ashley has written.
Thank you to Ashley Funk for the copy. All opinions are my own.
I don’t know much (technically anything) about softball, but the way Ashley wrote this flowed so smoothly that I felt like I was getting a play-by-play and I was on the edge of my seat wanting them to win all the games.
Naomi and her team were put through the wringer.
Trace wins the MVFTB (Most Valuable Friend turned Boyfriend) award. Seriously, he’s an all-star, golden retriever, cinnamon roll, swoony MMC. He’s all about supporting and building Naomi up.
"You are more important than all of that. If you need me there, I'm there."
“I know you don't need me to protect you, but I'm always willing to stand by you."
Naomi and Trace were so cute!! I can’t tell you how much I adore their connection. It’s flawless.
I love fake dating and friends to lovers and I was squealing with delight when Naomi started accepting her long hidden feelings for Trace. The progression was so easy and natural.
“His smile isn’t anything out of the ordinary. I’ve seen that same smile aimed in my direction for years, but something about it today makes my heart flip like a pancake.”
I also loved the found family aspect. Everyone in Naomi’s corner since her parents have no desire for a relationship. Naomi’s parents are truly horrible to her, pitting Naomi and her sister against each other, but I loved how they found their way to one another, healing years of resentment and lies.
Highlights:
🥎Luella and Archie
🥎Trace’s parents
🥎4th of July
🥎First kiss
🥎His tattoo
🥎Trace wearing her jersey
I’ve read and loved every book Ashley has written.
Thank you to Ashley Funk for the copy. All opinions are my own.
September 17, 2025
"It's only you...It's always been you."
This is friends to more sports romcom perfection! Full of heart, humor, friendship, banter, and completely loveable characters.
The friendship between Naomi and Trace is the stuff dreams are made of! They are both so supportive and they truly see each other. The fact that they are both professional athletes gives them a unique perspective. They both understand the time, effort, and dedication required to reach that level of success in sports.
"When did just looking at my best friend turn into something I couldn't do without feeling my skin heat?"
The progression from friends to more felt completely organic. All of the little ways they support and encourage each other make their eventual fall seamless. On top of that, the chemistry and banter are so good. This is a couple you can't help but root for!
"He's claiming me with my number on his chest and my name on his back."
I love that the main focus is on the female pro athlete's journey and that we get to see Trace wearing Naomi's jersey with her name across his back!
This is the first book in this series and I am so excited to see which character gets their book next!
This is friends to more sports romcom perfection! Full of heart, humor, friendship, banter, and completely loveable characters.
The friendship between Naomi and Trace is the stuff dreams are made of! They are both so supportive and they truly see each other. The fact that they are both professional athletes gives them a unique perspective. They both understand the time, effort, and dedication required to reach that level of success in sports.
"When did just looking at my best friend turn into something I couldn't do without feeling my skin heat?"
The progression from friends to more felt completely organic. All of the little ways they support and encourage each other make their eventual fall seamless. On top of that, the chemistry and banter are so good. This is a couple you can't help but root for!
"He's claiming me with my number on his chest and my name on his back."
I love that the main focus is on the female pro athlete's journey and that we get to see Trace wearing Naomi's jersey with her name across his back!
This is the first book in this series and I am so excited to see which character gets their book next!
August 13, 2025
This is book 1 in the Red Dirt Romance series. Naomi and Trace are both athletes, best friends, and perfect for each other.
This book was so special and unique as a romcom for many reasons. 1️⃣ First and foremost, it’s a female athlete featured, not a male. Naomi is a professional softball player. 🥎 Ashley does an amazing job balancing her as a serious/talented athlete, a strong feminine woman, and someone who has past trauma she’s overcome. 2️⃣ Second, the book was only from Naomi’s POV. Most romcoms are dual POV so it was fun to have something different. You also realize you know what Trace thinks/feels early on so we don’t necessarily need his POV. 😊 3️⃣ Third, the best friends to more trope was done so well! It never felt fake, forced, or like it would end poorly. You can see why they are best friends and why a relationship was the next natural step. They just needed a push…enter fake dating! The fake dating was not a stretch to anyone who knew Trace and Naomi. It was easy to assume it was real. 4️⃣ Naomi was the one standing up for herself…and her man!! It was so cool to see her not backing down from confrontation but being respectful at the same time. She had every right to go off on the people she did. However, she wasn’t the one making a scene. She was responding to their initial drama and ending it quickly.
I can’t recommend this book enough and I can’t wait for more in this series!
This book was so special and unique as a romcom for many reasons. 1️⃣ First and foremost, it’s a female athlete featured, not a male. Naomi is a professional softball player. 🥎 Ashley does an amazing job balancing her as a serious/talented athlete, a strong feminine woman, and someone who has past trauma she’s overcome. 2️⃣ Second, the book was only from Naomi’s POV. Most romcoms are dual POV so it was fun to have something different. You also realize you know what Trace thinks/feels early on so we don’t necessarily need his POV. 😊 3️⃣ Third, the best friends to more trope was done so well! It never felt fake, forced, or like it would end poorly. You can see why they are best friends and why a relationship was the next natural step. They just needed a push…enter fake dating! The fake dating was not a stretch to anyone who knew Trace and Naomi. It was easy to assume it was real. 4️⃣ Naomi was the one standing up for herself…and her man!! It was so cool to see her not backing down from confrontation but being respectful at the same time. She had every right to go off on the people she did. However, she wasn’t the one making a scene. She was responding to their initial drama and ending it quickly.
I can’t recommend this book enough and I can’t wait for more in this series!
September 7, 2025
2.5⭐️ ARC Review: This book just didn’t do it for me. At all. I was really really bored for most of it and had to seriously push through. I wanted to see how the fake dating was going to go, because I love when athletic characters specifically have to fake date. But it didn’t even feel like the fake dating we know and love. So poorly executed. It honestly felt like a softball documentary ha.
Okay, they are supposed to be the best of friends right? So why was he kissing her on the nose and forehead and cheek (literally everywhere but her lips) and flirting with her when they are in private and just being themselves? Also, her jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around him? And him saying he couldn’t wait that long to see her so he just had to come 2 days early? Mind you, they weren’t really even fake dating at this point! Those are not just friends actions!
Also with them being friends, I didn’t feel like that dynamic was even that good. No chemistry. Very surface level stuff.
I think this story really needed his POV. Maybe their relationship would have been more believable that way. He seemed very much like a side character. We didn’t get to know him, and I think he could have been such a good character. Cause the snippets you get of him, he is the sweetest ever. It was quite obvious though that he loved her from the beginning.
I found the game play parts of the story a bit boring. Interesting for sure. I was invested early on in the book. But there was just so much of it. At least half of the book was her being in a softball game. I just really wasn’t interested in this story as a whole. Which is sad cause the reason I signed up for this ARC was because I’ve never read a softball sports romance before. And I was just disappointed. It was an unmemorable book I couldn’t help but skim.
Last petty thing, his tattoo for her was utterly ridiculous and cheesy. No. Just no. I honestly don’t think I’ll read anything else by this author. No shade or hate, but her writing just didn’t work for me.
*Thank you to the author, Ashley Funk, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Softball player FMC
- Football player MMC
- Best friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Single POV
Content 💋:
- Heavy make-outs (no explicit details. Basically just kisses)
- Mild infrequent language (1 use of d**n and h**l)
Okay, they are supposed to be the best of friends right? So why was he kissing her on the nose and forehead and cheek (literally everywhere but her lips) and flirting with her when they are in private and just being themselves? Also, her jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around him? And him saying he couldn’t wait that long to see her so he just had to come 2 days early? Mind you, they weren’t really even fake dating at this point! Those are not just friends actions!
Also with them being friends, I didn’t feel like that dynamic was even that good. No chemistry. Very surface level stuff.
I think this story really needed his POV. Maybe their relationship would have been more believable that way. He seemed very much like a side character. We didn’t get to know him, and I think he could have been such a good character. Cause the snippets you get of him, he is the sweetest ever. It was quite obvious though that he loved her from the beginning.
I found the game play parts of the story a bit boring. Interesting for sure. I was invested early on in the book. But there was just so much of it. At least half of the book was her being in a softball game. I just really wasn’t interested in this story as a whole. Which is sad cause the reason I signed up for this ARC was because I’ve never read a softball sports romance before. And I was just disappointed. It was an unmemorable book I couldn’t help but skim.
Last petty thing, his tattoo for her was utterly ridiculous and cheesy. No. Just no. I honestly don’t think I’ll read anything else by this author. No shade or hate, but her writing just didn’t work for me.
*Thank you to the author, Ashley Funk, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Softball player FMC
- Football player MMC
- Best friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Single POV
Content 💋:
- Heavy make-outs (no explicit details. Basically just kisses)
- Mild infrequent language (1 use of d**n and h**l)
August 12, 2025
MCs: Naomi and Trace
My thoughts: So much love for this book! Best friends decide to start fake dating to help each other. Both are athletes, he plays football, but this story is all about the softball! 🥎 Naomi is the catcher for the San Antonio Storm, one of 4 teams in the professional softball league. I will say, I never cry reading books, but I absolutely did in this one (and I even knew it was coming!). Other things I loved:
🥎 every time he shows up for her
🥎 all the cheek and temple kisses
🥎 4th of July celebrations
🥎 lawn mowing 🤭
🥎 a wedding
🥎 a tattoo
🥎 Chapter 34 (keep the tissues handy)
🥎 and he wears her jersey
“There’s some part of me that forgot—or maybe just didn’t want to acknowledge—how good-looking Trace is. There’s a reason he’s known as the Dallas Darling and his butt has gone viral multiple times over on TikTok”
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All views are my own.
“We’re a team. We’re in this together.”
My thoughts: So much love for this book! Best friends decide to start fake dating to help each other. Both are athletes, he plays football, but this story is all about the softball! 🥎 Naomi is the catcher for the San Antonio Storm, one of 4 teams in the professional softball league. I will say, I never cry reading books, but I absolutely did in this one (and I even knew it was coming!). Other things I loved:
🥎 every time he shows up for her
🥎 all the cheek and temple kisses
🥎 4th of July celebrations
🥎 lawn mowing 🤭
🥎 a wedding
🥎 a tattoo
🥎 Chapter 34 (keep the tissues handy)
🥎 and he wears her jersey
“There’s some part of me that forgot—or maybe just didn’t want to acknowledge—how good-looking Trace is. There’s a reason he’s known as the Dallas Darling and his butt has gone viral multiple times over on TikTok”
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All views are my own.
“We’re a team. We’re in this together.”
August 12, 2025
What I loved: 6' tall woman who wears high heals, women's softball!, she's the protective one, red-haired FMC, golden retriever MMC, and Trace's obvious love and care for Naomi.
Women's softball trope was so refreshing in this book. I loved that she was paired with an unobtrusive, humble pro football player!
There are no swears, alcohol consumption with two scenes of tipsiness/ drunkeness, and level 1 kisses only. Present tense, Single POV.
Naomi Baer is a professional softball player. She's been best friends with Trace for 8 years. She has red hair, is 6 feet tall, and has one sister who is getting married. She has a strained relationship with her sister and parents.
Trace Davenport is a professional football player, and when he gets into a tricky situation, Naomi agrees to help him out.
Women's softball trope was so refreshing in this book. I loved that she was paired with an unobtrusive, humble pro football player!
There are no swears, alcohol consumption with two scenes of tipsiness/ drunkeness, and level 1 kisses only. Present tense, Single POV.
Naomi Baer is a professional softball player. She's been best friends with Trace for 8 years. She has red hair, is 6 feet tall, and has one sister who is getting married. She has a strained relationship with her sister and parents.
Trace Davenport is a professional football player, and when he gets into a tricky situation, Naomi agrees to help him out.
August 30, 2025
This was exactly the book I needed when I needed it most. I was so blessed to receive an ARC, and wow—I think this might be one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I’ve ever read.
Normally I struggle with this trope because there’s always too much back-and-forth, endless pining, or poor communication that leaves me stressed. Not here. Ashley nailed it. No unnecessary angst, no third-act breakup—just the sweetest, most natural shift from friendship into love.
Naomi was such a standout character. I loved how Ashley showed that being a strong, tough female athlete doesn’t mean she can’t also be vulnerable—and that her vulnerability is actually part of her strength.
If you like closed-door romance and enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake dating, or found family tropes, this one’s a must-read. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Normally I struggle with this trope because there’s always too much back-and-forth, endless pining, or poor communication that leaves me stressed. Not here. Ashley nailed it. No unnecessary angst, no third-act breakup—just the sweetest, most natural shift from friendship into love.
Naomi was such a standout character. I loved how Ashley showed that being a strong, tough female athlete doesn’t mean she can’t also be vulnerable—and that her vulnerability is actually part of her strength.
If you like closed-door romance and enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake dating, or found family tropes, this one’s a must-read. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
September 24, 2025
We all know hockey has been a big trend in romance books lately, but everyone needs to take a break from hockey and read this softball romance. 🥎
Naomi is a pro softball player, and her best friend Trace is a pro football player. When Trace’s ex-girlfriend becomes too stalkerish, his agent decides Trace and Naomi should fake-date to help get rid of her.
Trace is seriously the sweetest and I am now going to require my husband to call me “sugar” all the time. 😂 Naomi has been through so much with her family and I loved the representation for setting boundaries with people who are dragging you down.
Basically, this book was amazing, and you should definitely read it if you like:
-kisses only
-sports romance
-friends to lovers
-found family
Naomi is a pro softball player, and her best friend Trace is a pro football player. When Trace’s ex-girlfriend becomes too stalkerish, his agent decides Trace and Naomi should fake-date to help get rid of her.
Trace is seriously the sweetest and I am now going to require my husband to call me “sugar” all the time. 😂 Naomi has been through so much with her family and I loved the representation for setting boundaries with people who are dragging you down.
Basically, this book was amazing, and you should definitely read it if you like:
-kisses only
-sports romance
-friends to lovers
-found family
August 11, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The softball romance I didn't know I needed♥️
I absolutely loved the best friends to lovers/fake dating trope! They're already so comfortable with each other and then to add chemistry with it was perfect!
I mean, that first kiss🔥
I loved all of the softball aspects! Naomi is such a girl boss! I'm definitely the girl who likes sports in sports romances and Ashley did not disappoint! But, even if you aren't a big sports fan, I think it was just the right amount to have that everyone can understand what was happening.
Couldn't recommend this book more!! Can't wait to see what else this series has in store!👀
The softball romance I didn't know I needed♥️
I absolutely loved the best friends to lovers/fake dating trope! They're already so comfortable with each other and then to add chemistry with it was perfect!
I mean, that first kiss🔥
I loved all of the softball aspects! Naomi is such a girl boss! I'm definitely the girl who likes sports in sports romances and Ashley did not disappoint! But, even if you aren't a big sports fan, I think it was just the right amount to have that everyone can understand what was happening.
Couldn't recommend this book more!! Can't wait to see what else this series has in store!👀
August 17, 2025
My first book by this author. Its sweet story and Trace and Naomi is a super cute couple although he is a much more attentive and caring person than she is. At times I think she doesn't deserve him. I wished there was a more in depth discussion between the two regarding the evolving of their relationship. Naomi had been dragging her feet all book and then one night the switch just flipped. I didn't buy that and think the author could have done more with the big reveal. I think the whole relationship with her parents and especially her mom could have gone deeper. I can't believe her mom is so horrible just because she is tall. Overall 3,5 stars
July 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! Even for someone who knows nothing about softball, I was sucked straight in from the first page, and hardly put it down! Ashley's main characters are so loveable, you start cheering on not only their relationship, but their friendship. She takes the time to build up the backstory and introduce the readers to this backstory in exactly the right moments, incorporating humor when it feels right, and allowing us to feel connected to the characters through the emotions they (and we) feel. Ashley Funk's Framing The Pitch just became my new favorite book!
July 27, 2025
This book deserves your time, not just because it is another sports romance, but because this is probably the first where the FMC's sports career we are focusing on (yes, the MMC is also an athelete).
I liked the writing of the book, along with how simple and effortless the relationship between Naomi and Trace was. I also liked that the epilogue was different from what we generally expect from a romance.
I do wish we had Trace's POV too, even if it was the epilogue, but despite that it was a solid read.
I liked the writing of the book, along with how simple and effortless the relationship between Naomi and Trace was. I also liked that the epilogue was different from what we generally expect from a romance.
I do wish we had Trace's POV too, even if it was the epilogue, but despite that it was a solid read.
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