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The San Jose Coyotes #2
Curve Ball
#14 - Gael Mendoza
RF B/ R/R 6'1" 22
You ever feel like life is just keeping you down and you’re struggling to find the surface?
That’s how it felt when Natalia cheated on me.
I wasn’t good enough, didn’t make enough money and I wasn’t the star player she desired.
One night out with my boys led me to Adriana. It was supposed to be a one-night stand, but once I had a taste of her...
I was down bad from the moment our lips touched.
Then the next morning she’s gone. Leaving a note that said, Thanks for the fun night. But I know I want more, the problem is my texts go unanswered.
Life really threw me a curve ball, and her name’s Adriana.
RF B/ R/R 6'1" 22
You ever feel like life is just keeping you down and you’re struggling to find the surface?
That’s how it felt when Natalia cheated on me.
I wasn’t good enough, didn’t make enough money and I wasn’t the star player she desired.
One night out with my boys led me to Adriana. It was supposed to be a one-night stand, but once I had a taste of her...
I was down bad from the moment our lips touched.
Then the next morning she’s gone. Leaving a note that said, Thanks for the fun night. But I know I want more, the problem is my texts go unanswered.
Life really threw me a curve ball, and her name’s Adriana.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 20, 2025
love at first sight but it’s supposed to only be a one night stand 🥰
full stop ✋🏼😭 i sobbed throughout this whole book. that’s just what izzy does and i will forever praise her for that 🧎🏻♀️ thank you so much for giving me the chance to arc read !!
this is a baseball romance novella, “one night stand”, instant attraction, longing, yearning, public play, degradation, praise, impact play, unprotected sex, pregnancy, mentions of cheating (not between main characters), duo pov, book two in series ⚾️
adriana and gael have been been dealt with shit cards in their love lives. they’ve both been cheated on and looked down on. their previous partners just never took them seriously / truly cared for them. so when adriana and gael meet one night, they immediately fall deep into each other. their connection is so electric !! but it was only just one night … it wasn’t supposed to lead to the yearning or constantly checking their phones to see if the other contacted one. it wasn’t supposed to lead to a surprise. but everything happens for a reason and this is their story 🫶🏼
gosh i love them so much 🫀 the moment i met them in book one i just KNEW this one was going to be emotional as fuck !! and damn did it hit hard.
adriana’s inner thoughts reflected my own. i relate to her so deeply. from what she was put through with her ex, i’m so proud of her to see how she came out the other end. she deserves the universe. i loved seeing her glow with happiness 🥰 gael is someone i long for in a man. he is such a family man and someone you can put your trust in. the way he was constantly checking up on adriana and didn’t give up on her actually had me hysterically crying. the way he spoke about adriana was just so poetic. this is a motherfucking MAN !!! the two of them together is just so perfect. they fit each other so well and i’m simply in awe 🥹
i’m going to miss this little family ❤️🩹 getting to see isla and kai again just felt like coming home. this group of friends and support system is everything and more
🌶️🌶️🌶️
full stop ✋🏼😭 i sobbed throughout this whole book. that’s just what izzy does and i will forever praise her for that 🧎🏻♀️ thank you so much for giving me the chance to arc read !!
this is a baseball romance novella, “one night stand”, instant attraction, longing, yearning, public play, degradation, praise, impact play, unprotected sex, pregnancy, mentions of cheating (not between main characters), duo pov, book two in series ⚾️
adriana and gael have been been dealt with shit cards in their love lives. they’ve both been cheated on and looked down on. their previous partners just never took them seriously / truly cared for them. so when adriana and gael meet one night, they immediately fall deep into each other. their connection is so electric !! but it was only just one night … it wasn’t supposed to lead to the yearning or constantly checking their phones to see if the other contacted one. it wasn’t supposed to lead to a surprise. but everything happens for a reason and this is their story 🫶🏼
gosh i love them so much 🫀 the moment i met them in book one i just KNEW this one was going to be emotional as fuck !! and damn did it hit hard.
adriana’s inner thoughts reflected my own. i relate to her so deeply. from what she was put through with her ex, i’m so proud of her to see how she came out the other end. she deserves the universe. i loved seeing her glow with happiness 🥰 gael is someone i long for in a man. he is such a family man and someone you can put your trust in. the way he was constantly checking up on adriana and didn’t give up on her actually had me hysterically crying. the way he spoke about adriana was just so poetic. this is a motherfucking MAN !!! the two of them together is just so perfect. they fit each other so well and i’m simply in awe 🥹
i’m going to miss this little family ❤️🩹 getting to see isla and kai again just felt like coming home. this group of friends and support system is everything and more
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 20, 2026
Miscommunication and lack of communication piss me off! Otherwise, this was cute.
August 6, 2025
Things I didn’t like
- I was upset with Gael(MMC) because In the first chapter he mentions that his ex was everything he ever wanted and could have saw himself marrying her. It ruined the whole vibe for me. I couldn’t get pasted it. I know it’s a stupid reason to be upset with him since he didn’t even that Adriana(FMC) existed at that point but it still upset me. Personally I don’t I like an MMC has already been in love before or thought he was in love. It just ruins the whole vibe for me. And I know this makes me a hypocrite because I don’t mind if an FMC has been in love before or thought she was.
- It took 60 pages for them to talk each other after their one night stand.(Because of Adriana)
- Adriana. I hated that she let her fears and insecurities take over at times. But I understood why she did. I didn’t like it tho and it made me low key resent her.
- The whole papi and mama shit was a little cringe
- I didn’t see a connection between them other than sex. They were saying I love you to each other at 72%. Like what??? They haven’t had one single meaningful conversation yet. It just all happened really fast.
What I liked
- How Obsessed Gael was
- After being upset with Gael in the beginning. He did make me feel a little better when he said he didn’t actually want to marry his ex and could see Adriana being his wife.
- Adriana getting over fears and insecurities
- Around 73% is where I started to like the book.
- The Spanish dirty talk
Also this felt unfinished. It said to be continued but I wasn’t sure if they were talking about Gael and Adriana’s story or they meant they were gonna move on to Jackson and Andres story.
- I was upset with Gael(MMC) because In the first chapter he mentions that his ex was everything he ever wanted and could have saw himself marrying her. It ruined the whole vibe for me. I couldn’t get pasted it. I know it’s a stupid reason to be upset with him since he didn’t even that Adriana(FMC) existed at that point but it still upset me. Personally I don’t I like an MMC has already been in love before or thought he was in love. It just ruins the whole vibe for me. And I know this makes me a hypocrite because I don’t mind if an FMC has been in love before or thought she was.
- It took 60 pages for them to talk each other after their one night stand.(Because of Adriana)
- Adriana. I hated that she let her fears and insecurities take over at times. But I understood why she did. I didn’t like it tho and it made me low key resent her.
- The whole papi and mama shit was a little cringe
- I didn’t see a connection between them other than sex. They were saying I love you to each other at 72%. Like what??? They haven’t had one single meaningful conversation yet. It just all happened really fast.
What I liked
- How Obsessed Gael was
- After being upset with Gael in the beginning. He did make me feel a little better when he said he didn’t actually want to marry his ex and could see Adriana being his wife.
- Adriana getting over fears and insecurities
- Around 73% is where I started to like the book.
- The Spanish dirty talk
Also this felt unfinished. It said to be continued but I wasn’t sure if they were talking about Gael and Adriana’s story or they meant they were gonna move on to Jackson and Andres story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
“You’re not just my girlfriend, Adriana. You’re my everything.”❤️
Tropes
Baseball romance novella (MLB)
ONS
Surprise, secret pregnancy
Boy down bad and obsessed
I was really looking forward to this story, but it really disappointed me. The 2 stars are for Gael and the spice in the club & the ONS. Gael was sweet, passionate, affectionate, intentional, and down bad from the beginning. Just perfect and everything I’d imagine any woman would want.
Now for the things I didn’t like..
- Adrianna. After sneaking out, you leave a note with your number (knowing you had no intention of speaking to him again) and proceeded to ghost him for weeks. She didn’t block him or anything just kept allowing him to reach out to her and pour his heart and feelings out. She made him feel like he had done something no wrong, and he deserved so much better in my opinion.
- I hate women who decide BY THEMSELVES that it is best to keep the fact that they are pregnant from the father, just because she has her own issues. Her issues were her issues, and it was petty, childish, to keep it from him. And her reasoning just bs.
- Gael taking her back so easily and them jumping right into “I love you” just made me shake my head. From 60% to the end, I just skimmed.
- for this to be a baseball romance, there wasn’t much baseball at all
- The amount of Spanish dialogue. If you are going to have a large portion of the back and forth dialogue be in another language, you need to put translations at the bottom of the pages for your readers. Having to stop and search what they were saying kept taking me out of the story and was just irritating. After a while I just skipped those parts all together.
Tropes
Baseball romance novella (MLB)
ONS
Surprise, secret pregnancy
Boy down bad and obsessed
I was really looking forward to this story, but it really disappointed me. The 2 stars are for Gael and the spice in the club & the ONS. Gael was sweet, passionate, affectionate, intentional, and down bad from the beginning. Just perfect and everything I’d imagine any woman would want.
Now for the things I didn’t like..
- Adrianna. After sneaking out, you leave a note with your number (knowing you had no intention of speaking to him again) and proceeded to ghost him for weeks. She didn’t block him or anything just kept allowing him to reach out to her and pour his heart and feelings out. She made him feel like he had done something no wrong, and he deserved so much better in my opinion.
- I hate women who decide BY THEMSELVES that it is best to keep the fact that they are pregnant from the father, just because she has her own issues. Her issues were her issues, and it was petty, childish, to keep it from him. And her reasoning just bs.
- Gael taking her back so easily and them jumping right into “I love you” just made me shake my head. From 60% to the end, I just skimmed.
- for this to be a baseball romance, there wasn’t much baseball at all
- The amount of Spanish dialogue. If you are going to have a large portion of the back and forth dialogue be in another language, you need to put translations at the bottom of the pages for your readers. Having to stop and search what they were saying kept taking me out of the story and was just irritating. After a while I just skipped those parts all together.
July 16, 2025
Gael Mendoza #14
He dodged a bullet with that creature Nat , seriously.
I have been dying for more Adriana since strike out .she freaking amazing and deserves everything great in the world, and I stand by that.
I connected with her a lot, especially with an ex like hers, the effects she felt and the voices of the things the ex would say and unable to trust again .
im absolutely in love with Gael Mendoza 100%
“My cock has never been so hard. You turn me on so much, Mama. Tu cuerpo es una obra de arte, y quiero explorarlo todo. Your body is fucking perfect. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and I hope you believe that, Adriana. Because you are.”
he gives me butterflies so much .
Jackson and Andres crack me up there adorable and hot 🔥
chapter 13 I was a bit emotional during that chapter.
Chapter 18 was one of my favs 💦💦
He dodged a bullet with that creature Nat , seriously.
I have been dying for more Adriana since strike out .she freaking amazing and deserves everything great in the world, and I stand by that.
I connected with her a lot, especially with an ex like hers, the effects she felt and the voices of the things the ex would say and unable to trust again .
im absolutely in love with Gael Mendoza 100%
“My cock has never been so hard. You turn me on so much, Mama. Tu cuerpo es una obra de arte, y quiero explorarlo todo. Your body is fucking perfect. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and I hope you believe that, Adriana. Because you are.”
he gives me butterflies so much .
Jackson and Andres crack me up there adorable and hot 🔥
chapter 13 I was a bit emotional during that chapter.
Chapter 18 was one of my favs 💦💦
August 5, 2025
Strikeout was the book that got me into sports romance! Curveball is the book that made me fall in love with sports romance!! This book was just an amazing squeal! I have been waiting to find out about Gael and Adriana’s story since the ending of Strikeout. I loved that we got to dive into the being of their story because since the ending of Strikeout I was trying to put together theories about their relationship. I was so sad at the beginning of the book with the struggle that Adriana was going through and trying to over come her fear because I understand what she was going through. Be once her and Gael get back together I was literally giggling and kicking my feet. This is such an amazing series and I can’t wait for others to be able to experience it! You will love Kai and Isla’s story in Strikeout and you will adore Gael and Adriana’s story in Curveball!!!
July 16, 2025
Short, spicy and OMG so HOT 🔥 🥵
Izzy brings us book 2 in the San Jose Coyotes, and Gael is so freaking sweet I just can't! Honestly, I hate Nat. What she did was so unfathomable, but you know what... she deserves all the Karma that comes her way!
This book had me screaming at Adriana too because Gael's heartbreak was so real in chapter 7, it legitimately left me in tears. I understand her hesitance because past relationship trauma can do that to a person.
This novella was perfect though. Through the pain and heartache, they worked it out and came out stronger for it! And the Spanish? LOVED IT!! I had to use translate because I only know a few words but imagining it being whispered between them was so freaking HOT!!!
Now to patiently wait for the next book in the series...
Izzy brings us book 2 in the San Jose Coyotes, and Gael is so freaking sweet I just can't! Honestly, I hate Nat. What she did was so unfathomable, but you know what... she deserves all the Karma that comes her way!
This book had me screaming at Adriana too because Gael's heartbreak was so real in chapter 7, it legitimately left me in tears. I understand her hesitance because past relationship trauma can do that to a person.
This novella was perfect though. Through the pain and heartache, they worked it out and came out stronger for it! And the Spanish? LOVED IT!! I had to use translate because I only know a few words but imagining it being whispered between them was so freaking HOT!!!
Now to patiently wait for the next book in the series...
August 12, 2025
Im completely in love with Gael. The man is an adorable obsessed giant puppy with a filthy mouth and a huge heart.
I knew the moment I started reading that I'd love this book.
The characters are well written as always with Izzy's work. Gael is perfection with how he genuinely cares and worries that hes being too much (I've never met one of his kind in real life and wonder if they truly exist). Adriana is very, very relatable and there were times I found myself screaming at the book because I've done exactly what she was doing and wanted to shake her and tell her to stop being so fucking stupid.
The story has a very realistic element, and I think that helped me really connect with it. Definitely think I need to start watching baseball because these men are just !
The spice in this book is damn spicy! 3.5 chilli's for sure as it starts in public lol
Can't wait for more from this series. I want Andres and Jackson's story so bad!
I knew the moment I started reading that I'd love this book.
The characters are well written as always with Izzy's work. Gael is perfection with how he genuinely cares and worries that hes being too much (I've never met one of his kind in real life and wonder if they truly exist). Adriana is very, very relatable and there were times I found myself screaming at the book because I've done exactly what she was doing and wanted to shake her and tell her to stop being so fucking stupid.
The story has a very realistic element, and I think that helped me really connect with it. Definitely think I need to start watching baseball because these men are just !
The spice in this book is damn spicy! 3.5 chilli's for sure as it starts in public lol
Can't wait for more from this series. I want Andres and Jackson's story so bad!
August 28, 2025
ARC Review
Curve Ball is a spicy baseball novella, and the spice is HOT! Gael and Adri are absolute perfection for each other. Both wronged by exes leads them to completely different reactions. Gael is consumed by Adri from the moment he sees her, but Adriana's past has her scared and running away. Gael turns out to be just what Adriana needs! I hope we get some more of Adriana and Gael in the books to come! Up next in The San Jose Coyotes Series...Double Play!
Curve Ball is a spicy baseball novella, and the spice is HOT! Gael and Adri are absolute perfection for each other. Both wronged by exes leads them to completely different reactions. Gael is consumed by Adri from the moment he sees her, but Adriana's past has her scared and running away. Gael turns out to be just what Adriana needs! I hope we get some more of Adriana and Gael in the books to come! Up next in The San Jose Coyotes Series...Double Play!
April 24, 2026
This book was amazing. You have two people who have been hurt from past relationships and one-night changes it all. He and she thin it will be a one-night stand. He falls for her hard and she wants to stay away from him. For months he tries to talk to her and she ignores him. Until one day she realizes she is pregnant. Pregnant and scared she does not want to tell him but she knows she needs to. She tells him and he is over the moon about it. This story is a mix of heart ache and love.
August 28, 2025
this book didn’t traumatize me as much as the first one w the smut, the story 😭😭 i relate to adri a lot. anyways i need someone to ask meto marry him the exact way gael did to adri. im so excited for the next one 🙂↕️✊
May 20, 2025
Review coming soon!
August 7, 2025
This was such a short cute novella. I really enjoyed it. It was such a fun hot read. The spice was on point. Oh my was I on absolute fire 🔥 for being so short Izzy truly got so much depth into book. I loved it.
August 8, 2025
I absolutely loved Strike Out and I loved Curve Ball just as much! I don’t want to let these characters go! They are amazing!!! And the story itself keeps you hooked throughout the whole story! All praises to Izzy!
July 26, 2025
I wanted to like this one more…like I LOVED Gael and the mouth he had on him, but eventually his simping over Adri as hard as he was was a bit much for me especially after she just kept ghosting him for weeks, like I get she had her reasons but some of her actions I was just like NOPE. I will admit when they were actually together though they were really cute though and everyone around them is just so dang nice and welcoming I love that for them. So while by the end this ended up being a 3.5⭐️ for me I know plenty of people will love this fast paced, filled with plenty of spice, and a HEA read. This author has definitely brought me over to the baseball side of romance reading and I am SUPER excited for the third couple in this series 😈😈
April 18, 2026
Gahhhhh ..... Izzy Ravas does it again!! I DEVOURED Curve Ball. Gael and Adriana are end game!!!
I really don't know how Izzy can get readers laughing, to fanning themselves, to crying, all in the same chapter!! Like Girrrlll this book also made me cry a few times.
Curve Ball is another fast-paced, insta-love, obsessed MMC romance and I'm here for every single second!!
I loved having all the Spanish in the book, even though I had to go and translate the majority of it lol. It definitely gave it a different kinda vibe which I loved!! You don't see that often in books...well not in books I've read.
I cannot wait to read Andres and Jackson's story next!!
I really don't know how Izzy can get readers laughing, to fanning themselves, to crying, all in the same chapter!! Like Girrrlll this book also made me cry a few times.
Curve Ball is another fast-paced, insta-love, obsessed MMC romance and I'm here for every single second!!
I loved having all the Spanish in the book, even though I had to go and translate the majority of it lol. It definitely gave it a different kinda vibe which I loved!! You don't see that often in books...well not in books I've read.
I cannot wait to read Andres and Jackson's story next!!
August 5, 2025
Curve Ball is a quick read that I finished in bed, in one evening. It is book two in The San Jose Coyotes series, and is also a stand alone novella.
To be honest, I didn't enjoy Gael and Adri's story quite as much as I did Kai and Isla's, but that's only because I am not a fan of the unplanned pregnancy trope. I don't mind pregnancy in a book, it's just that very specific facet of the trope. Outside of that, I really enjoyed this story. As a mom who has experienced unplanned pregnancy, Adri was very relatable, especially because of my personal feelings on the trope. Adri felt real, her feelings and vulnerability palpable. And Gael, what can I say? I LIVE for a tatted up, tall, dominant but still a giant cinnamon roll at heart man who falls first, and hard.
If you're a fan of:
⚾ Unplanned Pregnancy
⚾ He Falls First & Hard
⚾ Public Sex/Exhibitionism
⚾ Mama/Papi Nicknames/Dynamic
⚾ A Dominant But Cinnamon Roll @ Heart MMC
⚾ A Curvy/Plus Size FMC
⚾ A Latin Couple
⚾ Mutual Masturbation/Voyeurism
⚾ Sports Romance
... then I think you will definitely enjoy this short, steamy, one handed read. Which brings me to everyone's fav part of the review, the spice factor. There is some very hot and juicy spice to be read here, but not quite as much as I was hoping for, so I'll be rating this overall 4 ⭐ read 3 outta 5 🌶️'s.
As with any book I review, I urge you to please read the content, trope and trigger warning lists before you dive in. This one is much more light hearted than some of the other books I read, but it's still important to make sure there's nothing here that could upset your mental health and well-being. And if you do read it, make sure to stop back, drop a comment down ⬇️ below ⬇️ and tell me what you thought!!
To be honest, I didn't enjoy Gael and Adri's story quite as much as I did Kai and Isla's, but that's only because I am not a fan of the unplanned pregnancy trope. I don't mind pregnancy in a book, it's just that very specific facet of the trope. Outside of that, I really enjoyed this story. As a mom who has experienced unplanned pregnancy, Adri was very relatable, especially because of my personal feelings on the trope. Adri felt real, her feelings and vulnerability palpable. And Gael, what can I say? I LIVE for a tatted up, tall, dominant but still a giant cinnamon roll at heart man who falls first, and hard.
If you're a fan of:
⚾ Unplanned Pregnancy
⚾ He Falls First & Hard
⚾ Public Sex/Exhibitionism
⚾ Mama/Papi Nicknames/Dynamic
⚾ A Dominant But Cinnamon Roll @ Heart MMC
⚾ A Curvy/Plus Size FMC
⚾ A Latin Couple
⚾ Mutual Masturbation/Voyeurism
⚾ Sports Romance
... then I think you will definitely enjoy this short, steamy, one handed read. Which brings me to everyone's fav part of the review, the spice factor. There is some very hot and juicy spice to be read here, but not quite as much as I was hoping for, so I'll be rating this overall 4 ⭐ read 3 outta 5 🌶️'s.
As with any book I review, I urge you to please read the content, trope and trigger warning lists before you dive in. This one is much more light hearted than some of the other books I read, but it's still important to make sure there's nothing here that could upset your mental health and well-being. And if you do read it, make sure to stop back, drop a comment down ⬇️ below ⬇️ and tell me what you thought!!
July 27, 2025
I absolutely devoured Adriana and Gael's story.
Adriana is a bada$$ boss. She has her life planned out and enjoying every minute of it. I love that she is embracing her true self because she is so deserving of happiness, but she has been hurt in the past that does cause her to question her self-worth at times. Gael is amazing. He is kind, beautiful and loving, but after a difficult break up, he is questioning everything.
The plot was amazing. On a night out with mutual friends, Gael can't help but be caught in Adriana's spell. Gael is instantly obsessed with Adriana, and Adriana is feeling a certain way about Gael. After an explosive night together, Gael is determined to keep Adriana as he thinks she is the love of his life, but Adriana has other plans even though she also kind of feels the same. Little does Adri know that that one unforgettable night turns into so much more. I loved this so much! Yes, I loved Isla and Kai, but something about Adriana and Gael did it for me. Such a brilliant read 🩷
Thank you so much, Izzy, and your incredible team for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful to be a part of your ARC team 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🧢 dual pov
🤰 pregnancy
🧢 praise and other things...
🤰 love at first sight vibes
🧢 nicknames for each other
🤰 so spicy
Adriana is a bada$$ boss. She has her life planned out and enjoying every minute of it. I love that she is embracing her true self because she is so deserving of happiness, but she has been hurt in the past that does cause her to question her self-worth at times. Gael is amazing. He is kind, beautiful and loving, but after a difficult break up, he is questioning everything.
The plot was amazing. On a night out with mutual friends, Gael can't help but be caught in Adriana's spell. Gael is instantly obsessed with Adriana, and Adriana is feeling a certain way about Gael. After an explosive night together, Gael is determined to keep Adriana as he thinks she is the love of his life, but Adriana has other plans even though she also kind of feels the same. Little does Adri know that that one unforgettable night turns into so much more. I loved this so much! Yes, I loved Isla and Kai, but something about Adriana and Gael did it for me. Such a brilliant read 🩷
Thank you so much, Izzy, and your incredible team for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful to be a part of your ARC team 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🧢 dual pov
🤰 pregnancy
🧢 praise and other things...
🤰 love at first sight vibes
🧢 nicknames for each other
🤰 so spicy
August 7, 2025
Whaaattt Nooo Why? but definitely a 10/10
As a Mexican woman, this book hit different. The way the characters talked, the culture, the attitude it all felt so real, so close to home. I fell in love with every scene, every moment, every voice on the page. It was a solid 10/10 from the jump.
But then it ended. Way too fast. And not in a “cliffhanger” kind of way, more like… it just stopped when it was finally getting deep. These characters had so much more story to tell, and they didn’t deserve to be cut short like that. The author had something special here, and I just wish it had been given more time to grow.
That said, I want to say how much I truly appreciate the author for creating this world and these characters. It’s rare to feel seen in a story like this and we need more books like this, where the culture isn’t fabricated or watered down, but real and authentic. Even though I was heartbroken at the end, that’s only because I cared so much. Thank you for writing something that made me feel so connected I’ll be first in line for anything else you write.
And if the author ever decides to come back to this story maybe expand it, or even release an epilogue I’d be so excited to read it. I know I’m not the only one who feels attached to these characters. They really left a mark.
As a Mexican woman, this book hit different. The way the characters talked, the culture, the attitude it all felt so real, so close to home. I fell in love with every scene, every moment, every voice on the page. It was a solid 10/10 from the jump.
But then it ended. Way too fast. And not in a “cliffhanger” kind of way, more like… it just stopped when it was finally getting deep. These characters had so much more story to tell, and they didn’t deserve to be cut short like that. The author had something special here, and I just wish it had been given more time to grow.
That said, I want to say how much I truly appreciate the author for creating this world and these characters. It’s rare to feel seen in a story like this and we need more books like this, where the culture isn’t fabricated or watered down, but real and authentic. Even though I was heartbroken at the end, that’s only because I cared so much. Thank you for writing something that made me feel so connected I’ll be first in line for anything else you write.
And if the author ever decides to come back to this story maybe expand it, or even release an epilogue I’d be so excited to read it. I know I’m not the only one who feels attached to these characters. They really left a mark.
August 21, 2025
First things first- thank you so much Izzy for allowing me to read/review this as an arc & while I’m late on the review (yall know how life goes) CURVE BALL IS AVAILABLE NOW 🎉🤩
It’s safe to say that at this point, Izzy is an auto-read author for me. To absolutely nobody’s surprise, I loved this novella.
The second installment of the San Jose Coyotes series was just as great as the first. Gael’s love for Adriana knows absolutely no bounds. This man’s mouth is so fucking dirty and I sat there giggling and kicking my feet the WHOLE MF TIME!
I really loved and appreciated the body positivity in this story, it felt so genuine and not corny (iykyk) which really just speaks to Izzy’s writing style.
I also loved the team dynamic/friendships we see with the boys, they just have this connection and they appreciate one another and want to ensure that each other is okay, without all the toxic masculinity bullshit you see in the real world. I love genuine male friendships and what I love even move is how hard they love; both their teammates & their love interests.
Izzy is the reason I love step siblings so it seems only natural that she is ALSO the reason I now have a soft spot for sports romance.
Curve Ball & Strike Out are both available on KU so go out there and meet your new favorite baseball team 🖤
It’s safe to say that at this point, Izzy is an auto-read author for me. To absolutely nobody’s surprise, I loved this novella.
The second installment of the San Jose Coyotes series was just as great as the first. Gael’s love for Adriana knows absolutely no bounds. This man’s mouth is so fucking dirty and I sat there giggling and kicking my feet the WHOLE MF TIME!
I really loved and appreciated the body positivity in this story, it felt so genuine and not corny (iykyk) which really just speaks to Izzy’s writing style.
I also loved the team dynamic/friendships we see with the boys, they just have this connection and they appreciate one another and want to ensure that each other is okay, without all the toxic masculinity bullshit you see in the real world. I love genuine male friendships and what I love even move is how hard they love; both their teammates & their love interests.
Izzy is the reason I love step siblings so it seems only natural that she is ALSO the reason I now have a soft spot for sports romance.
Curve Ball & Strike Out are both available on KU so go out there and meet your new favorite baseball team 🖤
August 7, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gael Mendoza. Number 14. Right Fielder for The San Jose Coyotes. Calls her Mama. That’s the review because between him and Kai, how am I supposed to choose?? And Izzy is not done because this is only book 2 in the series.
This is Gael and Adriana’s story.
Gael has just got out of a relationship with a cheating ex and he was heartbroken until he meets Adriana. A curvy, beautiful one night stand that leaves before Gael can tell her he’s interested in more than one night.
Adriana has emotional damage from an ex who left emotional scars that cut deep. She’s conscious of her body, of herself and convinces herself that Gael can find better. Mental trauma will do that to a girl. Bear in mind, this man treated her like a QUEEN every second that she was over him and under him during that night, but she still has doubts.
Gael is not a quitter, he’s determined to get the girl….but remember that one night stand? Five tests later, she has a lifetime reminder of her night with the man she can’t forget.
But as much as he wants her, will he want so much more after only one night?
These books are short novellas, so heavy on spice and faster moving and brief on plot but are still entertaining and I’m looking forward to the next.
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gael Mendoza. Number 14. Right Fielder for The San Jose Coyotes. Calls her Mama. That’s the review because between him and Kai, how am I supposed to choose?? And Izzy is not done because this is only book 2 in the series.
This is Gael and Adriana’s story.
Gael has just got out of a relationship with a cheating ex and he was heartbroken until he meets Adriana. A curvy, beautiful one night stand that leaves before Gael can tell her he’s interested in more than one night.
Adriana has emotional damage from an ex who left emotional scars that cut deep. She’s conscious of her body, of herself and convinces herself that Gael can find better. Mental trauma will do that to a girl. Bear in mind, this man treated her like a QUEEN every second that she was over him and under him during that night, but she still has doubts.
Gael is not a quitter, he’s determined to get the girl….but remember that one night stand? Five tests later, she has a lifetime reminder of her night with the man she can’t forget.
But as much as he wants her, will he want so much more after only one night?
These books are short novellas, so heavy on spice and faster moving and brief on plot but are still entertaining and I’m looking forward to the next.
August 11, 2025
🌶🌶🌶
This was an enjoyable second installment of The San Jose Cayotes series. I really liked the timeline overlap between the first book and this one. It was interesting seeing some of the same events from book 1 through the eyes of the characters in book 2, and to witness where the new highlighted characters, Gael and Adriana's, branched out from the same events experienced by the first couple in Strike Out.
I continue to greatly enjoy the green flag characters of this series. It a really great reprieve from other darker taboo romances and gives me all the happy butterflies in my stomach.
I was hoping to understand in a little more detail where Adrianna's commitment fears branched from in the story, since we had a bit more background about Gael's experiences. But I absolutely adored the intensity of the love at first sight experienced by this couple and their loves ability to transcend their past relationship traumas.
I really loved the inclusion of Spanish within the book. It was fun seeing the characters switch between languages and learning little bits of Spanish throughout the book. During spicy scenes I would have preferred footnotes with the translations, as it was a bit harder for me to stay in the scene when I needed to stop to translate regularly, however I was still able to enjoy the book as a whole and understand the overall storyline.
I am really excited to see what happens in the next book and find out more about the 3rd highlighted couple in this fun and spicy series.
This was an enjoyable second installment of The San Jose Cayotes series. I really liked the timeline overlap between the first book and this one. It was interesting seeing some of the same events from book 1 through the eyes of the characters in book 2, and to witness where the new highlighted characters, Gael and Adriana's, branched out from the same events experienced by the first couple in Strike Out.
I continue to greatly enjoy the green flag characters of this series. It a really great reprieve from other darker taboo romances and gives me all the happy butterflies in my stomach.
I was hoping to understand in a little more detail where Adrianna's commitment fears branched from in the story, since we had a bit more background about Gael's experiences. But I absolutely adored the intensity of the love at first sight experienced by this couple and their loves ability to transcend their past relationship traumas.
I really loved the inclusion of Spanish within the book. It was fun seeing the characters switch between languages and learning little bits of Spanish throughout the book. During spicy scenes I would have preferred footnotes with the translations, as it was a bit harder for me to stay in the scene when I needed to stop to translate regularly, however I was still able to enjoy the book as a whole and understand the overall storyline.
I am really excited to see what happens in the next book and find out more about the 3rd highlighted couple in this fun and spicy series.
July 18, 2025
So, I really didn't think that anyone could top Kai from Strike Out (book 1 in the San Jose Coyotes series)... and I have never been so happy to be wrong. Gael is EVERYTHING. He was so sweet and all-in with Adriana, even if it meant resorting to a little light online stalking, haha. Plus he honestly seemed very sensitive and comfortable with his feelings - I just wanted to squeeze him when he was feeling heartbroken. Then combine all of that with the dirty talk and the 'mama'.. oof. Love him.
I thought Adriana was really a great character, too. She had such different sides to her - physically confident to go after what she wants and have that hot public club sex with Gael, but then emotionally she's just completely beaten down and scared. Watching her go through it and grow throughout the story and eventually put her trust in Gael made me super proud of her.
Overall, a great quick little read. Tons of smut, tons of dirty talk - lots of it in Spanish, my poor Kindle translator has never gotten such a hard workout, hahaha. But all of it was really well done. I can't wait for Jackson & Andres' story next!
I thought Adriana was really a great character, too. She had such different sides to her - physically confident to go after what she wants and have that hot public club sex with Gael, but then emotionally she's just completely beaten down and scared. Watching her go through it and grow throughout the story and eventually put her trust in Gael made me super proud of her.
Overall, a great quick little read. Tons of smut, tons of dirty talk - lots of it in Spanish, my poor Kindle translator has never gotten such a hard workout, hahaha. But all of it was really well done. I can't wait for Jackson & Andres' story next!
August 7, 2025
🖤 Izzy, miss ma’am, you outdid yourself with this one!! The spice, the tension, the heartache, the yearning, everything was a 10/10!! Gael and Adriana are perfect for each other, and I loved watching them slowly accept that they needed and wanted each other. Adriana had more reservations and was more hesitant to have anything more than a ONS with Gael because of her past, but once she finally opened up to him, he showed her that he was more than ready to step up and be the man she needed and deserved. There were some things that Gael never saw in his future with his past relationships, but once meeting Adriana and finding out what they did, his whole world changed for the better. Ok, and now a moment for the side characters! I loved seeing glimpses of the Isa and Kai and Jackson and Andre. I can’t wait to see what Izzy has in store for the rest of the team!!
📚Book Type: San Jose Coyotes book 2
✨Tropes/CW’s
🧎🏽♀️Mentions of cheating (not between MC’s)
🧎🏽♀️Self-pleasure
🧎🏽♀️Mutual masturbation
🧎🏽♀️Public play
🧎🏽♀️Impact play
🧎🏽♀️One night stand gone wrong
🧎🏽♀️He falls first
🧎🏽♀️Accidental/surprise pregnancy
📚Book Type: San Jose Coyotes book 2
✨Tropes/CW’s
🧎🏽♀️Mentions of cheating (not between MC’s)
🧎🏽♀️Self-pleasure
🧎🏽♀️Mutual masturbation
🧎🏽♀️Public play
🧎🏽♀️Impact play
🧎🏽♀️One night stand gone wrong
🧎🏽♀️He falls first
🧎🏽♀️Accidental/surprise pregnancy
August 8, 2025
I highly recommend reading this after Strike Out or it might ruin somethings.
I really wanted to enjoy all of this book. I did for the most part, but the constant dialogue in Spanish without translation made it difficult to read the book. I had to constantly look up the translation which took away from the time I was reading the book.
A one-night stand turned into so much more with Adriana and Gael. It’s crazy how obsessed Gael was with Adriana after them being together that one night. I feel like Adriana could respond back to him instead of letting him blow up her phone. I really wish Adriana would have opened up to Isla before she did.
About 60% in it picks back up from where the first book ended which helped to provide some closure to what previously happened. I did like how Gael supported Adriana when she finally told him what was going on. I will say I did enjoy the end of the book and how everything came together.
“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. To build a family with you. To grow old with you.”
I really wanted to enjoy all of this book. I did for the most part, but the constant dialogue in Spanish without translation made it difficult to read the book. I had to constantly look up the translation which took away from the time I was reading the book.
A one-night stand turned into so much more with Adriana and Gael. It’s crazy how obsessed Gael was with Adriana after them being together that one night. I feel like Adriana could respond back to him instead of letting him blow up her phone. I really wish Adriana would have opened up to Isla before she did.
About 60% in it picks back up from where the first book ended which helped to provide some closure to what previously happened. I did like how Gael supported Adriana when she finally told him what was going on. I will say I did enjoy the end of the book and how everything came together.
“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. To build a family with you. To grow old with you.”
July 27, 2025
Ball is novella #2 in the San Jose Coyotes series—and it’s giving quick, spicy, and absolutely everything!
Adriana and Gael have both been burned before—cheated on, dismissed, and made to feel like they weren’t enough. But when they cross paths one night? Sparks fly. Their chemistry is instant, magnetic, and so damn real.
I’ve been wanting more of Adriana since Strike Out—she’s a queen and deserves the world. And Gael?? Filthy-mouthed perfection. 🥵
This novella hit every note: emotion, healing, passion, and a whole lot of Spanish spice. Absolutely obsessed. 🔥
Things to know
novella, one night stand, accidental/surprise pregnancy, baseball romance, he falls first and hard, Mexican MCs, Mentions of cheating (MMC gets cheated on by ex, FMC gets cheated on by ex—all off page), self-pleasure, mutual masturbation, public play, degradation, impact play, unprotected sex, emergency contraception failure, alcohol use, explicit on-page sexual acts, praise, squirting.
Adriana and Gael have both been burned before—cheated on, dismissed, and made to feel like they weren’t enough. But when they cross paths one night? Sparks fly. Their chemistry is instant, magnetic, and so damn real.
I’ve been wanting more of Adriana since Strike Out—she’s a queen and deserves the world. And Gael?? Filthy-mouthed perfection. 🥵
This novella hit every note: emotion, healing, passion, and a whole lot of Spanish spice. Absolutely obsessed. 🔥
Things to know
novella, one night stand, accidental/surprise pregnancy, baseball romance, he falls first and hard, Mexican MCs, Mentions of cheating (MMC gets cheated on by ex, FMC gets cheated on by ex—all off page), self-pleasure, mutual masturbation, public play, degradation, impact play, unprotected sex, emergency contraception failure, alcohol use, explicit on-page sexual acts, praise, squirting.
August 18, 2025
My goodness this baseball novella is packed with plot emotions and sexy AF spice. Izzy Ravas has a gift for making her readers feel so many deep emotions. Her characters are relatable and you just cannot help it fall so damn hard. Gael it’s so deep in my heart he will never leave. His and Adriana’s relationship is quite bumpy but worth all the bruises. The chemistry is combustible and fierce. His filthy mouth, the praises are so hot but the combination with degradation in Spanish is simply delicious and I want so so much more. Like infinite pages please. Intermittent sobbing is to be expected as these two go through it. The deep heart hurting feels evolving into the most fantastical spicy passion makes this an amazing read. Having Isla and Kai involved in this story made my heart beyond happy. This is book 2 in the San Jose Coyotes series. I love this world and cannot get enough. Ready for the next inning.
August 24, 2025
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
This book was short and spicy, great in between read for me. I enjoyed the MMC Gael, he’s a total sweetheart and how he was ever with Nat is beyond me. She deserves everything she gets in the end. Gael is a total golden retriever who who’s willing to put all his feelings out in the line. However Adriana really did piss me off through this book. I honestly just wanted to jump in and strangle her. I mean this man is giving you his heart, willing to do anything to prove it to you and she just ghosts him caught in her own feelings. And while I do get it, it still freaking pissed me off. I needed her to get over her shit earlier. But again that’s my opinion.
Tropes:
One Night Stand
Possessive/Obsessed MMC
Accidental/Secret Pregnancy
Mexican MC's (yes, this has heavy Spanish dialogue)
He falls first
Sport Romance - Baseball
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
This book was short and spicy, great in between read for me. I enjoyed the MMC Gael, he’s a total sweetheart and how he was ever with Nat is beyond me. She deserves everything she gets in the end. Gael is a total golden retriever who who’s willing to put all his feelings out in the line. However Adriana really did piss me off through this book. I honestly just wanted to jump in and strangle her. I mean this man is giving you his heart, willing to do anything to prove it to you and she just ghosts him caught in her own feelings. And while I do get it, it still freaking pissed me off. I needed her to get over her shit earlier. But again that’s my opinion.
Tropes:
One Night Stand
Possessive/Obsessed MMC
Accidental/Secret Pregnancy
Mexican MC's (yes, this has heavy Spanish dialogue)
He falls first
Sport Romance - Baseball
May 6, 2026
A baseball player with tattoos that calls you “mama” and has a filthy, filthy mouth 😏 oh AND he’s completely obsessed with you?! 🫠 it’s like @izzyravas wrote him especially for me!
As soon as Gael called Adri mama and said those dirty things in Spanish I knew I was a goner. There’s nothing better than a feral, obsessed man, and Gael was hooked from the moment they had their one night stand.
Curve Ball is book 2 in the San Jose Coyotes series, a series of 9 novellas. This was such a fun and spicy (HEAVY on the spicy) read . I loved getting to see Kai and Isla (from book 1) and learn more about some of the other players on the team.
Gael was the perfect blend of sweet and supportive, but obsessive and feral 🤭 and I loved the way he praised Adri and made her feel beautiful.
I highly recommend this one!!! But make sure you bring your pokerface if you read it in a public setting 🤣😅
As soon as Gael called Adri mama and said those dirty things in Spanish I knew I was a goner. There’s nothing better than a feral, obsessed man, and Gael was hooked from the moment they had their one night stand.
Curve Ball is book 2 in the San Jose Coyotes series, a series of 9 novellas. This was such a fun and spicy (HEAVY on the spicy) read . I loved getting to see Kai and Isla (from book 1) and learn more about some of the other players on the team.
Gael was the perfect blend of sweet and supportive, but obsessive and feral 🤭 and I loved the way he praised Adri and made her feel beautiful.
I highly recommend this one!!! But make sure you bring your pokerface if you read it in a public setting 🤣😅
July 17, 2025
Ohhh boy! Buckle up because this is a spicy treat! Papi Gael sure knows how to sweet/dirty talk and in Spanish?! 🥵 Their chemistry and connection was crazy hot and that club scene… 🫣🥵I wanted to grab Adriana and shake her a couple times but she truly needed to trust herself before finally giving herself fully to Gael.
Izzy absolutely nails the length and pacing in this novella. I love that Kai and Isla popped in and we got to see some witty banter between Jackson and Andres (cannot wait for their book!) My only negative (if you even want to call it that) was that we didn’t get to see Kai and Isla’s car scene from Gael’s POV (the original scene was 🔥🔥 and I read too much RH and curiosity was getting the better of me)
Overall, I’m excited to read about the rest of the Coyotes!
Izzy absolutely nails the length and pacing in this novella. I love that Kai and Isla popped in and we got to see some witty banter between Jackson and Andres (cannot wait for their book!) My only negative (if you even want to call it that) was that we didn’t get to see Kai and Isla’s car scene from Gael’s POV (the original scene was 🔥🔥 and I read too much RH and curiosity was getting the better of me)
Overall, I’m excited to read about the rest of the Coyotes!
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