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Meet Me Under the Lights
My Life with the Walter Boys
meets
The Notebook
in this small town baseball romance perfect for fans of Kasie West and Carley Fortune.
High school junior Eliza Crowley is known as the Princess of Fairfield, a farm town in North Carolina that loves two things—tradition and baseball. Although Eliza loves “the game,” her life goal is to become a lighting designer on Broadway. Shaking off her reputation as the rich girl and focusing on her town's community theater production are what she’s set her sights on this summer, and nothing will stand in her way. That is until Reed Fulton, the grandson of a struggling Fairfield farmer, and ace pitcher of the Fulton Hawks, returns to town. Reed dreams of putting the catastrophe of last season behind him and leading the Hawks to a championship victory against the Crowley Cardinals. When his childhood friend turned stranger, Eliza, strolls back into his life, she makes his heart accelerate quicker than his fastball, and he’s not sure he can stay away from the girl he’s supposed to despise. Small-town summers and baseball draw Reed and Eliza together, even though the Crowleys and the Fultons are determined to run each other out of town. When the families make a deal to settle their thirty-year-long dispute once and for all, Eliza and Reed are stuck in the middle during the most important summer of their lives.
High school junior Eliza Crowley is known as the Princess of Fairfield, a farm town in North Carolina that loves two things—tradition and baseball. Although Eliza loves “the game,” her life goal is to become a lighting designer on Broadway. Shaking off her reputation as the rich girl and focusing on her town's community theater production are what she’s set her sights on this summer, and nothing will stand in her way. That is until Reed Fulton, the grandson of a struggling Fairfield farmer, and ace pitcher of the Fulton Hawks, returns to town. Reed dreams of putting the catastrophe of last season behind him and leading the Hawks to a championship victory against the Crowley Cardinals. When his childhood friend turned stranger, Eliza, strolls back into his life, she makes his heart accelerate quicker than his fastball, and he’s not sure he can stay away from the girl he’s supposed to despise. Small-town summers and baseball draw Reed and Eliza together, even though the Crowleys and the Fultons are determined to run each other out of town. When the families make a deal to settle their thirty-year-long dispute once and for all, Eliza and Reed are stuck in the middle during the most important summer of their lives.
384 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
51 people are currently reading
11178 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Miller
2 books82 followersCassie Miller is a former high school English teacher turned elementary librarian. She has a teaching degree from Radford University and library endorsement from the University of Virginia. She wears many hats but finds her favorites are “stage and lighting director,” “eccentric storyteller,” and “boy-mom.” Cassie currently resides in southwest Virginia with her family and an ever-growing number of cardigans and nerdy bookish shirts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
March 17, 2026
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Eliza Crowley is known as the Princess of Fairfield, a farm town in North Carolina that loves tradition and baseball. And even though she loves the game, she wants to be a lighting designer on Broadway and spends her summer focusing on her town’s community theater’s production. Everything is all set and running smoothly until Reed Fulton, the grandson of her dad’s rival and pitcher for the Fulton Hawks, returns to town.
After a catastrophic season last year that Reed would like everyone to forget, he returns to Fairfield to lead the Hawks to win the championship against the Crowley Cardinals. Not only will it secure them a win, but winning the deal the two families made to settle their dispute will help his grandparents' struggling farm. With a lot of pressure on him, the last thing Reed needs is his old childhood friend, Eliza, to complicate the rivalry between the two families. But as much as they try to despise each other, Reed can’t help but want to be near her, and he thinks Eliza feels the same way. Is it possible for them to be anything other than enemies when their families are so set on running each other out of town?
◇─◇──◇─◇
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Stargazing by Myles Smith
0:40 ───ㅇ───── 2:52
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Have you ever wanted a book to end so much that you almost start crying when you see that there are more pages to read when you are so close to the finish line? Yeah, that was me early this morning. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate the book. It was an okay story, and I didn’t despise the two main characters, so I’d say it was a win. But everyone else can jump in a lake, specifically the men of the two rivaling families. Then again, they are supposed to be that way because this is a Romeo and Juliet-inspired story, so I’m not going to go off on a whole tangent with them because they are doing what they are supposed to be doing in the book. Is it right? Ha. No. Like, how old are we people? Your kids are acting more maturely than you! But I guess I can cut them just a little bit of slack…well, maybe not for Reed’s grandpa because I was still cussing him out towards the end there. The stubborn, old fool. 🙄
Anyways, I’m glad that, unlike Romeo and Juliet, Reed and Eliza had their own dreams and aspirations that were propelling them in life, not each other or their feelings for one another. Granted, the whole insta-lust/insta-love made me cringe, and I wanted them to be rivals for a little bit longer, but it’s Romeo and Juliet, baby. That’s just how the story goes. And like I said before, I didn’t find them annoying or anything, except near the end there with the whole third-act breakup (God, I hate those), but at least they talked, unlike their families.
I also liked some of the side characters, too, like Eliza’s bestie, whose name I can’t remember for the life of me, her cousin TJ, and a few others. But I wish there were more good people in her neck of the woods. Since Eliza and her family are “rich,” they obviously have wealthy friends, and a lot of them were horrible. Look, I get that money can people horrible, but not everyone who has money is a snob. Couldn’t there have been some more nice people on Eliza’s side, and not solely on Reed’s side? It would make it more realistic and consistent with how the ending turned out. I like being fair. But whatever. I’m not going to lose sleep over it.
Ooh, but you know who really ruffled my feathers more than the stupid rivalry? Ben. Ugh, I hate him! I honestly hate him. I do not care if he’s Reed’s bestie; he was SO immature and annoying! The guy constantly brought up his ex-girlfriend, Erin, whenever Reed wanted to talk about Eliza (who was cool by the way. Both her and Reed were.) to warn him about what “girls like them do to guys like them.” What? Dude, you’re literally five. Why are you grieving over a girl who did you dirty? I get why he’s mad about that and the fact that his dad left and his mom was always working, but that’s no excuse to be a selfish jerk, especially to your best friend, whom you supposedly consider family. Buddy, after what you did, I wouldn’t consider you family if you paid me. There was no need for the problems and stress you created for Reed, who only wanted to help you and wasn’t at all selfish, from my perspective. Like, cry me a river, Ben. Go cry to somebody else because I am so done with you right now, like it’s not even funny how angry you made me. I mean, it kinda is because he’s a fictional character, but the thought of there being people like him out there in the world makes my blood boil. But whatever. It’s fine, it’s fine. The book is over, and I don’t have to deal with him again.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. 😂
Overall, this was an okay read. I thought Reed and Eliza were sweet, especially when they were always there for each other despite the circumstances or how they felt about each other. And the story is about them, right? So me liking them and their summer romance is all that matters, and I recommend it if you are looking for a quick, forbidden love, YA sports romance. 💙
✧ Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ✧
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions loss of loved ones.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Just kissing. (🌶/5)
After a catastrophic season last year that Reed would like everyone to forget, he returns to Fairfield to lead the Hawks to win the championship against the Crowley Cardinals. Not only will it secure them a win, but winning the deal the two families made to settle their dispute will help his grandparents' struggling farm. With a lot of pressure on him, the last thing Reed needs is his old childhood friend, Eliza, to complicate the rivalry between the two families. But as much as they try to despise each other, Reed can’t help but want to be near her, and he thinks Eliza feels the same way. Is it possible for them to be anything other than enemies when their families are so set on running each other out of town?
◇─◇──◇─◇
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Stargazing by Myles Smith
0:40 ───ㅇ───── 2:52
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Have you ever wanted a book to end so much that you almost start crying when you see that there are more pages to read when you are so close to the finish line? Yeah, that was me early this morning. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate the book. It was an okay story, and I didn’t despise the two main characters, so I’d say it was a win. But everyone else can jump in a lake, specifically the men of the two rivaling families. Then again, they are supposed to be that way because this is a Romeo and Juliet-inspired story, so I’m not going to go off on a whole tangent with them because they are doing what they are supposed to be doing in the book. Is it right? Ha. No. Like, how old are we people? Your kids are acting more maturely than you! But I guess I can cut them just a little bit of slack…well, maybe not for Reed’s grandpa because I was still cussing him out towards the end there. The stubborn, old fool. 🙄
Anyways, I’m glad that, unlike Romeo and Juliet, Reed and Eliza had their own dreams and aspirations that were propelling them in life, not each other or their feelings for one another. Granted, the whole insta-lust/insta-love made me cringe, and I wanted them to be rivals for a little bit longer, but it’s Romeo and Juliet, baby. That’s just how the story goes. And like I said before, I didn’t find them annoying or anything, except near the end there with the whole third-act breakup (God, I hate those), but at least they talked, unlike their families.
I also liked some of the side characters, too, like Eliza’s bestie, whose name I can’t remember for the life of me, her cousin TJ, and a few others. But I wish there were more good people in her neck of the woods. Since Eliza and her family are “rich,” they obviously have wealthy friends, and a lot of them were horrible. Look, I get that money can people horrible, but not everyone who has money is a snob. Couldn’t there have been some more nice people on Eliza’s side, and not solely on Reed’s side? It would make it more realistic and consistent with how the ending turned out. I like being fair. But whatever. I’m not going to lose sleep over it.
Ooh, but you know who really ruffled my feathers more than the stupid rivalry? Ben. Ugh, I hate him! I honestly hate him. I do not care if he’s Reed’s bestie; he was SO immature and annoying! The guy constantly brought up his ex-girlfriend, Erin, whenever Reed wanted to talk about Eliza (who was cool by the way. Both her and Reed were.) to warn him about what “girls like them do to guys like them.” What? Dude, you’re literally five. Why are you grieving over a girl who did you dirty? I get why he’s mad about that and the fact that his dad left and his mom was always working, but that’s no excuse to be a selfish jerk, especially to your best friend, whom you supposedly consider family. Buddy, after what you did, I wouldn’t consider you family if you paid me. There was no need for the problems and stress you created for Reed, who only wanted to help you and wasn’t at all selfish, from my perspective. Like, cry me a river, Ben. Go cry to somebody else because I am so done with you right now, like it’s not even funny how angry you made me. I mean, it kinda is because he’s a fictional character, but the thought of there being people like him out there in the world makes my blood boil. But whatever. It’s fine, it’s fine. The book is over, and I don’t have to deal with him again.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. 😂
Overall, this was an okay read. I thought Reed and Eliza were sweet, especially when they were always there for each other despite the circumstances or how they felt about each other. And the story is about them, right? So me liking them and their summer romance is all that matters, and I recommend it if you are looking for a quick, forbidden love, YA sports romance. 💙
✧ Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ✧
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions loss of loved ones.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Just kissing. (🌶/5)
March 3, 2026
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
"The game hadn't been perfect between us, but, hey, baseball—love— was far from perfect."
i really enjoyed this, it was so cute! it is a dual first person pov book with writing that is very easy to follow. the author includes a quote at the start of each chapter and that is honestly something i'd love to see more of in books! eliza and reed have my heart, they were adorable! i love how the book doesn't just focus on their romance and relationship, but that the characters have their own things and separate lives going on. you don't typically see that in books, so i enjoyed that. it made them feel more real. i also don't think i've read a baseball romance before so that was interesting to learn a bit about.
if you like ya romances with a sports element, small town vibes, and secret dating, this book will definitely be for you! i hope we’ll be able to see snippets of eliza and reed in the future, if there will be another book for one of the side characters.
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers, and Cassie Miller for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
pre-read:
okay this just looks so cute!
"The game hadn't been perfect between us, but, hey, baseball—love— was far from perfect."
i really enjoyed this, it was so cute! it is a dual first person pov book with writing that is very easy to follow. the author includes a quote at the start of each chapter and that is honestly something i'd love to see more of in books! eliza and reed have my heart, they were adorable! i love how the book doesn't just focus on their romance and relationship, but that the characters have their own things and separate lives going on. you don't typically see that in books, so i enjoyed that. it made them feel more real. i also don't think i've read a baseball romance before so that was interesting to learn a bit about.
if you like ya romances with a sports element, small town vibes, and secret dating, this book will definitely be for you! i hope we’ll be able to see snippets of eliza and reed in the future, if there will be another book for one of the side characters.
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers, and Cassie Miller for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
pre-read:
okay this just looks so cute!
November 19, 2025
i really enjoyed this! even though it's YA, eliza and reed still felt well fleshed out and relatable. this is a dual pov book and their voices were distinct enough to feel like they're two different people without falling prey to caricatures or stereotypes about how girls and boys should act (especially reed; i think we all know how male characters sometimes feel like exaggerated versions of men).
the plot was easy to follow and i enjoyed how eliza and reed had their own stuff going on outside of their relationship. this might be a romance book, but it didn't neglect character development in favor of relationship development, which is always a plus. ben was also a highlight of this book, and i'd LOVE a second book in the series following him (pretty please).
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
the plot was easy to follow and i enjoyed how eliza and reed had their own stuff going on outside of their relationship. this might be a romance book, but it didn't neglect character development in favor of relationship development, which is always a plus. ben was also a highlight of this book, and i'd LOVE a second book in the series following him (pretty please).
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
June 13, 2025
There are just some books that you love with your whole heart and soul and that is this book. Cassie does an amazing job bringing this small town baseball story to life. Reed and Eliza and wonderfully fleshed out and by the time you close the book they will feel so real, and like they are your friends. Small town romance, competing baseball families—you will be cheering for this couple!
Want to read
November 9, 2025pre-read notes:
ARC received! I’m so excited for this release, especially based on some early reviews I’ve seen 🥹🩵
ARC received! I’m so excited for this release, especially based on some early reviews I’ve seen 🥹🩵
February 8, 2026
✰ ✰ ✰ ✰.𝟧
This book!! Felt like!! The biggest warm hug!!!
As someone who grew up going to baseball games literally all the freaking time (because of my older brother) i absolutely adored the baseball element, it was so nice finally reading a sports romance that i knew what the terms actually meant, and it just was so amazing reading a teen baseball romance, baseball boys are so hot and we need more baseball romance please!!
I literally loved Eliza and Reed so so much they were the literal cutest and their relationship felt so real and i just love them ok.
I really enjoyed the side characters and the overall storyline, the Romeo and Juliet vibes were so fun and i loved how their families came together at the end it really just is such an amazing book! 🥹
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for this arc!!
This book!! Felt like!! The biggest warm hug!!!
As someone who grew up going to baseball games literally all the freaking time (because of my older brother) i absolutely adored the baseball element, it was so nice finally reading a sports romance that i knew what the terms actually meant, and it just was so amazing reading a teen baseball romance, baseball boys are so hot and we need more baseball romance please!!
I literally loved Eliza and Reed so so much they were the literal cutest and their relationship felt so real and i just love them ok.
I really enjoyed the side characters and the overall storyline, the Romeo and Juliet vibes were so fun and i loved how their families came together at the end it really just is such an amazing book! 🥹
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for this arc!!
December 21, 2025
Thank you so much Penguin Teen, NetGalley, & Cassie for an early e-copy of Meet Me Under The Lights. It feels so special and made me so giddy to finally meet Reed & Eliza after all of these years. Reading this book felt less like a book, but more like a screenplay. It played in my head like one of those romance movies I would watch as a teen/tween on Disney Channel (seriously though a production team needs to get on it!!! The dramatics would play out so well on screen!!!)
Tropes & What to Expect:
- Romeo and Juliet/opposing families/lifelong family feud - a bit of “secret” romance
- Sports romance!!! Love of baseball (This is an ode to the Yankees- so be warned, Red Sox fans)
- She falls, he catches her
- Dual POV (very well done - two distinct points of views and each have their own voice!!!)
- Childhood besties to frenemies
- Definitely a bit more mature side of YA (for language and talk of alcohol)
- Small town, close-knit community vibes
- A love for theatre and all that it has to offer — this one is not just for the baseball lovers but for the thespians
SPOILERS!!!!:
Please I swear to God this needs to be a movie so I can see the fire scene on my screen and bawl my eyes out and then they come together and everything is happy in the end and I will cry again
Tropes & What to Expect:
- Romeo and Juliet/opposing families/lifelong family feud - a bit of “secret” romance
- Sports romance!!! Love of baseball (This is an ode to the Yankees- so be warned, Red Sox fans)
- She falls, he catches her
- Dual POV (very well done - two distinct points of views and each have their own voice!!!)
- Childhood besties to frenemies
- Definitely a bit more mature side of YA (for language and talk of alcohol)
- Small town, close-knit community vibes
- A love for theatre and all that it has to offer — this one is not just for the baseball lovers but for the thespians
SPOILERS!!!!:
Please I swear to God this needs to be a movie so I can see the fire scene on my screen and bawl my eyes out and then they come together and everything is happy in the end and I will cry again
December 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this novel via giveaway and did my best to savor every moment of reading it, while also finishing it in a timely manner to share a review ahead of release.
Meet Me Under the Lights feels like coming home. Full disclosure, the author is a friend of mine and several references throughout the book had me kicking my feet because of the familiarity. AND many other moments throughout the book had me kicking my feet out of pure enjoyment of what I was reading.
Reed and Eliza, two teens from rival families yet tied together with an invisible string, feel familiar to anyone from a small town. As a theatre kid myself I felt drawn to Eliza for obvious reasons but what made me love her even more is the technical theatre representation! Theatre kids in books are so often portrayed as the main character kids stealing the spotlight, or the quiet nervous ones hiding backstage. Eliza is neither! She’s confident, knowledgeable, talented, and knows how to work her way through a light board. She prefers to keep a low profile, but that has nothing to do with being a theatre kid. Reed feels like the guy you can’t help but love. He’s smart, hardworking, fiercely loyal, and has a huge heart! He’s not a theatre kid himself but I get a sense that he wouldn’t think twice before jumping in to help if needed.
I love how Cassie incorporates a relevant quote at the begging of each chapter. I think they do a great job setting the scene (pun intended!) and pulling the reader even farther into the world. The baseball setting had me yearning for a hot dog at a ball field in the dead of November. And I just really love when kids of a rivalry family give the families a reason to come together.
Meet Me Under the Lights feels like coming home. Full disclosure, the author is a friend of mine and several references throughout the book had me kicking my feet because of the familiarity. AND many other moments throughout the book had me kicking my feet out of pure enjoyment of what I was reading.
Reed and Eliza, two teens from rival families yet tied together with an invisible string, feel familiar to anyone from a small town. As a theatre kid myself I felt drawn to Eliza for obvious reasons but what made me love her even more is the technical theatre representation! Theatre kids in books are so often portrayed as the main character kids stealing the spotlight, or the quiet nervous ones hiding backstage. Eliza is neither! She’s confident, knowledgeable, talented, and knows how to work her way through a light board. She prefers to keep a low profile, but that has nothing to do with being a theatre kid. Reed feels like the guy you can’t help but love. He’s smart, hardworking, fiercely loyal, and has a huge heart! He’s not a theatre kid himself but I get a sense that he wouldn’t think twice before jumping in to help if needed.
I love how Cassie incorporates a relevant quote at the begging of each chapter. I think they do a great job setting the scene (pun intended!) and pulling the reader even farther into the world. The baseball setting had me yearning for a hot dog at a ball field in the dead of November. And I just really love when kids of a rivalry family give the families a reason to come together.
February 26, 2026
Thank you Penguin Teen Canada, Penguin Young Readers Group, & PRH Audio for the ARCs & ALC, all opinions are my own.
This was a pretty cute YA romance!
It took me some time to get into at the beginning, but then I was invested in Eliza & Reed’s story and how their families would hopefully get along someday.
I’m not super sure I was the right audience for this one… I think some YA is written for both adults & teens to enjoy, but I think this one will be enjoyed more just by teens.
I enjoyed this book, however some bits bothered/didn’t work for me, hence the drop in star.
🎧 the narration was great, both narrators did a wonderful job with their characters.
I really enjoyed Zac Chastain’s portrayal of Reed, showing his range of emotions.
Jesse Vilinsky fit Eliza well, though was a bit over dramatic with her at times, & I didn’t really vibe with the other characters she voiced personally.
✦ tropes & stuff:
💫 childhood friends to enemies to lovers
🎭 lighting designer fmc
⚾️ baseball player mmc
💰 rich girl, working class boy
💥 feuding families
🤫 secret dating
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.25 | 🌶️: closed door, kissing only |
Thank you Penguin Teen Canada, Penguin Young Readers Group, & PRH Audio for the ARCs & ALC, all opinions are my own.
This was a pretty cute YA romance!
It took me some time to get into at the beginning, but then I was invested in Eliza & Reed’s story and how their families would hopefully get along someday.
I’m not super sure I was the right audience for this one… I think some YA is written for both adults & teens to enjoy, but I think this one will be enjoyed more just by teens.
I enjoyed this book, however some bits bothered/didn’t work for me, hence the drop in star.
🎧 the narration was great, both narrators did a wonderful job with their characters.
I really enjoyed Zac Chastain’s portrayal of Reed, showing his range of emotions.
Jesse Vilinsky fit Eliza well, though was a bit over dramatic with her at times, & I didn’t really vibe with the other characters she voiced personally.
✦ tropes & stuff:
💫 childhood friends to enemies to lovers
🎭 lighting designer fmc
⚾️ baseball player mmc
💰 rich girl, working class boy
💥 feuding families
🤫 secret dating
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.25 | 🌶️: closed door, kissing only |
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
This was a pretty cute YA romance!
It took me some time to get into at the beginning, but then I was invested in Eliza & Reed’s story and how their families would hopefully get along someday.
I’m not super sure I was the right audience for this one… I think some YA is written for both adults & teens to enjoy, but I think this one will be enjoyed more just by teens.
I enjoyed this book, however some bits bothered/didn’t work for me, hence the drop in star.
🎧 the narration was great, both narrators did a wonderful job with their characters.
I really enjoyed Zac Chastain’s portrayal of Reed, showing his range of emotions.
Jesse Vilinsky fit Eliza well, though was a bit over dramatic with her at times, & I didn’t really vibe with the other characters she voiced personally.
✦ tropes & stuff:
💫 childhood friends to enemies to lovers
🎭 lighting designer fmc
⚾️ baseball player mmc
💰 rich girl, working class boy
💥 feuding families
🤫 secret dating
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.25 | 🌶️: closed door, kissing only |
Thank you Penguin Teen Canada, Penguin Young Readers Group, & PRH Audio for the ARCs & ALC, all opinions are my own.
This was a pretty cute YA romance!
It took me some time to get into at the beginning, but then I was invested in Eliza & Reed’s story and how their families would hopefully get along someday.
I’m not super sure I was the right audience for this one… I think some YA is written for both adults & teens to enjoy, but I think this one will be enjoyed more just by teens.
I enjoyed this book, however some bits bothered/didn’t work for me, hence the drop in star.
🎧 the narration was great, both narrators did a wonderful job with their characters.
I really enjoyed Zac Chastain’s portrayal of Reed, showing his range of emotions.
Jesse Vilinsky fit Eliza well, though was a bit over dramatic with her at times, & I didn’t really vibe with the other characters she voiced personally.
✦ tropes & stuff:
💫 childhood friends to enemies to lovers
🎭 lighting designer fmc
⚾️ baseball player mmc
💰 rich girl, working class boy
💥 feuding families
🤫 secret dating
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.25 | 🌶️: closed door, kissing only |
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a sweet read, I flew through this.
If you’re wanting a young adult, forbidden romance, enemies to more with feuding families in a small town, this is the one for you. Add in Eliza’s connection to theater and Reed’s love for baseball and there is so much to like about this story.
Eliza and Reed have a history full of pranks and annoying each other, but they weren’t always like that. They used to be friends until a longtime family feud broke them apart. Now Reed is back, and new complications emerge. Both families are competing against each other, and this time one will win and the other will lose. With Reed only here for the summer and a baseball competition that could determine everything, sparks are flying. But romance is risky when your families cannot see you together.
I loved this. The romance was the highlight. The theater and baseball elements were fun, even if a few details went over my head my head at times. I chose this book because it was NC based and involved theater, my oldest daughter’s first love. Reed and Eliza’s romance is the sweetest and I now need a story for Ben ASAP.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
***Content Info: Just kisses romance, but strong language throughout. Side character in same sex relationship.
If you’re wanting a young adult, forbidden romance, enemies to more with feuding families in a small town, this is the one for you. Add in Eliza’s connection to theater and Reed’s love for baseball and there is so much to like about this story.
Eliza and Reed have a history full of pranks and annoying each other, but they weren’t always like that. They used to be friends until a longtime family feud broke them apart. Now Reed is back, and new complications emerge. Both families are competing against each other, and this time one will win and the other will lose. With Reed only here for the summer and a baseball competition that could determine everything, sparks are flying. But romance is risky when your families cannot see you together.
I loved this. The romance was the highlight. The theater and baseball elements were fun, even if a few details went over my head my head at times. I chose this book because it was NC based and involved theater, my oldest daughter’s first love. Reed and Eliza’s romance is the sweetest and I now need a story for Ben ASAP.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
***Content Info: Just kisses romance, but strong language throughout. Side character in same sex relationship.
March 16, 2026
This contemporary Shakespearean romantic "tragedy" is a home run.
March 4, 2026
Disclaimer! I have worked with and known the author for the past 18 years.
Such an adorable book that really plays on the Romeo and Juliet theme. Set against the backdrop of rival baseball teams as well as a summer production of the play Romeo and Juliet, Eliza and Reed soon realize that there's still a spark between the two of them, even though they know their families would not approve of their relationship. Told between both of their points of view over the course of the summer, readers will be quickly turning to the last pages to see how all of the conflict is resolved between not only the two of them, but their families. A definite worthwhile read that should appeal to readers of all ages.
ReRead for publication and blog post.
Such an adorable book that really plays on the Romeo and Juliet theme. Set against the backdrop of rival baseball teams as well as a summer production of the play Romeo and Juliet, Eliza and Reed soon realize that there's still a spark between the two of them, even though they know their families would not approve of their relationship. Told between both of their points of view over the course of the summer, readers will be quickly turning to the last pages to see how all of the conflict is resolved between not only the two of them, but their families. A definite worthwhile read that should appeal to readers of all ages.
ReRead for publication and blog post.
Read
March 15, 2026Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This was a cute YA romance story based on Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet. Not something new as far as tropes go, but still fun.
Told in dual POV, which I really enjoy, the story follows Eliza and Reed and the rivalry of two competing high school baseball teams and families. Both Eliza and Reed have a lot riding on each of their teams winning. But Eliza and Reed also have a past and, even though they are enemies, they can't help but be attracted to one another and they both catch feelings.
The characters were absolutely YA. They had some good growth and development throughout the book. I can see how they would be relatable to teens. I do wish we would have had more about their relationship growing up. Having known each other so long and obviously having had history, it would have been easier to understand their connection if I had more of that throughout the story. Maybe in flashbacks or something of that sort. It was hard to understand their sudden attraction without really having been show their past.
The plot is believable enough. I liked the idea of the feuding families. The pacing varied throughout the book. Sometimes it was fast, other times I had to push myself to get through a chapter.
The romance does dive into kissing but doesn't go further than that, which I would expect from a YA romance.
I will say I very much disliked the character of Ben. He seemed super self centered and very melodramatic. I do wish there was more of a dive into his and Reed's friendship. We are told about it a bit, but not enough to really make me like Ben's character or truly understand his need to be in the story. Except he does have a huge part in how the book's plot takes a turn about 85% into the book.
This was a quick and easy read. Definitely marketed to the right crowd: fans of Kasie West. Though I like West's stories much better than I liked this. I would definitely give this author another chance to see if she can hone her craft a bit.
This was a cute YA romance story based on Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet. Not something new as far as tropes go, but still fun.
Told in dual POV, which I really enjoy, the story follows Eliza and Reed and the rivalry of two competing high school baseball teams and families. Both Eliza and Reed have a lot riding on each of their teams winning. But Eliza and Reed also have a past and, even though they are enemies, they can't help but be attracted to one another and they both catch feelings.
The characters were absolutely YA. They had some good growth and development throughout the book. I can see how they would be relatable to teens. I do wish we would have had more about their relationship growing up. Having known each other so long and obviously having had history, it would have been easier to understand their connection if I had more of that throughout the story. Maybe in flashbacks or something of that sort. It was hard to understand their sudden attraction without really having been show their past.
The plot is believable enough. I liked the idea of the feuding families. The pacing varied throughout the book. Sometimes it was fast, other times I had to push myself to get through a chapter.
The romance does dive into kissing but doesn't go further than that, which I would expect from a YA romance.
I will say I very much disliked the character of Ben. He seemed super self centered and very melodramatic. I do wish there was more of a dive into his and Reed's friendship. We are told about it a bit, but not enough to really make me like Ben's character or truly understand his need to be in the story. Except he does have a huge part in how the book's plot takes a turn about 85% into the book.
This was a quick and easy read. Definitely marketed to the right crowd: fans of Kasie West. Though I like West's stories much better than I liked this. I would definitely give this author another chance to see if she can hone her craft a bit.
March 18, 2026
This was fun. A cute mashup of high school sports romance and musical theatre, and it absolutely leans into that classic rivalry—stage kids vs. athletes—complete with all the angst, drama, and “which matters more?” tension both on and off the stage.
I found myself nodding along one minute and cringing the next (affectionately), because wow… the theatre kid energy here is painfully accurate. The author nailed it on the first swing.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jesse Vikinsky, who continues to be a go-to for me. If I see her name attached, I already know I’m getting a solid performance. She handles distinct character voices really well, especially across genders, which added a lot to the overall experience.
If you’re looking for a no-spice, cute YA romance that’ll have you reminiscing about your high school theatre days—with a sporty twist—this one’s definitely worth the read.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Penguin Random House Audio via their influencer platform, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
I found myself nodding along one minute and cringing the next (affectionately), because wow… the theatre kid energy here is painfully accurate. The author nailed it on the first swing.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jesse Vikinsky, who continues to be a go-to for me. If I see her name attached, I already know I’m getting a solid performance. She handles distinct character voices really well, especially across genders, which added a lot to the overall experience.
If you’re looking for a no-spice, cute YA romance that’ll have you reminiscing about your high school theatre days—with a sporty twist—this one’s definitely worth the read.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Penguin Random House Audio via their influencer platform, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
March 16, 2026
If Romeo & Juliet and Field of Dreams had a baby while listening to Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album, that baby would be Meet Me Under The Lights! This book is a pitch-perfect YA debut about small town baseball, community theater, summer nostalgia, family tradition, and what it’s like to fall for the boy/girl that everyone told you to stay far away from. Eliza is my favorite type of feisty and ambitious “good girl” and Reed is the perfect boy to ruffle her feathers and bring out the very best in her. I could have read countless chapters of just their banter alone! Miller’s voice is filled with warmth and wit and her love for theater and baseball shines on every page, which creates such an immersive reading experience. Every supporting character, landmark, and town tradition felt so familiar and lived-in that I found myself feeling nostalgic for a summer spent in Fairfield, NC with the Fulton’s and Crowley’s. When can I go back??
March 12, 2026
4.25 ⭐️! This would probably be a good book to read outside sometime in the summer. It has baseball, a Romeo and Juliet type of romance with feuding families and a secret relationship, and it was very fast paced. The beginning of the book was kind of confusing, but you get into the story by about the 3rd or 4th chapter. I really enjoyed it!
January 3, 2026
“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
Thank you to Netgalley and Viking for the eARC!
I absolutely adored this one! 💖 I think it’s between a 4 and a 4.5 for me.
This book reminds me why I love YA books: the drama, the fun, the new feelings and butterflies. All the characters trying their best and figuring out their lives while also trying to figure out their feelings. 🥰 It’s all so cute!!
In particular, I adored Cassie Miller’s writing style. It is so delightful to read her words. Even though I don’t normally like feuding families books, her way of writing this just made me forget everything I usually complain about. It felt like I was reading a drama from the 2000’s or 2010’s - like some old ABC Family tv show, all drama and relatability and two kids just genuinely falling for one another. 💖
I really loved Reed and Eliza. I liked that Eliza was so normal for being rich; she liked baseball and theater and was grounded in a way that a lot of rich characters aren’t. Reed was the perfect fit for her too: he was loyal to a fault, ready to take the hit for his friends or family. And I really enjoyed their chemistry; I wish I had even more time of them together. I almost wished we had a few more scenes of them just being alone together.
I liked Lauryn and TJ and would have enjoyed more of them too. But ugh, Ben? Get outta here man. ☠️ I was so frustrated with him blaming others for his decisions. I do realize he’s got it rough but it still angered me.
The climax and resolution were delightfully unique and fun! It felt a little like a High School Musical-esque movie 😂 And we all know how much I love those movies.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good YA with no smut. Fans of Kasie West and Morgan Matson will enjoy this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Viking for the eARC!
I absolutely adored this one! 💖 I think it’s between a 4 and a 4.5 for me.
This book reminds me why I love YA books: the drama, the fun, the new feelings and butterflies. All the characters trying their best and figuring out their lives while also trying to figure out their feelings. 🥰 It’s all so cute!!
In particular, I adored Cassie Miller’s writing style. It is so delightful to read her words. Even though I don’t normally like feuding families books, her way of writing this just made me forget everything I usually complain about. It felt like I was reading a drama from the 2000’s or 2010’s - like some old ABC Family tv show, all drama and relatability and two kids just genuinely falling for one another. 💖
I really loved Reed and Eliza. I liked that Eliza was so normal for being rich; she liked baseball and theater and was grounded in a way that a lot of rich characters aren’t. Reed was the perfect fit for her too: he was loyal to a fault, ready to take the hit for his friends or family. And I really enjoyed their chemistry; I wish I had even more time of them together. I almost wished we had a few more scenes of them just being alone together.
I liked Lauryn and TJ and would have enjoyed more of them too. But ugh, Ben? Get outta here man. ☠️ I was so frustrated with him blaming others for his decisions. I do realize he’s got it rough but it still angered me.
The climax and resolution were delightfully unique and fun! It felt a little like a High School Musical-esque movie 😂 And we all know how much I love those movies.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good YA with no smut. Fans of Kasie West and Morgan Matson will enjoy this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Decently well written and had some depth. I appreciated the small town country vibes and the roles their families played.
The romance was pretty steamy for a YA book though 😐
An okay read 👍
The romance was pretty steamy for a YA book though 😐
An okay read 👍
March 2, 2026
Meet Me Under the Lights is a baseball themed retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Two families are feuding over the rights to a community baseball stadium when a surprising romance picks up between Eliza Crowley and Reed Fulton. Loved the callbacks to R&j. Was Reed’s friend Ben “Benvolio”? Eliza’s cousin TJ inspired by Tybalt.
The baseball quotes and theater quotes were fun to remember!
Reed’s openness to Eliza challenges stereotypes related to social class, and Eliza’s interest in Reed ultimately results in some open lines of communication with her family.
In the background is the story of staying connected to your roots.
This was sweet like candy and left my cheeks hurt from smiling at the story. I think fans of romances that are no spice (young adult!) with enemies to lovers trope would really enjoy this!
Meet Me Under the Lights is a baseball themed retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Two families are feuding over the rights to a community baseball stadium when a surprising romance picks up between Eliza Crowley and Reed Fulton.
Reed’s openness to Eliza challenges stereotypes related to social class, and Eliza’s interest in Reed ultimately results in some open lines of communication with her family.
In the background is the story of staying connected to your roots.
This was sweet like candy and left my cheeks hurt from smiling at the story. I think fans of romances that are no spice (young adult!) with enemies to lovers trope would really enjoy this!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The baseball quotes and theater quotes were fun to remember!
Reed’s openness to Eliza challenges stereotypes related to social class, and Eliza’s interest in Reed ultimately results in some open lines of communication with her family.
In the background is the story of staying connected to your roots.
This was sweet like candy and left my cheeks hurt from smiling at the story. I think fans of romances that are no spice (young adult!) with enemies to lovers trope would really enjoy this!
Meet Me Under the Lights is a baseball themed retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Two families are feuding over the rights to a community baseball stadium when a surprising romance picks up between Eliza Crowley and Reed Fulton.
Reed’s openness to Eliza challenges stereotypes related to social class, and Eliza’s interest in Reed ultimately results in some open lines of communication with her family.
In the background is the story of staying connected to your roots.
This was sweet like candy and left my cheeks hurt from smiling at the story. I think fans of romances that are no spice (young adult!) with enemies to lovers trope would really enjoy this!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 22, 2026
3.5 stars - A cute YA read for fans of baseball, but Miller also included details about the theater. I liked the dual POV and all the baseball details. Full review to come.
March 13, 2026
This book was very quick to read—in a good way! It was nicely paced, entertaining, and made the characters feel alive! Reed and Eliza’s relationship bloomed naturally, it did not overpower the story nor the characters themselves. I’m a little upset that the best friends were left off in the epilogue, I would’ve loved to know what happened to Ben. Overall I would recommend this book :)
March 15, 2026
“One, People can surprise you. Two, sometimes you just gotta take a leap of faith”
I was transported back to my high school years as I witnessed the highs and lows and everything in between of Eliza and Reed’s journey!
This is a lighthearted, fun loving, small town read.
“Will you hit me if I kiss you? No but I will if you don’t.”
“Always near, Never far.”
I was transported back to my high school years as I witnessed the highs and lows and everything in between of Eliza and Reed’s journey!
This is a lighthearted, fun loving, small town read.
“Will you hit me if I kiss you? No but I will if you don’t.”
“Always near, Never far.”
February 20, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
Meet Me Under the Lights by @cassiemillerwrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eliza and Reed's families have always been rivals. When a baseball tournament has both of them on the line, tensions have never been higher. The more these two are together, they start to wonder why their families cannot see eye to eye.
~~
I absolutely adored this book. This should be the textbook example of Romeo and Juliet retelling, because it was perfection. I really loved all of the baseball movie references as well. Reed and Eliza have an easy going relationship, that makes it so easy to root for them as a couple. Evern though their town’s politics keep them apart, their friendship and eventual feelings are too hard to fight. They also are so supportive, and even though their families create plot conflict, they are all loving and supportive of their people.
~~
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Cassie Miller for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Meet Me Under the Lights comes out March 3rd!
Meet Me Under the Lights by @cassiemillerwrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eliza and Reed's families have always been rivals. When a baseball tournament has both of them on the line, tensions have never been higher. The more these two are together, they start to wonder why their families cannot see eye to eye.
~~
I absolutely adored this book. This should be the textbook example of Romeo and Juliet retelling, because it was perfection. I really loved all of the baseball movie references as well. Reed and Eliza have an easy going relationship, that makes it so easy to root for them as a couple. Evern though their town’s politics keep them apart, their friendship and eventual feelings are too hard to fight. They also are so supportive, and even though their families create plot conflict, they are all loving and supportive of their people.
~~
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Cassie Miller for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Meet Me Under the Lights comes out March 3rd!
March 6, 2026
Meet Me Under the Lights @cassiemillerwrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🫑 Kisses only
Cassie Miller delivered such a nostalgic YA summer romance!
Baseball was a big part of my summers as a kid and this just took me back! I loved the Romeo and Juliet inspired rival family aspect and it was such a fun piece of the plot for me! Reed and Eliza were childhood friends pulled apart because of a family feud.. years later their families are at it again with a summer bet that brings them back together. This one needs to be on your summer TBR!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🫑 Kisses only
Cassie Miller delivered such a nostalgic YA summer romance!
Baseball was a big part of my summers as a kid and this just took me back! I loved the Romeo and Juliet inspired rival family aspect and it was such a fun piece of the plot for me! Reed and Eliza were childhood friends pulled apart because of a family feud.. years later their families are at it again with a summer bet that brings them back together. This one needs to be on your summer TBR!
March 19, 2026
This was a cute YA close-door, kisses only romance! From “opposite sides of the tracks”, high schoolers Eliza and Reed learn to navigate their budding romance amidst their feuding families.…the Romeo and Juliet vibes were strong. There were other well-represented topics that high schoolers experience as well, such self-confidence and acceptance, the stress of being successful in sports, effects substance abuse (side character) and difficult family dynamics. I appreciate that this is a true young adult novel with a solid plot.
I was able to catch some of this on audio, the dual narration by Julie Vilinsky and Zac Chastain was well done and enjoyable.
Thanks to Booked With the Emily’s and Penguin Teen for the gifted ebook and PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.
I was able to catch some of this on audio, the dual narration by Julie Vilinsky and Zac Chastain was well done and enjoyable.
Thanks to Booked With the Emily’s and Penguin Teen for the gifted ebook and PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.
January 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
[Thank you netgalley & Viking/Penguin for this arc!]
A classic Romeo & Juliet retelling, but add some baseball. Honestly, it was a really fun read. Forbidden romance usually makes me roll my eyes, just because I never feel like it’s that serious in modern day settings, but I had a lot of fun reading this one and just decided to go with the ‘you know what? hell yeah!’ attitude. I will say, some of the characters felt like they just kind of changed up a bit too suddenly, mostly side characters, but stories like this one kind of have to be like that, cuz you only have so many pages to work with before the YA romance feels like it’s dragging (in my opinion). Also, Reed and Eliza were super adorable! I’d definitely recommend this to people looking for a cute romance book with a lot of heart and family centric vibes!
[Thank you netgalley & Viking/Penguin for this arc!]
A classic Romeo & Juliet retelling, but add some baseball. Honestly, it was a really fun read. Forbidden romance usually makes me roll my eyes, just because I never feel like it’s that serious in modern day settings, but I had a lot of fun reading this one and just decided to go with the ‘you know what? hell yeah!’ attitude. I will say, some of the characters felt like they just kind of changed up a bit too suddenly, mostly side characters, but stories like this one kind of have to be like that, cuz you only have so many pages to work with before the YA romance feels like it’s dragging (in my opinion). Also, Reed and Eliza were super adorable! I’d definitely recommend this to people looking for a cute romance book with a lot of heart and family centric vibes!
November 15, 2025
Book Report: Meet Me Under the Lights by Cassie Miller
This one first came on my radar thanks to one of my favorite podcasts…Meg’s Reading Room where Meg chatted with Cassie and the second I listened I knew I needed a copy.
Set in a small North Carolina town that loves tradition and baseball we follow Eliza…Fairfield’s unofficial princess 👑 who dreams far beyond the local fields. While her family expects her to embrace the legacy of the Crowley Cardinals Eliza is determined to spend her summer in the world she loves most…theater and lighting design 🎭✨
Enter Reed…ace pitcher…grandson of a struggling farmer and the boy Eliza was always supposed to dislike… except her heart didn’t get the memo 💘⚾ With a decades long family feud simmering between the Crowleys and Fultons their connection has all the best Romeo & Juliet vibes (minus the tragedy) Small town summer nights…high-stakes ball games and that warm YA sweetness? Yes please!
One of my favorite details…each chapter opens with a quote tied to the POV adding a thoughtful rhythm to the story 📚💫I also loved the blend of behind the scenes theater life and intense baseball moments…two worlds that shouldn’t fit together but totally do.
I will say there were a few moments…some language and certain situations that felt like they could’ve been softened or left out especially for a YA audience. But overall the heart of the story still shines through 💛✨
Wholesome & heartfelt. Perfect for fans of small town rivals to lovers with big dreams and even bigger feelings.
Thank you Viking Books for Young Readers/ Penguin Teen for ARC
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November 10, 2025
Trifecta: a combination or set of three wins.
With this book, the author, achieved the trifecta aspired by all authors; that is, for the title, storyline and cover to beautifully complement one another.
The cover, features Reed and Eliza, on the baseball mound during sunset with the stadium lights shining upon them. The lights physically and metaphorically shine on their growing romance both in the field and in the playhouse theater.
The storyline flows beautifully reminiscent of authors like Kasie West, Sarah Dessen, Jenn Bennett and Morgan Matson. The number of parallels (see: chosen play that Eliza does the lighting for vs the hatred between Reed and Eliza's family), the drama (hoping that Reed's bff will later have a story of his own) and the significance of both immediate (Eliza with her father's) and extended family (Reed with his grandparents) are well developed.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#MeetMeUndertheLights #NetGalley
With this book, the author, achieved the trifecta aspired by all authors; that is, for the title, storyline and cover to beautifully complement one another.
The cover, features Reed and Eliza, on the baseball mound during sunset with the stadium lights shining upon them. The lights physically and metaphorically shine on their growing romance both in the field and in the playhouse theater.
The storyline flows beautifully reminiscent of authors like Kasie West, Sarah Dessen, Jenn Bennett and Morgan Matson. The number of parallels (see: chosen play that Eliza does the lighting for vs the hatred between Reed and Eliza's family), the drama (hoping that Reed's bff will later have a story of his own) and the significance of both immediate (Eliza with her father's) and extended family (Reed with his grandparents) are well developed.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#MeetMeUndertheLights #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you for selecting me to be the Goodreads Giveaway winner!
This book was amazing! I loved the tension between Eliza and Reed. This was a perfect combination between modern Romeo and Juliet and a sports romance. I was kicking my feet the whole time because I just loved their dynamic. There were a few strings left unwound, but overall, this was one of my favorite reads of December!
This book was amazing! I loved the tension between Eliza and Reed. This was a perfect combination between modern Romeo and Juliet and a sports romance. I was kicking my feet the whole time because I just loved their dynamic. There were a few strings left unwound, but overall, this was one of my favorite reads of December!
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