What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 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!
June 19, 2026
⋆.˚✮ 3.25 stars ✮˚.⋆
⤿ Thank you to Penguin Teen and Viking Books for the arc through netgalley and a physical arc in exchange for an honest review!
i am a huge baseball fan, and have been trying to seek out baseball romances as other sports romances have been hit or miss for me. while this one was still really cute, i guess i misunderstood going into this book and didn't understand this is a retelling of sorts of romeo & juliet. while i love retellings, i was hoping for a more unique story from this and was thrown off a little by this retelling brimming at the edges of the romance. it made a few things in my opinion, a little more dramatic and cringey then it needed to be. that may have also been because i am growing further and further away from high school, and so have less of an interest in reading about high school drama. nevertheless, even if the story felt a little repetitive as it was a retelling, the romance was generally pretty cute.
one thing i did really enjoy about this story was the baseball scenes. a lot of time in sports romances, the main character is a part of the sport but the reader doesn't really get to see them actually playing that sport. luckily, there were plenty of moments of the main character being the pitcher for a baseball team! even the female main character knows a lot about baseball and loved engaging with this sport. that is one thing i related to her on, i grew up with a father who had played as a pitcher for his whole life, then started coaching semi-professional or college baseball teams and continues to. i grew up in the dugout with the players, learning about baseball and growing my love for the sport. Eliza also grew up around it her whole life, and it was refreshing for her to be taken seriously when talking about the game as she knew so much.
there were some side plots happening with both characters that i didn't feel were fully fleshed out, and i wish there had been a little more attention to them. even the main plot, rival families trying to win ownership of this baseball stadium, was underdeveloped. if i rememeber correctly, we never actually find out why these families were feuding in the first place. we get vague answers, but that's not entertaining for me i want to know all the details! and lots of lose ends by the end of the story that were never followed up on just made the story a bit complicated for me.
overall, not my favorite read but i recognize the baseball representation was really good and it's honestly a little on me not knowing it was a retelling when i was expecting a unique story. not a bad book, and if you enjoy young adult romance i would definitely recommend!
↬ trigger warnings: large fire, hospital stay, injuries, underage drinking
⤿ Thank you to Penguin Teen and Viking Books for the arc through netgalley and a physical arc in exchange for an honest review!
i am a huge baseball fan, and have been trying to seek out baseball romances as other sports romances have been hit or miss for me. while this one was still really cute, i guess i misunderstood going into this book and didn't understand this is a retelling of sorts of romeo & juliet. while i love retellings, i was hoping for a more unique story from this and was thrown off a little by this retelling brimming at the edges of the romance. it made a few things in my opinion, a little more dramatic and cringey then it needed to be. that may have also been because i am growing further and further away from high school, and so have less of an interest in reading about high school drama. nevertheless, even if the story felt a little repetitive as it was a retelling, the romance was generally pretty cute.
one thing i did really enjoy about this story was the baseball scenes. a lot of time in sports romances, the main character is a part of the sport but the reader doesn't really get to see them actually playing that sport. luckily, there were plenty of moments of the main character being the pitcher for a baseball team! even the female main character knows a lot about baseball and loved engaging with this sport. that is one thing i related to her on, i grew up with a father who had played as a pitcher for his whole life, then started coaching semi-professional or college baseball teams and continues to. i grew up in the dugout with the players, learning about baseball and growing my love for the sport. Eliza also grew up around it her whole life, and it was refreshing for her to be taken seriously when talking about the game as she knew so much.
there were some side plots happening with both characters that i didn't feel were fully fleshed out, and i wish there had been a little more attention to them. even the main plot, rival families trying to win ownership of this baseball stadium, was underdeveloped. if i rememeber correctly, we never actually find out why these families were feuding in the first place. we get vague answers, but that's not entertaining for me i want to know all the details! and lots of lose ends by the end of the story that were never followed up on just made the story a bit complicated for me.
overall, not my favorite read but i recognize the baseball representation was really good and it's honestly a little on me not knowing it was a retelling when i was expecting a unique story. not a bad book, and if you enjoy young adult romance i would definitely recommend!
↬ trigger warnings: large fire, hospital stay, injuries, underage drinking
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
![Profile Image for ۶ৎ alexandra ۶ৎ [LETS GO ARGENTINA].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1784249449i/193583954._UX200_CR0,8,200,200_.jpg)
July 8, 2026
☆4
⋆ some spoilers but not too much ⋆
now playing:
good days - sza
01:56 ━━━━●───── 03:27
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ i love it when people doubt me. it makes me work harder to prove them wrong. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ pre-read ꒱ •
to be honest, i dont really know what to expect from this book! its a newly released book, and i’ve never read a book by this author! my prediction is that it will be a cute, short, romancce, but nothing too special!
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ dad always said i had the imprints of baseball laces in my fingers the same way most kids had grooves on theirs from climbing monkey bars. i was born to pitch. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ overall thoughts ꒱ •
i didn’t really know what to expect with this book! i thought it would just be a basic romance that would be sort of boring, but boy was i wrong!! this story was sooo cute!!! the plot was perfect, the characters were perfect, everything was perfect!! it exceeded my expectations! it had a sort of childhood friends to lovers plot which i loveee! the only reason i didn’t give it 5 stars is probably stupid: it won’t stick with me for the rest of my life. i know that sounds weird but its true. it was a really good book, but nothing about the book had a lasting impact on me! basically it was good, but there wasn’t anything special about it that set it apart from other books i’ve read. i hope that made sense lol
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ i don’t believe in curses. i think you make your own destiny. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ ratings ꒱ •
plot ♡ 4/5
spice ♡ 2/5 kissing, hugging
cursing ♡ 1/5 barely anything
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ a theatre is the most important sort of house in the world because that’s where people are shown what they could be if they wanted, and what they’d like to be if they dared to, and what they really are. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ characters ꒱ •
—▷ eliza crowley
eliza reminded me soooo much of me! she is not afraid to stand up for her friends, lovesss sports, and is creative! its literally the description of me loll!! i honestly loved her character though, she didn’t have many flaws! she was so understanding and kind to everybody!!
—▷ reed fulton
reed was a pretty good character too! he was sooo nice to his grandparents and i admire that he moved back just to help them run their farm!! however he broke eliza’s heart at one point for no reason which i didn’t like… so yeah!
—▷ ben
he is honestly so fake. i had a bad feeling about him from the start. he tried to act all kind but he was sooo ungrateful! reed’s family was providing him hospiltality and he just left. that is so disrespectful! also he took out his anger on other people, he started a fire, and he just left reed because reed had a girlfriend. alsoooo he is obsessed with his ex which is such a red flag. the only nice thing i could say about him was that he was good at baseball in the beginning. no hate against him though, i hope this isn’t too harsh..
—▷ eliza’s dad
i feel like her dad changed sooo much throughout the story! he was a good dad, but not the best. in the beginning he was too focused on his baseball team succeeding but then at the end he donated sooo much money towards eliza’s play and he chose to stay and co-own the stadium.
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ dear god, if you could please strike down reed fulton with a mighty lightning bolt right now, i promise i’ll curse less and go to church more. amen. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ recommendations ꒱ •
age ⋆°•☁︎⋆ 12-15 years old
interests ⋆°•☁︎⋆ baseball, love, family rivalry, theatre
genre ⋆°•☁︎⋆ romance
𓂃𓂃𓂃 𓇼𓂃𓂃𓂃 𓆉𓂃𓂃𓂃𓇼 𓂃𓂃𓂃
thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! i hope it was helpful in your reading experience. if you enjoyed this review, please consider following me to receive more valuable reviews! xoxo, alexandra ୨୧
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
⋆ some spoilers but not too much ⋆
now playing:
good days - sza
01:56 ━━━━●───── 03:27
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ i love it when people doubt me. it makes me work harder to prove them wrong. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ pre-read ꒱ •
to be honest, i dont really know what to expect from this book! its a newly released book, and i’ve never read a book by this author! my prediction is that it will be a cute, short, romancce, but nothing too special!
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ dad always said i had the imprints of baseball laces in my fingers the same way most kids had grooves on theirs from climbing monkey bars. i was born to pitch. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ overall thoughts ꒱ •
i didn’t really know what to expect with this book! i thought it would just be a basic romance that would be sort of boring, but boy was i wrong!! this story was sooo cute!!! the plot was perfect, the characters were perfect, everything was perfect!! it exceeded my expectations! it had a sort of childhood friends to lovers plot which i loveee! the only reason i didn’t give it 5 stars is probably stupid: it won’t stick with me for the rest of my life. i know that sounds weird but its true. it was a really good book, but nothing about the book had a lasting impact on me! basically it was good, but there wasn’t anything special about it that set it apart from other books i’ve read. i hope that made sense lol
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ i don’t believe in curses. i think you make your own destiny. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ ratings ꒱ •
plot ♡ 4/5
spice ♡ 2/5 kissing, hugging
cursing ♡ 1/5 barely anything
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ a theatre is the most important sort of house in the world because that’s where people are shown what they could be if they wanted, and what they’d like to be if they dared to, and what they really are. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ characters ꒱ •
—▷ eliza crowley
eliza reminded me soooo much of me! she is not afraid to stand up for her friends, lovesss sports, and is creative! its literally the description of me loll!! i honestly loved her character though, she didn’t have many flaws! she was so understanding and kind to everybody!!
—▷ reed fulton
reed was a pretty good character too! he was sooo nice to his grandparents and i admire that he moved back just to help them run their farm!! however he broke eliza’s heart at one point for no reason which i didn’t like… so yeah!
—▷ ben
he is honestly so fake. i had a bad feeling about him from the start. he tried to act all kind but he was sooo ungrateful! reed’s family was providing him hospiltality and he just left. that is so disrespectful! also he took out his anger on other people, he started a fire, and he just left reed because reed had a girlfriend. alsoooo he is obsessed with his ex which is such a red flag. the only nice thing i could say about him was that he was good at baseball in the beginning. no hate against him though, i hope this isn’t too harsh..
—▷ eliza’s dad
i feel like her dad changed sooo much throughout the story! he was a good dad, but not the best. in the beginning he was too focused on his baseball team succeeding but then at the end he donated sooo much money towards eliza’s play and he chose to stay and co-own the stadium.
𓆉⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
❛❛ dear god, if you could please strike down reed fulton with a mighty lightning bolt right now, i promise i’ll curse less and go to church more. amen. ❜❜
𓇼⋆｡˚⋆❀ ⋆.˚.
• ꒰ recommendations ꒱ •
age ⋆°•☁︎⋆ 12-15 years old
interests ⋆°•☁︎⋆ baseball, love, family rivalry, theatre
genre ⋆°•☁︎⋆ romance
𓂃𓂃𓂃 𓇼𓂃𓂃𓂃 𓆉𓂃𓂃𓂃𓇼 𓂃𓂃𓂃
thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! i hope it was helpful in your reading experience. if you enjoyed this review, please consider following me to receive more valuable reviews! xoxo, alexandra ୨୧
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
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!
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!!
April 3, 2026
「 my thoughts 」
3⭐️ i enjoyed this book but it wasn’t super special to me honestly
3⭐️ i enjoyed this book but it wasn’t super special to me honestly
July 6, 2026
Not my favorite, but cute and fun! Would recommend to younger romance readers or fans of Becky Dean.
(Things I would mention to younger readers would be some cussing—quite a few f-words and s-words that were so unnecessary it was almost cringy—and some mentions of same sex couples, which were all side characters or just spoken about, therefore super pointless to the story).
(Things I would mention to younger readers would be some cussing—quite a few f-words and s-words that were so unnecessary it was almost cringy—and some mentions of same sex couples, which were all side characters or just spoken about, therefore super pointless to the story).
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
May 5, 2026
This book was so cute! Super easy to read with a witty writing style. It was super fast paced and this is my first baseball romance which made me super excited to read it because I love baseball.
It did fall a little flat for me though. It just felt kind of basic, and though it made sense for the story, it was kinda insta-love. I mean, since it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling (ish)/forbidden love, they had to be together for most of it. But I love a good slow burn, my personal preference though. I also didn’t really feel the tension/chemistry between the two main characters, that tends to happen to me when I don’t connect with characters too much. I loved the town and all the side characters! I feel like it was all fleshed out well, although I’m not sure if this is a standalone, but I feel like Ben’s backstory could have been fleshed out a little more to give me better insight into his character. Also I couldn’t help but imagine TJ as TJ from Gilmore girls so I think that’s ruined him a bit for me LOL. Some of the characters had very unique hobbies which I loved (Eliza included) but sometimes I just feel like I didn’t understand what they were talking about. Again, a me problem that could be fixed with a little research. And I’m glad for unique hobbies to be included and I hope readers who have said hobbies will feel seen.
Overall, a cute romance and good palate cleanser, but nothing overly special in my opinion. I think lots of other people would love this though!
Spice: none
Language: strong
It did fall a little flat for me though. It just felt kind of basic, and though it made sense for the story, it was kinda insta-love. I mean, since it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling (ish)/forbidden love, they had to be together for most of it. But I love a good slow burn, my personal preference though. I also didn’t really feel the tension/chemistry between the two main characters, that tends to happen to me when I don’t connect with characters too much. I loved the town and all the side characters! I feel like it was all fleshed out well, although I’m not sure if this is a standalone, but I feel like Ben’s backstory could have been fleshed out a little more to give me better insight into his character. Also I couldn’t help but imagine TJ as TJ from Gilmore girls so I think that’s ruined him a bit for me LOL. Some of the characters had very unique hobbies which I loved (Eliza included) but sometimes I just feel like I didn’t understand what they were talking about. Again, a me problem that could be fixed with a little research. And I’m glad for unique hobbies to be included and I hope readers who have said hobbies will feel seen.
Overall, a cute romance and good palate cleanser, but nothing overly special in my opinion. I think lots of other people would love this though!
Spice: none
Language: strong
April 5, 2026
Of course I had to read this book with baseball starting (aka the best sport). It wasn’t amazing but also wasn’t awful I guess. Baseball + theatre both things I love, so that was a plus. I really like the characters too. However, I didn’t really feel the chemistry. They had cute moments but it didn’t really feel romantic so I don’t really know. Unless I blanked on it I don’t think the rivalry with the families was ever explained very well, maybe it was I don’t remember. The rivalry just felt really forced and didn’t seem like it was a big deal. Also hated the fact they couldn’t really go to each other’s events. I will say though the moment with Reed and his dad was absolutely adorable. I love when soldiers reunite with their family.
(Bonus points for the pretty cover).
(Bonus points for the pretty cover).
June 19, 2026
I read it in one day, super easy read, but I feel like there was just way too much unnecessary cursing but I kind of just zoned it out and focused on the story
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.
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.
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 🤍
July 14, 2026
╰┈➤ While I usually adore sport romances and when authors drop some sport specific talk - I was bored out of my mind when these kids started talking about baseball. It just sounded so cringe (almost like those super sappy family sport movies from the 90s) and I basically skipped all of these scenes.
Besides the literal baseball scenes (matches, meetings with the coach etc), the main character kept comparing everything to baseball, and after the 403584th reference, I couldn't take it anymore...We get that love hit you like that speedball, or that being with her is like something something inning (we don't have baseball in Croatia so most of the book sounded like gibberish to me lol).
ᯓ★ The theatre subplot was actually my favorite one - how Eliza truly cared about the play and how she wanted to prove to everyone how she wasn't just the daughter of the richest guy in town and actually had some mad theatre lighting skills.
ᯓ★ Eliza's relationship with her BFF was also a sweet one because they had different roles in the play (one had the lead role while the other worked backstage on the lighting) but they were fully supportive and hyped each other up.
Besides the literal baseball scenes (matches, meetings with the coach etc), the main character kept comparing everything to baseball, and after the 403584th reference, I couldn't take it anymore...We get that love hit you like that speedball, or that being with her is like something something inning (we don't have baseball in Croatia so most of the book sounded like gibberish to me lol).
ᯓ★ The theatre subplot was actually my favorite one - how Eliza truly cared about the play and how she wanted to prove to everyone how she wasn't just the daughter of the richest guy in town and actually had some mad theatre lighting skills.
ᯓ★ Eliza's relationship with her BFF was also a sweet one because they had different roles in the play (one had the lead role while the other worked backstage on the lighting) but they were fully supportive and hyped each other up.
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.
April 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day. This is the first for me to read baseball romance and I will look for more. I loved the storyline and the characters. It was a true "falling in love with the enemy". I would definitely recommend this book.
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.
April 15, 2026
This is such a cute YA small town romance. I love the Romeo and Juliet vibes with the two feuding families and the poor couple trapped in the middle. This is my first baseball romance and I have to say that ai liked it very much. The characters are well written and it is dual POV Where you get to see how each character gets to develop and grow. From start to finish, it was easy to get into the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for the small town vibe in a book.
June 24, 2026
5 stars 🌟! This was the perfect summery, sporty, romance. I haven't read a rom-com that I've been in love with so much since Fake Skating this year in January. I think I am officially out of my little slump. WHOOP WHOOP.
I LOVE LOVE that there was duel pov between Eliza and Reed. I honestly think when you get both main characters perspectives it makes the book 10x better. Reed had little Baeeball quotes and Eliza had famous theater quotes before each chapter. It was such a small detail but it really added to my love for the book.
I love the small town rivalry we got, very similar to Romeo and Juliet with the families fighting! *wink wink* 😉 just like the play Eliza is performing at the theater. The fight the families have between the baseball stadium and that each family needs to win for there own reason kept me reading. AND thats the other thing, it is such a fast and light paced book!
I think for a debut novel this was amazing and perfection and everything I wanted! I read it at the right time of summer too! I like books that sre light and simple ✨️ they take my worries awayyyy.
⚾️🎥🔦🌅
I LOVE LOVE that there was duel pov between Eliza and Reed. I honestly think when you get both main characters perspectives it makes the book 10x better. Reed had little Baeeball quotes and Eliza had famous theater quotes before each chapter. It was such a small detail but it really added to my love for the book.
I love the small town rivalry we got, very similar to Romeo and Juliet with the families fighting! *wink wink* 😉 just like the play Eliza is performing at the theater. The fight the families have between the baseball stadium and that each family needs to win for there own reason kept me reading. AND thats the other thing, it is such a fast and light paced book!
I think for a debut novel this was amazing and perfection and everything I wanted! I read it at the right time of summer too! I like books that sre light and simple ✨️ they take my worries awayyyy.
⚾️🎥🔦🌅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!
May 22, 2026
What a perfect warm-weather read! Equal parts fun and heartwarming, Miller’s debut novel brings all the feels of first love with a classic feuding families twist. I’m also a sucker for small-town settings and Ioved all the dynamics of Fairfield. Whether you love baseball, theater, or just love love, this book knocks it out of the park!
April 14, 2026
The Crowleys and the Fultons have been feuding for years. Years ago, they co-owned the town's stadium, and the Fultons, a farming family, poured their blood, sweat, and tears into maintaining it. The Crowleys, who are wealthier, have always had a leg up on the Fultons. They leveraged their finances to take over ownership of the stadium. This is when the feud began, and combined with some "friendly" betting on their baseball teams, it only added fuel to the fire. Eliza Crowley, a senior, is a theater lover and the town's sweetheart. She has always been friends with Reed Fulton, an ace pitcher, since they were children, but the friendship faded when he moved away. At his grandfather's request for summer baseball, Reed is back and in town. Due to their family's tension, things between Eliza and Reed are shaky at best until they start to have feelings for one another. When their families make a bet to end their feud once and for all, Eliza and Reed find themselves stuck in the middle. Meet Me Under the Lights is a cute YA romance perfect for summer, as it captures small-town baseball and summer romance very well.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
March 29, 2026
PROGRESSIVELY BETTER.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I was a bit mixed when this started and worried it just wasn’t going to work for me but by the second half I really fell into the story and the character arcs for Eliza and Reed. I appreciated that this felt [mostly] true to the young adult genre. There is some under age drinking but the language was low and the romance was kisses only.
I’m not a theater girlie so those pieces didn’t hit as hard for me but the parallels to Romeo and Juliet were well done. I enjoyed this style of retelling. I liked the audiobook narrators too and wish there had been more chapters from Reed’s POV. It felt a little imbalanced.
I loved the baseball content and the back and forth between families. And I especially loved seeing Eliza’s Dad grow and acknowledge his faults too. It’s a reminder that parents aren’t perfect either and I loved seeing those bridges mended and genuine effort in reestablishing relationships.
I’m still just really obsessing over the colors on this cover too.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Baseball romance
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Content warnings: arson, underage drinking
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I was a bit mixed when this started and worried it just wasn’t going to work for me but by the second half I really fell into the story and the character arcs for Eliza and Reed. I appreciated that this felt [mostly] true to the young adult genre. There is some under age drinking but the language was low and the romance was kisses only.
I’m not a theater girlie so those pieces didn’t hit as hard for me but the parallels to Romeo and Juliet were well done. I enjoyed this style of retelling. I liked the audiobook narrators too and wish there had been more chapters from Reed’s POV. It felt a little imbalanced.
I loved the baseball content and the back and forth between families. And I especially loved seeing Eliza’s Dad grow and acknowledge his faults too. It’s a reminder that parents aren’t perfect either and I loved seeing those bridges mended and genuine effort in reestablishing relationships.
I’m still just really obsessing over the colors on this cover too.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Baseball romance
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Content warnings: arson, underage drinking
March 15, 2026
This is a stunning debut from Cassie Miller! Somehow equal parts nostalgic and fresh, this small-town romance is a must read for lovers of theater and baseball, of family rivalries and of sweet, summer love (with a strong, take-no-bs female protagonist, of course!) Eliza and Reed carry this story perfectly, and I was hooked on their connection from the beginning. I cannot wait to read more from Miller!
May 7, 2026
3.5 stars
Before we get into the review, let me tell you: This paperback is one of the FLOPPIEST paperbacks my hands have ever held. Seriously, it's every book lover's wet dream.
Anyway, now to the more substantial stuff.
Was this book objectively great? Eh. I think the reason I liked this book / have a teeny tiny soft spot for it is that it reminds me of myself (and my own silly little teenage romance). It's ridiculously corny. The twists really can't be called twists because they are entirely predictable, and the amount of actual conflict is almost zero. But somehow that also has a charm. In some way, this book felt like the best parts of a good 2000s rom-com. Somehow, it managed to give me the nostalgia and wholesomeness of some of my favorite movies while also being something new. I appreciated that classic plots (baseball, theater, Shakespeare) got a new spin (he isn't the typical dick captain, she does the lights for the theater). The summer-y setting felt perfect for the story and added a lot to its appeal as well. Overall, this book made me feel like a nice summer evening, which I really can't be mad about.
Howeverrrr ( you didn't think I would let this go so easily, did you?), here are some content-related loose ends that felt unresolved:
1. What happens to Ben? He is Reed's best friend and plays a pretty big role in the plot, and then his character doesn't get a proper resolution whatsoever.
2. Why did Eliza's Dad change his mind for seemingly no reason at all? I get the overall idea, but there wasn't enough background to explain his (many) sudden changes of mind.
3. Reed's last summer was alluded to a lot, but always remained vague. Give me something more specific than "the pressure got to me".
4. Why were college coaches/recruiters (is that what you call them?) mentioned, only to then never become important ever again?
5. Some characters/ tensions were never properly explored, like the high school popular girl or TJ and Lauryn.
6. I wish the rocking chair had been mentioned again at the end. Just once.
In general, this book is like your child's bad art project. You love the child, so you also love everything it does, but objectively, it's kinda meh.
xx
Before we get into the review, let me tell you: This paperback is one of the FLOPPIEST paperbacks my hands have ever held. Seriously, it's every book lover's wet dream.
Anyway, now to the more substantial stuff.
Was this book objectively great? Eh. I think the reason I liked this book / have a teeny tiny soft spot for it is that it reminds me of myself (and my own silly little teenage romance). It's ridiculously corny. The twists really can't be called twists because they are entirely predictable, and the amount of actual conflict is almost zero. But somehow that also has a charm. In some way, this book felt like the best parts of a good 2000s rom-com. Somehow, it managed to give me the nostalgia and wholesomeness of some of my favorite movies while also being something new. I appreciated that classic plots (baseball, theater, Shakespeare) got a new spin (he isn't the typical dick captain, she does the lights for the theater). The summer-y setting felt perfect for the story and added a lot to its appeal as well. Overall, this book made me feel like a nice summer evening, which I really can't be mad about.
Howeverrrr ( you didn't think I would let this go so easily, did you?), here are some content-related loose ends that felt unresolved:
1. What happens to Ben? He is Reed's best friend and plays a pretty big role in the plot, and then his character doesn't get a proper resolution whatsoever.
2. Why did Eliza's Dad change his mind for seemingly no reason at all? I get the overall idea, but there wasn't enough background to explain his (many) sudden changes of mind.
3. Reed's last summer was alluded to a lot, but always remained vague. Give me something more specific than "the pressure got to me".
4. Why were college coaches/recruiters (is that what you call them?) mentioned, only to then never become important ever again?
5. Some characters/ tensions were never properly explored, like the high school popular girl or TJ and Lauryn.
6. I wish the rocking chair had been mentioned again at the end. Just once.
In general, this book is like your child's bad art project. You love the child, so you also love everything it does, but objectively, it's kinda meh.
xx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews