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Casual Now
Amy Stone is a hard-working (okay, a bit of a workaholic) museum educator with a heart of gold–one that was thoroughly shattered by her last relationship. Determined to avoid heartache again, she convinces herself she doesn’t want more than casual anyway.
Enter Jackson “JJ” Jeffers, the cinnamon roll of an All-Star shortstop for Chicago’s baseball team. After a few literal run-ins with Bruno, JJ’s Rottweiler wingman, Amy and JJ realize they’re not just neighbors, but have a lot more in common than they initially realized.
While JJ might have every reason to be guarded, given his own family history and betrayals by the only women he’s ever loved, he’s open to figuring out where things with Amy might lead. He’s not used to being the one doing the chasing, and Amy is giving him a run for his money–but she’s worth it, he decides. And just as Amy’s walls start to come down, the dark secrets of JJ’s past start to resurface.
Now, instead of just casual, Amy and JJ must walk a tightrope to ensure not only the relationship survives, but they do too.
Enter Jackson “JJ” Jeffers, the cinnamon roll of an All-Star shortstop for Chicago’s baseball team. After a few literal run-ins with Bruno, JJ’s Rottweiler wingman, Amy and JJ realize they’re not just neighbors, but have a lot more in common than they initially realized.
While JJ might have every reason to be guarded, given his own family history and betrayals by the only women he’s ever loved, he’s open to figuring out where things with Amy might lead. He’s not used to being the one doing the chasing, and Amy is giving him a run for his money–but she’s worth it, he decides. And just as Amy’s walls start to come down, the dark secrets of JJ’s past start to resurface.
Now, instead of just casual, Amy and JJ must walk a tightrope to ensure not only the relationship survives, but they do too.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2025
About the author
Meghan French
5 books13 followersMeghan French is a romance author who loves writing about strong female characters and the swoonworthy, dirty-talking men who love them. A self-professed foodie and yogini, she lives in Arizona with her husband and dog. When she’s not in a writing cave, she spends her time as a school psychologist, hiking, and reading all the romance novels she can get her hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 26, 2025
Casual Now is a home run of a debut for the Chicago Foxes series, effortlessly blending spicy romance with emotional weight, character-driven storytelling, and the addictive charm of found family.
Amy Stone is the kind of protagonist you root for from page one: smart, driven, refreshingly self-aware. She’s built her life around control and independence, until JJ storms in with his easy charm, dirty mouth, and hidden depths. He’s more than just a baseball-playing heartthrob. He’s a man running from a past he can’t quite outrun, and it's that collision of vulnerability and confidence that makes their chemistry crackle.
Set against the backdrop of Chicago's pro baseball scene, the story never leans too heavily on the sports trope. Instead, it uses it as a launchpad to explore themes of trust, emotional baggage, and what it means to let someone in. Some moments sizzle (yes, the spice is real), but also quieter ones that make you ache.
Amy Stone is the kind of protagonist you root for from page one: smart, driven, refreshingly self-aware. She’s built her life around control and independence, until JJ storms in with his easy charm, dirty mouth, and hidden depths. He’s more than just a baseball-playing heartthrob. He’s a man running from a past he can’t quite outrun, and it's that collision of vulnerability and confidence that makes their chemistry crackle.
Set against the backdrop of Chicago's pro baseball scene, the story never leans too heavily on the sports trope. Instead, it uses it as a launchpad to explore themes of trust, emotional baggage, and what it means to let someone in. Some moments sizzle (yes, the spice is real), but also quieter ones that make you ache.
December 30, 2025
A New Favorite
I just finished Casual Now by Meghan French and honestly, I’m still thinking about it. It’s a great read if you like stories about a professional athlete and a girl who is determined to keep things "casual" even when the chemistry is obvious. It’s got a good mix of funny moments, some really sexy scenes, and some heavier emotional stuff that makes the relationship feel way more real than your typical romance novel. There are moments that will have you needing a cold shower. 🤭
If you’re looking for a quick, solid smutty book with a lead character who feels like someone you’d actually want to be friends with, you should definitely give this one a shot.
I just finished Casual Now by Meghan French and honestly, I’m still thinking about it. It’s a great read if you like stories about a professional athlete and a girl who is determined to keep things "casual" even when the chemistry is obvious. It’s got a good mix of funny moments, some really sexy scenes, and some heavier emotional stuff that makes the relationship feel way more real than your typical romance novel. There are moments that will have you needing a cold shower. 🤭
If you’re looking for a quick, solid smutty book with a lead character who feels like someone you’d actually want to be friends with, you should definitely give this one a shot.
July 12, 2026
I always enjoy a lengthy romance because I really feel it gives a depth to the plot and the characters that a short book just can't accomplish, and that's definitely the case here. I was SO rooting for Amy and Jackson. As a fellow anxiety-ridden mess, characters with anxiety always pull at my heartstrings. Although I wanted to grab her by the shoulders a few times and tell her to love that sweet man the way he deserves, I get it, trauma makes you do weird things. Jackson is a doll. I adore sweet male main characters, and he's exactly my type. And WHEW, this book has some serious spice! Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoys a good sports romance.
April 25, 2026
A realistic romance
After a slightly slow start… there’s a reason for the text messages… I was happy I stuck with this story. Amy and Jackson had an almost realistic relationship. That sounds odd for a romance novel, but it’s true. Their relationship was the perfect pace and I was excited for the spicy scenes. There wasn’t too much crazy drama, but enough to keep the story going. I’ll be looking for more work by this author.
After a slightly slow start… there’s a reason for the text messages… I was happy I stuck with this story. Amy and Jackson had an almost realistic relationship. That sounds odd for a romance novel, but it’s true. Their relationship was the perfect pace and I was excited for the spicy scenes. There wasn’t too much crazy drama, but enough to keep the story going. I’ll be looking for more work by this author.
September 5, 2025
Felt like a summer getaway to Chi-town, to snuggle up with this book during the August in Arizona. Fun, easy read kept me turning the page to see what was next. It was well balanced between steamy scenes, baseball and real life struggles. You can’t help but to love the 3rd key character in this love triangle Bruno, the big goofy dog . Can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.
July 12, 2025
Spicy and Heartfelt!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The perfect combination of spicy scenes and a realistic, heartfelt story. I loved the accurate portrayal of an anxiety disorder in the FMC. JJ Jeffers is my new book boyfriend! I’m ready for book 2 already!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The perfect combination of spicy scenes and a realistic, heartfelt story. I loved the accurate portrayal of an anxiety disorder in the FMC. JJ Jeffers is my new book boyfriend! I’m ready for book 2 already!
July 21, 2025
Great book from start to finish
Great new author, I loved this story and the realness of the characters. I can't wait for the next in the series!
Great new author, I loved this story and the realness of the characters. I can't wait for the next in the series!
May 24, 2026
4/5⭐️
LOVEDDD THIS!!! I love a good sports romance- and this was just that!!! no 3rd act breakup, great communication, and a little plot twist?!?!?! AMAZING!!! can’t wait to continue the series :)
LOVEDDD THIS!!! I love a good sports romance- and this was just that!!! no 3rd act breakup, great communication, and a little plot twist?!?!?! AMAZING!!! can’t wait to continue the series :)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews