Sometimes Love Throws a Curveball

Sometimes Love… #2

by Laura Hawkins

Cruz came to Maple Valley to rest and recover from a mid-season injury. Pretending to date the beautiful Airbnb hostess was not in the plan.

Neither was falling in love.

When the booking for six weeks in the apartment above the bookstore her family owns came through the Airbnb app, Sadie chalked it up to answered prayers. She never expected the renter to be Cruz, the man who visited the store six months before and signed his brother up for the Blind Date with a Book subscription she had just started offering. She also never expected Cruz to be Cruz Callahan, the shortstop for the Charleston Kings that the internet—and most of the female population—can’t get enough of.

When a fan takes a photo of Cruz and Sadie and posts it online, speculating that Cruz chose to spend his recovery time in Maple Valley to be with his girlfriend, Cruz and his agent think it would be an excellent idea for Sadie to pretend to be Cruz’s girlfriend to help ‘improve his image’ and ‘show the fans that he has changed.’ Sadie is ready to turn the offer down, but the attention Cruz is bringing to the bookstore is great for business, and she could use all the help she can get.

As the line between real and fake begins to blur, Sadie realizes that Cruz is the curveball she never saw coming. Time will tell if they’re heading for a home run or a strikeout.

Genres: Romance, Christian

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2025

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I totally binge read this book, I could NOT put it down once I started! I loved the first book, but this one...wow!

Fake dating? Yes, please! She’s never been kissed; he’s the recently redeemed bad boy trying to clean up his image. He falls first, there’s a secret identity twist , this story has everything!

When Sadie first meets Cruz, it’s just in passing at her family’s bookstore. She doesn’t know who he is, but he definitely makes an impression on her… and she makes one on him too. So much so that when he gets injured and needs a quiet place to rest, relax, and rebuild his reputation, he ends up in Maple Valley, right where Sadie lives.

A quick stop into her bookstore (and renting her airbnb) turns into a misunderstanding that spirals into a plan: they’ll fake date. For Sadie, it means great publicity for her bookshop; for Cruz, it’s a chance to show the world he’s changed and can commit to one woman. Sounds simple , but of course, it’s not.

With paparazzi watching his every move, Cruz hiding a secret from Sadie, and Sadie wrestling with another unexpected connection, neither of them knows what’s real, what’s fake, or when (or if) they should take a chance on something real between them.

This story was WONDERFUL. The faith element was strong but never preachy, and I loved watching their feelings grow. There was instant chemistry, even before they realized it themselves. I loved all the teammates, family and community always being such a large part of the story as well.

I loved revisiting the side characters in this one! ❤️

I gave this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Kn.Ranchlifereads_25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was such a lovely read, It kept me up until 2am just to finish reading it because I simply couldn’t put it down and I’m not sure how I could claim one single thing as my favorite part cause it was just so good!

Cruz Callahan, possibly one of the smoothest swoon-worthy MMC’s ever!!!!
Sadie Shepherd’s personality kept me so enthralled with the story and I have to admit, the Oldest sibling/ daughter guilt of feeling like your resposible for everything is real and it was displayed so well in this book and watching Sadie learn to trust and allow someone to take care of her was so beautiful.

Another one of my favorite things was the rest of the Shepherd siblings and the foster/ adoption rep, I found myself wishing so bad that I could meet this family in real life!
Overall this was a terrific story of Love and Redemption, I couldn’t give any less than 6 stars because this story was just too amazing!

Thank you so much for the ARC @laurahawkinsauthor! This review is completely voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Love Throws a Curveball is a sweet romcom filled with heart, faith, and family. Sadie is sweet, loves her family, and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Cruz is a reformed bad boy but really is just a good guy that is trying to show the world he’s changed. Cruz and Sadie had instant chemistry, and I absolutely adored their first meeting. He is smitten from the start. When Cruz later gets injured and needs to rest and recover, going back to Maple Valley is just what he needs. Due to circumstances when Cruz returns, him and Sadie end up in a fake relationship. As they fake date, I enjoyed watching as they grow closer and romance begins to bloom. Cruz made my heart sing with how much he just wanted to help Sadie and be there for her. Cruz and Sadie’s story is just delightful, and I loved the support of her family and the community. There were several parts that had me smiling or laughing, especially their first date. Sometimes Love Throws a Curveball is certainly one to read!

My favorite things:
- Sadie and Cruz’s meet cute
- Sadie’s siblings
- The first date
- His nickname for her
- You’ve Got Mail vibes
- Her birthday surprises
- Faith-filled

Tropes: romcom = fake dating = hidden identity = reformed "player" = she's never been kissed = love triangle (sort of) = found family = sweet kisses

Happy reading!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christian romance was a breath of fresh air. I read all kinds of romance, from Christian romances to steamy romances, books like this one always make me feel so happy. First of all Cruz is the best MMC. He recently was baptized but before that he was what a lot of people call a ladies man. He didn’t date but did a whole lot of other things with woman. I feel like he met Sadie at the perfect time. This man bought a Women’s Bible by mistake and made the best out of it. Sadie has been through a lot and has a ton on her plate. Cruz entered her life when she really needed someone like him. Every interaction they had together had me smiling from ear to ear. Even though their relationship began as a fake one, it was just easy. The way they were “fake dating” but even when people weren’t around they acted like a real couple had me so giddy. I can’t wait to read the first book in this series. If you want a clean, faith based romance, read this one!

[Hannah Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compelling and engaging read that I found impossible to put down. The author created endearing and relatable characters that I came to love. This book included real-life narratives that anyone can relate to including foster families, grief, love, community relationships and faith! I appreciate that this book touched on the reality of some challenges we face when we are fresh in our faith and the doubts others may have of you. I love that the author gave us glimpses of characters from the first book. Overall, this book is a reminder to look to God in hard times and never give up on love and relationships❤️ ❤️

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard this book was coming out, I went right to reading her first book. I couldn't put either of down. I love the faith that is brought out in each of the characters and their willingness to grow.

Sometimes Love Throws a Curveball was inspiring and cozy. I enjoyed how Cruz fell hard and fast and Sadie took at a bit of warming up. I loved that this is a small town Christian rom-com. Sadie is a strong female with a lot on her plate, Cruz seems like a typical jock until Sadie enters his life. His hidden identity turns into a fake-dating situation and I couldn't be happier with the end.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so cute and so special. It covers a lot of difficult topics through a Biblical worldview, which I really appreciate. Sadie is a woman who has been through so much in her life, but her faith never seems to waiver. Cruz is a new baby Christian who is smitten with Sadie at first glance. When his baseball career is put on hiatus during a hand injury, he makes it back to the small town and little bookstore that Sadie works in. I loved how Cruz took such good care of her simply because he wanted to. I also loved Sadie’s family. The fake dating and You’ve Got Mail vibes had me swooning and rooting for them to make it official. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! The characters were so real & the storyline was amazing. Baseball, books, coffee & God…I was all in! So many things packed in the pages of this book. Found family, foster care, grief, forgiveness, second chances, fake dating, first kiss, finding faith & sharing faith. I also loved the “You’ve got mail” vibes. But my most favorite thing was knowing that no matter what is in your past, when you are buried in baptism that old life is gone & the slate is wiped clean, you are new a creature in Christ. Regardless of what the world thinks you are forgiven & changed. ❤️

[Aimee Winmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book!! Cruz is a reformed ladies man and Sadie has never been kissed.

While they are both thrown curveballs in their life, it brings them together in the most beautiful way.

They learn from each other in unexpected ways that helps them to grow in the best ways.

Can't wait for book #3.

[Allison Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star read! Wow! I read both books in the series in 2 days! I enjoyed the first book in this series but I think I loved the second one more! Cruz and Sadie’s characters were so relatable! I loved the faith aspect when going though trials. I’m so glad I found Laura’s books. They are fantastic fast paced reads and I can’t wait for the third book to come out!

[Evalynn Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely don't judge this book by its cover! It was so good! I love how clear the faith themes were and how they weren't just hinted at like in other books. Their struggles remind me how important it is to rely on God in the hard times. Would recommend to everyone!

[Anita Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, faith based romance. I loved the relationship between Sadie and Cruz. This series has been the best I’ve read in a while.

[Katrina Eurell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book to read, building on from the first!
The character growth, their own stories and what brings them together makes for such a wonderful book that I could not put down!

[Crystal Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

I love a book I know is going to be sweet and I don’t have to worry about what’s coming. It was the perfect mix of sweet while still keeping me engaged the entire time.

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read, the first book was really good too, but this one has a little more drama and christian focus which I loved. <3

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a cutie christian romance book! love the forced proximity, neighbors, sports loving, and the God centered themes!! not a fan of the miscommunication trope tho

[Admiral Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The first book I enjoyed, but this one was AMAZING!!!!! I love Cruz and Sadie (plus her whole family)

[Jennifer Gemmill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Jacklynn Crummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It throws a curveball at both main characters right from the start. Cruz is a professional baseball player recovering from an injury, and Sadie is grieving a huge loss. When Cruz comes to Sadie’s small town to heal, they end up fake dating—and it is SO good.

Cruz takes so much pressure off Sadie, anticipates her needs, and treats her with so much care. He’s a reformed ladies’ man and a new Christian, and I loved watching his growth and transformation throughout the story.

This small-town romance is packed with sweet details and the best happily ever after. I will recommend this book to everyone!!