Double Down: A Friends-With-Benefits, Baseball Romance

by K.C. Brooks

Blurb coming soon!

Genres: Romance, Sports

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

Reviews

[Ashley S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Double Down by @authorkcbrooks!
Loved the story, two adults finding themselves with each other’s support along the way, amazing friends, swoon worthy MMC and the spice was 🔥🔥🔥

- Friends with Benefits
- Spice List/Lessions
- Newly Divorced
- Baseball Romance
- Dual POV

[Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 STARS!

Baseball romance will forever be my favorite sports romance genre and Double Down did not disappoint!!

Damien Ramos is very much That Guy. Star baseball player, confident, controlled, and clearly holding himself back (even when he doesn’t want to). The tension between him and Brianna is HIGH, but it doesn’t turn into instant feelings with no depth.

There’s a lot of restraint here. A lot of... I want you... but I shouldn’t. And when it finally snaps? Worth it ;)

The baseball elements felt realistic. The pressure of the sport, the fame, the schedules, and the expectations all play into the story instead of just being aesthetic. It made the romance feel a lot more grounded, for me at least.

The chemistry is strong, the spice is solid (especially since he's teaching her A LOT along the way), and the emotional beats land without getting overly dramatic. Some things were repetitive and not a huge fan of overbearing mothers (they make me want to scream), but overall this was fun, sexy, and exactly what I want when I pick up a sports romance.

If you love baseball men who are a little feral but trying to be responsible, def pick this one up. Ok, now I have to read the rest of the stories in this series!

Tropes I Loved:
- Baseball romance ⚾️
- Famous athlete / normal girl
- No strings attached (until they are?)
- Protective MMC
- MCs in their 30s
- Spice Lessons

BIG thanks to Luna Literary and KC Brooks for the eARC and opportunity to read/review!

[Alax Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I’ve always loved about KC’s books is that the characters are always so real and relatable. I loved Bri and Damien. The way this man brings back her light after her divorce was everything. I loved seeing the layers and depth to him, because he was so much more than a party and playboy guy. They were hesitant to any sort of relationship, for valid and understandable reasons, but they really helped each other find themselves again after love and loss and in a way, grief. And the spice?? So good, and actually a huge part of the story and a stepping stone to Brianna really figuring out who she was again. I loved her bucket list. The found family in this series is everything. Their group of friends were all so supportive of the two of them and everything you could ask for in a group of friends.

Thank you to KC and Love Notes PR for an arc.

read if you love:
baseball romance, secret romance, spicy lessons, friends with benefits, reformed playboy, divorced FMC

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Down is a sports romance with secret relationships. This is Brianna and Damien’s story filled with insta connections, one night stands to friends to lovers. Brianna finally got divorced from her cheating ex and wanted to experience life again. Damien met Brianna at a kids school program with the players. They kept their space but feeling started to evolve. I love their connection and when she finally came clean with what she wants Damien was more than happy to help. I love how protective they are with each other and how they were there for each other when they need it. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more!

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.

[Jayme Muraco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Down is book 2 in the Erie City Hawks Series and was such a cute baseball romance with a second chance at love.

Brianna Sideris recently got divorced and is starting to truly find herself in the aftermath of it all. She’s only been with one guy her whole life and needs a little more spice and excitement. To her surprise, this actually comes a lot faster than expected. She runs into baseball player, Damien Ramos, at their away game in Dallas. While being acquaintances and both having friends who are all connected with the team, Damien didn’t want to jeopardize anything by having a one night stand with her. Buttttt, Bri was actually pretty persistent and irresistible. Their one time hook up turns into a friends with benefits situation…. And then much much more! Damien is a gentleman with her and pretty perfect for usually being such a playboy. It only takes one person to change it all, and they both changed each other’s lives in the best way.

[CAS CA Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Beta reading for KC Brooks!!
Her characters are always so real and authentic.

I knew I would swoon for Damien, but god the way he beings Bri back to life after her divorce is just… 🥹🎉💖 perfection!!

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta reading for this author is seriously an honor because I just love her books so much.

Double Down follows Damian and Brianna and I think they are such amazing characters. Damian is a baseball player and just wants to lead them to the championship. Brianna is newly divorced and trying to navigate life after that.

They had met while she was teaching and still married and Damian felt drawn to her but knew she was off limits.

So much happens in this book and a must read. What happens when the two see each other again and she is single?

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When hearts are on the line, sometimes you have to double down.

The worst part about getting divorced after almost a decade of marriage?

Trying to start over again. But as much as Brianna wants to move on after her ex-husband’s betrayal, Brianna’s heart is still bruised, and she’s not about to put herself out there anytime soon.

At least, until her path crosses with Damien Ramos, star player on the Erie City Hawks. One chance encounter changes everything, and even though he leaves her wanting more, he's a risk Brianna can’t take.

But Damien’s not about to give up that easily. One-night turns into two, and before Brianna knows it, they’re sneaking around every chance they get. The rules are simple: no feelings, no emotions, no promises of a future.

It should be easy enough, but as Brianna gets to know the man sharing her bed, the lines between them fade. Every smile makes her want another, and before she knows it, her heart is on the line again.

The rules of the game were simple.
And falling in love breaks every single one.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Professional Baseball Player, Secret Relationship/Romance, Spicy Bucket List, Friends with Benefits, Spice List/Lessons, Newly Divorced, Baseball Romance, Dual POV, Spicy Lessons, Friends-with-Benefits, Reformed Playboy

Double Down is the 2nd book in the Erie City Hawks Series A Friends-with-Benefits Baseball Romance by K.C. Brooks.

I have to say that K.C. Brooks wrote Damien to absolute perfection and I just fell in love with him. I just love when an author writes an MMC to be assumed to be a certain way, but then as you read you realize that the MMC is actually really very layered, and as we get to learn more about them, we realize that we were wrong about who and what they were.

Damien is exactly that character. When we first met him, we see him as this party playboy who is nothing more than an easy-going guy who is unbothered by anything and sure, to some extent this is actually true. But, as we get to know him better, we see that he has this gentle side, and the moment he meets Brianna, and his gentle side just falls for him in that moment.

I just adored the way that Damien shows up for all the people he loves and cares about. This just made me fall in further in love with him. And it didn’t matter if it was his family, his friends, his teammates, or Brianna, for Damien, love and relationships really felt all too impossible, and we find out that his first love had always been baseball and he believed that there was no one out there who could ever understand or even come close to accepting that.

Brianna found herself having to start over from the beginning again after her marriage fell apart and ended in divorce. Suddenly Brianna found herself feeling lost, betrayed, alone, and lacking. And her family didn’t do anything to help. All her pain, self-doubt, struggles, and fears were still so raw and she wasn’t going to let anyone make it worse or harder on her.

I loved how much growth we saw in Brianna’s character through this story and I absolutely loved watching her gain so much more confidence as this story progressed and when Brianna finally stood up for herself, it was just stunning. Brianna’s journey wasn’t an easy one though, but it was the difficulty in her journey that made it feel so realistic, and I found myself rooting for her through her entire journey.

I loved how we saw how much there was so much that Brianna had to learn, unlearn, and relearn after her previous relationship and all the ideas that had been installed in her from a young age from her toxic parents. But after Brianna meets Damien, he gets together with her friends and works to helps and supports her in her journey of discovering herself. I just loved watching her go from the person that she was when she got divorced to the person she became in owning up to the person she really was, was something that I found so absolutely inspiring.

I loved how Brianna and Damien had their own traumatic experiences from their past relationships, and this really made both of them hesitant to trust anything good and anyone who could be good for them.

I loved the way the story progressed and we got to see both Brianna and Damien and grow both as individuals and they were also able to help others move past their own traumatic and painful pasts.

And the romance between Brianna and Damien was perfect and so beautiful. I loved how they went from Friends-with-benefits to so much more and it was done so seamlessly and heartwarmingly. Damien had this fun, charming, and a flinty personality and K.C. wrote him perfectly to give Brianna just the right push to try all the new things without a single one of them feeling forced or like she was being pushed to do them.

I loved how Brianna and Damien had crystal clean communication and for them it was so important, and I know that it was especially important for Brianna. I just love how Damien helped Brianna come out of her shell. And at the same time Brianna’s calm, helpful, and patient nature gave Damien all the space and safety he needed to have the conversations that he needed to have that were more than just surface level. Damien needed someone who he could open up to, lay himself bare to, instead of being the one to take up all the pressure and responsibility for everyone else.

Everything has been so good and the spice just made this a masterpiece. And honestly, the spice actually played a vital role in this book, especially when it comes to Brianna. Through the spice I loved watching Brianna slowly let go of all her shame and the taboo around the whole idea of sex and we get to finally watch her give in to all her desires. And Damien, he was exactly the perfect man who was kind, encouraging, communicative, the perfect partner Brianna needed in order to figure herself out in this capacity. I just loved the whole idea of Brianna’s bucket list of all the things that she wanted to try in bed and how Damien wanted to see that list fulfilled and helped her slowly check things off it one by one.

We also got to meet a cast of side characters and I just absolutely loved how supportive they were to both Brianna and Damien. Both the guys and girls had Brianna and Damien’s backs throughout all the ups and downs no matter what, and Brianna and Damien had their fair share of ups and downs including some really low lows in order to figure things out.

Honestly, I have to admit that this is the kind of friend group that I love to read about, the friend group who feel more like a family. Damien’s relationship with his sister was also one that I just adored and I loved her meddling in everything and all she wanted to do was try and help her brother as she just wanted him to find happiness.

I think out of all the secondary characters and out of all the friend group I have to mention Ollie. She was such an amazing person and she was such an amazing friend. I loved how she was not only Brianna’s best-friend but she was also Brianna’s rock after Brianna’s world fell apart and hit rock bottom. And it was Ollie who helped Brianna find a way to heal her heart.

I just fell in love with all the characters in this book. K.C. did a stunning job writing this book and I have to say that I highly recommend this book and believe me, you’re not going to regret picking this one up.

[Booksandmeforevermore13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 2.5🌶

Damien Ramos was absolute perfection, and I love this man. I love it when the MMCs are assumed to be a certain way, but their character is actually layered, and we get to slowly learn more about them as the book progresses. Damien was that character. Initially, he seems like the partying playboy who is easy-going and unbothered (which was true to some extent). But the more we get to know about him, the more we see his gentler side, the one that was gone for Brianna from the moment he laid his eyes on her. The way this man always showed up for the people he loved made me swoon. Be it his family, his teammates, or Brianna. To Damien, love and relationships felt impossible, knowing that his first love was baseball and no one else would understand and accept that.

Having to start over from scratch after her divorce, Brianna felt lost, betrayed, alone, and lacking. Her family didn't help matters either. Her pain, self-doubts, struggles, and fears were all so raw. There was so much growth in her character, and I loved watching her get more confident as the story progressed and stand up for herself. It wasn't an easy journey, which is what made it that much more realistic, and I was rooting for her throughout. There was a lot she had to unlearn from her previous relationship and the ideas that had been instilled in her from a young age. But Damien and her friends helped and supported her in her journey of discovering herself. Watching her go from being the person who she was expected to be to owning up to who she truly was was absolutely inspiring.

Both Brianna and Damien had bad experiences from their past relationships, which made them hesitant to trust anything good. As the story progressed, though, there was significant growth in both these characters as individuals, and they also helped the other move past those experiences.

The romance was so damn beautiful, and the way their relationship went from a friends-with-benefits situation to more was so seamless and heartwarming. Damien's fun, charming, and flirty personality was just right to give Brianna the push to try new things without it feeling forced. There was clear communication, which was so very important for both, but especially Brianna. I loved how he helped Brianna slowly come out of her shell. Brianna's calm, helpful, and patient nature was also what gave Damien the space and safety to open up and have conversations that were more than just surface level. Having someone whom he could lay himself bare in front of healed a part of him after being the one to always take up all the pressure and responsibility for everyone else.

The spice was soooo damn good. It played a vital role in this book, especially for Brianna, and I enjoyed watching her slowly let go of the shame and taboo around the idea of sex and give in to her desires. Damien was exactly the kind of encouraging and communicative partner she needed to figure herself out in this capacity. I loved the idea of her bucket list of things she wanted to try out in bed and how Damien slowly checked things off from it.

I loved the side characters and how supportive they were of both Brianna and Damien. Both the girls and the guys had their backs throughout, and these two had to go through some really low lows to figure stuff out. This is the kind of friends group I love to read about in a book, who feel more like a family. Damien's relationship was also one that I adored, and I loved her meddling ways to help her brother find happiness.

I have to especially mention Ollie and what an amazing person and friend she was. She was Brianna's rock after her world fell apart and helped her heal.

Thank you to K. C. Brooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Aditee Praharaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC 30- DOUBLE DOWN
Author- KC Brooks
Book 2- Erie City Hawks series
Sport in highlight- baseball
Tropes- baseball romance, “no strings attactched”, forced proximity, friends with benefits, mental health rep, found family, both are hurt with walls built around their heart, naughty list, secret romance, spice lessons, divorced FMC, reformed playboy
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trigger warning- mentions of cheating, family abuse and explicit sexual content

Plot:
When two people decided and finalise that there is no love for them in this life, its then that fate decides to unite them…

Damien Ramos, star major city league baseball player and captain of the Erie City Baseball team had a lot on his plate. A good man, his team and game came first. His previous relationship didn’t work, she left him. Heartbroken, he decided single life was it despite getting the wishes of having someone special, a partner in their life, a soulmate…

Afters years of rising tension and wrecks with her husband and her marriage and catching him in the act of cheating on her, Brianna Sideris divorced him and decided love may not be there in her cards, forget marriage. She had loved him since 18. The hurt and betrayal broke her. Her mother added fuel to the fire being an orthodox Greek woman.

When two people decided and finalise that there is no love for them in this life, its then that fate decides to unite them…

After the divorce, Bri lived with Ollie, Hadley’s friend. They had met and hit off during one of the baseball games. Damien and Bri met for the first time when the team came to meet the students. She was married then, but not at Dallas where they met and freely interacted after months. Drunk, the hurt of their failed romances hanging heavy and their with their burning attraction, they spend the night together.

It was just a one time thing, never to happen again, despite their explosive chemistry and attraction. Wise words spoken too soon. They occupied each other’s mind 24/7.

Ollie convinced Brianna to venture out, rediscover herself and make a naughty list. Fate, that the evening they make it, Damien happens to spot them. Unable to get her out of his head, he joined them and finds the list. Ollie knew that she had spent the night with someone at Dallas, but she didn’t know that it was HIM! Excited, she leaves them alone.

They form a friends with benefit pact. But, they seeped into each others skin, thoughts. Feelings grew into more. Life became easier, it became easier to breathe when together, to take a pause and relax. Their walls were breaking away, brick by brick. The frequency of their fears rearing it’s ugly heads arose too. Fear is very powerful, crippling a person’s soul. It made them hesitate into taking a full leap to giving themselves a chance. They knew felt it in their bones that they were it for each other, they were down, double down bad.

Only one answer was left to answer- to conquer their fears or let it win and let go of their chance of happiness. This was the match of their happiness, the game of their life.

Opinion:
I love KC Brooks, period. She writes wholesome, sweet romances.
About this book- it has it’s sweet swoon moments along with equally intense spicy chapters.

Personal opinion- it’s mostly focused on the relationship progress of the MMC and FMC, Damien and Brianna. Some readers may find it a bit messy or confusing, chaotic at first; well, that’s because it a bit like that- starting as a one night thing which grew into more nights and then into love and both are scared because they had bad experiences in love earlier.
The book is good, all KC Brooks books are amazing. But this is not so great, like her previous books.

It’s a sweet, causal read. But it had potential. The story could have been written better

[Elizabeth Keeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien Ramos has built his entire life around baseball. His career has always come first, a choice that ultimately cost him his engagement and taught him a hard lesson, loving someone means asking them to live in the shadow of the game. Determined never to put another woman second, Damien swears off relationships until retirement. That plan works until Brianna Sideris walks into his life and quietly dismantles every rule he’s set for himself. Brianna is still reeling from a painful divorce after discovering her husband’s infidelity. Her marriage left her emotionally bruised, insecure, and wary of commitment, especially after years of manipulation and control. She’s not looking for forever, just a little fun, a little freedom, and a reminder of who she is outside of being someone’s wife. What she doesn’t expect is Damien, or how quickly something casual begins to feel meaningful. As their connection deepens, Double Down shines in showing how easy it is to fall into something real when both people feel seen and understood. But when an accident on the field threatens Damien’s career, his old instincts resurface. Fearing he’ll become a burden, and convinced he has nothing to offer, he pushes Brianna away, believing he’s protecting her from his uncertainty and pain. The result is heartbreak on both sides.

Damien is a deeply relatable MMC, shaped by ambition and guilt in equal measure. His struggle with vulnerability feels authentic, especially his belief that loving someone means being strong enough to shield them from hardship. What he must learn is that real love isn’t about protection, it’s about partnership. Brianna challenges him to see that strength comes from letting someone stand beside you, not shutting them out. Brianna’s growth is just as powerful. In the aftermath of her divorce, she’s forced to confront not only her ex-husband’s betrayal but also her mother’s suffocating expectations and harmful views about marriage and forgiveness. Her journey toward reclaiming her voice, setting boundaries, and choosing herself is empowering and deeply satisfying. Loving Damien doesn’t weaken her, it reinforces her belief that she deserves honesty, respect, and a love that meets her halfway.

In conclusion, I gave this book 5 stars because at its heart, Double Down is a story about taking emotional risks and learning that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s about two people stepping outside their comfort zones, confronting old wounds, and discovering that love doesn’t require perfection, just honesty, effort, and the willingness to stay. K.C. Brooks crafts a romance that is tender, frustrating in the best way, and ultimately rewarding, reminding readers that sometimes the bravest move is going all in.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 2 in the Erie City Hawks series is here! KC Brooks is a must read author of mine that I have been patiently awaiting for her next release, Double Down. I was so excited to start this book and get back to this beloved baseball team. Getting to know new characters, spending time with old characters, and seeing how KC brings our MCs together is always a treat! KC cares about her stories so much and pours her heart and soul into them. Her books are full of romance and raw emotion that you feel in your soul at times. I will always recommend her as an author and anything she writes!

Starting over is never easy, especially when you’ve only known the same thing for a very long time. That is where Bri finds herself after her marriage of a decade ends in divorce. She is not only starting over with relationships, but she is also starting over with her own self. She realizes her previous marriage changed her and she is also dealing with toxic parents. Bri finding her real self throughout this book is a wonderful journey. KC never fails to provide FMC who are strong and resilient. Bri was a lot of fun to read about and I rooted for her through this entire book.

Damien definitely feels the attraction between himself and Bri, but also doesn’t want to enter into anything before she is ready. Bri knows what she wants though and what she wants is Damien. Even though they start out as friends with benefits, Damien never treats Bri like that. He allows her to be confident, ask for what she wants, and see how much she is truly worth. He is patient with her as she works through things. You cannot dislike Damien one bit in this book!

As always, KC brings her characters to life and makes it impossible for readers to not find themselves carried away by her beautiful writing. The spice is perfect and well written, the relationship grows organically, and the side characters support and cheer our MCs on. Relationships are key to KC’s book, but they extend beyond the romance. Friendships and family are just as important in her books and always play key roles. I loved everything about this book!!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
⚾Baseball Romance
🔥Friends with Benefits
⚾Secret Relationship
🔥Spicy Lessons
⚾Reformed Playboy MMC
🔥Divorced FMC

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Down is a baseball romance, friends with benefits, secret romance, love after divorce and reformed playboy story.

The story is about Brianna who is coming off an divorce is working on putting her life together again. She is dealing with self-doubt, being alone and lost. Then there is Damien, who is a baseball player. He is easy going playboy but very protective of the people he cares about.
Brianna and Damien have a one-night stand but then agree to a friends with benefits relationships. Little did they know that their friends with benefits was going to change both their lives.

One thing I like about this story was watching the development and growth of Brianna and Damien relationships throughout the book. Seeing how they both help the other in different ways .Damien helping Brianna to slowly open up and Brianna showing Damien that love is about a partnership. . Another thing that I love about their relationship was that when it came to communication they were very clear with each. Beside watching their relationship grow and develop, I liked watching Brianna and Damien grow as individuals. Watching they both come out of bad experiences from their past to being more confident and happier.

In terms of the writing, I thought the story was written well. The story was told at a good pace and flowed really well. The secondary characters Damien and Brianna’s friends were great. They added to the story but didn’t over take the story. They very supportive towards Damien and Brianna which was great. In terms of spice, this book is spicy. The spicy seasons were written well. They weren’t over the top or cheesy. They also didn’t over take the story. I would say the amount of spicy scenes in this book was the perfect amount.

Overall, Double Down is good friends with benefits romance that turns into something more. Brianna and Damien are good main characters. They are book likable and relatable. This is a story that once you start reading you won’t put down till you finish it.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Double Down by K.C. Brooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Fresh off a divorce from her college sweetheart, teacher Brianna has officially sworn off love. Enter Damien Ramos—professional baseball player, certified playboy, and deeply uninterested in relationships. What’s supposed to be a no-strings, one-night situation quickly turns into a secret arrangement with one very important rule: no feelings allowed.

As the friends-with-benefits line blurs and emotions start showing up uninvited, Bri and Damien have to decide whether love is worth breaking every rule they set in the first place.

Damien is a secret softie—his closeness with his sister, his love for his nieces, and how fiercely he protects the people he cares about. The patience and support he shows Brianna as she rebuilds her confidence and ability to trust is genuinely swoonworthy. After years of her ex-husband tearing her down, his focus is entirely on building her back up. And the best thing about Damien? HE BUYS HER BOOKS. Not just random books—the ones she loves. This is a man you marry.

I deeply empathized with Bri navigating independence after divorce. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt—and the trust issues. Her ex is… something else. I won’t spoil it, but I was actively offended by his audacity.

The real MVP, though, is Bri’s BFF/roommate Ollie. She delivers hard truths, protects Bri like it’s her full-time job, and absolutely gives “will throw hands for you” energy. I need her book immediately. Just friends with Parker? Sure, Ollie. Let’s see how that goes.

Thank you to Luna Literary for providing an ARC!

For fans of: ⚾️ Baseball Romance | 💘 Friends with Benefits | 🤐 Secret Romance | 🔥 Spice Lessons | 😏 Reformed Playboy | 💔 Love After Divorce | 🛡️ Protective BFF

#DoubleDown #KCBrooks #ARCReview #BaseballRomance #SportsRomance #FriendsWithBenefits #SecretRomance #ReformedPlayboy #LoveAfterDivorce #BookstagramRomance #RomanceReaders #ARCReader #BookReview

[MaeBae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks so much K.C. Brooks and Luna Literary for the book. I was gifted this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.

If you like sports romance with friends-with-benefits vibes and healing after heartbreak, this one is definitely worth picking up. Double Down is the second book in the Erie City Hawks series, but it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book and wasn’t lost. You can tell you’re missing the background of how one mentioned couple got together, but that’s really it.

This story is a baseball romance that follows Damien, a pro athlete, and Brianna, a newly divorced teacher figuring out who she is after loss and heartbreak. first met while Brianna was still married and teaching. Damien felt drawn to her right away but knew she was completely off-limits, so nothing happened at the time. When they reconnect later, both are hesitant to start anything serious. Watching them slowly help each other rediscover themselves (and what they want) was one of my favorite parts of the book. There’s a lot of quiet healing woven into the romance, and even a sense of shared grief that makes their connection feel earned.

Now let’s talk spice, because it’s a big part of the story. I’d rate it a high 3 chilies. Brianna’s spicy bucket list was such a fun element, and I loved watching her slowly let go of the shame and taboo she carried around sex. Damien was exactly the kind of encouraging, communicative partner she needed. He was never pushy and always supportive as she explored her desires. The way he helped her check things off that list felt playful and intimate rather than just hot for the sake of it.

Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚

I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.

[brianna ! · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

|ARC|

⋆ dual pov
⋆ spice lessons
⋆ divorced FMC
⋆ baseball romance
⋆ secret relationship
⋆ friends with benefits
⋆ reformed playboy MMC
_________

EEK we are so back! I’m absolutely in love with this book! Double down is a baseball romance full of tension and love where we follow our FMC Brianna as she tries to navigate life after her divorce and our MMC Damien as he tries to lead his team to the playoffs while also trying to get his mind off a certain “married” woman. We watch through their eyes as tension becomes too hard to resist and feelings become all too real. We watch as they reconnect and take a gamble.

Omg these two! Absolutely obsessed with both of them! Both brianna and Damien together is just everything! Brianna’s character is so powerful and strong and I honestly strive to be like that! And while Damien is stubborn as hell he wears his damn heart on his sleeve and is always there when you need him… someone find me a Damien asap please!! I loved watching these two reconnect and finally give into each other! Their love story and journey was such a beautiful ride!

And k.c brooks does it absolutely again! I’m so happy to be back within this universe! I could not wait after I read the first book in this series so when I got an ARC of this one I was ecstatic to say the least! I honestly love how k.c writes her books, she is so good at putting your into the characters perspectives and she also does such a good job of just handling all her books details with such care and precision! I’m am so excited to continue to read more of k.c brooks books in the future and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!!

Overall, I had an absolute blast with this book and can’t wait for the next one!! Thank you so much K.C Brooks and Luna Literary for the amazing ARC! Tull the next one ⚾️❤️📚

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely stole my heart and then gently stitched it back together with hope, heat, and a baseball player who knows exactly when to stop running and start choosing. Brianna’s story hit hard. Divorce after a decade, betrayal, trying to remember who you are when the life you planned explodes… it felt raw and real and painfully relatable. Her bruised heart leapt right off the page.

And then Damien Ramos walked in. Smooth, confident, star athlete energy with just enough softness underneath to make you lean in closer. I loved that he didn’t push her to heal faster than she could. He saw her cracks and still wanted all of her. The reformed playboy trope was done so well here. Watching Damien go from casual fun to fully gone for this woman was chef’s kiss.

The friends with benefits turned secret relationship was addictive. Sneaking around, stolen moments, rules they both pretend not to break while breaking all of them anyway. The tension was delicious and the emotional build was even better. Every interaction peeled back another layer of Damien and every smile he gave Brianna felt like sunlight after a long storm.

What really got me was how he put the light back in Brianna’s eyes without trying to fix her. He didn’t save her. He stood beside her while she found herself again. That kind of love hits different.

Spicy, emotional, healing, and so satisfying. I devoured this book and immediately missed them when it ended. Five stars, easily. I would double down on this story again and again. ⚾❤️🔥

[Jasmin Barella · Rating 3 out of 5]

💚 ARC REVIEW 💚
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice Level 3/5 🔥

This spicy friends to lovers book is a great read. The FMC has a shattered past with love after divorcing her cheating husband, her main character flaw is trying to trust in herself and love again. One thing I absolutely loved about her was her job as a special education teacher. Even though it wasn’t mentioned frequently as a special education teacher myself, I think the author did a great job of explaining and showing what that job looks and feels like. The MMC is the typical sports playboy. Committing himself to only one night stands after getting his heart broken in the past as well. Threats to his career have him looking to clean his act up and the answer seems to be right in front of him.

The MMC falls first and he fell HARD. He gives the best puppy dog energy always being there to make sure the FMC is always thinking about him. It made their characters really interesting which, after reading so many sports romances it’s often hard to feel like you’re reading new characters and not the same thing rebranded over and over again.

Overall this was my first look into the Erie City series and I’m pleased to say I liked it. I will definitely be going back and reading book 1. BUT….what i’m most excited for is book 3 which features JACE…I can’t explain it but from the few seldom times, Jace was mentioned in this story. I was captured i’m super excited to read his dory and find out all his dirty little secret that make him so intriguing.

[Tifftatum40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: 4.5⭐️

There is just something about a MMC making the FMC feel more comfortable in her skin. Especially after so long with a guy that did not treat well. I freaking love Damien. He was every thing Bri needed before she knew what she wanted.
"Never been a gambling man, Bri, but if I had to bet on you, I'd double down every time."

Todd is a piece of trash and we all hate him!!!!!

What you will find inside:
🩷 Special Education Teacher
⚾️ Professional Baseball Player
🩷 Friends with Benefits
⚾️ Secret Romance
🩷 Spicy Bucket List
⚾️ Reformed Playboy
🩷 Divorced FMC
⚾️ Famous last words: Only 1 time
🩷 Found Family

Brianna (Collier) Sideris: She is coming out of a fresh divorce where her husband cheated. No one in her life made her feel good about herself and only put her down. There was no way she was going to jump into a relationship with the bad full of emotional baggage.

Damien Ramos: First baseman and Captain for Erie City Hawks. Even though he is in his 30s he still is not ready to settle down. Even if it's all his sisters talks about. He doesn't think he can find a partner to understand baseball is his first love and will coming a head of everyone else.

Watch these two battle demons and big emotions they are not used to feeling. Just when they think they have every thing figured out something gets in their way again....

Thank you K.C. Books and Luna Literary for the early copy. Above are my honest thoughts.

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is the perfect mix of heat, heart, and second-chance love.

The FMC’s journey after divorce felt raw and real—starting over after betrayal isn’t easy, and that emotional bruising came through on the page in a way that made her instantly relatable. I loved that she wasn’t rushing to trust or fall again… even when Damien Ramos made it very hard not to.

And Damien? 🔥 A confident, swoony professional baseball player with serious reformed playboy energy. He’s persistent without being pushy, charming without feeling shallow, and the way he slowly proves he’s more than just a good time was chef’s kiss.

The friends-with-benefits to secret relationship dynamic was deliciously tense. The “no feelings” rule added just the right amount of angst, especially as the emotional connection deepened and the chemistry refused to stay casual. Every stolen moment felt charged, and the spicy bucket list brought the heat without overshadowing the emotional growth.

What really made this shine was watching the walls come down—seeing two people risk their hearts when the rules say they shouldn’t. It’s fun, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt.

If you love:
• sports romance
• sneaking around
• broken hearts healing
• and spice with purpose

this one is absolutely worth picking up. ⚾🔥💔

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 3

Tropes:
baseball romance
friends with benefits
secret romance
divorced FMC
reformed playboy
Dual POV

I adore KC Brooks books. I've been excited for this second installment of Erie City Hawks baseball team too! The characters are always so well written, the banter is great, the spice is sexy, and I just enjoy the reads.

In Double Down, our MMC is the Captain of the team, Damien! He's a little older than everyone else but that just shows our boy still has it. I mean, he's been playing baseball almost all his life.... it is his life. He's got no time for relationships right now, focusing on the game. Until a certain teacher enters his world and flips it upside down.

Brianna is recently divorced, raised in an orthodox religion to a mother who seems to care more about appearances than her actual family. Bri is out here ready to find out who she really is, but trust is very hard when you've been scorned. Will she drop her walls for Damien?

I thought this was a good book! I liked how Bri was divorced and learning to navigate who she was but also letting her walls down for the right one. It was hard for her and very realistic. Damien though... I love how patient he was with Bri. But also, he goes through his own trials which could make or break some men.

However, my question in the end is what is going on between Ollie and Parker? Im still dying for their book!

[Amilia Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another one from KC Brooks that I just adored! I really enjoyed this story, and I loved that we got to see so much more of the Hawks world! Brianna was such a great character, and I loved getting to see her journey of finding herself and finding her spark post-divorce! The way she was able to navigate that struggle while pushing for career and friendships and her relationship, all while figuring out how to communicate her needs with Damien, was so great to watch! And Damien himself was really amazing to see as he navigated his own struggles with his own career path and how he saw his future! The way we got to see him open his mind to the changes and possibilities around him, while being a rock of support for his teammates and friends and family was absolutely amazing! Getting to see these two come together and learn to navigate life together was really beautiful! And getting so much time with all of the Hawks characters was really amazing! Overall, this one was really fun, and I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to get more from this team and this world in general! 4.5 stars; 3 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Spicy List
- Divorced FC
- Hurt/Comfort
- Reformed Playboy
- Secret Romance
- Meddling Friends

[fetching fiction with archimedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
This was my first introduction to Brooks, & i absolutely loved this book.

Although it took me a few chapters to really get into it and oriented with the characters, this book hooked me. The MMC never gives up on the FMC, consistently showing up and trying to prove to her that he is invested. Although the FMC has very valid reasons for her skepticism, her hesitancy can come off as disinterest - I loved how Brooks addressed this - having the MMC ask for validation that although shes uncertain, that the FMC does want to be with him. I think that's an overlooked issue in many books where the man is doing all the chasing. The spice was very well written - although one of the tropes says a spicy bucketlist, it only gets explicitly addressed twice and isn't too big of a focus in the book, which i didn't mid at all because the plot drove in different directions.

The series is definitely more interconnected, which i love, and it made me invested in other characters stories! I will be reading Triple Threat once it's released! I will say i am a bit sad the next book isn't Olli and Parker's book - I am dying to understand what's going on there.

Check out my review on TikTok :)
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8f486NN/

*Special thanks to Love Notes for this ARC*

[Heather Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Down delivers a heartfelt sports romance that balances swoony chemistry with emotional depth. Damien Ramos, captain of the Erie City Hawks, first meets Brianna Collier during a team volunteer day at an elementary school. Their connection is instant—but complicated by one major detail: Brianna is married. Brooks smartly lets that spark simmer rather than ignite, making their eventual reunion a year later feel earned and electric. When a chance meeting at a bar brings a newly divorced Brianna back into Damien’s orbit, what’s meant to be one night only quickly turns into something neither of them is prepared for.
Damien is a reformed playboy with a surprising amount of restraint and tenderness, while Brianna is reserved, guarded, and still healing. Their friends-with-benefits arrangement crackles with chemistry, but it’s the emotional stakes that truly shine. As feelings deepen, the story leans into real-life complications—exes resurfacing, fractured family relationships, and the risk of opening your heart again after disappointment. Brooks excels at showing how love can be both exhilarating and messy, especially when timing and trust are on the line.
With sparks flying, hearts breaking, and a baseball backdrop that adds charm without overpowering the romance, Double Down is a compelling read for fans of sports romance and slow-burn emotional payoff. It asks the classic question—what happens when “no strings attached” isn’t enough—and answers it with sincerity, tension, and plenty of heart.

[Paige Rothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Double Down was such a beautiful mix of emotional healing, sizzling chemistry, and second-chance love.

Brianna’s journey after divorce felt raw and honest — starting over after betrayal isn’t easy, and I appreciated that she didn’t rush into trusting again. Her growth throughout the story, learning to set boundaries and rediscover who she is, was incredibly satisfying to watch.

Damien Ramos completely stole my heart. He initially comes across as the easy-going, charming baseball player, but as the layers peel back, he proves to be thoughtful, loyal, and deeply caring. I loved how consistently he showed up for the people he loves — especially Brianna — without ever being pushy.

The friends-with-benefits dynamic was done so well. The “no feelings” rule added tension and angst as their emotional connection deepened, and the transition from casual to committed felt natural and earned. The spice played an important role in Brianna’s journey of self-discovery and confidence, without overpowering the emotional core of the story.

Add in a supportive found-family friend group and strong communication between the leads, and this was such a satisfying, heartfelt read.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: Sports Romance (Baseball), One Night Stand (ONS) to Lovers, Second Chance Encounter), Forced Proximity, Meddling Friends.
The Heart of the Story
There is something incredibly cathartic about Brianna’s journey. After the betrayal of her divorce, seeing her reclaim her agency through a "no-strings" night that turns into so much more is exactly what she deserved. Damian Ramos is the perfect foil—a high-profile athlete who manages to be exactly what she needs without the typical "alpha" posturing that pushes a partner away.
What I Loved
• The Emotional Connection: I really appreciated how both Brianna and Damian reached the realization that they were "the one" for each other naturally. It didn’t feel forced or overly dramatic; it was a steady, organic pull that made the ending feel earned.
• The Side Characters: The meddling friends are the absolute MVP of this book! They provided the perfect amount of humor and "gentle" shoving to keep the plot moving, and their chemistry with the leads added so much depth to the world-building.
• The Pace: The transition from a One Night Stand at All-Star Weekend to a full-blown romance was handled with just the right amount of tension.

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Double Down had a strong foundation and solid writing, but it took a while for me to feel fully hooked. While the chemistry and tension didn’t quite dig as deep as I hoped, I still found myself enjoying Damian and Brianna together. They’re so cute, and I wanted more time seeing them grow as a couple.

Damian was a standout for me. I loved watching him overcome his hesitation and go after what he wants in a subtle, respectful way. His groveling was satisfying (though I wouldn’t have minded a bit more), and his growth felt earned. Brianna’s growth was slower and sometimes frustrating, especially with how much she let others dictate her choices. But seeing her finally set firm boundaries was an important and meaningful moment for her character arc.

The ending felt a little anticlimactic, but overall this was still a sweet, easy read. A good palate cleanser with likable characters, even if it didn’t quite hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.

Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Nina Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 stars
Spice: 4/5 spice

This romance is a rollercoaster of emotions! Our FMC Brianna goes through the full gamut of emotional betrayal (not the MMC), hope, new love, heartbreak and finally a definitive comeback! This story is deeply emotional and very inspiring! Brianna breaks free of her toxic husband to find love again AND stand on her own two feet in her own power. It was incredibly satisfying to read and I really loved seeing her take her power back and be fully independent from all the negativity in her life!
Aside from the romance, the spice was off the charts! Brianna and our MMC Damien have incredible chemistry and their spicy scenes are fantastic. Hot, heavy and frequent. It was a delightful contrast from the emotionally heavy scenes and they were super fun to read!
Overall, a delightful read! I only deducted points for their pet name (the "angel" pet name kind of gave me the ick) and the lack of sports in this sports romance.
Disclosure notice: I received this book as a free eARC from the author. Thank you for allowing me to read this book early!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien and Brianna

Tropes:
* Sports romance
* Friends with benefits
* Secret relationship
* Playboy (reformed) MMC
* Divorced FMC
* Cheating (Not MMC/FMC)
* Toxic ex-husband
* Toxic family

Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Two people find their way together after betrayals that steal their trust in relationships.
Damien and Brianna had attraction from the start, but unluckily for him, she was married when they first met. Later on, her trust is non-existent and he’s well established as a bit of a player on and off the field.

Their relationship started steamy, with them working on her bucket list. And then, there was more spice towards the start than at the end, which was a bit surprising. But, I suppose, once the emotions hit, they take up more of the story!
Angsty at times, there were moments where I really started to dislike some characters, and others made decisions that I didn’t agree with.

At least she had a great found family to replace her toxic family.

Thanks K.C. Brooks and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read early.

[Wilmalys · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍎ARC REVIEW⚾️

Damien & Brianna are couple goals.

They were so compatible in every way. They had instant chemistry and a passion that was undeniable.

I loved Damien, he was charming and sweet, confident and hot. He was the whole package!!

Bri was sweet, shy and she had an unexpected kinky side that Im glad she got to explore with Damien.

Thank God for Ollie, she was their biggest fan. And she was an amazing friend, I loved how she stood up for Bri not only with Damien but also with Brad.

I enjoyed the girls and I love everytime I get to see Victoria and Emilia 😊

Bri's mom was a piece of work, Im glad Damien put her in her place and that Bri finally set boundaries for her.

I loved reading about Bri and Damien's story. I know Jace is next but Im dying for Ollie and Parker's story, especially after the ending in this book...Im so invested in those two!!! 👀😬

This was another amazing book by KC and I cant wait for more 😍