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The Cedar Creek Thunder #2
The Curveball
I’ve thrown some curveballs in my life, but none hit as hard as my one night stand showing up, telling me she’s pregnant.
After losing my parents and spending eight years being “bro-dad” to my younger siblings, I’m ready for the chance to focus on myself again. And that starts with getting back on the baseball field, playing for the Cedar Creek Thunder.
But I didn’t count on Sage McCallister, the gorgeous brunette who made me laugh with just one line, showing up in my small town, half a country away from where we met. We had one unforgettable night two months ago, and now she’s pregnant.
With my baby.
She's fiercely independent, and expects nothing from me, but there's no chance I'm walking away from the woman I can’t stop thinking about, or my unborn child.
Now she’s staying in my apartment, and even if she thinks it’s only temporary, I’ll stop at nothing to prove to her that what we have is more than just a joint responsibility for the child growing inside of her.
We’ve both lost too much to believe in fairy tales, but somehow, we’ve found each other. She’s not just carrying our baby, she’s carrying the future we both deserve.
After losing my parents and spending eight years being “bro-dad” to my younger siblings, I’m ready for the chance to focus on myself again. And that starts with getting back on the baseball field, playing for the Cedar Creek Thunder.
But I didn’t count on Sage McCallister, the gorgeous brunette who made me laugh with just one line, showing up in my small town, half a country away from where we met. We had one unforgettable night two months ago, and now she’s pregnant.
With my baby.
She's fiercely independent, and expects nothing from me, but there's no chance I'm walking away from the woman I can’t stop thinking about, or my unborn child.
Now she’s staying in my apartment, and even if she thinks it’s only temporary, I’ll stop at nothing to prove to her that what we have is more than just a joint responsibility for the child growing inside of her.
We’ve both lost too much to believe in fairy tales, but somehow, we’ve found each other. She’s not just carrying our baby, she’s carrying the future we both deserve.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
May 30, 2026
Julia, got this 👑 you drop it after that fucking book.
Girl, where I can send you my tear bills? Because that was so freaking HARD and I've cried like a freaking baby. This is the kind of book that made me wants to read more accidental pregancys because they are EVERYTHING.
Girl, where I can send you my tear bills? Because that was so freaking HARD and I've cried like a freaking baby. This is the kind of book that made me wants to read more accidental pregancys because they are EVERYTHING.
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May 19, 2026An emotional one stand to accidental pregnancy co-parenting love story that has two complete strangers getting ready for the birth of their baby. Accidental pregnancy is a hard trope to get right but Julia Jarrett navigated all the uncertainties of a first pregnancy so well. I loved getting to see the main characters, Brady and Sage grow closer, become friends and then more as the pregnancy progresses from conception to birth.
There was close friendships, cute nicknames, twin siblings the MMC had to raise on his own and a fun baseball minors to majors journey for him as a talented pitcher. Excellent on audio with duet narration by Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis - two new to me narrators. Many thanks to the author for an ALC in exchange for my honest review! Perfect for fans of authors like Helena Hunting.
There was close friendships, cute nicknames, twin siblings the MMC had to raise on his own and a fun baseball minors to majors journey for him as a talented pitcher. Excellent on audio with duet narration by Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis - two new to me narrators. Many thanks to the author for an ALC in exchange for my honest review! Perfect for fans of authors like Helena Hunting.
June 11, 2026
One thing I appreciate about this book is that it showed the struggles for a first time parent, especially in the financial department. Because you know, babies are expensive as shit.
May 28, 2026
As a traveling nurse, Sage never planned to stay in one play for very long, so when she decides to pursue the hot guy at the bar alone for a little fun, she only plans on one steamy evening together. Brady is also onboard with a one night stand after finally having more freedom with his siblings now in college and him pursuing his dream career in baseball. The two have a passionate, memorable night together and still part ways. Weeks later and just before she is supposed to relocate to England, she discovers she's pregnant and has no way of contacting Brady even if she wanted to. Fate has better plans as she happens to find herself in the same small coastal town that he lives in and they run into each other at the grocery store! After word vomiting her predicament to Brady, she is convinced he will not want anything to do with her or the baby, since that's all she's ever known, but Brady proves to be the opposite.
While he is feeling the gambit of emotions, he is happy about this surprise news and is determined to make things work with Sage and show her that there are people who will choose her and love her unconditionally. He is dedicated to her and their budding family and wants to make sure she feels all the love and security she needs to stay with him for the rest of their lives. Its a beautiful testament to not letting the past control the future and allowing the good into our lives even when it seems like the scariest thing to do.
Andi and Brandon are a pretty iconic duo as performers and feed off of one another so well. They embodied their characters so well and I enjoyed this story that much more because of it.
While he is feeling the gambit of emotions, he is happy about this surprise news and is determined to make things work with Sage and show her that there are people who will choose her and love her unconditionally. He is dedicated to her and their budding family and wants to make sure she feels all the love and security she needs to stay with him for the rest of their lives. Its a beautiful testament to not letting the past control the future and allowing the good into our lives even when it seems like the scariest thing to do.
Andi and Brandon are a pretty iconic duo as performers and feed off of one another so well. They embodied their characters so well and I enjoyed this story that much more because of it.
May 4, 2026
Where to start with Brady and Sage… ugh they were EVERYTHING. I loved this book from start to finish, and I felt every single emotion out there. I am a reader who loved to be connected to the characters, and boy do you feel that in this book. It felt like I was going through everything they were.
Sage was timid with Brady to start (understandable due to her past) and Brady was all in and ready to prove it as much as Sage needed. I loved their relationship and all their quirky random facts. They were truly made for one another, and I just adored their story.
I loved that there was baseball on screen, but also Sage being a nurse and their home lives. It felt like every aspect of their life was included and not pushed off to the side. I was completely immersed in the book.
Thank you to Julia times a million for continuing to send me ARCs 💜💜
Sage was timid with Brady to start (understandable due to her past) and Brady was all in and ready to prove it as much as Sage needed. I loved their relationship and all their quirky random facts. They were truly made for one another, and I just adored their story.
I loved that there was baseball on screen, but also Sage being a nurse and their home lives. It felt like every aspect of their life was included and not pushed off to the side. I was completely immersed in the book.
Thank you to Julia times a million for continuing to send me ARCs 💜💜
April 30, 2026
Nurse x Baseball Pitcher / Accidental Pregnancy
Oh, this book was such a swoony book. I fell in love with the characters right from the get-go. Julia crushed the accidental pregnancy trope. It was a perfect balance of focus on the pregnancy, but also focussing on who they are as a couple and how they grow as a couple. The pacing was fantastic. All of the extra characters were so loveable and funny.
This book took really big conversations about grief, abortions, guardianship of siblings, and learning how to trust people and took all of these huge, tough conversations and seamlessly brought them into the book. The grief that was talked about in the book didn’t feel surface level. You could feel the characters feelings about their past trauma, and really understand how it was impacting them and their actions now. I really appreciated how this book really had a conversation about women’s right to choose. It wasn’t an instant oh I’m pregnant, so I have to have a baby. It was oh I know that I have a choice and I can choose to do what I want because it is my body. I’ve seen it done really well a couple of times and this book joins that grouping of easy realistic conversations about abortions and pregnancy.
I absolutely loved the main characters in this book. They’re both so vulnerable and learning to be self-aware about how those deep emotional moments of their life impact how they act and their actions now. The MMC was the absolute golden retriever, perfect man. The way that he watched the little details of her life and made sure that he checked in with himself when he was hesitating or uncertain about moments that he might regret. That showed such emotional intelligence in a man that I’ve simply never read before. This book left me wanting more. I purposefully stopped reading for the last 30 minutes of the book because I didn’t want it to end.
I was able to listen to the audiobook version of this book. And the narrators did such a great job at bringing this book to life. How they spoke the story really made the story very vivid for me. It was easy to visualize the scenes that were happening and how they used tone of voice to portray different emotions without having to comment on what they were,,I really enjoyed that.
Overall, Julia smashed it again. Not that I’m surprised because she continues to write these raw, heartfelt, dig your claws into you and make you finish that book in one sitting kind of book.
Oh, this book was such a swoony book. I fell in love with the characters right from the get-go. Julia crushed the accidental pregnancy trope. It was a perfect balance of focus on the pregnancy, but also focussing on who they are as a couple and how they grow as a couple. The pacing was fantastic. All of the extra characters were so loveable and funny.
This book took really big conversations about grief, abortions, guardianship of siblings, and learning how to trust people and took all of these huge, tough conversations and seamlessly brought them into the book. The grief that was talked about in the book didn’t feel surface level. You could feel the characters feelings about their past trauma, and really understand how it was impacting them and their actions now. I really appreciated how this book really had a conversation about women’s right to choose. It wasn’t an instant oh I’m pregnant, so I have to have a baby. It was oh I know that I have a choice and I can choose to do what I want because it is my body. I’ve seen it done really well a couple of times and this book joins that grouping of easy realistic conversations about abortions and pregnancy.
I absolutely loved the main characters in this book. They’re both so vulnerable and learning to be self-aware about how those deep emotional moments of their life impact how they act and their actions now. The MMC was the absolute golden retriever, perfect man. The way that he watched the little details of her life and made sure that he checked in with himself when he was hesitating or uncertain about moments that he might regret. That showed such emotional intelligence in a man that I’ve simply never read before. This book left me wanting more. I purposefully stopped reading for the last 30 minutes of the book because I didn’t want it to end.
I was able to listen to the audiobook version of this book. And the narrators did such a great job at bringing this book to life. How they spoke the story really made the story very vivid for me. It was easy to visualize the scenes that were happening and how they used tone of voice to portray different emotions without having to comment on what they were,,I really enjoyed that.
Overall, Julia smashed it again. Not that I’m surprised because she continues to write these raw, heartfelt, dig your claws into you and make you finish that book in one sitting kind of book.
May 30, 2026
Julia!!! What are you doing to me?!?! I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t get enough of Sage and Brady. I devoured this audiobook in less than a day. I loved Andi and Brandon’s narration. They did a great job bringing Sage and Brady to life.
Brady’s life was far from conventional, but he’s spent his life making the best family he could out of what he had. First with his twin siblings, then will his teammates and then with Sage.
I always love books about sports teams. They’re the best kind of found family, and it gives authors plenty of other characters to write about 😜 I love that Julia brings in members of her Tridents team and creates friendships among all her players.
I love Brady’s nickname for Sage, Hurricane is so cute!
Thank you Julia for allowing me to be a member of Julia Jarrett’s Jems, it’s such an honor.
Brady’s life was far from conventional, but he’s spent his life making the best family he could out of what he had. First with his twin siblings, then will his teammates and then with Sage.
I always love books about sports teams. They’re the best kind of found family, and it gives authors plenty of other characters to write about 😜 I love that Julia brings in members of her Tridents team and creates friendships among all her players.
I love Brady’s nickname for Sage, Hurricane is so cute!
Thank you Julia for allowing me to be a member of Julia Jarrett’s Jems, it’s such an honor.
May 3, 2026
Baseball player MMC
Nurse FMC
One night stand
No 3rd act break up
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis
Such fantastic narrators. They are both fabulous to listen to.
Sage is a traveling nurse dealing with some lingering grief after her mom passed away. Looking forward to her next adventure in Nursing taking her to England, she is out with friends when she meets one darn good looking man. Why not have a little fun right? Sage & Brady spend one fantastic night together that changes the course of their future.
Brady is finally getting to live his dream of playing baseball after his twin siblings are 18 and at college. He is such a great character to read. Pure golden retriever energy with a dirty mouth and we love it. What he does not plan for is a shocking announcement from Sage when he finds her in his new city by coincidence.
I loved this story so much. Julis Jarret writes sweet & loveable characters that you root for from the start of the book. It is well paced and plotted. I love a good sports romance and this one was so good.
Nurse FMC
One night stand
No 3rd act break up
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis
Such fantastic narrators. They are both fabulous to listen to.
Sage is a traveling nurse dealing with some lingering grief after her mom passed away. Looking forward to her next adventure in Nursing taking her to England, she is out with friends when she meets one darn good looking man. Why not have a little fun right? Sage & Brady spend one fantastic night together that changes the course of their future.
Brady is finally getting to live his dream of playing baseball after his twin siblings are 18 and at college. He is such a great character to read. Pure golden retriever energy with a dirty mouth and we love it. What he does not plan for is a shocking announcement from Sage when he finds her in his new city by coincidence.
I loved this story so much. Julis Jarret writes sweet & loveable characters that you root for from the start of the book. It is well paced and plotted. I love a good sports romance and this one was so good.
June 6, 2026
This book was sooo cute! Oh how I would love to have a Brady in my life 😩. Brady was such a sweet and caring man and he was so selfless. Brady and Sage have a fun night which results in Sage getting pregnant. After finding out, she unexpectedly and thankfully runs into Brady again and they reconnect and sparks fly! It was very enjoyable seeing Brady take care of Sage. Sage was stubborn at times but eventually she came to her senses. She was a truly strong woman for all that she had been through. I was so happy there was no third act breakup because sometimes those are a little annoying 😭. Seeing these two work together, to make their relationship work for them and their munchkin was so inspiring. I’m telling you this man was an absolute gem! From, buying Sage’s pregnancy cravings for her, reading baby books to see what changes her body was going through and keeping up with the development of the baby as well as being present for EVERYTHING!!! We couldn’t have asked for a better man!
I received a free ARC copy of this book from Julia and I’m voluntarily leaving my review ;)
I received a free ARC copy of this book from Julia and I’m voluntarily leaving my review ;)
May 19, 2026
5 ⭐️🎧 Review — The Curveball by Julia Jarrett ⚾️❤️
Julia Jarrett really knocked this one out of the park for me 😭⚾️ The Curveball had everything I love in a sports romance, emotional depth, small-town charm, accidental pregnancy, forced proximity, and a baseball player who was down BAD from the moment he realized what was at stake.
Sage and Brady’s story completely pulled me in. Their connection felt so genuine, and I loved how much heart was woven into every interaction between them. Beneath all the chemistry and tension was a story about grief, healing, family, and finding someone who chooses you fully even when life gets messy.
And Brady??? This man had me swooning constantly. The protective energy, the emotional vulnerability, the way he instantly stepped up without hesitation?? Absolutely obsessed. He wasn’t perfect, but he cared SO deeply, and that made every moment hit even harder 🥹❤️
The audiobook made this experience even better. The narrators brought so much emotion and personality to the story that I genuinely didn’t want to stop listening. The banter felt sharper, the emotional scenes hit harder, and the romantic moments had me smiling like an idiot while listening 🎧✨
Julia Jarrett has such an easy, addictive writing style that makes her books fly by. This one felt comforting, emotional, and swoony all at once basically the perfect binge listen.
Julia Jarrett really knocked this one out of the park for me 😭⚾️ The Curveball had everything I love in a sports romance, emotional depth, small-town charm, accidental pregnancy, forced proximity, and a baseball player who was down BAD from the moment he realized what was at stake.
Sage and Brady’s story completely pulled me in. Their connection felt so genuine, and I loved how much heart was woven into every interaction between them. Beneath all the chemistry and tension was a story about grief, healing, family, and finding someone who chooses you fully even when life gets messy.
And Brady??? This man had me swooning constantly. The protective energy, the emotional vulnerability, the way he instantly stepped up without hesitation?? Absolutely obsessed. He wasn’t perfect, but he cared SO deeply, and that made every moment hit even harder 🥹❤️
The audiobook made this experience even better. The narrators brought so much emotion and personality to the story that I genuinely didn’t want to stop listening. The banter felt sharper, the emotional scenes hit harder, and the romantic moments had me smiling like an idiot while listening 🎧✨
Julia Jarrett has such an easy, addictive writing style that makes her books fly by. This one felt comforting, emotional, and swoony all at once basically the perfect binge listen.
May 24, 2026
Great sports romance
Baseball plus pregnancy equals *chefs kiss* for the 2nd book in this series.
Also extra points for not only being set in Canada and on Vancouver Island.
The MMC is a total golden retriever/cinnamon roll book boyfriend.... so very swoony!
Baseball plus pregnancy equals *chefs kiss* for the 2nd book in this series.
Also extra points for not only being set in Canada and on Vancouver Island.
The MMC is a total golden retriever/cinnamon roll book boyfriend.... so very swoony!
June 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
oh i love accidental pregnancy trope!! sue me. this was so sweet and fluffy, but it did get a little repetitive and boring towards the end for me. i loved brady and sage, they were so cute!
oh i love accidental pregnancy trope!! sue me. this was so sweet and fluffy, but it did get a little repetitive and boring towards the end for me. i loved brady and sage, they were so cute!
June 24, 2026
so so good!
I’m loving this series. Julia always makes me addicted to her characters. Sport romance, surprise pregnancy, one night stand, nurse, no 3rd act breakup (my favorite) all the tropes for the perfect recipe to make a great story. Brady & Sage meet cute was really good. From there the story was better and better. I’m so pleased when the whole pregnancy is discussed in pages like in this time. His dad emotions, compromise and love, melted my heart. Her independence was admirable but seeing Brady knocked out her fears and being there for her 24/7 was amazing. He is the best. Teammates are always looking for and supporting each other. Love them all. This audiobook was Duet narration (my obsession) and the narrators, Andi and Brandon did an excellent job. Can’t wait for the next one, it’s going to be so good, my preorder is ready.
I’m loving this series. Julia always makes me addicted to her characters. Sport romance, surprise pregnancy, one night stand, nurse, no 3rd act breakup (my favorite) all the tropes for the perfect recipe to make a great story. Brady & Sage meet cute was really good. From there the story was better and better. I’m so pleased when the whole pregnancy is discussed in pages like in this time. His dad emotions, compromise and love, melted my heart. Her independence was admirable but seeing Brady knocked out her fears and being there for her 24/7 was amazing. He is the best. Teammates are always looking for and supporting each other. Love them all. This audiobook was Duet narration (my obsession) and the narrators, Andi and Brandon did an excellent job. Can’t wait for the next one, it’s going to be so good, my preorder is ready.
May 20, 2026
The Curveball, book two in author Julia Jarrett’s exciting, romantic Cedar Creek Thunder series, takes you into the spicy zone and throws you a curveball right at the start. Two random people meet in a bar. Neither of them is looking for anything permanent and won’t be in town long. He looks sad or concerned and she can’t resist approaching him. She’s a nurse; comfort is her thing. The fact that he’s pretty darn good looking and is emitting safe, good guy vibes doesn’t hurt either. He does feel better when she starts talking to him. There are a natural ease and an instant attraction. So off they go for a one-time-only night of fun. That night is great and the attraction keeps getting stronger, but they agreed one night and no more and don’t even exchange names or numbers.
The curveball? They can’t stop thinking about each other. It felt like more than a one-night thing, like there could possibly have been more, maybe even feelings involved. There is still no way it could work: she’s heading for an assignment in England and he’s relocating to Cedar Creek to pick up the baseball career that got derailed several years ago when his parents died and he became responsible for his younger twin siblings.
And then the really big curveball?? She discovers she’s pregnant. She’s scared but ready to do this on her own, but she is going to have to change her work plans and she feels the father at least deserves to know.
You are going to absolutely love Sage and Brady and the intriguing, enthralling, delightful way author Jarrett winds her way through amazing coincidences, surprises, confessions and decisions and takes us right along with her.
The Curveball is heartwarmingly romantic. Family is important to Sage and Brady; they’ve both suffered heavy loss that has impacted their lives. Sage has made a career of being a travel nurse and avoiding relationships because after losing her mother she can’t bear the thought of setting down roots, settling in with someone and then having to possibly suffer another loss that she might not recover from. Brady was on the cusp of a promising career as a baseball pitcher when his parents died in an accident. His brother and sister were young and he devoted his life from that point to making sure they were cared for and felt safe and loved. The twins are about to start college and Brady now has a position with the Cedar Creek Thunder, but he can’t imagine not being a part of this new baby’s life. There is a lot to work out, though: what will their relationship be, how will this affect their careers and his siblings? And I defy you to not smile and tear up a bit (and think of Disney’s Aladdin) when Brady stands up, faces Sage, holds out a hand and asks, “Do you trust me?”
In addition to the swoony, hand-on-your-heart stuff, The Curveball is funny, ironic, poignant and spicy, spicy, spicy. Author Jarrett masterfully sets up almost-unbelievably-outrageous scenes and situations for us to enjoy, starting with her just happening to be in Cedar Creek to visit her friend (yes, the very Cedar Creek he’ll be pitching in) and they just happen to meet in the grocery store after she’s just happened to find out who he is and was on the way to confront him to the harried, emotional (and funny) rush to the delivery room. Sage’s best friend Fiona and Brady’s brother Barrett and sister Blair are as lovable as Sage and Brady and just as much fun.
I received advance reading and listening copies of The Curveball. This touching, entertaining story was made even better by being brought to life through the excellent vocal skills of narrators Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis. Eloise as Sage is confident and capable and terrified and uncertain, and oh, so appealing. Francis’s slightly breathy delivery gives Brady confidence and swagger and seriousness and fear that he may lose what he’s starting to think he really wants and needs before he has a chance to act. The chemistry between the narrators is evident and makes the story rich and full. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. And the baseball – who doesn’t love baseball? A definite must-read right along with everything else this fantastic author has written. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
The curveball? They can’t stop thinking about each other. It felt like more than a one-night thing, like there could possibly have been more, maybe even feelings involved. There is still no way it could work: she’s heading for an assignment in England and he’s relocating to Cedar Creek to pick up the baseball career that got derailed several years ago when his parents died and he became responsible for his younger twin siblings.
And then the really big curveball?? She discovers she’s pregnant. She’s scared but ready to do this on her own, but she is going to have to change her work plans and she feels the father at least deserves to know.
You are going to absolutely love Sage and Brady and the intriguing, enthralling, delightful way author Jarrett winds her way through amazing coincidences, surprises, confessions and decisions and takes us right along with her.
The Curveball is heartwarmingly romantic. Family is important to Sage and Brady; they’ve both suffered heavy loss that has impacted their lives. Sage has made a career of being a travel nurse and avoiding relationships because after losing her mother she can’t bear the thought of setting down roots, settling in with someone and then having to possibly suffer another loss that she might not recover from. Brady was on the cusp of a promising career as a baseball pitcher when his parents died in an accident. His brother and sister were young and he devoted his life from that point to making sure they were cared for and felt safe and loved. The twins are about to start college and Brady now has a position with the Cedar Creek Thunder, but he can’t imagine not being a part of this new baby’s life. There is a lot to work out, though: what will their relationship be, how will this affect their careers and his siblings? And I defy you to not smile and tear up a bit (and think of Disney’s Aladdin) when Brady stands up, faces Sage, holds out a hand and asks, “Do you trust me?”
In addition to the swoony, hand-on-your-heart stuff, The Curveball is funny, ironic, poignant and spicy, spicy, spicy. Author Jarrett masterfully sets up almost-unbelievably-outrageous scenes and situations for us to enjoy, starting with her just happening to be in Cedar Creek to visit her friend (yes, the very Cedar Creek he’ll be pitching in) and they just happen to meet in the grocery store after she’s just happened to find out who he is and was on the way to confront him to the harried, emotional (and funny) rush to the delivery room. Sage’s best friend Fiona and Brady’s brother Barrett and sister Blair are as lovable as Sage and Brady and just as much fun.
I received advance reading and listening copies of The Curveball. This touching, entertaining story was made even better by being brought to life through the excellent vocal skills of narrators Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis. Eloise as Sage is confident and capable and terrified and uncertain, and oh, so appealing. Francis’s slightly breathy delivery gives Brady confidence and swagger and seriousness and fear that he may lose what he’s starting to think he really wants and needs before he has a chance to act. The chemistry between the narrators is evident and makes the story rich and full. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. And the baseball – who doesn’t love baseball? A definite must-read right along with everything else this fantastic author has written. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
✨ Romance Comfort-Read Alert ✨
I’ll always fill you in on:
🛑 Cheating / OW-OM drama: Nope
💞 Angst: Low
🚫💔 Third-act breakup: NO!
👑 Strong FMC: Yes, ma'am
💪 Take-charge MMC: Not overbearing
🔥 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏡 HEA ALWAYS
Format:🎧on Apple books, I paid for it.
Narrators: Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis. Brandon was not my favorite. Idk, it's the weird inflection he has at times. But it wasn't unbearable.
Triggers: surprise pregnancy while using a condom and on an IUD.
Brady, Brady, Brady...the man you are. At 18, his parents were killed in a car accident, leaving him the guardian of his two younger, twin siblings. He was a promising baseball player who was expected to play for a university and be drafted to the majors. Unfortunately, that dream went away when he had to put it on hold for his siblings. He ended up working as a night manager for a grocery store to provide for the three of them.
Once his siblings started university, he was scouted by the Independent League Thunder. He is at a bar and meets Sage, who is a travel nurse. She is at the end of her contract and looking for a little fun for the night. They hook up, use condoms, and she has an IUD, but they end up pregnant.
She doesn't even know his last name. She is visiting her BFF and sees Brady's picture in the local paper, then they run into one another at the grocery store. She tells him she is pregnant. He is, of course, shocked, but he takes it like a champ.
I started reading this on KU, but ended up buying it on Apple Books. Honestly, some may argue it is fluffy and boring, but I freaking loved it. Brady is such a great dude. He is a "bro-dad" to his siblings, the picture of sacrificial love. He's a walking green flag. All other green flag comparisons will be held against Brady. I LOVED him. He was safe, sweet, kind, thoughtful, attentive, and loving. He wanted to be involved from the minute he found out about the baby. He wanted more from Sage, relationship-wise, but did not push her. He simply made his interest known. He was so precious, worrying about money because he wanted to give Sage, their baby, and his siblings everything they needed. I think his age is about 26 in the story, and that is so much for 26. The Thunder only pays them while in season, so he needed another job for the off-season, but was having trouble. He found one stocking shelves at a local store. They eventually wanted him to be a manager, but the schedule was a hindrance, and he was trying so hard to make it work. I just loved his desire to be the man everyone needed/deserved.
Sage was a good FMC. Her mother died, her father was not involved, so she was used to being on her own. She had a difficult time letting her walls down and trusting Brady, but he continually showed up and gained her trust.
I loved this story. Seeing him being called up to the majors honestly made my eyes sweat. He deserved every good thing.
I’ll always fill you in on:
🛑 Cheating / OW-OM drama: Nope
💞 Angst: Low
🚫💔 Third-act breakup: NO!
👑 Strong FMC: Yes, ma'am
💪 Take-charge MMC: Not overbearing
🔥 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏡 HEA ALWAYS
Format:🎧on Apple books, I paid for it.
Narrators: Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis. Brandon was not my favorite. Idk, it's the weird inflection he has at times. But it wasn't unbearable.
Triggers: surprise pregnancy while using a condom and on an IUD.
Brady, Brady, Brady...the man you are. At 18, his parents were killed in a car accident, leaving him the guardian of his two younger, twin siblings. He was a promising baseball player who was expected to play for a university and be drafted to the majors. Unfortunately, that dream went away when he had to put it on hold for his siblings. He ended up working as a night manager for a grocery store to provide for the three of them.
Once his siblings started university, he was scouted by the Independent League Thunder. He is at a bar and meets Sage, who is a travel nurse. She is at the end of her contract and looking for a little fun for the night. They hook up, use condoms, and she has an IUD, but they end up pregnant.
She doesn't even know his last name. She is visiting her BFF and sees Brady's picture in the local paper, then they run into one another at the grocery store. She tells him she is pregnant. He is, of course, shocked, but he takes it like a champ.
I started reading this on KU, but ended up buying it on Apple Books. Honestly, some may argue it is fluffy and boring, but I freaking loved it. Brady is such a great dude. He is a "bro-dad" to his siblings, the picture of sacrificial love. He's a walking green flag. All other green flag comparisons will be held against Brady. I LOVED him. He was safe, sweet, kind, thoughtful, attentive, and loving. He wanted to be involved from the minute he found out about the baby. He wanted more from Sage, relationship-wise, but did not push her. He simply made his interest known. He was so precious, worrying about money because he wanted to give Sage, their baby, and his siblings everything they needed. I think his age is about 26 in the story, and that is so much for 26. The Thunder only pays them while in season, so he needed another job for the off-season, but was having trouble. He found one stocking shelves at a local store. They eventually wanted him to be a manager, but the schedule was a hindrance, and he was trying so hard to make it work. I just loved his desire to be the man everyone needed/deserved.
Sage was a good FMC. Her mother died, her father was not involved, so she was used to being on her own. She had a difficult time letting her walls down and trusting Brady, but he continually showed up and gained her trust.
I loved this story. Seeing him being called up to the majors honestly made my eyes sweat. He deserved every good thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sage and Brady’s story evokes so many emotions and resonates with me. Both are trying so hard to guard their hearts, keep moving forward, leaving their painful pasts behind them and reaching for a dream job. They had a wonderfully passionate no-strings-attached night together months ago. Though each cannot forget that night, neither was ready for a surprise pregnancy. It seems that Fate is determined to bring them together. Sage visits her friend for some much needed support and advice on how to find Brady when she doesn’t even know his last name, only to discover that Brady lives and works close by. Brady is pleasantly surprised by Sage’s reappearance into his life even though her news is a shock. Yet, he doesn’t hesitate to reassure Sage and tell her that he will be there to support both her and the baby. Sage is caught between being overwhelmed, confused and relieved, and though she barely knows him, she somehow trusts Brady.
Sage has been on her own since her mother died just as she graduated high school. Her job as a travelling nurse gives her a chance to see the country and hopefully the world. It also means she doesn’t have time for relationships, which has been okay with her because she has trust and abandonment issues. This baby means she will have family again and Brady is hoping that he can be part of the family too. At eighteen, he took on the responsibility of raising his younger twin siblings after his parents were killed. He gave up a promising future in baseball to provide a stable home for them. Now that the twins are pursuing their post secondary education, Brady has found his way back to baseball. Having a pregnant Sage re-enter his life does not phase him for long. He believes they could build a good future together if he can persuade her to give him a chance and to stay. The very independent Sage doesn’t make it easy, but Brady is one determined fellow.
Brady is a sweet, steadfast and totally honest guy. He knows life can change in an instant and has proved to be resilient. He knows the value of preparation, support and commitment, though accepting help is not his strong suit. Thankfully, his teammates prove to be unrelenting and delightfully pushy. I love that Brady reads all about pregnancy and babies so that he and Sage can be prepared. He doesn’t push the very independent Sage, but instead uses the random facts she loves, humour and his actions to show his support. When circumstances make them roommates, he sets out to show her just how good they can be together.
This sweet, emotional and charming book has my full recommendation.
Sage has been on her own since her mother died just as she graduated high school. Her job as a travelling nurse gives her a chance to see the country and hopefully the world. It also means she doesn’t have time for relationships, which has been okay with her because she has trust and abandonment issues. This baby means she will have family again and Brady is hoping that he can be part of the family too. At eighteen, he took on the responsibility of raising his younger twin siblings after his parents were killed. He gave up a promising future in baseball to provide a stable home for them. Now that the twins are pursuing their post secondary education, Brady has found his way back to baseball. Having a pregnant Sage re-enter his life does not phase him for long. He believes they could build a good future together if he can persuade her to give him a chance and to stay. The very independent Sage doesn’t make it easy, but Brady is one determined fellow.
Brady is a sweet, steadfast and totally honest guy. He knows life can change in an instant and has proved to be resilient. He knows the value of preparation, support and commitment, though accepting help is not his strong suit. Thankfully, his teammates prove to be unrelenting and delightfully pushy. I love that Brady reads all about pregnancy and babies so that he and Sage can be prepared. He doesn’t push the very independent Sage, but instead uses the random facts she loves, humour and his actions to show his support. When circumstances make them roommates, he sets out to show her just how good they can be together.
This sweet, emotional and charming book has my full recommendation.
June 8, 2026
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
Have you read any of Julia Jarrett’s novels? If you’re a romance reader and you answered “no,” well, you’re missing out. I always love the time I spend with her books and they always leave me with a smile on my face. The Curveball is her latest, and is the second in the Cedar Creek Thunder series, and while it has one of my least favourite tropes, it was still an enjoyable read and one that many romance readers will like.
One thing you must know about me: I REALLY struggle with pregnancy storylines. I’ll give them a shot if it’s a trusted author or if friends assure me it’s a good read. But even still, I’m very selective with these books because it’s really hard for me to enjoy the story. Jarrett is an author whose romances I always enjoy reading so I thought I’d give The Curve Ball a go. I still struggled, and maybe some of my personal feelings on pregnancy stories affected too much of my overall thoughts on the book, but it went better than I expected. If you’re a romance reader who will read anything and everything, I absolutely encourage you to check this one out. If you’re like me and, for any number of reasons, don’t like pregnancy storylines, you might want to be kind to yourself and give this one a miss. Pick up one of Jarrett’s other books! She has a trope for everyone!
One thing I absolutely loved? The abundance of green flags Brady was waving. Seriously. The man is a precious unicorn. And a pitcher to boot? Sign me up. Sage went home with him initially because she trusted her gut and felt like he was a good guy and the more she (and the reader) got to know him, the more that feeling solidified. He’s not perfect, no one is, but he was so very aware of where he was struggling and did everything he could to make sure Sage was physically and emotionally comfortable. The way he interacted with his (grown) siblings was so heartwarming and it was easy to tell that he was going to be an amazing dad. He was, in short, an excellent book boyfriend.
And now for the random. This is such a small thing but it made me smile because of the accuracy. Jarrett wrote a scene where Brady tossed something to Sage and she barely had time to get her hands up to catch it. She tells him, kindly and while laughing, that not everyone’s a baseball player so he’s lucky it didn’t hit her. This is a thing that happens when you live with a ball player. And, yes, I am very good at catching random objects.
The Curveball is part of a series but it can easily be read as a standalone. There doesn’t seem to be any advancement of other potential romances and there’s just a few mentions and appearances of Luca and Isla, the couple from the first book.
Finally, there’s some really lovely found family storylines in this that I was so happy to see. Fiona is Sage’s best friend and the most important person in her life. I loved reading about their relationship - and really hope we get to see Fiona find a Happily Ever After in another book! And while Brady does have his siblings, his teammates are equally important in his life and I loved reading as he opened up to them and they became a stronger unit because of the time they spent together and the stories they shared.
The Curveball was a romance I devoured in a day, which is pretty common whenever I get my hands on a Julia Jarrett novel. If you like accidental pregnancy storylines with a side of baseball, not to mention a near-perfect book boyfriend, you’re going to want to pick this one up.
*An egalley of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
Have you read any of Julia Jarrett’s novels? If you’re a romance reader and you answered “no,” well, you’re missing out. I always love the time I spend with her books and they always leave me with a smile on my face. The Curveball is her latest, and is the second in the Cedar Creek Thunder series, and while it has one of my least favourite tropes, it was still an enjoyable read and one that many romance readers will like.
One thing you must know about me: I REALLY struggle with pregnancy storylines. I’ll give them a shot if it’s a trusted author or if friends assure me it’s a good read. But even still, I’m very selective with these books because it’s really hard for me to enjoy the story. Jarrett is an author whose romances I always enjoy reading so I thought I’d give The Curve Ball a go. I still struggled, and maybe some of my personal feelings on pregnancy stories affected too much of my overall thoughts on the book, but it went better than I expected. If you’re a romance reader who will read anything and everything, I absolutely encourage you to check this one out. If you’re like me and, for any number of reasons, don’t like pregnancy storylines, you might want to be kind to yourself and give this one a miss. Pick up one of Jarrett’s other books! She has a trope for everyone!
One thing I absolutely loved? The abundance of green flags Brady was waving. Seriously. The man is a precious unicorn. And a pitcher to boot? Sign me up. Sage went home with him initially because she trusted her gut and felt like he was a good guy and the more she (and the reader) got to know him, the more that feeling solidified. He’s not perfect, no one is, but he was so very aware of where he was struggling and did everything he could to make sure Sage was physically and emotionally comfortable. The way he interacted with his (grown) siblings was so heartwarming and it was easy to tell that he was going to be an amazing dad. He was, in short, an excellent book boyfriend.
And now for the random. This is such a small thing but it made me smile because of the accuracy. Jarrett wrote a scene where Brady tossed something to Sage and she barely had time to get her hands up to catch it. She tells him, kindly and while laughing, that not everyone’s a baseball player so he’s lucky it didn’t hit her. This is a thing that happens when you live with a ball player. And, yes, I am very good at catching random objects.
The Curveball is part of a series but it can easily be read as a standalone. There doesn’t seem to be any advancement of other potential romances and there’s just a few mentions and appearances of Luca and Isla, the couple from the first book.
Finally, there’s some really lovely found family storylines in this that I was so happy to see. Fiona is Sage’s best friend and the most important person in her life. I loved reading about their relationship - and really hope we get to see Fiona find a Happily Ever After in another book! And while Brady does have his siblings, his teammates are equally important in his life and I loved reading as he opened up to them and they became a stronger unit because of the time they spent together and the stories they shared.
The Curveball was a romance I devoured in a day, which is pretty common whenever I get my hands on a Julia Jarrett novel. If you like accidental pregnancy storylines with a side of baseball, not to mention a near-perfect book boyfriend, you’re going to want to pick this one up.
*An egalley of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
Read
May 24, 2026Thoughts:
1. While Brady doesn't confirm that there was no one after her (Josie does as it relates to paternal possibilities), it is very heavily implied he was celibate. (In the beginning, telling her he was out of practice. After her, we learn he couldn't stop thinking about her and wishing he'd left his number on the note. And that he worked himself into exhaustion to distract himself from thinking of her and missing his eight years younger fraternal twin siblings. He's raised said twins since he was eighteen after the death of their parents. He was never portrayed as a manwhore. He's been too preoccupied with raising his brother and sister for the past almost decade. He just started with the Thunder and is focused on doing well in order to support himself and them as they just started college. Add to that the surprised teammates upon learning there's a woman (Josie) and him agreeing to go out with them following training/practice/game -- making it sound as if both are firsts.
2. The one thing I didn't like as it made me wonder on the timing...there were two female fans eyeing Brady -- he was uncomfortable/politely standoffish when they were talking to him and was relieved when Josie interrupted and immediately referred to her as his. That was not my issue. It was one of the girls stating (when she was asking if Josie was with Cal when he spoke to her on Brady's behalf) how her friend, Courtney, had dated Cal for a while and he'd made it clear he did not want kids. I'm really, really hoping Courtney was prior to him meeting Juniper, his for the last couple years best friend that it's clear both want more than that, because I so want their story and would be extremely disappointed if he's with others in any way after meeting her.
1. While Brady doesn't confirm that there was no one after her (Josie does as it relates to paternal possibilities), it is very heavily implied he was celibate. (In the beginning, telling her he was out of practice. After her, we learn he couldn't stop thinking about her and wishing he'd left his number on the note. And that he worked himself into exhaustion to distract himself from thinking of her and missing his eight years younger fraternal twin siblings. He's raised said twins since he was eighteen after the death of their parents. He was never portrayed as a manwhore. He's been too preoccupied with raising his brother and sister for the past almost decade. He just started with the Thunder and is focused on doing well in order to support himself and them as they just started college. Add to that the surprised teammates upon learning there's a woman (Josie) and him agreeing to go out with them following training/practice/game -- making it sound as if both are firsts.
2. The one thing I didn't like as it made me wonder on the timing...there were two female fans eyeing Brady -- he was uncomfortable/politely standoffish when they were talking to him and was relieved when Josie interrupted and immediately referred to her as his. That was not my issue. It was one of the girls stating (when she was asking if Josie was with Cal when he spoke to her on Brady's behalf) how her friend, Courtney, had dated Cal for a while and he'd made it clear he did not want kids. I'm really, really hoping Courtney was prior to him meeting Juniper, his for the last couple years best friend that it's clear both want more than that, because I so want their story and would be extremely disappointed if he's with others in any way after meeting her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐ .5 almost perfect! really loved the story, but maybe a minor issue pulling it back or less emotional pull
🌶️🌶️: mild spice, around 2 to 4 scenes, still tame sex scenes with a slight touch of kink and still romance focused
brady is ready to focus on himself after years of raising his younger siblings and returning to baseball with the cedar creek thunder, but everything changes when sage mccallister, the woman from his unforgettable one night stand, arrives in town carrying his baby. despite sage’s determination to handle things alone, brady refuses to walk away from either her or their future together. as they navigate unexpected parenthood and growing feelings while living under the same roof, brady becomes determined to prove that what started as one night could become the family they both never thought they deserved.
i absolutely loved this book and it was perfectly balanced between romance and personal growth. there was grief, trust, and choice, which all felt handled with a lot of care instead of just being thrown in for drama. brady was honestly such a standout mmc for me, sweet, attentive, emotionally aware, but still with that playful charm that made him impossible not to love. sage was such a strong fmc even after everything she went through. they were just so stinking sweet. the pacing kept me invested the entire time and i genuinely didn’t want it to end. the audiobook also really elevated the experience and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
tropes: sports romance (baseball), accidental pregnancy, roommates, one night stand
triggers: grief, loss of parents
🌶️🌶️: mild spice, around 2 to 4 scenes, still tame sex scenes with a slight touch of kink and still romance focused
brady is ready to focus on himself after years of raising his younger siblings and returning to baseball with the cedar creek thunder, but everything changes when sage mccallister, the woman from his unforgettable one night stand, arrives in town carrying his baby. despite sage’s determination to handle things alone, brady refuses to walk away from either her or their future together. as they navigate unexpected parenthood and growing feelings while living under the same roof, brady becomes determined to prove that what started as one night could become the family they both never thought they deserved.
i absolutely loved this book and it was perfectly balanced between romance and personal growth. there was grief, trust, and choice, which all felt handled with a lot of care instead of just being thrown in for drama. brady was honestly such a standout mmc for me, sweet, attentive, emotionally aware, but still with that playful charm that made him impossible not to love. sage was such a strong fmc even after everything she went through. they were just so stinking sweet. the pacing kept me invested the entire time and i genuinely didn’t want it to end. the audiobook also really elevated the experience and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
tropes: sports romance (baseball), accidental pregnancy, roommates, one night stand
triggers: grief, loss of parents
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sage is a travelling nurse who finally has her shot, getting her post in Europe. She’s out celebrating with friends and catches the eye of handsome Brady. It was one night, no last names, and now she is pregnant. Brady is finally living his dream, playing baseball, after raising his twin siblings, who are now 18 and off to college. Now the two must figure out how to become coparents, while Brady works to prove that he is someone who will stick around for Sage and their baby. What could have been a predictable setup quickly becomes something much more meaningful.
I loved Sage and Brady so much! They showed so much vulnerability and emotion throughout. Their relationship developed in a way that was so real and raw. Both of them had experienced tremendous grief and loss, and their willingness to open up to each other was truly beautiful. There is nothing better than a man who is self-aware, and Brady had that. It was impressive that he could see some of the feelings he had were because of his past, and also recognize that his desire to protect Sage had to be balanced with her independence.
This had the accidental pregnancy trope done right. Julia Jarrett truly navigated all the uncertainties of pregnancy and building a life with someone you don’t really know in a thoughtful and wonderful way. I adored the small moments and the openness these two began to show.
I couldn’t get enough of this story! Brady and Sage are two characters you can’t help but root for. If you love a baseball-playing, golden retriever type with a fiercely independent woman, this is a perfect book for you.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
I loved Sage and Brady so much! They showed so much vulnerability and emotion throughout. Their relationship developed in a way that was so real and raw. Both of them had experienced tremendous grief and loss, and their willingness to open up to each other was truly beautiful. There is nothing better than a man who is self-aware, and Brady had that. It was impressive that he could see some of the feelings he had were because of his past, and also recognize that his desire to protect Sage had to be balanced with her independence.
This had the accidental pregnancy trope done right. Julia Jarrett truly navigated all the uncertainties of pregnancy and building a life with someone you don’t really know in a thoughtful and wonderful way. I adored the small moments and the openness these two began to show.
I couldn’t get enough of this story! Brady and Sage are two characters you can’t help but root for. If you love a baseball-playing, golden retriever type with a fiercely independent woman, this is a perfect book for you.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brady Dixon just entered the book boyfriend hall of fame.
I seriously cannot stop smiling after finishing. This audiobook completely wrapped me up in its warmth, heart, chemistry, and emotional depth from beginning to end.
Brady and Sage’s story starts with a one night stand and quickly turns into an accidental pregnancy/forced proximity romance when Sage shows up in Brady’s small town carrying his baby. What could have easily become drama heavy instead turned into one of the sweetest, most emotionally satisfying romances I’ve listened to in a long time.
Brady was EVERYTHING. He’s the ultimate golden retriever/cinnamon roll MMC while being incredibly sexy. The man basically dedicated himself to making Sage feel safe, loved, wanted, and supported from the second he found out about the baby. Every thoughtful thing he did had me internally screaming.
But what made this story hit even harder emotionally was how both Brady and Sage struggled with similar fears surrounding love and loss. Neither of them wanted to fully trust happiness because they knew how painful losing people could be. Their healing journey together felt authentic, tender, and incredibly moving.
And can we PLEASE talk about the audiobook narration? Brandon Francis and Andi Eloise absolutely nailed these characters. The emotion, chemistry, humor, and swoon were perfection.
Also… Brady publicly claiming Sage in front of a crowd of excited baseball fans? EXCUSE ME SIR. That scene alone deserves an award.
This book gave me butterflies, made me grin constantly, and left me genuinely happy for these characters by the end. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait for more Cedar Creek Thunder books.
I seriously cannot stop smiling after finishing. This audiobook completely wrapped me up in its warmth, heart, chemistry, and emotional depth from beginning to end.
Brady and Sage’s story starts with a one night stand and quickly turns into an accidental pregnancy/forced proximity romance when Sage shows up in Brady’s small town carrying his baby. What could have easily become drama heavy instead turned into one of the sweetest, most emotionally satisfying romances I’ve listened to in a long time.
Brady was EVERYTHING. He’s the ultimate golden retriever/cinnamon roll MMC while being incredibly sexy. The man basically dedicated himself to making Sage feel safe, loved, wanted, and supported from the second he found out about the baby. Every thoughtful thing he did had me internally screaming.
But what made this story hit even harder emotionally was how both Brady and Sage struggled with similar fears surrounding love and loss. Neither of them wanted to fully trust happiness because they knew how painful losing people could be. Their healing journey together felt authentic, tender, and incredibly moving.
And can we PLEASE talk about the audiobook narration? Brandon Francis and Andi Eloise absolutely nailed these characters. The emotion, chemistry, humor, and swoon were perfection.
Also… Brady publicly claiming Sage in front of a crowd of excited baseball fans? EXCUSE ME SIR. That scene alone deserves an award.
This book gave me butterflies, made me grin constantly, and left me genuinely happy for these characters by the end. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait for more Cedar Creek Thunder books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book two in The Cedar Creek Thunder series and it is Sage and Brady’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Sage is a traveling nurse and had just be recruited for the nursing contract of her dreams in England and even though her friends have tried to get her to stay there is no way that she was going to miss this opportunity. Brady hadn’t had a easy life as his parents died and left him to raise his siblings which wasn’t a easy task but he would willingly do it and let them thrive but now they are grown up he is looking forward to getting some of his life back and playing baseball for the Cedar Creek Thunder team is what he is doing next. Sage and Brady meet in a bar and end up having an explosive one night stand which left Brady thinking about her long after going there own way. When Sage finds out that she is pregnant she decides to find Brady and let him no that he is going to be a father but she had no expectations of him but what Sage gets instead is a big surprise. Sage and Brady have attraction, chemistry and a strong connection between them and get on so well together but do they have a future together and become a family or will Sage’s traveling feet want to go again, well only time will tell what the outcome will be for Sage and Brady in the end. Wow I absolutely loved this book so much with all it’s tragic and emotional situations that will have you turning the pages and unable to put it down. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
May 20, 2026
Life certainly threw some unexpected curveballs at Brady and Sage, but their journey was heartfelt, emotional, and impossible not to fall in love with. What begins as a one-night stand soon turns into an accidental pregnancy, forcing them to navigate unfamiliar territory together. Watching their connection grow from tentative friendship into something deep, meaningful, and beautifully romantic was such a rewarding experience.
Brady completely stole my heart. Beneath his charm and swoony exterior is a fiercely loyal man carrying the weight of responsibility after becoming guardian to his younger siblings following the tragic loss of their parents. The love and devotion he shows his family adds so much depth to his character and creates some truly touching moments throughout the story.
Sage is the perfect match for him — strong, feisty, independent, and unwilling to back down. I loved how she challenged Brady while also becoming a source of strength and comfort for him. Their chemistry is effortless, filled with tender moments, emotional vulnerability, playful banter, and plenty of heartwarming scenes that make you root for them from the very beginning.
Julia has such a beautiful way of writing emotionally layered romances that feel authentic and immersive. She draws you into the lives of her characters so completely that you feel every heartbreak, every laugh, and every moment of joy right alongside them. This story delivers all the feels — warmth, love, family, healing, and hope — and leaves you with that wonderful book hangover where you immediately want more.
Brady completely stole my heart. Beneath his charm and swoony exterior is a fiercely loyal man carrying the weight of responsibility after becoming guardian to his younger siblings following the tragic loss of their parents. The love and devotion he shows his family adds so much depth to his character and creates some truly touching moments throughout the story.
Sage is the perfect match for him — strong, feisty, independent, and unwilling to back down. I loved how she challenged Brady while also becoming a source of strength and comfort for him. Their chemistry is effortless, filled with tender moments, emotional vulnerability, playful banter, and plenty of heartwarming scenes that make you root for them from the very beginning.
Julia has such a beautiful way of writing emotionally layered romances that feel authentic and immersive. She draws you into the lives of her characters so completely that you feel every heartbreak, every laugh, and every moment of joy right alongside them. This story delivers all the feels — warmth, love, family, healing, and hope — and leaves you with that wonderful book hangover where you immediately want more.
May 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this audiobook!!
Brady and Sage meet at a bar and end up having a one night stand. Sage is a travel nurse who was supposed to leave for London, but finding two pink lines on a stick completely derails that plan. Without knowing Brady’s last name, finding him feels impossible. While venting to her best friend, Sage is offered a place to stay for a while on Vancouver Island.
After arriving, they stop at a local café and Sage is shocked when she spots Brady in the newspaper. There he is in an article as the newest pitcher for the AA baseball team!
Brady lost his parents and instantly became a father figure to his twin siblings. Because of that, he had to put his dream of playing major league baseball on hold. Now that his siblings are 18 and away at college, he’s finally able to chase that dream again. Even knowing he may never make it far, he’s just happy to be playing the game he loves.
While grocery shopping, Brady unexpectedly runs into Sage, the woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since their night together. When Sage blurts out that she’s pregnant, their one night stand quickly turns into an unexpected friendship while preparing for a baby together.
Their forced proximity leads to deep conversations, emotional healing, and feelings neither of them expected. I loved watching their relationship grow naturally while they both worked through their pasts and figured out what they truly wanted.
Tropes:
ONS
Baseball Player/Travel Nurse
Single Parent Guardian
Forced Proximity
Accidental Pregnancy
Brady and Sage meet at a bar and end up having a one night stand. Sage is a travel nurse who was supposed to leave for London, but finding two pink lines on a stick completely derails that plan. Without knowing Brady’s last name, finding him feels impossible. While venting to her best friend, Sage is offered a place to stay for a while on Vancouver Island.
After arriving, they stop at a local café and Sage is shocked when she spots Brady in the newspaper. There he is in an article as the newest pitcher for the AA baseball team!
Brady lost his parents and instantly became a father figure to his twin siblings. Because of that, he had to put his dream of playing major league baseball on hold. Now that his siblings are 18 and away at college, he’s finally able to chase that dream again. Even knowing he may never make it far, he’s just happy to be playing the game he loves.
While grocery shopping, Brady unexpectedly runs into Sage, the woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since their night together. When Sage blurts out that she’s pregnant, their one night stand quickly turns into an unexpected friendship while preparing for a baby together.
Their forced proximity leads to deep conversations, emotional healing, and feelings neither of them expected. I loved watching their relationship grow naturally while they both worked through their pasts and figured out what they truly wanted.
Tropes:
ONS
Baseball Player/Travel Nurse
Single Parent Guardian
Forced Proximity
Accidental Pregnancy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sage is ready to move on to yet another city - this time abroad in the UK - as an experienced travel nurse. Thinking nothing of a hot man in a bar warming her bed for the night, she's stunned to realize a few weeks later that she's now carrying his child. On a mission to raise the baby herself after informing him what's happened, she sets out to find out who the baby daddy is - with only a first name.
*****
This was such a cute read! I loved that Brady was such a genuine green flag the entire book. From raising his siblings, to putting his career on hold, and then being surprised with an unexpected pregnancy. He was just an absolute, supportive gem through every moment. This entire book was just a low-stakes, genuine and sweet, feel-good love story and was exactly what I wanted from it!
Sage herself was the personification of mature, giving, and willing, as she worked through her own issues to let Brady in for the sake of their growing child. Together they were adorable, and the whole book was an endless found-family moment, and had me grinning through it. Also, the narrators, Brandon Francis and Andie Eloise, really brought the characters to life in the best way, and I found myself easily lost in the story they told!
All in all, this was a great unexpected pregnancy, sports romance, with no third act breakup!
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this my way!
*****
This was such a cute read! I loved that Brady was such a genuine green flag the entire book. From raising his siblings, to putting his career on hold, and then being surprised with an unexpected pregnancy. He was just an absolute, supportive gem through every moment. This entire book was just a low-stakes, genuine and sweet, feel-good love story and was exactly what I wanted from it!
Sage herself was the personification of mature, giving, and willing, as she worked through her own issues to let Brady in for the sake of their growing child. Together they were adorable, and the whole book was an endless found-family moment, and had me grinning through it. Also, the narrators, Brandon Francis and Andie Eloise, really brought the characters to life in the best way, and I found myself easily lost in the story they told!
All in all, this was a great unexpected pregnancy, sports romance, with no third act breakup!
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this my way!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Julia Jarrett absolutely knocked this one out of the park. Yep, full baseball pun intended.
I fell headfirst into this story from page one. Brady and Sage completely stole my heart. They were sweet, messy, vulnerable, adorable, and honestly so incredibly relatable. Their relationship wasn’t wrapped up in glossy perfection. It felt real. They stumbled, communicated, struggled, opened up, and tried to figure out how to navigate all these huge life changes together in their new relationship while carrying the weight of grief and loss from their pasts.
I'm moving Brady Dixon to the top of my book boyfriend list! He is so green flag he's an emotional forest!!
I loved how raw and and emotional this story was. Julia Jarrett handled the uncertainty of pregnancy and building a life with someone you don’t fully know yet with so much care and authenticity. The quiet moments between Sage & Brady were just as important as the big emotional ones, and watching them slowly let each other in and watching them grow together was genuinely beautiful. I had a full-on perma grin through most of this book. 💛
The audiobook was magic! Brandon Francis and Andi Eloise brought so much warmth, emotion, chemistry, humor, and swoon to these characters that it felt impossible not to get completely wrapped up in their story. Every interaction felt layered with heart and tenderness.
I felt all the emotions and this book was ridiculously easy to fly through. I loved every second of it.
I fell headfirst into this story from page one. Brady and Sage completely stole my heart. They were sweet, messy, vulnerable, adorable, and honestly so incredibly relatable. Their relationship wasn’t wrapped up in glossy perfection. It felt real. They stumbled, communicated, struggled, opened up, and tried to figure out how to navigate all these huge life changes together in their new relationship while carrying the weight of grief and loss from their pasts.
I'm moving Brady Dixon to the top of my book boyfriend list! He is so green flag he's an emotional forest!!
I loved how raw and and emotional this story was. Julia Jarrett handled the uncertainty of pregnancy and building a life with someone you don’t fully know yet with so much care and authenticity. The quiet moments between Sage & Brady were just as important as the big emotional ones, and watching them slowly let each other in and watching them grow together was genuinely beautiful. I had a full-on perma grin through most of this book. 💛
The audiobook was magic! Brandon Francis and Andi Eloise brought so much warmth, emotion, chemistry, humor, and swoon to these characters that it felt impossible not to get completely wrapped up in their story. Every interaction felt layered with heart and tenderness.
I felt all the emotions and this book was ridiculously easy to fly through. I loved every second of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Curveball - The Cedar Creek Thunder Series Book 2 ) Well this series really does just keep getting better and better and we’re only on book 2 ) Julia has done it again!! Just wrecked me in all the best ways . Brady and Sage - oh how these two just grabbed onto my heart and refused to let go. I absolutely adored them together more than words can describe. I loved how likable and relatable they were . I loved that just like we all do they had flaws and struggles to overcome . Neither had it easy , not by any means , both suffered loss and grief from their pasts , both had to learn to trust and open their hearts to love again . The progression of their relationship was so much fun to watch . Sure it was filled with angst and humor and witty banter , but it was so much more than that . It was real and raw and very emotional. It was filled with insecurities , healing, love , passion , second chances , miscommunication, vulnerabilities, drama , family , friendships and so much more . Curveball is the type of love story that has the ability to touch your heart and just resonate with you in ways you’ll never ever be expecting. I genuinely could not devour it fast enough, smiling, laughing, yelling, crying ugly tears and rooting for these two so freaking hard .
May 19, 2026
“But you have to admit, things happen for a reason. And sometimes one plan falls apart because something so much better is coming.”
The Curveball | Julia Jarrett | Cedar Creek Thunder #2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“I want him way more than I should. But wanting him and letting myself have him are two very different things. I wasn’t lying when I told him I didn’t know how to be the woman he deserves. I don’t know how to be the woman who stays, who has a home and a life with another person. Because the only other person I’ve had that with died.”
Read this if you love: accidental pregnancy | one night stand | forced proximity | baseball romance | small town
“Don’t lose her because you’re scared of, well, losing her.”
I didn’t think I could love a Julia MMC like a love Monty (Catch Her Heart), but I also love Brady Dixon. He is the greenest of green flags. I also loved how Brady and Sage’s story hit those realistic points of impending parenthood. His siblings and teammates, plus her bestie, add some humor to this sweet romance. Along with heart, this book also had some of the best intimate moments (that shower scene 🫠). I’m excited to read more from Cedar Creek.
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
The Curveball | Julia Jarrett | Cedar Creek Thunder #2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“I want him way more than I should. But wanting him and letting myself have him are two very different things. I wasn’t lying when I told him I didn’t know how to be the woman he deserves. I don’t know how to be the woman who stays, who has a home and a life with another person. Because the only other person I’ve had that with died.”
Read this if you love: accidental pregnancy | one night stand | forced proximity | baseball romance | small town
“Don’t lose her because you’re scared of, well, losing her.”
I didn’t think I could love a Julia MMC like a love Monty (Catch Her Heart), but I also love Brady Dixon. He is the greenest of green flags. I also loved how Brady and Sage’s story hit those realistic points of impending parenthood. His siblings and teammates, plus her bestie, add some humor to this sweet romance. Along with heart, this book also had some of the best intimate moments (that shower scene 🫠). I’m excited to read more from Cedar Creek.
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
May 20, 2026
Holy Cow. To say I ate that up was an understatement. 24 hours after starting it, I have completely devoured this book and now I am sitting here wishing I could read it over again for the first time.
After one night stand half a country away, Sage relocates to Vancouver Island with her friend Fiona, in search of the swoony man who swept her off her feet in Manitoba and unintentionally left a little gift. She stumbled across Brady Dixon, baseball player with the Cedar Creek Thunder, and man responsible for the amazing night earlier that year. Brady jumps in with both feet, wanting to prove that he will be there for Sage and their baby no matter what happens. With Sage's lack of a father figure due to similar circumstances, and Brady's additional family responsibilities, they have a lot to work through to ensure the life they provide for their child is exactly the way they want, full of love.
Brady is the ultimate swoony, green flag hero. I absolutely loved his character and the way he shows up for Sage every step of the way. As a mother, some of the things he said to her had me actually tearing up, and yet, at other times I was laughing out loud (Yeti, anyone?). I am so excited for the next in this series, although I am not sure how Julia will top Brady!
After one night stand half a country away, Sage relocates to Vancouver Island with her friend Fiona, in search of the swoony man who swept her off her feet in Manitoba and unintentionally left a little gift. She stumbled across Brady Dixon, baseball player with the Cedar Creek Thunder, and man responsible for the amazing night earlier that year. Brady jumps in with both feet, wanting to prove that he will be there for Sage and their baby no matter what happens. With Sage's lack of a father figure due to similar circumstances, and Brady's additional family responsibilities, they have a lot to work through to ensure the life they provide for their child is exactly the way they want, full of love.
Brady is the ultimate swoony, green flag hero. I absolutely loved his character and the way he shows up for Sage every step of the way. As a mother, some of the things he said to her had me actually tearing up, and yet, at other times I was laughing out loud (Yeti, anyone?). I am so excited for the next in this series, although I am not sure how Julia will top Brady!
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