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Mile High #3
Cooking Up A Curveball
Sometimes life’s biggest curveball isn’t on the field—it’s the person you never saw coming.
I’m one bad decision away from losing the career I love — and his name is Max Callahan. He’s got a surly attitude, survives on takeout and fried food, and has absolutely no desire to be in Colorado playing for one of the worst teams in the league.
As the team’s nutritionist, I don’t get the luxury of mistakes. So when the most stubborn, infuriatingly attractive player refuses to follow my plan, I should keep my distance. But now I’m stuck with him on flights, in dugouts, and far too close for comfort.
Max is a distraction I can’t afford. A risk I shouldn’t take. And the only man who sees past the walls I’ve spent years building. The smarter choice is to walk away, because the rules are there for a reason. And being caught with him could cost me everything. But with every look, every touch, I care a little less about the cost.
Between playful nicknames, explosive chemistry, and a growing connection neither of us can ignore, I’m quickly discovering that the line between hate and desire is dangerously thin.
And when it all comes crashing down… will Max be a lesson learned, or the best mistake I’ve ever made?
I’m one bad decision away from losing the career I love — and his name is Max Callahan. He’s got a surly attitude, survives on takeout and fried food, and has absolutely no desire to be in Colorado playing for one of the worst teams in the league.
As the team’s nutritionist, I don’t get the luxury of mistakes. So when the most stubborn, infuriatingly attractive player refuses to follow my plan, I should keep my distance. But now I’m stuck with him on flights, in dugouts, and far too close for comfort.
Max is a distraction I can’t afford. A risk I shouldn’t take. And the only man who sees past the walls I’ve spent years building. The smarter choice is to walk away, because the rules are there for a reason. And being caught with him could cost me everything. But with every look, every touch, I care a little less about the cost.
Between playful nicknames, explosive chemistry, and a growing connection neither of us can ignore, I’m quickly discovering that the line between hate and desire is dangerously thin.
And when it all comes crashing down… will Max be a lesson learned, or the best mistake I’ve ever made?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
July 3, 2026
3.25🌟, 2🌶️
I was really looking forward to this one because the tropes were right up my alley.
Grumpy and sunshine, workplace romance, forced proximity, secret dating app matches, and baseball usually make for an easy win. Unfortunately, this ended up being more of a mixed bag for me. I struggled to connect with Max and Layla, and a few scenes and heavier topics didn’t land as well as I’d hoped.
The highlight was definitely the Raptors. Their banter, friendship, and found family dynamic brought so much heart to the story. Layla was easy to root for, and I enjoyed seeing Max slowly soften and show his more protective side, even if I never became fully invested in their romance.
Reading is always subjective, and while this wasn’t the right fit for me, I can absolutely see why others are enjoying it.
~~~~
Grateful to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
I was really looking forward to this one because the tropes were right up my alley.
Grumpy and sunshine, workplace romance, forced proximity, secret dating app matches, and baseball usually make for an easy win. Unfortunately, this ended up being more of a mixed bag for me. I struggled to connect with Max and Layla, and a few scenes and heavier topics didn’t land as well as I’d hoped.
The highlight was definitely the Raptors. Their banter, friendship, and found family dynamic brought so much heart to the story. Layla was easy to root for, and I enjoyed seeing Max slowly soften and show his more protective side, even if I never became fully invested in their romance.
Reading is always subjective, and while this wasn’t the right fit for me, I can absolutely see why others are enjoying it.
~~~~
Grateful to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
June 28, 2026
I appreciated the trigger warnings up front. I’ve read far too many romance books with some horrible event(s) and the books had zero trigger warnings to be found.
Now …
I must’ve read a different book than these ARC reviewers because there’s no way in hell there should be so many five star reviews. I enjoyed the first book in this series and have read it multiple times, and the second book wasn’t terrible, so I very much looked forward to this and wanted to like it. I think this is the last in the series I’ll get through though. So many things irked me about this book. So many things.
6% into the book, I thought “are you serious?” Max tells Layla he hates the nickname she’s given him and in her thoughts, she explains why. Two seconds later, Layla’s complaining to her mom that she hates the nickname her mom gave her as a kid and still uses, and that she wished she’d stop using it. Huh? Pot, meet Kettle.
Layla, who’d been raped some years prior, agrees to meet a stranger in a hotel room for sex -and agrees to immediately be blindfolded and doesn’t see his face AT ALL during the entire encounter. What?! So many horrible possible scenarios ran through my head at the ridiculousness of it all that I couldn’t even find anything to appreciate about the scene. It was just weird.
Max gets a whiff that a player on another team must’ve been a dick to Layla somehow so he does his detective work to figure it out and then pesters Layla for details about what happened. She asks him to drop it. He continues to pester her because he knows something big-ish MUST have happened. She asks him to drop it. He continues. My God! Because who doesn’t want some relative stranger, still somewhat asshole to keep hounding you about traumatic life event even thought you’ve asked him to stop? It wasn’t cute in an alpha male protective way at all. It was just invasive and borderline harassment.
Max is warned and told by everyone under the sun that he and Layla are incredibly obvious with their relationship and that he needs to back off. Does he? Of course not. Does he even discuss it with her? Of course not. He doubles down.
This book contradicts itself and is so repetitive, but not in a simply repeating information sort of way. It’s in a “I swear I just read this entire conversation (albeit worded a little differently) a few chapters ago.” About 60% in, I really started skimming through chapters and was somehow still pissed off with the sections I read. There were so many other things that drove me insane that I’d love to detail, but I’ll stop there.
The more I think about this book, the more pissed off I am. This should’ve been a DNF very early on for me.
Now …
I must’ve read a different book than these ARC reviewers because there’s no way in hell there should be so many five star reviews. I enjoyed the first book in this series and have read it multiple times, and the second book wasn’t terrible, so I very much looked forward to this and wanted to like it. I think this is the last in the series I’ll get through though. So many things irked me about this book. So many things.
6% into the book, I thought “are you serious?” Max tells Layla he hates the nickname she’s given him and in her thoughts, she explains why. Two seconds later, Layla’s complaining to her mom that she hates the nickname her mom gave her as a kid and still uses, and that she wished she’d stop using it. Huh? Pot, meet Kettle.
Layla, who’d been raped some years prior, agrees to meet a stranger in a hotel room for sex -and agrees to immediately be blindfolded and doesn’t see his face AT ALL during the entire encounter. What?! So many horrible possible scenarios ran through my head at the ridiculousness of it all that I couldn’t even find anything to appreciate about the scene. It was just weird.
Max gets a whiff that a player on another team must’ve been a dick to Layla somehow so he does his detective work to figure it out and then pesters Layla for details about what happened. She asks him to drop it. He continues to pester her because he knows something big-ish MUST have happened. She asks him to drop it. He continues. My God! Because who doesn’t want some relative stranger, still somewhat asshole to keep hounding you about traumatic life event even thought you’ve asked him to stop? It wasn’t cute in an alpha male protective way at all. It was just invasive and borderline harassment.
Max is warned and told by everyone under the sun that he and Layla are incredibly obvious with their relationship and that he needs to back off. Does he? Of course not. Does he even discuss it with her? Of course not. He doubles down.
This book contradicts itself and is so repetitive, but not in a simply repeating information sort of way. It’s in a “I swear I just read this entire conversation (albeit worded a little differently) a few chapters ago.” About 60% in, I really started skimming through chapters and was somehow still pissed off with the sections I read. There were so many other things that drove me insane that I’d love to detail, but I’ll stop there.
The more I think about this book, the more pissed off I am. This should’ve been a DNF very early on for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
I don't understand anything about baseball but I sure fell in love with both characters fast. Max is a grumpy 'old' player who refuses to discuss his diet with Layla who works for his team. While the rest of the team follows her meal plans, Max ignores everything from her until his coach tells him to bench him until he sees her.
Max knew right away that Layla means trouble for him, one way or another and I especially enjoyed their banter.
When they accidentally meet on a dating app and even have an ONS where Layla is blindfolded and only Max discovers it's her, things get really interesting.
Thanks for this ARC, I loved this story.
Max knew right away that Layla means trouble for him, one way or another and I especially enjoyed their banter.
When they accidentally meet on a dating app and even have an ONS where Layla is blindfolded and only Max discovers it's her, things get really interesting.
Thanks for this ARC, I loved this story.
June 19, 2026
Max + Layla
I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge first and foremost the care that was taken in this book towards gr*pe and sexual assault. The distinction between the two and the awareness of the men on this baseball team. They would literally go to bat for Layla. There is brief mention of it and throughout the book our MMC was a green flag waving protecting Layla. Layla didn't want to share the details at first but as our MCs got closer over the book she finally told the Coach and Max what happened.
Layla gives and good as she gets with Max. She puts him in his place, makes him try new foods, and she lets him in when most people wouldn't get past her walls. These two were made for one another. Max might be difficult but he had his reasons... I love fried chicken too!!
I really enjoyed our MCs interactions and how it wasn't all about intimacy but about them getting to know one another and spending time.
I received this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge first and foremost the care that was taken in this book towards gr*pe and sexual assault. The distinction between the two and the awareness of the men on this baseball team. They would literally go to bat for Layla. There is brief mention of it and throughout the book our MMC was a green flag waving protecting Layla. Layla didn't want to share the details at first but as our MCs got closer over the book she finally told the Coach and Max what happened.
Layla gives and good as she gets with Max. She puts him in his place, makes him try new foods, and she lets him in when most people wouldn't get past her walls. These two were made for one another. Max might be difficult but he had his reasons... I love fried chicken too!!
I really enjoyed our MCs interactions and how it wasn't all about intimacy but about them getting to know one another and spending time.
I received this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
June 24, 2026
Layla and Max are perfect
So so good. It was all perfection in a book. The tropes, the main characters, the chemistry, the passion. I love it all. It was absolutely amazing! I loved everything. Definitely a home run (see what I did there? Hahaha). 20% into the story and I was invested, couldn’t stop reading. Love Layla and her personality, her bubbly happy self. Love how her sunshine lights up the darkness heart in Max. I love him grumpy. The nicknames are perfect 😍 Their first encounter was spectacular! Love every second of it. The banter of the teammates and how they care of each other is amazing. This series keeps getting better and better with each book. Can’t wait for the next one.
So so good. It was all perfection in a book. The tropes, the main characters, the chemistry, the passion. I love it all. It was absolutely amazing! I loved everything. Definitely a home run (see what I did there? Hahaha). 20% into the story and I was invested, couldn’t stop reading. Love Layla and her personality, her bubbly happy self. Love how her sunshine lights up the darkness heart in Max. I love him grumpy. The nicknames are perfect 😍 Their first encounter was spectacular! Love every second of it. The banter of the teammates and how they care of each other is amazing. This series keeps getting better and better with each book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy
I received this book as an ARC, and at 30% had to stop reading it because of the author’s use of “fucktard” multiple times. As a special education teacher along with a loved one with a disability, I do not condone any version of the r-word, and would expect the same from an author whose second book in this series is about two autistic people.
I honestly feel like the author needs to evaluate who she’s using for beta readers if not a single person found issue with using that slur multiple times throughout the book.
With that, I did reach out to the author who has assured me that the problematic language has been removed and changed to “fucknugget”. In the future, I hope more thought is put into their writing, as they didn’t see the use of fucktard as problematic.
I honestly feel like the author needs to evaluate who she’s using for beta readers if not a single person found issue with using that slur multiple times throughout the book.
With that, I did reach out to the author who has assured me that the problematic language has been removed and changed to “fucknugget”. In the future, I hope more thought is put into their writing, as they didn’t see the use of fucktard as problematic.
June 27, 2026
loved this book!
I read this book in 24 hours. It was fantastic. I loved the push and pull from the main characters and I loved how the family stood up for one of their own! This was a great story, another great book by Jennifer Williams!
I read this book in 24 hours. It was fantastic. I loved the push and pull from the main characters and I loved how the family stood up for one of their own! This was a great story, another great book by Jennifer Williams!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⚾🥗❤️ The Grump Who Fell First And Never Stood A Chance ❤️🥗⚾
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cooking Up A Curveball completely stole my heart.
I love a grumpy hero, but there is something extra special about a grumpy hero who falls first, falls hard, and never fully recovers. Max Callahan started this book testing my patience and ended it firmly on my Book Boyfriend Shelf.
Max is a professional baseball player who is less than thrilled about being traded to Colorado. He's counting down the days until retirement, refusing to connect with his new teammates, and living almost entirely on fried food and stubbornness. Unfortunately for him, Layla Holmes has been hired as the team's nutritionist, and she's determined to get him to follow her meal plans whether he likes it or not.
The banter between these two was one of my favorite parts of the entire book. Layla constantly calling the grumpiest man alive "Sunshine" never stopped being funny, and their nicknames for each other had me smiling every time they appeared on the page.
What surprised me most was how much I fell in love with Max. Beneath all the grumpiness was a man who cared deeply, loved fiercely, and would do absolutely anything for the people who mattered to him. Watching him slowly let his walls down and realize just how much Layla meant to him was one of the best parts of the story.
Layla was equally wonderful. She was strong, resilient, and determined to build a future for herself despite everything she'd been through. I loved that she never allowed her past to define her, and I appreciated how thoughtfully Jennifer Williams handled her trauma throughout the story.
The chemistry between Max and Layla was fantastic. The banter was sharp, the tension was delicious, and once these two finally gave in to their feelings, the sparks absolutely flew.
One thing Jennifer Williams continues to do so well is balance romance with meaningful real-world topics. The discussion surrounding sexual harassment and assault was handled with care and compassion while still allowing Layla's strength and resilience to shine through. It added an emotional depth to the story that made me love it even more.
I also loved the found family aspects throughout the book. The Raptors team quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story, and watching everyone rally around Layla when she needed support was incredibly heartwarming.
And can we talk about Max leaving his cologne on her nightstand with a note telling her to spray it when she missed him?
Because I have not recovered.
Cooking Up A Curveball was funny, emotional, swoony, spicy, and impossible to put down. Between the banter, the chemistry, the emotional depth, and a hero who falls completely and unapologetically in love, this book delivered everything I wanted from a sports romance.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, workplace romance, baseball players who fall hard, found family, protective heroes, and strong heroines, this one absolutely deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜📚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cooking Up A Curveball completely stole my heart.
I love a grumpy hero, but there is something extra special about a grumpy hero who falls first, falls hard, and never fully recovers. Max Callahan started this book testing my patience and ended it firmly on my Book Boyfriend Shelf.
Max is a professional baseball player who is less than thrilled about being traded to Colorado. He's counting down the days until retirement, refusing to connect with his new teammates, and living almost entirely on fried food and stubbornness. Unfortunately for him, Layla Holmes has been hired as the team's nutritionist, and she's determined to get him to follow her meal plans whether he likes it or not.
The banter between these two was one of my favorite parts of the entire book. Layla constantly calling the grumpiest man alive "Sunshine" never stopped being funny, and their nicknames for each other had me smiling every time they appeared on the page.
What surprised me most was how much I fell in love with Max. Beneath all the grumpiness was a man who cared deeply, loved fiercely, and would do absolutely anything for the people who mattered to him. Watching him slowly let his walls down and realize just how much Layla meant to him was one of the best parts of the story.
Layla was equally wonderful. She was strong, resilient, and determined to build a future for herself despite everything she'd been through. I loved that she never allowed her past to define her, and I appreciated how thoughtfully Jennifer Williams handled her trauma throughout the story.
The chemistry between Max and Layla was fantastic. The banter was sharp, the tension was delicious, and once these two finally gave in to their feelings, the sparks absolutely flew.
One thing Jennifer Williams continues to do so well is balance romance with meaningful real-world topics. The discussion surrounding sexual harassment and assault was handled with care and compassion while still allowing Layla's strength and resilience to shine through. It added an emotional depth to the story that made me love it even more.
I also loved the found family aspects throughout the book. The Raptors team quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story, and watching everyone rally around Layla when she needed support was incredibly heartwarming.
And can we talk about Max leaving his cologne on her nightstand with a note telling her to spray it when she missed him?
Because I have not recovered.
Cooking Up A Curveball was funny, emotional, swoony, spicy, and impossible to put down. Between the banter, the chemistry, the emotional depth, and a hero who falls completely and unapologetically in love, this book delivered everything I wanted from a sports romance.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, workplace romance, baseball players who fall hard, found family, protective heroes, and strong heroines, this one absolutely deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jennifer's books just keep getting better, and this one is no exception. I especially loved this novel because it threw a great curveball.
Baseball star Max Callahan is on the verge of retirement and has just been transferred to the Colorado Raptors—a move away from the Californian team he wanted to stay with. Grumpy about the deal, he avoids getting to know his new teammates. To make matters worse, the team's nutritionist, Layla Holmes, constantly hounds him about his meal plan, only further irritating the fried-chicken-loving player and sparking entertaining banter between the two.
Layla doesn’t hold back and takes joy in irritating him, especially by calling him "Sunshine" when he most certainly is not. As an intriguing character, she hides a deep fear that someone from her past—who did far more than just harass her—will reappear to cause more trauma. In a way, her preference for no-strings-attached intimacy with strangers counterbalances the trauma she experienced.
Just over a quarter of the way through the book, we find out how spicy these meetups get, and I loved every moment because of who her lover is (and she has no idea!). I felt all the emotions while reading this book. I laughed, I smiled, and I felt anger at what Layla went through at her old job because no one took the time to listen to her or believe her when she spoke up.
Jennifer’s books are unique in that she writes to educate readers and raise awareness about critical subjects that should not be ignored, especially violence against women. For this, I applaud her.
While I loved the romance, I especially cherished how Max, the coach, and the whole Raptors team rallied to protect Layla from her harasser. The subject matter was serious, but I appreciated how Jennifer balanced it with humorous moments of Max and the team making this unlikeable character deeply uncomfortable.
I loved the unexpected character appearances from previous books in the Mile High series. I am definitely on board for whatever Jennifer serves up next.
Baseball star Max Callahan is on the verge of retirement and has just been transferred to the Colorado Raptors—a move away from the Californian team he wanted to stay with. Grumpy about the deal, he avoids getting to know his new teammates. To make matters worse, the team's nutritionist, Layla Holmes, constantly hounds him about his meal plan, only further irritating the fried-chicken-loving player and sparking entertaining banter between the two.
Layla doesn’t hold back and takes joy in irritating him, especially by calling him "Sunshine" when he most certainly is not. As an intriguing character, she hides a deep fear that someone from her past—who did far more than just harass her—will reappear to cause more trauma. In a way, her preference for no-strings-attached intimacy with strangers counterbalances the trauma she experienced.
Just over a quarter of the way through the book, we find out how spicy these meetups get, and I loved every moment because of who her lover is (and she has no idea!). I felt all the emotions while reading this book. I laughed, I smiled, and I felt anger at what Layla went through at her old job because no one took the time to listen to her or believe her when she spoke up.
Jennifer’s books are unique in that she writes to educate readers and raise awareness about critical subjects that should not be ignored, especially violence against women. For this, I applaud her.
While I loved the romance, I especially cherished how Max, the coach, and the whole Raptors team rallied to protect Layla from her harasser. The subject matter was serious, but I appreciated how Jennifer balanced it with humorous moments of Max and the team making this unlikeable character deeply uncomfortable.
I loved the unexpected character appearances from previous books in the Mile High series. I am definitely on board for whatever Jennifer serves up next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ // 3🌶
In this steamy, sporty romance, we follow professional baseball player Max, who at 35, was traded to a new team. A team with not the most outstanding stats. This trade was not by his choice and came as a suprise - as he hoped to end his career with his former team in the sunny california. With the trade happening at the end of last season, the big change in climate and the cold winter, Max turned into a grumpy, closed off man. He is not planning to make this his home, or to get to know his teammates personally. He is set in his ways, and is not planning to change his lifestyle for anyone. When at the start of the year a new nutritionist is hired, he is not planning to follow her meal plan. He likes his food fried, and veggies are not for him.
Layla is passionate about food and loves working with the players helping them to devellop a healthy lifestyle. And when these meal plans help the players to improve their stats on the field, she takes pride in that (in a humble way). She is kind, brave and determined to leave her rocky past behind. There is one problem though, Max is not open to any tips whatsoever. When coach forces his hand, taking him of the roster if refusing to work with Layla, it does not go without any bumps. However, getting to look behind his grumpy facade, she sees that behind his grumpy facade, there is this walking green flag of a man.
When fate brings them together in more than one way, and ghosts of the past see the light, they both learn the other one is becoming a very important person to them. There is only one catch though, they are forbidden by their contract to date each other. She can not lose this job, neither does he want to cause trouble as his contract ends with this season, but can they stay "just" friends?
This book has the best banter, passionate tension and laugh out loud humor. It was my first book by Williams, but it will definetly not be my last! The witty humor, the (assumably) throwbacks to the former books of the series in the funniest group chats, the passion and green flag MCs are all on point. I could not put the book down, and truely loved the characters. I hope this will not be the last we see of Max and Layla, and hope to revisit the team in the next book within the series. Def recommend!
"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚" 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.
In this steamy, sporty romance, we follow professional baseball player Max, who at 35, was traded to a new team. A team with not the most outstanding stats. This trade was not by his choice and came as a suprise - as he hoped to end his career with his former team in the sunny california. With the trade happening at the end of last season, the big change in climate and the cold winter, Max turned into a grumpy, closed off man. He is not planning to make this his home, or to get to know his teammates personally. He is set in his ways, and is not planning to change his lifestyle for anyone. When at the start of the year a new nutritionist is hired, he is not planning to follow her meal plan. He likes his food fried, and veggies are not for him.
Layla is passionate about food and loves working with the players helping them to devellop a healthy lifestyle. And when these meal plans help the players to improve their stats on the field, she takes pride in that (in a humble way). She is kind, brave and determined to leave her rocky past behind. There is one problem though, Max is not open to any tips whatsoever. When coach forces his hand, taking him of the roster if refusing to work with Layla, it does not go without any bumps. However, getting to look behind his grumpy facade, she sees that behind his grumpy facade, there is this walking green flag of a man.
When fate brings them together in more than one way, and ghosts of the past see the light, they both learn the other one is becoming a very important person to them. There is only one catch though, they are forbidden by their contract to date each other. She can not lose this job, neither does he want to cause trouble as his contract ends with this season, but can they stay "just" friends?
This book has the best banter, passionate tension and laugh out loud humor. It was my first book by Williams, but it will definetly not be my last! The witty humor, the (assumably) throwbacks to the former books of the series in the funniest group chats, the passion and green flag MCs are all on point. I could not put the book down, and truely loved the characters. I hope this will not be the last we see of Max and Layla, and hope to revisit the team in the next book within the series. Def recommend!
"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚" 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cooking Up A Curveball by Jennifer J. Williams
Mile High Spots Series #3
~ What is more important…a job or following your heart? Layla has a lot to contemplate while remaining professional, meeting the nutritional needs of a baseball team, and trying to avoid breaking the no-fraternization clause of her contract ~
What I liked:
* Layla Holmes: nutritionist, professional, committed, knowledgeable, concerned with the health of the team, focused, owns two guinea pigs, had an issue in the past with a player, attracted to Max
* Max Callahan: professional baseball player, outfielder, recently traded and not thrilled with the move, trouble settling in, has poor eating habits, grumpy, protective, attracted to Layla
* The chemistry between Layla and Max, their steamy interactions, and the way they respected and communicated with one another throughout the story
* Getting to know some of the team and watching the dynamics develop as Max finds his place in the group
* The support the team has for one another and how they were there for Layla and Max – they are like a family and consider one another as such
* The way Layla gradually impacts Max and others on the team as she wins them over to healthier eating plans
* The guinea pig group that Max introduced Layla to
* The team management and owner that were team oriented and willing to get facts before acting on situations
* That I came to care about the characters and felt they were perfect for and with one another
* Thinking about who will be next up for a book of their own
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Javier Morales – an entitled, obnoxious, despicable human being who is also a baseball player that had a very negative and harmful relationship with Layla in the past – so glad Karma dealt with him
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Mile High Spots Series #3
~ What is more important…a job or following your heart? Layla has a lot to contemplate while remaining professional, meeting the nutritional needs of a baseball team, and trying to avoid breaking the no-fraternization clause of her contract ~
What I liked:
* Layla Holmes: nutritionist, professional, committed, knowledgeable, concerned with the health of the team, focused, owns two guinea pigs, had an issue in the past with a player, attracted to Max
* Max Callahan: professional baseball player, outfielder, recently traded and not thrilled with the move, trouble settling in, has poor eating habits, grumpy, protective, attracted to Layla
* The chemistry between Layla and Max, their steamy interactions, and the way they respected and communicated with one another throughout the story
* Getting to know some of the team and watching the dynamics develop as Max finds his place in the group
* The support the team has for one another and how they were there for Layla and Max – they are like a family and consider one another as such
* The way Layla gradually impacts Max and others on the team as she wins them over to healthier eating plans
* The guinea pig group that Max introduced Layla to
* The team management and owner that were team oriented and willing to get facts before acting on situations
* That I came to care about the characters and felt they were perfect for and with one another
* Thinking about who will be next up for a book of their own
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Javier Morales – an entitled, obnoxious, despicable human being who is also a baseball player that had a very negative and harmful relationship with Layla in the past – so glad Karma dealt with him
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 19, 2026
🩷⚾ This woman makes me irrationally feral. ⚾🩷
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is Love.” — Socrates 🤍
I'm torn about this one 💭
I love all of Jennifer J. Williams's books, and I really enjoyed this one too, but it included one trope that's very hard for me to read 🥺
First, the things I loved 😍
I really enjoyed Max and Layla's story and the way their enemies to lovers relationship developed 💖 Their chemistry was 🔥 and I really loved that Layla never let Max walk all over her. Even when he made things difficult for her, she stood her ground and gave it right back to him 😁😉
Layla was such a strong heroine 👏🏻
She was confident, focused on her career, and knew exactly what she wanted.
I loved watching her go after her goals 🥑🫘🥗
Max was an interesting MMC ⚾😏🥵
He might be grumpy with everyone else, but he had such a soft spot for Layla 🥹
I loved how protective, caring, and supportive he was when it really mattered 🤍
I also loved the baseball team ⚾️😍
The friendship and support between the players added so much to the story, and
I always enjoy seeing that kind of found family dynamic 🙌🏻
The reason this wasn't a five-star read for me is that the book includes themes of sexual abuse and non-consensual sexual experiences. This is a personal trigger for me and something I struggle with in romance novels 🥺😔
I read romance to escape, relax, and enjoy a love story 📚✨💕 Because of that, I found it hard to stop thinking about those parts of the book, and they affected my overall reading experience 😢
That said, this is completely a matter of personal preference, and other readers may not feel the same way 🩶
If you enjoy baseball romance, grumpy and sunshine, hidden identity, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, this book may be exactly what you're looking for ❤️⚾️
📖 Cooking up a Curveball by Jennifer J. Williams (ARC) 🩷
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is Love.” — Socrates 🤍
I'm torn about this one 💭
I love all of Jennifer J. Williams's books, and I really enjoyed this one too, but it included one trope that's very hard for me to read 🥺
First, the things I loved 😍
I really enjoyed Max and Layla's story and the way their enemies to lovers relationship developed 💖 Their chemistry was 🔥 and I really loved that Layla never let Max walk all over her. Even when he made things difficult for her, she stood her ground and gave it right back to him 😁😉
Layla was such a strong heroine 👏🏻
She was confident, focused on her career, and knew exactly what she wanted.
I loved watching her go after her goals 🥑🫘🥗
Max was an interesting MMC ⚾😏🥵
He might be grumpy with everyone else, but he had such a soft spot for Layla 🥹
I loved how protective, caring, and supportive he was when it really mattered 🤍
I also loved the baseball team ⚾️😍
The friendship and support between the players added so much to the story, and
I always enjoy seeing that kind of found family dynamic 🙌🏻
The reason this wasn't a five-star read for me is that the book includes themes of sexual abuse and non-consensual sexual experiences. This is a personal trigger for me and something I struggle with in romance novels 🥺😔
I read romance to escape, relax, and enjoy a love story 📚✨💕 Because of that, I found it hard to stop thinking about those parts of the book, and they affected my overall reading experience 😢
That said, this is completely a matter of personal preference, and other readers may not feel the same way 🩶
If you enjoy baseball romance, grumpy and sunshine, hidden identity, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, this book may be exactly what you're looking for ❤️⚾️
📖 Cooking up a Curveball by Jennifer J. Williams (ARC) 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4/5⭐
Tropes
🩷Baseball Romance
🩷Grumpy/Sunshine
🩷workplace/ Forced Proximity
🩷Secret Identity
🩷"Who hurt you"
First and foremost I would like to thank Author Jennifer J Williams for giving me the ARC of the book I'm truly grateful
This man single-handedly went from "he is pissing me off" to "HAWT DAYUM" so fast I got emotional whiplash.
When I first read the blurb, I knew I needed to pick this one up. And can I just say? There is something about an older man that is always HOTTTT. Something about that energy just screams *I know what I want*, and honestly? That's the kind of confidence I want in a man. I said what I said.
This story follows Max Callahan, a professional baseball player, and Layla Holmes, the nutritionist for his team. At the beginning, Max was testing my patience. This man had "grumpy" written all over him, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to jump into the book and knock some sense into him with his own baseball bat.
But mannnn, did he make up for it.
The way he was completely gone for Layla from the very beginning had me kicking my feet. My guy wasn't breathing oxygen anymore—he was breathing Layla. He was down catastrophically, and I loved every second of it.
The way he cared for her, protected her, and constantly wanted the best for her made me melt. This man fell in love long before he realized it, and watching that unfold was everything. The possessiveness? The obsession? The yearning? Sign me up.
And then there's Layla.
I absolutely loved her character. She was strong, confident, and never let Max get away with his nonsense. The way she calls him "Sunshine" when he is literally the grumpiest man alive just to annoy him had me laughing every single time. Their dynamic was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book.
The chemistry between them was chef's kiss. The banter was bantering. The spice was spicing. The tension was tensioning. Everything just worked.
I also loved the found family aspects and the forbidden energy woven throughout the story. Both characters found themselves gravitating toward each other even when they knew they probably shouldn't, and that made their romance even more enjoyable to watch.
The only thing that didn't fully work for me was the secret identity storyline. I expected a little more from that aspect, and it ended up feeling slightly underdeveloped compared to the rest of the book.
Overall, I had such a fun time reading this. If you're looking for a quick romance packed with banter, chemistry, spice, found family, and a grumpy baseball player who falls hard, then I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Tropes
🩷Baseball Romance
🩷Grumpy/Sunshine
🩷workplace/ Forced Proximity
🩷Secret Identity
🩷"Who hurt you"
First and foremost I would like to thank Author Jennifer J Williams for giving me the ARC of the book I'm truly grateful
This man single-handedly went from "he is pissing me off" to "HAWT DAYUM" so fast I got emotional whiplash.
When I first read the blurb, I knew I needed to pick this one up. And can I just say? There is something about an older man that is always HOTTTT. Something about that energy just screams *I know what I want*, and honestly? That's the kind of confidence I want in a man. I said what I said.
This story follows Max Callahan, a professional baseball player, and Layla Holmes, the nutritionist for his team. At the beginning, Max was testing my patience. This man had "grumpy" written all over him, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to jump into the book and knock some sense into him with his own baseball bat.
But mannnn, did he make up for it.
The way he was completely gone for Layla from the very beginning had me kicking my feet. My guy wasn't breathing oxygen anymore—he was breathing Layla. He was down catastrophically, and I loved every second of it.
The way he cared for her, protected her, and constantly wanted the best for her made me melt. This man fell in love long before he realized it, and watching that unfold was everything. The possessiveness? The obsession? The yearning? Sign me up.
And then there's Layla.
I absolutely loved her character. She was strong, confident, and never let Max get away with his nonsense. The way she calls him "Sunshine" when he is literally the grumpiest man alive just to annoy him had me laughing every single time. Their dynamic was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book.
The chemistry between them was chef's kiss. The banter was bantering. The spice was spicing. The tension was tensioning. Everything just worked.
I also loved the found family aspects and the forbidden energy woven throughout the story. Both characters found themselves gravitating toward each other even when they knew they probably shouldn't, and that made their romance even more enjoyable to watch.
The only thing that didn't fully work for me was the secret identity storyline. I expected a little more from that aspect, and it ended up feeling slightly underdeveloped compared to the rest of the book.
Overall, I had such a fun time reading this. If you're looking for a quick romance packed with banter, chemistry, spice, found family, and a grumpy baseball player who falls hard, then I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
June 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cooking Up a Curveball ARC Review
🌶️ Spice level: 3.5/5
I’m so happy I stumbled across this author completely by chance. This book is such a sweet contemporary romance treat, and just like I predicted in my previous post… this is a massive new favorite.
I really feel like romance is lacking strong couples in their 30s+, and I truly hope this book gets the attention it deserves and becomes a must-read.
The story tackles some heavy themes that are introduced right from the first page, so definitely check the trigger warnings beforehand. One aspect I especially appreciated—because I still feel it’s not talked about enough—was the discussion around sexual assault in high-level sports and how easily athletes can sometimes get away with it.
And our female main character is simply incredible: strong, joyful, grounded. Despite everything she’s been through, she remains a true ray of sunshine for the people around her.
One of my favorite parts was the amazing team she meets while working as their nutritionist. Such a comforting found family dynamic. I think some of the guys even have their own books, and I’ll definitely be looking into them!
As for Max and Layla… they are HOT. They’re adults, they know exactly what they want, and honestly, it was so refreshing to read. Max is absolutely future book boyfriend material—and for good reason.
Run and grab this book when it releases tomorrow! This author,deserves so much more recognition than she already has, and I’ll be more than happy to pick up her next story.
Tropes:
• Forbidden romance
• Workplace romance
• Sports romance
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• He falls first
https://www.instagram.com/justanother...
🌶️ Spice level: 3.5/5
I’m so happy I stumbled across this author completely by chance. This book is such a sweet contemporary romance treat, and just like I predicted in my previous post… this is a massive new favorite.
I really feel like romance is lacking strong couples in their 30s+, and I truly hope this book gets the attention it deserves and becomes a must-read.
The story tackles some heavy themes that are introduced right from the first page, so definitely check the trigger warnings beforehand. One aspect I especially appreciated—because I still feel it’s not talked about enough—was the discussion around sexual assault in high-level sports and how easily athletes can sometimes get away with it.
And our female main character is simply incredible: strong, joyful, grounded. Despite everything she’s been through, she remains a true ray of sunshine for the people around her.
One of my favorite parts was the amazing team she meets while working as their nutritionist. Such a comforting found family dynamic. I think some of the guys even have their own books, and I’ll definitely be looking into them!
As for Max and Layla… they are HOT. They’re adults, they know exactly what they want, and honestly, it was so refreshing to read. Max is absolutely future book boyfriend material—and for good reason.
Run and grab this book when it releases tomorrow! This author,deserves so much more recognition than she already has, and I’ll be more than happy to pick up her next story.
Tropes:
• Forbidden romance
• Workplace romance
• Sports romance
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• He falls first
https://www.instagram.com/justanother...
June 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
First and foremost, Cooking Up a Curveball is available, NOW!!
And second, Jennifer WAS NOT holding back nothing with these two!!
The yearning, top notch. I'm usually not a fan of secret identities but this one was 🤌 cause well, you'll have to read it to find out 😉
I loved all the side characters in this book. Like I really don't think this book would've been as great without those group chats. I just love me some group chat pages 😂😂
But the OVERALL takeaway from this book, was phenomenal. I am a victim of SA. And it's taken a lot of years for me to say that out loud to anyone. It always felt like my fault somehow.
I loved the light you shined on such a hard topic for so many woman and men. And the healing that you gave Layla in that. And what you had her do in the end of this book was just so healing for me and I legit cried.
I love books that make me feel all these feels and CUAC did just that but it made me feel stronger. I won't ever go after my attacker legally. Because I've come to peace with that and that it's something he has to live with daily; knowing what he did for so many years and it will be part of his judgment one day.
Cooking Up A Curveball isn't just a cutesy, spicey, romance. It's got a hard topic but it's a hard topic that I think many people will benefit from reading and hopefully heal in their own ways or feel empowered to do something either for themselves or for others.
So truly, truly incredible job, Jennifer. Thank you for allowing me this early access into Max and Layla's story. And thank you for helping me heal even more. ❤️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
First and foremost, Cooking Up a Curveball is available, NOW!!
And second, Jennifer WAS NOT holding back nothing with these two!!
The yearning, top notch. I'm usually not a fan of secret identities but this one was 🤌 cause well, you'll have to read it to find out 😉
I loved all the side characters in this book. Like I really don't think this book would've been as great without those group chats. I just love me some group chat pages 😂😂
But the OVERALL takeaway from this book, was phenomenal. I am a victim of SA. And it's taken a lot of years for me to say that out loud to anyone. It always felt like my fault somehow.
I loved the light you shined on such a hard topic for so many woman and men. And the healing that you gave Layla in that. And what you had her do in the end of this book was just so healing for me and I legit cried.
I love books that make me feel all these feels and CUAC did just that but it made me feel stronger. I won't ever go after my attacker legally. Because I've come to peace with that and that it's something he has to live with daily; knowing what he did for so many years and it will be part of his judgment one day.
Cooking Up A Curveball isn't just a cutesy, spicey, romance. It's got a hard topic but it's a hard topic that I think many people will benefit from reading and hopefully heal in their own ways or feel empowered to do something either for themselves or for others.
So truly, truly incredible job, Jennifer. Thank you for allowing me this early access into Max and Layla's story. And thank you for helping me heal even more. ❤️
July 1, 2026
If you like tropes like grumpy x sunshine, workplace romance, forced proximity, secret dating app matches, one-night stands with hidden identity, protective heroes, found family, emotional healing, and baseball romances filled with witty banter and plenty of spice, then this book might be for you but sadly it wasn't for me.
I started the story with high expectations. I read almost any trope and genre and I usually finish books very easily. I had a hard time with this one because I am failing to connect with the two main characters. I had multiple cycles of reading then stopping before I finally finished this. There were some parts of the story (dialogues, scenes etc) that didnt land well with me. There were also topics that are sensitive in nature but were just like mentioned so casually. Actions of some of the characters were a bit questionable and contradictory from my point of view as a reader.
I want to end this with the positive side. I loved the team itself and how they try to make Max feel included despite being older than them and newer to the team. The baseball team itself became one of my favorite parts of the story. Their constant teasing, friendships, and unwavering support gave the book warmth. Even if you don't care about baseball, the team dynamics make it easy to become invested in everyone.
Reading is subjective. What I feel about the story is my reaction and may not be the same as others. Not everybody has the same opinion about something. Thank you to the author for allowing me advance access to the book. All opinions shared are voluntary given and are my honest thoughts about the story.
I started the story with high expectations. I read almost any trope and genre and I usually finish books very easily. I had a hard time with this one because I am failing to connect with the two main characters. I had multiple cycles of reading then stopping before I finally finished this. There were some parts of the story (dialogues, scenes etc) that didnt land well with me. There were also topics that are sensitive in nature but were just like mentioned so casually. Actions of some of the characters were a bit questionable and contradictory from my point of view as a reader.
I want to end this with the positive side. I loved the team itself and how they try to make Max feel included despite being older than them and newer to the team. The baseball team itself became one of my favorite parts of the story. Their constant teasing, friendships, and unwavering support gave the book warmth. Even if you don't care about baseball, the team dynamics make it easy to become invested in everyone.
Reading is subjective. What I feel about the story is my reaction and may not be the same as others. Not everybody has the same opinion about something. Thank you to the author for allowing me advance access to the book. All opinions shared are voluntary given and are my honest thoughts about the story.
June 10, 2026
Cooking up a curveball by Jennifer J. Williams book review!
Tropes:
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Baseball romance
* Workplace
* Forced proximity
* Secret identity
* Who hurt you?
* Light enemies to lovers
About the book:
Cooking up a curveball is the third book in the mile high sports series.
It is a interconnected baseball romance.
It features a grumpy baseball player and the outgoing nutritionist who loves to antagonise him.
It includes spice, banter and a guaranteed happily ever after that will have you swooning.
*check triggers!*
My Ratings/review:
5/5 stars
ARC disclosure: I just want to say a huge thank you to Jennifer J. Williams for sending me an early digital copy of her newest release, I can guarantee that this will be an honest review with my thoughts and opinions.
I want to start off by saying that I loved this book and I didn’t want to put it down!
Cooking up a curveball follows Max a grumpy closed off baseball player and Layla the team’s nutritionist. Max loves all things unhealthy and refuses to work with Layla until his coach tells him he has to otherwise he can’t play, which Max obviously isn’t happy about and gives Layla a hard time.
The more time Max and Layla spends together the more he realises just how much he likes her even more so when he finds that Layla’s nutrition plan is working for him and he’s even playing better, as much as he doesn’t want to admit it. He decides that he needs to get Layla out of his head so he goes on a dating app without revealing who he is and meets up with Kale Kween they spend the night together at a random hotel only to realise that he knows who Kale Kween is and it is only the start of Max’s obsession.
What I loved:
Max and Layla’s nicknames for each other
I loved the banter in this book and the ‘karma’ it literally had me giggling and made me like the characters 10x more.
The character development in Max from the start of the book to the end was also amazing to see; you can clearly see that he cares deeply for Layla and would do anything for her.
The fact that Layla is portrayed as such a strong FMC and not weak after everything that she has been through.
The SA representation is this book was done so well; I loved how the author handled Layla’s trauma and the truth that many woman face that powerful people get to hide beside their fame and status.
My favourite quotes:
“Maybe if I knock her up men will know she’s unavailable”
“It shouldn’t make me angry to see you in another man’s arms but it does”
Max growls against my neck
Even better was the fact that he left a bottle of his cologne on the nightstand by my side of the bed. A little note beneath it said,
“Spray it when you miss me, and it’ll be like I’m holding you”
“Well played, Peaches”
“Have a good nap, Sunshine”
Tropes:
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Baseball romance
* Workplace
* Forced proximity
* Secret identity
* Who hurt you?
* Light enemies to lovers
About the book:
Cooking up a curveball is the third book in the mile high sports series.
It is a interconnected baseball romance.
It features a grumpy baseball player and the outgoing nutritionist who loves to antagonise him.
It includes spice, banter and a guaranteed happily ever after that will have you swooning.
*check triggers!*
My Ratings/review:
5/5 stars
ARC disclosure: I just want to say a huge thank you to Jennifer J. Williams for sending me an early digital copy of her newest release, I can guarantee that this will be an honest review with my thoughts and opinions.
I want to start off by saying that I loved this book and I didn’t want to put it down!
Cooking up a curveball follows Max a grumpy closed off baseball player and Layla the team’s nutritionist. Max loves all things unhealthy and refuses to work with Layla until his coach tells him he has to otherwise he can’t play, which Max obviously isn’t happy about and gives Layla a hard time.
The more time Max and Layla spends together the more he realises just how much he likes her even more so when he finds that Layla’s nutrition plan is working for him and he’s even playing better, as much as he doesn’t want to admit it. He decides that he needs to get Layla out of his head so he goes on a dating app without revealing who he is and meets up with Kale Kween they spend the night together at a random hotel only to realise that he knows who Kale Kween is and it is only the start of Max’s obsession.
What I loved:
Max and Layla’s nicknames for each other
I loved the banter in this book and the ‘karma’ it literally had me giggling and made me like the characters 10x more.
The character development in Max from the start of the book to the end was also amazing to see; you can clearly see that he cares deeply for Layla and would do anything for her.
The fact that Layla is portrayed as such a strong FMC and not weak after everything that she has been through.
The SA representation is this book was done so well; I loved how the author handled Layla’s trauma and the truth that many woman face that powerful people get to hide beside their fame and status.
My favourite quotes:
“Maybe if I knock her up men will know she’s unavailable”
“It shouldn’t make me angry to see you in another man’s arms but it does”
Max growls against my neck
Even better was the fact that he left a bottle of his cologne on the nightstand by my side of the bed. A little note beneath it said,
“Spray it when you miss me, and it’ll be like I’m holding you”
“Well played, Peaches”
“Have a good nap, Sunshine”
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Max and Layla absolutely owned my heart!! 😍🥰 I was completely hooked from the beginning and ended up devouring this book way too fast because I just couldn’t put it down.
I loved everything about these two. Layla was smart, determined and trying so hard to do the right thing, while Max was the grumpy, stubborn baseball player who had no intention of making her job easy. Their enemies-to-lovers vibes were so much fun and the banter between them had me smiling the entire time. And those playful nicknames? I was obsessed! ❤️
Max Callahan was just perfection. Beneath all the attitude and resistance was a man with the biggest heart, and I absolutely melted watching him tear down Layla’s walls while she slowly chipped away at his. The chemistry between them was insane and every look, every touch, every stolen moment had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot.
I loved how much heart this story had. It wasn’t just fun and flirty, it had emotional moments that really hit and made me fall even harder for these characters. Max and Layla just fit together so perfectly and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
And when things got spicy? Whew. 🔥🥵 Jennifer J. Williams definitely delivered because the tension leading up to it was absolutely delicious.
Cooking Up a Curveball was sweet, funny, emotional and ridiculously addictive. I laughed, swooned, smiled like crazy and fell completely in love with Max and Layla. They were everything and I already miss them. Definitely one of my favourite reads and an easy five stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Max and Layla absolutely owned my heart!! 😍🥰 I was completely hooked from the beginning and ended up devouring this book way too fast because I just couldn’t put it down.
I loved everything about these two. Layla was smart, determined and trying so hard to do the right thing, while Max was the grumpy, stubborn baseball player who had no intention of making her job easy. Their enemies-to-lovers vibes were so much fun and the banter between them had me smiling the entire time. And those playful nicknames? I was obsessed! ❤️
Max Callahan was just perfection. Beneath all the attitude and resistance was a man with the biggest heart, and I absolutely melted watching him tear down Layla’s walls while she slowly chipped away at his. The chemistry between them was insane and every look, every touch, every stolen moment had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot.
I loved how much heart this story had. It wasn’t just fun and flirty, it had emotional moments that really hit and made me fall even harder for these characters. Max and Layla just fit together so perfectly and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
And when things got spicy? Whew. 🔥🥵 Jennifer J. Williams definitely delivered because the tension leading up to it was absolutely delicious.
Cooking Up a Curveball was sweet, funny, emotional and ridiculously addictive. I laughed, swooned, smiled like crazy and fell completely in love with Max and Layla. They were everything and I already miss them. Definitely one of my favourite reads and an easy five stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great story in the Three Mile series (Denver, sports romances). I LOVE grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and Max and Layla really delivered.
Characters. There are tons of cute moments and fun banter between them, and their relarionship is well-developed. Max is an older baseball player, unhappy he got traded toward the end of his career. Layla is a nutritionist, so she is smart and hot (and younger, but not super young). I love a smart FMC, and who doesn't like food.
Story. I loved the plot, and the strength of Layla to call out the man (from a previous job) who SA'd her. She has been hurt before, but now she gets the support she (and every woman) deserves. Also, everything fits together for the plot, and the reader doesn't have to suspend disbelief. Seemed believeable to me.
Spice. This story had some spicy spice, and the scenes were hot. MMC was possessive without being a red flag himself. I have read other books where the MMC is mean or problematic to his LI, and that is not for me. Max is all about the consent and communication. That is so HOT! 🔥 Layla is also confident and has experience... AND she checked with him too, which I really appreciated.
I have read all of the 3 miles series books by this author, and I love every one. They have such great character development for the mains, and I really love the found family vibes of the teams involved. Funny moments, spice, and good stories.
Blue Lines and Lullabies has been my favorite in the series, but Cooking Up a Curveball may tie or even top it. Will be rereading for sure.
Characters. There are tons of cute moments and fun banter between them, and their relarionship is well-developed. Max is an older baseball player, unhappy he got traded toward the end of his career. Layla is a nutritionist, so she is smart and hot (and younger, but not super young). I love a smart FMC, and who doesn't like food.
Story. I loved the plot, and the strength of Layla to call out the man (from a previous job) who SA'd her. She has been hurt before, but now she gets the support she (and every woman) deserves. Also, everything fits together for the plot, and the reader doesn't have to suspend disbelief. Seemed believeable to me.
Spice. This story had some spicy spice, and the scenes were hot. MMC was possessive without being a red flag himself. I have read other books where the MMC is mean or problematic to his LI, and that is not for me. Max is all about the consent and communication. That is so HOT! 🔥 Layla is also confident and has experience... AND she checked with him too, which I really appreciated.
I have read all of the 3 miles series books by this author, and I love every one. They have such great character development for the mains, and I really love the found family vibes of the teams involved. Funny moments, spice, and good stories.
Blue Lines and Lullabies has been my favorite in the series, but Cooking Up a Curveball may tie or even top it. Will be rereading for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sunshine and Peaches
This is the third book in the Mile High series and such a frenzy of fun and chaos it was! There are themes of grumpy/sunshine, workplace drama, past assault and emotional angst but the story culminated in a sweet and spicy HEA for the two main characters.
Layla is the nutritionist for the Raptors Baseball team and genuinely loves her job in helping to bring strength and consistency through food, to the teammates. She has sadly had a tragic experience with a baseball player in the past but hasn’t let that define or silence her ability to be caring and confident. With her two gorgeous guinea pigs creating havoc at home, she lives a carefree life and that won’t change with coming into contact with the team grump.
Max is the old man on the team and refuses to allow a nutritionist to tell him what to eat, but when the coach doubles down on his ability to play if he’s not eating properly, he grumpily accedes to his coach’s wishes. Sparks fly when the grump falls hard for his peach and it’s not long before he falls for the guinea pigs as well.
This was such an enjoyable story to read filled with crazy teammate banter that became found family support, shenanigans with Muriel and Marilyn, emotional drama that was tied up nicely at the end and through it all - a fantastic and spicy love story about two broken people who found strength in each other.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me and thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
This is the third book in the Mile High series and such a frenzy of fun and chaos it was! There are themes of grumpy/sunshine, workplace drama, past assault and emotional angst but the story culminated in a sweet and spicy HEA for the two main characters.
Layla is the nutritionist for the Raptors Baseball team and genuinely loves her job in helping to bring strength and consistency through food, to the teammates. She has sadly had a tragic experience with a baseball player in the past but hasn’t let that define or silence her ability to be caring and confident. With her two gorgeous guinea pigs creating havoc at home, she lives a carefree life and that won’t change with coming into contact with the team grump.
Max is the old man on the team and refuses to allow a nutritionist to tell him what to eat, but when the coach doubles down on his ability to play if he’s not eating properly, he grumpily accedes to his coach’s wishes. Sparks fly when the grump falls hard for his peach and it’s not long before he falls for the guinea pigs as well.
This was such an enjoyable story to read filled with crazy teammate banter that became found family support, shenanigans with Muriel and Marilyn, emotional drama that was tied up nicely at the end and through it all - a fantastic and spicy love story about two broken people who found strength in each other.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me and thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
June 19, 2026
Book 3 in the series and they just keep getting better. I love seeing the other characters drop into the story.
Max completely stole my heart in this book! He starts out as the ultimate grumpy, stubborn old man on the team who lives on fried food and glares. But oh my goodness, watching him transform into a walking green flag who falls first and hard was so much fun! He is so protective, possessive, and all about consent and communication, which made me melt.
Layla is a brilliant FMC. She is so resilient, confident, and sharp-witted, and I loved that she gives as good as she gets, constantly putting Max in his place and teasingly calling him "Sunshine." Their banter is absolutely electric and so much fun to read.
The author handled Layla’s history with sexual assault and the abuse of power by famous men was done well. It was handled with such deep care and compassion, and it gave the story so much more emotion.
I love the found-family dynamic with the Raptors baseball team, their text messaging and banter so fun to read. Seeing the coach and the players instantly back-up Layla, was heartwarming - and the rogue ball was hilarious!
I felt underwhelmed by the dating app plotline; it felt really unrealistic, I mean, how did she not know!? The way it was handled at the end was a 'blink and you miss it', after being such a huge issue through the book it was a let down with how it was eventually discussed between Layla and Max.
The elpilogue was perfect for them.
💜 Baseball Romance
💜 Workplace
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 Secret Identity
💜 Who Hurt You
Max completely stole my heart in this book! He starts out as the ultimate grumpy, stubborn old man on the team who lives on fried food and glares. But oh my goodness, watching him transform into a walking green flag who falls first and hard was so much fun! He is so protective, possessive, and all about consent and communication, which made me melt.
Layla is a brilliant FMC. She is so resilient, confident, and sharp-witted, and I loved that she gives as good as she gets, constantly putting Max in his place and teasingly calling him "Sunshine." Their banter is absolutely electric and so much fun to read.
The author handled Layla’s history with sexual assault and the abuse of power by famous men was done well. It was handled with such deep care and compassion, and it gave the story so much more emotion.
I love the found-family dynamic with the Raptors baseball team, their text messaging and banter so fun to read. Seeing the coach and the players instantly back-up Layla, was heartwarming - and the rogue ball was hilarious!
I felt underwhelmed by the dating app plotline; it felt really unrealistic, I mean, how did she not know!? The way it was handled at the end was a 'blink and you miss it', after being such a huge issue through the book it was a let down with how it was eventually discussed between Layla and Max.
The elpilogue was perfect for them.
💜 Baseball Romance
💜 Workplace
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 Secret Identity
💜 Who Hurt You
June 26, 2026
We are back in the Mile High Series! Or what maybe she be renamed to the Guinea Piggies Parents series. HA! I'd love to know how the love for guinea pigs came about in these books. I find it absolutely hilarious that almost each couple now has piggies of their own and the animals personalities. Love it.
Sunshine and Peaches, which is what I shall refer to them as, were quite the read! It was definitely a bit more *SPICY* than some of her other books, so just as a warning!
The BANTER between these two was epic! I loved the sass back and forth! I loved how Peaches wasn't afraid to speak her mind, especially when Max aka Sunshine was being a grump. He was kind of a jerk at the beginning but like any golden retriever he got his act together and was green flags all around!
This book also dealt with some heavier topics, which I thought Jennifer did a very good job covering it with reality and humanity, and sensitivity. I was proud of Layla for taking back herself and her body and not letting some fictional scumbucket have any power over her.
Its kind of funny, when I was reading this book, I was in the midst of being thrown into a very restrictive low fodmap diet, so I've been researching foods and what I can and can't have and what will be best for my body. It was just a funny timing to then be reading about a nutritionist whose job was to optimize each players health. I actually found that super interesting and was wishing I had a Layla of my own to jazz up my eating plan!
Sunshine and Peaches, which is what I shall refer to them as, were quite the read! It was definitely a bit more *SPICY* than some of her other books, so just as a warning!
The BANTER between these two was epic! I loved the sass back and forth! I loved how Peaches wasn't afraid to speak her mind, especially when Max aka Sunshine was being a grump. He was kind of a jerk at the beginning but like any golden retriever he got his act together and was green flags all around!
This book also dealt with some heavier topics, which I thought Jennifer did a very good job covering it with reality and humanity, and sensitivity. I was proud of Layla for taking back herself and her body and not letting some fictional scumbucket have any power over her.
Its kind of funny, when I was reading this book, I was in the midst of being thrown into a very restrictive low fodmap diet, so I've been researching foods and what I can and can't have and what will be best for my body. It was just a funny timing to then be reading about a nutritionist whose job was to optimize each players health. I actually found that super interesting and was wishing I had a Layla of my own to jazz up my eating plan!
June 13, 2026
Max hates Colorado and doesn’t understand why he got traded from the Bridge Point Bears at this point in his baseball career. He hasn’t made a point in getting to know his teammates till his coach gives him an ultimatum: make up with the team’s nutritionist and he won’t be benched for the first game of the season. Layla is the new nutritionist who has gotten most of the team to start eating better, except for Max. When he comes to her to guarantee his spot in the game, she
I ate this book up so fast. Jennifer knows how to write a delicious sports romance with a touch of taboo. I do think they fall for each other rather fast but it is nice that they found a platonic relationship before getting into a relationship. I love that the guinea pigs continue to show up and that all the girls from the series bond over such an overlooked pet. I wish we got to see more of the relationship Layla grows with the girls but I’m sure we’ll continue to see Layla throughout the series.
There are some heavier themes discussed in this book; please check out the content warnings before reading. I think the discussions around Layla’s SA are talked about with care. I think it’s great to see that all of the men on the team are on the same page about the man that attacked her.
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary Management for giving me a chance to advance review!! I will be continuing with the series.
I ate this book up so fast. Jennifer knows how to write a delicious sports romance with a touch of taboo. I do think they fall for each other rather fast but it is nice that they found a platonic relationship before getting into a relationship. I love that the guinea pigs continue to show up and that all the girls from the series bond over such an overlooked pet. I wish we got to see more of the relationship Layla grows with the girls but I’m sure we’ll continue to see Layla throughout the series.
There are some heavier themes discussed in this book; please check out the content warnings before reading. I think the discussions around Layla’s SA are talked about with care. I think it’s great to see that all of the men on the team are on the same page about the man that attacked her.
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary Management for giving me a chance to advance review!! I will be continuing with the series.
June 19, 2026
**ARC REVIEW**
Max & Layla
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I read it so fast, i could not put it down!
Max is a grumpy baseball player who just glares at anyone and anything. The thing is, Max loves all things unhealthy and fried so he refuses to work with the nutritionist. When he is forced to work with Layla or else he doesn't play, he is now facing the snarky woman. They banter back and forth and give each other a hard time.
As they are forced to work closely together, their undeniable chemistry is getting harder and harder to resist. Trying to get over Layla, Max joins a dating app and meets the lovely Kale Kween in Chicago. They have one night of no real names or details of their lives. Only does he realize that the Kale Kween is none other than, Layla. This is only the beginning of Max's obsession with her.
Afterwards, they get to know each other better as themselves and Max becomes very protective of Layla. He falls first and HARD! Layla is forced to face some past trauma and Max goes to show her that he is there for her in anyway possible. These two are end game, they just need to figure it out for themselves.
I loved this book because of all the banter it had between each character. There are endless nicknames that Layla and Max have for one another and it just makes it that much better. if you're looking for a couple who are swoon worthy and have a quick wit, Cooking Up a Curveball is for you!
Max & Layla
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I read it so fast, i could not put it down!
Max is a grumpy baseball player who just glares at anyone and anything. The thing is, Max loves all things unhealthy and fried so he refuses to work with the nutritionist. When he is forced to work with Layla or else he doesn't play, he is now facing the snarky woman. They banter back and forth and give each other a hard time.
As they are forced to work closely together, their undeniable chemistry is getting harder and harder to resist. Trying to get over Layla, Max joins a dating app and meets the lovely Kale Kween in Chicago. They have one night of no real names or details of their lives. Only does he realize that the Kale Kween is none other than, Layla. This is only the beginning of Max's obsession with her.
Afterwards, they get to know each other better as themselves and Max becomes very protective of Layla. He falls first and HARD! Layla is forced to face some past trauma and Max goes to show her that he is there for her in anyway possible. These two are end game, they just need to figure it out for themselves.
I loved this book because of all the banter it had between each character. There are endless nicknames that Layla and Max have for one another and it just makes it that much better. if you're looking for a couple who are swoon worthy and have a quick wit, Cooking Up a Curveball is for you!
June 21, 2026
⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional: 4.5/5
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cooking Up A Curveball completely stole my attention from the very first chapter. This was one of those books that I genuinely struggled to put down because I was so invested in both the characters and the romance.
The chemistry between the FMC and Max was incredible. Their interactions were filled with tension, banter, attraction, and emotional depth that made every scene enjoyable to read. What started as professional conflict quickly grew into something much deeper, and I loved watching their relationship evolve.
Max was frustrating, charming, stubborn, and impossible not to love. The FMC’s dedication to her career and the challenges she faced added another layer of realism that made the story feel relatable and engaging.
One of my favorite things about this book was how easy it was to connect with the characters. Their struggles, fears, and hopes felt genuine, which made their journey even more satisfying.
This is the kind of sports romance that keeps you turning pages long after you planned to stop reading. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the romance, and the story itself.
If you enjoy sports romances filled with chemistry, tension, humor, and characters you’ll become emotionally invested in, Cooking Up A Curveball deserves a spot on your TBR.
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional: 4.5/5
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cooking Up A Curveball completely stole my attention from the very first chapter. This was one of those books that I genuinely struggled to put down because I was so invested in both the characters and the romance.
The chemistry between the FMC and Max was incredible. Their interactions were filled with tension, banter, attraction, and emotional depth that made every scene enjoyable to read. What started as professional conflict quickly grew into something much deeper, and I loved watching their relationship evolve.
Max was frustrating, charming, stubborn, and impossible not to love. The FMC’s dedication to her career and the challenges she faced added another layer of realism that made the story feel relatable and engaging.
One of my favorite things about this book was how easy it was to connect with the characters. Their struggles, fears, and hopes felt genuine, which made their journey even more satisfying.
This is the kind of sports romance that keeps you turning pages long after you planned to stop reading. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the romance, and the story itself.
If you enjoy sports romances filled with chemistry, tension, humor, and characters you’ll become emotionally invested in, Cooking Up A Curveball deserves a spot on your TBR.
June 22, 2026
⚾️🔥 REVIEW: Cooking Up a Curveball 🔥⚾️
Sometimes the biggest plot twist isn’t the game… it’s the person 👀
This book had me HOOKED from the first interaction. Max Callahan is the definition of grumpy, stubborn, and completely unwilling to be told what to do — especially when it comes to food 😤 Meanwhile, our sunshine FMC She’s strong, driven, and refuses to let him bulldoze her… which leads to some of the BEST banter I’ve read in a while.
The tension is IMMACULATE.
The chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS. 🔥
The slow crumble of his walls I ATE IT UP.
I absolutely loved the forced proximity moments — being stuck together on flights, in dugouts, constantly in each other’s space… it was giving ✨inevitable chaos✨ and I was living for it. And don’t even get me started on the playful nicknames and the way their relationship shifted from annoyance to something so much deeper 🥹
Max is that “touch her and you’re done” but also “I don’t care about anything… except her” kind of man and WOW did that hit. Hard.
And the emotional layer! The way he sees her beyond her walls and pushes her (even when she doesn’t want it)… yeah, I felt that.
This story is the perfect mix of:
⚾️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⚾️ Forced Proximity
⚾️ Workplace Tension
⚾️ Banter + Spice
⚾️ “This is a bad idea… but I’m doing it anyway” energy
If you love sports romance with attitude, heat, and heart — this one is 100% for you.
Final verdict: Max Callahan might just be the best mistake I’ve ever read about 😮💨🔥
Sometimes the biggest plot twist isn’t the game… it’s the person 👀
This book had me HOOKED from the first interaction. Max Callahan is the definition of grumpy, stubborn, and completely unwilling to be told what to do — especially when it comes to food 😤 Meanwhile, our sunshine FMC She’s strong, driven, and refuses to let him bulldoze her… which leads to some of the BEST banter I’ve read in a while.
The tension is IMMACULATE.
The chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS. 🔥
The slow crumble of his walls I ATE IT UP.
I absolutely loved the forced proximity moments — being stuck together on flights, in dugouts, constantly in each other’s space… it was giving ✨inevitable chaos✨ and I was living for it. And don’t even get me started on the playful nicknames and the way their relationship shifted from annoyance to something so much deeper 🥹
Max is that “touch her and you’re done” but also “I don’t care about anything… except her” kind of man and WOW did that hit. Hard.
And the emotional layer! The way he sees her beyond her walls and pushes her (even when she doesn’t want it)… yeah, I felt that.
This story is the perfect mix of:
⚾️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⚾️ Forced Proximity
⚾️ Workplace Tension
⚾️ Banter + Spice
⚾️ “This is a bad idea… but I’m doing it anyway” energy
If you love sports romance with attitude, heat, and heart — this one is 100% for you.
Final verdict: Max Callahan might just be the best mistake I’ve ever read about 😮💨🔥
June 27, 2026
Jennifer J. Williams has done it again! Cooking Up a Curveball is book three in the Mile High series and delivers the perfect blend of emotional depth, great banter, and incredible chemistry.
The dynamic between the main characters is fantastic. Max is a stubborn baseball player who is unhappy about his recent trade and makes it known. Layla is the team’s dedicated nutritionist, focused on building her career, and she seems to bear the brunt of Max’s wrath. The friction between them is instant, and so is the chemistry.
As they begin working closely together, they are also forced to spend more time together, and that’s where we see the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers dynamic come into play. What we also see is Max’s protective side, especially when he learns what Layla has previously gone through and begins to understand why she feels the way she does, particularly towards baseball players.
I really appreciate how well Jennifer handles extremely serious topics. She also provides readers with content information before the start of her books, along with resources for anyone who may need additional support.
We also get a sneak peek at what’s to come in the fourth and final book in the series, Rewriting the Rules (releasing March 2027), and I, for one, cannot wait!
You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the entire series for the full experience.
Thank you to Jennifer and the for sending me this ARC. This review is my own personal opinion x
The dynamic between the main characters is fantastic. Max is a stubborn baseball player who is unhappy about his recent trade and makes it known. Layla is the team’s dedicated nutritionist, focused on building her career, and she seems to bear the brunt of Max’s wrath. The friction between them is instant, and so is the chemistry.
As they begin working closely together, they are also forced to spend more time together, and that’s where we see the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers dynamic come into play. What we also see is Max’s protective side, especially when he learns what Layla has previously gone through and begins to understand why she feels the way she does, particularly towards baseball players.
I really appreciate how well Jennifer handles extremely serious topics. She also provides readers with content information before the start of her books, along with resources for anyone who may need additional support.
We also get a sneak peek at what’s to come in the fourth and final book in the series, Rewriting the Rules (releasing March 2027), and I, for one, cannot wait!
You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the entire series for the full experience.
Thank you to Jennifer and the for sending me this ARC. This review is my own personal opinion x
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is so good. I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between the two characters was amazing and hot.
Layla is the team’s nutritionist and this is her first time with this team. He has trouble with one player(Max) cause he hasn’t filled out his paper for her. So she can determine what options for food to give him.
Max loves to eat unhealthy food and absolutely loves his fried chicken. He doesn’t want to eat the food that Layla has for him. But when the coach says he will bench him if he doesn’t eat, he has no choice but to do it. This is where he finds out pre about Layla and how good her food really is. He starts to notice that the healthy foods are making his stats better.
On one trip away from home, he needs sex so he goes on a dating app. He matches with someone and they meet but have ex in the dark and she is blindfolded. However, he realizes it is Layla and doesn’t say anything. There is a no fraternization agreement for the team. Fast forward, he gets to know Layla more and more. Still hiding this small piece from that night.
Layla has an ex that cause problems and is making it difficult for her. Max has her and her guinea pigs moved in with him and things change for both of them. They start to learn things about each other and the management of the team finds out about them.
This does end is an HEA
Layla is the team’s nutritionist and this is her first time with this team. He has trouble with one player(Max) cause he hasn’t filled out his paper for her. So she can determine what options for food to give him.
Max loves to eat unhealthy food and absolutely loves his fried chicken. He doesn’t want to eat the food that Layla has for him. But when the coach says he will bench him if he doesn’t eat, he has no choice but to do it. This is where he finds out pre about Layla and how good her food really is. He starts to notice that the healthy foods are making his stats better.
On one trip away from home, he needs sex so he goes on a dating app. He matches with someone and they meet but have ex in the dark and she is blindfolded. However, he realizes it is Layla and doesn’t say anything. There is a no fraternization agreement for the team. Fast forward, he gets to know Layla more and more. Still hiding this small piece from that night.
Layla has an ex that cause problems and is making it difficult for her. Max has her and her guinea pigs moved in with him and things change for both of them. They start to learn things about each other and the management of the team finds out about them.
This does end is an HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
[eARC]There is just something about the way Jennifer J. Williams writes that makes me feel like her characters are my friends and I'm along for the ride and this latest Mile High instalment is no exception.
This one belongs to Sunshine & Peaches (or by their legal names, Max and Layla), and the sass and attitude between these two had me laughing throughout. Max is the grumpy old man recently traded to a new team, and Layla is determined to convince him there's more to life than a diet of fast, greasy food. Their banter is everything!
There's also a sensitive topic in this book, covered in the content/trigger warnings, and Jennifer J. Williams handled it beautifully. Layla is portrayed as such a strong woman, taking ownership of her sexuality and refusing to let her past dictate her future relationships. As for Max, from their very first interaction, when something from Layla's past comes to light, he is completely all-in and supportive. I loved him for it.
This was such a fun, engaging book to read and it really felt like catching up with a big group of friends over coffee or drinks. The Raptors really proved themselves as a found family, and I loved seeing both Max and Layla wrapped up in that.
The Mile High series has been one excellent book after another and Jennifer J. Williams has become an instant-read author for me; she always gives me exactly what I need.
This one belongs to Sunshine & Peaches (or by their legal names, Max and Layla), and the sass and attitude between these two had me laughing throughout. Max is the grumpy old man recently traded to a new team, and Layla is determined to convince him there's more to life than a diet of fast, greasy food. Their banter is everything!
There's also a sensitive topic in this book, covered in the content/trigger warnings, and Jennifer J. Williams handled it beautifully. Layla is portrayed as such a strong woman, taking ownership of her sexuality and refusing to let her past dictate her future relationships. As for Max, from their very first interaction, when something from Layla's past comes to light, he is completely all-in and supportive. I loved him for it.
This was such a fun, engaging book to read and it really felt like catching up with a big group of friends over coffee or drinks. The Raptors really proved themselves as a found family, and I loved seeing both Max and Layla wrapped up in that.
The Mile High series has been one excellent book after another and Jennifer J. Williams has become an instant-read author for me; she always gives me exactly what I need.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. Max and Layla's story delivered the perfect blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth, with an anonymous dating app connection that added so much tension and anticipation to every interaction.
I quickly fell in love with this baseball team and their found family dynamic. The banter was fantastic, the friendships felt genuine, and I loved how fiercely everyone supported Layla when she needed it most. Watching Max go from keeping everyone at arm's length to truly becoming part of the team was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Layla was easy to root for, and her guinea pigs and the girls' group chat brought so many fun moments to the book. The story also handled some heavier topics well while still delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. And Javier? The way Max hit him "by accident" had me cackling, but the fact that Javier then somehow got accidentally tripped and ended up needing surgery was the icing on the cake. Justice was served, and I loved every second of it.
The biggest win for me? No third-act breakup! The hidden identity storyline was handled in a way that felt refreshing and believable, allowing the focus to stay on the relationship and the growth of both characters.
A fun, heartfelt sports romance filled with chemistry, found family, protective teammates, and a couple worth cheering for.
I quickly fell in love with this baseball team and their found family dynamic. The banter was fantastic, the friendships felt genuine, and I loved how fiercely everyone supported Layla when she needed it most. Watching Max go from keeping everyone at arm's length to truly becoming part of the team was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Layla was easy to root for, and her guinea pigs and the girls' group chat brought so many fun moments to the book. The story also handled some heavier topics well while still delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. And Javier? The way Max hit him "by accident" had me cackling, but the fact that Javier then somehow got accidentally tripped and ended up needing surgery was the icing on the cake. Justice was served, and I loved every second of it.
The biggest win for me? No third-act breakup! The hidden identity storyline was handled in a way that felt refreshing and believable, allowing the focus to stay on the relationship and the growth of both characters.
A fun, heartfelt sports romance filled with chemistry, found family, protective teammates, and a couple worth cheering for.
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