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Cleanup Batter: Book 5 of All Aces Sports Romance Series, Reverse Age Gap, Roommates to Lovers, Teammate's Sister
Nate Reaves is the hottest new rookie on the Boston Minutemen. Because he's only 19, he's been staying with the veteran centerfielder, Austin Monroe. When Austin and his wife Ashley have a falling out, the duo ends up on the doorstep of Austin's twin sister Olivia.
Olivia is a single mom to Cooper, a ten-year-old who she struggles to co-parent with his biological father. Outside of work, and managing her son, she hasn't had time to date.
When Nate expresses interest in her, she's flattered, but can't see him as anything other than "the kid" on her brother's team. But as they share a home, Nate begins to surprise her, he's somehow wise beyond his years, even as he struggles to complete some of the more minor adult tasks.
Olivia is a single mom to Cooper, a ten-year-old who she struggles to co-parent with his biological father. Outside of work, and managing her son, she hasn't had time to date.
When Nate expresses interest in her, she's flattered, but can't see him as anything other than "the kid" on her brother's team. But as they share a home, Nate begins to surprise her, he's somehow wise beyond his years, even as he struggles to complete some of the more minor adult tasks.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy
I went into this expecting a cute baseball romance and instead got emotionally clotheslined by Nate Reaves 😭⚾
This book was SO much more tender and heartfelt than I expected. The age gap, forced proximity, single mom dynamic could have easily felt cliché but Emma McCoy made it feel soft, messy, funny, and ridiculously addictive. I devoured this in one sitting like a gremlin with a sports romance addiction.
Nate absolutely stole my heart. I don’t care that he’s nineteen, this man had me SWOONING. Yes, he’s still figuring life out and some of his “adulting” moments were genuinely hilarious, but underneath all of that was this deeply caring, emotionally intelligent guy who loved so openly it hurt. The way he was with Cooper?? Immediate puddle on the floor. Not in an over-the-top fake perfect way either. He was patient, playful, awkward at times, and trying so hard. It felt real.
And Olivia?? Girl, I GOT you. Exhausted single mom just trying to survive, juggling work, co-parenting stress, family drama, and absolutely not looking for romance. Her resistance to Nate made total sense because of course she sees him as “the kid” at first. Watching that slowly unravel as she starts seeing the man underneath was honestly one of my favorite parts of the whole book.
The chemistry in this was ridiculously good because it built so naturally. So many quiet domestic moments. Sharing a house. Late-night conversations. Nate fitting into their little routines without even realizing it. Cooper getting attached to him. THE TENSION. It wasn’t loud or flashy. It was intimate in that dangerous way where suddenly someone feels like home before you even notice it’s happening.
Also Austin and Ashley’s chaos accidentally throwing Nate and Olivia together? Elite setup honestly 😂
What really got me though was how vulnerable Nate was beneath all the baseball star hype. Everyone sees this hot rookie athlete but underneath he’s still this young guy craving stability, affection, and somewhere to belong. And Olivia, who has spent so long carrying everything herself, slowly letting someone take care of her too? Yeah. That hit me directly in the chest cavity.
This book felt warm in the way summer evenings at a baseball field feel warm. Sticky soda cups, stadium lights, teasing banter, sleepy car rides home, and feelings growing quietly until they become impossible to ignore.
This book was SO much more tender and heartfelt than I expected. The age gap, forced proximity, single mom dynamic could have easily felt cliché but Emma McCoy made it feel soft, messy, funny, and ridiculously addictive. I devoured this in one sitting like a gremlin with a sports romance addiction.
Nate absolutely stole my heart. I don’t care that he’s nineteen, this man had me SWOONING. Yes, he’s still figuring life out and some of his “adulting” moments were genuinely hilarious, but underneath all of that was this deeply caring, emotionally intelligent guy who loved so openly it hurt. The way he was with Cooper?? Immediate puddle on the floor. Not in an over-the-top fake perfect way either. He was patient, playful, awkward at times, and trying so hard. It felt real.
And Olivia?? Girl, I GOT you. Exhausted single mom just trying to survive, juggling work, co-parenting stress, family drama, and absolutely not looking for romance. Her resistance to Nate made total sense because of course she sees him as “the kid” at first. Watching that slowly unravel as she starts seeing the man underneath was honestly one of my favorite parts of the whole book.
The chemistry in this was ridiculously good because it built so naturally. So many quiet domestic moments. Sharing a house. Late-night conversations. Nate fitting into their little routines without even realizing it. Cooper getting attached to him. THE TENSION. It wasn’t loud or flashy. It was intimate in that dangerous way where suddenly someone feels like home before you even notice it’s happening.
Also Austin and Ashley’s chaos accidentally throwing Nate and Olivia together? Elite setup honestly 😂
What really got me though was how vulnerable Nate was beneath all the baseball star hype. Everyone sees this hot rookie athlete but underneath he’s still this young guy craving stability, affection, and somewhere to belong. And Olivia, who has spent so long carrying everything herself, slowly letting someone take care of her too? Yeah. That hit me directly in the chest cavity.
This book felt warm in the way summer evenings at a baseball field feel warm. Sticky soda cups, stadium lights, teasing banter, sleepy car rides home, and feelings growing quietly until they become impossible to ignore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh wow… This advance copy was my introduction to Emma McCoy, and I’m signed up for life.
Nate and Olivia’s story… I expected to enjoy. I love a good sports romance, and while a reverse age gap is often handled ok, this was outstanding. Especially when you consider Nate’s age.
The instalove component made me laugh, but he was such a golden retriever that it was a case of ‘Man Down!’ from the minute you met him.
This brother’s teammate romance was delicious. The forbidden/off-limits vibes have you on the edge of your seat, wondering how they’ll get found out. And the reveal… well, I expected it, yet didn’t.
Add in the found family vibe, and it gave a wholesome feel… until you get the spice scenes… And oh my lord…. they were SPICY!
Love the ending. Like the rest of the story, it was gorgeous… And that speech… oh my… swoon!
I had a feeling about some potential relationships, and the author’s note at the end tells me it’s coming…. I can’t wait!
Nate and Olivia’s story… I expected to enjoy. I love a good sports romance, and while a reverse age gap is often handled ok, this was outstanding. Especially when you consider Nate’s age.
The instalove component made me laugh, but he was such a golden retriever that it was a case of ‘Man Down!’ from the minute you met him.
This brother’s teammate romance was delicious. The forbidden/off-limits vibes have you on the edge of your seat, wondering how they’ll get found out. And the reveal… well, I expected it, yet didn’t.
Add in the found family vibe, and it gave a wholesome feel… until you get the spice scenes… And oh my lord…. they were SPICY!
Love the ending. Like the rest of the story, it was gorgeous… And that speech… oh my… swoon!
I had a feeling about some potential relationships, and the author’s note at the end tells me it’s coming…. I can’t wait!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really good book. It had me gripped from the first page.
The characters were all likeable and you wanted them to find love. I laughed at several times whilst reading and it’s not that often that happens, so that made me happy.
The story flowed and kept going (without rambling on and not needed parts).
The main female character was smart, witty and had sass (which makes a strong independent woman.) The main male character was kind, hard on himself at times but only wanting the best for others. A good book boyfriend.
I liked that it was a reverse age different book and it made me look at a different pov.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Overall I would recommend this book to others. I was given an advance copy to read and I’m so happy I was, as I’ve now found another new author to keep an eye out for future books.
The characters were all likeable and you wanted them to find love. I laughed at several times whilst reading and it’s not that often that happens, so that made me happy.
The story flowed and kept going (without rambling on and not needed parts).
The main female character was smart, witty and had sass (which makes a strong independent woman.) The main male character was kind, hard on himself at times but only wanting the best for others. A good book boyfriend.
I liked that it was a reverse age different book and it made me look at a different pov.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Overall I would recommend this book to others. I was given an advance copy to read and I’m so happy I was, as I’ve now found another new author to keep an eye out for future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 5 in the series but was the first book I have read. It can definitely be read as a standalone. I don’t feel like I missed anything not having read the previous books.
The storyline between Nate & Olivia is very sweet. He is 10 years younger than her and knew she was the one the first time he saw her. She was reserved and he was patient with her. Trying to prove his love.
If you like sports romance & age-gap romance with the perfect amount of spice, this is for you! It was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read!
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline between Nate & Olivia is very sweet. He is 10 years younger than her and knew she was the one the first time he saw her. She was reserved and he was patient with her. Trying to prove his love.
If you like sports romance & age-gap romance with the perfect amount of spice, this is for you! It was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read!
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
I really loved this book! Olivia is a single mom to a little boy who meets her brothers teammate when issues with their housing occur! Nate is instantly smitten with Olivia and feels it’s love at first sight! Nate continues to show up in many ways for Olivia before she finally gives him a shot! Nate is 19 and already ready to settle down and build a life with her! Olivia clearly has some hesitations with a 10 year age gap! But despite the differences, they develop an amazing friendship and relationship!
I really loved this book! Olivia is a single mom to a little boy who meets her brothers teammate when issues with their housing occur! Nate is instantly smitten with Olivia and feels it’s love at first sight! Nate continues to show up in many ways for Olivia before she finally gives him a shot! Nate is 19 and already ready to settle down and build a life with her! Olivia clearly has some hesitations with a 10 year age gap! But despite the differences, they develop an amazing friendship and relationship!
May 19, 2026
📢 ARC Review
Book 5 of the All Aces series is a reverse age gap, single mom, baseball Romance.
Nate Reaves is not your average 19 year old. The level of maturity he shows is refreshing. From his instant love to his adulting moments, Nate had me giggling like a little girl!
And my sweet Olivia. Single mama to a baseball loving 10 year old, just trying to survive work, co-parenting with a shitty ex and dealing with family drama.
Their chemistry was off the charts and watching how they formed this little family was absolutely beautiful!
Emma keeps on giving and I'm am here for it!
Book 5 of the All Aces series is a reverse age gap, single mom, baseball Romance.
Nate Reaves is not your average 19 year old. The level of maturity he shows is refreshing. From his instant love to his adulting moments, Nate had me giggling like a little girl!
And my sweet Olivia. Single mama to a baseball loving 10 year old, just trying to survive work, co-parenting with a shitty ex and dealing with family drama.
Their chemistry was off the charts and watching how they formed this little family was absolutely beautiful!
Emma keeps on giving and I'm am here for it!
May 31, 2026
The last thing Olivia was expecting was her twin brother to divorce his wife and end up on her doorstep...with the rookie from his baseball team in tow. Now they have to figure out a routine with her 10 year old son, and rookie Nate seems too eager to help. He seems set on making Olivia his, despite the 10 year age gap. Will Olivia let Nate in and open her heart, or is the age gap too much for her?
I love the easy banter between all the characters and the steamy scenes have me swooning. I'm gonna have to go get the rest of the series!
Review of an Advanced Reader Copy Received from Author
I love the easy banter between all the characters and the steamy scenes have me swooning. I'm gonna have to go get the rest of the series!
Review of an Advanced Reader Copy Received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
thank you to the author for this ARC read!
I wish goodreads did 1/2 stars bc this was more liek a 4.5 for me. and the spice was spicin 🥵🥵 who doesn't love an FMC that is confident in herself sexually and a golden retriever MMC who melts for her? this one checked all the boxes for me. plot. steamy. hot baseball players. found family. and more!
if you need a book that will have you full of happy tears by the end, pick this one up!!
I wish goodreads did 1/2 stars bc this was more liek a 4.5 for me. and the spice was spicin 🥵🥵 who doesn't love an FMC that is confident in herself sexually and a golden retriever MMC who melts for her? this one checked all the boxes for me. plot. steamy. hot baseball players. found family. and more!
if you need a book that will have you full of happy tears by the end, pick this one up!!
May 2, 2026
I was given this arc to review by the author and this is my honest opinion. This is the 5th book of the series but definitely can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by the author and I am hooked. This book had me from the get go hook, line and sinker. Love a good sports romance and this hit it out of the park(pun intended).
May 12, 2026
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! This is the first book I’ve read from Emma and I can’t wait to read more! I love a good sports romance and I vibed so much with this book! I couldn’t put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
LOVE this entire series & this book is no exception. Devoured it in one sitting
May 21, 2026
Love it! The ending made the book. So so good.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews