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Curveball Crush
Delaney Hart built her career on control.
As the new VP of her family's company, Hart Sports, she's inherited more than just a legacy--she's now responsible for the barnstorming baseball league that's redefining America's favorite pastime.
Her first order of clean up the image of the Bat City Bashers, the league's most reckless, spotlight-chasing team.
She's ready for the challenge.
She's not ready for Weston Knox.
Her first love. Her hardest heartbreak. The man she never truly got over.
West Knox has lived with the label-the Bashers' golden boy, all swagger and scars, still haunted by the one that got away.
When Delaney steps back into his world, each of his regrets, every what-if, and all the unspoken words between them come rushing back.
Now they're stuck on the same tour, sharing late nights, lingering tension, and the chemistry that can't be coached.
Somewhere between the chaos and the comeback, they'll have to decide if love deserves another swing.
As the new VP of her family's company, Hart Sports, she's inherited more than just a legacy--she's now responsible for the barnstorming baseball league that's redefining America's favorite pastime.
Her first order of clean up the image of the Bat City Bashers, the league's most reckless, spotlight-chasing team.
She's ready for the challenge.
She's not ready for Weston Knox.
Her first love. Her hardest heartbreak. The man she never truly got over.
West Knox has lived with the label-the Bashers' golden boy, all swagger and scars, still haunted by the one that got away.
When Delaney steps back into his world, each of his regrets, every what-if, and all the unspoken words between them come rushing back.
Now they're stuck on the same tour, sharing late nights, lingering tension, and the chemistry that can't be coached.
Somewhere between the chaos and the comeback, they'll have to decide if love deserves another swing.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
13 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 4, 2026
always always 5 stars and I would never expect anything less from Cedar. Most likely my favorite Cedar book ever!!! The letter had me ugly crying in an arena!! wow Cedar👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
March 28, 2026
Thank you so much for reading my book and taking the time to leave a review. Truly, no matter your rating, I’m grateful you gave this story a chance and spent a little piece of your life with these characters. Writing can be a quiet, lonely kind of work, and readers are the part that makes it real, and makes it matter.
Your review helps other readers find my books, but even more than that, it reminds me that these pages reached someone on the other side. Thank you for turning the pages, and for letting my words have a place with you, even briefly.
Your review helps other readers find my books, but even more than that, it reminds me that these pages reached someone on the other side. Thank you for turning the pages, and for letting my words have a place with you, even briefly.
March 30, 2026
Curveball Crush Review ⚾️💔🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Feral longing, stubborn tension, and a heroine who does not come to play.
From the very first moment Delaney steps onto the page, she owns it. She comes in hot, immediately putting West and his teammates in their place—and honestly? It’s satisfying to watch. She’s sharp, no-nonsense, and carries herself with this “don’t test me” energy that made me instantly love her. She knows exactly who she is and refuses to shrink for anyone… which makes her dynamic with West even more addictive.
And West? Oh, he starts off exactly how you’d expect—a classic D1 athlete, surrounded by parties and groupies, living that reckless, ego-fueled lifestyle. But the more you read, the more you realize there’s something deeper under all that surface-level charm. The way he calls her “button”? I’m not even mad about it—it’s actually kind of adorable.
This book is very much a slow burn, and I won’t lie—it tested me a bit. The first half takes its time building tension, and I did struggle to stay fully hooked early on. But once it hits that midpoint? It clicks. The emotional stakes rise, the chemistry intensifies, and suddenly you’re fully invested.
And when West finally feels it? You feel it too:
“I want her so badly it’s stopped being desire and had started being need. It’s feral. And it doesn’t care about timing or consequences or the fact that her last name is stitched onto the same league I’m supposed to protect.”
That shift from want to need? Yeah… that’s when things get dangerous in the best way.
There are also some standout moments that completely made this book for me. West catching her in the act? Easily one of my favorite scenes—unexpected, intense, and just the right amount of chaos. And then there’s that softer, emotional side… the visit to his mom’s grave absolutely pulled on my heartstrings and gave his character so much more depth.
And this line??
“If you bolt, I’ll follow. If you fight, I’ll stay. If you fall apart, I’ll hold you through it. I’m not letting us become a ghost story ever again.”
Yeah… that one stays with you.
Overall, Curveball Crush delivers a strong heroine, a layered love interest, and a romance that simmers before it burns. It may take a minute to get there, but once it does, it’s worth the ride.
If you love:
Strong FMCs who don’t back down
Reformed playboy athletes
Slow burn with payoff
Emotional depth mixed with tension
This one’s definitely worth stepping up to the plate for. ⚾️💋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Feral longing, stubborn tension, and a heroine who does not come to play.
From the very first moment Delaney steps onto the page, she owns it. She comes in hot, immediately putting West and his teammates in their place—and honestly? It’s satisfying to watch. She’s sharp, no-nonsense, and carries herself with this “don’t test me” energy that made me instantly love her. She knows exactly who she is and refuses to shrink for anyone… which makes her dynamic with West even more addictive.
And West? Oh, he starts off exactly how you’d expect—a classic D1 athlete, surrounded by parties and groupies, living that reckless, ego-fueled lifestyle. But the more you read, the more you realize there’s something deeper under all that surface-level charm. The way he calls her “button”? I’m not even mad about it—it’s actually kind of adorable.
This book is very much a slow burn, and I won’t lie—it tested me a bit. The first half takes its time building tension, and I did struggle to stay fully hooked early on. But once it hits that midpoint? It clicks. The emotional stakes rise, the chemistry intensifies, and suddenly you’re fully invested.
And when West finally feels it? You feel it too:
“I want her so badly it’s stopped being desire and had started being need. It’s feral. And it doesn’t care about timing or consequences or the fact that her last name is stitched onto the same league I’m supposed to protect.”
That shift from want to need? Yeah… that’s when things get dangerous in the best way.
There are also some standout moments that completely made this book for me. West catching her in the act? Easily one of my favorite scenes—unexpected, intense, and just the right amount of chaos. And then there’s that softer, emotional side… the visit to his mom’s grave absolutely pulled on my heartstrings and gave his character so much more depth.
And this line??
“If you bolt, I’ll follow. If you fight, I’ll stay. If you fall apart, I’ll hold you through it. I’m not letting us become a ghost story ever again.”
Yeah… that one stays with you.
Overall, Curveball Crush delivers a strong heroine, a layered love interest, and a romance that simmers before it burns. It may take a minute to get there, but once it does, it’s worth the ride.
If you love:
Strong FMCs who don’t back down
Reformed playboy athletes
Slow burn with payoff
Emotional depth mixed with tension
This one’s definitely worth stepping up to the plate for. ⚾️💋
April 4, 2026
Curveball Crush is a beautiful story about second chances, love, and family.
Delaney, our FMC, is a strong, independent woman working in a male-dominated industry where she constantly has to prove herself. She’s built strong walls around her, refusing to be underestimated or made a fool of. Much of this stems from unresolved grief after losing her mother at a young age, shaping the way she approaches life and relationships.
Weston, our MMC, is the charming playboy with fame and fortune—but beneath that persona is someone still holding onto the one person he’s always loved: Delaney. His confidence and boundary-pushing mask the fact that he’s been trying to forget her all along.
These two once had everything. They were each other’s person, each other’s family—until Delaney ran, scared of what their future might hold. Now, they’re forced back into each other’s lives, working together despite neither of them wanting to.
This is a true slow burn. The first half is filled with tension, bickering, stubbornness, teasing, and at times, hurtful moments. I won’t lie—I found myself frustrated with how neither of them would just talk. They’re both so stubborn, both unwilling to be the first to admit their feelings. But despite that, I couldn’t help falling for them. And when they finally begin to soften, to be vulnerable and supportive with each other—that’s when they truly shine.
Their chemistry is undeniable throughout the entire book, and when things finally ignite, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Beyond the romance, this book beautifully explores family. Delaney and Noa’s sister relationship felt so real—full of teasing and tension, but grounded in unconditional support. Kyler, the protective brother, added another layer of love to the family dynamic. The Hart family’s ongoing grief and healing journey added so much heart to the story.
This is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, feel deeply, and fall in love alongside the characters. 🥰
What to expect:
💞 Second Chance
🛏️ Only One Bed
👥 Dual POV
😤 Angry Attraction
💼 Workplace Rivals
🏠 Forced Proximity
🖤 Found Family
💙 Brother’s Best Friend
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Delaney, our FMC, is a strong, independent woman working in a male-dominated industry where she constantly has to prove herself. She’s built strong walls around her, refusing to be underestimated or made a fool of. Much of this stems from unresolved grief after losing her mother at a young age, shaping the way she approaches life and relationships.
Weston, our MMC, is the charming playboy with fame and fortune—but beneath that persona is someone still holding onto the one person he’s always loved: Delaney. His confidence and boundary-pushing mask the fact that he’s been trying to forget her all along.
These two once had everything. They were each other’s person, each other’s family—until Delaney ran, scared of what their future might hold. Now, they’re forced back into each other’s lives, working together despite neither of them wanting to.
This is a true slow burn. The first half is filled with tension, bickering, stubbornness, teasing, and at times, hurtful moments. I won’t lie—I found myself frustrated with how neither of them would just talk. They’re both so stubborn, both unwilling to be the first to admit their feelings. But despite that, I couldn’t help falling for them. And when they finally begin to soften, to be vulnerable and supportive with each other—that’s when they truly shine.
Their chemistry is undeniable throughout the entire book, and when things finally ignite, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Beyond the romance, this book beautifully explores family. Delaney and Noa’s sister relationship felt so real—full of teasing and tension, but grounded in unconditional support. Kyler, the protective brother, added another layer of love to the family dynamic. The Hart family’s ongoing grief and healing journey added so much heart to the story.
This is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, feel deeply, and fall in love alongside the characters. 🥰
What to expect:
💞 Second Chance
🛏️ Only One Bed
👥 Dual POV
😤 Angry Attraction
💼 Workplace Rivals
🏠 Forced Proximity
🖤 Found Family
💙 Brother’s Best Friend
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 28, 2026
Whew... let me be the first one to tell you, I am not your typical baseball fan, I didn't even know what banana ball was until recently.. but to go into a whole world curated around it was everything you expect it to be!
For the ones who haven't read anything by this AMAZING author.. you are missing too.. the way she writes a slow burn, tension and banter is one for the story books (literally).
Delaney Hart.. the Ice Queen.. Button..control freak.. built in momma when she was still trying to grow herself grew up believing that baseball was something she wasn't supposed to love.. she wasn't supposed to fall for a man who was going to see the world living his dream. However, everything she thought she knew from childhood was wrong. She thought she wasn't supposed to grow up and live the life her mother did, but what she didn't know is that her mom wanted her to find the love that was going to outlast everything and she found that in Weston Knox.
Weston Knox.. the dugout devil.. total playboy... Mr. Mcsteamy himself (just wait until you catch the reference) and the man who is going to steal every one of your hearts and make you forget any other book boyfriend to date! He fell in love with Del when they were in college and trust me she was the one who got away. This man was determined to find his way back to her, and the lengths he goes through to get her back will have you in a perma-swoon!
Buckle up yall! Watch out for the wet floor signs needed throughout this book!!
For the ones who haven't read anything by this AMAZING author.. you are missing too.. the way she writes a slow burn, tension and banter is one for the story books (literally).
Delaney Hart.. the Ice Queen.. Button..control freak.. built in momma when she was still trying to grow herself grew up believing that baseball was something she wasn't supposed to love.. she wasn't supposed to fall for a man who was going to see the world living his dream. However, everything she thought she knew from childhood was wrong. She thought she wasn't supposed to grow up and live the life her mother did, but what she didn't know is that her mom wanted her to find the love that was going to outlast everything and she found that in Weston Knox.
Weston Knox.. the dugout devil.. total playboy... Mr. Mcsteamy himself (just wait until you catch the reference) and the man who is going to steal every one of your hearts and make you forget any other book boyfriend to date! He fell in love with Del when they were in college and trust me she was the one who got away. This man was determined to find his way back to her, and the lengths he goes through to get her back will have you in a perma-swoon!
Buckle up yall! Watch out for the wet floor signs needed throughout this book!!
April 2, 2026
amazing
Happy release day!!!!!!
Cedar hit this one out of the park ⚾️🧢🐐🏟️
I loved everything about this book! The slow burn, the heartbreak, and the emotion. Cedar writes with such a passion you can feel it in the pages. I definitely recommend reading this!!
5/5 stars
3/5 for spice
Favorite quote “Promise me you’ll find a man like your father. One whose love doesn't vanish when life gets messy. A man who builds, stays, carries the weight even when it costs him. That man will look at you as if you are both his peace and his reason.
And when you do find him... don't run. Please don't label love as a trap just because it asks you to be seen.
Let him hold you.
Let him choose you.”
Happy release day!!!!!!
Cedar hit this one out of the park ⚾️🧢🐐🏟️
I loved everything about this book! The slow burn, the heartbreak, and the emotion. Cedar writes with such a passion you can feel it in the pages. I definitely recommend reading this!!
5/5 stars
3/5 for spice
Favorite quote “Promise me you’ll find a man like your father. One whose love doesn't vanish when life gets messy. A man who builds, stays, carries the weight even when it costs him. That man will look at you as if you are both his peace and his reason.
And when you do find him... don't run. Please don't label love as a trap just because it asks you to be seen.
Let him hold you.
Let him choose you.”
April 8, 2026
4.75⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️found family
❤️second chance
❤️banter
❤️baseball romance
❤️brothers best friend
This was such a great read in every way. Great storyline as well as characters. Weston Knox had me wiping my drool off my mouth mmmmm. Delaney was def a spitfire who did not make it easy on anyone. Really enjoyed getting the flashbacks into their younger years and getting to experience their journey together throughout the story. The banter was great as always with cedars books and kept me laughing!! The slow burn tension and yearning was just chefs kiss. Loved their second chance journey and Delaney getting to find her happy again. The balcony scenes were mmm if you know you know. All and all amazing read most def reccommend.
3.5🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️found family
❤️second chance
❤️banter
❤️baseball romance
❤️brothers best friend
This was such a great read in every way. Great storyline as well as characters. Weston Knox had me wiping my drool off my mouth mmmmm. Delaney was def a spitfire who did not make it easy on anyone. Really enjoyed getting the flashbacks into their younger years and getting to experience their journey together throughout the story. The banter was great as always with cedars books and kept me laughing!! The slow burn tension and yearning was just chefs kiss. Loved their second chance journey and Delaney getting to find her happy again. The balcony scenes were mmm if you know you know. All and all amazing read most def reccommend.
April 11, 2026
ABSOLUTELY FREAKING YESSSS. I should have know cedar would write a swoon worthy rom com with amazing banter....what i didnt expect was to cry multiple times in the last 10% of the book. it made me feeeeel things and I love that in a book. with her mom with her dad. with her stepping into herself.
this is more than a rom com. this is so much more. its family its healing. the ache of knowing you wasted time thinking one thing but the truth was different.
I absolutely love the second Chance romance. del and weston are...perfection. the spice and slow burn and tension and banter is amazing. I love their love so much and weston is now my 2nd favorite cedar book boyfriend.
amazing.
this is more than a rom com. this is so much more. its family its healing. the ache of knowing you wasted time thinking one thing but the truth was different.
I absolutely love the second Chance romance. del and weston are...perfection. the spice and slow burn and tension and banter is amazing. I love their love so much and weston is now my 2nd favorite cedar book boyfriend.
amazing.
April 22, 2026
gahhhhhhh
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel at the beginning towards Delaney but I made the classic mistake of seeing so much of myself in the main character that I hesitated. Seriously it was almost eerie how similar some of the major life events we shared that formed us. But as always Cedar James made me fall in love with Delaney and gave myself a little grace in the process.
West and Delaney were college sweethearts that loved in secret until Delaney walked away and the book picks up again after EIGHT years! The smexual tension was absolutely incredible. Their reunion was a slow and suspenseful but exactly what it needed to be. Highly recommend this book!
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel at the beginning towards Delaney but I made the classic mistake of seeing so much of myself in the main character that I hesitated. Seriously it was almost eerie how similar some of the major life events we shared that formed us. But as always Cedar James made me fall in love with Delaney and gave myself a little grace in the process.
West and Delaney were college sweethearts that loved in secret until Delaney walked away and the book picks up again after EIGHT years! The smexual tension was absolutely incredible. Their reunion was a slow and suspenseful but exactly what it needed to be. Highly recommend this book!
April 20, 2026
My Hart!!
This story was so good! It may be fiction, but you could take every single thing and throw it into the real world! These type of characters exist in real life and their stories are real! Very relatable and, as always, very well written! Thank you Cedar for another banger of a good time!
This story was so good! It may be fiction, but you could take every single thing and throw it into the real world! These type of characters exist in real life and their stories are real! Very relatable and, as always, very well written! Thank you Cedar for another banger of a good time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
My thoughts: Have you ever watched Banana Ball and wished someone would turn it into a deliciously spicy love story? This is the book right here that you just have to pick up immediately and fall head over heels for West & Delaney. This story was everything and so much more. From heartbreak, grief, healing, and the love of the game. If you love sports romance with witty banter and an achingly slow burn, then this is for you.
Delaney Hart- Our FMC who loves nothing more than control comes in like a wrecking ball to "handle" West and his teammates after they have stirred up way too much trouble. She might be breaking on the inside but, on the outside, she comes off a calm, collected, and a no-nonsense attitude handing out fines like candy. Her journey was amazing to witness, and my heart broke for all the things she was fighting. Watching her navigate through grief and learning to finally let love in was beautiful. I definitely cried over "the box".
Weston Knox- Our MMC is the honorary Dugout Devil living far to recklessly with the parties, girls, and chaos. The deeper you dive into him the more you see the pain and longing he is dealing with after having his heartbroken and losing the one girl he has ever loved. When he finds out that Delaney is the one sent to handle him there is definitely a lot of push backs and fights, but I was totally living for their banter. Watching him slowly climb and break her walls down was so fun to watch and good lord the mouth on this man will have you swooning and blushing so hard.
This is a must read, and I highly recommend checking it out. It will leave you feeling all the emotions. Thank you so much to Cedar James for the chance of getting to ARC read this beautiful and fun story.
Read this if you love:
⚾Forced Proximity
⚾Second Chance Romance
⚾Workplace Rivals
⚾Only One Bed
⚾Dual POV
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
My thoughts: Have you ever watched Banana Ball and wished someone would turn it into a deliciously spicy love story? This is the book right here that you just have to pick up immediately and fall head over heels for West & Delaney. This story was everything and so much more. From heartbreak, grief, healing, and the love of the game. If you love sports romance with witty banter and an achingly slow burn, then this is for you.
Delaney Hart- Our FMC who loves nothing more than control comes in like a wrecking ball to "handle" West and his teammates after they have stirred up way too much trouble. She might be breaking on the inside but, on the outside, she comes off a calm, collected, and a no-nonsense attitude handing out fines like candy. Her journey was amazing to witness, and my heart broke for all the things she was fighting. Watching her navigate through grief and learning to finally let love in was beautiful. I definitely cried over "the box".
Weston Knox- Our MMC is the honorary Dugout Devil living far to recklessly with the parties, girls, and chaos. The deeper you dive into him the more you see the pain and longing he is dealing with after having his heartbroken and losing the one girl he has ever loved. When he finds out that Delaney is the one sent to handle him there is definitely a lot of push backs and fights, but I was totally living for their banter. Watching him slowly climb and break her walls down was so fun to watch and good lord the mouth on this man will have you swooning and blushing so hard.
This is a must read, and I highly recommend checking it out. It will leave you feeling all the emotions. Thank you so much to Cedar James for the chance of getting to ARC read this beautiful and fun story.
Read this if you love:
⚾Forced Proximity
⚾Second Chance Romance
⚾Workplace Rivals
⚾Only One Bed
⚾Dual POV
April 5, 2026
What begins as a chaotic reunion gradually unfolds into something much deeper. The emotional stakes are high. There is a fine balance of humor with grief and healing. Watching Delaney reconnect with West is deeply satisfying. Especially when old wounds are reopened and slowly stitched back together. The connection between West and Delaney immediately delivers moments of undeniable heat and tension. This book succeeds as a warm, emotionally driven story about second chances with both love and family. You will laugh, cry and say I did not see that coming! All at the same time. This story will remind you that understanding the past is often the key to moving forward. And it is deeply rewarding.
April 1, 2026
Holy tension! Delaney and West have history and are pushed back together when she becomes the VP of Hart Sports. If you love the Savannah Bananas or Party Animals baseball teams and their antics then you’ll love this book! There are so many laugh out loud moments with the banter and wow! Just wow! That nickname, Button. It just makes me swoon now. Oh and did I mention that Delaney is crowned the Ice Queen!? She has a cold heart from past trauma and grows up believing she isn’t supposed to love baseball. Except everything she thinks she knows is so wrong. Weston Knox, the dugout devil, loved Delaney back in college and is determined to find his way back to her. This one is a ride you want to get in on!
May 4, 2026
Cedar James does it again. She made characters that had me so connected with them that I laughed when they laughed and cried when they cried. Delaney’s growth in this book is next level. I was so proud of her by the end of the book. A must read!!
May 7, 2026
West. Freaking. Knox. Holy lord that man is definitely a top tier book boyfriend! Delaney I related too so so much and the way Cedar writes about grief in this is truly so special and comforting. These two take you on such a roller coaster of emotions and that slow burn/fuck it moment was EVERYTHING!!! Can't wait to start Swing and Miss now!!
April 28, 2026
Aaah I loved it!!!
April 22, 2026
I read this a few weeks ago and had to let it marinate before I write my review.
I absolutely loved the awakening delaney had through this book. Someone always in control, playing by the rules, and never loosening up to laugh/have a good time. West brought the side delaney kept hidden. Delaney calmed West down in the best ways.
Bonded by secret and bound by love.
Two broken people trying to navigate loss, life, and fear. But don't forget the second chance romance, enemies to lovers, the banter is on point, and You will fall in love with this book!
What a beautiful story Cedar thank you.
I absolutely loved the awakening delaney had through this book. Someone always in control, playing by the rules, and never loosening up to laugh/have a good time. West brought the side delaney kept hidden. Delaney calmed West down in the best ways.
Bonded by secret and bound by love.
Two broken people trying to navigate loss, life, and fear. But don't forget the second chance romance, enemies to lovers, the banter is on point, and You will fall in love with this book!
What a beautiful story Cedar thank you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Curveball crush by author Cedar James is book #1 in the Hart Sports Series! This is a second chance love story, brothers best friend, found family trope story that is surrounded around banana ball! Cedar James is the absolute queen of banter and when it’s added with spice creates a chef kiss book! There is no story out there like Curveball Crush! This is a must read sports romance!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews