The Analyst and The All-Star

Love of the Game #1

by Mel Walker

She knows the stats. He knows the game. Together, they're about to rewrite the rules of love.

Daria Holloway is the baseball world’s best-kept secret. By day, she’s an overlooked analyst in a male-dominated world that refuses to hear her voice. By night, she is "The Oracle"—an anonymous blogger whose predictions are gospel to the very men who ignore her in the daylight.

Enter Isiah "Crush" Crawford, the All-Star of a rival team who is as famous for his intensity as his talent. He's complicated, private, and the one sports figure Daria knows she must stay far away from. But when his career stumbles, the cheering crowds turn into a suffocating cage. He doesn’t need a fan; he needs someone who sees beyond the superhero cape to the man beneath it.

When Daria risks her anonymity to help Isiah find his swing, a forbidden romance ignites. But as Isiah battles his demons and Daria fights for her place at the table, they realize the hardest pitch to hit isn't a fastball—it's the curveball life throws when you fall in love.

Sometimes love means stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

A heart-stopping sports romance about finding your voice, ambition, recognition, breaking the rules, and finding someone who sees the real you - dreams, fears, and all.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


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Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓷𝓪𝓵𝔂𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓵𝓵-𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻✨
𝑩𝒚 𝑴𝒆𝒍 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒓 @authormelwalker
𝕊𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤: 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 #𝟏
•
ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕕: April 09, 2026
# 𝕠𝕗 ℙ𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕤: 642 Pages
𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖: Baseball Romance
ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: E-Book (arc)
𝔻𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕋𝕠 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕: 5 Days
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: Low
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: Medium
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: Such a well-written and easy to read book. I was fully invested in the story and characters!
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “They say believing in the impossible makes you delusional, unless you’re in a baseball stadium. Then they just call you a fan.”
& “Knowledge lets you know you can act; strategy is choosing when you should.”
& “He’s sweet. He’s kind. He’s the most dangerous man in the world for my heart.”
& “Our love knows no bounds.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 8 & 18 & 24 & 55 & 58 & 60
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Daria: I just loved her so much and her confidence!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: If you’re craving a sports romance that delivers chemistry, heart, and pure page‑turning momentum, this book needs to be on your radar.I didn’t expect this book to sweep me up the way it did! 👏🏼 It had me turning pages like my life depended on it. There’s something magnetic about the way Mel Walker writes connection. It’s soft, yet charged, and it feels so human. 🥹 This story is more than a romance; it’s about trust, healing, ambition, and choosing joy even when it feels risky. I loved every minute of it, and I’m already itching for more from this series. ☺️

[Mel Walker]

So excited for the upcoming release of The Analyst and The All-Star where you will discover what happens when the smartest woman in a man's world risks everything to save the man whose world is collapsing in front of everyone.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and this is Daria and Isiah / Crush’s story.
Daria is an overlooked analyst in a male dominated world, and by night sha is an anonymous blogger, while Isiah is a famous professional baseball player, from a rival team. When Isiah’s career takes a wobble, he needs someone that can see the man underneath his baseball career.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, with found family, friendships, emotions, challenges, tension, secrets, conflict, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and light-hearted, sports romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Chapter 55 Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartfelt story about ambition, love, and finding your place even when the world makes it difficult.

I had the opportunity to read The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker as an ARC, and this was a story that left me with mixed feelings in a thoughtful way.

The book follows Daria, a baseball analyst trying to build her career in a male-dominated industry where she constantly has to fight to be taken seriously. At the same time, we meet Isiah, a professional baseball player whose life is shaken after witnessing a traumatic accident during a game something that leaves a lasting impact on his mental health.

One of the strongest aspects of this story, for me, was how real and relevant it felt. Daria’s experience in a male-dominated space was both powerful and, at times, frustrating to read because it reflects situations many women still face today... It added an important layer to the story that went beyond romance.

I also really appreciated the way the author explored themes like mental health, trauma, and even addiction. Seeing a male character struggle emotionally and not have all the answers felt refreshing and meaningful.

The connection between Daria and Isiah develops very quickly going from zero to one hundred in just a few days. While their bond is intense and emotional, it felt a bit unrealistic to me at times, which made it harder to fully connect with their relationship.

Much of their relationship unfolds long-distance, through phone calls and emotional conversations. There is something very sweet about how they look forward to speaking to each other every day, and those moments added warmth to the story.

Daria as a character was strong and driven, but at times I found her reactions a bit intense... I did appreciate how her friend Aaliyah called her out later in the story it added balance and growth.
Overall, this is a soft, emotional story that focuses more on character and feelings than big plot twists. It’s an easy, steady read that explores important themes while telling a romantic story at its core.

Reading is such a personal experience, and while not everything fully worked for me, I could clearly feel how much heart the author put into this story! What didn’t fully connect for me might be exactly what another reader will love.

This book is for you if you enjoy:
– character-driven stories with emotional depth
– themes like mental health, trauma, and gender inequality
– slow, relationship-focused storytelling
– a softer, sweeter romance without major plot twists


If I had to put a rating on it, I’d say this sits around 3.5 stars for me.

Thank you to the author for trusting me with this story : these are my honest thoughts.

[Tamisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Final rating: 3.75/5 - a solid read; I liked parts of it but some elements didn't quite land for me

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for sending this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker is a closed-door, sports romance book that follows Daria Holloway and Isiah “Crush” Crawford’s love story. Daria is a baseball analyst who is unfortunately overlooked at her job because of her gender, while Isiah is a talented and well-respected baseball player. While they fall in love with each other, they are also learning to navigate their respective struggles – Daria with finding a seat at the table, and Isiah with battling his demons after an unfortunate accident affects his game.

I thought Isiah was a very green-flag mmc. Good head on his shoulders, obsessed with Daria, willing to give back to his community, and also willing to put in the work to grow as a player. I also liked Daria. At times, her comments felt a bit abrasive or cocky but as a fellow Black woman in a male-dominated field, I understand why she behaved that way if only to have her voice heard without hiding behind the smokescreen of The Oracle. Both these characters showed immense growth in the end – I appreciated having Daria stand up against the blatant misogyny she faced at work, and having Isiah shake off the stigma of Black men in therapy, especially for professional athletes.

The book is dual POV so I appreciated having insight from both characters. I liked their relationship as well but I felt as though it was very fast paced and intense? To Daria’s credit, she’s obsessed with Crush but on Crush’s end, I thought his feelings were incredibly deep after having known her for all of 72 hours. It didn’t seem realistic that they were willing to drop everything for each other after having just met. I wished we had gotten more time with them having a friendship before jumping into a romance but I did enjoy seeing them do life together. And I must admit that “she fell first, he fell harder” is a favorite trope of mine. I liked the author’s writing style especially when we were in Daria’s head because it felt more intimate than just reading a book, but like we were reading her diary entries. The banter and flirting between the two was witty and funny and heartfelt. However, I did think that some of the descriptions of their hug/kiss scenes were overly flowery, which pulled me out of the moment.

Overall, I really enjoyed their love story and character growth. I would recommend this book to fans of sport romance, strong Black female lead characters, golden retriever mmcs, and “she fell first, he fell harder”.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A more than baseball, gen-fic read

My Review: The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker is book #1 in the Love of the Game series. It was released on 4/9/26.

This book is described as "A heart-stopping sports romance about finding your voice, ambition, recognition, breaking the rules, and finding someone who sees the real you - dreams, fears, and all."

About the Book: "She knows the stats. He knows the game. Together, they're about to rewrite the rules of love."

In My Own Words: Two people with a shared love of the game learn to navigate internal and external challenges, even as they grow towards something deeper together.

About the Characters: The leads and the situations they found themselves in were realistic and believable. I liked them and wanted them to overcome their circumstances. The non-linear pattern the story followed gave a 360-look at the why, the what, and the how of both, which made things clearer about what lay underneath.

About the Conflict: The author did not hold back in stirring up the pot of conflict. This story carried some notable weight. Conflict points related to mental health, workplace injustice, career pressures, performance expectations, and struggles with identity.

About the Tropes:

Smart Heroine/Athlete hero
Celebrity x Normal life (Different Worlds)
Mutual respect and admiration
Banter & Slow Burn chemistry
Found Family
He falls first ... and hard
Fall from grace
Secret Identity
Baseball romance
Clark/Superman Vibes

My Final Say: I must admit that I was very interested in reading this novel for a number of reasons. One large draw was because of the author. (I am especially intrigued by male authors who write romances.) I suppose I wanted to get his take on the male + female dynamics in a relationship wrought with tension due to various factors. While I would say that this book is more of a gen fic read that is focused on the character journeys, it does have some romantic tones. The emotional elements sold me on the book. In the end, full circle growth and personal triumph come for both leads, and that is what matters.

Other: Readers who enjoy sports romances with heart and stories of facing challenges head on and moving past them with grace and growth may like this novel.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: ♡
Format: 📱
Cover: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Two Rivers Publishing, LLC), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title. I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading more books by this writer.

[Seershhhhh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Mel Walker and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

Daria, working in a male dominated environment, decides to speak up, sick of not being taken seriously. Isiah supports and encourages her. Isiah recognises how important the role of analysts in baseball, and he’s nothing but supportive, sometimes giving her the push she needs. They had an instant connection, finishing each other’s sentences, and there’s an unspoken understanding too. Especially the scene about therapy, Isiah opens up, but Daria knows what he’s not saying. She’s hearing everything. Sometimes you have to share the load with those you love, and sometimes it’s okay to take a seat back and accept help. I love Daria and Isiah, they are so adorable. They both are obsessed with baseball. I love it, and I love just how much Isiah wants her opinion and truly values it. He’s not dismissive, he knows she knows what she’s talking about.
They just GET one another, their relationship is naturally developed. There’s no nonsense, just two people going for what they want and also treating the other exactly how they should be. Isiah knows how to treat women and respect them. His mom really raised an amazing man. He is caring, loving and selfless. Even to this day, he’s supporting a shelter and his mom. He never forgot the sacrifices his mom made and always wants her to know of his love and appreciation for her. He looks up to his mom, she’s an inspiration to him.

Under it all, they are regular relatable characters. Isiah has witnessed a traumatic event and naturally it is affecting him. He is experiencing anxiety and PTSD. Daria is there for him, always letting him know it’s okay to open up and just listening and being a safe space for them.


Pacing is good, it gives us time to really watch the characters get to know each other and develop their relationship. I do personally like a longer story, where it’s a longer time period, but I still adored this book. We get really special moments, in particular with them supporting each other through difficult moments. The clear, open communication.

It is giving insta love to me but they have a really special connection, you feel it instantly. I would have loved to see more actual romance. This book is great, more romance would’ve made it a 5 star read for me.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have grown up loving baseball and have passed this love to my son as we’ve chased seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. I mention this to indicate I have a pretty high bar for baseball romances and this book exceeded my expectations!

I started this about an hour before my normal bedtime thinking I’d get a few chapters read and then finish it the next evening… several hours later it is 1:30 am I’m at 50% and still wishing I could read just ‘one more chapter’!

I loved both main characters. Daria is a brilliant analyst who has fought to be heard by the professional baseball team she has worked for the last 3 years. Meanwhile, the baseball analyst blog she has anonymously posted for 3 years is followed by almost every baseball general manager and other baseball professionals and quoted like gossip. Her frustration at being ignored because of her gender resonates.

Isiah ‘Crush’ Crawford is a superstar baseball player who is also an incredible man off the field. He has significant involvement in charitable organizations that he truly cares about. Despite his superstar profile he is a humble man who is charitable because he wants to be not for headlines.

When these two meet their mutual live for the sport connects them as soulmates, buy their romantic relationship develops mostly off page other than some flirty banter and innuendo. While in normally would prefer a spicier read, I honestly didn’t miss it because I was so engaged and caught up in the subplots - Daria’s struggle with the ‘boys’ club at work, Isiah’s struggles after the traumatic event at one of his games, and the development of their relationship.

If you are looking for a well written character driven story with a light romantic vibe set in a very baseball-centric genre then this book is for you!

This was my first book by Mel Walker but I will be checking out her other books - past and future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miranda Arjona · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4⭐️ ARC REVIEW

This story was full of love, hard work and people figuring out life together and that in itself was beautiful to read.

I had the opportunity to receive an ARC from Mel Walker and i’m so thankful because this book really had me feeling so many different emotions and that is truly what a book should do for a reader.

In this book our FMC Daria, works in a male dominated field (as a baseball analysts) she has been working hard to pave a way for herself and show all the men she has what it takes to sit at the table if they just listen to her. While at a baseball game we meet our MMC Isiah (a professional baseball player) who is loved by many especially the city he plays in.

They both face an obstacle outside of work. Daria is having some family troubles and finding a way to deal with her mother’s gambling addiction all while trying to be the glue for her parents. & Isiah witnessed a tragic accident with one of his charities. I enjoyed Mel Walker’s take on trauma and addiction something that many people deal with on a day to day basis.

The book is dual POV which I LOVEEEEE i’m a sucker for having everyone’s thoughts. I loved reading each characters thoughts on meeting one another and how they fall for each other & especially how they lean on each other without any hesitation.

The only complaints that I really had for the book was how fast our two main characters fell for each other. (don’t get me wrong I loved them together) I just wish we could have seen a friendship blossom before they jumped into dating over the span of 24 hrs ish. The second thing was this was a longer romance and I felt maybe a chapter or two was necessary.

Also the romance and relationship between our FMC and MMC is so cute and adorable I loved the long distance conversations and I loved how much they were into each other. I think that really solidified how much they were in each others corner and that added so much depth to the story.

I enjoyed the book and think you would too!! Again, thank you Mel for this ARC I can’t wait to read more!!

[SundayswithKiana (Ki) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker is a closed-door sports romance that follows Daria Holloway, a baseball analyst fighting to be taken seriously in a male-dominated space, and Isiah “Crush” Crawford, a talented player navigating both his career and personal struggles.

What stood out to me immediately was Isiah as a male lead—truly a green flag. He’s grounded, community-driven, and deeply supportive of Daria while also putting in the work to grow himself. I also appreciated Daria’s character. While her tone could come across as abrasive at times, it felt intentional and reflective of what it takes to be heard as a Black woman in her field. Watching her stand up against workplace misogyny, alongside Isiah challenging the stigma around therapy for Black men—especially professional athletes—added meaningful depth to their story.

The dual POV worked well and gave insight into both characters’ internal struggles and growth. Their relationship had strong emotional moments, and I enjoyed their dynamic, especially the banter and softer, everyday interactions.

That said, the pacing of the romance felt a bit rushed. The intensity of their connection developed very quickly, and at times it was hard to fully believe the depth of their feelings given how little time they had known each other. I would have loved to see more of a friendship foundation before the romance fully took off.

I did enjoy the writing style overall, particularly when we were in Daria’s perspective—it felt intimate, almost like reading her personal thoughts. However, some of the more romantic scenes leaned a bit overly descriptive, which occasionally pulled me out of the moment.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with strong character growth and meaningful themes. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy sports romance, dual POV, and stories featuring strong Black female leads and emotionally aware male characters—especially if you love a “she fell first, he fell harder” dynamic.

[Destinee Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy

The Analyst and the All-Star completely exceeded my expectations, and easily earned 5 stars. This is not the typical celebrity romance you might expect. It’s better. So much better.

At the center of this story is Daria, an incredibly intelligent woman fighting to be seen in spaces that consistently overlook her. Watching her struggle to get even a few minutes of acknowledgment, despite clearly being one of the most capable people in the room, was both frustrating and heartbreaking. It’s impossible not to think about how differently she would be treated if she came from a different background.

What I loved most is that this isn’t a story where someone swoops in to save her. Daria saves herself.
Yes, Isaiah recognizes her brilliance early on, but what makes this story special is that he doesn’t fix things for her. Instead, he stands beside her. His steady, unwavering belief in her becomes a quiet but powerful force. He’s not the solution; he’s the support. And that distinction makes all the difference.

Honestly, the way Daria handles higher-ups in this book needs to be turned into a masterclass. I found myself taking notes because the way she navigates those spaces is something I’d want to apply in real life.

The book also doesn’t shy away from heavier themes. It offers a very real, nuanced look at mental health, particularly PTSD and addiction, and the ripple effects those struggles have on families. There’s no quick fix here, no unrealistic healing arc. It shows the truth: healing is not linear, triggers don’t disappear overnight, and growth takes consistent effort. That honesty made the story even more impactful.

And while the romance is closed-door, the intimacy is still deeply felt. The author captures love, connection, and vulnerability in such an intentional way that you don’t need explicit scenes to feel the weight of their relationship.

This is a story about resilience, partnership, and choosing yourself while allowing someone to stand beside you as you do.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

a baseball romance like no.other. I am having trouble finding words to write this review. it's amazing. the depth this author goes into with the knowledge of the sport and truthfully the psychology of the sport gives an amazing story for two likely characters. and when I say psychology I truly mean his knowledge of the sport and how it plays a balance in the athletes life.
Isaiah "crush" as he's called is such a likeable character. he's the guy you bring home to meet the parents. so he's a professional baseball player you know that character but this author gave the reader a whole other side of Isaiah. the all around good guy who devotes his life to his career and his charity work. trust me this guy is the man you bring home.
his female character is the brains. she is a wonder woman for the baseball stats. she studies she analyzes. you want her on your team. her depth of insight into this sport well is magical. she's a misunderstood gal that the good ole boys don't take seriously. until they have to. this author gave the reader one strong female and developed a great person. and she's the girl you take home to your mother. and you know those southern mommas are a force of nature.

overall if you want a feel good extremely well written book with all the good feels with a healthy balance of struggle this is a great read. and if you are a Mets fan I'm sorry but this is a wonderful written book by another met fan. since we are coming up on opening season this book definitely got me hyped for the season.

please remember this is a closed door romance. and I say in my reviews of closed door romance the author is given the gift to write romance without the graphic stuff. I prefer the romance of a romance read.
thank you Mel for reaching out and allowing me to be part of this journey.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are my own!

I’m not sure what I was expecting going into this book, but it delivered good vibes.
To be honest, I didn’t really like the main characters at first. They felt a little one note. I grew to really like them as the story went on and they got personal development. Isiah coping with his trauma, and Daria standing up for herself against the blatant misogyny that she faces throughout the story. Their romance dynamic felt a little like insta-love, at least on his end. It makes sense for Daria to like him early on since she’s admired him as a celebrity, but the romance on his side felt a bit too fast for me. I wish we had more time with them as friends before they fell for each other.

I did still like their relationship, they had a realistic dynamic that I could believe. I appreciated the way their romance developed as they faced the challenges life threw at them. With that, the general story pacing felt a bit slow at times. It made sense within the context of the story, but sometimes I felt that it was dragging on. I think it would have helped if their relationship was more slow burn. Having their relationship happen so quickly felt like it left little story left before the final 1/3 of the story.

Still, I really appreciated the perspective on therapy, sexism, and mental health struggles that this book provided. I think the messages are really important to be represented. I think someone younger could really benefit from these.

While I did personally struggle with the pacing, this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes baseball romance. The representation is really important.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that feels best read outside while soaking up the sunshine. If you love a sweet, light romance that you can absolutely breeze through, you need to pick this one up. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it.

The characters are incredibly likable, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them the entire time. Isiah Crawford and Daria Holloway are both at the top of their fields, sharing an equal passion for baseball. Isiah, an all-star player, lives and breathes the sport, while Daria brings that same dedication from a different angle as a baseball analyst. It’s her job to study the game, making sure every piece is in place for the perfect lineup and a winning season. When these two brilliant minds collide, they create a dynamic that’s impossible to ignore. Their shared love for the game makes their connection feel natural, exciting, and full of chemistry. Reading their worlds intertwine both on and off the field was incredible.

One thing this book does especially well is highlight how much harder women often have to work to prove themselves in male-dominated spaces. Daria is a character many readers will admire. She never backs down from a challenge and approaches every obstacle with grit, determination, and passion. She makes sure the room understands her value and proves time and time again that she’s an incredible asset to the game she loves.

One line that perfectly captures their impact is:
“The night two of the most brilliant minds met... and the world will never be the same.”

If you’re looking for a charming sports romance with lovable characters and an easy, feel good vibe, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

[Getpast40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is EXTREMELY well written with the best baseball knowledge I've ever seen, while still being interesting and understandable as a "GO SPORTS" reader 😅 who doesn't understand baseball.

The MMC is a major green flag swoooooon.🤌

But, the FMC is a little problematic 🚩in my opinion in some parts of the book that weren't necessary for the storyline to make sense.

- The smirk from her after the MMC tells the FMC about a homeless woman & child was so cringe

- Her judging her father for potentially dating someone of another race

- And an ironic storyline where the MMC is helping a woman whose husband depleted their entire life savings and put them in a homeless shelter, while the FMC berates her father for "giving up" on her mother after she financially abuses him and drains their bank accounts from gambling and maxes out 5-figures across 3 credit cards in a single night. Major double standard.😬

I wish the book was shorter, as it did drag a bit in the middle and I wish the MMC's trauma in the beginning wasn't made out to be his fault by the media & fans (which didn't make sense as it was internalized guilt with no actual wrong-doing). The combination of these minor story plot lines reflected my rating.

But what I lovedddd about the book was the girl power vibes and representation of a healthy relationship throughout the chapters. The writing was veryyyy good and comparable to some of the biggest sports romance Booktok vibe authors I've read.

I received this book as an ARC copy.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isiah ‘ Crush’ Crawford’s game stumbles and there’s grumbles to be heard around the diamond . In fact there’s more that that they want his head not just his hat . Cos of a sudden his stats aren’t all that. Oh dear ,he needs help ,so what’s he gonna do. We’ll help might be on hand by a guru. A know it all Oracle ,who by night does delight in her predictions so fitting and right .By sun’s light you’d never see the light of day.But dynamite she is anyway…

Here we have Daria Holloway ,she’s no one special ,nothing elite ,you’d walk by her in the street. She’s hiding a secret though that can’t be beat. Does she break her anonymity to help the Crush defeat with not just his bat but his feet? His swing is the thing that stands between success and failure. Well is that all? He should have said earlier… Just joshing but Daria is a darling and soon it is clear ,what she’s got to do right here and now.

Before too long a forbidden romance starts on opposite stands . To help his stance ,he puts not just his swing but his other things ,,as well as his feet . Just like his heart to make him complete . This book is so angst ridden and sweet too. You’ll love it as much as I do.

Mel Walker has fingers on the pulse of sports romance ,knows how to make his characters dance too. I love everything that he does do. I’m in my element with this book I can tell you. The writing is exciting,immersive and true to life feel . The strife and all ,had a ball! The descriptions ,the characters ,the plot . This baseball romance has the lot.

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up watching my three brothers play baseball and now I watch my nephews, so I feel I know the game well. A lot of baseball romances just touch the surface of the game but The Analyst and the All-Star dives deep and went beyond my expectations! Daria and Isiah were both wonderful characters. Daria is extremely smart and knows baseball like the back of her hand, but fights being heard and seen as someone who knows what she’s talking about in a male dominated field. Isiah is the ultimate all-star, home field favorite with the biggest heart. Their love of baseball draws them together and their relationship develops quickly. Their struggles as individuals are tough but their support of each other is amazing. It was nice for the story to not be all fluff – there is depth and growth as family drama, trauma, and mental health are dealt with. I loved how they felt safe with each other and could truly be themselves. The Analyst and the All-Star is a must-read sports romance with heart, depth, emotions, and strong characters who have a love and a passion for the game.

Tropes: sports romance = pro baseball player MMC = baseball analyst FMC = rival teams = flirty banter = she falls first, he falls harder = found family = swoony kisses

My favorite things:
- The signed napkin
- Crush’s Kids Corner
- Daria & Isiah’s flirty banter
- Their first kiss
- The Oracle
- Clark vs. Superman
- He sees her, she sees him
- Isiah’s mom and Daria’s friends

Happy reading!

[Bernadette Ducanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker is a closed-door sports romance about Daria, a baseball analyst constantly overlooked because of her gender, and Isiah “Crush,” a respected player dealing with his own struggles after an accident. As they fall for each other, they’re also figuring out their own paths—Daria in her career, and Isiah in his personal growth ⚾️💭

I really liked Isiah—total green flag, supportive, and willing to grow 💚. Daria was strong and unapologetic, and while she could come off a bit abrasive at times, it made sense given the space she’s in. I appreciated their growth, especially Daria standing up for herself and Isiah normalizing therapy 👏🏽

It’s dual POV, which I enjoyed, and their banter was fun and natural. The romance felt a bit fast for me—I wish we got more buildup—but I still liked seeing them do life together. The writing felt especially intimate in Daria’s POV, though some romantic scenes were a little too flowery for my taste ✨

Overall, I enjoyed this one 💖 If you like sports romance, strong female leads, golden retriever MMCs, and “she fell first, he fell harder,” this is worth checking out 📚 I also met the author at the Steamy Lit Con, and I was so happy I was selected to be an ARC reader for this book 🥹✨

#bookstagram #sportsromance #romancereads #bookreview #arcreader #melwalker #booklover #currentlyreading #romancereader #bookcommunity

[Zara Astrid]

The Analyst and the All-Star was another really interesting entry point for me into sports romance. As someone who is still exploring the genre, I appreciated how grounded the baseball elements felt. The sport never seemed like a backdrop—it was woven naturally into the story and the characters’ lives, which made the world feel authentic. I do think some sports romances are just a trope and don't feel like we're learning anything about the sport. This was not that, which I appreciate.

What stood out most to me was the emotional core of the book. Isiah and Daria’s story balances heavier personal struggles with quieter moments of connection and growth. Their relationship develops in a way that feels very organic, and the vulnerability between them gives the story its heart.

I also went into this particularly curious about reading a romance written by a male author, and I enjoyed seeing that perspective. The book leans into both the emotional and relational aspects of the story while still maintaining the sports setting in a way that feels true to baseball.

Overall, this is a character-focused romance that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy stories about personal growth, emotional honesty, and relationships that evolve over time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[YanaKeii · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off so strong for me but fell so hard.


I loved the analytical stuff and how the backoffice gets involved with baseball, that was appreciated.

FMC Daria, baseball analyst and die hard fan of the game. I loved that this book was making me learn about baseball loved that but she became unlikeable for me. The way she kind of dogged out her father for her mother issues just made it so cringe. Then for her to help MMC Isiah through his struggles and they way she (for me) treated her father was very hypocritical.

MMC Isiah, loved him down. To say he had demons (per blurb)I wouldnt describe the issue like that. Something traumatic happens that throws him off his game but not in demonizing way. He was catch for sure.

This story does deal with mental health, gambling and misogyny, umm which I don't think was played out well. It did dip into being boring and a bit dragged out. Ultimately taking a way from the romance and the building of the relationship, which I thought would be the focus. I loved the analyst and baseball star storyline, if anything I felt that her being an analyst should have received more storyline and climbing up the respected ladder, revealing the blog angle and all.

I will continue the series if there is a book 2, this story just missed me a bit. In the first half it was very stong 5 star

Thanks to Two Rivers Publishing, LLC via NetGalley

[Melanie E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy Review

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Author Mel Walker for granting me with an ARC of The Analyst and The All-Star

This was an absolute joy of a read for me and I rated this five stars. The quintessential, "she falls first, but he falls harder" story. As a sports loving woman myself, who used to aspire to being a sports broadcaster, Daria and Isiah's story truly resonated with me and I absolutely could not put this book down.

There were two aspects of this book that I really loved. The first being how ambitious and determined Daria was to succeed in her male dominated work field despite the constant frustrations and ignorance she was met with. The second being how Isiah TRULY saw and respected Daria. He appreciated her mind and treated her as an equal and allowed himself to bond with her over the mutual love and knowledge of baseball. Their story felt like insta love and a slow burn all at the same time and i enjoyed every minute of being engrossed of them.

Lastly, this story touches on some heavy topics such as trauma and mental health and I think that it was well written, especially in the dual POV.

Overall, I truly enjoyed and recommend this story, especially if you are an intense sports lover like the FMC, MMC, and myself.

[Natasha P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into The Analyst and the All-Star, I was intrigued by the premise—secret blogger, rival teams, forbidden romance—but I’ll be honest: it took me a bit to really settle into the story. The first third moved more slowly for me than I expected, and I wasn’t fully sold right away. But once the story found its footing? I was in.

What I really enjoyed was the “inside baseball” aspect. Even as someone who doesn’t closely follow the sport, the stats, strategy, and behind-the-scenes details added texture and authenticity without feeling overwhelming. Daria’s perspective as a brilliant analyst overlooked in a male-dominated space was especially compelling, and the way the story handled heavier themes felt thoughtful and intentional.

That said, if you’re going in expecting a steamy, rule-breaking forbidden romance, this might surprise you. This is a sweet, closed-door, ultimately very wholesome love story. Personally, I like a little more spice, so that element was a miss for me, but I can absolutely see this being a plus for readers who prefer romance without explicit scenes.

Overall, this was an engaging, heartfelt sports romance that shines more in emotional depth and character growth than heat.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ /5 (3.5 out of 5 stars)


#TheAnalystandtheAllStar
#NetGalley

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JLBBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Analyst And the All-Star is the first book in the new series, A Love of the Game, by Mel Walker. I am a big baseball fan and I loved this book. I could tell Mr. Walker is also a fan of the game and knows the ins and outs of the game.

Daria Holloway is a statistical baseball analyst for the minor league system of her hometown MLB team. But as a female in a male-dominated world she’s not heard in her day job. She’s also a well respected baseball blogger everyone assumes is a man. Isiah Crawford is a famous All-Star who, with the hit of one ball, is now in a dark place. Can Daria, who was at the right place at the right time, help Isiah through this?

This closed door sports romance is so well written. It shows a different side of the story that most fans don’t see. I’m pretty sure this story could be written for any male-dominated sport and tell a similar story of a strong female trying to be heard and a sports “god” that is dealing with so much more than they or their team wants the fans to know. This is a well written book with characters that are believable and their relationship does not feel forced or rushed. I loved that I was able to read a beautiful romantic story and learn a little more about a sport I love.

I can’t wait to read more books in this series.

[Josephine Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As someone who doesn’t know the first thing about baseball, I was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly I got drawn into the story. It’s very well written, with a nice balance between the sport and personal interaction, so that the technical aspects never become overwhelming.

The characters completely won me over with how real and relatable they felt. Daria Holloway is sharp, driven, and determined to earn her place as a baseball analyst in a male-dominated field. Isiah “Crush” Crawford is an All-Star with a larger-than-life reputation. But it's the man behind the persona, the one you meet off the field, who truly captures your heart. He stands out for his compassion, especially his dedication to helping children in need. That softer, deeply human side of him adds so much heart to the story.

Although this is an insta-love romance, the emotional richness of the narrative more than makes up for the absence of a slow burn. The interaction between the two is sweet and engaging, with a natural warmth that makes their connection feel genuine from the start.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet, character-driven stories with genuine emotional depth.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daria and Isiah’s story is packed with deep meaning behind struggles women and men both face as members of society. She works in a male dominated field where she has to be anonymous otherwise people won’t hear her out. He is struggling with PTSD which has brought his competence down; and as a man mental struggles are often ignored or not well understood.
So basically they meet and pretty quickly developed a relationship, based on their love for the game and their understanding each other. They make space for one another; where she lacks room to grow as a woman in a male dominant field, he cheers her on to keep going. And as he faces his mental health issues, she helps and supports him to get better in every way.
I think the romance part of this book takes a secondary place and what stands out is how the author explored these characters backstories, personalities and how the struggles they face bring them together. Also the sport’s / baseball part of the book is really well explained and written. Even though it’s a closed door romance it does have some trigger warnings, so have that in consideration. Altogether I liked this book and how the author developed the characters and their stories.

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but WHY did The Analyst and the All-Star have me acting like I personally know these people??

First of all, Daria “The Oracle” Holloway?? Ma’am said “underrated” and then proceeded to outshine EVERYONE. We love a brainy queen who refuses to stay in the background. Meanwhile, Isiah “Crush” Crawford is out here being all talented and broody with just enough emotional damage to make you go “I can fix him”… and honestly? Daria might

The tension?? IMMACULATE. The slow-burn, forbidden, workplace “we absolutely should NOT be doing this” energy?? Inject it directly into my veins. Every interaction had me kicking my feet and side-eyeing like I was part of the team drama.

But let’s talk about the depth real quick because this book said “you will feel things.” Mental health, addiction, sexism in the workplace… it’s giving substance AND spice. We’re not just here for the romance (okay we are, but STILL).

And the emotional rollercoaster?? One minute I’m swooning, the next I’m stressed, then suddenly I’m in my feelings like I’ve been personally wronged. Mel Walker really said “no peace for you.”

[JC :)]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own!

This contemporary romance dives deep into MANY mental health struggles and handles each topic with the care that it deserves. (PTSD, Addiction, Depression) Our main male character’s mental health is explored which is a topic that needs MORE representation! It also explores a strong FMC who works in a male dominated field and all her struggles navigating her career.

I do not watch baseball but I definitely learned a lot about the sport in this book. The authors note made it clear how much this sport means to him personally and you can clearly tell through his writing.

The romance fell a little flat for me. It was a typical meet cute that progressed extremely fast. If you don’t mind a fast paced relationship, you’ll eat that aspect up. Everyone’s tastes are different and I do enjoy a slower pace. Although it’s a “meet cute”- their relationship gets heavy fast due to the characters personal experiences. The support they show one another during this book is incredible and was a major standout point for me.

TROPES: Closed Door, Baseball Romance, Strong FMC, Mental Health Rep, Dual POV

[Meg Bozarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FANTASTIC! I would give it 6 Stars if I could!
This was such a fun read, filled with humor, romance, and baseball! I learned so much about baseball, and I actually enjoyed it! and this is coming from some who doesn't ever watch of follow baseball!
I loved the characters! Daria is such a strong intelligent person! And Isaiah is a walking GREEN FLAG!This book had so many different layers to it and there was a lot of happening that made me glued to this book! I read it in one sitting!
Tropes you will find in this book are
⚾ Sports Romance
📊 Smart heroine / athlete hero
💘 Celebrity athlete x normal life
🔥 Mutual respect & admiration
💬 Banter + slow burn chemistry
👨‍👩‍👧 Found family vibes
🏆 Hero falls first

This is the first book in the Love of the Game series!

This is my first book I read from Mel Walker and it won't be my last. The way he writes with such detail kept me entertained page to page. I can tell that he loved writing this book, because I could feell the heart and soul through each page!

I highly recommend this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isiah and Daria

I felt right at home with this book since I live near Charlotte, NC and I am from Clearwater. Spring training is on our list of things to do when we visit again. I love the meet—cute of Daria and Isiah. The finishing of sentences, the baseball knowledge, and the not fancy in pajamas was so fun. I love how hard Daria worked to be seen for her. The determination is what sets people apart. It’s so great talking about things that are hidden or swept under the rug like needing a therapist. Someone isn’t less of a person if they need help. Thank you for using your platform for these two. I love how these two got a HEA while both accomplishing their goals.

“He’s doing what he’s good at. He’s taking risks and swinging for the fences. It’s about time I did the same.”

“Time to swing for the fences.”

“Even Superman needs a fortress of solitude.”

“Before we hang up, tell me one thing that brought a smile to your face today and one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

“I learned a long time ago that if the bully comes at you, you hit him square in the nose in front of the whole school, or you’ll be picked on the entire school year.”

[Rosi Colmenares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

For fans of:
sports romance (baseball)
dual POV
smart FMC
athlete MMC
mutual respect & admiration
witty banter + slow burn
he falls first
secret identity
friends to lovers
hurt/comfort

It’s not super common to find a book written by a male author that really nails a dual POV, especially from the woman’s perspective—but Mel Walker absolutely delivered here.

Even though I’m not the biggest baseball fan, I love a good sports romance, and this one was done so well. The dynamic between the characters felt natural, and the buildup was worth it.

Isaiah Crawford is a professional baseball player, and Daria is basically a baseball genius—she knows stats, plays, everything. He was her longtime crush, and when they finally meet at a hotel charity event (where he’s bartending), she tries to play it cool… and instead of asking for a picture, she gives him her autograph. Honestly iconic.

From there, Isaiah is completely intrigued and goes out of his way to find her again, wanting to explore that connection—and that’s where everything really starts.