What do you think?
Rate this book
Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Book 2
In Pickwick Bend, Tennessee, dreams don’t come easy. And they don’t come without risk.
Tasha has always believed in hard work, loyalty, and staying true to the people who matter. When she finally takes the leap to open her dream dance fitness studio, it feels like everything she’s worked for is finally within reach. But when her business partner’s charm gives way to secrets, Tasha must face a truth she never expected. And summon the courage to protect everything she’s built.
As suspicion turns into certainty, the quiet strength of her community steps forward. The Pickwick Pirate Queens softball team rallies around her. Friends show up without being asked. And Eli, the steady presence from her past, waits patiently as Tasha finds her footing again.
With her future on the line, Tasha must decide what trust really means, who deserves it, and whether she’s brave enough to choose the life she wants instead of the one she nearly settled for.
Warm, heartfelt, and rooted in small-town Southern charm, Curve Balls and Commitments is a clean romance about resilience, community, and discovering that sometimes the strongest love is the one that grows quietly right where you are.
Tasha has always believed in hard work, loyalty, and staying true to the people who matter. When she finally takes the leap to open her dream dance fitness studio, it feels like everything she’s worked for is finally within reach. But when her business partner’s charm gives way to secrets, Tasha must face a truth she never expected. And summon the courage to protect everything she’s built.
As suspicion turns into certainty, the quiet strength of her community steps forward. The Pickwick Pirate Queens softball team rallies around her. Friends show up without being asked. And Eli, the steady presence from her past, waits patiently as Tasha finds her footing again.
With her future on the line, Tasha must decide what trust really means, who deserves it, and whether she’s brave enough to choose the life she wants instead of the one she nearly settled for.
Warm, heartfelt, and rooted in small-town Southern charm, Curve Balls and Commitments is a clean romance about resilience, community, and discovering that sometimes the strongest love is the one that grows quietly right where you are.
- GenresRomance
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Susan Boles
22 books277 followersSusan is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of the Pickwick Pirate Queens Ladies Softball Romance Books, the Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery Series and a contributing author to the Brotherhood Protectors World.
Stay in touch for upcoming releases!
Susan writes mysteries and set in the big city of Memphis, TN and the fictional small towns of Pickwick Bend, TN and Mercy, Mississippi.
Stay in touch for upcoming releases!
Susan writes mysteries and set in the big city of Memphis, TN and the fictional small towns of Pickwick Bend, TN and Mercy, Mississippi.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 8, 2026
Curve Balls and Commitments; the fun second book in the series strutted up in cleats, slapped a softball into its glove, and said “Babe, we’re dealing with feelings today.”
Curve Balls and Commitments is a 4‑star, small‑town, slow‑burn, “babe, you can do so much better” romance that hits like a clean crack off the bat straight to the chest. It’s warm, it’s Southern‑but‑relatable, and it’s got that “your friends will help you hide the evidence” energy that makes you want to curl up with a wine or two and watch the drama unfold.
Tasha is out here giving it everything — hustling, dreaming, building her dance‑fitness studio from scratch — only to find out her business partner has the emotional backbone of soggy cardboard. The betrayal isn’t explosive, but it stings. Watching her realise she deserves more than someone treating her dreams like an optional extra? Absolute perfection.
Enter:
The Pickwick Pirate Queens.
Sure, they’re a softball team.
But they’re also the kind of women who’d show up on your doorstep with wine, a shovel, and zero questions.
They rally around her with that fierce, quiet, “we’ve got you, and also we know where he parks his car” solidarity that only women who’ve lived a bit can muster.
And then there’s Eli — steady, patient, soft‑spoken, and radiating pure “I’ve been in love with you since the Howard years” energy. He doesn’t swoop in like some hero off a Mills & Boon cover; he just stands there, solid as a lighthouse, waiting for her to find her feet again.
This isn’t a flashy romance.
It’s a healing one.
A grounded one.
A “sometimes the love you need is the one who’s been quietly saving you a seat this whole time” kind of story.
The small‑town charm is thick, the community ties are strong, and the emotional payoff is gentle but deeply satisfying. It’s clean romance, but not bland — warm, hopeful, and anchored in resilience.
A 4‑star, heartfelt, small‑town gem about choosing yourself, trusting the people who show up, and realising that sometimes the strongest love grows quietly right where you already are.
Curve Balls and Commitments is a 4‑star, small‑town, slow‑burn, “babe, you can do so much better” romance that hits like a clean crack off the bat straight to the chest. It’s warm, it’s Southern‑but‑relatable, and it’s got that “your friends will help you hide the evidence” energy that makes you want to curl up with a wine or two and watch the drama unfold.
Tasha is out here giving it everything — hustling, dreaming, building her dance‑fitness studio from scratch — only to find out her business partner has the emotional backbone of soggy cardboard. The betrayal isn’t explosive, but it stings. Watching her realise she deserves more than someone treating her dreams like an optional extra? Absolute perfection.
Enter:
The Pickwick Pirate Queens.
Sure, they’re a softball team.
But they’re also the kind of women who’d show up on your doorstep with wine, a shovel, and zero questions.
They rally around her with that fierce, quiet, “we’ve got you, and also we know where he parks his car” solidarity that only women who’ve lived a bit can muster.
And then there’s Eli — steady, patient, soft‑spoken, and radiating pure “I’ve been in love with you since the Howard years” energy. He doesn’t swoop in like some hero off a Mills & Boon cover; he just stands there, solid as a lighthouse, waiting for her to find her feet again.
This isn’t a flashy romance.
It’s a healing one.
A grounded one.
A “sometimes the love you need is the one who’s been quietly saving you a seat this whole time” kind of story.
The small‑town charm is thick, the community ties are strong, and the emotional payoff is gentle but deeply satisfying. It’s clean romance, but not bland — warm, hopeful, and anchored in resilience.
A 4‑star, heartfelt, small‑town gem about choosing yourself, trusting the people who show up, and realising that sometimes the strongest love grows quietly right where you already are.
May 2, 2026
"Curve Balls and Commitments" is the second book in the Pickwick Pirates Softball romance series, set in the small town of Pickwick, Tennessee.
Tessa, the pitcher for the Pickwick Pirates, dreams of opening a dance fitness studio but is disappointed when her perfect space is sold before she can purchase it. However, she finds herself torn between two men vying for her affection: the steady and loyal Eli, and the flashy newcomer, Derek. While Derek helps her to realise her dream, he is also hiding his own secrets.
When things don’t go as planned, Tessa learns to rely on the help and support of her family and friends, which is where the story truly shines.
This tale throws a few curve balls of its own, and I enjoyed every moment of it!
Tessa, the pitcher for the Pickwick Pirates, dreams of opening a dance fitness studio but is disappointed when her perfect space is sold before she can purchase it. However, she finds herself torn between two men vying for her affection: the steady and loyal Eli, and the flashy newcomer, Derek. While Derek helps her to realise her dream, he is also hiding his own secrets.
When things don’t go as planned, Tessa learns to rely on the help and support of her family and friends, which is where the story truly shines.
This tale throws a few curve balls of its own, and I enjoyed every moment of it!
June 12, 2026
Susan Boles writes about the south in a way that allows me to see it, hear it, and feel it, pulling me in to where I could be sitting on a southern neighbor's porch or back deck, sipping a cool lemonade or tea while listening to the night creatures as the sun sets.
Her softball scenes put me there, even though I have never played on a softball team.
And her southern story people pull me in to care about them. Especially Tasha, who has big dancing dreams and longs for true love. Eli, well, I liked him from the start.
Curve Balls and Commitments is a sweet love story, the kind you finish with a smile and a sigh, because you know the heroine has found a good man and a true kind of love.
I'm looking forward to book three.
Her softball scenes put me there, even though I have never played on a softball team.
And her southern story people pull me in to care about them. Especially Tasha, who has big dancing dreams and longs for true love. Eli, well, I liked him from the start.
Curve Balls and Commitments is a sweet love story, the kind you finish with a smile and a sigh, because you know the heroine has found a good man and a true kind of love.
I'm looking forward to book three.
April 23, 2026
3 Stars
Tasha lives in a close-knit small town; she is part of the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball team and is somewhat of a celebrity, known for her dancing, her wild, free spirit, and her big dreams. One particular big dream that she has been nursing for so long is to open her own dance fitness studio. When the place she has been eyeing for a while gets sold from under her, Tasha is left floundering, and even the support of her friends isn’t enough to take her mind off it. But when a newcomer to town takes an interest in her and her business ideas, she can’t help being swayed by him, even when her gut tells her that there's something not right. Even when she realises that spending time with this new guy feels nothing like the calm comfort she feels when spending time with Eli, an old friend returned to town.
This book was not for me. I really don’t get on well with insa-love stories or romances where there is sort of a love triangle. The whole two men vying for Tasha just really didn’t do it for me, I’m afraid. I thought that Tasha was an okay protagonist, however I did struggle to connect with her. It felt like a lot was said about what Tasha was to her community and her friends, but not much was shown of it.
I thought that Eli was pretty cute, although I felt like some of the moments with him could have been fleshed out a little more. I wanted to get more of their history, more of their moments from their past, and maybe see how things had changed, or how they echoed in their present interactions. One thing I did like was the cosy community vibe, I felt that Boles really nailed this, however again I would have liked a little more detail on the vibrant characters that made up Pickwick Bend. Apart from their relationship to Tasha, I really didn’t feel like we got to know much about them. Also, Derek was such an obvious walking red flag that I found myself screaming at Tasha more than once to actually trust her gut.
All in all, I thought Boles wrote well, and as I said, nailed the cosy, small-town atmosphere. I just felt like there could have been more detail, more time spent lingering over moments, and truly getting to know characters. If you’re looking for a cosy romance with a little bit of a love triangle, and a woman striving for her dreams, then this is for you.
Tasha lives in a close-knit small town; she is part of the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball team and is somewhat of a celebrity, known for her dancing, her wild, free spirit, and her big dreams. One particular big dream that she has been nursing for so long is to open her own dance fitness studio. When the place she has been eyeing for a while gets sold from under her, Tasha is left floundering, and even the support of her friends isn’t enough to take her mind off it. But when a newcomer to town takes an interest in her and her business ideas, she can’t help being swayed by him, even when her gut tells her that there's something not right. Even when she realises that spending time with this new guy feels nothing like the calm comfort she feels when spending time with Eli, an old friend returned to town.
This book was not for me. I really don’t get on well with insa-love stories or romances where there is sort of a love triangle. The whole two men vying for Tasha just really didn’t do it for me, I’m afraid. I thought that Tasha was an okay protagonist, however I did struggle to connect with her. It felt like a lot was said about what Tasha was to her community and her friends, but not much was shown of it.
I thought that Eli was pretty cute, although I felt like some of the moments with him could have been fleshed out a little more. I wanted to get more of their history, more of their moments from their past, and maybe see how things had changed, or how they echoed in their present interactions. One thing I did like was the cosy community vibe, I felt that Boles really nailed this, however again I would have liked a little more detail on the vibrant characters that made up Pickwick Bend. Apart from their relationship to Tasha, I really didn’t feel like we got to know much about them. Also, Derek was such an obvious walking red flag that I found myself screaming at Tasha more than once to actually trust her gut.
All in all, I thought Boles wrote well, and as I said, nailed the cosy, small-town atmosphere. I just felt like there could have been more detail, more time spent lingering over moments, and truly getting to know characters. If you’re looking for a cosy romance with a little bit of a love triangle, and a woman striving for her dreams, then this is for you.
May 1, 2026
This is book 2 in the Pickwick Pirates Queens Softball Series. This small town, slow burn with all the Southern charm will keep you flipping pages until the end. This book is a clean, wholesome romance.
Even though I have not read book 1, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything important when it came to characters and any back stories, so this can be read as a standalone.
Tasha is the pitcher for the Pirate Queens softball team. When she’s not playing a game or at practice, she’s teaching dance classes. Tasha’s dream has always been to open her own studio in her own place. After many years of bouncing around between places to teach her classes, she finally finds a good location for her studio and was eager to buy it. Unfortunately, at the last minute, someone came in and offered a cash payment for the place and her dreams were crushed and put on hold once again until a newcomer to Pickwick Bend, Derek, volunteers to help her find a new place for her studio.
This book isn’t the usual slow burn romance, where you can see where the storyline is headed. This one throws in the curveballs just when you thought you what was about to happen next.
Even though I have not read book 1, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything important when it came to characters and any back stories, so this can be read as a standalone.
Tasha is the pitcher for the Pirate Queens softball team. When she’s not playing a game or at practice, she’s teaching dance classes. Tasha’s dream has always been to open her own studio in her own place. After many years of bouncing around between places to teach her classes, she finally finds a good location for her studio and was eager to buy it. Unfortunately, at the last minute, someone came in and offered a cash payment for the place and her dreams were crushed and put on hold once again until a newcomer to Pickwick Bend, Derek, volunteers to help her find a new place for her studio.
This book isn’t the usual slow burn romance, where you can see where the storyline is headed. This one throws in the curveballs just when you thought you what was about to happen next.
May 4, 2026
It's been Tasha's dream to open up a dance studio. Her eyes is on the prize and the paperwork is submitted only to find out that someone else beat her to the punch and got her perfect location. As she begins the search again, during softball season of all times, a new guy arrives in town named Derek. He's handsome and definitely not from Pickwick Bend. She's also run into Eli, a local EMT who grew up in Pickwick Bend, left, and is now back. Both men start to woo her and she's having to figure out who to spend her time with. Softball is also her passion and as the pitcher for the Pickwick Pirates, she's got to be on her game.
It comes down to choices and who do you trust for Tasha. Will the town she loves back her up when the going gets tough? Will the Pickwick Pirates win this years championship? Will Tasha be able to find the perfect space to open up her studio?
This was a great short read that took me just under two hours to read start to finish. I do feel like the last 3-4 chapters were a bit redundant and unnecessary. Otherwise, a nice clean romance novel with a hint of mystery.
It comes down to choices and who do you trust for Tasha. Will the town she loves back her up when the going gets tough? Will the Pickwick Pirates win this years championship? Will Tasha be able to find the perfect space to open up her studio?
This was a great short read that took me just under two hours to read start to finish. I do feel like the last 3-4 chapters were a bit redundant and unnecessary. Otherwise, a nice clean romance novel with a hint of mystery.
May 9, 2026
Pickwick Bend’s softball team is going for nationals again with their star pitcher Tasha Carter at the lead. Tasha is not just worried about softball right now though as she has finally gotten enough funding together to buy her dream place for her dance studio and someone had beaten her to it. She doesn’t know who and it upsets her because she feels like her dream is no more. After some coaxing from the team they get her to come out for some dinner to get herself out of her own head. That’s when they run into a new stranger in town that has Tasha intrigued from the start. After stepping out to get some air she runs into him and learns he is a real estate investor and has just moved into town from Nashville and has offered to help her look for a new space. However he is not the only man in Tasha’s life, Eli is a guy from her past and has been around since childhood has moved back into town and has caught her attention as well. Everyone is warming her off the new stranger and telling her to be careful. Her heart is so twisted with everything at the moment; softball, her dance studio, and two amazing men. But what all could go wrong?
April 9, 2026
This is the second book in the Pickwick Pirates Queens softball series. This is a second chance small town slow burn romance. It was beautifully written and I lost myself in the story. There was also a twist I didn’t see coming but how the community and the team rally around Tasha was really heartwarming to read.
This is Tasha and Eli’s story. Tasha and Eli have history.
When Tasha decides to finally take a risk and open up her dance school she dreamed off the last thing she expected was that her partner was hiding secrets. Secrets that could mean Tasha would lose everything. As Tasha tries desperately to hold on and protect her dream the whole community rally round to help her. Including Eli.
Eli is a patient man and why he is helping her he is also waiting for her to find her footing and stability in life again. However with Tasha’s trust already broken by someone she thought she could trust will she be able to open her heart and trust another person?
This is a beautiful clean slow burn romance which I really enjoyed.
This is Tasha and Eli’s story. Tasha and Eli have history.
When Tasha decides to finally take a risk and open up her dance school she dreamed off the last thing she expected was that her partner was hiding secrets. Secrets that could mean Tasha would lose everything. As Tasha tries desperately to hold on and protect her dream the whole community rally round to help her. Including Eli.
Eli is a patient man and why he is helping her he is also waiting for her to find her footing and stability in life again. However with Tasha’s trust already broken by someone she thought she could trust will she be able to open her heart and trust another person?
This is a beautiful clean slow burn romance which I really enjoyed.
April 11, 2026
5 out of 5 Stars
Curve Balls and Commitments (Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance #2) by Susan Boles
This is the first book I've read by the author. Curve Balls and Commitments is the second book in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance series. It can be read as a standalone.
Tasha is the pitcher for the Pickwick Pirate Queens and she's also a dancer. She teaches dance out of the community center and wants to make something out of it. So she starts looking for a place only to have it sold out from underneath her. Then a new guy moves to town and offers to help her look for a place. Her ex is back in town and looking at her like he made a mistake. This is what she says when she gets messages from both guys: “Lord help me. I’m in trouble.”
Eli is back in town and looking forward to catching up with old friends. Then he runs into Tasha and feelings start coming back. He tries to help her with the search for a studio place. He tells her this: “You know… if there’s ever anything you wanna talk about, Derek or otherwise, I’m here.”
Curve Balls and Commitments (Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance #2) by Susan Boles
This is the first book I've read by the author. Curve Balls and Commitments is the second book in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance series. It can be read as a standalone.
Tasha is the pitcher for the Pickwick Pirate Queens and she's also a dancer. She teaches dance out of the community center and wants to make something out of it. So she starts looking for a place only to have it sold out from underneath her. Then a new guy moves to town and offers to help her look for a place. Her ex is back in town and looking at her like he made a mistake. This is what she says when she gets messages from both guys: “Lord help me. I’m in trouble.”
Eli is back in town and looking forward to catching up with old friends. Then he runs into Tasha and feelings start coming back. He tries to help her with the search for a studio place. He tells her this: “You know… if there’s ever anything you wanna talk about, Derek or otherwise, I’m here.”
April 22, 2026
Tasha is giving everything she’s got with working hard, she is chasing her dreams and trying to build a dance-fitness studio from the ground up but she is disappointed when she realises her business partner is not all that. The betrayal she feels from this cuts deep. So when she meets the most amazing group of women she can't believe her luck in this situation.
Pickwick Pirate Queens is a softball team—but more importantly, they’re the kind of women who would absolutely show up for you with wine and a who do I kill attitude and with loyalty that is deep. Tasha feels that with there support she can fight the world.
This is a great read with brilliant characters which are well developed and a story to match. This is the first book I have read by this author and enjoyed it considerably.
The secondary characters added an element to the story which made it so enjoyable to read. I will be reading more by this author in the future and recommend this as a short feel good read.
Pickwick Pirate Queens is a softball team—but more importantly, they’re the kind of women who would absolutely show up for you with wine and a who do I kill attitude and with loyalty that is deep. Tasha feels that with there support she can fight the world.
This is a great read with brilliant characters which are well developed and a story to match. This is the first book I have read by this author and enjoyed it considerably.
The secondary characters added an element to the story which made it so enjoyable to read. I will be reading more by this author in the future and recommend this as a short feel good read.
April 22, 2026
Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Book 2 by Susan Boles was such an interesting romance, in the best way. Boles does a great job setting up what feels like a familiar small town storyline: the girl who never left and the boy who returns. At first, it seems like it might follow the expected path, but it quickly proves to be much more than that.
There were several moments where I genuinely wasn’t sure what was going to happen next, which kept me turning pages faster than I expected. The added suspense gave the story a fresh edge and made it stand out from more predictable romances.
What I appreciated most was how the story highlights a female lead who is more than just the relationship she’s in. Her identity, growth, and independence are just as important as the romance itself, which made the story feel more grounded and meaningful.
Overall, this is a great romance that blends familiar tropes with just enough unpredictability to keep things engaging. It’s a reminder that love stories can still center strong, fully developed women.
There were several moments where I genuinely wasn’t sure what was going to happen next, which kept me turning pages faster than I expected. The added suspense gave the story a fresh edge and made it stand out from more predictable romances.
What I appreciated most was how the story highlights a female lead who is more than just the relationship she’s in. Her identity, growth, and independence are just as important as the romance itself, which made the story feel more grounded and meaningful.
Overall, this is a great romance that blends familiar tropes with just enough unpredictability to keep things engaging. It’s a reminder that love stories can still center strong, fully developed women.
May 9, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved reading about Tasha, and her struggles with starting her own business in a new setting, her love interests, her friendships, and oh my goodness, softball! I couldn't believe this was book 2, I felt like it was a book that stood out on its own. I loved playing softball in high school, and I know that she's like the pitcher who played on our team, second to none on that mound! I enjoyed her friend and coach Rosie, who had her own honest concerns about this new guy in town, Derek. He was one to intrigue you, but the mystery was enough to give me the chills with this guy! I, however, did not grow up in a small town, so I can't begin to understand what that was like for him to come along! And then there was her friend from high school, Eli, who was smitten with her! She's stuck in between two guys and I'm so grateful I was never in her spot! I was on edge! I love romance as much as the best person, but clean romance is what this one is and it delivers well. This was a great feel good book!
April 8, 2026
Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance by Susan Boles.
4 of 5 Stars.
This is a heartwarming and heartfelt romance full of small town Southern charm. Tasha lives in Pickwick Bend, Tennessee, and dreams of opening her own dance fitness studio. Tasha becomes suspicious of her business partner and must protect her dream. However, she’s not on her own as her friends, her community and the Pickwick Pirate Queens softball team, all rally around her. Eli is also there for her, just like always, a steady presence in her life, and he is willing to wait until Tasha is in a good place again. Tasha has some decisions to make regarding her future and who she wants in it. I found Tasha to be a likeable and relatable character, and the chemistry between her and Eli came across in the narrative. I felt fully immersed in the setting as the descriptive narrative brought the small town feel vividly to life.
4 of 5 Stars.
This is a heartwarming and heartfelt romance full of small town Southern charm. Tasha lives in Pickwick Bend, Tennessee, and dreams of opening her own dance fitness studio. Tasha becomes suspicious of her business partner and must protect her dream. However, she’s not on her own as her friends, her community and the Pickwick Pirate Queens softball team, all rally around her. Eli is also there for her, just like always, a steady presence in her life, and he is willing to wait until Tasha is in a good place again. Tasha has some decisions to make regarding her future and who she wants in it. I found Tasha to be a likeable and relatable character, and the chemistry between her and Eli came across in the narrative. I felt fully immersed in the setting as the descriptive narrative brought the small town feel vividly to life.
April 11, 2026
Tasha Carter had dreams of opening a dance fitness studio but her plans have been delayed. In the meantime her position as a pitcher for the Pickwick Bend softball team keeps her busy. She also has her hands full with two men that are trying to woo her. One she has history with while the other has a lake house he spends weekends at. Her old friend is intriguing but her new friend makes her feel like she is being seen in a while new way than what she is used to. What's a girl to do? This is my first time reading anything by this author and it was enjoyable. I didn't realize this was book two of a series but I don't feel like I missed anything by not reading the first book. Curve Balls and Commitments has a nice and steady flow that keeps the pages turning. The characters were likable and well rounded. If you like the small town, slow burning and organic relationship this is a good one to sink into for a weekend read.
April 17, 2026
This story by a newer author for me in which I enjoyed their writing skills and their use of details that made the story come to life. I also enjoy their creative characters that are written with a lot of heart and soul. This is a small town romance about Tasha and Eli. Tasha has always believed in staying loyal and true to those around her until now she is faced with having to face something she never expected. Now, she needs to figure out who to trust and does she have what it takes for the life she truly wants. What happens in this story is something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed all the characters in this story, especially Tasha and Eli. They are strong, well developed and connectable. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow throughout the story which made it easy to read. I found this story to be entertaining, fast paced and hard to put down. I look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend this story.
April 30, 2026
This was a nice short read that had you fall for the small town of Pickwick Bend. As well as all the wonderful characters who make it a community who support Tasha Carter, the MFC. This story is about learning to trust yourself but also being able to overcome trust issues and misdeeds. Tasha dreamed of owning a small place that she could turn into her own dance studio. Nothing over the top, just something that was hers but also a part of the town she lived in. When an out-of-towner shows up and offers to help Tasha, she wants her dream to be a reality and might have jumped too soon. Soon she is starting to doubt things and has an overall feeling that her dream may not come true. That maybe she should have just waited or even just asked for help from the ones she really knew. Then again sometimes being a part of a small town has its advantages. And in Tasha’s case they are all looking out for her and making sure her dream comes true.
May 9, 2026
Curve Balls and Commitments is Book 2 in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance series. Although it is part of a series this book can be read as a standalone. It is a small-town romance full of community support, trust, betrayal, healing, and choosing your own path. The story follows Tasha, a star pitcher and dance instructor whose dream of opening a dance fitness studio unravels when her business partner’s secrets surface. With the Pirate Queens and the town rallying behind her, she must navigate a love triangle, rebuild her confidence, and decide who she can truly rely on. Tasha is determined, talented, and resilient while Eli is steady, loyal, and quietly supportive. The character of Derek is charming but unpredictable and the Pirate Queens are warm, protective, and community minded. This was an engaging, heartfelt, and easy to read book full of unexpected twists and just enough drama to keep the story interesting.
April 10, 2026
Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance by Susan Boles. This is the second book in the PIckwick Pirate Queens Softball series. Its a slow burn, small town romance. Tasha is a star on the Pickwick Pirate Queens softball team and she has most of her life together. Her main dream is to open a dance studio so when she finds a man willing to be her partner she trusts him and they open the dance studio together. When she realizes that her partner is hiding a lot of stuff from her she is devastated. Her whole town shows up for her including the Pickwick Pirate Queens and ever steady Eli. Tasha has always been there for everyone else so its her time to receive the help she so deserves and Eli is the man she deserves. Will Tasha accept the people that are trying to help her or will she let her dreams go up in smoke?
April 11, 2026
"Curve Balls and Commitments" had me in a chokehold the entire read, not gonna lie. I'm a huge sucker for slow burn and second chance, and add in small town? I'm sold. 100%. The absolute GROWTH that the main character goes through is astounding. It was so beautiful to read Tasha's story, the journey from betrayal to standing proud on her feet once more. Her friends were the right kind--always there, ready to get their hands dirty if need be, always supportive. And Eli. Eli, my beloved... He waited so patiently in the background, never faltering in his love for Tasha, even when it was his "burden" to bear. Their chemistry was so well-written, and I loved their interactions.
I haven't read the first book in the series yet, but I didn't have any sort of issues reading this and understanding what was going on.
I haven't read the first book in the series yet, but I didn't have any sort of issues reading this and understanding what was going on.
April 15, 2026
This is just the “ energy read” I needed 🥰 and I think it hit so hard because someone o love has gone through something similar … x
Tasha is a real honey , she’s loyal to the T , she’s dedicated and definitely not afraid of hard work and all her dreams are about to come true , that is until her business partner has secrets that could detail everything and now she’s got to dig deep and fight hard to protect and salvage her dream but fear not she’s got friends and a community that have her back oh and someone from the past who is patiently waiting and cheering her on 😉
Ethan you’re a keeper and you’ll be rewarded for who and what you are 🤗
You can’t help but to be invested in this read and the only “critique” I have is that I wanted it to last just a little longer 🥰I love small towns and the sense of community , it restores my faith in mankind 😉
Tasha is a real honey , she’s loyal to the T , she’s dedicated and definitely not afraid of hard work and all her dreams are about to come true , that is until her business partner has secrets that could detail everything and now she’s got to dig deep and fight hard to protect and salvage her dream but fear not she’s got friends and a community that have her back oh and someone from the past who is patiently waiting and cheering her on 😉
Ethan you’re a keeper and you’ll be rewarded for who and what you are 🤗
You can’t help but to be invested in this read and the only “critique” I have is that I wanted it to last just a little longer 🥰I love small towns and the sense of community , it restores my faith in mankind 😉
April 22, 2026
4 Stars
Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Book 2 By Susan Boles
Curve Balls and Commitments is the second book in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Series. This is a fairly new author to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but I’m definitely glad I took the chance what a fun story to read. I love me a good small town romance that pulls you and you’re totally invested in the story. This is definitely that for me. There’s plenty of drama, humor, secrets, second chances and so much more. The characters are creative, relatable and bring everything together with so much heart . I devoured this book in an afternoon sitting. Sometimes it’s worth going after what you want. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im ready to read more from this Author.
Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Book 2 By Susan Boles
Curve Balls and Commitments is the second book in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Series. This is a fairly new author to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but I’m definitely glad I took the chance what a fun story to read. I love me a good small town romance that pulls you and you’re totally invested in the story. This is definitely that for me. There’s plenty of drama, humor, secrets, second chances and so much more. The characters are creative, relatable and bring everything together with so much heart . I devoured this book in an afternoon sitting. Sometimes it’s worth going after what you want. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im ready to read more from this Author.
May 6, 2026
What a wonderful soft romance that deals with real-world issues. Tasha is our main character, who is the local softball team's pitcher. She has grand dreams of opening her own dance fitness studio, but doing so involves her taking a huge chance on her business as well as opening up her heart to the possibility of romance. Not all things are as they seem, and as Tasha starts to see the reality of her situation, she has to decide what matters most to her: her life, her dreams, or her heart? Can she have one without the other? As Tasha deals with her tough life decisions, she finds that romance can come in the most unexpected places and can form when you least expect it. This is a real feel-good story about life experiences, and how not everything is as it seems on the surface, but when we put ourselves out there, we can open ourselves to the possibilities of life.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2026
@Brandy Rymer
05/2026
April 11, 2026
This was the first book I picked up by this author, and I loved it! It is the second book in the series, but it did wonderfully as a standalone as well, so no worries if you picked it up first accidentally (like me)! From the very first page, the author draws you in subtly but steadily, and they never let go the entire way through. The character development is magnificent, and their relationships are natural and relatable! It’s a pretty quick read but that doesn’t mean the author skimped on details that would harm the plot. The pacing of the story is perfection which made for a light weekend read that still held my attention. Second-chance romance plus a small town is my kryptonite. If that sounds like a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to pick it up because you’ll love it!
April 30, 2026
Such a warm, feel good read that completely draws you into the heart of small-town Tennessee life, with characters who feel genuinely real and easy to root for. Tasha’s journey is super inspiring without ever feeling heavy, and I loved how her determination and growth unfold naturally alongside the support of her tight-knit community. Especially the Pickwick Pirate Queens, who add so much charm and energy to the story. The romance has this really sweet, slow burn vibe that feels authentic and comforting, and Eli’s steady presence just makes everything even more satisfying. It’s one of those books that balances heartfelt moments with uplifting themes of trust, resilience, and finding your place, leaving you with that cozy, hopeful feeling long after you’ve finished.
May 6, 2026
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I chose it for it's unique romantic story, love the characters and the storyline. This is the first sports romantic novel where the female character Tasha Carter is the pitcher for her home team the Pickwick Pirate Queen's. She wants to own and run her own dance studio in her home town. She makes some bad decisions, but some friends in her hometown come together to help her. This book was hard to put down and definitely worth the read. This is the first romantic novel where the female character plays a sport and not the male. Love the different perspective to this novel. This book doesn't disappoint and may have to go back and read the first novel in this series too.
May 6, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book, so much. It is well-written, and I felt like was actually in Pickwick Bend. Tasha, the town’s softball team pitcher has a dream of opening her own dance studio. On her search for the perfect place, she is charmed by newcomer Derek. Derek is the talk of the town as the newcomer, but Tasha tries to see the best in everyone.
When Derek finds her a diamond in the rough for her dance studio, and his promise to partner with her to make the place the studio of her dreams, Tasha’s friends warn her to stay cautious of Derek.
Tasha finds comfort in her friends, especially Eli. The dynamic between Tasha and Eli made this story for me. They have something that blooms into more.
Although this is the second in the series, it reads great as a stand- alone book.
When Derek finds her a diamond in the rough for her dance studio, and his promise to partner with her to make the place the studio of her dreams, Tasha’s friends warn her to stay cautious of Derek.
Tasha finds comfort in her friends, especially Eli. The dynamic between Tasha and Eli made this story for me. They have something that blooms into more.
Although this is the second in the series, it reads great as a stand- alone book.
April 11, 2026
3.5 Stars
Curve Balls and Commitments is the second book in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance series by Susan Boles. Blending romance, humour, and the spirited camaraderie of a women’s softball team – made for a fun read.
Susan Boles is a ‘new-to-me’ author, so I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories, but the blurb intrigued me enough to want to find out what lay between these covers.
What I discovered is a charming, character-driven romance that delivers fun, humour, heart, and just enough ‘curveballs’ along the way, to keep things interesting.
Happy Reading…
Curve Balls and Commitments is the second book in the Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance series by Susan Boles. Blending romance, humour, and the spirited camaraderie of a women’s softball team – made for a fun read.
Susan Boles is a ‘new-to-me’ author, so I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories, but the blurb intrigued me enough to want to find out what lay between these covers.
What I discovered is a charming, character-driven romance that delivers fun, humour, heart, and just enough ‘curveballs’ along the way, to keep things interesting.
Happy Reading…
April 21, 2026
This book is a sweet and relatable small town romance that is all about second chances. This is one of those books where the characters absolutely steal the spotlight. I was pulled into them from the moment I started reading, in particular the main character who seemed to have so much about her. Everything she goes sets her on such a growth journey that, as a read, was lovely to see.
The storyline was enjoyable to read. I love the slow-burn romance it offers and I thought it fit the characters and the overall feel really well. Although it is the second book in the series it could be read as a standalone. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that is well worth reading.
The storyline was enjoyable to read. I love the slow-burn romance it offers and I thought it fit the characters and the overall feel really well. Although it is the second book in the series it could be read as a standalone. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that is well worth reading.
May 1, 2026
Tasha has gotten an opportunity to try and have her dreams come true in Pickwick Bend, a small town with heart. As she takes the leap, sure that continuing to work hard will make it successful, she finds out some hard truths. It becomes a battle of courage and trusting her instincts. As Tasha recognizes that her instincts were right about secrets involving her business partner, she also recognizes just how special her friends are and how much she means to them. As the softball team surrounds her with their support, so does Eli, a man from her past.
A sweet, quick read about resilience, loyalty trusting yourself and those around you, and chasing your dreams.
A sweet, quick read about resilience, loyalty trusting yourself and those around you, and chasing your dreams.
May 3, 2026
I loved this! It's a clean, wholesome, small town romance. Tasha and Eli have known each other forever, they once dated each other long ago but can they make another go of it? Or will they make the same mistakes they did in the past? Tasha has always dreamt of opening her own dance studio but hasn't been able to afford it before. In comes outsider Derek offering help and it all seems too good to be true but is it? Rose and Eli try to warn Tasha off Derek but she doesn't listen, will her dream be over before it's even begun? I loved this! I love small town romances so much and this one didn't disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews