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The First Pitch
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I loved the chemistry these two had! And the fact that she was the athlete and he was the reporter was just AMAZING!!
The pacing was a little weird to me, and some details/dialogue just seemed off. But other than that this was a cute romcom! I absolutely adored the characters.
Thank you Sierra Zinke for the ARC!
I loved the chemistry these two had! And the fact that she was the athlete and he was the reporter was just AMAZING!!
The pacing was a little weird to me, and some details/dialogue just seemed off. But other than that this was a cute romcom! I absolutely adored the characters.
Thank you Sierra Zinke for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The First Pitch” comes out tomorrow! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author.
I saw the blurb about how the FMC is the superstar athlete and the MMC is the reporter and I was instantly sold. While I know almost next to nothing about softball (other than what it feels like to be hit in the face with one), I love a good sports romance. But I *am* picky. I don’t like athlete x someone who works for the team. But “The First Pitch” takes place when both Raegan and Grayson are at Bear Creek University.
Raegan is the shortstop superstar with a nontraditional family and Grayson is the hard-nosed reporter tagged to do the softball coverage (again). Last year, Grayson and his hounding questions annoyed Raegan, who likes to keep her life under wraps and undisturbed. This year, they ended up in the same class and paired together for a project.
Grayson is green flags all day long. And he helps Raegen to come out of her shell. They also have a great found family of friends that they go to school with and live with. It deffo hit me emotionally at some points and I even shed a few tears. There is believability of this story, relationship, and that they will have their HEA.
However, I do wish that this were a bit longer. Things felt a little rushed. Or that things could have been explored in more depth. It was also pretty quick going from being annoyed with one another to being attracted to and liking. And it wasn’t necessarily, I felt, explained that well. But, it is also college-aged people and my god, their emotions oscillate. That is one thing I felt was done really well - capturing the college life and atmosphere. I remember seeing the person I was crushing on hang over a girl and being crushed and needing to leave the party to take a breather. I remember the ridiculous nights with roommates and friends, like we had our Whine and Wine Wednesdays (whinge about classes, drink wine, and do homework/study).
I will also say that this needs a polish for punctuation issues before publication. Or maybe, hopefully, it was the eARC format that messed up. But there were a few periods out of place, like in-between sentences or quotes that didn't have the end quotation mark.
This is a nice little sports romance read and I will definitely read another in the series (should the author continue).
I saw the blurb about how the FMC is the superstar athlete and the MMC is the reporter and I was instantly sold. While I know almost next to nothing about softball (other than what it feels like to be hit in the face with one), I love a good sports romance. But I *am* picky. I don’t like athlete x someone who works for the team. But “The First Pitch” takes place when both Raegan and Grayson are at Bear Creek University.
Raegan is the shortstop superstar with a nontraditional family and Grayson is the hard-nosed reporter tagged to do the softball coverage (again). Last year, Grayson and his hounding questions annoyed Raegan, who likes to keep her life under wraps and undisturbed. This year, they ended up in the same class and paired together for a project.
Grayson is green flags all day long. And he helps Raegen to come out of her shell. They also have a great found family of friends that they go to school with and live with. It deffo hit me emotionally at some points and I even shed a few tears. There is believability of this story, relationship, and that they will have their HEA.
However, I do wish that this were a bit longer. Things felt a little rushed. Or that things could have been explored in more depth. It was also pretty quick going from being annoyed with one another to being attracted to and liking. And it wasn’t necessarily, I felt, explained that well. But, it is also college-aged people and my god, their emotions oscillate. That is one thing I felt was done really well - capturing the college life and atmosphere. I remember seeing the person I was crushing on hang over a girl and being crushed and needing to leave the party to take a breather. I remember the ridiculous nights with roommates and friends, like we had our Whine and Wine Wednesdays (whinge about classes, drink wine, and do homework/study).
I will also say that this needs a polish for punctuation issues before publication. Or maybe, hopefully, it was the eARC format that messed up. But there were a few periods out of place, like in-between sentences or quotes that didn't have the end quotation mark.
This is a nice little sports romance read and I will definitely read another in the series (should the author continue).
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always love a good sports romance, but this one hit it out of the park! This book had everything: great friend groups, epic sports moments, heartfelt family interactions, and some incredible main characters. Raegan Caldwell is everything. She's strong and successful and yet she's so relatable and I absolutely loved watching her growth throughout this story. And Grayson Freaking Maddox. First of all, I'm just obsessed with him. He's so attractive, his and Raegan's banter is so good, and he's just a sweetheart underneath it all. These two were so perfect together, and it was incredible to watch them beat all the odds and their own fears to be together. Aside from them, their friends and families were the most fun! The college atmosphere could actually be felt through the pages at every party, event, and game. I laughed so much, swooned lots, and definitely shed a few tears. I've never been a big softball girl, but Raegan Caldwell and Grayson Maddox had me glued to the pages every single inning. If you love sports romance, girlboss FMCs, and the most supportive of MMCs, make this the next book on your summer TBR.
May 26, 2026
My first ever ARC! Feeling very cool and grateful to have been selected to read this one early. I loved the chemistry these two had, and the reverse grumpy sunshine vibes they seemed to give off originally. One of my favorite things about the book is the FMC is the athlete, and not a non-athlete trying to fit into a man’s athletic world. Maddox not being athletic was such a pleasant change of pace for a world where a lot of sports based stories tend the make the women clumsy, uncoordinated, and struggling into their love interest’s sporty lifestyle. Maddox also values Raegan’s athleticism on a professional and personal level because he cares so deeply for his very sporty siblings. Loved the focus on the mental health of the athletes and considering the mental load they take on for our own entertainment. Worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow...this book was so good! You've got a good slow burn mixed with enemies to lovers! I loved how the FMC was the Superstar in the book! I love how you really get the feel of how she is, who she is and how her life is. She is strong! She is very private! She looks out for her family! You really get a feel of her growth in this book. She lets Grayson in and how he helps her through so much in her life from her injury, to the media even being there to help her with her family. I don't want to give away many if any spoilers but I really enjoyed this book! I hope everyone reads it when it releases! I'm so thankful to have been given this opportunity to read this amazing book early! I hope y'all enjoy Raegan and Grayson's story as much as I have!!!
May 30, 2026
The First Pitch Sierra Zinke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
If you know me, you know I love a good sports romance! And this one was so good! This was my first read by this author, and I will definitely be checking out her other books!
Instead of the usual male athlete, we get the fmc as the superstar athlete in the one! I loved that about this book! And then our mmc is a the reporter who’s trying to get the story on her! It was such a different take than the usual and I loved that so much!
The banter between these two was so good. They fought the pull against each other alot until then finally gave in! Overall I truly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for what comes next!
Tropes✨
🥎forced proximity
🎙️slow burn
🥎enemies to lovers
🎙️injury rehabilitation
🥎he falls first
🎙️she’s the athlete
Thank you so much to Sierra for letting me arc read The First Pitch!☺️🧡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
If you know me, you know I love a good sports romance! And this one was so good! This was my first read by this author, and I will definitely be checking out her other books!
Instead of the usual male athlete, we get the fmc as the superstar athlete in the one! I loved that about this book! And then our mmc is a the reporter who’s trying to get the story on her! It was such a different take than the usual and I loved that so much!
The banter between these two was so good. They fought the pull against each other alot until then finally gave in! Overall I truly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for what comes next!
Tropes✨
🥎forced proximity
🎙️slow burn
🥎enemies to lovers
🎙️injury rehabilitation
🥎he falls first
🎙️she’s the athlete
Thank you so much to Sierra for letting me arc read The First Pitch!☺️🧡
May 27, 2026
Review of arc received from author
2 1/2 ⭐️
The first half of the book the pacing felt off but got better in the 2nd half. Certain scenes felt rushed, especially those with friends, so many times the story just lacked depth for me. The only thing keeping the MCs from being together were their own internal pressures and worries. Also, didn’t like that there was no birth control discussion when they hooked up as 2 college kids.
Overall, I did enjoy as a quick and easy read after finishing a 4 book fantasy series with 4 points of view. I really liked that Grayson was also the one of his 5 siblings that was not athletic and that he’d fall for a girl who is an athlete.
2 1/2 ⭐️
The first half of the book the pacing felt off but got better in the 2nd half. Certain scenes felt rushed, especially those with friends, so many times the story just lacked depth for me. The only thing keeping the MCs from being together were their own internal pressures and worries. Also, didn’t like that there was no birth control discussion when they hooked up as 2 college kids.
Overall, I did enjoy as a quick and easy read after finishing a 4 book fantasy series with 4 points of view. I really liked that Grayson was also the one of his 5 siblings that was not athletic and that he’d fall for a girl who is an athlete.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
i loved this book so much. i wish it was a tad longer tho and went in more depth with scenes of her playing.
i loved that the fmc was the star athlete and the mmc was the reporter. we don’t get many books where the fmc is the athlete.
i loved how this was a softball based book. it’s very rare we get one based on the girls sport and if we do the guy is also playing a sport.
i love how she let down her walls and eventually let him in and how he put his career to the side to show her how much he really cares.
i definitely enjoyed this one.
i loved this book so much. i wish it was a tad longer tho and went in more depth with scenes of her playing.
i loved that the fmc was the star athlete and the mmc was the reporter. we don’t get many books where the fmc is the athlete.
i loved how this was a softball based book. it’s very rare we get one based on the girls sport and if we do the guy is also playing a sport.
i love how she let down her walls and eventually let him in and how he put his career to the side to show her how much he really cares.
i definitely enjoyed this one.
May 26, 2026
Sports romance is my favorite genre, and this one hits the spot! I love the college setting and the dual perspective. I especially appreciate that SHE is the star, and HE is the reporter. Sierra Zinke did a great job exploring these characters and their love story. Raegan Caldwell and Grayson Maddox had great character development, and I enjoyed seeing their love story play out. This book is perfect for fans of sports romance, strong female characters, and a great college atmosphere.
*Review of advanced copy received from author*
*Review of advanced copy received from author*
May 9, 2026
grateful to receive an ARC for the First Pitch! The slow burn, enemies to lovers had me smirking and kicking my feet waiting for the moment to happen!
-Maddox was determined to get what (who) he wanted, and I loved his moments of jealously
-Reagan slowly letting her walls down was chefs kiss. She’s fiercely protective and dedicated to her sport and family.
I can’t wait to see who’s next in the BCU series!! 🩷
-Maddox was determined to get what (who) he wanted, and I loved his moments of jealously
-Reagan slowly letting her walls down was chefs kiss. She’s fiercely protective and dedicated to her sport and family.
I can’t wait to see who’s next in the BCU series!! 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I was so excited to find a book with a fmc who plays softball. As a college softball player myself, it was special to be able to relate so closely to a fmc who is living the same life I am. I loved the banter and the plot of the fmc and mmc, the last few chapters really being the cherry on top. I’ve never related more to a book, I would definitely recommend to all my fellow female student athletes, it was a fun read.
This was my first ARC and I could not be more grateful.
I was so excited to find a book with a fmc who plays softball. As a college softball player myself, it was special to be able to relate so closely to a fmc who is living the same life I am. I loved the banter and the plot of the fmc and mmc, the last few chapters really being the cherry on top. I’ve never related more to a book, I would definitely recommend to all my fellow female student athletes, it was a fun read.
This was my first ARC and I could not be more grateful.
Review of advance copy
My first ARC!
My typical read is mystery/thriller so while not necessarily something I’d initially go for, I did enjoy reading this. Super quick read, pretty likable characters, and I giggled out loud a lot. I also enjoyed that she was the athlete and he wasn’t. Girl freaking power.
There was something about the books pacing, dialogue, and other things that weren’t as developed as I had hoped leaving me feeling a little lost/confused a times.
My typical read is mystery/thriller so while not necessarily something I’d initially go for, I did enjoy reading this. Super quick read, pretty likable characters, and I giggled out loud a lot. I also enjoyed that she was the athlete and he wasn’t. Girl freaking power.
There was something about the books pacing, dialogue, and other things that weren’t as developed as I had hoped leaving me feeling a little lost/confused a times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
I loved this book so much! I love romance and Baseball/Softball has always been apart of my life in some sort of way.
I loved that instead of Maddox being the Star Athlete it was Reagan (We love women in power) I loved the Enemies to Lovers & all the Yearning that went into this book.
THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
I loved this book so much! I love romance and Baseball/Softball has always been apart of my life in some sort of way.
I loved that instead of Maddox being the Star Athlete it was Reagan (We love women in power) I loved the Enemies to Lovers & all the Yearning that went into this book.
THANK YOU!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a fellow softball girlie, I was ecstatic for this story! The longing, the build-up, the protective friends-turned-family!! All the things! Woke up and just devoured the reading and it's just...all the good feels. Enemies to lovers with a solid HEA is a great way to start the day. Can connect with Raegan's character on so many levels; and bless Grayson!! Great read!
Review of advance copy
I was lucky to be chosen as an ARC for this book! Face paced and easy to follow story. I love that the FMC is the athlete, very nice change of pace. I could’ve used a little more spicy scenes but the yearning and enemies to lovers made up for it. Helped me get out of my reading slump for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got an ARC from the author!
2.5 stars - I really wanted to like this more than I did, but I felt like the stakes were not as high as the characters made it seem. I do think it was enjoyable, just not my personal type of romance.
2.5 stars - I really wanted to like this more than I did, but I felt like the stakes were not as high as the characters made it seem. I do think it was enjoyable, just not my personal type of romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed the characters and the story, some parts felt a little rushed and the dialogue seemed a bit juvenile for college students at some points. Overall I enjoyed the book and a big thank you to Sierra for allowing me to be an ARC reader.
May 23, 2026
This book gave a good twist to the regular sports romance. It felt more realistic based on how they communicated. There did seem to be a de gaps in the story line that could have been added in, but overall a really good book.
May 26, 2026
I love everything softball so having the chance to read and ARC for a softball romance was so much fun! I really enjoyed the tension between Grayson and Raegan throughout the story. Learning about her family dynamic was an awesome layer to add. This story was the perfect poolside, beginning of summer read!
May 26, 2026
I really enjoyed The First Pitch! I loved Raegan and Greyson’s relationship! It was so much fun getting to read their story and watching Raegan break down her barriers and fall in love!
Thank you to Sierra Zinke for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Sierra Zinke for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this, and I'm pretty sure I will still read it again once published.
I love the chemistry between Raegan and Grayson. It just makes me want more!
I love the chemistry between Raegan and Grayson. It just makes me want more!
May 14, 2026
ARC review and a classic slow burn enemies to lovers trope. loved that the FMC was the superstar athlete and the MMC was yearning for her. Super wholesome.
Read
May 20, 2026Sierra grabbed my attention and kept it the entire time. She made me feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing and feeling all the things.
May 27, 2026
I loved this book so much!
May 28, 2026
3.5 ✨
Loved the characters and the story. I thought the pacing and the dialogue was a little off but overall a fun read
Thank you to the author for the ARC 🫶
Loved the characters and the story. I thought the pacing and the dialogue was a little off but overall a fun read
Thank you to the author for the ARC 🫶
May 28, 2026
sierra has absolutely done it again
May 30, 2026
SO GOOD! Usually romance books start with a slooooooow burn that offers little character development. This one doesn’t! Romance, character development, and a different athlete / reporter dynamic!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews