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Batter Up!
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26What happens when a summer fling leads to catching feelings?
After years of supporting her ex-husband’s dream of being a pro ball player, Jane Morris has returned home to the small city of Red Rock, Alberta to fulfill hers, running her bakery Batter Up!. To make it a success, she’s working to land a multi-year contract with the Fliers, the local Triple A ball club. Finding her old friend Carter playing for the team is an unexpected bonus.
Carter Cook wants to win a World Championship. After a car accident left him badly injured, he fought his way back and signed a minor league contract that landed him in Red Rock. All he wants is to prove he can still play at the highest level, and return to the big leagues.
After an encounter with her ex, Jane invites Carter to move in with her — platonically, of course. But their chemistry can’t be denied, and before long being roommates turns into friends with benefits. They both know it can’t be anything more. Jane’s life is in Red Rock, and Carter will be gone as soon as the big club calls.
As the season goes on, Carter and Jane start to wonder if their relationship could be more. For them to make it work, one of them would have to give up their dream, forcing them to ask:
Is chasing your dream worth giving up a chance at love?
After years of supporting her ex-husband’s dream of being a pro ball player, Jane Morris has returned home to the small city of Red Rock, Alberta to fulfill hers, running her bakery Batter Up!. To make it a success, she’s working to land a multi-year contract with the Fliers, the local Triple A ball club. Finding her old friend Carter playing for the team is an unexpected bonus.
Carter Cook wants to win a World Championship. After a car accident left him badly injured, he fought his way back and signed a minor league contract that landed him in Red Rock. All he wants is to prove he can still play at the highest level, and return to the big leagues.
After an encounter with her ex, Jane invites Carter to move in with her — platonically, of course. But their chemistry can’t be denied, and before long being roommates turns into friends with benefits. They both know it can’t be anything more. Jane’s life is in Red Rock, and Carter will be gone as soon as the big club calls.
As the season goes on, Carter and Jane start to wonder if their relationship could be more. For them to make it work, one of them would have to give up their dream, forcing them to ask:
Is chasing your dream worth giving up a chance at love?
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 20, 2026
This baseball romance sold me right from the dedication to the 2025 Blue Jays 💙
Carter is determined to make it back to the big leagues after a devastating accident. Jane is eager to thrive in life and her bakery after divorce (and of course her ex’s name is Chad). When Carter suddenly comes barreling back into Jane’s life, there is instant chemistry. The story follows their relationship as they navigate their evolving feelings while each following their own dream.
I actually loved the real baseball in this and the author clearly knows her stuff. The storyline wasn’t far-fetched and characters felt genuine in their motivations, dialogue, and growth. I’m not usually a fan of the age-gap romance, but this was sweet (and a little spicy 🌶️). There was more to it than just the romance! If you love a heartwarming small town, friends to lovers, sports romance, give this one a try!
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC!
Carter is determined to make it back to the big leagues after a devastating accident. Jane is eager to thrive in life and her bakery after divorce (and of course her ex’s name is Chad). When Carter suddenly comes barreling back into Jane’s life, there is instant chemistry. The story follows their relationship as they navigate their evolving feelings while each following their own dream.
I actually loved the real baseball in this and the author clearly knows her stuff. The storyline wasn’t far-fetched and characters felt genuine in their motivations, dialogue, and growth. I’m not usually a fan of the age-gap romance, but this was sweet (and a little spicy 🌶️). There was more to it than just the romance! If you love a heartwarming small town, friends to lovers, sports romance, give this one a try!
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC!
August 24, 2026
I feel super fortunate to have been chosen as an ARC reader for Batter Up! It's always a good time when you can slow down, take in a small town romance with big city vibes. Without spoiling the sweet storyline, I would highly recommend the story of Jane & Carter. From what I have read in the ARC readers group, Kristy is working on the continuation of the story, and I can't wait to jump back in. Will be looking forward to the follow up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book by Kristy Mallory, and I’m so glad I tried it!
Batter Up! is a sweet, heartwarming story about Jane and Carter. They’ve known each other for years but lost touch, after Jane and her now-ex-husband hosted Carter when he first started playing professional baseball. Jane has moved back to her hometown with her children (one at university, the other in the last years of high school) post-divorce and is building her business, a bakery. Carter, after suffering a horrible accident, moves there too, as he’s been signed to the local Triple-A baseball team in hopes of getting back to the MLB. Jane fibs to her ex that Carter’s rented her spare room in order to keep him out of her house and Carter accepts the offer when she clues him in, which creates the close quarters for their romance to develop.
Jane is levelheaded, sweet, and funny, and has understandably decided to put herself first after being badly burned by her ex. She’s older than Carter but this is never turned into an issue - in fact, her pointing out to her ex that his last girlfriend was even younger than Carter when he tries is one of the most satisfying amusing put-downs in the book - alongside her finally telling her ex what a dick he is.
Carter has been through a lot with his accident and I just felt that him getting together with Jane, getting on so well with her son and making friends was so deserved. He’s kind, caring and focused on Jane, and seeing him want to be with her when he was travelling is lovely. His control and slightly bossy attitude in the spicy scenes is also hot!
Just a few thoughts, which didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book:
- I would have liked to see when Carter explained his accident to Jane and her reaction to it. Although she’s obviously aware of it, Carter mentions at some point that he has to tell her about it (and she notes that he’ll tell her about the accident ‘later’) but we never see that scene. I would also have been interested in a cut scene from the past, when Carter lived with Jane at the start of his career, to see what he thought about Jane back then.
- I’m curious about how things ended with Jane’s son’s draft prospects after her ex’s shenanigans, but it’s entirely possible that this just isn’t possible to resolve in the timeline of the book.
- The book is written in either Jane or Carter’s first person POV in the past tense. Not a criticism but a simple note, as quite a few romance books are written in the present (incidentally, I love the first person POVs!).
I really liked that this book isn’t just about Carter and Jane’s romance: there are chapters devoted to their individual pursuits too. Jane is shown running her business, being with her children, and going out with friends. Carter is shown playing baseball and interacting extensively with his teammates. It made them so much more real, giving them lives independent of their relationship. That the relationship takes some time to develop is also much more realistic - this book may start as a friends with benefits story, but it ends up becoming so much more.
Another aspect I appreciated is the communication between these two: it’s clear that Carter is trying to get to the MLB which would require him to leave and that Jane needs and wants to stay to continue to build her business. That they actually talk like adults and don’t hide their interest in each other means that Jane’s ex’s attempts to drive a wedge between them aren’t successful either. On the subject of her ex - good riddance to that slime ball!
Overall I liked this book a lot and recommend it to all who like sweet romances with a little bit of spice, and MCs who have more going on than just their relationship on the page. I will also definitely be reading more of Kristy’s books.
Thank you to Kristy Mallory for the ARC!
Batter Up! is a sweet, heartwarming story about Jane and Carter. They’ve known each other for years but lost touch, after Jane and her now-ex-husband hosted Carter when he first started playing professional baseball. Jane has moved back to her hometown with her children (one at university, the other in the last years of high school) post-divorce and is building her business, a bakery. Carter, after suffering a horrible accident, moves there too, as he’s been signed to the local Triple-A baseball team in hopes of getting back to the MLB. Jane fibs to her ex that Carter’s rented her spare room in order to keep him out of her house and Carter accepts the offer when she clues him in, which creates the close quarters for their romance to develop.
Jane is levelheaded, sweet, and funny, and has understandably decided to put herself first after being badly burned by her ex. She’s older than Carter but this is never turned into an issue - in fact, her pointing out to her ex that his last girlfriend was even younger than Carter when he tries is one of the most satisfying amusing put-downs in the book - alongside her finally telling her ex what a dick he is.
Carter has been through a lot with his accident and I just felt that him getting together with Jane, getting on so well with her son and making friends was so deserved. He’s kind, caring and focused on Jane, and seeing him want to be with her when he was travelling is lovely. His control and slightly bossy attitude in the spicy scenes is also hot!
Just a few thoughts, which didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book:
- I would have liked to see when Carter explained his accident to Jane and her reaction to it. Although she’s obviously aware of it, Carter mentions at some point that he has to tell her about it (and she notes that he’ll tell her about the accident ‘later’) but we never see that scene. I would also have been interested in a cut scene from the past, when Carter lived with Jane at the start of his career, to see what he thought about Jane back then.
- I’m curious about how things ended with Jane’s son’s draft prospects after her ex’s shenanigans, but it’s entirely possible that this just isn’t possible to resolve in the timeline of the book.
- The book is written in either Jane or Carter’s first person POV in the past tense. Not a criticism but a simple note, as quite a few romance books are written in the present (incidentally, I love the first person POVs!).
I really liked that this book isn’t just about Carter and Jane’s romance: there are chapters devoted to their individual pursuits too. Jane is shown running her business, being with her children, and going out with friends. Carter is shown playing baseball and interacting extensively with his teammates. It made them so much more real, giving them lives independent of their relationship. That the relationship takes some time to develop is also much more realistic - this book may start as a friends with benefits story, but it ends up becoming so much more.
Another aspect I appreciated is the communication between these two: it’s clear that Carter is trying to get to the MLB which would require him to leave and that Jane needs and wants to stay to continue to build her business. That they actually talk like adults and don’t hide their interest in each other means that Jane’s ex’s attempts to drive a wedge between them aren’t successful either. On the subject of her ex - good riddance to that slime ball!
Overall I liked this book a lot and recommend it to all who like sweet romances with a little bit of spice, and MCs who have more going on than just their relationship on the page. I will also definitely be reading more of Kristy’s books.
Thank you to Kristy Mallory for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC gifted in exchange for review
4.25 stars
For someone who doesn't watch a lot of baseball, I have a strange love for baseball romance and when I read the dedication of this book, and realized that it was loosely based on the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays (Go Jays!), I sat up because the 2025 Jays made me actually pay attention when they went on their world series run. This is a cute friends to lovers, single mom romance where he falls first. This put me through the wringer emotionally, because I hated her ex husband so much and Chad had me constantly stressed out with his foolishness. I loved Jane and Carter's relationship, and beyond that, I loved Carter's relationship with her kids, especially Ethan. Carter's fight to get back to the big leagues was admirable, and I really enjoyed how he made the most of the opportunity he was given with the Fliers, stepped up and was such a glue guy in the locker room. He was a great mentor to the younger guys, and was so supportive every time someone got called up. I love how he respected Jane's boundaries and her need for privacy. Jane is a great mum, always trying to do what was best for her kids in a way that f-boy Chad has never been caple of doing, even when it made her uncomfortable in her own home. Carter showed her that it was possible to be loved so wholly and completely, and every scene with them left me with heart eyes, even when they made me cry. I had such a good time reading this one despite all the anxiety that Chad caused. If you loved the 2025 Blue Jays, baseball romances, second chances, and single mums kicking butt, and living their best lives after terrible marriages, this one is for you.
4.25 stars
For someone who doesn't watch a lot of baseball, I have a strange love for baseball romance and when I read the dedication of this book, and realized that it was loosely based on the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays (Go Jays!), I sat up because the 2025 Jays made me actually pay attention when they went on their world series run. This is a cute friends to lovers, single mom romance where he falls first. This put me through the wringer emotionally, because I hated her ex husband so much and Chad had me constantly stressed out with his foolishness. I loved Jane and Carter's relationship, and beyond that, I loved Carter's relationship with her kids, especially Ethan. Carter's fight to get back to the big leagues was admirable, and I really enjoyed how he made the most of the opportunity he was given with the Fliers, stepped up and was such a glue guy in the locker room. He was a great mentor to the younger guys, and was so supportive every time someone got called up. I love how he respected Jane's boundaries and her need for privacy. Jane is a great mum, always trying to do what was best for her kids in a way that f-boy Chad has never been caple of doing, even when it made her uncomfortable in her own home. Carter showed her that it was possible to be loved so wholly and completely, and every scene with them left me with heart eyes, even when they made me cry. I had such a good time reading this one despite all the anxiety that Chad caused. If you loved the 2025 Blue Jays, baseball romances, second chances, and single mums kicking butt, and living their best lives after terrible marriages, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely devoured Batter Up! This was such a sweet, heartwarming sports romance, and I loved Jane and Carter together.
Jane is a recently divorced baker rebuilding her life when she reconnects with Carter, an old friend of her ex-husband who is playing AAA baseball while fighting for another chance in the majors after a devastating accident. Their chemistry was fantastic, but I especially loved how their relationship developed beyond the romance. Carter’s relationship with Jane’s kids was so sweet, and I loved how supportive and respectful he was of Jane and her boundaries.
This had so many romance elements I enjoy—friends to lovers, forced proximity, baseball, a plus-size FMC, and an age gap that really worked for me even though that trope isn't usually a favorite. I also loved the themes of second chances and realizing that it’s okay for your dreams to change. Both Jane and Carter were figuring out what they wanted their futures to look like, and their character growth made the story even more satisfying.
The baseball and baking details were also so well done. You can tell Kristy Mallory knows both, and I loved getting to know the other players along the way. The dramatic, movie-worthy ending was the perfect finishing touch.
A fun, emotional, and swoony start to the Red Rock Fliers series. I’m already looking forward to the next book—and hoping we get more of Raine!
I absolutely devoured Batter Up! This was such a sweet, heartwarming sports romance, and I loved Jane and Carter together.
Jane is a recently divorced baker rebuilding her life when she reconnects with Carter, an old friend of her ex-husband who is playing AAA baseball while fighting for another chance in the majors after a devastating accident. Their chemistry was fantastic, but I especially loved how their relationship developed beyond the romance. Carter’s relationship with Jane’s kids was so sweet, and I loved how supportive and respectful he was of Jane and her boundaries.
This had so many romance elements I enjoy—friends to lovers, forced proximity, baseball, a plus-size FMC, and an age gap that really worked for me even though that trope isn't usually a favorite. I also loved the themes of second chances and realizing that it’s okay for your dreams to change. Both Jane and Carter were figuring out what they wanted their futures to look like, and their character growth made the story even more satisfying.
The baseball and baking details were also so well done. You can tell Kristy Mallory knows both, and I loved getting to know the other players along the way. The dramatic, movie-worthy ending was the perfect finishing touch.
A fun, emotional, and swoony start to the Red Rock Fliers series. I’m already looking forward to the next book—and hoping we get more of Raine!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely devoured this book. It's been so long since I stayed up late to finish a book, it was that good.
Batter up! By Kristy Mallory is the story of Jane, a plus size baker who is recently divorced and finally getting her life back in order. She reunites with an old friend of her ex-husbands, Carter, who is in town playing for the AAA team with hopes of being called back up to the majors after a devastating car accident nearly saw him paralyzed.
This book has all the tropes I love in a good romance - Age difference, forced proximity, sports theme, plus size main character whose body isn't important, and friends to lovers. The chemistry was undeniable (and mouth watering) and the book was written in a way that showed immense knowledge and attention to detail. It was clear the author knows baseball, and baking! The terminology and the sports knowledge was impressive.
I loved the dramatic movie-style ending and could absolutely see this made into a movie for Netflex of Amazon Prime. I also appreciated that the author introduced other players on the team organically as this appears to be the first book in a soon-to-be-series. I'll absolutely be looking out for stories about Raine especially. I think that character has a lot of potential.
Batter up! By Kristy Mallory is the story of Jane, a plus size baker who is recently divorced and finally getting her life back in order. She reunites with an old friend of her ex-husbands, Carter, who is in town playing for the AAA team with hopes of being called back up to the majors after a devastating car accident nearly saw him paralyzed.
This book has all the tropes I love in a good romance - Age difference, forced proximity, sports theme, plus size main character whose body isn't important, and friends to lovers. The chemistry was undeniable (and mouth watering) and the book was written in a way that showed immense knowledge and attention to detail. It was clear the author knows baseball, and baking! The terminology and the sports knowledge was impressive.
I loved the dramatic movie-style ending and could absolutely see this made into a movie for Netflex of Amazon Prime. I also appreciated that the author introduced other players on the team organically as this appears to be the first book in a soon-to-be-series. I'll absolutely be looking out for stories about Raine especially. I think that character has a lot of potential.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This was my first Kristy Mallory book and I can’t wait for the next! (I see it’s Red Rock Fliers #1… 👀)
I loved Jane and Carter’s individual stories— but I loved the way the two intertwined even more! Carter was so supportive to Jane, whether it was in the bakery or defending her from Chad, he was a constant positive light.
Chad was a major snooze (duh his name is Chad) and wholly frustrated me (Seriously Chad, grow up) but his character involvement was important for the plot.
Seeing Jane reaching her dreams with the bakery was so so special. And with her kids, friends, and man by her side?! LOVE.
I love a good sports romance even if I’m not a sporty gal— but some of the lingo was over my head so I definitely called on my husband for his knowledge lol
Small town, age gap, friends to lovers, sports romance— a perfect combination. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series (🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻) plays out.
This was my first Kristy Mallory book and I can’t wait for the next! (I see it’s Red Rock Fliers #1… 👀)
I loved Jane and Carter’s individual stories— but I loved the way the two intertwined even more! Carter was so supportive to Jane, whether it was in the bakery or defending her from Chad, he was a constant positive light.
Chad was a major snooze (duh his name is Chad) and wholly frustrated me (Seriously Chad, grow up) but his character involvement was important for the plot.
Seeing Jane reaching her dreams with the bakery was so so special. And with her kids, friends, and man by her side?! LOVE.
I love a good sports romance even if I’m not a sporty gal— but some of the lingo was over my head so I definitely called on my husband for his knowledge lol
Small town, age gap, friends to lovers, sports romance— a perfect combination. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series (🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻) plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review)
Batter Up! by Kristy Mallory was such a charming read! As a huge minor league baseball fan, I absolutely loved all the detailed nuances of minor league baseball woven into the story.
Carter’s journey as he works his way back to the major leagues after a devastating accident was written with so much heart and determination—you can't help but root for him every step of the way.
On the other side of the dynamic, watching Jane bring her dreams to life with her bakery was just as wonderful to follow. The balance between sports grit and sweet, hard-earned dreams made this book stick out. A fantastic romance with dual ambition and great character growth!
Batter Up! by Kristy Mallory was such a charming read! As a huge minor league baseball fan, I absolutely loved all the detailed nuances of minor league baseball woven into the story.
Carter’s journey as he works his way back to the major leagues after a devastating accident was written with so much heart and determination—you can't help but root for him every step of the way.
On the other side of the dynamic, watching Jane bring her dreams to life with her bakery was just as wonderful to follow. The balance between sports grit and sweet, hard-earned dreams made this book stick out. A fantastic romance with dual ambition and great character growth!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fabulous first read for me by Kristy Mallory! Carter and Jane were definitely a sweet couple! There were so many things going in this story. Jane is a plus sized woman who’s had to rebuild her life after a divorce from her pro-ball-playing husband. She returns home and builds the life she wants. Along comes Carter, who she knew previously when he was more of a child, in her eyes. Carter is not a child anymore! Jane has more serious things to take care of with no time for a dalliance with someone so much younger than she. But Carter is not a child anymore! There’s so much to lose if a relationship was found out. But so much to gain.
This story has the age gap, plus-sized heroine, and a guy who knows what a woman needs, regardless of her age.
This story has the age gap, plus-sized heroine, and a guy who knows what a woman needs, regardless of her age.
Review of advance copy
ARC READER - I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for a review.
I did not know exactly what I was getting into when I signed up to be an ARC Reader. I know a little bit about baseball, but not too much. I think the thing that I liked most is how immersed into the story I got. I loved how Jane and Carter got their happy endings after everything that happened to them - even if it was in completely different ways!. I also loved how relatable Jane was. But also the spice - amazing.
So if you like baseball, spice, second chances, and happy ending - give this a read!
I did not know exactly what I was getting into when I signed up to be an ARC Reader. I know a little bit about baseball, but not too much. I think the thing that I liked most is how immersed into the story I got. I loved how Jane and Carter got their happy endings after everything that happened to them - even if it was in completely different ways!. I also loved how relatable Jane was. But also the spice - amazing.
So if you like baseball, spice, second chances, and happy ending - give this a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG.. This book combines my love of reading with my love of baseball. It’s a HOME RUN!! The author understands the game of baseball and does an amazing job capturing the vibe at the ballpark. And the romantic parts… SCORCHING. The language during those parts was a little crude for my normal tastes but the book was so good I didn’t mind.
Bottom line, if you’re a reader who loves baseball- READ THIS!
Bottom line, if you’re a reader who loves baseball- READ THIS!
September 3, 2026
This is my first book by Kristy Mallory and I’m SO glad I got picked to ARC read. It was so good😭 it was the perfect mix of small town romance, SPICE and investment in a baseball team. I love that Jane & Carter communicated like adults about their career goals instead of hiding their dreams from one another. And Jane being so strong to stand up to Chad? As a divorced woman how that played out was so perfect for me. Finally that ending?! I love a happy ending all tied up in a bow💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Batter Up! is a nice read with a lot of baseball, some sweets, a bit of spice, with a sprinkle of terrible exes. Thank you Kristy for letting me join your ARC team for this one!
Jane and Carter are absolutely adorable together and it was quite amusing how they lied to themselves. Carter is the sweetest man and everyone should want to be as loving to their partner as he is to her. Jane is completely unapologetic in reaching her goals and dreams, it's so inspiring to want to be like that too.
Jane and Carter are absolutely adorable together and it was quite amusing how they lied to themselves. Carter is the sweetest man and everyone should want to be as loving to their partner as he is to her. Jane is completely unapologetic in reaching her goals and dreams, it's so inspiring to want to be like that too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book so much! I am not usually a fan of age gap but for this story it worked so well. The story was heartwarming. It showed that it is okay if dreams change and that hard work pays off. I love the character building and back story that was through out the story. I can not wait to see what is in store for the next book
Did Not Finish
August 31, 2026ARC Review and unfortunately a DNF.
MMC lived with FMC and her (now ex)husband while MMC played lower level ball, and has had a crush on her since then....?? Age gap is one thing, but age gap that the MMC has a crush on a married woman who he lived with who had a kid and he was in his early twenties feels really kinda gross.
MMC lived with FMC and her (now ex)husband while MMC played lower level ball, and has had a crush on her since then....?? Age gap is one thing, but age gap that the MMC has a crush on a married woman who he lived with who had a kid and he was in his early twenties feels really kinda gross.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews