Praising the Pitcher

The Good Girls of NE University #4

by Hannah Gray

Book 4 in the Good Girls of NEU Series

Genres: Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Sports, Forced Proximity, Football, College

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

About the author

Hannah Gray spends her days in vacationland, living in a small, quaint town on the coast of Maine. She is an avid reader of contemporary romance and is always in competition with herself to read more books every year.

During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.

She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.

Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟 | 3.5🌶️

The best part of friends-to-lovers is watching the relationship change before they realize it.

Noah and Gigi’s friendship, trust, and ridiculous amount of yearning made the wait for them to finally cross that line so worth it. Noah is such a standout lead too, with all that confident football-player charm hiding a much softer, more vulnerable side.

Gigi completely stole my heart. Watching her slowly unlearn everything her father made her believe about herself and find her own confidence was so satisfying. Noah never tried to change her, he just kept reminding her of the woman she already was. Their relationship felt supportive without losing the tension, and the mental health themes added even more depth.

And Noah’s family? Absolutely adored them. Watching them become a safe place for Gigi added so much warmth to the story. I laughed, got emotional, and definitely yelled at these two to PLEASE just talk already.

The slow burn, emotional growth, and romance all came together beautifully, making this another college sports romance I’m genuinely going to remember.

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Hannah Grace and The Smuthood for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praising the Pitcher by Hannah Gray eARC Review 🧡

Hannah, I don’t know what you put in this book, but I could NOT put it down. Incredible. All the freaking stars for Noah and Gigi.

This one is a SLOWWWW burn, but in the best way. The friendship and trust formed between Noah and Gigi just made it that much sweeter when they FINALLY confess their feelings. 😭

This one is emotional and beautiful and just an all around amazing story.

I don’t even think I could be more obsessed with Noah King if I tried. He is something special 😍 and Gigi is such a strong FMC and my gosh, I am so fricken proud of the woman she became throughout this story.

What to expect:
Dual athletes
(Football player x softball player)
Best friend’s brother
Sworn off love
Perfectionist FMC
Reformed playboy
Friends to lovers
Hurt/ comfort
Mental health rep

Thank you so much Hannah and team for the arc!

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Will I ever stop screaming about this series… unlikely. Doesn’t just keep getting better and better as we go? Absolutely!

Look this is firmly a five star series for me and PRAISING THE PITCHER blew me away. I loved Noah and Gigi so much, and I’m still sitting here swooning over them.

🥎Dual Athletes (Softball Player x Football Player)
🏈Best Friend’s Brother
🥎Sworn Off Love
🏈Perfectionist FMC
🥎Reformed Playboy
🏈Friends to Lovers
🥎Hurt/Comfort
🏈Mental Health Rep

They were just SO SWEET. Noah is such a playboy, but this playboy falls so hard despite not wanting a relationship, because he cannot get Gigi out of his head.

And Gigi…. Oh how I love her. She is truly one of the sweetest FMCs Hannah has ever written sans I absolutely fell for her as much as I did Noah.

I loved that this was a slow burn but the second they caught fire they were STEAMY. Like that man had a dirty mouth that I have to admit I was not expecting. 🫠🫠🫠

I lAlso oved the relationship between the girls and especially Gigi and Haven and Haven and Noah for that fact!

Basically I just love them and I cannot wait for what’s next!

[Aurora Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐/ 2 🌶️

I could sense these two coming in some of the earlier books in the series, and I am so glad to finally have their book.

I really wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Noah – but I should have known better than to ever doubt Hannah. Noah King is a cocky playboy and by all accounts is closed off to love – but that was just the surface. I do enjoy seeing the goofy playful sides of an outwardly cocky mmc and it is always a joy to watch one became wholly and utterly obsessed with the fmc.

Gigi "Smoke" was so fun, and different than some of the other girls in the series. She was far more reserved (at least a first) and was entirely dedicated to her sport/future. I thoroughly enjoyed following along as the friendship developed between these two and especially following along as Noah tore down all the negativity Gigi's father brought into her life.

I was a bit surprised at how much my perspective on these two characters changed and just how much I enjoyed their dynamic. Be prepared for a SLOOWWWBURRRNN but I promise you it is absolutely worth it. These two really have something so special.

Like the remainder of the series, this one delivered found family, emotional depth and caretaking. Hannah's books always have such incredible subplots woven into the primary romance and this one is no exception – she is incredibly creative and I always love what new challenges her characters encounter.

Tropes
🧡perfectonist fmc
🧡bestfriend’s brother
🧡athlete x athlete
🧡 sworn off love
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 reformed playboy
🧡 hurt x comfort
🧡 mental health rep

"And now... I don't think I've ever wanted anything or anyone the way I want you"

Thank you for the ARC <3

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi + Noah

-mf sports romance
-softball fmc x football mmc
-best friends brother
-friends to lovers
-reformed playboy
-sworn off love
-perfectionist fmc

omg my bb girl gigi! i love you so much & your dad’s a piece of shit!! but also my bb noahhhh!! natalie is also a piece of shit! im so happy they didn’t let these GIANT RED FLAGSSS in their lives determine their worth & were able to be the rocks each other needed!!!

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Hannah Gray gives us another good girl college sports romance in her very binge able series.

I love how this series really focuses on the female player more. The boys are also in sports but they’re not the main focus.

Gigi & Noah
Softball pitcher x football player
She’s his sisters best friend
She’s very dedicated and let’s say sheltered
He’s got playboy vibes but golden retriever and obsessed with her
Solid friends

I can always count on HG to give me a sports romance with deeper topics and not just fuzzy fluffy vibes.

Arc review ✨

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *Praising the Pitcher* - Hannah Gray - ARC [18+]
4.7/5✨
3/5🌶️

All Gigi Jacobs knew was to play softball and to offer all of her time to this sport. That was her passion, but the constant push from her father made things a bit harder for her, never being pleased with her performances and always making her train even harder to become the best in her field. Gigi has never shown her weaknesses, but, somehow, football player and her best friend's brother, Noah King has seen through that veil she was hiding behind. A shared traumatic experience got them closer and a beautiful friendship grew between them. But Gigi was harboring some other kind of feelings for the flirt of the campus, some things which he never should discover, because she cannot be in a relationship when she had to be the best pitcher out there.

Our two protagonists had some issues to overcome, mentally and emotionally, after going through a couple impactful things caused by close people to them, who should have taking care of their hearts, not destroying then. Gigi was such a fighter and I liked her ambition to be the best pitcher, but she was always taken down by her dad, who was the worst! I hate it how he kept pushing her to the limits and how he practically controlled her every move and aspect of her life. It was so nice to see Gigi having someone in her corner, Noah being such a sweetheart and really thoughtful, trying so hard to help her escape that trap where she was kept by her father. I adoooored that slow burn between them and how cute their connection was, even if they were bonded by those unfortunate things that happened to Gigi. The chemistry between these two was undeniable, but Noah really tried to keep what they shared to a friendship level, being afraid to ruin what they had. I truly appreciated that about him, that he wasn't selfish and thought about Gigi's well-being above his needs. The only thing that bothered me a bit at this story was the fact that there were a couple of things and maybe lines which have been repeated themselves in different chapters. But maybe that was something the author wanted to keep pointing out, so the reader can have a more impactful experience when it came to these character's emotional side.

This story had a bit of everything in it, being super sweet, but also really triggering at the same time. That made me like this book so much, always being captivated by this kind of emotional stories, which have characters who evolve throughout the book, even if their road isn't as easy as they wanted to be.

Thank you so much to The Smuthood for sending me this e-ARC. I was definitely swoon by Noah, as much as Gigi was herself by him 🤭.

✨Tropes
🔹Friends To Lovers
🔹Best Friend's Brother
🔹Hurt/Comfort
🔹Mental Health Rep
🔹Perfectionist FMC
🔹Reformed Playboy
🔹Sworn Off Love
🔹Sports Romance
🔹Football Player
🔹Softball Player

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah, I don’t know what you put in these books, but I could NOT put it down. Every single one of them in this series are just PERFECT! And Noah and Gigi, loveddd these two! Give me a best friend’s brother, sports, so much yearn and slow burn and so much emotion and I am here for it!

Noah King… On the outside, he’s the gorgeous, talented football player, the outgoing, funny playboy everyone knows. But underneath it all is a man who has been deeply hurt and betrayed. He hides so much behind that confident exterior with insecurities, fear, and a heart that’s terrified of being broken again. And watching him slowly let Gigi in? Absolutely everything.

Gigi stole my heart. She’s strong, fierce, smart, kind, and so much more than the person her father made her believe she was. Watching her find her voice and grow into herself throughout this story made me SO freaking proud of her. Because she has been through it. After her mother passed away, her father became even worse. So much emotional abuse, control, even horrible body shaming. But Noah, this man sees Gigi in a way no one else does. He notices the little things, supports her, lifts her up, and reminds her of the strong, independent woman she is. And he encourages her growth!

This is a slow burn full of so much yearning. Watching Noah and Gigi build a friendship first and realize what they meant to each other was PERFECT. The tension and chemistry between these two was inevitable! I LOVE a man who is full of praise and o was he so good at it and his filthy mouth for our inexperienced girl was EVERYTHING!

One of my favorite parts of this series is the found family. Noah and his family, the way they gave Gigi such a feeling of love, safety, and support was truly so good. The friendships this group has are what I truly love about an amazing found family book!

This truly is a story about finding yourself, breaking free from the things holding you back, and becoming the person you were always meant to be. It’s emotional, beautiful, heartbreaking, and filled with so much love. Hannah once again absolutely wrote a perfect book and I am HERE for ANYTHING she writes! You NEED to read this book and WHOLE series!

Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🧡Dual athlete (football and softball)
🧡Best friends brother
🧡Sworn off love
🧡Perfectionist FMC
🧡Friends to lovers
🧡Reformed playboy

🌻THANK YOU Hannah Gray and The Smuthood for my arc!

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a moment in Praising the Pitcher when Gigi is in the library and says “oh to read this for the first time again” — and honestly, that is EXACTLY how I felt reading this book.

Because Praising the Pitcher might sound like it’s all about Gigi and her pitching skills, but believe me, this story is about so much more.

If you’ve read Hannah Gray before, you’ll know there is always an emotional story waiting underneath the romance. And if you haven’t started The Good Girls of NE University series yet, WHY NOT? This series has been one of my 2026 must-reads, and book four has once again delivered.

Beyond the Synopsis…

Hannah Gray notes that she isn’t sure she has written a sweeter love story, and yes, Gigi and Noah are sweet — but they are also moving, emotional and seriously HOT.

I was shouting at my device from the start for Noah to TAKE THAT LEAP, but the more you get to know him, the more you understand why he keeps Gigi firmly in the friends zone.

And Gigi? I absolutely adored her.

She is the kind of heroine you want to envelope in a huge hug, and watching her come out of her shell and learn to ‘Stand Tall’ for all the right reasons had me loud-clapping all the way.

And when Noah finally takes that leap and the passion explodes… 🔥🔥🔥

That library scene. Enough said.

But it was actually the little things Noah did that stole my heart. The Christmas present. The drive in the snow. The friendships. Those moments that show just how much he cares.

And then there is box 3.

One chapter among several that had tears in my eyes. When Gigi starts unboxing some of her memories from home, get the tissues ready because this is where Hannah Gray’s emotional storytelling really hits.

So please don’t let this sound like just another college sports, sister’s-best-friend romance.

It is SO much more.

Read it for…

💕 A friends-to-lovers romance with ALL the feels
💕 A heroine you will want to hug
💕 A hero who will make your heart melt
💕 Emotional depth beneath the sweetness
💕 Friendships that become part of the heart of the story
💕 The snowy drive and Christmas present
💕 And obviously… that library scene 🔥

WOB65 Verdict

Sweet, emotional, swoony and with just the right amount of heat, Praising the Pitcher is another must-read from Hannah Gray.

What I love most about Hannah Gray’s writing is how effortlessly she brings her characters to life and draws you into their world, until before you know it, they have found their way right into your heart.

And now I’m left with just one thought…

“oh to read this for the first time again” ❤️

[Jessie The Great · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Noah is a book boyfriend and believes in eating his desert, 👀 IYKWIM. The yearning in this lasted TOO DANG LONG. But in my head I have to remember they're both college students. Their prefrontal cortex's aren't fully formed. They don't realize that conversations are easier than STARING AT EACH OTHER FROM A DISTANCE AND WISHING YOU WERE NEAR THEM ALL THE DANG TIME. I'm not yelling (I'm kind of yelling).

Where to start, well, Gigi's dad is awful. He was a scumbag when her mom was around to protect her and just became more scummy as the years went by - causing Gigi to not believe in herself. I'm glad she cut herself off from that toxic man when she did. That being said, it was insightful seeing Gigi's side of the Tabor incident. During Saving the Shortstop, there was no indication of Gigi's struggle - of which it was a focus here... and Noah's in - in a non creepy/stalkery way. We also learn about Noah's trust issues that came from his past relationship(s). Hannah has been telegraphing their attraction through the last few books, so it was fun seeing them finally come together.

All that being said, they fought their feelings through the majority of this book. Noah wanted to stay away because he didn't want to ruin another one of his sister's friendships. Gigi was complacent in moving forward - and really just took Noah's refusal as absolute. Which, like, girl, tell him you want him or it's never gonna happen. That being said, everything comes to a head at Christmas - it just took a minute to get there. We also didn't have to deal with a #3rdActBreakUp because they didn't get together until the 3rd act anyway. There was enough conflict toward the end that made it unnecessary. IDK, this is a fun series. It's not the deepest, but I enjoy myself when I read them. The conversations are fluid, the interactions seem real. Hannah does a good job bringing her NEU characters to life. I can't wait for Lilly and Jameson or so I assume they're going to be paired up. There are some triggering events in this, but I wouldn't call it a triggering book. Have some fun with it, you won't regret it.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I received an ARC for this from The Smuthood. My opinions on it are my own.

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah and Gigi so many words and yet it’s all just feelings too. Hannah continues to knock it out of the park with each new book and these two were not exception. We all love to feel the emotion come off the page and when you can feel every emotion I think that just shows the ray an author can reach with their writing. And I say this with grate praise to Hannah for this book. Not only did I fall hard for these two and there were moments I was holding back the tears, but I also was LIVID for them too. There are some hard topics these two have to go through and the best part is they come out the other side but also they grow through it. No character is one dimensional. Hannah makes them into living breathing people we can experience it all with.

This book covers mental health rep and it was truly done with so much grace that I hope anyone reads it feels seen and understood. We set our own expectations and sometimes however unrealistic they are we still have to work through our own expectations and others (however unrealistic they are). It’s more than just deciding not to.

Noah and Gigi are a true friends to lovers. And they are such a cute fun time. They are two halves of a whole and they don’t even realize they are putting the puzzle together till they have.

And make sure to enjoy the ending because not only did Hannah tease us with what’s to come but she also gave us a fairytale happily ever after for these two. It couldn’t have been more perfect if she tried and truly it was a phenomenal read.

[The_reading_redhead_sc tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Gigi and Noah were fantastic! Each book in this series just keeps getting better! I am loving the second generation world of hannahs.

Tropes:
Dual Athletes (Softball Player × Football Player)
Best Friend's Brother
Sworn Off Love
Perfectionist FMC
Reformed Playboy
Friends to Lovers
Hurt/Comfort
Mental Health Rep

Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

This is book number 4 in the good girls of NE University.
I would highly recommend reading saving the short stop before this book.

Gigi has given everything that she has to softball. Her dad has her under tremendous pressure to be best and still it’s never enough for him. When Gigi and her best friend/ roommate are in a traumatic situation together, Gigi is finding it hard to sleep. That is until Noah steps to be her friend and help her.

Noah has reputation of being a playboy. He wasn’t always life this. He got his heart broken by girl and has never been the same. When Noah starts to grow closer to Gigi he must keep reminding himself he doesn’t date anymore.

Gigi and Noah story is both amazing and heart breaking. Gigi goes through so much and Noah has to learn to heal from past
heartbreak. Hannah knows how to make each of the books in this series better. They keep hitting so good and just bring all the emotions!

I can’t wait to see what she has in store next for us!!

** I want to thank Hannah Gray for giving me the chance to read Praising the Pitcher as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****

[Ivy Olivia · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Rating : 4,65⭐️

It’s a light, fast-paced, and spicy college sports romance read! 💛

Can I also mention how much I LOVE Noah’s straightforwardness? Besides his many other good points, I seriously wish all boys were like him. 😂 But it was also so painful to see Noah struggling with his insecurities because of his past and believing that he couldn’t be the boyfriend Gigi deserved. :(

With the fact that she’s his sister’s best friend, plus his well-known “reputation,” there were SO many hurdles between them. But I’m glad he finally realized what he wanted and decided to make a move before it was too late!

I also LOVE his family so much and how they slowly became Gigi’s family too. 🥺🥺 It was honestly so sweet to read!

And Gigi’s dad… I HATE HIM. 😭 He’s so manipulative and emotionally abusive, ughhhhh. No one deserves a dad like him. He completely crushed Gigi’s confidence and made her doubt herself, so I’m really glad she had Noah and his family by her side. 🥺

I learned a lot from this story too. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, and we shouldn’t let our past stop us from finding happiness in the future. Don’t let your past hold you back until it’s too late. ❤️

Thank you for the ARC, Hannah Gray & The Smuthood!! 💛

[Danielle Hooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC review✨
the way i was 6% in and wanted to throat punch Cal Jacob’s so badly. that man doesn’t even deserve to make eye contact with our sweet baby Gigi, much less call himself her dad. the way Noah King showed up and showed out for our girl, repeatedly, i’ll never be over him. Gigi deserved everything and i’m so glad she was able to find her happily ever after 😭

Gigi is our sweet, guarded, does everything by the book her dad wrote her to become the best damn softball pitcher. it takes time to break down the walls that her dad in fact, did not make her the best, but she did by believing in herself and putting in the hard work. it definitely helped that Noah and her developed a friendship. the way that man built her up every single day until she’d started to believe the praise that he was giving her 🥹 and my god, Noah King is just that man. top tier book boyfriend spot solidified.

i’ll never get over them, they were just so sweet and perfect 🙂‍↔️ so everyone add this beauty to your tbr so you can fall in love with them too!

[Holly D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Girls of NE University • Book 4

Hell yes, Hannah! Absolutely loved Gigi and Noah so much!!

Time and time again Hannah shows why she is one of my all time favorite authors. This whole series has truly been fantastic so no surprise here that this was another absolute banger!

Gigi and Noah had me all kinds of giddy, grinning and kicking my feet. I loved everything about these two. On the outside they show calm confidence but on the inside they are both struggling with something and come to be exactly what the other needed. Their chemistry, the fun banter, the way they saw each other, how they helped each other get past their insecurities and build each other up they were perfect together!

Noah King the man that you are... he notices his sisters best friend is struggling and doesn't hesitate to step right in and be everything she needs. I loved their friendship and how protective he was of Gigi. The man is a relentless flirt and I loved it. His words of encouragement and praise had me swooning hard. And his dirty mouth 🔥 I may have a crush 😍

On to our girl Gigi, the star NEU softball pitcher. I absolutely adored her. She is getting put thru it and is such an inspiration throughout showing strength, determination and incredible resilience. I loved her sweet shy side, but when she found her backbone, and told her dad where to go, couldn't have been prouder saying yes queen, STAND TALL!

I also loved getting more of Haven & Gigi's friendship and the brother sister bond of Noah and Haven. Along with the found family aspect.

This is definitely a top read of the year for me. Hannah has a way of putting so much meaning into a story that pulls at the heartstrings, but also makes you laugh, has you swooning and hot n bothered making you feel all the things. I can't wait for what she brings us next!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I think the book boyfriend trope has run its course and I was sort of annoyed with that. The "I'm pushing you away because you are too good for me and I'll screw it up" got kind of old. Decent group of friends though which I liked.

[Dawn Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah is the freshman football hotshot who was scorned by an ex so not looking for anything more than a playboy lifestyle.

Gigi is the star softball pitcher who pushes for perfection with a dedicated routine leaving no time for a life outside the sport with a controlling father running the show.

Noah has had an eye for Gigi but won’t pursue it given his trust issues. Gigi has a crush on Noah but can’t give in and ruin her future career. The two circle around tension and feelings under the guise of “just friends” until Noah’s new teammate stirs up jealousy and things begin to change.

Noah’s desire to protect and lift up Gigi was so endearing! He truly wanted her to see she can stand on her own two feet without her horrible father destroying her confidence at every turn.

Gigi thrived on Noah’s ability to push the envelope with her and show her things she’d never experience - Slush Puppies and Nutella - she needed his influence to break the routine! I loved her trusting him and feeling safe around him when she felt a burden to others.

I had to remind myself they are college aged with the miscommunication and silly reasons behind moments of not talking/hanging out during certain stretches. Some parts of Noah’s hype of Gigi felt repetitive. I didn’t feel a need for the “other guy” drama when it wasn’t fully resolved in the end.

I did enjoy Gigi standing up to her father and showing him his true worth in her life. She needed that moment!

Thanks to Hannah for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanna Marzetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Well, we have a new favorite in the series because I absolutely LOVED this book. No notes. Hannah Gray got me with this one.

Give me a best friend’s brother, a golden retriever MMC, a sports romance, and an FMC carrying approximately seventeen suitcases worth of daddy issues, and apparently I am seated.

Our FMC is dealing with so much more than just an awful relationship with her father. She’s still grieving the loss of her mom while also coming to terms with everything she lost during her childhood. And her dad? Throw the whole man away. Immediately. Watching her begin to heal and realize what she actually deserves was one of my favorite parts of the story.

And then there’s Noah.

Sweet, wonderful, completely-in-his-own-way Noah.

After being cheated on in a previous relationship, he has convinced himself that he can’t be what she needs. He worries he’ll put too much pressure on her, that all the baggage surrounding her father will eventually become too much, and that somehow staying away from her is the better choice.

Sir.

We could see how spectacularly that plan was going to fail from approximately the jump. 😂

I loved their relationship so much. The friendship underneath everything made their chemistry even better, and watching Noah try desperately not to fall when that ship had CLEARLY already sailed was perfection. Their emotional connection worked, the banter worked, and when the spice finally started spicing? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

But can we discuss the most important detail?

HE CALLS HER SMOKE.

Smoke!!!

I don’t know why that nickname did what it did to me, but it is hands down one of my favorite FMC nicknames ever.

I also continue to love how Hannah Gray builds this entire NEU universe. Getting the sports, friendships, relationships, and familiar faces woven throughout each book makes me more attached to this group every single time.

This book gave me everything I wanted: romance, spice, grief, healing, family drama, incredible chemistry, and a golden retriever hero who was already completely gone for his girl whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Five stars. Favorite of the series. Absolutely devoured it.

I cannot wait for more from this universe. 🧡

Read if you love: best friend’s brother • softball FMC • sports romance • golden retriever MMC • healing journeys • he gives her the nickname • delicious pining

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah & Gigi

Such a sweet friends to lovers story where both main characters are dealing with their own internal struggles. Noah having had his heartbroken is sworn off love and Gigi who has been abused for so much of her life struggles to find her independence and confidence.

The way Noah stood by Gigi through so many hard times and they became such great friends and had such a good base to work on their relationship. They became each other's safe space and it was beautiful to watch both of their growth.

Noah brought the fun and silly side and made Gigi really open up and once these two finally gave into their feelings it was explosive.

As with this whole series, Hannah really knows how to get you in all the emotions so prepare those tissues!

Dual Athletes
Best Friend’s Brother
Sworn Off Love
Perfectionist FMC
Reformed Playboy
Friends to Lovers
Hurt/Comfort
Mental Health Rep

4⭐️ 3🌶

Bonus Points for the found family. Amongst all these athletes, their friendship and the way they are all there for each other is so beautiful

Thankyou to Hannah & The Smuthood for the opportunity to read this one early 🫶🏻

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welp, we are three for three on crying. Miss Hannah (I don't know your middle name) Gray, we talked about this. We agreed no more tears. But yet here I am: Kayla- 1 and Hannah- 3. And I don't like those emotional crying odds because like we don't cry. But I will say, Hannah has done something truly special with this series. She has created a series with strong female athletes, swoony moments, toe curling spice and a plot that tackle difficult subject matters with such beauty and grace. Like every single book in this series has had some type of plot line that may be triggering or difficult read with emotional pull but the way Hannah writes them are truly beautiful. And dare I say this series has been healing for me in a lot of ways.

Praising the Pitcher was super cute. I will say, at first I had a hard time getting into the story but I think that was a total me thing with my head space but once I locked in, I was locked in to Noah and Gigi's story. Gigi is so sweet and inexperienced with life. She lost her mother at a young age and her father has always put a lot of pressure on her to be great at softball. Mixed with some PTSD from the last book in this series, Gigi is truly struggling. So thank the lord above that she has her best friend's younger brother to bring her the comfort she is so desperately seeking. But he does way more than that 👀

I loved Gigi and Noah. They were cute together and exactly what the other person needed. Noah was protective. He always allowed a space for Gigi to feel comfortable. And Gigi also showed Noah that it's ok to drop his walls and fall in love. While this one might be a sweet college romance, prepare for some difficult moments as well with Gigi's childhood. Her father is a first class A-hole. And the letter she found that her mother wrote her... cue the tears 😭

[Only.ever.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
🥎Praising the Pitcher🥎
The Good Girls of NE University #4

By Hannah Gray

🥎 College Romance
🥎 Friends to Lovers
🥎 Sports Romance

⭐ 5/5

Noah and Gigi and something beautiful

This fourth book in that fantastic series follows Noah and Gigi. We are back at our beloved University and now get the awesome love story of Gigi and her best friend's brother, Noah.
Their romance goes from becoming friends to slow burn into crossing the lines of friendship.
Noah is a football player who will surprise us because behind the athlete is a warm, caring man.
Gigi sadly has an awful parent that pushes her and makes her feel everything but all that she is. She had to see through Noah, her friends and his family what and who she really is and her worth too.
Finally having people at her back helped her stand off against her father and cut the ties.
Beautiful love story which took its time and a family who had no problem in taking Gigi in and adding her to the family and treating her as one of them.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two had me in a chokehold. I finished in less than 24hrs and I’m so glad I bindged.

My heart broke for GIGI but was mended by Noah. Noah the man that you are. Once he had eyes for Gigi that’s who he saw and no one else.

Please read trigger warnings as there it is big on mental heath.

Hannah did a wonderful job with this book, I loved their chemistry his patience, his way of showing that she can trust him and rely on him whenever she needs it. I loved their friendship the most because it truly play a part in building the trust they needed to when it came to their relationship part. Even through All the push back.

I love that GIGI stood tall like the queen she was and walked away with her head held high, she truly is remarkable.

Thank you @authorhannah_gray & team for this ARC

[Maria Kous · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reviewer

I'm just a sucker for a good Athlete rom-com
with a Happy Ending!

This book had such cool vibes! The characters were memorable and the chemistry, tension and spicy scenes between our main couple were off the charts! 😍

I loved that the story also showed us the importance of friendship, found family and of overcoming your fears and becoming a strong independent woman, that no one can break you!
Moreover it was so heartening to catch a glimpse of Noah and Gigi's near future and see where life took them.
"I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone the way I want you, Smoke."- Ah to have a man sweet talk his way into your heart! 😍

I would definitely recommend reading this book! 🔥😍

[Taylor Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore these two. Noah loves to flirt with Gigi just to get her to blush but he has his rules. When Gigi is faced with a terrifying situation Noah steps up. He shows up the way his mom and dad raised him. Seeing the events from the previous book from Noah and Gigi’s perspective melted my heart. Watching the way Noah encourages and supports Gigi giving her the control she has never had.. Perfection. The way he encourages and asks about what she is reading.. Swoon. The boundaries that this man holds are seriously one for the record book! The respect that he has for Gigi and his sister…this is probably one of my favorite Hannah Gray books I’ve ever read.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praising the Pitcher is book 4 in Hannah Gray’s The Good Girls of NE University series. This entire series has been incredible. I love this world Hannah’s created here. I love seeing past characters pop in and out throughout the series.

PTP is Noah and Gigi’s book. I loved these two together so so much. I enjoyed watching their initial friendship grow and both of them catching feelings along the way. My heart broke for Gigi because of her father. I was so glad she had someone like Noah in her life, along with the rest of his family and their friends group. Hannah writes found family better than anyone else in my opinion. This book carries a slow burn but the spice is hottttttt when it hits. The chemistry between these two is so good. I can’t say enough good things about this series honestly. Hannah is an auto buy, must read author for me and I’m soo thankful to be on her team. I’m in such a slump after PTP!!

Praising The Pitcher releases 10/01. Thank you, Hannah, for my earc. 🤍

[Morgan (bookedwithmorgan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2🌶️

Praising the Pitcher is book four in the Good Girls NE University series. It was hands down probably my favorite if not second favorite from the series. This book follows Gigi Jacobs who is a softball pitcher who has an awful father who’s constantly breaking her down. Our MMC is Noah King a wide receiver and a straight golden retriever! I couldn’t get enough of these two Noah tried to keep Gigi in the friend zone but both slowly fell for each other. Noah was always trying to get Gigi to see herself as a strong confident woman due to her father’s nasty words that would break her down constantly no matter how much she proved him wrong. The way these two showed up for one another was everything and i couldn’t get enough!

Tropes
Sports Romance
Best Friends Brother
Friends to Lovers
Sworn off Love
Perfectionist FMC

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi & Noah
Sports Romance
Softball FMC x Football MMC
Best Friend's Brother
Friends to Lovers
Reformed Playboy
Perfectionist FMC

😭😭😭 I absolutely love these two!

Gigi is so strong & kind, despite her awful dad!!!! I'm so glad she finally gets the courage to stand up to him! ❤️

My boy Noah! I love him so much! He hides his true feelings behind a confident front and I just wanna squeeze him!

I love these two together so much!

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah and Gigi are by far my favorite couple in this whole series! Everything about their friendship was so special. They helped each other in ways their other friends couldn’t and they created such a special bond.

Noah did everything he could to protect Gigi and build her back up. He is so special. His own insecurities were so heartbreaking, but I’m so glad Gigi was able to help him through those.

The whole Christmas scene with Gigi and the King family melted my heart, and also made me cry so hard. I felt so bad for the situation Gigi had been put in.

Her life wasn’t her own, Gigi is truly one of the strongest characters ever. Between her sheer determination and desire to not let her situation completely derail everything she had worked for she really proved that she was the driving force behind her talent.. not her father!

AUGH…. Gigi’s father is the ABSOLUTE worst and all I can say about him is Karma.

The ending of this story was the quintessential Happily Ever After, and it was so deserved for Noah and Gigi.

[Ava Badiee Hockley · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 Spice

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Praising the Pitcher by Hannah Gray, and this was such a cute college sports romance!

The story follows softball pitcher Gigi Jacobs and football player Noah King. Gigi is a confident, badass athlete on the field, but off the field she is shy and insecure, especially because of her overbearing and emotionally abusive father. Noah, Gigi’s best friend Haven’s brother, is dealing with his own trust issues after his ex cheated on him with his best friend.

I really enjoyed watching these two navigate their own struggles while building a friendship that slowly turns into something more. Noah helps bring Gigi out of her shell and stand up for herself, while Gigi helps Noah learn to trust again and realize he doesn’t have to hide the darker parts of himself.

The book was really cute, and the spice was FANTASTIC! 🌶️🔥 My biggest struggle was that some parts felt a little juvenile for me, which made them harder to connect with at times. There was also a LOT of miscommunication that had me thinking, “Guys, just have a sidebar chat!” 😂

That said, I really appreciated that there was no third-act breakup, especially once these two were already completely swooning over each other.

Overall, this was a fun, sweet, spicy read, and I’m so grateful I got the chance to read it early! 💕📚

[Catherine M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Noah King…the man that you are! Hannah Gray delivers another beautiful and emotional story with Praising the Pitcher. As always, I ate it all up!

Noah and Gigi’s story was the best kind of slow burn where we see a friendship grow and a magnetic pull so strong they became inevitable. They way they got each other was everything!

Noah is so sweet and attentive. I loved seeing the Noah that was hiding behind his playboy ways and the man he was for Gigi. He never hesitated to be there for her in any way she needed. Which brings me to her! Gigi is a complete badass on the baseball field and seeing her finding her worth off the field was simply beautiful. She had me kicking my feet every time she stood her ground. Go girl!!!

Another thing that is always done right in this series is the friendships, I especially love the one between these ladies and I cannot wait to see what comes next for them!

I would like to thank Hannah Gray for the opportunity to read and review Praising the Pitcher.