Chasing Summers

by Madyn Rose

Genres: Sports, Baseball

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2026

About the author

I'm a Canadian romance author. Whether it's a bad ex, grief of a love lost, best friends and badass FMCs with cinnamon roll love interests. My books are filled with sass, steam and of course some drama before they reach their HEA.
I'm an avid snacker and I can drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl, which I need to chase around my wild and crazy kids, and our spoiled pets. When I'm not busy with the kiddos, I'm watching reality TV with the hubs or glued to a smutty book. Research, of course ;)

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madyn! Gah! I just adored this!
This book contains characters from ‘Chasing Hartes’ but can be read as a standalone.
I fell in love with Josh and April! They were such strong well rounded characters and the development throughout the book was perfection but realistic! I laughed, cried, screamed and was left with my heart beating fast and wanting MORE!

I recommend picking this up!

[Sheri Jelinek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.

A fun, heartfelt fake dating romance with irresistible chemistry, strong character dynamics, and just enough emotional depth to keep you fully invested.

Madyn Rose takes the classic fake dating setup and gives it a fresh, sports romance twist. Josh Davidson, the Twisters’ notorious playboy, finds himself trapped by a bet he should have walked away from — but his ego won’t let him lose. April Summers, the team’s dedicated physiotherapist, needs a boyfriend for her grandfather’s party after her real relationship implodes. Their problems collide at exactly the right (or wrong) moment, and suddenly a weekend of pretending seems like the perfect solution.
The setup is delightfully chaotic, and Rose leans into the humor and tension of two people who should know better. The club’s strict no dating policy adds a layer of risk that keeps the stakes high, and the banter between Josh and April is consistently entertaining. What starts as a win win situationship quickly becomes something neither of them can fake — and watching those lines blur is where the book shines.

Josh’s struggle to shed his playboy reputation and April’s vulnerability after heartbreak give the story emotional grounding. Their chemistry feels natural, especially as they navigate the messy middle ground between pretending and wanting more. A few plot beats are predictable, and the pacing occasionally dips, but the charm of the characters more than makes up for it.

I love a sports romance and enjoyed the book. Overall, Chasing Summers is a warm, engaging romance filled with humor, heart, and the kind of slow building connection that makes fake dating so fun. A solid 4 star read for anyone who loves sports romance, forced proximity, and characters who fall for each other long before they’re willing to admit it.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review

Chasing Summers was such a fun, flirty sports romance with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling chemistry, and just enough emotional depth to keep me invested.

Josh is a Toronto Twisters player who’s known for avoiding commitment. After losing a bet with his teammates, he’s challenged to fall in love - and watching his confidence take hit after hit was hilarious. His string of disastrous hookups had me laughing, but beneath the cocky, self-assured exterior is a genuinely caring man who was easy to root for.

April is the team’s physical therapist, still reeling after being dumped by her boyfriend on her birthday. I loved her from the start, especially as a curvy FMC navigating self-doubt and body confidence issues. She felt relatable, and I appreciated how those insecurities were woven into the story.

The friendship between Josh and April develops naturally, and their chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning. Add in fake dating that barely feels fake, Josh in sweats and a backwards baseball cap (yes, please!), and some seriously steamy moments, and I was hooked. The spice definitely delivered, although I would have liked a little more variety as a couple of the intimate scenes felt quite similar.

My only real wish was for a deeper exploration of the emotional side of the romance. There were hints at previous heartbreak, family dynamics, and the reasons both characters were hesitant to open their hearts, but I would have loved those aspects to be explored further to make their emotional journey even more impactful.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, chemistry-filled romance with great banter, lovable characters, and plenty of laughs. If you enjoy sports romance, fake dating, and a hero who slowly realises he’s in way over his head, this is well worth picking up.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh is super competitive, like most guys who play professional sports must be. So of course, when playing poker with his friends, and he unexpectedly loses- he must save face. Therefore, rather than accepting defeat he makes a bet that he can fall in love in a ridiculous timeframe. Cue the unhinged internet dates.

Meanwhile, April has been in a super crappy relationship. Only to be dumped on her birthday by her jerk of a boyfriend. She now needs to find a new date to her grandpa's birthday party or admit that she can't keep a guy to her mean girl of a sister.

This book is what happens when their fragile senses of pride combine and they decide to fake it with each other to solve both their problems. What could go wrong?

Possible problems? They already kissed, and neither has stopped thinking about it. They work together. She perceives that he is way out of her league. He has no clue how to be in a relationship.

I've never been a fan of the bet trope. A lot of times the woman gets screwed in a bad way in those stories. This one is not bad, in that the bet is not about her specifically, and it's not hidden from her.

Josh and April have awesome chemistry together. In general I love the way Josh treats her (until he gets in his head about it). And I love the way the work angle is handled as well. The team and staff are a lot of fun and supportive of both of them. Nora is a perfect best friend for April as well, which is great since her family doesn't have her back.

All in all this was a good read. Don't let the bet trope keep you from giving it a shot. Fake dating is a favorite of mine, and this one is pretty cute.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author.

Such a good story!! We meet baseball player Josh whos playing poker with the guys. Carlos makes a bet with him that if he loses at poker he must find a woman to love. Josh takes the bet knowing its gonna be useless. So he does what anyone would do, sets up a dating app profile. We meet April, physiotherapist for thr baseball team. Shes out with her bff Nora on her bday dancing when her bf shows up and breaks it off...who does that! On top of that her mother and sister have been on her case about Papi's bday and whether she is coming solo. Nora tells April to ask one of thr guys but April doesn't want to bc they are coworkers. Josh has had countless bad dates...apps are not cutting it. April is having a bad day when she tells Kev, another baller about her issues and he states that Josh will do it. WTH! Josh thinks its a great idea, fake relationship to help each other out. Things progress at April's family as Josh sees how she is treated and a hot kiss leads to sexy times. This could get addicting. April doesn't want anyone to know bc she doesn't want to get fired. Josh likes April but when he reads too much into smtg he breaks it off. April is done with guys and it hurt worse with Josh bc he was her friend. Will Josh realize what a putz he is? Will April find love again? Drama, bad dates, and being anything but fake makes this a good read.

[Inked & In Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Madyn Rose for the ARC Chasing Summers.

4.5 ⭐️

Loved my first baseball romance. The FMC April being a curvy girl was one of my reasons for wanting to read this book. And can never say no to a fake dating, friends to lovers trope.

Book starts off with poor April getting dumped on her birthday of all days. But let’s be honest Wes (ex-boyfriend) was a bore just from the few pages he was included in. She got a serious upgrade with Josh 😍

Totally loved that the MMC Josh was going through a dating slump and we got to read about it. His dates from hell had me LOL. It’s usually women who deal with this, we never really see a guy go through it. Found that refreshing.

Nora’s her true ride or die and I love that for April. She definitely needed someone like Nora in her corner. Her mother and sister were horrible, especially her sister. No wonder she needed to find a fake boyfriend.

The story was easy to read and the main characters were likeable. Just wish they had expressed themselves sooner so they could have avoided confusion and hurt feelings. But then we wouldn’t have gotten to read about Josh having his epiphany moment.

Overall was a nice cute story with a good amount of spice and great banter.

[Amy Carducci · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Chasing Summers by Madyn Rose

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by the author.

I'm fully in my sports romance era, and with baseball season in full swing, this was the perfect time to check in with the Toronto Twisters.

Josh loses a poker game and ends up making a bet that the team's biggest playboy can't find love and settle down. Convinced he can outsmart everyone, Josh plans to fake a relationship just long enough to prove them wrong.

April desperately needs a date for her grandfather's 90th birthday. With her mom and sister constantly criticizing her love life, showing up single isn't an option. A fake boyfriend seems like the perfect solution... and Josh might be exactly what she needs.

What starts as a fake relationship quickly becomes something much more. Josh and April have fantastic chemistry, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of emotional depth. Watching Josh's walls come down and seeing April find someone who truly values her made this an easy romance to root for.

If you love sports romance, fake dating, lovable characters, and a baseball backdrop, Chasing Summers is a fun, heartwarming read to add to your TBR.

Tropes:

- Sports Romance
- Fake Dating
- Playboy Hero
- He Falls First
- Family Drama
- Happily Ever After

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Chasing Summers, we meet Josh, a player for baseball’s Toronto Twisters, and April, a physiotherapist for the team. Josh is a serial dater whose teammate bets him that he can’t find someone to date for longer than a minute and maybe even fall in love with. April’s ex-boyfriend broke up with her on her birthday and she needs someone to take to her Papi’s birthday party. Enter the fake dating trope!!!!

I’m a sucker for fake dating — I will read it every time. The friendship between Josh and April started a bit rocky, but they’ve been working together for years now. They’re a bit worried they can’t sell the fake relationship, but there is nothing fake about their chemistry! 💥

April’s family is the absolute worst, and out of Josh’s teammates, WHY is Carlos so mean??? I would have loved a bit more of Josh’s backstory to understand his motivations better. I also was left a bit confused as to who played which position on the team.

All in all, Chasing Summers is a fun summer baseball romance! Thanks to the author for an advance copy to read and review. 3.5⭐️

⚾️ fake dating
⚾️ forbidden relationship
⚾️ sassy best friend
⚾️ idiots in love

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Summers
🧡 Author: Madyn Rose
🧡 Publishing: July 21st

I happily received an ARC from the author for Chasing Summers. Madyn has been so easy to rep for on this book. I adored the book, she is so friendly and kind, and well I love a baseball romance.

Josh plays for the Toronto Twisters baseball team and lost a bet…to fall in love. I giggled my way through Josh’s story. He’s super cocky, backwards hat wearing, full of himself 3rd baseman, but really deep down he made me want him to find someone.

April is the baseball teams physical therapist. LOVE LOVE LOVE her…Madyn created an amazing FMC…she’s curvy, has confidence issues, red hair, she’s sassy and I was very easily able to step in her shoes and relate to her.

These two were so fun to root for. They had great chemistry, made me laugh, and made me want them both to win.

🧡 Great character love
🌶️ Some Spicy Scenes
⚾️ Baseball Romance
🧡 Hilarious Bad Dates
🧡 Amazing Besties/Bromances
🧡Workplace Romance

“You deserve to have someone show up for you. To show you off.”

[Jen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a massive sports fan, I’ve surprisingly never read any sports romances before, but after reading Chasing Summers I absolutely have to now!

Chasing Summers was such a fun, hilarious read that had me hooked from the very beginning! I absolutely loved Josh and April’s banter and the tension they shared. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Josh at first, but I ended up really loving him and his dynamic with April was just so perfect. April may actually be one of my favorite female main characters and I love that she’s a curvier FMC, which makes her feel so much more relatable and gives hope that we can all one day find our own Josh. Their plan from the beginning you knew would be chaotic, but you couldn’t help but get invested in their “fake dating” scheme and their chemistry even while “faking it” was off the charts.

This was the first book I’ve read from Madyn Rose, and now I absolutely cannot wait to read what some releases next! I loved everything about this story and I really loved her writing, it was filled with tension, comedy and feel good moments.

[Diane L'Allier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to Madyn for sharing Josh and April’s story with me. I am a sucker for a sports romance and Chasing Summers did not disappoint. This was a great read this weekend, I finished it a little after midnight the day I picked it up.

I found the side characters to be great in keeping the story engaging, and moving. I would have loved to have had a little more in the way of close calls and backstory of their relationships, and more exposure of the MC antics to the team.

Back to Josh and April - I could feel the connection, the chemistry, between these two. The awkward and comfortable way they fit is familiar as it is so true to real life. The ability to show that while still feeling the uncertainty of what exactly was unfolding between the characters was so much fun. I enjoyed the journey with these two and hope there are more break off journeys to be written for other characters

If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy sports romance I highly recommend this one!

[Jess clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this at 11:20pm thinking I’d read a couple of chapters before bed… next thing I knew I’d finished it (with a few hours of sleep somewhere in between 😂). I literally could not put it down.

Josh and April had me hooked from the start. Their chemistry was everything, and I loved how they thought they were being sneaky when the whole team (and coach 😂) already knew what was going on.

Josh honestly had my heart. Even when everything was still “fake,” the way he wanted April to know he needed her, that it was always going to be this and us, and that he was all in… 🥹

I also loved that what started as a bet wasn’t really about the bet for Josh. It was just the excuse he needed after wanting April since their very first encounter.

Such an easy, addictive read with the perfect amount of banter, tension and romance. I already want to read it again. 🤍

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh and April’s story was enjoyable, if a little predictable in that most of the tropes are covered.

A bet… A reformed playboy… A toxic sister… An uncaring mother… And she needs a date for a family even because of said toxic sister.

I enjoyed their relationship progression. Even though you can pretty much guess what’s going to happen next, it was very enjoyable.
The team dynamics where they couldn’t keep it a secret from everyone, because the secret relationship is technically forbidden.

It’s got a third act break up after the MMC is a dingleberry and the MFC rightlfully calls him on his BS. What I didn’t like was the scenes with the MMC attempting to hook up with other people - I don’t need to read that!

I enjoyed it. It was quite a fun read - especially if you just want to escape into a relatively lighthearted world for a few hours.

[Akanksha Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I need to talk about this one. Could NOT keep this book down - heavily invested from like chapter two, so spicy I actually kicked my feet at multiple points, and it read so easily that I blew through it way faster than I meant to.

The fake dating plot between Josh and our girl is the chef's kiss. Josh is everything you want in an MMC - hot, caring, thoughtful, baseball player and just the right amount of jealousy without tipping into toxic (a hard balance to strike and Madyn Rose nailed it). Our DMC is a curvy, witty, gorgeous psychotherapist for the team, and honestly her being the therapist added this whole extra layer - she reads people for a living and still can't read her own heart with this man. That

contrast worked so well.

The team spirit between the guys felt so real too, like you could tell they actually had each other's backs on and off the field.

But can we talk about April's family for a second - because whew. The dynamic there is rough. Nobody in that family really believes April can hold onto a man for long, and you feel every bit of that going home with her. It's not a warm homecoming, it's bracing yourself before you walk in the door. It made me root for April even harder outside of just the romance.

Nora's her true ride or die for and I love that for April.

Rooted for this couple from page one and never once wavered. This is the kind of book you hand to a friend and just say "trust me."

Highly, highly recommend. Coming July 21st - go preorder it now so you're not waiting once everyone starts talking about this one.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author.

This was such a cute story with a super cute cover! I absolutely adored April and Josh. I thought both characters were well written and could certainly understand why they were both hesitant to enter committed relationships. I loved the bantering between the two of them and especially enjoyed having a curvy FMC.

April’s family visit was hard to witness, especially her sister and her cattiness. Her mom wasn’t much better and some of her cousins and friends seemed a bit shallow. I loved how Josh protected her there and their relationship took the next step.

I cannot wait to see where the rest of this series takes us. Highly recommend for fans of sports and workplace romances, fake relationships, and forced proximity!

Thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book.

[Emily Langan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of Chasing Summers by Madyn Rose.

A fun summer read with a good amount of spice.

⚾Josh is a professional baseball player for the Toronto Twisters. He's known as a playboy. He doesn't do relationships. However during poker night, he loses a bet. His challenge is to fall in love.

April is the Twister's physiotherapist. She gets dumped by her boyfriend on her birthday. April doesn't want to show up at a family party solo, as she'll never hear the end of it from her sister and mother.

Josh and April make a deal to help each other. Their friendship builds. However as they go through the motions the feelings don't feel fake...

💞Fake Dating
❤️He Falls First
⚾Baseball Romance
❤️‍🔥Reformed Playboy
♥️Workplace
🌶️Spice

[Alia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC Review⭐️

A very cute story. I had a fun time reading this.

Josh is so lovable and definitely had a unconventional way of doing a specific thing (😉) in the end 😅

“The closest [gas station] is at least ten blocks away, and in Toronto traffic, you’d run out of gas before getting there these days.” The most accurate quote I’ve seen about Toronto! 😂

I’m not big on third-act breakups but take notes boys: if you upset/breakup with your girl, and you are trying to get her back, knowing her and her friend’s coffee order and bringing it to them to try and make it up with her, it’s definitely a start! 😂

“I can’t handle not having you.” 🫠

“There was nothing typical about us and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Basically summarizes the entire relationship ❤️

[E.J. Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first baseball romance I’ve read and it didn’t disappoint. It had so many of my favourite tropes: Fake dating, Workplace, sports, reformed play boy.

I enjoyed the storyline of the fake dating and how they both get something out of it. The chemistry between the two was undeniable and it was clear from the start. I wanted to scream every time April thought she wasn’t good enough for him. She was a real catch.

I would have loved to see more of a build up in tension. It seemed to go from 0-100 very quickly in the bedroom sense.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the arc team for this book!🫶🏼

[Jackie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this one was so cute!! 🥹 Fake dating is one of those tropes that absolutely ✨deliver✨ or can make me just cringe, but Josh and April absolutely delivered!!! Their chemistry was so much fun, and I loved watching all the little moments where pretending slowly turned into something real. Josh ended up being such a green flag, and I was rooting for these two the whole time. The baseball setting was a nice bonus, and I’m such a baseball girl so this was right up my alley! Also April’s taste in music is great, and I loved the Marianas Trench drop 🎧💜 Overall, this was such a fun, sweet read. Thank you to Madyn Rose for the ARC! ⚾️💕

[Pam Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟ARC REVIEW📚🌟

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5


Chasing Summers was a home-run read. The characters were relatable, funny and had me laughing out loud. The tension between April and Josh had me wanting more.

This book had me grinning one minute and kicking my feet the next. The banter was top tier and the chemistry was palpable. Now if someone could point me in the direction of a man who communicates, flirts, and looks at me the way Josh does with April, that would be great!

If you’re looking for a romance filled with laughs, swoony moments, and just the right amount of spice, Chasing Summers deserves a spot on your TBR. ⚾️📚

[Leanne | Reading Between Games 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you hand me a sports romance with great banter and a messy little situationship, I’m probably going to eat it up every single time.

This book had me hooked from the start. The friendship, the banter, the situationship… it all felt so natural, and I couldn’t stop rooting for these two. As for the chemistry… saying it was HOT would be an under statement!!!

No spoilers because I hate those, but if you’re looking for a fun sports romance with plenty of tension, laughs, add this to your TBR before it drops on July 21st.

Huge thanks to Madyn Rose for the ARC!

[LizzoC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick, and spicy sports romance!

Loved the Canadian setting, and the Canadian author!

It took me a few chapters to get into it, and I did find the continuity/timeline from chapter to chapter a bit confusing at first. Then I got more into it, and the chapters did start to flow better as well; the change in POV between the FMC and MMC had a bit more overlap in timing and whatnot.

Mostly loved the spice, although there were a few times where what was being shouted was not my cup of tea, but totally a personal preference.

Definitely recommend!

[Teigan Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this amazing book through arc , and oh my I could not put it down. It was amazing if you love baseball and romance this should be your next read!!!! It had me laughing at some point and some made me annoyed with the characters. Two mirror scenes that would make u 🥵🥵 , with the inclusion of plus size gals which is amazing and makes us gals feel loved and included.I would definitely recommend this book 100% it’s got me out of a reading slump and I can’t wait for the next ❤️❤️❤️

[Isabelle Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Advanced Reader Copy Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
•Fake Dating
•Baseball
•Curvy FMC
•Workplace

Chasing Summers was a book that caught me from just the first few chapters. I LOVE summer sport romances and this one is easily one of my favorites so far! The chemistry that these two developed was so sweet and realistic that you could easily imagine their story. If you are one for sports, workplace, close proximity, and a little bit of ✨spice✨ then I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you so much Madyn Rose for this opportunity!

[Carly Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

Chasing Summers is a charming, fast-paced romantic comedy that hooked me from the very first page.

Josh is a professional baseball player with a reputation for avoiding serious relationships. He may seem like the typical playboy, but there’s much more beneath the surface. When one of his teammates bets that he can’t commit to a real relationship and fall in love, Josh sets out to prove him wrong.

Enter April, the team's kind, curvy psychotherapist. Although she’s successful in her career, her romantic relationships never seem to work out. With a family event approaching, everyone is expecting her to bring a plus-one. When her latest relationship falls through, she decides not to let her family know she’ll be attending alone.

What begins as a mutually beneficial fake dating arrangement quickly becomes more complicated as genuine feelings start to develop. Their chemistry is undeniable, but this was only supposed to be an agreement... wasn't it?

As Josh and April work to convince everyone that their relationship is real, they find themselves doing all the things real couples do. The result is plenty of heartfelt moments, sizzling chemistry, and a will they, won’t they situation that had me completely invested. Their first kiss had me convinced their feelings were anything but fake!

If you enjoy fake dating, sports romance, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of spice, Chasing Summers is a fun and satisfying read.

[Savannah Kempton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you Madyn Rose for allowing me to read this book! It had me immediately hooked from the beginning, love reading the chemistry unfold between April and Josh.

The tension, banter, and sweet talk was too good! I loved how he was known as a playboy but that definitely changed when April and him started to fake date. Oh I could go on and on but don’t want to spoil anything! Definitely worth the read and getting a physical copy!!!!!

[Jena Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This was such a fun read! Give me a sports romance, especially baseball and im instantly in. Add in a workplave/fake dating situation and its even better.
I loved watching them play along and "fake it" when they absolutely were fooling no one.
Josh is a walking green flag and we love a man who loves a curvy woman. Oh and did I mention the spicy scenes were 👌? I cant go into detail but trust me, you'll be blushing.

[Sax and Romance Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Madyn Rose for the eARC of this book!

Josh and April both need a fake relationship - he needs to win a bet and she needs to fend off her very toxic family. This is a cute baseball romance where fake lines blur into something real. I would have liked to see a bit more character development for both MCs, and I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see more of April moving beyond her toxic family - especially her sister. This book could benefit from one more round of edits for the flow of the story, and one more round of proofreading.

[Jennifer Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGGGG I'm
not even a baseball fan and I devoured this and QUICK! Josh was hilarious in the beginning, the perfect "boyfriend" April omgggg loved her! Love that she's a curvy FMC! Love their "relationship" the spice was PERFECT! I will definitely be reading the other books available from this author!

[Danielle Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED !
was lucky enough to receive this ARC from Madyn Rose and I’m so glad I did !!!

Fake dating, missed chance, he fell first & sports romance. UGH
This book had me staying up too late for “one more chapter”. The perfect amount of spice ;)

Amazing book I would recommend for sports romance lovers :)