What do you think?
San Diego Barracudas #1
Full Count
Three balls.
Two strikes.
One chance left.
Will they risk it all for love, or walk away before a
viral scandal costs them both the game?
Evan Delgado can handle pressure. He’s built a career on control, and a life behind walls high enough to keep the past out, the pain buried, and anyone who might matter at a distance.
Then CJ Hartman gets traded to San Diego.
Seven years ago, CJ was Evan’s best friend, secret love, and the person who broke his heart. Now he’s a World Series champion, the Barracudas’ newest outfielder, and impossible to avoid.
CJ never planned to end up on Evan’s team. He never planned to share a clubhouse, a city, or a season with the only person he ever loved. Only this Evan is colder, sharper and harder to reach. But that won’t stop CJ from trying to fix what he destroyed now that they’ve been forced together again.
Same team. Same clubhouse. Same unfinished history. Their old chemistry simmers beneath every conversation, every accidental touch, and every memory they swore they’d buried, making it impossible to ignore what still burns between them.
CJ never stopped loving Evan. Evan never forgave him for leaving. And as the season unfolds, they’ll have to decide whether some risks are worth taking twice.
Two strikes.
One chance left.
Will they risk it all for love, or walk away before a
viral scandal costs them both the game?
Evan Delgado can handle pressure. He’s built a career on control, and a life behind walls high enough to keep the past out, the pain buried, and anyone who might matter at a distance.
Then CJ Hartman gets traded to San Diego.
Seven years ago, CJ was Evan’s best friend, secret love, and the person who broke his heart. Now he’s a World Series champion, the Barracudas’ newest outfielder, and impossible to avoid.
CJ never planned to end up on Evan’s team. He never planned to share a clubhouse, a city, or a season with the only person he ever loved. Only this Evan is colder, sharper and harder to reach. But that won’t stop CJ from trying to fix what he destroyed now that they’ve been forced together again.
Same team. Same clubhouse. Same unfinished history. Their old chemistry simmers beneath every conversation, every accidental touch, and every memory they swore they’d buried, making it impossible to ignore what still burns between them.
CJ never stopped loving Evan. Evan never forgave him for leaving. And as the season unfolds, they’ll have to decide whether some risks are worth taking twice.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Violet Fitzgerald
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*
Though she lives in Pennsylvania now, Violet Fitzgerald was raised in Boston and is unapologetically loyal to New England sports teams. Bruins. Sox. Pats. Celts. In that order. Undeterred by geography or reason, she remains aggressively Bostonian, which serves as both a personality trait and a warning. With degrees in journalism and sport management, it was inevitable that she'd end up writing stories where ambition, competition, and complicated feelings collide.
By day, Violet makes good trouble with a brilliant group of co-conspirators. By night, she retreats to her writing cave, chasing plot bunnies that keep her awake, and trying to wrangle unruly men into behaving long enough to let her write their story. Her husband doesn't quite understand why she's negotiating with fictional characters but he supports her unconditionally anyway.
When she's not working or writing, Violet can most often be found drinking too much coffee, staying up past her bedtime to finish whatever queer romance she's reading, or making questionable financial decisions to buy hockey tickets.
https://bsky.app/profile/violetfitzge...
https://www.threads.com/@violetfitzge...
https://www.instagram.com/violetfitzg...
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorviolet...
Join my Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/viole...
*
Though she lives in Pennsylvania now, Violet Fitzgerald was raised in Boston and is unapologetically loyal to New England sports teams. Bruins. Sox. Pats. Celts. In that order. Undeterred by geography or reason, she remains aggressively Bostonian, which serves as both a personality trait and a warning. With degrees in journalism and sport management, it was inevitable that she'd end up writing stories where ambition, competition, and complicated feelings collide.
By day, Violet makes good trouble with a brilliant group of co-conspirators. By night, she retreats to her writing cave, chasing plot bunnies that keep her awake, and trying to wrangle unruly men into behaving long enough to let her write their story. Her husband doesn't quite understand why she's negotiating with fictional characters but he supports her unconditionally anyway.
When she's not working or writing, Violet can most often be found drinking too much coffee, staying up past her bedtime to finish whatever queer romance she's reading, or making questionable financial decisions to buy hockey tickets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 16, 2026
Help! I have all this hate for CJ and after the last 10%, I don't know what to do with it.
Here's the thing. CJ is exactly the type of MC I DON'T want in my second chance romances. (tbf when do I ever want second chance romances but it's because of MCs like him that I don't).
CJ made his call at 22 that he wouldn't be choosing Evan and he'd pursue his career. Fair. Fair, because I respect a MF who says I can't be what you want and stands on that shit, rather than the half in/half out bullshit many try to pull.
Also respected tf out of Evan in that moment. Took his dumping like a champ, no begging, no tears, just 'it is what it is' and no further explanation necessary, I'm good. Sadly, this respect was not destined to last.
7 years in, neither has looked back. They both play pro baseball on different teams and if they're not happy, that's no one's business but their own. Separately.
Then CJ gets traded to Evan's team, and things fall apart.
I was good with the original animosity/feigned indifference. For Evan, it's fuck you to the love of his life who chose baseball over him. He has nothing to say to that man. For CJ, it's more a lack of how to begin. Because he made his choice and he can't take it back so what even is there TO say?
So far so good, yes?
Probably for the sake of it, CJ finds it in himself to approach Evan and tender an apology.
I was glad when Evan asked if he's actually sorry or if he's doing it for the plot because they're now forcefully in each other's lives again and he just wants to brush shit under the rug.
I was honestly so happy when CJ was muttering something about not expecting forgiveness and Evan was all like, "Good. Because I don't have anything of the sort to offer you."
Imagine my horror when Evan started cracking first. Like.....excuse me? I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!
I'm not going to lie, I wanted CJ walking over hot coals for that man. In order for me to invest in second chance romance, I need to believe the offending MC yearns to be forgiven. That he's up nights beating himself up over it.
This is where my complaints begin because I don't know what CJ's been up to the past 7 years. I know he's not been sleeping well, which—good. But what else?
When he dumped Evan back in college, he didn't deny that his plan was either getting a girlfriend or celibacy. I wanted to know which route he took. Crickets on that.
I hatedddddddd that Evan ended up jealous over seeing CJ having an innocent interaction with another guy and showing his hand too early.
I wanted CJ to make the first overture. Why are you laying yourself bare and telling all your family secrets to this strange man who left you for dead(emotionally) 7 years ago and didn't look back once?
Get UP, Evan. Ugh.
And for him to put himself out there like that and basically get left on read💀
I felt so much secondhand embarrassment from that chapter that I wanted to shrivel up and die.
Even resolving that took too little effort from CJ, imo. Why's everything so easy for CJ?
Evan need only see a 10% hint of interest and he's running to offer the 90% effort to keep the ship afloat.
I hated it so much for him.
They got back together waaaaaaay too easily. I know I'm a hater because their first sex scene? I was absolutely the evil eye watching them from the corner sitted in the cuck chair with nothing but HATE in my heart.
I'm absolutely a hater, guys. No question about it.
And to think, immediately after this, Evan's saying things like, "I'm not going to pretend I'm not waiting for the other shoe to drop because I am. And I'm not going to make it easy for you."
Babes, the cum isn't dry yet. I want to believe you but there's an overcooked noodle where your spine should be.
Saying "No point coming out or telling people we're together if we end up proving we can't make it two weeks without someone running away."
💀 Loved the little passive aggressive dig but I would have preferred it come before agreeing to get back together with this man who's done NOTHING to earn you.
And guess what? I was right.
Evan agreed to this reconciliation too easily and THEN they both had to learn the hard way that your nervous system doesn't just reset because you've decided to be a doormat for your college ex.
Suddenly it's Evan tensing up at people possibly suspecting them, it's him who doesn't want to think of a future, it's him who defaults to mistrust when CJ makes grand declarations.
This is why you extract your pound of flesh, people!!!! Not because you're a venomous unforgiving bitch(which it is absolutely valid and okay to be❤️) but because pushing things under the rug DOES NOT WORK.
And Evan's just pushing through it in spite of his own misgivings and CJ can see that and I'm sitted in my cuck chair again but this time cackling with glee because fuck you thought?
I liked that in spite of his best efforts, Evan couldn't just let himself trust CJ and it was obvious as fuck to CJ who thankfully got to have an immersive experience in what it's like to know you might not get to be with the man of your dreams because his fear is greater than his love for you.
Except this time it was all CJ's fault and he knew it.
Then they get outed and Evan crashes. I loved that CJ got to see him tapped out and saying stuff like "It's fine. I know what you're going to do. Just say what you need to and leave." and be horrified that the man he loves thinks so little of him.
But why shouldn't he, boo? Verbatim, Evan tells him, "Well you have a shitty track record, so."
And he's right. Why should he expect any different? That man left him just on the power of fear they'd be discovered and fucked off for 7 years without a word. Now the worst has happened so Evan's right to expect worse.
Just lying there emotionless. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
None of this would have happened if he'd gotten a good respectable grovel from CJ. If CJ had reached out at any point prior to necessity forcing his hand. If CJ had been the one to bring up the idea of them together again.
But no. He jumped the gun on all these and took that man back too easily and now he doesn't believe in them because it's always been him doing the fighting!!!!!
To be fair, CJ massively steps up when it counts. Well, massively by CJ standards. But by then it's just 10% left in the book and I've disliked him for so long that it's so hard to change my mind on him by then.
I genuinely don't feel like he tried enough prior to this. A lot of this reconciliation is pushed by Evan, with CJ as a willing participant. But that works less for second chance than for one where the MCs are meeting for the first time.
Which brings me to my second major complaint.
We don't get to see these two fall in love. Not the first time at 19(we only get a brief flashback into the day they met). And given that the book starts with a very elaborate prologue of CJ dumping Evan at 22, I feel like there's not enough positive depictions of CJ to buy him goodwill in this story.
No insight into what he's been doing in Chicago for 7 years further compounds that. If I knew he'd been celibate and full of regret, I'd be more understanding.
All I see is a guy who left Evan, went on to have a flourishing career and only thought of Evan when he was literally forced to by the league.
And Evan not standing on business didn't help. I'd have liked to see CJ put effort in. Serious effort. I don't even know if he wanted it before Evan brought it up that night. He'd never thought it to himself even in his own POV.
What am I supposed to do with that?
Nothing against the writing, though I also hated how quickly time seemed to pass. A lot of instances where it's mentioned that weeks or months have passed and I was thinking, wait, NO!
This is the stuff I want to see. I don't want to know that they've been seeing each other again for weeks and growing closer. I want to see it. I wanted to see CJ be a solicitous boyfriend. I wanted to see this paragon that Evan's so in love with.
I know the intensity of Evan's feelings for this man, I just don't see why.
It really doesn't help that months later in the epilogue, CJ makes some pretty serious commitment comments and Evan is STILL afraid to let himself believe them. He has to gird his loins and ask if CJ means it.
Pretty telling of what their relationship dynamic still is.
I love angst but I was just really sad for Evan in this one.
Here's the thing. CJ is exactly the type of MC I DON'T want in my second chance romances. (tbf when do I ever want second chance romances but it's because of MCs like him that I don't).
CJ made his call at 22 that he wouldn't be choosing Evan and he'd pursue his career. Fair. Fair, because I respect a MF who says I can't be what you want and stands on that shit, rather than the half in/half out bullshit many try to pull.
Also respected tf out of Evan in that moment. Took his dumping like a champ, no begging, no tears, just 'it is what it is' and no further explanation necessary, I'm good. Sadly, this respect was not destined to last.
7 years in, neither has looked back. They both play pro baseball on different teams and if they're not happy, that's no one's business but their own. Separately.
Then CJ gets traded to Evan's team, and things fall apart.
I was good with the original animosity/feigned indifference. For Evan, it's fuck you to the love of his life who chose baseball over him. He has nothing to say to that man. For CJ, it's more a lack of how to begin. Because he made his choice and he can't take it back so what even is there TO say?
So far so good, yes?
Probably for the sake of it, CJ finds it in himself to approach Evan and tender an apology.
I was glad when Evan asked if he's actually sorry or if he's doing it for the plot because they're now forcefully in each other's lives again and he just wants to brush shit under the rug.
I was honestly so happy when CJ was muttering something about not expecting forgiveness and Evan was all like, "Good. Because I don't have anything of the sort to offer you."
Imagine my horror when Evan started cracking first. Like.....excuse me? I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!
I'm not going to lie, I wanted CJ walking over hot coals for that man. In order for me to invest in second chance romance, I need to believe the offending MC yearns to be forgiven. That he's up nights beating himself up over it.
This is where my complaints begin because I don't know what CJ's been up to the past 7 years. I know he's not been sleeping well, which—good. But what else?
When he dumped Evan back in college, he didn't deny that his plan was either getting a girlfriend or celibacy. I wanted to know which route he took. Crickets on that.
I hatedddddddd that Evan ended up jealous over seeing CJ having an innocent interaction with another guy and showing his hand too early.
I wanted CJ to make the first overture. Why are you laying yourself bare and telling all your family secrets to this strange man who left you for dead(emotionally) 7 years ago and didn't look back once?
Get UP, Evan. Ugh.
And for him to put himself out there like that and basically get left on read💀
I felt so much secondhand embarrassment from that chapter that I wanted to shrivel up and die.
Even resolving that took too little effort from CJ, imo. Why's everything so easy for CJ?
Evan need only see a 10% hint of interest and he's running to offer the 90% effort to keep the ship afloat.
I hated it so much for him.
They got back together waaaaaaay too easily. I know I'm a hater because their first sex scene? I was absolutely the evil eye watching them from the corner sitted in the cuck chair with nothing but HATE in my heart.
I'm absolutely a hater, guys. No question about it.
And to think, immediately after this, Evan's saying things like, "I'm not going to pretend I'm not waiting for the other shoe to drop because I am. And I'm not going to make it easy for you."
Babes, the cum isn't dry yet. I want to believe you but there's an overcooked noodle where your spine should be.
Saying "No point coming out or telling people we're together if we end up proving we can't make it two weeks without someone running away."
💀 Loved the little passive aggressive dig but I would have preferred it come before agreeing to get back together with this man who's done NOTHING to earn you.
And guess what? I was right.
Evan agreed to this reconciliation too easily and THEN they both had to learn the hard way that your nervous system doesn't just reset because you've decided to be a doormat for your college ex.
Suddenly it's Evan tensing up at people possibly suspecting them, it's him who doesn't want to think of a future, it's him who defaults to mistrust when CJ makes grand declarations.
This is why you extract your pound of flesh, people!!!! Not because you're a venomous unforgiving bitch(which it is absolutely valid and okay to be❤️) but because pushing things under the rug DOES NOT WORK.
And Evan's just pushing through it in spite of his own misgivings and CJ can see that and I'm sitted in my cuck chair again but this time cackling with glee because fuck you thought?
I liked that in spite of his best efforts, Evan couldn't just let himself trust CJ and it was obvious as fuck to CJ who thankfully got to have an immersive experience in what it's like to know you might not get to be with the man of your dreams because his fear is greater than his love for you.
Except this time it was all CJ's fault and he knew it.
Then they get outed and Evan crashes. I loved that CJ got to see him tapped out and saying stuff like "It's fine. I know what you're going to do. Just say what you need to and leave." and be horrified that the man he loves thinks so little of him.
But why shouldn't he, boo? Verbatim, Evan tells him, "Well you have a shitty track record, so."
And he's right. Why should he expect any different? That man left him just on the power of fear they'd be discovered and fucked off for 7 years without a word. Now the worst has happened so Evan's right to expect worse.
Just lying there emotionless. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
None of this would have happened if he'd gotten a good respectable grovel from CJ. If CJ had reached out at any point prior to necessity forcing his hand. If CJ had been the one to bring up the idea of them together again.
But no. He jumped the gun on all these and took that man back too easily and now he doesn't believe in them because it's always been him doing the fighting!!!!!
To be fair, CJ massively steps up when it counts. Well, massively by CJ standards. But by then it's just 10% left in the book and I've disliked him for so long that it's so hard to change my mind on him by then.
I genuinely don't feel like he tried enough prior to this. A lot of this reconciliation is pushed by Evan, with CJ as a willing participant. But that works less for second chance than for one where the MCs are meeting for the first time.
Which brings me to my second major complaint.
We don't get to see these two fall in love. Not the first time at 19(we only get a brief flashback into the day they met). And given that the book starts with a very elaborate prologue of CJ dumping Evan at 22, I feel like there's not enough positive depictions of CJ to buy him goodwill in this story.
No insight into what he's been doing in Chicago for 7 years further compounds that. If I knew he'd been celibate and full of regret, I'd be more understanding.
All I see is a guy who left Evan, went on to have a flourishing career and only thought of Evan when he was literally forced to by the league.
And Evan not standing on business didn't help. I'd have liked to see CJ put effort in. Serious effort. I don't even know if he wanted it before Evan brought it up that night. He'd never thought it to himself even in his own POV.
What am I supposed to do with that?
Nothing against the writing, though I also hated how quickly time seemed to pass. A lot of instances where it's mentioned that weeks or months have passed and I was thinking, wait, NO!
This is the stuff I want to see. I don't want to know that they've been seeing each other again for weeks and growing closer. I want to see it. I wanted to see CJ be a solicitous boyfriend. I wanted to see this paragon that Evan's so in love with.
I know the intensity of Evan's feelings for this man, I just don't see why.
It really doesn't help that months later in the epilogue, CJ makes some pretty serious commitment comments and Evan is STILL afraid to let himself believe them. He has to gird his loins and ask if CJ means it.
Pretty telling of what their relationship dynamic still is.
I love angst but I was just really sad for Evan in this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
May 28, 2026This is written by a Red Sox fan, and I'm wicked excited for this!!
I need more baseball romance, especially when the Sox are playing the way they are. 😩
You can pre-order it for 99¢ on Amazon!
I'm ready for the switch-hitters, for the nasty backdoor sliders, for breaking balls, short strokes, honey holes, a dirty splitfinger, and pounding the zone.
Taking him deep!
Okay, I'll stop. ⚾
I need more baseball romance, especially when the Sox are playing the way they are. 😩
You can pre-order it for 99¢ on Amazon!
I'm ready for the switch-hitters, for the nasty backdoor sliders, for breaking balls, short strokes, honey holes, a dirty splitfinger, and pounding the zone.
Taking him deep!
Okay, I'll stop. ⚾
Did Not Finish
July 16, 2026DNF @ 50% - I’m not enjoying this so I’m going to call it quits. The writing is very polished, but there’s no feeling or character to it. The whole book has been focused on the relationship, but the main characters have no personality, no connection, no chemistry. The side characters exist purely to discuss or be barriers to the relationship. The baseball is completely uninteresting because there are no related issues.
September 23, 2026
Evan and CJ will put you through it. It’s worth it in the end though. This is the start of a series and I’m looking forward to more from this world.
July 15, 2026
A sweet second chance romance between two baseball players.
July 29, 2026
First off, congratulations Violet on publishing your first novel! It’s not easy to put into the world something that it’s a labor of love and I’m so glad you decided to share this story with us.
That being said, I really enjoyed this story. I’ll admit CJ pissed me off for acting like jerk to Evan and leaving him to pick up the pieces of the mess he contributed to. I know he was young, but he could have handled it better.
I understand he was scared of losing everything he’s worked so hard for but he didn’t take Evan’s feelings into consideration. He too was scared and had no one to lean on to deal with his heartbreak.
Evan never asked anything from CJ. He never demanded they went public, all he wanted was to know he was wanted and loved the same way he loved CJ. But CJ decided what was best for them and hung him out to dry by letting him go.
It took seven years for CJ to come to his senses. More like he was forced to come to his senses now that he and Evan were part of the same team. The universe made sure to pushed him to make that overdue apology he never gave Evan. This time there was no reasons to delay it anymore. Whether or not Evan would accept it was a different story.
Evan thought he had gotten over CJ. In fact, he thought he hated him, but even after all this time his traitorous heart still beat for him. Even knowing they could never be, Evan still loved CJ and that bothered him more than having him as a teammate.
There was so much hurt to unpack. So much that needed to be said and forgive, but Evan wouldn’t make it easy on CJ. CJ needed to prove that he really meant his apology. He needed to prove he wasn’t the same person from seven years ago.
CJ knew it wouldn’t be easy to get Evan back, but this time he wasn’t walking away. He’d prove to him that he was all in. Seven years without him was long enough and this time he’d make sure he’d stay for good.
Evan knew he would eventually take CJ back. He had always loved him, and all he wanted was a future with him. Seven years ago, they weren’t ready to face what it meant to be out athletes. This time, he would hold on to what they had with both hands and never let go.
“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕.”
I only have one complaint: it’s a slow burn 🤣 I’m normally not fond of slow burns but this story kept me so engaged I barely noticed it. I love discovering new authors and Violet is one to keep an out for! Looking forward to reading Rizzo’s story.
That being said, I really enjoyed this story. I’ll admit CJ pissed me off for acting like jerk to Evan and leaving him to pick up the pieces of the mess he contributed to. I know he was young, but he could have handled it better.
I understand he was scared of losing everything he’s worked so hard for but he didn’t take Evan’s feelings into consideration. He too was scared and had no one to lean on to deal with his heartbreak.
Evan never asked anything from CJ. He never demanded they went public, all he wanted was to know he was wanted and loved the same way he loved CJ. But CJ decided what was best for them and hung him out to dry by letting him go.
It took seven years for CJ to come to his senses. More like he was forced to come to his senses now that he and Evan were part of the same team. The universe made sure to pushed him to make that overdue apology he never gave Evan. This time there was no reasons to delay it anymore. Whether or not Evan would accept it was a different story.
Evan thought he had gotten over CJ. In fact, he thought he hated him, but even after all this time his traitorous heart still beat for him. Even knowing they could never be, Evan still loved CJ and that bothered him more than having him as a teammate.
There was so much hurt to unpack. So much that needed to be said and forgive, but Evan wouldn’t make it easy on CJ. CJ needed to prove that he really meant his apology. He needed to prove he wasn’t the same person from seven years ago.
CJ knew it wouldn’t be easy to get Evan back, but this time he wasn’t walking away. He’d prove to him that he was all in. Seven years without him was long enough and this time he’d make sure he’d stay for good.
Evan knew he would eventually take CJ back. He had always loved him, and all he wanted was a future with him. Seven years ago, they weren’t ready to face what it meant to be out athletes. This time, he would hold on to what they had with both hands and never let go.
“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕.”
I only have one complaint: it’s a slow burn 🤣 I’m normally not fond of slow burns but this story kept me so engaged I barely noticed it. I love discovering new authors and Violet is one to keep an out for! Looking forward to reading Rizzo’s story.
August 3, 2026
I really enjoyed Full Count. Second-chance romances can be hit or miss for me because I need to believe the hurt, the apology, and the healing, and this one really delivered on the emotional side.
CJ and Evan completely had my heart. Their history together made it easy to understand why there was still so much love buried beneath all the hurt and resentment. Seven years is a long time to carry heartbreak, and Evan had every right to make CJ work for a second chance. I loved that he didn't immediately forgive him, even though it was obvious they still loved each other.
CJ definitely frustrated me at times. I understood why he made the choices he did when they were younger, but it didn't make them hurt any less. Watching him realize how much damage he'd caused and genuinely try to earn Evan's trust again made his growth feel believable. I just would have happily taken even more groveling.
One of my favourite parts was seeing them slowly fall back into old routines together. It never felt like they were starting over from scratch—it felt like two people finally getting the chance to finish the story that had been interrupted years earlier. The tension between them was fantastic, and once they finally let themselves be together again, the chemistry was just as strong as ever.
I also loved that they chose to be private instead of secret. It felt like such an important distinction, especially considering everything they'd been through. They were protecting their relationship rather than hiding who they were, and I really appreciated that.
The baseball setting added a fun backdrop without overshadowing the romance, and the supporting cast—especially Rizzo—brought some great moments to the story.
Overall, this was an emotional, satisfying second-chance romance with plenty of pining, healing, and heart. I just would have loved a little more time spent on CJ fully earning that forgiveness, but I still finished this one with a huge smile on my face.
Tropes/Highlights:
⚾ Second chance romance
🩵 Former college sweethearts
⚾ Professional baseball
💔 Lovers to enemies to lovers
🐢 Slow burn
❤️ Years of pining
🤍 Forced proximity (same team)
🌈 Queer athletes
🥹 Hurt/comfort
✨ HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CJ and Evan completely had my heart. Their history together made it easy to understand why there was still so much love buried beneath all the hurt and resentment. Seven years is a long time to carry heartbreak, and Evan had every right to make CJ work for a second chance. I loved that he didn't immediately forgive him, even though it was obvious they still loved each other.
CJ definitely frustrated me at times. I understood why he made the choices he did when they were younger, but it didn't make them hurt any less. Watching him realize how much damage he'd caused and genuinely try to earn Evan's trust again made his growth feel believable. I just would have happily taken even more groveling.
One of my favourite parts was seeing them slowly fall back into old routines together. It never felt like they were starting over from scratch—it felt like two people finally getting the chance to finish the story that had been interrupted years earlier. The tension between them was fantastic, and once they finally let themselves be together again, the chemistry was just as strong as ever.
I also loved that they chose to be private instead of secret. It felt like such an important distinction, especially considering everything they'd been through. They were protecting their relationship rather than hiding who they were, and I really appreciated that.
The baseball setting added a fun backdrop without overshadowing the romance, and the supporting cast—especially Rizzo—brought some great moments to the story.
Overall, this was an emotional, satisfying second-chance romance with plenty of pining, healing, and heart. I just would have loved a little more time spent on CJ fully earning that forgiveness, but I still finished this one with a huge smile on my face.
Tropes/Highlights:
⚾ Second chance romance
🩵 Former college sweethearts
⚾ Professional baseball
💔 Lovers to enemies to lovers
🐢 Slow burn
❤️ Years of pining
🤍 Forced proximity (same team)
🌈 Queer athletes
🥹 Hurt/comfort
✨ HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this lovers to enemies to lovers again story! We have Evan and CJ who were together during college but when they are seen by a teammate CJ freaks out and breaks up with Evan and leaves him behind
7 years later CJ is treaded to Evan’s team and they have to learn how to coexist
CJ broke Evan’s heart he didn’t give him a chance to fight for them he just left so when CJ came back it’s understandable that Evan was standoffish and the tension ooooooh it was tensioning! They tried so hard but it seemed like everything was throwing them together
They stayed at the same motel during training they lived in the same building and the media wanted interviews together because of their college days
Evan had a little bit of jealousy going on with CJ and his teammate Rizzo he thought they were together so Evan got drunk and waited outside of CJs door and Evan confessed he still had feelings for CJ and tried to kiss him but CJ wouldn’t do anything because he was drunk Evan took it as a rejection that he didn’t want him and avoided CJ for weeks until CJ confronted him
They finally had the conversation they needed to have CJ told him why he did what he did and apologized and told him that he didn’t reject him but he was drunk
They took it slow like this was a true slow burn but they quickly caught up they weren’t starting new just picking up where they left off
I loved getting to see them get back into their routines how domesticated they became how happy Rizzo was when he noticed the shift in them
I loved that they committed to each other not being a secret just private they were protecting their hearts
The best was the cabin it was scary for Evan when they were coming back because he wanted this out loud what they didn’t know was it was about to be very out loud because someone took a picture of them on their date! That made me mad but I love the reassurance they gave each other that they were in this together no matter what!
Ugh the epilogue was perfect the forever home the proposal! I really really enjoyed reading their story!
7 years later CJ is treaded to Evan’s team and they have to learn how to coexist
CJ broke Evan’s heart he didn’t give him a chance to fight for them he just left so when CJ came back it’s understandable that Evan was standoffish and the tension ooooooh it was tensioning! They tried so hard but it seemed like everything was throwing them together
They stayed at the same motel during training they lived in the same building and the media wanted interviews together because of their college days
Evan had a little bit of jealousy going on with CJ and his teammate Rizzo he thought they were together so Evan got drunk and waited outside of CJs door and Evan confessed he still had feelings for CJ and tried to kiss him but CJ wouldn’t do anything because he was drunk Evan took it as a rejection that he didn’t want him and avoided CJ for weeks until CJ confronted him
They finally had the conversation they needed to have CJ told him why he did what he did and apologized and told him that he didn’t reject him but he was drunk
They took it slow like this was a true slow burn but they quickly caught up they weren’t starting new just picking up where they left off
I loved getting to see them get back into their routines how domesticated they became how happy Rizzo was when he noticed the shift in them
I loved that they committed to each other not being a secret just private they were protecting their hearts
The best was the cabin it was scary for Evan when they were coming back because he wanted this out loud what they didn’t know was it was about to be very out loud because someone took a picture of them on their date! That made me mad but I love the reassurance they gave each other that they were in this together no matter what!
Ugh the epilogue was perfect the forever home the proposal! I really really enjoyed reading their story!
August 6, 2026
This was a very solid debut novel and series starter!
This is a very seasonally appropriate book, as we are right in the middle of baseball season, and this book centers around two baseball players, CJ and Evan. They were teammates, best friends, and secretly boyfriends in college, before breaking up and going their separate ways. Seven years later, their worst nightmare happens, and CJ is traded to Evan's team.
This is a classic sports second chance romance, where having to keep your personal life private for fear of the sports world's reaction is the main antagonist of the story. What I really liked about this book is that even though the circumstances haven't really changed, you still believe they can make it work this time because you can see how the characters themselves have changed. This story does a good job of avoiding a lot of the pitfalls of second chance romances (namely, if they didn't work the first time, why will they work now?; along with was one character so awful the first time that you don't see how they can be redeemed this time).
I really ended up liking both of these characters. You definitely start the book more on one character's side, but pretty soon you are spending time in the other character's head as well and you are starting to root for them too. And while this is definitely a slow burn buildup, you can still feel the tension between these two every time they interact (both emotional and sexual).
We do spend a little too much time in the characters' thoughts when we could be shown some of those things, and the pacing wasn't perfect, but honestly all in all this was a solid debut novel, and I am excited for the next one in the series!
This is a very seasonally appropriate book, as we are right in the middle of baseball season, and this book centers around two baseball players, CJ and Evan. They were teammates, best friends, and secretly boyfriends in college, before breaking up and going their separate ways. Seven years later, their worst nightmare happens, and CJ is traded to Evan's team.
This is a classic sports second chance romance, where having to keep your personal life private for fear of the sports world's reaction is the main antagonist of the story. What I really liked about this book is that even though the circumstances haven't really changed, you still believe they can make it work this time because you can see how the characters themselves have changed. This story does a good job of avoiding a lot of the pitfalls of second chance romances (namely, if they didn't work the first time, why will they work now?; along with was one character so awful the first time that you don't see how they can be redeemed this time).
I really ended up liking both of these characters. You definitely start the book more on one character's side, but pretty soon you are spending time in the other character's head as well and you are starting to root for them too. And while this is definitely a slow burn buildup, you can still feel the tension between these two every time they interact (both emotional and sexual).
We do spend a little too much time in the characters' thoughts when we could be shown some of those things, and the pacing wasn't perfect, but honestly all in all this was a solid debut novel, and I am excited for the next one in the series!
July 29, 2026
Super slow burn that needed groveling and tension
This is the story of two friends who became more but were hiding in the closet. When someone that wasn't going to talk found out CJ shut down and cut all ties. This was a brutal response to something small but his fear won. he chose his baseball career over his best friend.
Evan Is such a sweetheart and absolutely deserved better. Unfortunately the heart wants who UT wants and even years of radio silence and only occasionally meeting on the field hasn't squashed those feelings even though he tries to forget.
Seven years later and the men are being reunited. Now playing on the same team they have to find a way to handle the press pushing the past into the present. Friends reunited again. Old wounds are reopened.
I really wish we had learned more about how both men had dealt with everything after. We got a bit from Evan as we knew he used hookup apps. Did CJ do celibacy or get the girlfriend or what?
I thought thus book needed way more groveling. Seriously CJ was a grade A douche and Evan let it slide too easily.
This book was way to slow burn for me. Not a lot happened for quite a while. There were some points where the story was just background noise and unnecessary. This is what shows this is a debut.
I liked the story but it definitely could use some edits to make it more exciting. Some banter and tension before they reconnect. More passion, more groveling, and more communication.
I'm glad they made what they wanted all along work for them. Unfortunately it was more a struggle for me. I'm giving thus a 3.75 with the potential for plenty of growth.
This is the story of two friends who became more but were hiding in the closet. When someone that wasn't going to talk found out CJ shut down and cut all ties. This was a brutal response to something small but his fear won. he chose his baseball career over his best friend.
Evan Is such a sweetheart and absolutely deserved better. Unfortunately the heart wants who UT wants and even years of radio silence and only occasionally meeting on the field hasn't squashed those feelings even though he tries to forget.
Seven years later and the men are being reunited. Now playing on the same team they have to find a way to handle the press pushing the past into the present. Friends reunited again. Old wounds are reopened.
I really wish we had learned more about how both men had dealt with everything after. We got a bit from Evan as we knew he used hookup apps. Did CJ do celibacy or get the girlfriend or what?
I thought thus book needed way more groveling. Seriously CJ was a grade A douche and Evan let it slide too easily.
This book was way to slow burn for me. Not a lot happened for quite a while. There were some points where the story was just background noise and unnecessary. This is what shows this is a debut.
I liked the story but it definitely could use some edits to make it more exciting. Some banter and tension before they reconnect. More passion, more groveling, and more communication.
I'm glad they made what they wanted all along work for them. Unfortunately it was more a struggle for me. I'm giving thus a 3.75 with the potential for plenty of growth.
August 11, 2026
A serviceable, moderately enjoyable second chance romance which didn't have enough of a redemption track for one MC
My overall impression after reading this book was that the writing was good and fairly engrossing, and it did make a sincere attempt at portraying a second chance romance between CJ & Evan - college sweethearts turned estranged lovers turned teammates and then reconciled lovers.
Things I liked - their emotions (especially Evan's) were portrayed well, and the depiction of how CJ stands firm towards the end, to reassure Evan of the strength of his feelings & commitment.
What didn't work too well for me - there wasn't a sufficient remorse/redemption track for CJ, in my opinion. There needed to be a lot more yearning and him going all out to woo Evan and win his love and trust again. After all, he'd unceremoniously dumped Evan 7 years back, and Evan was shown as being still very hurt at how things had gone down. Understandably, he really didn't have much trust at all in CJ's feelings for him.
And yet, somehow.....despite that very valid sense of skepticism, Evan is shown jumping headlong into resuming a relationship with CJ. The pace felt off at this point, because with all that residual hurt, it was tough to believe Evan moving forward to sparking their renewed relationship; not when CJ hadn't yet done anything substantive to win Evan back.
Overall I would say this was a serviceable read - pleasant enough, but missed the chance/potential of being a much more memorable book.
My overall impression after reading this book was that the writing was good and fairly engrossing, and it did make a sincere attempt at portraying a second chance romance between CJ & Evan - college sweethearts turned estranged lovers turned teammates and then reconciled lovers.
Things I liked - their emotions (especially Evan's) were portrayed well, and the depiction of how CJ stands firm towards the end, to reassure Evan of the strength of his feelings & commitment.
What didn't work too well for me - there wasn't a sufficient remorse/redemption track for CJ, in my opinion. There needed to be a lot more yearning and him going all out to woo Evan and win his love and trust again. After all, he'd unceremoniously dumped Evan 7 years back, and Evan was shown as being still very hurt at how things had gone down. Understandably, he really didn't have much trust at all in CJ's feelings for him.
And yet, somehow.....despite that very valid sense of skepticism, Evan is shown jumping headlong into resuming a relationship with CJ. The pace felt off at this point, because with all that residual hurt, it was tough to believe Evan moving forward to sparking their renewed relationship; not when CJ hadn't yet done anything substantive to win Evan back.
Overall I would say this was a serviceable read - pleasant enough, but missed the chance/potential of being a much more memorable book.
July 24, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Full Count is the start of a new series by a new-to-me author and it’s a take on a second chance romance. The book opens where CJ and Evan are already together, but we don’t get to see them together for long before they break up. It’s then seven years later and we get caught up on both of their lives.
The pace of the book was a little slow for me. We don’t see them together much in the beginning and then a good portion is learning where they are currently and them rebuilding trust and I was waiting for them to get back together. Not too soon that it was unrealistic, but I felt the story went around and around too much before moving on, for my tastes. It does show the men moving on and growing up and taking responsibility for themselves, each other, and who and what they want, and their HEA will make you smile. One of their teammates gets the next book and I will look forward to what looks to be another interesting story in the San Diego Barracudas series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Full Count is the start of a new series by a new-to-me author and it’s a take on a second chance romance. The book opens where CJ and Evan are already together, but we don’t get to see them together for long before they break up. It’s then seven years later and we get caught up on both of their lives.
The pace of the book was a little slow for me. We don’t see them together much in the beginning and then a good portion is learning where they are currently and them rebuilding trust and I was waiting for them to get back together. Not too soon that it was unrealistic, but I felt the story went around and around too much before moving on, for my tastes. It does show the men moving on and growing up and taking responsibility for themselves, each other, and who and what they want, and their HEA will make you smile. One of their teammates gets the next book and I will look forward to what looks to be another interesting story in the San Diego Barracudas series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 24, 2026
Full Count is book one of the San Diego Barracudas Series.
You see a lot of growth when it comes to CJ. He let fear stop him from living his life the way he wanted to and it made him make some poor decisions. This left Evan hurt and needing to move on with his life on a slightly different path than intended. I truly felt bad for Evan, as all he did was love someone who was too afraid for others to know this love. However, now that they have to interreact more closely together, you see how CJ's decision has impacted both of them.
I adored Evan. He was a sweetheart who has had to hide his true feelings for the one person he has loved all of his life. I didn't appreciate his mother and how she couldn't properly see she was using him and making him feel guilty and not worth anything besides his money. Evan needed someone to be there for him, all in, and not put conditions on their relationship. I loved seeing CJ expand on his feelings and when push came to shove, and things got tough and real for them, he stood up for them and what their future could hold.
Special mention to Rizzo as he was a great support in both lightening the mood and making serious moments come to fruition.
You see a lot of growth when it comes to CJ. He let fear stop him from living his life the way he wanted to and it made him make some poor decisions. This left Evan hurt and needing to move on with his life on a slightly different path than intended. I truly felt bad for Evan, as all he did was love someone who was too afraid for others to know this love. However, now that they have to interreact more closely together, you see how CJ's decision has impacted both of them.
I adored Evan. He was a sweetheart who has had to hide his true feelings for the one person he has loved all of his life. I didn't appreciate his mother and how she couldn't properly see she was using him and making him feel guilty and not worth anything besides his money. Evan needed someone to be there for him, all in, and not put conditions on their relationship. I loved seeing CJ expand on his feelings and when push came to shove, and things got tough and real for them, he stood up for them and what their future could hold.
Special mention to Rizzo as he was a great support in both lightening the mood and making serious moments come to fruition.
July 29, 2026
This book had me pretty intrigued just from the blurb it gave. And it didn’t disappoint on that. It was such a wonderful read. My heart was broken, repaired, and made better all in the span of less than 350 pages. I honestly wasn’t sure how to feel about CJ for most of the book. I was so conflicted with him. I respected him realizing that he couldn’t be what Evan deserved and wanted, and deciding to walk away. But the way he did it was messed up. And some of his behavior after that had me on full tilt. I felt for Evan so much in that moment though. He was so strong but I just wanted to hug him and tell him it’s okay to break down. The animosity between them when they did come back in each other’s lives broke my heart. It was understandable to a point. But I just wanted them to be happy. It was so obvious to me that the connection and chemistry they once shared was still there, burning under the surface. And when it burst through it was literally perfection. Seeing these two genuinely reconnect and rekindle things had my heart melting. Even if I wanted some more groveling and apologizing. But that’s just a personal preference. And the ending left me with a smile on my face and feeling satisfied for these two.
July 27, 2026
Loved Evan. CJ? Not so much
SPOILERS
CJ breaks up with Evan after three (secret) years together because he suddenly realised they could be outed at any time. Really?
Cue time shift to seven years later, and no contact, when CJ is traded to Evan's team for.... reasons. Both are still in the closet.
Ensure they are neighbours, home and away. Really? Don't tell us about how they fell in love before. Don't show us how their relationship grew and developed after Evan unbelievably broke first, much to my dismay and disbelief. Don't manage to get me to believe that CJ has been in love with Evan the whole time. Don't even tell me if CJ has been celibate or dating women (as he said that's what he would do when he broke Evan's heart).
Secret getaway, one brief outing into tiny local town leads to real outing. Really?
Too many coincidences. No grovelling from CJ at all and, trust me, that boy should have spent all his time on his knees (out of the gutter, people) begging for forgiveness.
My precious Evan should have told CJ to go fuck himself, then found someone better.
Loved Rizzo. Hope his story, up next, does him proud.
SPOILERS
CJ breaks up with Evan after three (secret) years together because he suddenly realised they could be outed at any time. Really?
Cue time shift to seven years later, and no contact, when CJ is traded to Evan's team for.... reasons. Both are still in the closet.
Ensure they are neighbours, home and away. Really? Don't tell us about how they fell in love before. Don't show us how their relationship grew and developed after Evan unbelievably broke first, much to my dismay and disbelief. Don't manage to get me to believe that CJ has been in love with Evan the whole time. Don't even tell me if CJ has been celibate or dating women (as he said that's what he would do when he broke Evan's heart).
Secret getaway, one brief outing into tiny local town leads to real outing. Really?
Too many coincidences. No grovelling from CJ at all and, trust me, that boy should have spent all his time on his knees (out of the gutter, people) begging for forgiveness.
My precious Evan should have told CJ to go fuck himself, then found someone better.
Loved Rizzo. Hope his story, up next, does him proud.
July 24, 2026
Full Count is a friends to strangers to lovers, second chance romance. Our MMC’s our Evan and CJ are two professional baseball players. The two were college boyfriends who broke up after a teammate caught them in a moment. Seven years later, the two are reunited when CJ gets traded to Evan’s team.
Evan was devastated when CJ ended things between them during college. He compartmentalized his feelings and avoided anything that involved CJ. CJ was traded to Evan’s team and did not want to expect.
These two clearly have unresolved feelings for one another and aren’t sure how to move from. I absolutely loved the tension between these two and the rare moments we got from Evan. He was so vocal about his feelings and how he never stopped loving CJ. CJ needed a little more time to process his feelings and come to terms with being a gay athlete.
I loved these two once they figured out their feelings. Their relationship was built from friendship and it was evident how much they cared for one another.
Evan was devastated when CJ ended things between them during college. He compartmentalized his feelings and avoided anything that involved CJ. CJ was traded to Evan’s team and did not want to expect.
These two clearly have unresolved feelings for one another and aren’t sure how to move from. I absolutely loved the tension between these two and the rare moments we got from Evan. He was so vocal about his feelings and how he never stopped loving CJ. CJ needed a little more time to process his feelings and come to terms with being a gay athlete.
I loved these two once they figured out their feelings. Their relationship was built from friendship and it was evident how much they cared for one another.
July 25, 2026
I really wanted to love this book. I did like it but it actually took effort for me to read at times. It was an exceptionally slow burn and like most books that are, once the initial contact started, it didn't stop. I didn't mind the relationship developing quickly. I did mind that the couple practically moved in together immediately after not speaking at all for 7 years. Keeping in mind this is a book and for entertainment purposes, it's fine; I just wished it was more realistic. I think the emotional impact of the initial break up was handled well.
I wish the couple had come out on their own and not because they were outed. I this this resolution happens too often in books.
All in all, this was decent read. I'd like to read something else by the author to determine if my opinionis a one off.
I wish the couple had come out on their own and not because they were outed. I this this resolution happens too often in books.
All in all, this was decent read. I'd like to read something else by the author to determine if my opinionis a one off.
Review of advance copy
Evan and CJ met on the college baseball field and fell in love. Both being destined for the MLB, they had to be careful to keep their draft stock high. The consequences of being discovered, they think, will be devastating for their careers. The story that follows takes them from college to the MLB years later. The characters are complex and well-written. Not everything is easy or glossed over and it makes the story more believable. Their journey is touching and heartfelt and the HEA is well-earned.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2026
Book 1 of San Diego Barracudas. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'CJ never stopped loving Evan. Evan never forgave him for leaving. And as the season unfolds, they’ll have to decide whether some risks are worth taking twice.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'CJ never stopped loving Evan. Evan never forgave him for leaving. And as the season unfolds, they’ll have to decide whether some risks are worth taking twice.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2026
I enjoyed this slow burn second chance romance but not as much as I had hoped. It is well writing and the characters (and their story) was so realistically written that kept me engaged in the book. CJ and Evan, baseball players have a past, and Evan is till bitter that CJ left him. I was so moved by how much trust there was in these men worrying about baseball careers if truth came out. I enjoyed the slow burn romance, just wanted them to have slight more chemistry, but overall a great first read in a series. I am ready for book two.
July 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. I love a good second chance romance and this one being set in baseball was an enjoyable summer read. I liked both the characters and their found family, and the way they found their way back to one another. There’s nothing earth shatteringly new about it but it does the tropes well - teammates to lovers, second chance romance, forced outing, the friend who clocks them and is supportive. A sweet and not super spicy read.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 3, 2026
Unfortunately this story just didn’t do it for me. I loved the writing, that was excellent. But sadly this story spent more time telling us about what happened, rather than showing us. And there was too little on CJ’s part to even make this believable. I wish there had been more back story as well. All we know is that the two of them were together in college. But how was their relationship back then? Was it good enough for them to even have a second chance, let alone a healthy one?
Overall, I loved the premise of this story, but it just didn’t hit for me.
Overall, I loved the premise of this story, but it just didn’t hit for me.
August 1, 2026
Well written and the characters and team are interesting enough that I'll be checking out the next book in the series, but this was ultimately unsatisfying for me as a second chance romance because I didn't find CJ's character convincing in his redemption arc. From the way his earlier romance with Evan ended, I felt CJ needed to be more convincing in his remorse over the decision he made to leave Evan and I felt Evan let him off the hook and fell for him again way too easily.
August 2, 2026
Full Count by Violet Fitzgerald was a fun, engaging read that pulled me in from the start. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the way their emotions felt genuine and easy to connect with.
The story had the perfect mix of romance, tension, and heartfelt moments that kept me turning the pages. A great read for anyone looking for a romance with lovable characters and plenty of charm.
I’ll definitely be checking out more from Violet Fitzgerald!
The story had the perfect mix of romance, tension, and heartfelt moments that kept me turning the pages. A great read for anyone looking for a romance with lovable characters and plenty of charm.
I’ll definitely be checking out more from Violet Fitzgerald!
July 26, 2026
Full Count is book 1 in the San Diego Barracudas series by Violet Fitzgerald.
THis is a second chance romance. CJ and Evan, baseball players have a past, and Evan is till bitter that CJ left him.
This is a second chance, teammates to more, found family read about CJ and Evan. I really enjoyed this slow burn story and the characters.
THis is a second chance romance. CJ and Evan, baseball players have a past, and Evan is till bitter that CJ left him.
This is a second chance, teammates to more, found family read about CJ and Evan. I really enjoyed this slow burn story and the characters.
August 6, 2026
I loved this book! This is a second-chance romance at its best! CJ and Evan are lovable and relatable. This was the first time I ever read baseball romance and I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was just great!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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July 13, 2026It was repetitive and hard to keep focus for the beginning 35%. Then I got to the point of not wanting to move forward, but also wanting to know what happened. I skimmed and unfortunately, don't feel like I missed anything.
Review of advance copy
This story follows the MCs from the moment they meet at university up to the present.
Not always an easy road, especially for two complicated characters, but very well described.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Not always an easy road, especially for two complicated characters, but very well described.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
July 15, 2026
Full Count is the first book in the new San Diego Barracudas series by debut author Violet Fitzgerald. This is a second chance, teammates to more, found family read about CJ and Evan. I really enjoyed this slow burn story and the characters.
July 19, 2026
This was such a wonderful read! I was pulled in almost immediately by the characters, their relationships, and the way the story slowly unfolded. It wasn’t just the romance that kept me invested, it was watching Evan and CJ navigate the complicated history between them.
I really appreciated how the story explored what happens when people drift apart and the role stigma can play in the assumptions we make and the choices we make because of it. That aspect gave the story more emotional weight than I was expecting.
One of my favorite parts was how real the characters felt. They didn’t always know how to express what they were feeling, and I appreciated that. Their emotional responses never felt overdone or forced and they felt genuine and reminded me of the many different ways people process emotions in real life.
If you enjoy a friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance with emotional depth, complicated relationships, and characters who feel authentic, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really appreciated how the story explored what happens when people drift apart and the role stigma can play in the assumptions we make and the choices we make because of it. That aspect gave the story more emotional weight than I was expecting.
One of my favorite parts was how real the characters felt. They didn’t always know how to express what they were feeling, and I appreciated that. Their emotional responses never felt overdone or forced and they felt genuine and reminded me of the many different ways people process emotions in real life.
If you enjoy a friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance with emotional depth, complicated relationships, and characters who feel authentic, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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