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Sweeter Than Fiction #4
I Wish He Would
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26I hit it out of the park in the friend department. The dating department? Not so much.
After a series of horrible first dates, I’m convinced it’s time to give up on my search for love. But when my best friends convince me to try out a list of twenty questions to fall in love, I decide to give it a shot.
I go on a date and test out the questionnaire, but it seems the only answers I get are the ones leading me back to my friend, Austin Bradford, who also happens to be the star shortstop for the Louisville Mustangs.
Despite all my desperate attempts to convince my best friends otherwise, I’ve had feelings for Austin since we met three years ago. Which also happened to be the same night he friendzoned me.
When I have to attend my cousin’s destination wedding—who, might I add, is marrying my jerk of an ex-boyfriend—Austin insists on going with me. I tell myself it will be fine, just a friendly vacation. Maybe I can even bury all my feelings for him on the beach.
Except, the time I spend with Austin has me questioning if the heated looks he’s sending my way are real, or if the Caribbean sun is making me hallucinate.
I wish he would give me a clear sign, because I refuse to put my heart on the line and risk our friendship without knowing if our love story will be a grand slam or a strikeout.
I Wish He Would is a friends-to-lovers baseball romcom with sizzling chemistry but no explicit content. It’s the fourth book in the Sweeter Than Fiction series, following four best friends finding love.
After a series of horrible first dates, I’m convinced it’s time to give up on my search for love. But when my best friends convince me to try out a list of twenty questions to fall in love, I decide to give it a shot.
I go on a date and test out the questionnaire, but it seems the only answers I get are the ones leading me back to my friend, Austin Bradford, who also happens to be the star shortstop for the Louisville Mustangs.
Despite all my desperate attempts to convince my best friends otherwise, I’ve had feelings for Austin since we met three years ago. Which also happened to be the same night he friendzoned me.
When I have to attend my cousin’s destination wedding—who, might I add, is marrying my jerk of an ex-boyfriend—Austin insists on going with me. I tell myself it will be fine, just a friendly vacation. Maybe I can even bury all my feelings for him on the beach.
Except, the time I spend with Austin has me questioning if the heated looks he’s sending my way are real, or if the Caribbean sun is making me hallucinate.
I wish he would give me a clear sign, because I refuse to put my heart on the line and risk our friendship without knowing if our love story will be a grand slam or a strikeout.
I Wish He Would is a friends-to-lovers baseball romcom with sizzling chemistry but no explicit content. It’s the fourth book in the Sweeter Than Fiction series, following four best friends finding love.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Amanda Schimmoeller
9 books240 followersAmanda Schimmoeller is a closed-door romance author who writes sweet love stories for readers who love happily ever afters. Her books are filled with banter, heart, and characters you can't help but love.
She loves Dr. Pepper, salty snacks, and binge-worthy tv. You’ll find her plotting her next great love story and living out her own fairytale in Tennessee with her husband and their dog.
Connect with Amanda on Instagram at @authoramandaschimmoeller.
She loves Dr. Pepper, salty snacks, and binge-worthy tv. You’ll find her plotting her next great love story and living out her own fairytale in Tennessee with her husband and their dog.
Connect with Amanda on Instagram at @authoramandaschimmoeller.
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August 6, 2026I had the privilege of proofreading this one! I think it's my new favorite by Amanda, sooooo you should be sure to check it out on September 1st!
August 16, 2026
I don’t know how Amanda does it, but somehow every single book in this series just keeps getting better and better! This one is officially my new favorite in the series. 🥹💕
Austin and Alyssa are SO cute together. I absolutely loved how sweet and caring Austin is, especially when he paid for her dinner after she had such a bad day. And then she came over to his house while he made cookies, and they watched New Girl, their favorite show together. 🥹 That was just incredibly sweet!
I loved that Austin bakes to destress and that Alyssa loves all the sweets. I also loved all the little moments of them just hanging out at his house and being comfortable together. Like when he first met her and noticed her doing a little happy dance after trying a dessert from the dessert table I melted! 🥹💕
And then when Austin talked about how he never bothered decorating his house because he was always so busy with baseball and never really felt like he needed to make it a home… but when Alyssa walked through the door, it felt like home. 😭😭 My heart! The way he looks for her at every game and she’s always there cheering him on and supporting him was everything.
I also loved how he stood up for her when Bianca and the others were being awful to her. He always made sure Alyssa knew she was loved and cared for. How She is rich in love because of all the amazing people around her. 🥹
I absolutely adored Alyssa, too. I loved her style and how caring she is toward everyone. I loved how much she wanted to support Austin and how she slowly fell in love with his sweet and caring personality.
And Austin picking up Pride and Prejudice because it was Alyssa’s favorite book and reading it simply because he knew how much she loved it?! MY HEART 😭💕 That was one of my favorite moments.
His teammates were also the absolute best. The group chat had me DYING laughing! 😂
This book gave me ALL the feels. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time (my cheeks actually hurt)🥹💕
Thank you so much, Amanda, for this ARC copy. I absolutely adore this book! 💕
Austin and Alyssa are SO cute together. I absolutely loved how sweet and caring Austin is, especially when he paid for her dinner after she had such a bad day. And then she came over to his house while he made cookies, and they watched New Girl, their favorite show together. 🥹 That was just incredibly sweet!
I loved that Austin bakes to destress and that Alyssa loves all the sweets. I also loved all the little moments of them just hanging out at his house and being comfortable together. Like when he first met her and noticed her doing a little happy dance after trying a dessert from the dessert table I melted! 🥹💕
And then when Austin talked about how he never bothered decorating his house because he was always so busy with baseball and never really felt like he needed to make it a home… but when Alyssa walked through the door, it felt like home. 😭😭 My heart! The way he looks for her at every game and she’s always there cheering him on and supporting him was everything.
I also loved how he stood up for her when Bianca and the others were being awful to her. He always made sure Alyssa knew she was loved and cared for. How She is rich in love because of all the amazing people around her. 🥹
I absolutely adored Alyssa, too. I loved her style and how caring she is toward everyone. I loved how much she wanted to support Austin and how she slowly fell in love with his sweet and caring personality.
And Austin picking up Pride and Prejudice because it was Alyssa’s favorite book and reading it simply because he knew how much she loved it?! MY HEART 😭💕 That was one of my favorite moments.
His teammates were also the absolute best. The group chat had me DYING laughing! 😂
This book gave me ALL the feels. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time (my cheeks actually hurt)🥹💕
Thank you so much, Amanda, for this ARC copy. I absolutely adore this book! 💕
August 17, 2026
4.25 star!
Review to come. ☺️
Review to come. ☺️
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
I am loving this series. While technically you can read each book as a standalone, don't. You'll want to read the full series in order as the characters crossover.
The series so far has been following The Long Live Girlies group and in this book we get Alyssa and Austin's story. They have been best friends for 3 years, and Alyssa has been secretly in love with him for basically the whole time. But Austin has been focused on his career. But with the reality that Alyssa could have met someone and a destination wedding, Austin finds himself wondering why he ever friend zoned her.
This story really is a delight. It brings the banter, the laughter, the best worst dating stories, supportive friends, and all the perfect swoon moments. Alyssa and Austin are perfect for each other. Since they have built such a great friendship, they stand up for one another, they show up when it matters, and they bring out the best in each other.
Amanda has done an amazing job to create a group of characters that you wish were real so that you could hopefully be in their friend group. I love that while each friend get's their own story they continue to shine as side characters in the other books.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series as it will feature Rhett. I'm still hoping that Tess will get her own book, and after reading this one, I'm kind of hoping that she'll connect with Cooper. 🤔
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"...life isn't like romance movies or books. The dating world is a lonely, scary place filled with more men that should be added to some list warning all women to stay far, far away from them than good ones.
"I think everyone deserves love, but it doesn't mean we're all going to find it."
"Maybe some sparks are just meant to grow with time."
"I'm not the kind of guy who says something for the heck of it."
"I think we could all learn a little something from kids and the way they love people out loud and unashamedly."
"I want this. Us forever making memories together."
"And I believe him. That he likes the real me, imperfections and all."
"...you're my favorite in every form."
"But I guess that's what love does to a person. It makes you grow into who you were always meant to be."
"But we're never guaranteed anything in life. We're not even promised tomorrow."
"Love is a risk with no guarantees."
I am loving this series. While technically you can read each book as a standalone, don't. You'll want to read the full series in order as the characters crossover.
The series so far has been following The Long Live Girlies group and in this book we get Alyssa and Austin's story. They have been best friends for 3 years, and Alyssa has been secretly in love with him for basically the whole time. But Austin has been focused on his career. But with the reality that Alyssa could have met someone and a destination wedding, Austin finds himself wondering why he ever friend zoned her.
This story really is a delight. It brings the banter, the laughter, the best worst dating stories, supportive friends, and all the perfect swoon moments. Alyssa and Austin are perfect for each other. Since they have built such a great friendship, they stand up for one another, they show up when it matters, and they bring out the best in each other.
Amanda has done an amazing job to create a group of characters that you wish were real so that you could hopefully be in their friend group. I love that while each friend get's their own story they continue to shine as side characters in the other books.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series as it will feature Rhett. I'm still hoping that Tess will get her own book, and after reading this one, I'm kind of hoping that she'll connect with Cooper. 🤔
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"...life isn't like romance movies or books. The dating world is a lonely, scary place filled with more men that should be added to some list warning all women to stay far, far away from them than good ones.
"I think everyone deserves love, but it doesn't mean we're all going to find it."
"Maybe some sparks are just meant to grow with time."
"I'm not the kind of guy who says something for the heck of it."
"I think we could all learn a little something from kids and the way they love people out loud and unashamedly."
"I want this. Us forever making memories together."
"And I believe him. That he likes the real me, imperfections and all."
"...you're my favorite in every form."
"But I guess that's what love does to a person. It makes you grow into who you were always meant to be."
"But we're never guaranteed anything in life. We're not even promised tomorrow."
"Love is a risk with no guarantees."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've said before I loved friends to lovers because of the history/familiarity they bring, but one of the other things that makes them so great? The yearning. And oh, this one certainly did that so well... even if it takes Austin a little bit longer to figure it out! Seriously though, right from the start, I just adored Austin and Alyssa's friendship. They truly did have such a natural and easy chemistry between them, and I couldn't help but love the way that they cared for and supported each other even in friendship. And when those feelings start to become more... my goodness, I couldn't get enough! But as much as I love their relationship, I also loved the other relationships in this story. We've already gotten to see the strong friendship with Alyssa's group and truly I love that about this series... and in this one, we also get to see some amazing banter and brotherhood with his teammates as well... and let me tell you, I LOVED it. Seriously, can these guys get their own series!? I need more of them! This story will have you kicking your feet and laughing out loud... and I loved every moment. If you love baseball romance and friends to lovers, this is one you won't want to miss!
I Wish He Would is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the fourth book in the Sweeter Than Fiction, and while I think this is best read in order, I do think it could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I Wish He Would is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the fourth book in the Sweeter Than Fiction, and while I think this is best read in order, I do think it could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I Wish He Would is one of those books that’s effortlessly easy to fall into — the kind where you read the first chapter and instantly know you’re in for a fun, heart‑melting ride.
Alyssa’s hilariously disastrous first date sets the tone perfectly. She’s charming, relatable, and the kind of heroine you root for from page one. And Austin? The perfect best friend — steady, loyal, quietly in love long before he realises it. Watching him wake up to his feelings for her is delicious in the best slow‑burn way.
The forced proximity at the family wedding — one hotel room, one bed, one very complicated set of feelings — creates the ideal scenario to push them together. The banter snaps, the chemistry builds, and the emotional beats land with so much heart.
Expect funny moments, sweet kisses, sharp banter, and a whole lot of warmth. The group text threads are genuinely laugh‑out‑loud, and the found family vibes make the story feel even richer.
A charming, funny, heart‑forward best‑friends‑to‑lovers romance that’s impossible not to enjoy.
Alyssa’s hilariously disastrous first date sets the tone perfectly. She’s charming, relatable, and the kind of heroine you root for from page one. And Austin? The perfect best friend — steady, loyal, quietly in love long before he realises it. Watching him wake up to his feelings for her is delicious in the best slow‑burn way.
The forced proximity at the family wedding — one hotel room, one bed, one very complicated set of feelings — creates the ideal scenario to push them together. The banter snaps, the chemistry builds, and the emotional beats land with so much heart.
Expect funny moments, sweet kisses, sharp banter, and a whole lot of warmth. The group text threads are genuinely laugh‑out‑loud, and the found family vibes make the story feel even richer.
A charming, funny, heart‑forward best‑friends‑to‑lovers romance that’s impossible not to enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alyssa and Austin are absolutely adorable. I have loved seeing their friendship on the sidelines in the other books so I was really anticipating this book! I was not disappointed. I literally skipped around my house with giddiness at one point. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Favorite parts:
-the game when Austin
-Rhett- he was super sweet and will get his own book!
-all the group chats with Austin’s teammates
-the night that Alyssa and Austin met
-Austin baking
-that first kiss-so good.
Favorite quotes:
But whenever Alyssa is here, that’s exactly what this place feels like: home.
I think we could all learn a little something from kids and the way they love people out loud and unashamedly. Though, I could do a little less with the headbutts to the crotch.
Alyssa is more than the sport I love. More than the woman I’ve been falling for. She’s my best friend. The person I look for in the stands each game. The one I want to cheer me up whenever I have a hard loss. And the one I want to celebrate the wins with. She’s my person. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize it. I infuse every promise into each kiss. All the vows I can’t say out loud yet, but hope to one day.
Favorite parts:
-the game when Austin
-Rhett- he was super sweet and will get his own book!
-all the group chats with Austin’s teammates
-the night that Alyssa and Austin met
-Austin baking
-that first kiss-so good.
Favorite quotes:
But whenever Alyssa is here, that’s exactly what this place feels like: home.
I think we could all learn a little something from kids and the way they love people out loud and unashamedly. Though, I could do a little less with the headbutts to the crotch.
Alyssa is more than the sport I love. More than the woman I’ve been falling for. She’s my best friend. The person I look for in the stands each game. The one I want to cheer me up whenever I have a hard loss. And the one I want to celebrate the wins with. She’s my person. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize it. I infuse every promise into each kiss. All the vows I can’t say out loud yet, but hope to one day.
August 16, 2026
Review of ARC received from the author.
5 ⭐️
I don’t know how but each book in this series just keeps getting better and better. This is my favourite book of the series.
This book was so cute and adorable. I really loved Austin and Alyssa together…..they were so adorable. The way they both know and care for each other was so cute.
Austin was really kind, thoughtful and caring. He always stands up for her and takes care of her. The way he always shows Alyssa that she is loved and perfect was so adorable. I really loved his teammates as well…..they were chaotic and fun.
Alyssa was also such an amazing character. The way she takes care of others and is always there for them was really amazing. I really loved the way she supported Austin throughout the entire book. I really loved the entire friend group. They were so supportive and caring.
I give my thanks to the author, Amanda Schimmoeller, for this ARC. I loved this book so much. Can’t wait for the next one.
5 ⭐️
I don’t know how but each book in this series just keeps getting better and better. This is my favourite book of the series.
This book was so cute and adorable. I really loved Austin and Alyssa together…..they were so adorable. The way they both know and care for each other was so cute.
Austin was really kind, thoughtful and caring. He always stands up for her and takes care of her. The way he always shows Alyssa that she is loved and perfect was so adorable. I really loved his teammates as well…..they were chaotic and fun.
Alyssa was also such an amazing character. The way she takes care of others and is always there for them was really amazing. I really loved the way she supported Austin throughout the entire book. I really loved the entire friend group. They were so supportive and caring.
I give my thanks to the author, Amanda Schimmoeller, for this ARC. I loved this book so much. Can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a delightful read - like a great Rom-com it was so effortless to get into and kept me hooked to the very last page!
From Alyssa’s hilarious first dates, to Austin’s steadfast friendship & constant supply of baking. They were best friends but also made the perfect couple - if only Austin would realise it!
A great story with friendship at its heart (both between the MC’s and their respective friends groups) and finding love that was hiding in plain sight all along. A perfect read to banish the post summer blues!
Part of the “Sweeter than Fiction’ series, this is book 4 and the only one I have read so far. It can be read as a standalone novel but equally it’s also given me a taste for the series and I definitely plan to check those out too now and see what stories await the other characters we met in this one!
From Alyssa’s hilarious first dates, to Austin’s steadfast friendship & constant supply of baking. They were best friends but also made the perfect couple - if only Austin would realise it!
A great story with friendship at its heart (both between the MC’s and their respective friends groups) and finding love that was hiding in plain sight all along. A perfect read to banish the post summer blues!
Part of the “Sweeter than Fiction’ series, this is book 4 and the only one I have read so far. It can be read as a standalone novel but equally it’s also given me a taste for the series and I definitely plan to check those out too now and see what stories await the other characters we met in this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
“I Wish He Would” is officially my new favorite Amanda Schimmoeller book!!! 💗 I had SO many highlights on my Kindle and so many moments that had me swooning! 🥹
Think: vacation vibes ☀️🌴 + a baseball player ⚾️ + a hairstylist 💇🏼♀️ + best friends to lovers 😍
I absolutely loved Alyssa and Austin’s relationship. They were both so sweet, and Austin was protective, thoughtful, and such a gentleman. Their romance completely stole my heart! ❤️
If you love clean, wholesome romances with best friends to lovers, great chemistry, and ALL the butterflies, add this one to your TBR!
“I Wish He Would” releases September 1st! 💗✨
“I Wish He Would” is officially my new favorite Amanda Schimmoeller book!!! 💗 I had SO many highlights on my Kindle and so many moments that had me swooning! 🥹
Think: vacation vibes ☀️🌴 + a baseball player ⚾️ + a hairstylist 💇🏼♀️ + best friends to lovers 😍
I absolutely loved Alyssa and Austin’s relationship. They were both so sweet, and Austin was protective, thoughtful, and such a gentleman. Their romance completely stole my heart! ❤️
If you love clean, wholesome romances with best friends to lovers, great chemistry, and ALL the butterflies, add this one to your TBR!
“I Wish He Would” releases September 1st! 💗✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book so much! 😭💕 It honestly deserves more than 5 stars. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this book completely stole my heart. The friendship, the romance, the whole story was just so sweet. 🥹
I genuinely didn’t want it to end and was so sad when I finished it. I absolutely loved my time with these characters, and now I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series! ⭐️📚
I genuinely didn’t want it to end and was so sad when I finished it. I absolutely loved my time with these characters, and now I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series! ⭐️📚
August 22, 2026
This pair is so utterly adorable. But I think what I loved most in this book were the friendships represented on the page between the Long Live Girlies, Alyssa & her sister Maddy, and Austin and the baseball boys. ⚾️ speaking of which I think they need their own books! 😉 I loved that they helped Austin realize he was in love with Alyssa! This book was extra fun for me as my husbands name is Austin! 🥰
This series remains adorable! ☺️
No Spice
Best Friends to More
Only One Bed
This series remains adorable! ☺️
No Spice
Best Friends to More
Only One Bed
Review of advance copy received from Author
Friends to forever is a favorite trope of mine and author Amanda Schimmoeller does not disappoint. I adored the leads and their dedication to their friendship. Their meet cute, that we do not hear about until later, is perfection. The friend groups on BOTH sides can not be beat! The banter between the men will leave you in stitches, I need ALL of their stories now.
Fun easy read, kissing only romcom. This is a first for me from Amanda but it absolutely has me looking for more!
Fun easy read, kissing only romcom. This is a first for me from Amanda but it absolutely has me looking for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It was so fun and wholesome. I absolutely adored Alyssa and Austin together!! 😍 Their chemistry was great, and they knew so much about each other after being friends for years. It was cute watching them realize that they didn’t just like each other, but loved each other 😆 And I like how the past MCs are always so prevalent in each book.
/I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own/
/I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own/
August 19, 2026
This book was 🤌🏻🥰 no spice but the chemistry was off the charts
You love Alyssa and Austin’s story if you like
⚾️ friends to more
💇🏼♀️baseball player MMC
⚾️ hair stylist FMC
💇🏼♀️only one bed 🤭
Thank you Amanda for an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own 🤩
You love Alyssa and Austin’s story if you like
⚾️ friends to more
💇🏼♀️baseball player MMC
⚾️ hair stylist FMC
💇🏼♀️only one bed 🤭
Thank you Amanda for an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own 🤩
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love love love this series. It was only a matter of time before Alyssa and Austin figured out that they loved each other. I loved the family drama, I loved how the rockstar got looped in. #1 shared series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Baseball is probably my favorite sport to have intertwined with romance books. And this one was soo cute and fun to read!! I loved their relationship with each other and the girls friend group!
I did receive a complimentary eARC from the author but this is my honest review
I did receive a complimentary eARC from the author but this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book!!! Best friends to more story! Which I am just a sucker for anyway, but this one was just soooooo good!
So many good mini tropes to go with it, too!! Sports romance, protective MMC, forced proximity, a little bit of fake dating vibes at times...
I enjoyed this entire read!
So many good mini tropes to go with it, too!! Sports romance, protective MMC, forced proximity, a little bit of fake dating vibes at times...
I enjoyed this entire read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore Austin & Alyssa's sweet, caring, uncertain , loving, hopeful, brave, protective, swoony happily ever after!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really cute love story! Got hooked by the ridiculous and hilarious blind date at the beginning! Nice light read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC copy from the author.
I have absolutely loved this entire series, but I think I have to say this is tied with I'm Only Me When I'm With Him (book 3) for my favorite in this series! I was smiling so much during this book, and laughing so hard at so many of the group chat messages with the team! Definitely one of my new reread books!!
I have absolutely loved this entire series, but I think I have to say this is tied with I'm Only Me When I'm With Him (book 3) for my favorite in this series! I was smiling so much during this book, and laughing so hard at so many of the group chat messages with the team! Definitely one of my new reread books!!
August 24, 2026
If I could describe this book in one word, it would be DELIGHTFUL. Alyssa and Austin are besties. Alyssa is quietly harboring feelings for her pro baseball player pal while Austin has only very recently realized his very real feelings for her. Throw in some forced proximity and fake dating(ish) and you have such a cute love story. There were so many sweet moments between these two. Of course, I love seeing the Long Live Girlies again, cheering each other on in all aspects of their lives. Austin was such a sweetie as he begins his pursuit for his best gal, and I loved seeing Alyssa realize the fake dating may not be so fake after all. This might be my new favorite in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet and fun story. Full review to come soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was everything. The tropes. The banter. The guys text thread. Everything. I loved every second of it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews