The Troublemaker: The Dugout, Book 4

by Piper Rayne, Connor Crais (Narrator), Christine Lakin (Narrator)

A fake marriage deal was never in my life’s plan.

Especially not to Easton Bailey.

Chicago Colts flashy shortstop.

The kind of man built for a good time and allergic to forever.

And the one who just slid a ring on my finger… on paper.

It’s supposed to be simple.

A mutually beneficial arrangement.

I play nanny to his son. He plays husband to my family.

No emotions. No complications. And absolutely no falling for each other.

Turns out pretending to be a family is the fastest way to break every rule we set.

Because he watches me like it was never just a deal.

Because he trusts me with the person who matters most.

Because the more we pretend, the less fake it feels.

And now the man who was never supposed to stay is the one I can't lose.

Genres: Audiobook, Found Family, Sports Romance, Fake Marriage, Baseball Romance

Audible Audio

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Piper Rayne is an Amazon Top 50 and USA Today Bestselling Author duo who believes in soft places to land, big laughs, and happily-ever-afters.

Piper’s the one who turns up the heat and humor—spinning tension, spark, and steam into moments that make you blush into your pillow and grin through the next chapter.

Rayne’s the one who tugs on your heartstrings—mixing locker-room laughs, brotherhood banter, and the kind of heart-punch moments that hit when you least expect them.

Together, they create stories that feel like family—sometimes found, sometimes blood—but always the kind that stays with you long after the final word.

At the end of the day, Piper and Rayne write love stories that they hope feel real, funny, with just the right amount of steam… ones that make your heart race and your world a little warmer.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️.75


⚾️ Baseball Romance
🧢 Marriage Of Convenience 💍
⚾️ Surprise Baby
🧢 He Falls First
⚾️ Single Dad x Nanny
🧢 Found Family
⚾️ Forced Proximity
🧢 Reformed Playboy
⚾️ Roommates



✨️ 🎧 ALC 🎧 REVIEW ✨️

🎙Narrators: Christine Lakin & Connor Crais, Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, & Meg Sylvan🎙

I will never not love a full cast when it comes to an audiobook. This series really gave other full cast audiobooks a run for their money! Connor is one of my faves and he always delivers in the best way possible! Chrstina Lakin really came with ehr A Game and gave us a full characters experience!

✨️📖 On To The Book Review 📖✨️

This series has been one of my absolute favorites! I am a huge baseball girlie and this really gave me everything I wanted! When I first started reading this series I thought it was too good to be true, but it was everything and so much more. I was obsessed from book 1 and I already knew that I was WRECKED and would regret listening to the last book as soon as I was finished. I knew that I was going to miss this series more thna others.There wasn't one part of any of these books that I didn't love! I am beyond smitten with it, and REALLY hope they will do another baseball series!

I feel like they really gave us the best for last when it came to tropes! How could you not love the round-up they gave us? Single Dad with a Surprise Baby? Add in a Nanny who needs to be married for a year? I WAS ALREADY DONE FOR! I honestly didn't think there was a book that would literally round the bases (hehe) and gave us the best round up possible.

I have been trying to figure out who was going to grab up Easton from the first book and I really didn't expect it to happen this way! Easton is everyone's favorite Playboy, he just needed to find the right girl for him. He is an aquired taste kind of guy, and when he found that taste I SQUEALED, and maybe said ⚾️ HOME RUN ⚾️ in my head LOL!

I loved the friends with benefits aspect that they had, because we didn't see it enough in the series or otherwise in a lot of books! Hadley was one of the best FMC's in the series! I feel like she fit in so well with the WAGS! I loved that she had a free spirit and was willing to just go with the flow! She had so much trouble feeling liek she rreally belonged anywhere and I was so happy for her when she fit right in with the wholoe team and wives!

I would be remiss if I didn't say I busted out in tears when Tanner called her Mama! Like how can you not have the feels when a sweet baby calls someone he has grown to love Mama? I have had so many swoons and love for this series and I can't say I'm not sad that this is over! (😢😢😢)

Needless to say I was kicking, screaming, swooning and begging my man to come play after reading this! This series was so much more than I ever expected and I am sad to see it go. BUT I am so excited for the next series!

Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ S.L. Scott & Valentine PR ✨️ for the complimentary 🎧 ALC 🎧. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.

[Loni Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 ⭐️ read/listen for me!

One of my favorite things about Piper’s writing is how effortlessly the conversations flow. The Banter feels natural, witty, authentic – like you’re sitting right there with the characters. There were so many moments that had me smiling, giggling, belly laughing, and completely invested in every interaction.

And the friend group? Still elite! The baseball brotherhood, their wives and soon to be wives, all the kids – it felt like coming home every time they show up on the page. I also loved Hadley’s friendship with her bestie because they have their own found family. Those little relationship moments added so much heart to the story.

And Easton? Total swoon. He’s calm, steady, patient, kind, and ridiculously attractive. What I loved most is that he’s emotionally available when it matters. No unnecessary drama, no games – just a genuinely good man who knows how and when to show up.

Oh and sweet Hadley. She has spent her life feeling like the black sheep of her own family. She’s constantly underestimated and treated as though she’ll never measure up. Her mother and sister were honestly painful to read at times with how effortlessly mean they could be, making her relationship with her brother stand out even more. He’s one of the few people who consistently shows up for her.

Neither Easton or Hadley are looking for forever. In fact, they both have a habit of running from relationships. Until they don’t.

What I loved most about this story is that neither character is deeply “broken”. They have baggage, sure, but it feels realistic and relateable. Watching them navigate those fears while building something together felt genuine and earned.

While the fake marriage romance was absolutely front and center, it was the unexpected baby storyline and the twists surrounding the who and why that completely hooked me.

I absolutley loved this one!

The Duet narration on this one was top notch! You could feel the chemistry from the get.

Connor Crais as Easton, for me, was perfection. His calm, cool, collected delivery fit Easton’s personality so well, add in that deep grolwy tone and he absolutely nailed it!

Christine Laking as Hadley was a wonderful surprise for me. This was my first time listening to her narration, and I became a fan almost immediately. I loved the warmth and personality she brought to Hadley, and her performance made an already loveable character even more engaging.

And lets not forget about Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa James, and Meg Sylvan all making guest appearances which 100% brought this story to life in my brain!

This was such a fun, heartwarming sports romance filled with fantastic banter, found family vibes, fake marriage chaos, an unexpected baby with a twist, and two characters who were impossible not to root for. Another Dugout win for Piper Rayne!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for this ARC and ALC. This is my honest review!

Yes! Easton Bailey, the man that you are. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize your game until now. OKAY! Him and Hadley and baby Tanner were perfection!

Easton Bailey is a playboy who suddenly becomes a dad when one of his ONS leaves him his baby at the bar. Hadley finds herself in need a husband to inherit her grandma’s bookstore. The first person she thinks of is her frequent hookup buddy Easton. It becomes a win-win situation for them to get married and play fake house. Throughout the story it feels less and less fake.

I adored this story. I didn’t expect to rank it second favorite of the series, but here we are. The plot was so engaging (couldn’t put it down), Hadley and Easton were a perfect pair, the sweet moments each of them had with baby Tanner was heartwarming, and the appearances from the rest of the Dugout couples were so wonderful! I love the found family in this series!

Hadley and Easton had so much chemistry and their banter was hilarious. They truly feel like best friends who are crazy attracted to each other. The story was more of a slow burn, which I think really enhanced our view of their relationship. They already had been with each other for years on and off so the sexual chemistry was always there. It was nice to watch them genuinely fall in love.

Also the plot twist made me gasp! It was so well done and I didn’t suspect it! I LOVED IT!

Highly recommend this book and the whole series. If you are able to listen to it, do it! The full cast narration really enhances the story. It was done so well!

Tropes:
🧑‍🧑‍🧒 Single Dad x Nanny
🍼 Surprise Baby (not hers)
⚾️ Baseball romance
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🪝 They used to hookup
❤️ Found Family

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to finish a 5-star series!!

I’ve loved every single audio from this whole series, absolute perfection!

Piper Rayne kept me guessing right until the very end, A fake marriage, a surprise six-month-old baby, a baseball star, and a cozy bookstore—this story has it all,
the audiobook narrators absolutely crushed it. Grab your headphones, get comfortable, and get ready to binge this in one sitting. It leaves you with that perfect little nugget of excitement hinting that something equally captivating is just around the corner. 10/10 recommend listening to this one!"

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Troublemaker by author Piper Rayne is the fourth book in The Dugout series and it was soooo good!! I was lucky enough to receive both advance reading and listening copies and once I started I just couldn’t stop until I finished. The story is serious and funny, spicy and sweet, full of suspense and surprises and charming and delightful. It’s made even better by the duet narration of Connor Crais and Christine Lakin with a supporting cast of all-time favorites Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes and Meg Sylvan. Heaven in your headphones.

The Troublemaker is the first book I’ve read or listened to in The Dugout series; the first book by Piper Rayne at all, in fact. But I will rectify that shortly. And the fact that I didn’t already know the characters did not impact my enjoyment of this story in the slightest. Everything I needed was there, but now I do want to catch up on everyone else’s stories.

Easton is a player with the ladies and a bit of a troublemaker and until now hasn’t regretted it. He’s single, careful, thoughtful of his partners, doesn’t set false expectations – and from what they say he’s a pretty good lover, too. But a delivery dropped off at the bar downstairs from his condo makes him stop and think. It’s a baby. The note in the basket says it’s his and that the mother can’t care for him so he’s now Easton’s. Sad but true: Easton can’t even remember who he’s been with except Hadley, and the timing doesn’t work for it to be her. Easton is already appealing, but once you see him become instantly attached to that little guy and start recognizing his own features, your heart will melt.

The story opens with Hadley. Stuck in traffic on the way to the reading of her grandmother’s will. Going to be late again. Going to disappoint her mother again. It’s the story of her life, literally. Her father left when she was five years old and her mother has been telling her since she could understand words what a failure she is, seconded by her sister, mommy’s mini-me. Her brother is always in her corner but Hadley hasn’t spent time at home since her high school graduation. Traveling the world, working odd jobs, staying out of the line of fire. Things go as expected at the reading; her grandmother does leave her the only thing she wanted: her little bookstore. But – huge but – there’s an old-fashioned caveat. Hadley has to be married for a year before the store is legally hers. Wow, that was unexpected. Is she supposed to just walk up to some guy and propose? Suddenly – inspiration strikes! What about Easton?

Hadley and Easton have spent many nights together over the past couple of years. Nothing serious, no commitment, no romantic feelings, but they are very compatible physically and otherwise. They’re friends, kind of. She thinks of him as a good guy, she feels safe with him, he’s funny and considerate. She’s the only women he’s had a repeat with, for reasons he doesn’t explore too deeply.

After a little negotiation it turns out to be the perfect solution for both of them. He needs someone to take care of Tanner when he can’t, especially when he’s on the road with the baseball team, and she needs a temporary, fake husband to get the store. She really wants the store, even if she never stays in one place for long. Perhaps it’s to prove she can succeed at something. He really wants his son, never a second of doubt. He thinks his son needs two parents and wants to understand why his mother gave him up so continues looking for her, but Hadley the Nanny is in place for now.

So they get married, she moves into his condo and playing house begins. They agree to keep the physical off the table (tough choice for both of them) so as to not complicate things. Turns out they get along as well in the living room, the kitchen, the bookstore and the ballpark as they do in the bedroom. They don’t see it at first, but we the readers and listeners – and his parents and his friends – do: feelings are there and they’re growing.

Suspense builds, along with humor and tender times. Seemed simple at first: bye-bye when the year’s up, she may or may not hang around in Chicago, he will be free to pick up his playboy ways. But Tanner is a precious little guy and they fall into a routine which starts to build a comfortable cocoon around them. So what’s going to happen?

The suspense building isn’t only about how this relationship will play out, but also about how much longer they will be able to resist the very spicy tension between them. Author Piper Rayne keeps the story flowing with witty dialogue, that adorable baby, flirty moments, true friends with very definite opinions, and enough surprises to keep you just the right amount of off-balance. No spoilers from me, but you don’t want to miss a minute of this story. Narrators Crais and Larkin bring the story to life, depth, range, pacing. Crais’ superpower at expressing emotion brings tears to your eyes and joy to your heart; Larkin voices Hadley just as you imagine her on the written page, with all her fears and doubts as well as her strength and growing feelings. I recommend The Troublemaker without hesitation, and plan to catch up on everything going backward and forward from Piper Rayne. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Piper Rayne and Valentine Press for the ARC and ALC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

I'm really sad that this series is coming to an end. I enjoyed every single story, and Easton and Hadley's was great, too. It's a beautifully written, emotional, steamy romance with lovable characters, moments that had me laughing out loud, a few unexpected twists that kept me hooked from the start, and it features the following tropes:

- Sports romance
- Baseball romance
- Surprise Baby
- Single Dad x Nanny
- F*ck Buddies to forever
- Fake Marriage
- Close Proximity
- Reformed Player

I’ve always liked Easton and his carefree way of life, ever since the first book. He’s a charming playboy, a good friend and teammate, and now also a wonderful father. We get to know more about him now, and I really loved his family. Hadley is confident, afraid of commitment, and compassionate. I found her initially somewhat clumsy interactions with Tanner sweet and completely relatable. The easygoing relationship and the sizzling chemistry between the two were refreshing and a nice change of pace. I was also happy to see the characters from the earlier books play an active role again. Ruby and the kids always make me smile.

About the audiobook:

The full-cast audiobook is great! Connor Crais and Christine Lakin perfectly brought their characters—Easton and Hadley—to life. And with JF Harding, Sean Masters, Teddy Hamilton, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone thrown in… what more could an audiobook fan’s heart desire? Amazing cast, awesome entertainment!

Hadley Hargrove is a globetrotter who has enjoyed her carefree life to the fullest—until her grandmother dies and leaves her the struggling children’s bookstore on the condition that she get married and stay in Chicago for at least a year. Hadley is determined to fulfill her grandmother’s last wish and save the bookstore. So she asks Chicago Colts shortstop Easton Bailey, with whom she occasionally has casual hookups, to marry her for a year.
Easton never wanted a serious relationship, let alone children, during his career, and has been enjoying his life as a bachelor and playboy—until, unexpectedly, a baby is delivered to him with a note stating that he is the father, but without revealing the mother’s identity, completely turning his life upside down.
Easton agrees to Hadley’s plan on the condition that she serve as his nanny for a year in return. What begins as a platonic arrangement—free of deep feelings and based on mutual interest—becomes increasingly difficult to maintain, especially as Hadley finds herself also falling more and more in love with Easton’s son and the two of them set out together to find Tanner’s mother…

Overall, it's a fun read with endearing protagonists, lovable supporting characters, heart, humor, and spice, that I'm happy to recommend!

#thedugout #piperrayne #baseballromance #thetroublemaker #Valentineprlm
@authorpiperrayne @valentine_pr_

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly waiting for Easton's story ever since that baby was dropped off at the end of the previous book, and The Troublemaker absolutely did not disappoint.

Easton is suddenly thrown into the role of single father after discovering he has a son he never knew about. As a cocky, charming baseball player who has always lived the playboy lifestyle, becoming an overnight dad turns his entire world upside down. Thankfully, he has a strong support system in his friends, but with a demanding baseball schedule, he still has one major problem…who is going to take care of Tanner while he's away for games?

Hadley is the complete opposite when it comes to putting down roots. She's spent her life moving on whenever things get difficult, never staying in one place for too long. But after her grandmother's passing, she inherits the family bookstore, with one unexpected condition: she has to get married to keep it.

Hadley and Easton aren't strangers, and the chemistry between them is undeniable from the start. As their lives become intertwined, they quickly settle into a routine that feels surprisingly natural. Watching them grow closer had me kicking my feet, swooning over every sweet moment, and completely invested in their journey. Their connection was heartfelt, their banter was fantastic, and the romance had just the right amount of heat.

But what caught me off guard was the revelation about Tanner's mother. I never saw it coming. My jaw literally dropped, and before I knew it, I had tears in my eyes. Piper Rayne completely blindsided me with that twist, and it made the emotional impact of the story hit even harder.

This book had everything I love.. heart, humor, romance, found family, and a few surprises that left me reeling long after I finished the final page.

ⓐⓤⓓⓘⓞ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
Connor Crais, Christine Lakin, Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, J.F. Harding, Erin Mallon, C.J. Bloom, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan, and A. Stone all in one audiobook? Talk about an incredible cast lineup!

Connor and Christine perfectly captured the heart of the main characters, bringing their personalities, emotions, and chemistry to life in a way that made it impossible not to become invested in their story.
The supporting cast added even more depth to the listening experience, with each narrator delivering a unique performance that left me glued to the audio.

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this ALC/ARC via Valentine PR and am voluntarily leaving this review. THE TROUBLEMAKER is the fourth book in THE DUGOUT series by writing duo Piper Rayne. A marriage of convenience between Chicago Colts shortstop, Easton Bailey, and his friend with benefits turned nanny, Hadley, becomes complicated when pretending to be a family blurs the lines between their no feelings arrangement and the real thing. This is a spicy, open door, first person, dual POV, contemporary sports romantic comedy that includes the following tropes: baseball romance, marriage of convenience, surprise baby, playboy, nanny and single dad, found family, close proximity, and fish out of water. This is the story for the son of the first Bailey couple: LESSONS FROM A ONE NIGHT STAND, which adds so much to this story including the addition of Bailey family to the cast of characters. Bailey and Hadley have a definite connection and playing family for the world only deepens that connection into love. I really adore the reformed playboy trope and the baby in a basket followed by marriage to the on,y woman he had slept with more than once completely changed Easton. He grew a great deal in maturity and Hadley finally found a place where she felt safe enough to put down roots. She had much more to process emotionally and Easton was a great support. This was a full cast audiobook with narrators Connor Crais and Christine Lakin as Easton and Hadley as well as JF Harding, Sean Masters, Teddy Hamilton, Carly Robins, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan, and Austin Stone to play the side characters from previous novels in the series. The main narrators did an excellent job expressing the humor and the emotion of the story, and the full cast made the audiobook an experience close to a graphic audiobook, which I highly recommend. The recording held up well at multiple speeds. I recommend this novel for readers/listeners who enjoy baseball romcoms with marriage of convenience and surprise baby tropes.

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Rayne is one of those authors who never disappoints, and The Troublemakers was everything I wanted in a feel-good romance. It had me smiling from beginning to end and completely falling in love with these characters.

Easton and Hadley have been friends with benefits for two years, keeping things casual and never expecting anything more. But life throws them both a curveball.
After Hadley's grandmother passes away, she inherits her beloved children's bookstore, but only if she gets married and stays married for one year. Then Easton's life is turned upside down when a six-month-old baby boy, Tanner, is left on his doorstep with a note saying he's his son.

Hadley needs a husband.Easton needs a wife.
It seems like the perfect arrangement... until pretending starts feeling all too real.

I absolutely loved watching their relationship evolve. The chemistry between Easton and Hadley has always been there, but this time it was deeper, more emotional, and filled with so much longing. The tension between them was palpable, and every chapter had me rooting for them to finally admit what everyone else could already see.

Baby Tanner completely stole my heart. Watching Easton step into fatherhood and seeing the love that both he and Hadley had for Tanner made this story even more special. Their little family felt so natural, and every scene together warmed my heart.

This is such a beautiful found-family romance. Hadley finally finds the home and family she's always longed for, while Easton realizes the woman he thought would always be a casual fling is actually the love of his life.

🎧I listened to the audiobook, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The full-cast narration made the story even more immersive. Connor Crais and Christine Lakin were perfectly cast as Easton and Hadley, bringing every emotion, every laugh, and every heartfelt moment to life. They made me feel every bit of the chemistry, tenderness, and love between these characters.

Sweet, funny, emotional, and completely heartwarming, The Troublemakers is another fantastic romance from Piper Rayne that I couldn't put down.

[good girls read · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧✨ Trouble Maker by Piper Rayne
🎙️ Duet narration by Connor Crais & Christine Lakin ft Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, & Meg Sylvan🎙

Tropes:

📚surprise baby(not here) 

⚾️Marriage of Convenience 

📚Surprise Baby

⚾️ Single Dad × Nanny

📚Found Family

⚾️ Forced Proximity

📚Reformed Playboy


I've been dreading finishing this series because I knew I'd have to say goodbye to these characters, but this was everything I could have hoped for and more. ❤️ It was emotional, funny, heartwarming, and the perfect ending. I already know I'm going to miss the Dugout crew so much. 🥹⚾️

I've been waiting for Easton's story for what feels like forever, and it was so worth the wait it was everything I hoped it would be. Watching our favourite troublemaker finally meet his match in Hadley was so much fun, their spice was spicing 🌶️ and their chemistry was absolutely off the charts. 🤭❤️
There was one chapter that had me literally saying, "OMG!" out loud, and then the very next had me wiping away tears. The emotional whiplash was so real, and I loved every second of it.

🎧 I was completely hooked from start to finish!
Connor Crais, Christine Lakin, and the supporting narrators delivered and outstanding performance . The chemistry between Easton and Hadley practically leapt through my headphones. Every flirty moment had me grinning, every emotional scene hit me right in the feels, and the spicy chapters?….Let's just say they understood the assignment. 🤭 They brought these characters to life so perfectly that I never wanted the story to end. The ToubleMaker is Without a doubt my favourite book in the entire dugout series. ❤️ It had everything I love in a romance, and I already know I'll be thinking about Easton and Hadley for a long time. I'm going to miss this world and these characters so much. What an incredible way to end the series. ⚾️🥹

Thank you Valentine PR and Piper Rayne for this ALC

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨The final book in the Dugout Series?! Please tell me it isn’t so! 💔⚾

Piper Rayne, you’ve absolutely outdone yourselves! I understand the pressure an author must be under to end a beloved series with a bang while leaving readers wanting more…and wow, you nailed it. Mission accomplished!

This may just be my favorite book in the Dugout Series that I have listened to, having enjoyed books 2-4. (Book 1 is on my list for this summer.)

Easton Bailey is so much more than the Chicago Colts’ charming, playboy shortstop, and I loved getting to know the man behind the reputation. And Hadley. She’s an independent, no-commitment type of woman who swears she’ll always stay single. These two characters together, even if they weren’t really together, were so entertaining. Their chemistry, emotional moments, and undeniable attraction had me listening well beyond my bedtime. I couldn’t get enough of them, and the hours flew by.

The audiobook was phenomenal. Connor Crais and Christine Lakin delivered an outstanding duet performance, while Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, and Meg Sylvan added so much depth to the listening experience. Every narrator brought these characters to life beautifully.

If you’re searching for a series to binge, look no further. This series has everything I love like memorable characters, sizzling chemistry, heartfelt moments, and storylines that kept me invested throughout. I was completely obsessed and honestly wasn’t ready for it to end.
I have to dive into another Piper Rayne series. Any suggestions?!

A huge thank you to @valentine_pr_ @hambright_pr and @authorpiperrayne for the opportunity to listen to this outstanding ALC. It was an absolute joy from beginning to end, and I loved every single minute of it! ❤️🎧

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Troublemaker was such a good book that pulled me into all of my feels because Easton Bailey is the kinda guy who can definitely make a girl SWOON!!!

Easton finds himself a father to a 6 month old baby boy, and has no clue what he is doing. His whole life is changed in an instant because he knows he wants to do everything he can for his little boy.

Hadley is a free spirited traveler who never spends too much time in one place, but after her grandma dies, she finds herself in a situation which requires her to be married to get her inheritance-a bookstore-which is all she has ever wanted. She decides Easton is the person she will ask because she believes he is perfect for the job.

Easton had me tearing up because this man is so freaking SWOONY. He stepped up as a dad, but also his tender moments with his kid, finding his feet as a parent was so heartwarming and pure. Add in Hadley finding her way as a parent as well, figuring out what he likes and how to keep him calm and just stepping up for Easton is truly beautiful. The emotional depth of the characters was truly spectacular and OMG that twist??? Boy was I totally SHOCKED!

This story is full of found family, which is one of my favorite tropes. Their friends giving advice and stepping in where they can. Truly a wonderful read.

This book was another full cast audiobook with Connor Crais and Christine Lakin portraying Easton and Hadley. They definitely did these beautiful characters justice by fully stepping into these characters and bringing them to life. Of course, this stacked all-star cast coming in with their cameos really made this series work.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶.5
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙

[Letty Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Finale to the Dugout Series!!!

I can’t believe we’re already at the end of the Dugout series. I’ve genuinely loved every book, and Piper Rayne once again reminded me why they’re an automatic read for me.

This time we follow Easton and Hadley. What starts as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes so much more when life throws them both a curveball neither of them expected.

Watching these two slowly build a family completely stole my heart. The chemistry was effortless, the slow burn was so satisfying, and I couldn’t stop smiling as their relationship evolved. They were messy, lovable, and impossible not to root for.

Then Piper Rayne did what they do best.

Just when I thought I knew exactly where this story was going, they threw in a twist that had me staring at my Kindle saying, “No… there’s no way!” I truly didn’t see it coming, and I loved that they managed to surprise me.

The audiobook was incredible.

Christine Lakin was the perfect Hadley. She captured her warmth, vulnerability, and free spirit beautifully. Connor Crais completely nailed Easton’s confident, charming, “I know I’m gorgeous” personality while giving him so much heart.

The supporting cast, featuring Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, and Meg Sylvan, made an already wonderful production even better. Blue Nose Audio absolutely knocked this one out of the park.

A heartfelt romance, a beautiful family journey, and the perfect finale to a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

[Megan May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

The Troublemaker by Piper Rayne is the fourth and final book in The Dugout Series, and I am so sad that it is over. I loved the book and, similar to the other Dugout books, I finished it in about a day. Book four follows shortstop Easton, who finds himself with a son he did not know existed. Hadley is a free spirit who is reluctant to set roots, particularly in her hometown where she is the black sheep of the family. Ultimately, they end up in a fake marriage, and Hadley becomes his son's nanny.

Piper Rayne excels at writing characters and found family. The books are genuinely funny, and all of the characters are endearing. The relationships are healthy, and the couples have genuine fondness for one another. Easton and Hadley had an expiration date on their relationship, but because they got along so well and liked each other so much, their fondness grew into love. Piper Rayne did an excellent job of writing their connection in a way that felt genuine.

The audiobook experience was excellent. Connor Crais and Christine Lakin are two of my favorite narrators, and they did not disappoint. One of the things that I love about this series is that the narrators stick with their characters for all four books. While it is not necessary for the story, it adds a nostalgic touch.

I highly recommend the entire series if you are looking for a funny and spicy escape with highly relatable characters.

Thank you to Piper Rayne for gifting me the ALC and the ARC of The Troublemaker for my honest review.

[Cams Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I have a feeling Easton Bailey has snuck into my favourite Chicago Colt MMC. I would not have thought so, but goes to show you never know what Piper Rayne have up their sleeves. And while we’re on that subject, nice little plot twist there ladies. Well done.
We all know Easton is the lovable f**kboy of the team, but we see a different side here. Yeah he’s still cocky as shit, that’s why we love him, but there’s a whole other side to him. A responsible side, a caring side, a loyal, I’ve got your back side and I loved this new Easton. He steps up as a dad and he kills it.
Hadley and her poor antiquated must get married ultimatum. Well who better to ask for a fake marriage than your real hook-up, Easton Bailey, These two were so cute together. Learning how to parent a baby amidst all that simmering tension because they’ve seen each others naked bits was delicious. They gave it a good go, but the body wants what the body wants, and they were both wanting.
Much as I love all the couples and their kidlets in this series, my favourite thing is the found family they’ve formed. It’s always sad to say goodbye when it’s the end of a series, especially to characters I’ve grown to love. Thank hod Ruby will be around for a little longer.
Ooh, and it was my first time meeting Easton’s parents so I’m gonna need to head to Lake Starlight soon.

Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc and this is my honest review.

[Gayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: To say I am sad that the Dugout series is over is an understatement. The love I have for this series should be studied. But, it was the perfect way to end it. This is probably my favorite out of all of them 🥹, but who can decide when you have an A1 series like this?

From the very first page Easton had me invested! The man you are daddy Easton 🧎🏻‍♀️❤️‍🔥. It’s impossible not to fall for this man. He may have come across as this charming playboy; but there’s so much more to him.

Easton and Hadley… yeah these two had TOP NOTCH chemistry! Watching them be in an arranged marriage and navigating this new dynamic was beautiful! You see them develop trust, friendship, and something that was inevitable with all the romantic tension. There were plenty of heart warming moments, but you can still expect the humor. It wouldn’t be a Piper Rayne book without it all.

I was laughing out loud, clutching my heart, & kicking my feet. I was totally obsessed!

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: If you know me at all you know Connor Crais is one of my favess so if you get sick of me saying he did a phenomenal job; mind your business! The man is talented. I really enjoyed reuniting with all of the other characters. I just love this friend group; and the found family aspect. The casting is once again top tier!

𝐏.𝐒. Be prepared for your jaw to be on the floor… you will not see that plot twist coming!

[Theresa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 2🌶 5🎧

Absolutely devoured this sweet and fun story.
Im a sucker for a sports romance and a marriage of convenience so this book was right up my alley. I have loved every book in this series. This one can be read as a stand-alone but I loved knowing all the nuances and insight into the rest of the characters. Piper Rayne as out done themselves with this and that plot twist...so good. Didn't see that coming.

I love the banter and playfulness of this book. Sweet playboy Easton and the free spirited Hadley are so much more then they seem. I loved the depth of their characters and seeing their hearts. Their chemistry sizzles and due to their history they have some delicious tension. Its a fun but intense slowburn. I also really love the family they build with Eastons son Tanner. They are both new to this baby thing but they find their way. The tenderness between Easton and Hadley is beautifu. I adored waching them open up and become vulnerable with each other.

Loved seeing the whole team and how they all support eachother while delivering some hysterical banter. I'm going to miss this group but this was a great way to wrap up the series and dangle another.

This audiobook is done to duet style multi-cast by Connor Crais and Cristine Lakin, also featuring Teddv Hamilton, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Austin Stone, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes & Meg Sylvar. Perfection, the way Connor and Cristine brought this to life. I loved the way it felt like they where living the story. They sounded amazing together, their tones together where a beautiful match. The rest of the cast was amazing. And Austin Stone always surprises me with his plethora of voices.

Thank you to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for this ALC and ARC. These are my honest opinions and feelings.

[All You Read is Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to miss this series so much! It has been such a good baseball romance series, but I also can't wait to see what Piper Rayne releases next.

The Troublemaker follows Easton Bailey, a single dad in need of a nanny, and Hadley who is in need of a husband.

The marriage might have been fake but the feelings never really were. Easton and Hadley had been together many times over the past couple years but never anything more than just a hook up. Now Easton being a dad his priorities had changed but his feelings he never really realized he had for Hadley hadn't.
I loved the easy vibes of this book and of Easton. And to see Hadley with his son Tanner was so adorable. She grew attached to him so quickly and the feels were all there.
The romance, the friendship, the feelings, it was all so well done!
Also the ending! It was so good, I really didn't see it coming, but it made for such a good ending.
I have loved every book in this series so much and this book was the perfect ending to the series.

Thank you @authorpiperrayne and @hambright_pr for the ALC.
All opinions are my own.

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easton Bailey said if you’re going to end the series with him, he’s going to close it out spectacularly, and that’s exactly what Piper Rayne did.
Everyone’s favorite playboy has fallen and fallen hard for his nanny, Hadley. She was the absolute perfect woman for him. The fake marriage with mutual benefits was the perfect way to bring them together and I really enjoyed the build up to their relationship becoming real. One thing you know Piper Rayne is going to deliver on is the wit, banter, sweet and spicy, and the best found family friend group. They gave us all that and more with this series.
The full cast narration has been incredible the entire series, but I was really looking forward to Conner Crais bringing Easton to life. I loved Christine Lakin as Hadley. She and Conner were the perfect Hadley & Easton, and the rest of the cast rounded out this series finale epically.
I am going to miss The Dugout family but am so glad to have enjoyed this series and interconnected world Piper Rayne has woven for us.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another bittersweet goodbye to an incredible series. The Troublemaker by The Troublemaker closes out the Dug Out series, and what a way to end it.
Hadley and Easton’s story was not only unique and compelling but completely addictive. I loved watching them both learn and adapt to their new circumstances, growing both individually and together in a way that felt so natural.
Each book in this series somehow kept getting better, but I think this one might just be my favorite. I also listened to the ALC while reading, and I loved that it was done with a full cast. It made the experience even more immersive, and every narrator did an incredible job bringing these characters to life.
And the best part, aside from the happily ever after, had to be that plot twist. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor because it was the last thing I expected.
This was such an amazing read, and if you’re looking for a sports romance to dive into, this is definitely one to pick up. And if you can, read it alongside the audiobook for the full experience.

[Nicole Sapriken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, like all of the books from these ladies, was a beautiful love story, with all its twists and turns, laughs and tears, and the whole crew that is not just a team, but a found family. The love between Easton and Hadley, along with Tanner is just so sweet, and the heat between them is definitely a tangible thing. Love the spice in this one.

I have been looking forward to this book. I love the nest/den/dugout series of books, and I loved all the Bailey’s books, which is where I started my Piper Rayne journey. Now to have them come full circle for me? I m over the moon, and I loved the little bits that were brought in from the Lake Starlight crew.

I love Peepers Alley and Ruby so much, and hope that the next sports series has them in it.

The full cast audios that these books all have makes them so much better, and I enjoy them so much. Connor Crais bringing Easton to life was perfect in my mind, and Christine Laken did an amazing job creating the personality of Hadley.

[Kerry Glynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper Rayne for the ALC of this book.

Tears to see this series end and this final book DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Easton’s story is definitely giving life to the “save the best for last” saying. The chemistry, the emotional stakes and overall HEA for this amazing crew of MMC and their ladies is just so well done that once again is the reason i will be Team Piper Rayne for life!!!

The dual narration was on point. I love these two narrators specifically and this was a perfect way to end the series. I found myself not wanting to stop listening so I literally would have my headphones on while doing housework to keep listening and finish. My favorite part of this was the log where you heard about all of the updates and who was pregnant etc. The teaser for the chipmunks and the next series had me grinning ear to ear.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commitment Clause


Wow, what a way to end this series and hint at something new. Piper Rayne added twists and turns I did not see coming but absolutely shocked me. While the reveal left me with mixed feelings the overall story was fantastic and I could not put it down. Hadley and Easton had such intense chemistry that was off-the-charts which ramped up the spice within the plot. I could not put this book down.

Audiobook:
I was so excited to hear Connor Crais as Easton, his voice just melts with smoothness at every moment. His narration with Christine Lakin added a new layer to this story that kept me wanting more. It was a wonderful story in which the narrator’s performances enhanced my reading experience.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Allegra Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

5/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️

Man, I just love Easton. I’m so excited for his book, but also a little heartbroken to say goodbye to this group of friends. Watching him grow from a playboy into a devoted father and husband was everything—and his immediate love for Tanner felt completely natural and perfect.

Hadley was such a strong, compassionate match for him. Considering where she came from, the kindness and love she gives—especially to Tanner—was beautiful to read. Even with less group time than previous books, the glimpses we did get felt meaningful and wrapped the series up in a satisfying way.

The twist at the end almost made me mad… but not quite. I’m definitely excited to see where we go next.

Tropes:
Baseball Romance
Surprise Single Dad
Marriage of Convenience
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Found Family

Thank you Piper, Rayne and Valentine PR for an ALC in exchange of my honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and series so much. The audiobook was so good. The full cast makes it so fun to listen too. It was so good. I have been loving these couples and this book and couple are no different. Oh my god. I loved these two so much. And Tanner. I can’t. He is too adorable. I laughed. I cried. I didn’t want the book to end. I truly love this universe and am so sad to see it end. I am looking forward to reading their next series. Hoping we get some cameos of these couples like we did with the Falcons. Please try this book out but read the first three before. It’ll make you love this book even more getting to know all the friends before and seeing the relationship with Easton.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth book in the dugout series has a bunch of unhinged tropes from a surprise baby delivery to a marriage of convenience in order to secure an inheritance to nanny x single dad romance, secret baby momma drama and more but I loved every second!!

The teammate love, texts and drama was a lot of fun, the full cast audio narration was pitch perfect and the spice was HOT.

Easton and his former F*ck buddy turned roommate/wife/nanny really made this a fun read! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Meghan Quinn and Julia Jarrett. Many thanks to the author and VPR Audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no, The Dugout series is ending. But it goes out with a bang! It’s time for Easton’s story. Easton doesn’t do relationships. Neither does Hadley. Easton has a surprise baby dropped off at Peeper’s. Hadley inherited a failing book store from her grandmother. It was one of her favorite places, but…she has to be married. Easton thinks the best solution to both problems, but no feelings. The story is filled with humor, great banter and a surprising twist at the end. The Troublemaker is probably one of my favorite of the four books.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Ok, I liked this. Marriage of convenience where of course they catch deeper feelings. Add in a surprise baby and also an instant family.

I liked the progression of the relationship. Seeing them try to fight the tension then finally give in.

I do think the pacing of this was just a little off. It was a little too drawn out and yet also too fast. I think I just wanted a bit more overall.

I still love this series and the found family.

Thanks to Valentine PR for the ALC.

[Tracy Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried not to show any favoritism in the Dugout, but Mr. Bailey & I have history. Not the kind he & Hadley had, but I watched him grow up. Connor & Christine nailed the voices of Easton & Hadley. I absolutely adore a full cast audio.

As per usual, I enjoyed the banter between the friend groups & the Bailey’s. I just love FOUND FAMILY!!! And watching Easton & Hadley fall in love just swoon!!!

That plot twist! I didn’t see coming but I’m glad it was just a minor bump in the road!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Easton’s story and it did not disappoint!

I’ve read all the Bailey’s books so I’ve been so excited to read Easton’s and see him get his happy ending. Easton needs help with his life after finding out he’s a dad and needing to juggle single parenthood and baseball. Haley needs to get married for a year to satisfy her grandmas final wishes. They decide to help each other and fall in love in the process. A fantastic book to close out The Dugout series.