From the Hill

by A.K. Isaacs

3 fake dates. 2 weather nerds. 1 chance at happily ever after.

Grant Hawk used to be one of the top pitchers in professional baseball. But this is his worst season yet and almost nothing can keep his mind from spiraling about the future anymore. Well, nothing aside from watching the local weather report each and every night like clockwork. It calms his mind and gives his life some much-needed predictability, seeing as the weatherman has been the exact same since he was a kid.

Avery Kelley always dreamed of being a meteorologist for a big city station, but she never even thought to dream of replacing the legendary meteorologist at CHI Station in Chicago. She thinks all her dreams have come true until the city turns on her before she even arrives. In a moment of desperation, she agrees to throw the first pitch at the Chicago Bulldogs game, hoping that she can charm the city into trusting her and her weather reports.

Not one to make a fool of herself on live TV, Avery enlists the help of the Chicago Bulldogs star pitcher, Grant Hawk. But when someone catches them looking cozy while practicing, their PR teams pounce at the chance to fix both their images.

The rules are just three fake dates and they can both go their separate ways. But will they want to? Or will Avery truly charm the entire city of Chicago, including its star pitcher?

188 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2026

About the author

Originally from Colorado, A.K. Isaacs (she/her) has lived in 12 states and Washington, D.C. Now an adoptee of the Midwest, she spends her days as a nonprofit fundraiser and her nights (and early mornings!) writing love stories. When not reading or writing, she can be found cheering on the Colorado Avalanche and painting with watercolor. She’d like to remind you that the world is a better place because you’re in it.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy Received from author:

Grant and Avery are a couple you can’t help but root for. He is a successful (but currently in a slump) baseball player, who is obsessed with the CHI weather report and Avery is the new Chicago meteorologist taking over the legendary broadcast Grant loves. Their meet-cute was fresh and who doesn’t love a fake dating PR contract?!

I love the Chicago call outs and the characters’ humor. I’m excited to read more stories from this universe! A quick and joyful read.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐
I don't know where to start.

First of all, I didn't realise it's only 140 pages until I started reading it and was 25% in maybe half an hour! At this point I thought "I think we're off to a great start" as one of my favourite series by Chelsea Curto (Love through a Lens) starts with a novella and it was such a great opener to the series.

Also, the book itself started off great - baseball player and weather meteorologist = my cup of tea to the max! But then it all went downhill from there. First of all, this wasn't an arc - it felt as if this book was sent to me as a beta reader - Grant was meant to be named Gavin (or as I believe while reading that name couple of times), the "insert eye color", "insert hair color" or "however many years he plays for the team" was inserted into the text many times - which was very upsetting because this book is being published in 5 days! Would you not know these details at this point?

But let's get to the plot... It felt VERY rushed - one minute they were meeting for the first time, then they are signing a contract to fake-date for 3 dates (which in my head happened in the span of maybe two weeks) and then suddenly they say they don't want this to end and they are boyfriend/girlfriend for real. Into the 140 pages insert a past "trauma" (or rather one snarky comment of the teacher when the FMC was 15), side characters romance development & MMC depression. I felt like everything could've been better spaced out and described.

The spice? I don't think this book needed the spice - the pages used for that could've been used to deepen the plot. I found myself skimming the scenes as they didn't feel emotionally deep and very mechanical (I don't know how to describe these any other way! DO NOT COME FOR ME LOL) I enjoy spice but some books can do with less/closed door spice.

All in all, this book had a lot of potential - but unfortunately it felt flat for me. VERY FLAT.
Also, as mentioned before I don't think the book is ready to be published, unless the version on Netgalley is different from the final product.

[Jen Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant is living the dream, but why can't he hold onto that happiness? He's a pro pitcher, has an amazing family, and great friends but has this dark cloud always looming over and he internalizes any failings since he is not having a stellar season. He has a habit of watching his favorite meteorologist on TV to unwind, and he is being replaced due to retirement. When Avery is offered the position of meteorologist for a Chicago TV station, it is a dream come true. However, past voices of doubt and trolls on the internet only deem her as a pretty face and not worthy of the position. She decides to throw out the first pitch at a game to increase her popularity, and meets Grant to practice. The attraction and chemistry between them is undeniable, and after some pictures are posted, their agents think a fake relationship would help both of their careers. We follow their fake dates with very real feelings and how Grant and Avery navigate the public attention and open up to accept truths to grow in their personal and professional lives.

*Mental health representation
*Dual POV
*Sports romance
*He falls first and hard
*Door Dash scene LOL
*Insta love

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of From the Hill in exchange for an honest review. This is a cute and quick read which touches on depression and handled very well. I do wish we got to see more of Grant's life after his diagnosis and coping, but he definitely is open to all action steps which is great to see. It's a guarantees HEA which is very sweet and romantic.
3.5 Stars

[Ophelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story! I almost wish we got to see more of Grant and Avery!

I honestly don't have anything bad to say about From the hill. We get a love story between a baseball player battling depression and a meteorologist who just moved to a new town and is facing a big challenge, work-wise. The meet-cute is 10/10, very original and beleivable. Then, we get some fake dating and no miscommunication in the transition from fake to real. That got me good cause it's the only thing I dislike about fake dating.

I think the mental health themes were well touched upon. I appreciate that the guy in the relationship was the one struggling, that's something we always need more of. And the support system he had was very well written. I love a found-family but having a supportive family is also awesome!

And I also liked that we did get to know Avery and deal with her issues as well. Both of them were well fleshed out!

It was short and sweet, but I'm don't feel like anything is missing. Although, I would've kept reading if there were more to the story! Just a chapter or two about their life as a couple would've taken the cake.

- Pro Baseball Player and Local celebrity
- Fake Dating
- Cute nicknames
- Mental Health

Would highly recommend to readers who enjoy sports romance, fake dating, nerdy characters, and ever women in stem!

Thanks to Netgalley and the editor for the ARC! All opinions are my own!

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! I love a good sports romance, and the meet cute in this one was honestly adorable and so different and unique of a set up. I love that Grant is a star pitcher and he is tasked with teaching the new local weather girl how to throw the ceremonial first pitch, then when pictures are leaked of the two of them, they enter into a fake dating relationship for PR. Such a fun and unique twist, and it worked really well!

I also really appreciated the mental health representation. Grant lives with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), which I hadn't heard much about before reading this. I love that the author included this representation in a thoughtful, natural way, and I thought it added so much depth to his character. I loved the journey he went on and how Avery was there to help him and show him he was worthy of love.

Grant and Avery had such sweet chemistry, and I loved the fake dating turning into something real. Even though this is a novella and just under 200 pages, it never felt rushed and no stone was left unturned. There was romance mixed with plot and definitely good spice. The romance between Grant and Avery had time to develop, and I loved the happy ending. I am really looking forward to checking out the nect book in the series because I know it will be good.

Thank you to NetGalley, A.K. Isaacs, and Basil Books for the eARC of this book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery and Grant 😍 they’re so cute. Their story provides a meet cute story, with nicknames, inside jokes and lots of fun. Like this quote, out of context makes no sense, but for those in a relationship we can all relate: “My god, his arms. I want to bite his bicep” how much fun hehehe. Avery and Grant will be a book couple that lives in my head for a while. I loved them so much (and Wilbur hehehe)

Avery is the new weather presenter, and Grant is the nerdy, weather obsessed baseball player who helps Avery change how the town views her right from the get go. You can see right from the start that these two are going to be a precious, well functioning couple.

The mental health rep in this is very well written, showcasing a different kind of representation of which I haven't seen in books, and AK Isaac’s did this so so well.

I only wish this was longer, while I loved the book, I had of wished there were more of their story to see! And honestly, I cannot wait to see more of this series, I can tell the whole series is going to be a whole lot of fun, just like this one.

Thank you for AK Isaacs and team for allowing me to read this as an ARC (sorry for the review being posted a few days late), this book is high on my list of recommendations to come out of 2026.

[HeadCanonHeadCase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery is starting a new job and taking over for a beloved local weatherman. Only she wasn't prepared for her new city to judge her before she even took to the air. Throwing out the first pitch at the game should help her earn some goodwill, but she has no idea how to throw a baseball without embarrassing herself. That's where Grant, the Bulldog's pitcher, comes in. When pictures of him teaching her how to pitch go viral, the two lean into the idea of dating for the cameras. But is that all they are doing?

Read if you like:
-Baseball Romance
-Fake Dating
-Mental Health Rep
-Found Family

From the Hill was so good! Like all of Chicago, I was immediately shipping Grary (Grant & Avery). They were so cute together. Sunny with a chance of romance for sure! I love that AK's books don't shy away from mental health. That representation is so important. And I also love the found family she's built within the team. I'm excited to see all the Bulldogs find love (though one of them may already be well on his way).

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟 | 2🌶️

This was such a cute sports romance!

Grant and Avery’s meet-cute was so fun and unexpected, and I loved watching their fake dating arrangement turn into something genuine. Their chemistry felt natural, and even as a novella, their relationship had enough room to develop.

I especially loved the mental health representation with Grant and how thoughtfully it was woven into his story. Avery was also so easy to root for, and I really enjoyed seeing them support each other while navigating their own insecurities. The Chicago setting, humor, and supportive family and team dynamics were such nice touches too.

Overall, this was a quick, sweet, and genuinely enjoyable read. I definitely would have happily spent more time with Grant and Avery, but their story still felt satisfying, and I’m excited to see what comes next in this series.

Definitely a fun addition to my sports romance reads!

~~~~

A huge thank you to A.K. Isaacs, Basil Books, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[LP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This was really fun, and for a novella, I didn't feel there was anything rushed or missing. Yes, you can tell a fulfilling story in less than 200 pages! As much as I loved Grant and Avery, my favorite scenes, which were hilarious, were with Sam and Maisie, and I hope their story is next in the series. Great side characters, and soooo refreshing to see nice, kind, non-toxic parents! Two minor complaints: there wasn't enough baseball on the page, and being put on medication after one therapy appointment didn't seem realistic. My first time reading this author; now, on to her back list while we wait for book two in this series.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you AK Isaacs for the ARC copy of this book!

This was so fun and a quick read. I really enjoyed Grant and Avery and their chemistry and banter. I also liked the mental health rep and how it’s handled in a delicate manor.

Everything happens on a relatively short timeline which the characters also acknowledged, which was fun. Because of the short timeline things were a bit insta-love-y between the characters, which I personally don’t mind cuz they were really cute together.

I did feel like at some point, the pacing started to feel a bit rushed, especially towards the end. I just felt like things were moving a bit too quickly after a while. I want more Grant and Avery, more about their backgrounds, more plot with them, just more overall.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to A.K. Isaacs, Basil Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review.

This book had everything I wanted to see. Sports romance with a little dislike to lovers and fake dating? Sign me up. Unfortunately this book fell flat for me. I struggled with getting an ARC that still hadn’t decided on how long our MMC had been playing for his team or what eye color people had. It felt like I was reading a much much earlier draft than I should be. I wanted more from the book. It has good bones, the dates are pretty perfect, but everything feels rushed. I wanted more.

✔️ Baseball Romance
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ He Falls First
✔️ Insta Love
✔️ Mental Health Rep

[Katie Hodgie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really disappointing. It had the potential to be great - I really liked the storyline and the characters of Avery and Grant, but the execution just wasn't there for me. It felt like the book was half finished rather than an ARC ready for readers. Grant's understanding and management of his depression really annoyed me - somehow he's sad all the time but it can't possibly be depression?

I feel like if this book was a novel rather than novella it might do the storyline more justice, but as it stands, I just didn't want to finish it. The sex scenes had novel detail... just nothing else.

[Probably Reading Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! I really appreciated the mental health rep. It was clear that A.K Isaac’s spent a lot of time writing this part of Grant’s character! The story is shorter, but I felt like the pace was great, not too fast, and it wasn’t very instalovey to me! The attraction felt pretty real, too.

I really loved how driven Avery was. She’s smart and capable and I really enjoyed her character.

I really liked Grant too. He was very self aware in terms of his diagnosis and came to terms with it in a good way.

This was a good one!

[Katie 📚🩷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet (and SPICY) read! It’s definitely a nice palette cleanser if you’ve just finished a long read. It’s fast paced but I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. We get lots of good scene variation and things flowed well. We get fake dating, some mental health rep, and a good bit of humor! Grant and Avery are great but I have to say, I’m quite partial to Wilbur. I also really like the cover art. There were a couple instances of repetition or things not 100% lining up but I wasn’t really bothered by it. Thanks Netgalley and publisher for early access!

[Maddie Corder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc exchanged for an honest review

3.25 stars ⭐️

This book was ok! I enjoyed reading it and it was quick and fast paced. But that’s really about it, tbh. It’s nothing out of the world but for what it was, I thought it was a very good read! It was very insta love and I just wish there was just more. It deals with such deep topics and they were dealt with care but also didn’t get the time or focus they deserve? If that makes any sense at all. This is my first book by this author and I would honestly read another book.

[Ilyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me want to read AK Isaacs older books. The story was short but there was a lot packed into those few pages. I already want to read more books in this universe, the relationships are all so wholesome and respectful, even among the friends included in this story. It was a bit insta-love-y but that was completely to be expected for a romance this short. I totally believe that Grant and Avery would get together and I loved reading their story.

Thank you Basil Books and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚ARC Review💚

Cute, fluffy, and a little but of spice. A.K. Isaacs is back with a new favorite for your shelves!
Falling in love with Grant and Avery gives you the same as when the sky randomly opens up and starts raining (which for an AZ girly is the best feeling in a world and this is totally not a terrible joke and reference to the book lol). If you’re looking for a quick read that gives you all the happy feelings while still giving that mental health rep that A.K. Is amazing for, this is definitely the one for you!

[Alicia Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this quick read.
Grant & Avery had such a well written chemistry you could truly feel it like you were there. Although this was a short read it never felt rushed and felt like every page made the most of the moment. It never felt like it was lacking. Following fake dates with clearly real feelings / emotions. Another great mental health rep. It was done in a way that felt realistic and respectful.
I love that despite the mental health issues they were able to find their HEA.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I gave this three stars because I liked the premise and the characters, but I found the writing a little basic and less developed than other contemporary romance reads.

This was a novella, so it certainly could have had more depth as a full-length novel. Not bad for a quick read, if that's what you're looking for.

[Rachel McGovern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy!

I really enjoyed meeting Avery and Grant! I enjoyed the fake dating into real feelings. Every time I started to get annoyed that they could have just communicated, they did! It did feel a little rushed at parts but overall a very fun and quick novella read

[Casey Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC!! This was a very short and quick read for me, but the meet cute was adorable & a great time. Grant and Avery will be living rent free in my head for a little while! I recommend to all my sports lovers out there :)

[Stef C.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever obsessed with the weather girl and the baseball boy! Grant and Avery are living in my head rent free. :)

[Anne Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters were adorable. I love a good hometown hero. This has a few of my favorite things - fake dating trope and multiple POVs.

[Fatma · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review

Tropes:
Novella
1st in Series
Insta-love
Weather Reporter x Baseball Player
Fake Dating
Mental Health Rep

I didn’t realize this was a novella until I started reading, and as expected, it has an insta-love or at least a very fast-paced love story.

Grant is assigned to teach Avery how to pitch a baseball in order to help her gain the favor of Chicago residents as the new weather reporter. During their practice sessions, photos are taken, and their managers believe that a fake dating scenario would benefit both of their reputations.

I love a good fake dating romance! 🥰 I believe this story had so much potential, but even for a novella, it felt too rushed. Only three dates before they were in bed together is a bit too quick for me. Instead of all of this happening within two weeks, I wish it had played out over the course of a month.

I also appreciate that this author advocates for mental health, especially men's mental health, and this story was no different. I liked how she included mental health themes again, but honestly, it felt like a lot to pack into such a short novella.

Overall, this was a cute and spicy story that I really enjoyed! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Aim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little novella! I loved the chemistry between Avery and Grant from the get go and that they both fell for each other pretty equally. It wasn’t more one sided than the other and I appreciated that.

I really enjoyed the Chicago setting. As someone who lives in the Midwest (not in Illinois) and has been to Chicago many times, I felt like I was right there in the story with Avery & Grant. A.K. did a great job of weaving in the charm of Chicago into this story. From the Field Museum to the charm of local Chicago diners to taking the L places, it was so fun to go through this story with Avery and Grant.

As always, A.K. did a great job weaving in mental health representation into the story.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥

Tropes:
💜 Pro Baseball Player x Weather Woman
💜 Sunshine x2
💜 Fake Dating
💜 Cat Dad
💜 Mental Health Rep

[Jalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute one, also a pretty quick read! (I was in a reading slump so it does not look quick😅)
I really liked Avery’s character, and how supportive she was of Grant. I really liked the way the author wrote not only a character with depression and how well written he was, but also how all of the other characters around him were written in. I loved that you could kind of feel that even if grant didn’t confide in people about his depression he was still going to his “village”. I’ve read a few others from this author and I really like how she writes about mental health and mental health rep!
Looking forward to more from this series!

Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity!