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Waves Baseball #3
Love Beyond the Diamond: A Sweet Sports RomCom
Grumpy right fielder. Sunshine artist. Fake vows. Real feelings.
Getting kidnapped while out with friends wasn’t the curveball I expected. Turns out, the tattooed mountain of a man who hauled me away on his motorcycle was actually rescuing me.
Shane Seaver has the league convinced he’s the grumpy right fielder with a permanent scowl. Unfortunately for him, I’m a hyperrealist painter—so I notice what everyone else misses, like his quiet kindness and dry humor.
Between three part-time jobs and a pricey new diagnosis, my art career is stuck on the bench. Even my sparkling optimism and knack for turning mishaps into adventures can’t save me. Then I discover the penthouse I clean belongs to Shane—and he has a wild-card proposal.
Playing happy wife through Waves media events and his brother’s disastrous wedding is a small price for health insurance and the chance to create again. So I set out to give Shane the childhood he missed—with arcade games, beach days, and a cabin getaway with one very inconvenient bed.
Now my biggest challenge isn’t painting the perfect masterpiece—it’s remembering our fake marriage has an expiration date.
Love Beyond the Diamond is a closed-door baseball romcom featuring a sunshine artist, the grumpy MLB right fielder she can’t resist teasing, and a marriage of convenience that suddenly has them playing for keeps.
It’s perfect for readers who love playful banter and sizzling kisses with no third act breakup!
Getting kidnapped while out with friends wasn’t the curveball I expected. Turns out, the tattooed mountain of a man who hauled me away on his motorcycle was actually rescuing me.
Shane Seaver has the league convinced he’s the grumpy right fielder with a permanent scowl. Unfortunately for him, I’m a hyperrealist painter—so I notice what everyone else misses, like his quiet kindness and dry humor.
Between three part-time jobs and a pricey new diagnosis, my art career is stuck on the bench. Even my sparkling optimism and knack for turning mishaps into adventures can’t save me. Then I discover the penthouse I clean belongs to Shane—and he has a wild-card proposal.
Playing happy wife through Waves media events and his brother’s disastrous wedding is a small price for health insurance and the chance to create again. So I set out to give Shane the childhood he missed—with arcade games, beach days, and a cabin getaway with one very inconvenient bed.
Now my biggest challenge isn’t painting the perfect masterpiece—it’s remembering our fake marriage has an expiration date.
Love Beyond the Diamond is a closed-door baseball romcom featuring a sunshine artist, the grumpy MLB right fielder she can’t resist teasing, and a marriage of convenience that suddenly has them playing for keeps.
It’s perfect for readers who love playful banter and sizzling kisses with no third act breakup!
Audible Audio
First published October 9, 2026
About the author
Laura Langa
14 books208 followersLaura Langa is a multi-award winning sweet romcom author, receiving such honors as the HOLT Medallion Award and the Booksellers’ Best Award. Laura writes closed-door romances packed with witty banter, side-splitting humor, and unforgettable kisses. More than anything, she wants her books to bring you joy and leave you smiling. When she’s not swooning over romcom characters, she’s making memories with her husband and kids—usually outdoors, either on a trail or by the ocean.
Grab a FREE BOOK by subscribing to Laura's newsletter at https://lauralanga.com/freebook
Visit her website at www.LauraLanga.com
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Instagram @LauraLangaWrites
Facebook @LauraLangaWrites
Grab a FREE BOOK by subscribing to Laura's newsletter at https://lauralanga.com/freebook
Visit her website at www.LauraLanga.com
Subscribe to her newsletter at https://lauralanga.com/newsletter
Instagram @LauraLangaWrites
Facebook @LauraLangaWrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 17, 2026
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa
Publication date: Now Available and on KU
Thoughts
Another read I thoroughly enjoyed by this author, Laura Langa is known for writing closed door romance (just a kiss) but what I've come to realise is that she'll always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, not to mention the green flag MMCs; as much as I love my emotionally damaged men, green flags are always nice to consume every now and then.
I loved the MCs separately and their interactions between each other or even towards each other, the way Shane defended her relentlessly was just so cute, the way he fell head over heels for her was so fast but I'm not even gonna complain it was that sweet. I loved the Type 1 diabetes rep and how Shane would always look out for her.
The duet narration made this read such an enjoyable lighthearted read because not only were the vibes there, and but also the characters personalities really come through; for example the awkwardness between them or every time Willow laughed - it was really well done
Read if you enjoy
▪︎ Marriage of convenience
▪︎ Artist x baseman
▪︎ Grumpy x sunshine
▪︎ One bed
▪︎ He falls first
Plot Summary
What starts as a terrifying night out turns into an unexpected rescue by Shane; , a tattooed, grumpy baseball player with a softer side most people never see. Willow; an artist struggling to make ends meet whilst dealing with an expensive diagnosis, until she discovers Shane has a proposal that could change everything. A fake marriage means health insurance and a chance to get back to her art, but between family events, beach days and one very inconvenient bed, their arrangement starts feeling a little too real. Now she just have to remember that their marriage isn’t meant to last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa
Publication date: Now Available and on KU
Thoughts
Another read I thoroughly enjoyed by this author, Laura Langa is known for writing closed door romance (just a kiss) but what I've come to realise is that she'll always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, not to mention the green flag MMCs; as much as I love my emotionally damaged men, green flags are always nice to consume every now and then.
I loved the MCs separately and their interactions between each other or even towards each other, the way Shane defended her relentlessly was just so cute, the way he fell head over heels for her was so fast but I'm not even gonna complain it was that sweet. I loved the Type 1 diabetes rep and how Shane would always look out for her.
The duet narration made this read such an enjoyable lighthearted read because not only were the vibes there, and but also the characters personalities really come through; for example the awkwardness between them or every time Willow laughed - it was really well done
Read if you enjoy
▪︎ Marriage of convenience
▪︎ Artist x baseman
▪︎ Grumpy x sunshine
▪︎ One bed
▪︎ He falls first
Plot Summary
What starts as a terrifying night out turns into an unexpected rescue by Shane; , a tattooed, grumpy baseball player with a softer side most people never see. Willow; an artist struggling to make ends meet whilst dealing with an expensive diagnosis, until she discovers Shane has a proposal that could change everything. A fake marriage means health insurance and a chance to get back to her art, but between family events, beach days and one very inconvenient bed, their arrangement starts feeling a little too real. Now she just have to remember that their marriage isn’t meant to last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
October 15, 2026
Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa
Waves Baseball series #3. Contemporary sports romance. Closed door. Health issues. Alternating 1st person POV. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Willow Huntley moved to Virginia Beach for a new start. She always focuses on the bright side of whatever happens and unfortunately she’s had a lot of practice trying to find the bright side of things.
Willow is diagnosed as a new Type 1 diabetic thanks to the quick action of Shane Seaver when they meet at a friend’s wedding. She now has to count carbs and her sugar levels consistently. Her three jobs don’t make that easy, and her bad luck hits hard as she losses one job, then another.
Fortunately Shane Seaver, her savior, is there to help. He’s recently been transferred to the MLB Waves team in Virginia Beach. He has the large condo where she can paint while she helps him with some positive press.
A marriage of convenience is born.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated in a DUET format by Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski who have performed the full series to date. These two are excellent at bringing the story and characters to life. The FMC chooses to be upbeat and happy and her attitude and laughter is clearly heard throughout the audiobook.
I love a DUET performance. The audiobook sounds like a live play or conversation while both have their own chapters as well. Definitely the way to experience this story.
Light yet still dealing with major live happenings, this story is fun, entertaining and romantic as each falls hard for the other. Low angst, closed door romance and no third act breakup.
Great banter. She calls him Grumpypus often which made me laugh each time. Willow herself laughs a lot throughout the story making the content in full lighter.
I loved the team group chat too. The teasing was cute but more importantly it was inclusive and supportive.
A happy, feel good escape for an afternoon.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
Waves Baseball series #3. Contemporary sports romance. Closed door. Health issues. Alternating 1st person POV. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Willow Huntley moved to Virginia Beach for a new start. She always focuses on the bright side of whatever happens and unfortunately she’s had a lot of practice trying to find the bright side of things.
Willow is diagnosed as a new Type 1 diabetic thanks to the quick action of Shane Seaver when they meet at a friend’s wedding. She now has to count carbs and her sugar levels consistently. Her three jobs don’t make that easy, and her bad luck hits hard as she losses one job, then another.
Fortunately Shane Seaver, her savior, is there to help. He’s recently been transferred to the MLB Waves team in Virginia Beach. He has the large condo where she can paint while she helps him with some positive press.
A marriage of convenience is born.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated in a DUET format by Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski who have performed the full series to date. These two are excellent at bringing the story and characters to life. The FMC chooses to be upbeat and happy and her attitude and laughter is clearly heard throughout the audiobook.
I love a DUET performance. The audiobook sounds like a live play or conversation while both have their own chapters as well. Definitely the way to experience this story.
Light yet still dealing with major live happenings, this story is fun, entertaining and romantic as each falls hard for the other. Low angst, closed door romance and no third act breakup.
Great banter. She calls him Grumpypus often which made me laugh each time. Willow herself laughs a lot throughout the story making the content in full lighter.
I loved the team group chat too. The teasing was cute but more importantly it was inclusive and supportive.
A happy, feel good escape for an afternoon.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
October 16, 2026
Review of an Audio Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley, West East Publishing, and Dreamscape Select.
Physical Copy Publication Date: October 6, 2026
Audiobook Publication Date: October 15, 2026
Series: Waves Baseball Book #2
4.25 stars! ⚾️💙🎨
Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa is a CLEAN baseball romance with the sweetest couple! Willow, a struggling artist working three jobs, faces her life upending before her eyes yet still chooses to find the good within it all. Shane, a grumpy outfielder with a painful past, begins to find healing after a chance encounter with Willow in which he saves her life. One thing leads to another, with more chance encounters, and suddenly, they are creating a contract for a marriage of convenience that is planned out to last only ONE year. What started as a marriage of convenience blooms into an undeniable friendship that breathes new life into their worlds. And then, maybe something more.
My goodness, Willow and Shane are genuinely one of my favorite grumpy X sunshine relationships. Willow is such a ray of beautiful light, though not without struggles, and truly just loved on everyone in this story. And Shane… this man has such a tender, kind soul, genuinely caring for others even if he doesn’t believe he is worthy of that same care in return. His grumpiness is a result of a mentally/verbally abusive childhood in which he learned to guard himself more than Fort Knox. Willow invites him into the light, and shows him that he is worthy of love, care, and goodness. In turn, he teaches her that she is allowed to let others take care of her and that she isn’t a burden. These two were just SO sweet, and I loved seeing the growth as they came together. Also, his tattoos and her paintings were fantastically described, and were so vibrant as I pictured them! AND THE EPILOGUE!!! Thank you, Ms. Langa, for writing a scene of their life a few years down the road— I was quite misty-eyed through it! 💗
My only qualm was the idea that their planned marriage was only going to last a year, instead of planning to try making it work. But, it was out of the goodness of their hearts, and with caring intentions, which I appreciated! Also, there is NO third act breakup! YAY!
~Content~
Romance: No spice! Kisses only (level 1-2), very mild and infrequent innuendo, and brief, mild descriptions of physical attraction. Willow and Shane do sleep in a bed together in one scene after already having been married for a while (not sleeping together); however, nothing beyond sleeping and waking up cuddling occurs. Mentions of how Shane’s ex-fiancée cheated on him with and got pregnant by one of the coaches.
Violence: Brief mentions of wanting to beat someone up.
Language: None!
Other: Willow has to inject herself with insulin after receiving a diabetes diagnosis (non-descriptive), parental abuse (verbal/mental), verbal belittling, mistreatment, toxic relationships, bad “social image”, and fear.
Christian: As a whole, I wouldn’t say this is a Christian novel; however, certain themes such as hope, forgiveness, love, community, and healing are present. Willow mentions her mom attending church. Talk of fate, and a brief comment about manifesting and the universe do occur.
~Final Thoughts~
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this excellently produced duet audiobook, and definitely am looking to purchase a physical copy sometime! If you enjoy clean sports romances with a marriage of convenience, grumpy X sunshine relationship, wonderful banter, and a “that’s my wife” moment, and are hopeful, tender, utterly swoony, and full of healing, I highly recommend checking this lovely book out!
Happy reading :)
Thank you immensely to NetGalley, Laura Langa, West East Publishing, and Dreamscape Select for providing this audio-ARC in exchange for a free, honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Physical Copy Publication Date: October 6, 2026
Audiobook Publication Date: October 15, 2026
Series: Waves Baseball Book #2
4.25 stars! ⚾️💙🎨
Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa is a CLEAN baseball romance with the sweetest couple! Willow, a struggling artist working three jobs, faces her life upending before her eyes yet still chooses to find the good within it all. Shane, a grumpy outfielder with a painful past, begins to find healing after a chance encounter with Willow in which he saves her life. One thing leads to another, with more chance encounters, and suddenly, they are creating a contract for a marriage of convenience that is planned out to last only ONE year. What started as a marriage of convenience blooms into an undeniable friendship that breathes new life into their worlds. And then, maybe something more.
My goodness, Willow and Shane are genuinely one of my favorite grumpy X sunshine relationships. Willow is such a ray of beautiful light, though not without struggles, and truly just loved on everyone in this story. And Shane… this man has such a tender, kind soul, genuinely caring for others even if he doesn’t believe he is worthy of that same care in return. His grumpiness is a result of a mentally/verbally abusive childhood in which he learned to guard himself more than Fort Knox. Willow invites him into the light, and shows him that he is worthy of love, care, and goodness. In turn, he teaches her that she is allowed to let others take care of her and that she isn’t a burden. These two were just SO sweet, and I loved seeing the growth as they came together. Also, his tattoos and her paintings were fantastically described, and were so vibrant as I pictured them! AND THE EPILOGUE!!! Thank you, Ms. Langa, for writing a scene of their life a few years down the road— I was quite misty-eyed through it! 💗
My only qualm was the idea that their planned marriage was only going to last a year, instead of planning to try making it work. But, it was out of the goodness of their hearts, and with caring intentions, which I appreciated! Also, there is NO third act breakup! YAY!
~Content~
Romance: No spice! Kisses only (level 1-2), very mild and infrequent innuendo, and brief, mild descriptions of physical attraction. Willow and Shane do sleep in a bed together in one scene after already having been married for a while (not sleeping together); however, nothing beyond sleeping and waking up cuddling occurs. Mentions of how Shane’s ex-fiancée cheated on him with and got pregnant by one of the coaches.
Violence: Brief mentions of wanting to beat someone up.
Language: None!
Other: Willow has to inject herself with insulin after receiving a diabetes diagnosis (non-descriptive), parental abuse (verbal/mental), verbal belittling, mistreatment, toxic relationships, bad “social image”, and fear.
Christian: As a whole, I wouldn’t say this is a Christian novel; however, certain themes such as hope, forgiveness, love, community, and healing are present. Willow mentions her mom attending church. Talk of fate, and a brief comment about manifesting and the universe do occur.
~Final Thoughts~
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this excellently produced duet audiobook, and definitely am looking to purchase a physical copy sometime! If you enjoy clean sports romances with a marriage of convenience, grumpy X sunshine relationship, wonderful banter, and a “that’s my wife” moment, and are hopeful, tender, utterly swoony, and full of healing, I highly recommend checking this lovely book out!
Happy reading :)
Thank you immensely to NetGalley, Laura Langa, West East Publishing, and Dreamscape Select for providing this audio-ARC in exchange for a free, honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 15, 2026
All the Stars! I Couldn’t Stop Listening! ⚾️❤️
I absolutely LOVED Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa! I listened to this entire audiobook in one sitting! I really did try to have a little self-control and savor it, but I just couldn’t stop listening. It was THAT good!
Oh, the chemistry between Shane and Willow! It was absolutely off the charts! The witty banter, the teasing, the romance, and all those swoony moments made this such a delightful listen. I adored these two characters and loved watching their relationship grow from a marriage of convenience into something so much more.
Shane is our grumpy baseball player with a heart that’s so much bigger than he lets anyone see, and Willow is the sunshine artist who sees right through his grumpy exterior. I loved their story together!
The writing was stellar, and this sweet, closed-door romance was everything I love in a romcom! I especially enjoyed being back on the ballfield with the Waves teammates and their wives and girlfriends. I love this baseball world Laura Langa has created!
And the narration? FANTASTIC! Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski did a wonderful job bringing Shane and Willow’s story to life. I was completely caught up in every moment.
This audiobook was such a wonderful rush of romance, laughter, and all the swoony goodness! It gets ALL THE STARS from me! I already can’t wait for the next book!
If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, marriage of convenience, baseball, witty banter, and chemistry that is absolutely off the charts, this sweet, closed-door romance is one you won’t want to miss! Shane and Willow had me swooning from beginning to end!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I absolutely LOVED Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa! I listened to this entire audiobook in one sitting! I really did try to have a little self-control and savor it, but I just couldn’t stop listening. It was THAT good!
Oh, the chemistry between Shane and Willow! It was absolutely off the charts! The witty banter, the teasing, the romance, and all those swoony moments made this such a delightful listen. I adored these two characters and loved watching their relationship grow from a marriage of convenience into something so much more.
Shane is our grumpy baseball player with a heart that’s so much bigger than he lets anyone see, and Willow is the sunshine artist who sees right through his grumpy exterior. I loved their story together!
The writing was stellar, and this sweet, closed-door romance was everything I love in a romcom! I especially enjoyed being back on the ballfield with the Waves teammates and their wives and girlfriends. I love this baseball world Laura Langa has created!
And the narration? FANTASTIC! Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski did a wonderful job bringing Shane and Willow’s story to life. I was completely caught up in every moment.
This audiobook was such a wonderful rush of romance, laughter, and all the swoony goodness! It gets ALL THE STARS from me! I already can’t wait for the next book!
If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, marriage of convenience, baseball, witty banter, and chemistry that is absolutely off the charts, this sweet, closed-door romance is one you won’t want to miss! Shane and Willow had me swooning from beginning to end!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 11, 2026
this was SO fun!!
(Reviewing on husband’s account)
I had such a great time with this read!!
Shane and Willow are absolutely adorable. They were into each other from the beginning. His protective nature and care for her was just the best, and she wanted to break down his walls & had the tenacity and patience to do just that.
Watching Shane stop fighting his feelings was a pleasure. He was so guarded, but Willow’s resolve chipped away at his exterior, finally allowing him to trust her and fall. And FALL he did. Shane in love, y’all, was just the sweetest cinnamon roll.
Willow was such a fun FMC. As much of a klutz as she was, she was intelligent and feisty and a great counterpart to Shane’s grump. She had a backbone and her positivity took her so far in life. No wonder Shane thought she was the bee’s knees! Their kisses and chemistry were 🔥😏💃🏼. Also, the mutual caretaking and that EPILOGUE?! Loved it. All the good vibes.
Definitely read this grumpy/sunshine goodness from Laura. You can’t go wrong with it!
Thanks for the early copy, Laura! All thoughts are my own and no positive review was required.
(Reviewing on husband’s account)
I had such a great time with this read!!
Shane and Willow are absolutely adorable. They were into each other from the beginning. His protective nature and care for her was just the best, and she wanted to break down his walls & had the tenacity and patience to do just that.
Watching Shane stop fighting his feelings was a pleasure. He was so guarded, but Willow’s resolve chipped away at his exterior, finally allowing him to trust her and fall. And FALL he did. Shane in love, y’all, was just the sweetest cinnamon roll.
Willow was such a fun FMC. As much of a klutz as she was, she was intelligent and feisty and a great counterpart to Shane’s grump. She had a backbone and her positivity took her so far in life. No wonder Shane thought she was the bee’s knees! Their kisses and chemistry were 🔥😏💃🏼. Also, the mutual caretaking and that EPILOGUE?! Loved it. All the good vibes.
Definitely read this grumpy/sunshine goodness from Laura. You can’t go wrong with it!
Thanks for the early copy, Laura! All thoughts are my own and no positive review was required.
October 22, 2026
“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯-𝘵𝘰-𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵-𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘳. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘹 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴—𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘢."
- Laura Langa, 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙙
He's the grumpy right-fielder, she's the optimistic artist; together they sizzle! I absolutely loved the playful back and forth between them! The banter is so fun and the chemistry starts from the first chapter. The meet-cute was unlike any other! It was fresh and memorable. Then the 2nd "meet-cute" had me smiling ear to ear! The T1D representation was handled well with empathy and I liked how it was woven into the story. Willow and Shane are like peanut butter and jelly! A fun, sweet baseball romcom just in time for playoff season!
🫶🏼Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys @lauralangawrites for the gifted copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are entirely my own.
♡ 𝙸𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜... ♡
☁️/🌞 Grumpy/Sunshine
💍 Marriage of Convenience
⚾️ Baseball Rom-Com
💙 He Falls First
🔄 Forced Proximity
🏍 One-of-a-kind meet cute
- Laura Langa, 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙙
He's the grumpy right-fielder, she's the optimistic artist; together they sizzle! I absolutely loved the playful back and forth between them! The banter is so fun and the chemistry starts from the first chapter. The meet-cute was unlike any other! It was fresh and memorable. Then the 2nd "meet-cute" had me smiling ear to ear! The T1D representation was handled well with empathy and I liked how it was woven into the story. Willow and Shane are like peanut butter and jelly! A fun, sweet baseball romcom just in time for playoff season!
🫶🏼Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys @lauralangawrites for the gifted copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are entirely my own.
♡ 𝙸𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜... ♡
☁️/🌞 Grumpy/Sunshine
💍 Marriage of Convenience
⚾️ Baseball Rom-Com
💙 He Falls First
🔄 Forced Proximity
🏍 One-of-a-kind meet cute
October 13, 2026
Lily’s Content Guide
💋 Romance level: Descriptive Kisses Only
🗣️ Language: None
⚠️ Content Warning: Emotional abuse to child(past, not shown) dysfunctional family
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: 💖 Absolutely adored
I absolutely LOVED this one so much! Willow’s sunshine personality paired with Shane’s extra-grumpy one was the PERFECT combination 🥹💖
This was such a lovely story, and I absolutely devoured it! I especially loved how Willow always stood up for Shane, even when it meant standing up to his own family🥹
And Shane🥹🥹 The way he took care of Willow and supported her through her new diagnosis, encouraged her painting dreams, and honestly just supported her through EVERYTHING😂 He was seriously the sweetest. Truly one of those grumps who only smiles for her🥰
⚾️ Sports Romance
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⚾️ Type 1 Diabetes Rep
☀️ Marriage of Convenience
⚾️ He Yearns for Her
☀️ Protective MMC
💋 Romance level: Descriptive Kisses Only
🗣️ Language: None
⚠️ Content Warning: Emotional abuse to child(past, not shown) dysfunctional family
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: 💖 Absolutely adored
I absolutely LOVED this one so much! Willow’s sunshine personality paired with Shane’s extra-grumpy one was the PERFECT combination 🥹💖
This was such a lovely story, and I absolutely devoured it! I especially loved how Willow always stood up for Shane, even when it meant standing up to his own family🥹
And Shane🥹🥹 The way he took care of Willow and supported her through her new diagnosis, encouraged her painting dreams, and honestly just supported her through EVERYTHING😂 He was seriously the sweetest. Truly one of those grumps who only smiles for her🥰
⚾️ Sports Romance
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⚾️ Type 1 Diabetes Rep
☀️ Marriage of Convenience
⚾️ He Yearns for Her
☀️ Protective MMC
October 15, 2026
A sweet and heartfelt baseball sports romance that has a player in need of a PR boost offering to marry the maid/artist he saved to get her on his insurance so that it will cover her recent type 1 diabetes diagnosis needs. I loved this opposites attract, dual POV, kissing only love story. It was full of humor, heart and great disability rep and is perfect for fans of authors like Kate Watson. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2026
This story is fantastic! The narrators are fantastic! It’s definitely a favorite read and listen of the year for me.
If you are a fan of closed door marriage of convenience stories, this is one that you do not want to miss. Willow brings Shane to life in a way that he has never been able to experience due to his upbringing in a truly toxic family. It’s a beautiful thing the way she breathes laughter and life into him!
And Shane, who seemed like a horrible grump in the book directly before this one, has depths that I was delighted to discover. The way he cares for Willow and makes sure she is thriving despite her recent Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis is so heartwarming and sweet.
These two falling in love with each other while already being married is so much fun and the duet narration brings them to life in a way that made me feel like I was right there in the story with them. Their story will be one I listen to again and again.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book, however I also purchased my own print copy. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
If you are a fan of closed door marriage of convenience stories, this is one that you do not want to miss. Willow brings Shane to life in a way that he has never been able to experience due to his upbringing in a truly toxic family. It’s a beautiful thing the way she breathes laughter and life into him!
And Shane, who seemed like a horrible grump in the book directly before this one, has depths that I was delighted to discover. The way he cares for Willow and makes sure she is thriving despite her recent Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis is so heartwarming and sweet.
These two falling in love with each other while already being married is so much fun and the duet narration brings them to life in a way that made me feel like I was right there in the story with them. Their story will be one I listen to again and again.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book, however I also purchased my own print copy. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Review of advance copy received from Author
“A lot of things are out of your control, but how you respond is always up to you.”
I’ve been intrigued by the grumpy right outfielder of the Waves baseball team, especially in the group chat, for a while now and was thrilled to finally get Shane’s story. Full of laughs and swoony romance, this one did not disappoint.
The book starts out with a crazy first meet between Shane and Willow and I was gripping onto these pages tighter than the back of a motorcycle ride. A grumbly baseball player and a positive piece of sunshine artist brought all the feels and thrills to this forced proximity romcom.
Langa writes her characters in ways that mash up reality and charm, leaving me satisfied and happy. I adored the marriage of convenience, the solid friendships, and every twist that peeled the layers away from this couple. Watching them banter and interact had my heart singing.
Told in dual perspective/duet narration, Love Beyond the Diamond is stuffed full of precious moments, boisterous laughs, tender feelings, and all the heated kisses one could want. I’m a huge fan of this one!
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
I’ve been intrigued by the grumpy right outfielder of the Waves baseball team, especially in the group chat, for a while now and was thrilled to finally get Shane’s story. Full of laughs and swoony romance, this one did not disappoint.
The book starts out with a crazy first meet between Shane and Willow and I was gripping onto these pages tighter than the back of a motorcycle ride. A grumbly baseball player and a positive piece of sunshine artist brought all the feels and thrills to this forced proximity romcom.
Langa writes her characters in ways that mash up reality and charm, leaving me satisfied and happy. I adored the marriage of convenience, the solid friendships, and every twist that peeled the layers away from this couple. Watching them banter and interact had my heart singing.
Told in dual perspective/duet narration, Love Beyond the Diamond is stuffed full of precious moments, boisterous laughs, tender feelings, and all the heated kisses one could want. I’m a huge fan of this one!
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was adorable! I loved reading Willow and Shane’s story and flew through it.
Willow was a sweetheart! I loved her joy and optimism, even as she struggled with all the changes in her life. Willow chose how she would respond to her circumstance and over and over she chose hope and joy. It was so sweet to see her bring that into Shane’s life and her active work to show everyone the kind man he was to her!
Shane was her opposite in a lot of ways! But he was just as thoughtful and kind, even though it was under a more gruff exterior. He just wanted to play baseball and keep his head down, but what he needed was someone to bring life and wonder into his life. I loved seeing him open up with Willow and how they supported one another.
Willow and Shane were so sweet together! There was a genuine care and desire to help the other person. It took them a bit to find their footing, but it was so lovely to read about them connecting. I love the Waves baseball team! Their group chat was hilarious and I loved seeing the cameos from different characters. The story was an easy with no 3rd act break-up and lovely characters. It has only kisses, a character with diabetes, and a difficult family situation.
I received an ARC.
Willow was a sweetheart! I loved her joy and optimism, even as she struggled with all the changes in her life. Willow chose how she would respond to her circumstance and over and over she chose hope and joy. It was so sweet to see her bring that into Shane’s life and her active work to show everyone the kind man he was to her!
Shane was her opposite in a lot of ways! But he was just as thoughtful and kind, even though it was under a more gruff exterior. He just wanted to play baseball and keep his head down, but what he needed was someone to bring life and wonder into his life. I loved seeing him open up with Willow and how they supported one another.
Willow and Shane were so sweet together! There was a genuine care and desire to help the other person. It took them a bit to find their footing, but it was so lovely to read about them connecting. I love the Waves baseball team! Their group chat was hilarious and I loved seeing the cameos from different characters. The story was an easy with no 3rd act break-up and lovely characters. It has only kisses, a character with diabetes, and a difficult family situation.
I received an ARC.
October 17, 2026
A Grumpy Baseball Player, a Chaotic Artist, and Two Adults Who Actually Communicate ⚾💕
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐ Overall: 4.5/5
🎧 Audiobook: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 0/5
Apparently, one of the most refreshing things a romance can do is give us two adults who actually communicate. 😂 Love Beyond the Diamond gave me a grumpy baseball player, a wonderfully chaotic artist, genuinely funny banter, and a relationship that developed through communication and growth rather than unnecessary drama. I went in hoping for a fun, banter-heavy baseball romcom, and I really enjoyed what I got.
Shane and Willow were both incredibly relatable, and I LOVED them together. Willow’s internal monologue was one of my favorite parts. Her brain jumps between observations, tangents, humor, and whatever is happening directly in front of her, and it felt so natural. She wasn’t quirky just for the sake of being quirky. Shane, meanwhile, has that intimidating, gravelly grumpiness paired with a genuinely softer side. Their personalities played off each other beautifully, and the banter made me cackle more than once. The opening sequence, with Willow convinced Shane might be harvesting her organs while he’s genuinely concerned about getting her medical attention, was a perfect introduction to their dynamic.
What I appreciated most was the emotional maturity. These characters felt like real people, not just romance archetypes going through the motions. They communicated, they grew, and they genuinely seemed to care about understanding each other. And there was no third-act breakup! The story didn’t need to tear them apart with manufactured conflict to keep me invested. Their relationship was entertaining because of who they were together, not because they kept making avoidable decisions.
Now, the DUET narration deserves its own applause. Stephan Godleski’s deep, gravelly voice was an excellent fit for Shane, especially when those softer moments started coming through. Rylee Kuberra brought Willow’s quick-moving thoughts and chaotic humor to life. But what really stood out was how much they performed the story. Little breaths, physical sounds, nonverbal reactions, and perfectly timed dialogue made the scenes feel like they were actually happening. At one point, Willow blows her bangs out of her face, and Kuberra actually makes the sound instead of just reading the action. Those details matter! The duet didn’t simply accompany the story; it elevated the chemistry, comedy, and entire listening experience.
Who Should Listen?
If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, baseball players with secretly soft hearts, relatable characters, genuinely funny banter, and relationships built on communication rather than manufactured drama, this is a great pick. It’s also a lovely option for readers who prefer closed-door romance.
And if you’re deciding between reading and listening? I’d absolutely recommend the audiobook. The true duet narration adds so much personality and makes an already enjoyable romance even better.
I finished this one loving both characters, appreciating their growth, and feeling thoroughly entertained. A 4.5-star romance with a 5-star listening experience. ⚾💕
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐ Overall: 4.5/5
🎧 Audiobook: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 0/5
Apparently, one of the most refreshing things a romance can do is give us two adults who actually communicate. 😂 Love Beyond the Diamond gave me a grumpy baseball player, a wonderfully chaotic artist, genuinely funny banter, and a relationship that developed through communication and growth rather than unnecessary drama. I went in hoping for a fun, banter-heavy baseball romcom, and I really enjoyed what I got.
Shane and Willow were both incredibly relatable, and I LOVED them together. Willow’s internal monologue was one of my favorite parts. Her brain jumps between observations, tangents, humor, and whatever is happening directly in front of her, and it felt so natural. She wasn’t quirky just for the sake of being quirky. Shane, meanwhile, has that intimidating, gravelly grumpiness paired with a genuinely softer side. Their personalities played off each other beautifully, and the banter made me cackle more than once. The opening sequence, with Willow convinced Shane might be harvesting her organs while he’s genuinely concerned about getting her medical attention, was a perfect introduction to their dynamic.
What I appreciated most was the emotional maturity. These characters felt like real people, not just romance archetypes going through the motions. They communicated, they grew, and they genuinely seemed to care about understanding each other. And there was no third-act breakup! The story didn’t need to tear them apart with manufactured conflict to keep me invested. Their relationship was entertaining because of who they were together, not because they kept making avoidable decisions.
Now, the DUET narration deserves its own applause. Stephan Godleski’s deep, gravelly voice was an excellent fit for Shane, especially when those softer moments started coming through. Rylee Kuberra brought Willow’s quick-moving thoughts and chaotic humor to life. But what really stood out was how much they performed the story. Little breaths, physical sounds, nonverbal reactions, and perfectly timed dialogue made the scenes feel like they were actually happening. At one point, Willow blows her bangs out of her face, and Kuberra actually makes the sound instead of just reading the action. Those details matter! The duet didn’t simply accompany the story; it elevated the chemistry, comedy, and entire listening experience.
Who Should Listen?
If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, baseball players with secretly soft hearts, relatable characters, genuinely funny banter, and relationships built on communication rather than manufactured drama, this is a great pick. It’s also a lovely option for readers who prefer closed-door romance.
And if you’re deciding between reading and listening? I’d absolutely recommend the audiobook. The true duet narration adds so much personality and makes an already enjoyable romance even better.
I finished this one loving both characters, appreciating their growth, and feeling thoroughly entertained. A 4.5-star romance with a 5-star listening experience. ⚾💕
October 16, 2026
I've enjoyed every book in the Waves series and the crossover. This MOC was delightful, funny (sorry to my sleeping family) and full of such kind people. I loved being back with the Waves team, their group chat and grumpy Shane.
I’ve been wating for these two and this book did not disappoint! Ya’ll know that a Marriage of Convenience is one of my favorite tropes. The meet cute in this one is epic and I loved it!
These two are so incredibly kind and giving to others. They are the perfect match even if they don’t see it themselves. They are constantly looking out for the other and building them up. Their relationship grows so much through all the struggles.
Willow reminded me so much of people I know and her sunshine was exactly what Shane needed. She sees him in a positive way that no one else does. She doesn’t ever give up on him and the kind way she pushes him to see himself better was all swoon. Shane is the grumpiest ever, but even then he immediately helps her after they meet and works so hard to show her how amazing she is. He doesn’t accept the word disaster for he. He just takes care of her
I’ve been wating for these two and this book did not disappoint! Ya’ll know that a Marriage of Convenience is one of my favorite tropes. The meet cute in this one is epic and I loved it!
These two are so incredibly kind and giving to others. They are the perfect match even if they don’t see it themselves. They are constantly looking out for the other and building them up. Their relationship grows so much through all the struggles.
Willow reminded me so much of people I know and her sunshine was exactly what Shane needed. She sees him in a positive way that no one else does. She doesn’t ever give up on him and the kind way she pushes him to see himself better was all swoon. Shane is the grumpiest ever, but even then he immediately helps her after they meet and works so hard to show her how amazing she is. He doesn’t accept the word disaster for he. He just takes care of her
October 24, 2026
First, I want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for this ALC (Advanced Listener Copy). The following are my own and honest opinions.
🚨 NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT!!! 🚨
I LOVEEEEDD SHANE! Where can I find myself a Shane?! Now, I think I need to start watching a lot more baseball!
Shane’s protective, and grumpy personality was the best! There’s something about a grumpy man with a soft heart that gets me EVERY TIME! I loved watching Willow slowly tear down his walls and make him feel all the things he needed.
His family though?! UGH! I hated everything about them! But that made me love Shane more and I loved the way Willow protected and defended him too.
I also appreciated the representation of someone living with diabetes. Bringing awareness to medical conditions through stories is so important.
The narrators were AMAZING! I loved their voices and how they brought the characters to life.
I’m really hoping there’s another book because I’m not ready to leave this world! I’ll DEFINITELY be reading more of Laura Langa’s books!
Shane has officially earned himself a spot on my book boyfriend list! 😍⚾️❤️
🚨 NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT!!! 🚨
I LOVEEEEDD SHANE! Where can I find myself a Shane?! Now, I think I need to start watching a lot more baseball!
Shane’s protective, and grumpy personality was the best! There’s something about a grumpy man with a soft heart that gets me EVERY TIME! I loved watching Willow slowly tear down his walls and make him feel all the things he needed.
His family though?! UGH! I hated everything about them! But that made me love Shane more and I loved the way Willow protected and defended him too.
I also appreciated the representation of someone living with diabetes. Bringing awareness to medical conditions through stories is so important.
The narrators were AMAZING! I loved their voices and how they brought the characters to life.
I’m really hoping there’s another book because I’m not ready to leave this world! I’ll DEFINITELY be reading more of Laura Langa’s books!
Shane has officially earned himself a spot on my book boyfriend list! 😍⚾️❤️
October 29, 2026
Ahh, I just loved this as both as a book and audiobook. Love Beyond the Diamond is part of Laura Langa’s Waves Baseball series. It is narrated by Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski. I also love how it is duet narrated! I adore this series and I was so excited to read Shane’s book.
This was just so cute! I loved Shane and Willow together! They fit each other so perfectly. Willow and Shane had a meet cute and I loved the ways that their lives seemed to intersect. I love the way they supported each other and pushed each other to be better. They had to learn to communicate and figure out what they really wanted in their relationship. The team dynamics were a lot of fun and I love the team group chat.
I didn’t want to stop reading/listening to this book! The narrators were great! They were easy to understand and I love how they brought the characters to life. The story was engaging and the characters were relatable. I am so excited for the next book! Love Beyond the Diamond is a closed door romantic comedy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This was just so cute! I loved Shane and Willow together! They fit each other so perfectly. Willow and Shane had a meet cute and I loved the ways that their lives seemed to intersect. I love the way they supported each other and pushed each other to be better. They had to learn to communicate and figure out what they really wanted in their relationship. The team dynamics were a lot of fun and I love the team group chat.
I didn’t want to stop reading/listening to this book! The narrators were great! They were easy to understand and I love how they brought the characters to life. The story was engaging and the characters were relatable. I am so excited for the next book! Love Beyond the Diamond is a closed door romantic comedy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 3, 2026
Another Waves book and I absolutely loved it! Give me a grumpy baseball player with a secretly soft heart and a sunshine artist who refuses to let life dim her light, and I'm absolutely sold! The chemistry, the banter, and the unexpected marriage of convenience was just SO much fun! I loved watching these two slowly open up to each other, learning that they both deserve love, support, and someone in their corner! And the Waves teammates? I adore getting to spend more time with this baseball crew!
This was such a fun, sweet, and heartwarming romance with just the right amount of emotional depth. And the audiobook narration by Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski was absoutly fantastic! The duet style brought so much personality to the story and made the banter even better!
If you love grumpy/sunshine, marriage of convenience, baseball romance, and closed-door sweetness, this one is absolutely worth picking up!
Thanks you so much to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for the advanced audio copy of this book.
This was such a fun, sweet, and heartwarming romance with just the right amount of emotional depth. And the audiobook narration by Rylee Kuberra and Stephan Godleski was absoutly fantastic! The duet style brought so much personality to the story and made the banter even better!
If you love grumpy/sunshine, marriage of convenience, baseball romance, and closed-door sweetness, this one is absolutely worth picking up!
Thanks you so much to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for the advanced audio copy of this book.
October 9, 2026
Oh my gosh! I loved Tenny in the previous Waves Baseball book, but move over Tenny—Shane is my official new favorite! ⚾️❤️
Shane might be a grumpy, grunting man on the outside, but underneath it all, he is such a “caring, protective, tender soul”. Willow sees straight through that gruff exterior from day one! Their meet-cute is hands-down the best—he shows his true colors right from that very first interaction, and I was completely here for it.
Where Shane is a total grump, Willow is pure sunshine ☀️ She brings joy wherever she goes, and as an artist, she loves bringing color and happiness into every situation and finding the good in hard things. Shane loved watching her paint and adored her fun, artsy decorating. 🎨
When Willow discovers she has Type 1 Diabetes, Shane steps up to take care of her in the sweetest ways—including carrying her favorite glucose tablets in his pocket just in case. Their dynamic was incredible! Willow could literally "read" his grunts and knew exactly what each one meant. She was so in tune with his body language and knew just how to ground him when he needed it most.
Highlights & Tropes:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏍️ He rides a motorcycle
🛏️ One bed (with sweet cuddling only!)
🩺 Thoughtful Type 1 Diabetes representation
🥹 She makes him feel cherished & he thinks she deserves the world
I honestly couldn’t put this book down! The love and admiration these two have for each other, how Willow was able to get Shane to laugh, and the camaraderie between Shane and his teammates made this book absolute perfection! I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to Laura Langa and Booked with the Emilys for an advanced digital copy. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Shane might be a grumpy, grunting man on the outside, but underneath it all, he is such a “caring, protective, tender soul”. Willow sees straight through that gruff exterior from day one! Their meet-cute is hands-down the best—he shows his true colors right from that very first interaction, and I was completely here for it.
Where Shane is a total grump, Willow is pure sunshine ☀️ She brings joy wherever she goes, and as an artist, she loves bringing color and happiness into every situation and finding the good in hard things. Shane loved watching her paint and adored her fun, artsy decorating. 🎨
When Willow discovers she has Type 1 Diabetes, Shane steps up to take care of her in the sweetest ways—including carrying her favorite glucose tablets in his pocket just in case. Their dynamic was incredible! Willow could literally "read" his grunts and knew exactly what each one meant. She was so in tune with his body language and knew just how to ground him when he needed it most.
Highlights & Tropes:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏍️ He rides a motorcycle
🛏️ One bed (with sweet cuddling only!)
🩺 Thoughtful Type 1 Diabetes representation
🥹 She makes him feel cherished & he thinks she deserves the world
I honestly couldn’t put this book down! The love and admiration these two have for each other, how Willow was able to get Shane to laugh, and the camaraderie between Shane and his teammates made this book absolute perfection! I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to Laura Langa and Booked with the Emilys for an advanced digital copy. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 16, 2026
Oh my gosh, Laura Langa hit it out of the park again! I looooooooooved this book so much and devoured it! I love her writing style so much and this was so beautifully written!
Willow and Shane were a great match and I just ate up their story. I loved their grumpy/sunshine with a bite dynamic (You will understand when you read Willow's character). Willow was so feisty and fun and Shane was grumpy but an enigma. Shane standing up for her against her boss while also being sweet, is his gruff way, was adorable. And Willow was hilarious, I loved seeing the world through her eyes. She was so endearing and relatable, especially with her continuous clumsy moments. They were just magnets to each other. And their personalities meshed so well.
I loved that he brought stability to her life when she needed it most and how she brought fun and color to his. I loved their understanding of each other and how much they just got each other. There was character growth and depth but also so much laughter. The scene at the antique store had me rolling! I was laughing so hard!
Langa really knows how to write a beautiful love story. Her storytelling and way with words is my favorite! I loved how she really draws the reader into the story with her character's fun and descriptive inner dialogue. Also, I love all the layers and depth to their story. Lange knows how to entertain the reader and keep the pace flowing nicely.
Willow and Shane were a great match and I just ate up their story. I loved their grumpy/sunshine with a bite dynamic (You will understand when you read Willow's character). Willow was so feisty and fun and Shane was grumpy but an enigma. Shane standing up for her against her boss while also being sweet, is his gruff way, was adorable. And Willow was hilarious, I loved seeing the world through her eyes. She was so endearing and relatable, especially with her continuous clumsy moments. They were just magnets to each other. And their personalities meshed so well.
I loved that he brought stability to her life when she needed it most and how she brought fun and color to his. I loved their understanding of each other and how much they just got each other. There was character growth and depth but also so much laughter. The scene at the antique store had me rolling! I was laughing so hard!
Langa really knows how to write a beautiful love story. Her storytelling and way with words is my favorite! I loved how she really draws the reader into the story with her character's fun and descriptive inner dialogue. Also, I love all the layers and depth to their story. Lange knows how to entertain the reader and keep the pace flowing nicely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an absolutely adorable book this was! Shane was such a sweetheart under his grumpy exterior and Willow made it her mission to let the world see him the way that she does, improving his public reputation. With a family who never stood by him, Shane isn't used to having anyone in his corner so he is blown away with how much Willow has taken on in his life and soon realizes how much he feels for her. The story was a slow burn but oh so satisfying as we got to each milestone. This was another fantastic book in the series and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
October 14, 2026
Laura Langa has DEFINITELY set herself apart as one of the TOP closed-door romance authors! Add in a baseball-playing MMC, and she’s like no other!!
I absolutely fell IN LOVE with Shane and Willow. Gruff, grumpy Shane softening only for sweet and chaotic Willow is SO SWOONY!! And the way he steps up to help Willow with her new Diabetes diagnosis is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever read in romance.
If you like sports romance, marriages of convenience, swoony grumpy MMCs partnered up with sunshiny FMCs you will absolutely EAT.THIS.BOOK.UP.
I absolutely fell IN LOVE with Shane and Willow. Gruff, grumpy Shane softening only for sweet and chaotic Willow is SO SWOONY!! And the way he steps up to help Willow with her new Diabetes diagnosis is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever read in romance.
If you like sports romance, marriages of convenience, swoony grumpy MMCs partnered up with sunshiny FMCs you will absolutely EAT.THIS.BOOK.UP.
October 10, 2026
OMG THIS BOOK! That’s all I have to say about it. This book has officially leveled up my standards for my future husband. This is the best book I’ve read in a while. The tension and the chemistry between Willow and Shane is SO GOOD! I will be recommending this book for a long time. If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you doing with your life? Pick up this book and read it right now! It’s now one of my new favorite romance novels.
October 12, 2026
I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I was sure this would be a wonderful addition to it, but it was even better than I anticipated. I was in a constant state of happiness and swoon while reading it. I couldn’t put it down but at the same time didn’t want it to end. I loved it!
Read if you love—
Grumpy + sunshine
Baseball player mmc
Artist fmc
T1D Rep
Marriage of convenience
Protective mmc
“My wife”
Kisses only
Read if you love—
Grumpy + sunshine
Baseball player mmc
Artist fmc
T1D Rep
Marriage of convenience
Protective mmc
“My wife”
Kisses only
October 13, 2026
I loved the contrast of Willow's sunshine to Shane's grumpiness. It was the perfect story showing why opposites attract!
The opening scene at the club, where Shane whisks her off on his motorcycle...to save her...was brilliant. It hooked me right away and pulled me straight into this joy-filled story.
The way Shane was drawn to everything about Willow - her art, her style, her joy - put a smile on my face.
I enjoyed every moment of this book!
The opening scene at the club, where Shane whisks her off on his motorcycle...to save her...was brilliant. It hooked me right away and pulled me straight into this joy-filled story.
The way Shane was drawn to everything about Willow - her art, her style, her joy - put a smile on my face.
I enjoyed every moment of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Im loving this series so much!! I absolutely love Willow abd Shane's dynamic and the grumpy sunshine aspext through the whole story!!
I did receive an eARC but this is my honest review.
I did receive an eARC but this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Willow and Shane! They were the perfect combination of grumpy and sunshine. Shane’s story is heartbreaking and I truly felt so bad for him. He was a lot more docile than I could imagine I’d be in that situation. The way that Willow understood him and wanted to show everyone how incredible he truly was, was so cute.
Their chemistry and connection was the sweetest. I loved every minute of their story and I didn’t want it to end.
Their chemistry and connection was the sweetest. I loved every minute of their story and I didn’t want it to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A chance meeting at a bar between the right fielder for the Waves, Shane, and a cheerful girl named Willow. She is sunshine and roses, and finds good in the worst of bad situations. He is grumpy and slow to smile, but it turns out, he has a heart of gold.
Discover a different perspective of major league baseball, learning to manage an unexpected diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and opening up to new experiences. Be prepared for an emotionally filled story of baseball and the many sides of love. Expect to love this wonderful story and immediately want more!
Discover a different perspective of major league baseball, learning to manage an unexpected diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and opening up to new experiences. Be prepared for an emotionally filled story of baseball and the many sides of love. Expect to love this wonderful story and immediately want more!
October 3, 2026
LBTD is by far my favorite story in this series so far. It has two of my favorite tropes, MOC and grumpy/sunshine, and both are done so beautifully. Shane is a grumpy baseball player, and he has every right to be one, in my opinion. Enter Willow, an artist full of sunshine, who brightens Shane’s world from the moment they meet. Willow is able to put a positive spin on any inconvenience, which is something to admire. After a surprise new T1D diagnosis, Shane offers to help via MOC. What I loved about their dynamic is they were always looking out for the other person, and they often put each other’s needs before their own. I LOVED how they were both crushing hard on the other the entire time, too. SUCH a great romcom, it’s one of my favorites I’ve read in a while.
October 10, 2026
Every time I read a Laura Langa book, I think I found my favorite until I read the next one!
Willow, a free spirited artist, and Shane, a grumpy MLB player, enter a marriage of convenience that will be mutually beneficial. Little do they know, they may both catch feelings.
I loved this book! The grumpy vs sunshine dynamic between Shane and Willow was literally executed perfectly! I really appreciated how Willow stood up for Shane and how well he took care of her. The text messages sprinkled in were so fun and I enjoyed the dual POV. Another “hit” in the Waves Baseball series- can’t wait for the next one!
I received a gifted copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Willow, a free spirited artist, and Shane, a grumpy MLB player, enter a marriage of convenience that will be mutually beneficial. Little do they know, they may both catch feelings.
I loved this book! The grumpy vs sunshine dynamic between Shane and Willow was literally executed perfectly! I really appreciated how Willow stood up for Shane and how well he took care of her. The text messages sprinkled in were so fun and I enjoyed the dual POV. Another “hit” in the Waves Baseball series- can’t wait for the next one!
I received a gifted copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 14, 2026
4.25 STARS! ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
I really enjoyed Willow and Shane’s story in Love Beyond the Diamond! The narrators were fantastic, and I think they really enhanced the overall experience and brought the story to life. Shane is the grumpy one, while Willow is pure sunshine, and I absolutely loved their dynamic from the very beginning.
The meet-cute was hilarious, with a little kidnapping thrown into the mix! 😂 Shane is at a bar when he notices Willow showing symptoms of diabetes. He immediately rushes her to the hospital, even though Willow thinks the hot, grumpy guy is overreacting. As it turns out, Shane was right, and Willow does, in fact, have diabetes.
Willow is already working three jobs just to make ends meet, and now she has to navigate a new diagnosis on top of everything else. All she really wants is to pursue her passion for art. Meanwhile, Shane’s grumpy exterior starts to crack almost immediately when he takes care of Willow, gets her to the hospital, and even pays her medical bills. There’s definitely a soft heart hiding underneath all that grumpiness!
Neither of them expects to see the other again, but fate has other plans, and watching everything unfold was oh-so-sweet and fun!
SPOILERS BELOW!
I absolutely adored both Willow and Shane as individual characters. Sometimes, one character can carry the story while the other falls a little flat, but I think the author did a fantastic job of developing both of them and making them equally likable. Honestly, I can’t think of anything I disliked about either character!
Shane hides a big heart behind his grumpy exterior. He’s been through a pretty awful breakup after his ex-fiancée cheated on him and had a baby with the other guy. To make matters worse, Shane gets traded to the baseball team where both his ex-fiancée and her new boyfriend work. Talk about an uncomfortable situation! On top of all that, Shane has a pretty terrible family. He grew up playing hockey before eventually switching to baseball, and his childhood was anything but loving. He missed out on so many of the experiences that make childhood special, and it was heartbreaking to learn more about his past.
Willow, on the other hand, is a bright ray of sunshine! ☀️ She’s doing everything she can to make it on her own and works incredibly hard to support herself. Now, she also has to learn how to manage her diabetes and pay closer attention to her diet. Despite being in debt and not getting to pursue the thing she truly loves, Willow finds ways to stay positive and optimistic.
That was probably what I loved most about her. She always manages to find the silver lining, even when things aren’t going her way. While her positivity could feel a little over-the-top at times, I also thought it was a wonderful reminder that life can still be beautiful, even when things are difficult. Sometimes, the way we choose to look at things can make all the difference.
As Willow and Shane keep finding themselves thrown together, they eventually run into Shane’s ex-fiancée, and Willow pretends that she and Shane are getting married! From there, Shane proposes a fake marriage. In exchange for accompanying him to a family wedding, he’ll help take care of her medical bills and give her the opportunity to focus on her art. And what happens next? Of course, the fake marriage turns into a not-so-fake marriage! ❤️
Willow brings out the big teddy bear hiding inside Shane and helps him realize that he isn’t his father. He’s capable of loving someone deeply, and he cares far more than he lets on. I also loved watching him grow closer to his teammates and seeing Willow help him experience some of the childhood activities he missed out on growing up.
Watching these two fall in love was so sweet! I loved seeing their relationship develop and their fake marriage slowly turn into something real. I will say that the romance felt a little insta-love in the beginning, so that part felt somewhat rushed to me. However, the fake-marriage arrangement gave their relationship room to grow and helped me understand why they ultimately fell for each other. I really enjoyed seeing them become a team and bring out the best in one another.
I also really enjoyed the epilogue! It was lovely to see Willow and Shane grow their family and get the happy ending they deserved. After everything they had both been through, I was so happy to see them find their own version of happily ever after.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It was a sweet, funny romance with a grumpy hero, a sunshine heroine, a fake marriage, and plenty of heart. I loved both main characters and their individual journeys, and the narration made the audiobook even more enjoyable. While the romance felt a little rushed at first, I still had a great time listening to Willow and Shane’s story!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Langa, and Dreamscape Select for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed Willow and Shane’s story in Love Beyond the Diamond! The narrators were fantastic, and I think they really enhanced the overall experience and brought the story to life. Shane is the grumpy one, while Willow is pure sunshine, and I absolutely loved their dynamic from the very beginning.
The meet-cute was hilarious, with a little kidnapping thrown into the mix! 😂 Shane is at a bar when he notices Willow showing symptoms of diabetes. He immediately rushes her to the hospital, even though Willow thinks the hot, grumpy guy is overreacting. As it turns out, Shane was right, and Willow does, in fact, have diabetes.
Willow is already working three jobs just to make ends meet, and now she has to navigate a new diagnosis on top of everything else. All she really wants is to pursue her passion for art. Meanwhile, Shane’s grumpy exterior starts to crack almost immediately when he takes care of Willow, gets her to the hospital, and even pays her medical bills. There’s definitely a soft heart hiding underneath all that grumpiness!
Neither of them expects to see the other again, but fate has other plans, and watching everything unfold was oh-so-sweet and fun!
SPOILERS BELOW!
I absolutely adored both Willow and Shane as individual characters. Sometimes, one character can carry the story while the other falls a little flat, but I think the author did a fantastic job of developing both of them and making them equally likable. Honestly, I can’t think of anything I disliked about either character!
Shane hides a big heart behind his grumpy exterior. He’s been through a pretty awful breakup after his ex-fiancée cheated on him and had a baby with the other guy. To make matters worse, Shane gets traded to the baseball team where both his ex-fiancée and her new boyfriend work. Talk about an uncomfortable situation! On top of all that, Shane has a pretty terrible family. He grew up playing hockey before eventually switching to baseball, and his childhood was anything but loving. He missed out on so many of the experiences that make childhood special, and it was heartbreaking to learn more about his past.
Willow, on the other hand, is a bright ray of sunshine! ☀️ She’s doing everything she can to make it on her own and works incredibly hard to support herself. Now, she also has to learn how to manage her diabetes and pay closer attention to her diet. Despite being in debt and not getting to pursue the thing she truly loves, Willow finds ways to stay positive and optimistic.
That was probably what I loved most about her. She always manages to find the silver lining, even when things aren’t going her way. While her positivity could feel a little over-the-top at times, I also thought it was a wonderful reminder that life can still be beautiful, even when things are difficult. Sometimes, the way we choose to look at things can make all the difference.
As Willow and Shane keep finding themselves thrown together, they eventually run into Shane’s ex-fiancée, and Willow pretends that she and Shane are getting married! From there, Shane proposes a fake marriage. In exchange for accompanying him to a family wedding, he’ll help take care of her medical bills and give her the opportunity to focus on her art. And what happens next? Of course, the fake marriage turns into a not-so-fake marriage! ❤️
Willow brings out the big teddy bear hiding inside Shane and helps him realize that he isn’t his father. He’s capable of loving someone deeply, and he cares far more than he lets on. I also loved watching him grow closer to his teammates and seeing Willow help him experience some of the childhood activities he missed out on growing up.
Watching these two fall in love was so sweet! I loved seeing their relationship develop and their fake marriage slowly turn into something real. I will say that the romance felt a little insta-love in the beginning, so that part felt somewhat rushed to me. However, the fake-marriage arrangement gave their relationship room to grow and helped me understand why they ultimately fell for each other. I really enjoyed seeing them become a team and bring out the best in one another.
I also really enjoyed the epilogue! It was lovely to see Willow and Shane grow their family and get the happy ending they deserved. After everything they had both been through, I was so happy to see them find their own version of happily ever after.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It was a sweet, funny romance with a grumpy hero, a sunshine heroine, a fake marriage, and plenty of heart. I loved both main characters and their individual journeys, and the narration made the audiobook even more enjoyable. While the romance felt a little rushed at first, I still had a great time listening to Willow and Shane’s story!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Langa, and Dreamscape Select for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
I will never not swoon for the grumpy MMCs who are soft for their FMCs! Waves Baseball is back with book 3, by Laura Langa, and it is so good. Love Beyond the Diamond brings together two characters who both need something from the other, yet in helping one another out, they discover a love that is deep, fulfilling, and real. The chemistry is undeniable between our MCs and each interaction just solidifies their attraction to each other. Laura always brings so much depth to her characters, while the overall feeling of most of her stories is lighthearted. I absolutely adore reading her.
Willow is a total go-getter. She works hard to provide for herself, even if it means putting her passions on the backburner. Her inner strength is inspiring throughout this entire story and she is impossible to not fall head over heels for. When she mistakes a rescue for a kidnapping, she is surprised to find out she knows the man who took her. With her life being turned upside down lately by a recent medical diagnosis, she is in desperate need of help, but isn’t sure where to find it. Well her “kidnapper” comes to the rescue with a simple trade that will provide her with health insurance and him with a much needed image makeover with the media.
Shane needs to have the media see him in a new light. His grumpy demeanor isn’t helping his career, but that is only what the media sees. He has gone through so much that his hard exterior is his way of protecting himself from a terrible family and even more terrible ex-girlfriend. Willow is the perfect person to help him show people he isn’t all grumpy though. Pretending to be married was only supposed to be for a short time, but the more these two interact, the more we see Shane’s hardness melt away and his soft side come out only for Willow.
The romance of this book was felt to my core. This is seriously why I love reading closed door romances! Laura is able to provide so much emotion with just her words, I mean that is talent. You can’t help but feel your stomach flip, your cheeks flush, and your heart begin to race as Willow and Shane begin to go from marriage of convenience to marriage of real feelings. These two are exactly what the other needed, even if they don’t immediately realize it. The romance is made more sweet by the relationship that forms between them truly wanting to be there and care for one another. You won’t be able to not love this story!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚾Baseball Romance
🎨Marriage of Convenience
⚾Grumpy x Sunshine
🎨Closed Off MMC
⚾Artist FMC
🎨Forced Proximity
⚾Closed Door Romance
I will never not swoon for the grumpy MMCs who are soft for their FMCs! Waves Baseball is back with book 3, by Laura Langa, and it is so good. Love Beyond the Diamond brings together two characters who both need something from the other, yet in helping one another out, they discover a love that is deep, fulfilling, and real. The chemistry is undeniable between our MCs and each interaction just solidifies their attraction to each other. Laura always brings so much depth to her characters, while the overall feeling of most of her stories is lighthearted. I absolutely adore reading her.
Willow is a total go-getter. She works hard to provide for herself, even if it means putting her passions on the backburner. Her inner strength is inspiring throughout this entire story and she is impossible to not fall head over heels for. When she mistakes a rescue for a kidnapping, she is surprised to find out she knows the man who took her. With her life being turned upside down lately by a recent medical diagnosis, she is in desperate need of help, but isn’t sure where to find it. Well her “kidnapper” comes to the rescue with a simple trade that will provide her with health insurance and him with a much needed image makeover with the media.
Shane needs to have the media see him in a new light. His grumpy demeanor isn’t helping his career, but that is only what the media sees. He has gone through so much that his hard exterior is his way of protecting himself from a terrible family and even more terrible ex-girlfriend. Willow is the perfect person to help him show people he isn’t all grumpy though. Pretending to be married was only supposed to be for a short time, but the more these two interact, the more we see Shane’s hardness melt away and his soft side come out only for Willow.
The romance of this book was felt to my core. This is seriously why I love reading closed door romances! Laura is able to provide so much emotion with just her words, I mean that is talent. You can’t help but feel your stomach flip, your cheeks flush, and your heart begin to race as Willow and Shane begin to go from marriage of convenience to marriage of real feelings. These two are exactly what the other needed, even if they don’t immediately realize it. The romance is made more sweet by the relationship that forms between them truly wanting to be there and care for one another. You won’t be able to not love this story!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚾Baseball Romance
🎨Marriage of Convenience
⚾Grumpy x Sunshine
🎨Closed Off MMC
⚾Artist FMC
🎨Forced Proximity
⚾Closed Door Romance
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