The story in emojis: ⚾️🏒🌶️

3 things about this book:
•Sports Romance
•Spicy scenes
•Big Shots series

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pitcher Perfect is the fourth book of the Big Shots series - but I read as a stand-alone.

I really liked this book from the very beginning - how can you not after her first words to him! As with all Tessa Bailey’s books, there is plenty of spice!

This book has some of my favourite romance tropes including “fake relationship” and “he falls first”.

I loved the dynamic between Skylar and Robbie, they were perfect for this story - and it was great to have both characters as athletes in a sports romance.

**I was provided this book as an e-ARC. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this story and provide my honest opinion on it.**

I have heard a lot about Tessa Bailey, but hadn't yet read any of her books so this was my first! And it was a great start!

While this book is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a standalone which is what I did... However, the characters were loveable, interesting, and made you want to read more! I'll have to go back and read the other stories in the series just to know more about this cast.

Skylar and Robbie are an unlikely pair thrust together thanks to her brother's competitive streak (which Skylar ALSO embodies). This theme of competitive nature tracks through the storyline and sets a backdrop for the characters to learn about themselves, grow, and also build relationships and bonds they otherwise might not have. Having grown up playing sports myself, I connected with the idea of needing to live up to expectations and also holding yourself to a higher standard that the characters experience. Watching them develop and grow, all set within the context of a budding relationship, was a fun adventure to go on.

I will definitely be reading more!

3.75🌟
I enjoyed reading this book and the outcome, though the beginning really had me feeling that Robbie was a walking red flag and wondering why she would want to date him, even if it were fake.

That being said, once you get past that whole huge red flag and chauvinistic nature, Robbie does change for the better and it does end up being really sweet. he's supportive, caring and thoughtful which, at the end of the day, is what Skylar needed to feel seen and wanted.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper360 -

Two teams, both alike in dignity,
In fair Boston, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new relations,
Where civil fake dating makes civil hearts lean.

This book was so friggin’ sweet. First of all, Tessa Bailey’s writing was a dream. My highlighted quotes have imprinted on my brain:
‘As she stood there preparing to two, his unwavering gaze slowly started to calm the choppy ocean surface inside her. His lips weren’t moving, but somehow, she could hear him, feel him on every side of her, his presence a reassurance.’

This book reminded me of 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' with the banter and relationship dynamics between Skylar and Robbie, as well as Skylar’s spicy plans. Everything about the two complemented the other, and made for a swoon-worthy read.

I also adored the confrontation of male emotions being suppressed, and how the third act conflict was completely valid on both characters' ends (i.e. no miscommunication, they talked through their feelings like actual adults and did what they had to do to find their ways back to each other). Both characters taught each other so much and it made for both gorgeous character arcs and a well-rounded, satisfying ending. (Many tears were shed.)

I received this book complimentary from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

This is super cute. I love fake dating and one bed tropes. This is honestly almost a perfect book. I didn’t like how Robbie kept calling her girl. I don’t mind a possessive “my girl” sometimes but he would use girl other times and it was infantilizing. 4.5 stars. Great plot, great settings and detail. Wonderful characters!

This book had such a fun premise—planner-obsessed, Type A Skylar teaming up with an NHL player for a wilderness competition the week before the Stanley Cup playoffs? Totally unrealistic, but I was on board for the vibes. I liked Skylar as a character—she’s trying to prove herself to a family that tends to overlook her, and you can really feel how much this competition means to her.
There were some genuinely adorable moments between her and Robbie, and I did root for them at times. His efforts to make her feel seen were really sweet, and their chemistry had potential. I just wish it had been explored more slowly. The romance felt a bit rushed—they go from barely knowing each other to falling head over heels in less than a week, and the emotional beats didn’t always land because of that.
Also, some moments that were supposed to be tender or meaningful were kind of undercut by sudden, awkward mentions of physical reactions (like, we’re having a heartfelt confession… and now we’re talking about erections?). It took me out of the story a bit and made it hard to stay in the emotional flow.

Overall, there’s a lot of potential here and I can see why people would enjoy it—it just needed a little more development, especially in the romance and character growth areas.

Out of all the books in the “Big Shots” series by Tessa Bailey “Pitcher Perfect” has been my least favorite. The “dating coach” is my least favorite trope and that put this book at the bottom for me. I just don’t like to read this trope. Like we couldn’t have used anything else to get the MMC and FMC together? Now this is still a Tessa Bailey book and there was plenty I liked about it as I love her books. When I saw the cover I couldn’t believe what Robbie’s shirt said. I had to do a double take to make sure I had read it right. Go Tessa. 😂😂😂 I did like the crazy family wilderness competition plot. That was fresh storyline and I loved the tension of Robbie and Skylar being competitive against the rest of Skylar’s family but competing as a team. I also loved how Robbie called Skylar ‘rocket’ for her nickname. Robbie is a cocky hockey playing golden retriever, we love that in a MMC. I did relate to Skylar on how much of a perfectionist is. As well as how competitive she is. Also if anyone cares my ranking is “Dream girl Drama” then “Fangirl Down” then “the Au pair affair” and then “Pitcher Perfect”
Thank you Tessa Bailey, Harper 360 and Avon publishing for gifting me with this ARC for my honest review.

A big thank you to Avon for the advanced copy but I have to be honest this book was a major disappointment for me.

The premise had potential Skylar is a highly organised Type A character who has always felt overlooked in her family Everyone else went to Brown University except her and she’s desperate to prove herself during a weeklong family wilderness competition. When her best friend is unable to join her a character we barely see she ends up partnered with Robbie a rookie ice hockey player trying to improve his image.

Robbie plays for the fictional Boston Bearcats which seem to replace the Boston Bruins and somehow he has the time to take part in a demanding outdoor challenge right before the Stanley Cup playoffs. This just felt completely unrealistic. No professional athlete would risk exhaustion or injury right before such a crucial event.

Their romance also felt rushed and unconvincing. Although it is pitched as an enemies to lovers story Robbie is clearly smitten from the beginning. In less than a week they go from strangers to hooking up to Robbie suddenly being in love. Meanwhile Skylar is still clinging to her old crush for the first half of the story which made their connection even harder to believe.

What I found most frustrating though was how the book handled serious issues. At one point Skylar overhears Robbie making sexist locker room style comments. This is never properly addressed. Robbie just announces that he has changed because he has fallen for her with no real reflection or accountability. There is also a subplot where a player asks out the young female general manager and seems confused as to why that would be inappropriate. Given the real life issues the NHL faces around harassment and misconduct this felt poorly handled and out of touch.

In the end Skylar and Robbie lacked chemistry and the story’s emotional arc felt shallow and rushed. I had hoped to enjoy this book but unfortunately it really did not work for me.

I have to say, this was just my cup of tea. I love a sports romance and fake dating so devoured this in a day. I love the sexual tension in the book, the humour and the sweetness of their relationship. This was a funny, sexy and heart warming read. If you like the other books by Tessa Bailey, this won't disappoint


Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review.

This is a hit and spicy sports romance. When an ice hockey giant meets a softball queen sparks fly, literally!
I loved seeing how Robbie was able to advocate for Skylar, despite her brash bravado, when it came to sticking up for herself around her family she needed someone to be her champion, and boy oh boy did Robbie answer the call to arms!
This is a fake dating trope that I always enjoy. It has plenty of spice, Robbie is a dirty talking playboy and helps Skylar discover some new likes in the bedroom.
I loved their nicknames for each other, it was part of the sweetness that was also apparent in this.
I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend.

This book was a lot of fun! I go into Tessa Bailey books expecting fun banter, lighthearted stories, and good spice, and that’s what we get here! The characters were fun and a sports romance is always a good time.

Sports romance isn't usually my cup of tea, but I DEVOURED this one. Robbie was down bad for Skylar immediately and she was so sweet, although I couldn't believe she didn't realise what a catch she was! The sexual tension between the two of them was electric and I loved the twist of the family games competition bringing them together too.

Where to start with this one... I really wanted to love Pitcher Perfect. Tessa Bailey’s writing style is, as always, engaging and easy to read, which kept me turning the pages. She has a knack for witty dialogue and fast pacing that I truly enjoy.

However, the story itself just didn’t land for me. The relationship felt incredibly rushed, and the characters came across as a bit juvenile. The hero was smitten almost immediately, which made the romance feel underdeveloped and left me wishing for a slower burn or more emotional depth. I expected more from the plot and character arcs.

All in all, it was an entertaining enough read, but not a standout for me. I’m giving it 3 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

An easy read, that takes you back into the big shots world. Tessa seems to have stuck with our favourite group of hockey players with rookie Corrigan finding his perfect match. Some funny moments and a whole bunch of chemistry, tied together by a crazy as hell family.

This was such a fun, spicy, feel-good read – I’d give it a strong 4 stars! Robbie completely won me over. At first glance he’s your typical cocky NHL player with a reputation, but underneath all the bravado is a complete softie who’s totally smitten with Skylar. And honestly? I get it. Skylar was fierce, independent, and had zero time for nonsense – the perfect match for someone like Robbie, who needed to be brought down a peg (or ten).

Their banter was hilarious and had me grinning constantly, but what really made this book shine was the chemistry. The fake dating/love coach angle was done so well – watching Robbie try to help Skylar win over another guy while clearly falling for her himself was both swoony and chaotic in the best way. And the wilderness competition setting gave it a bit of an unexpected twist that kept things fresh.

Also, the spice? Excellent. Classic Tessa Bailey levels – just the right amount of heat without taking away from the emotional build-up. I loved watching the walls come down between them, and seeing Robbie slowly fall head over heels was so satisfying. A perfect little rom-com escape with just enough heart to balance the steam.

🏒Dislike to Love
🥎Softball Pitcher X Hockey Rookie
🏒Reformed Playboy
🥎Teach Me
🏒Fake Dating
🥎He Falls First and Hard

This book was such a refreshing read. I genuinely enjoyed every moment of it! 💛

Robbie Corrigan may fall fast, but his insta-love felt sweet, natural, and totally heart-melting. And even though Skylar Paige falls for him in just seven days, their connection builds in a way that feels both believable and meant to be. Some love stories are just that easy to fall into. 💫

Robbie is everything you'd want in a golden retriever hero—supportive, caring, and absolutely lovable. Skylar didn’t stand a chance, and honestly, neither did I! 😍

Madden didn’t stand out much in this book, but that just makes me even more curious and excited to read his story next! The side characters stayed in the background, which helped keep the focus right where it belonged—on Skylar and Robbie’s sweet romance.

Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for something feel-good and heartwarming! 📚✨

Thank you to the Harper360 team and Avon for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been in a reading slump and this pulled me out of it. A light easy read which had me rooting for the happy ending. I loved the character of Robbie the most.

Oh this was a great read. I loved the chemistry between Redbeard and Rocket!
Two athletes at the top of their game, so perfectly suited to each other, it's a wonder they can't see it for themselves. Robbie is adorable as he comes to realise that his past does not define who he really he is but he's going to have to work hard to get past Skylar's defences and convince her that he's serious especially when she's in love with her brother's best friend.

When Robbie peruades her into a fake dating scheme, to help her save face in her family's ridiculous annual contest, it offers him the perfect opportunity to show his true colours. Will he be able to convince Skylar that his infamous past is behind him.

Bailey's writing is superb and even though we know the eventual outcome, boy do we have fun getting there. The sex is pitcher perfect, hot and spicy, the characters perfectly brougth to life and the story spot on.

This is book four in the Big Shots series but could be read as a standalone!
I adored this book. It is very much insta love which isn’t usually my favorite but something about this series has me eating it up 😂
I just love how passionate these two are with each other, the tension and slow burn 🔥
The plot was great, I especially liked the focus on family and expectations which was handled so well. It was funny but there was a lot of depth that really added to the characters.
Another fantastic book by Tessa and can’t wait to read more 💕

✨ Baseball/Softball sports romance
✨ Fake dating
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ He falls first

💕 The nicknames
💕 The lessons
💕 Crazy family dynamics
💕 The tension

I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series! Robbie was adorable in all his earnestness and focus on Skylar. Insta Love but done in a plausible way where it felt like they had known each other longer. They suited each other so well. I liked both main characters and thought both were well developed and complemented each other throughout the story. Second favourite in the series (after Fangirl Down),

Tropes:
- Insta love
- Fake dating
- Love lessons
- (Thinks they are) In love with someone else
- He falls first

Madden and Eve’s story next please!