Way Off Base
A Brother's Best Friend Romance (Book 3 in the North Bay series)
by Stephanie Giese
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Pub Date 13 Jan 2026 | Archive Date 5 Jan 2026
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Description
Asking for help is hard enough, but when the problem is this embarrassing, reaching out for advice couldn't possibly be any more humiliating. Or so I thought, until I accidentally forwarded the most awkward voicemail of my life to my brother's best friend. Now North Bay's gorgeous first baseman knows way more about my body than he bargained for, and this situation is getting entirely out of hand.
Way Off Base is Book 3 in the North Bay Series. This is an Own Voices, dual POV standalone with interconnected characters. It contains mild open door spice and features neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ main characters in a M/F relationship.
A Note From the Publisher
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7372068-7-3. (coming January 2026)
Advance Praise
"I absolutely devoured this book. Stephanie never disappoints when it comes to tackling heavier, often overlooked topics with both authenticity and heart..."-Goodreads review
"I can honestly say I loved every second of this book." -Goodreads review
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9065440588118 |
| PRICE | |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 7 members
Featured Reviews
I absolutely loved Way Off Base! From the very first chapters, Stephanie Giese pulled me straight into the story with her warm writing style and the irresistible brother’s–best–friend dynamic. The chemistry between the main characters was so natural and heartfelt that I found myself cheering for them the whole way through. Their connection felt genuine — full of sweet tension, playful teasing, and those tender moments that make you stop and smile at the page.One of the things I enjoyed the most was how the story balanced humor with emotion. There were so many light, funny scenes that made the characters feel real and relatable, but also deeper moments that revealed their vulnerabilities and made the romance even more meaningful. Watching them work through their fears, open up, and slowly fall for each other was honestly just so satisfying.The North Bay setting added a cozy, comforting vibe to the entire story, and the side characters gave the book a sense of warmth and community that I loved. By the time I reached the end, I felt like I wasn’t just reading a romance — I was living alongside the characters, rooting for their happiness.It’s the kind of feel-good, heartfelt romance that leaves you smiling long after you finish the last page. Definitely one of my favorite books in the series, and one I’ll happily recommend to anyone who loves sweet, emotional, slow-burn love stories with tons of charm. 💖✨
Reviewer 1491639
way off bases makes sure we feel like we run and hit every single base to hit a home run. this book was so gorgeous. the connections found in it felt so true and authentic and also so understanding of characters that didn't need to be "the norm". it feels vulgar even writing those words. but here we are in a world where people and society even in books holds more space for certain types. but with this book you get people and you quickly realise that people are people and all of us deserve and can have love, special moments and qualities that can find a match in another.
Stephanie's books speak right to the gooey and vulnerable parts of us all. she reminds us that love is love. and with the right person you can find a love that works, a love that hold space for exactly you as you are, in all your wonderful glory. because some parts of our world can be cruel. but when you find your people there really is no need to worry.
this book is such a wonderful reminder for our own inner souls but also to treat others with the kindness and dignity they deserve. how accepting ourselves and other as they come can be the greatest gift you could give to someone.
this book was bright and sparkly and so connective. i just loved it.
Educator 1914189
Way Off Base follows Shelly, a neurodivergent woman, and her difficulty reaching orgasm, and Jordan, a minor league baseball player nearing the end of his career, and uncertain about his sexuality and his future. When Shelly accidentally sends a voice message meant for her friend, Jo, to her brother’s best friend, Jordan, it sparks an unexpected connection. What begins as awkward honesty quickly grows into more moments of deeper conversations and slow-burn chemistry. The idea for this story was so unique and real that it drew me in, making me want to know how these characters dealt with these issues.
I really appreciated how Stephanie Giese tackles real, often-overlooked issues with honesty and empathy. Her portrayal of neurodivergence, sexual identity, and intimacy feels refreshingly authentic and deeply human.
That said, I wish the relationship between Shelly and Jordan had been explored with a bit more emotional depth. The key elements were there: the slow build, the vulnerability, and the blowup with Shelly’s brother. Some moments felt surface-level when I wanted to feel them more fully.
Still, Way Off Base is a heartfelt and relatable story that shines through its raw honesty and willingness to explore topics rarely seen in romance novels.
Kerri G, Educator
This was such a fun and heartwarming read! North Bay feels like a town you could live in, and the characters make it even better.
Shelly is so relatable. Her ADHD and overthinking lead to some super awkward situations...like that accidentally forwarded voicemail that kicks off the story. Totally cringe, but also hilarious! Jordan, her brother’s best friend, is patient, kind, and just the right amount of swoony. Watching them figure out their feelings while helping each other grow was really sweet.
What I loved most is that their romance isn’t just about the physical stuff. They talk about sex. They know what is going on. They understand each other, but it obviously isn't the center of their relationship...it’s about their emotional connection, and it felt so real and earned. The book also does a great job showing neurodiversity in a positive way.
Thanks so much to Stephanie Giese and NetGalley for the ARC.
I read the description of this book and knew it was a series I was going to enjoy, and I was right. I devoured all three books in the series back to back, I couldn't put down my kindle. I love baseball, so it was a fun romance to read. I loved the chemistry between the main characters.
Emma T, Reviewer
Jordan and Shelly's story is fantastic. A good HEA.
The topics explored in this book are important topical subjects, which are very relevant and will relate to a lot of people who read this. I found this very refreshing. Such a feel good book, not too much spice but spicy enough to get your fix. It is light hearted and an easy read, plot kept me engaged, and I read the book very quickly.
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