In terms of the three previous books in this series, I have given two rave reviews and one lackluster review. Pitcher Perfect falls somewhere in between. Books one and three received the review “ This isn’t an oh-my-god-this-book-is-monumentally-life-changing 5 stars, this is an oh-my-god-I-had-a-damn-good-time-reading-this-book 5 stars” and I did get similar feelings from this book, though it only ended up being a 4 star to me. This was incredibly insta lovey, as the other books were ans well, but it didn’t work as well in this book. The timeframe of the majority of the book is ~4 days and that is literally from the day they meet until nearly the last 5% of the book. It is a tiny tiny blip in their relationship and I honestly don’t think it’s a big enough time frame for a substantial romance novel. I am choosing to look past many many red flags of former Robbie, as well as the incredible inaccuracies of NHL playoff hockey with the mindset that this is for entertainment purposes only and I can be okay with that. Overall, I did enjoy the couple and my time reading but there were just one too many items of note that stopped this book from joining its oh-my-god-5-star siblings!

I had just finished the last one in this series when I get this ARC from Net Galley and it was basically a one-day read. Honestly it deserves more like 3.5 stars, but since this is Goodreads, I have to pick one. The only reason I rounded down is because it felt VERY quick. When everyone got deep in their feelings, I had to triple check where I was in the book because I was so surprised. When you know you know and all, but it was QUICK. That being said, Tessa should keep writing these because I eat them up every time.

📕Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ 📕

Title: Pitcher Perfect
Author: Tessa Bailey
Format: Digital Kindle
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Tessa Bailey book and I read it in 48 hours! I LOVED that this was a romance novel where both the MMC and MFC are both athletes and this is what made me want to try it out. Wow Tessa loves her spice🌶️.

Quick synopsis:

Skylar, star collegiate pitcher meets Robbie, rookie NHL hockey player at a competition between her bother, Elton’s baseball team and Robbie’s hockey team. They are instant enemies who agree to fake date to help her win the heart of her childhood crush Madden. Tessa weaves a whirlwind romance that made me laugh out loud while also blushing at the same time!
Likes:
⚾️ Skylar being a badass athlete, who earns the nickname “Rocket”. Her hyper organization that helps her get to this stage in her athletic career.
🏒 Robbie’s quickly witty banter and that he is a stereotypical hockey player at first and also a redhead. Cue nickname “Redbeard”(I also read this during NHL playoffs which made this more entertaining!)
⚾️ Skylar’s ability to make Robbie turn to butter
🏒 Robbie’s way of helping Skylar deal with some deep family issues.

Dislikes:
👎🏻The relationship speeds up at the end which felt a bit rushed, but it didn’t overall detract from the story.

#tessabailey #enemiestofriends#fakedating#netgalley#pitcherperfect

Tessa Bailey’s Pitcher Perfect, the fourth installment in the Big Shots series, delivers her signature charm with sharp banter, swoony romance, and memorable characters. This time, the spotlight is on Skylar, a gifted softball pitcher determined to catch the eye of her brother’s best friend, Madden—someone who’s always seen her as just the kid sister. Her plan? Enlist the help of her so-called nemesis, notorious flirt Robbie, to make Madden jealous. But the more time Skylar spends with Robbie, the more she starts to question which man truly has her heart.

I was so excited to finally see Robbie and Skylar’s meeting from their POV after it was set up in Dream Girl Drama, and it totally delivered. The characters! I love how they are so dynamic, sweet, and super spicy. We get a glimpse at some of the other characters from this series, and we see some new faces I think we’ll be seeing again. Robbie is the ultimate “he falls first, fast, and hard” guy, and Tessa Bailey really knows how to write that kind of instant connection. What made it even better was how meeting Skylar wasn’t just love at first sight—it was a total game-changer for Robbie. She didn’t just catch his eye, she helped him reconnect with who he really wanted to be. His past wasn’t swept under the rug, but from the moment Skylar entered the picture, there was no turning back. She was it.

Skylar was a vibrant force, yet beneath all that spark was someone still searching for her voice and sense of belonging within her own family. Despite how brightly she shone, it often felt like her efforts were never quite enough to meet the expectations placed on her. At first, the whole plan for Robbie to help make Madden jealous might’ve seemed like a stretch, but it worked—mainly because it became clear that Skylar wasn’t truly in love with Madden himself, just the idea of him. The real connection, the real heat, was always between her and Robbie. Robbie’s playful, carefree nature makes him instantly likable, but as he grows closer to Skylar, she begins to see the deeper layers beneath the humor. She starts to reject the notion that he’s just a joke, offering him the same sense of security and validation that he gives her—especially regarding her struggles with self-worth as a daughter, sister, and woman. Robbie proves his loyalty time and again, always standing firmly by her side, even when her own family wavers. While Skylar’s initial disdain may have sparked his interest, it’s their meaningful connection and time spent together that turns his feelings into something genuine and lasting.

There’s something so beautifully effortless about the way their relationship unfolds. Tessa Bailey weaves their journey from friends to lovers with such finesse that each moment feels like it deserves a place in a classic romantic montage. Robbie’s dialogue was downright breathtaking—some of the most seductive and heartfelt lines I’ve come across. Bailey’s skill at keeping every romantic scene fresh and intimate never ceases to amaze me.

I can always count on a fun romance book when it comes to Tessa, and this book wasn't an exception of course.
Fake Dating a reformed playboy with a sprinkle of dating/sexy lessons?? I was hooked from that,
A man obsessed? yes pleaseee

Gotta say at the beginning i was worried because some of the description was giving "not like other girls" and i'm definitely not here for that vibe and mi alarm was ringed when Rodbie was like "she's so different" "not like any other girls" but thankfully we moved quickly from that.

Also i didn't feel the best friend plot made tons of sense (unless is a way to tease the next book tho)

But the way that Robbie saw and understood Skylar more than her own family.. that was beautiful, and the character growth was there for me specially Robbies..

If you like a feel good funny book with delicious spice i think Pitcher Perfect is the book for you.

I really wish I had better things to say, but unfortunately, this one just was not for me. When I read a rom com or similar, I tend to just kind of suspend reality for a bit and enjoy a little fluff. Things may not be super realistic but hey, it's fun to read about! Pitcher Perfect was a bit to much for me to suspend. I went into this thinking it had the enemies to lovers thing going on but they were never really enemies. She was sassy and he was arrogant but that vanished pretty quickly. Robbie went from a playboy who used his sports fame to sleep around to a smitten one woman man in a matter of moments. A few days of fake dating and they were ready to get married and have babies and live happily ever after. There was no real tension between the characters and it just fell flat. Neither of the main characters were very likeable and the whole thing was just kind of meh...

I do appreciate Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

A perfect summer Read. This book will make you giggle while kicking your feet. It’s a fast read, has swoonworthy romantic gestures and some great one liners throughout. The story and plot flowed really nicely and I really enjoyed the characters dialogue. The conflict resolution and ending felt a little rushed, and I would have liked more from the Epilogue.

Robbie is a professional Hockey player, Skyler is a collegiate softball pitcher. When their paths cross at a friendly baseball game, Robbie Immediately is enthralled. Skyler is in love with her brothers best friend, only he doesn’t notice her. Skyler and Robbie strike an agreement to pretend to date, and for Robbie to teach her some things about getting a guys attention.

Tessa Bailey 👏🏻 did 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 again 👏🏻

I got this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for a review and it had me foaming at the mouth. I haven’t read a book that gave me the same vibes as Fangirl Down in the same Big Shots series!!

Rocket and Redbeard? Swoon. I love that our FMC is not impressed by his smooth talking and it hits all the best tropes

🤝🏻 fake dating
🛌 one bed
🥵 spicy
👨🏻‍🦰 he falls first
⚾️ female in sports
🏒 professional athlete
🦞 found family in Boston

Pitcher Perfect is a spicy, enemies-to-lovers sports romance that delivers all the heat and humor you'd expect from Tessa Bailey. The story follows Robbie Corrigan, a charming NHL rookie, and Skylar Paige, a no-nonsense Division 1 softball pitcher who's completely immune to his usual charms. When Robbie discovers Skylar's crush on her brother's best friend, he offers to help her win him over by pretending to be her boyfriend at a family wilderness competition. What starts as a fake relationship soon turns into something much more real.

This book is packed with fun tropes: enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, and sports romance. It's a fast-paced, steamy read that's perfect for fans of Bailey's signature spicy banter and swoon-worthy moments.

I was provided an advance readers copy of this ebook. This was my first Tessa Bailey book. Overall this is a quick light read. Skyler and Robbie are both athletic and extremely competitive individuals. There’s fake dating and sure the storyline is predictable, but it was a good time. Highly recommend for someone looking for a light sports romance read with banter.

This book ate and left no crumbs...just like Robbie.

Seriously obsessed with Robbie and Skylar, and this book is now tied with Fangirl Down as my favorite in the series!

Skylar, a college softball pitcher, shows up to help her baseball player brother by pitching against a group of hockey players where she is immediately (and rightfully) disgusted by our playboy hockey rookie, Robbie.

Robbie tricks Skylar into a first date, and Skylar sees her first glimpse of jealousy from the boy she’s been in love with since she was little. Which leads to one of my favorite tropes: fake dating where the MMC is actually just obsessed with the FMC. Fire.

Read if you love:
⚾️enemies-ish to lovers
🏒reformed playboy
⚾️fake dating
🏒he falls first and harder
⚾️insta love
🏒”teach me”

Skylar and Robbie might be my new favorite Tessa Bailey couple, and honestly this might be one of my favorite books by her. I think it might be a tie between this book and Fangirl Down. Basically what I am saying is that I loved this book and this series. I am so glad that Tessa decided to write a story for the Orgasm Donors because Robbie's story deserves to be heard.

Robbie is an ultimate romance trope. He is a golden retriever womanizer who who has a heart of gold. He is the definition of "he fell first and harder." Right from the get go he is down bad for Skylar. While he was obviously being super flirty and trying to win her over, I loved how he was still so respectful of her. he respected her boundaries, constantly asking for her consent, and showed her that he was always in her corner. He is my new blueprint. I want a man who will basically shame my entire family for not supporting my college and call them out on their bad behavior.

Skylar is equally as great. She is tough but soft. Also we have a woman in sports which I am obsessed with! On the outside she comes across as someone who refuses to get hurt and can put up with anything, but on the inside she is just looking for love and to have someone in her corner. Enter Robbie who takes over both roles. I love how open with communication she is and that she realizes sooner rather than later her feelings for Robbie. She did not need some grand gesture for him to win her over, she saw the small ones all along and fell for him naturally. I really appreciated the way their relationship and feelings progressed. it felt authentic and heartfelt.

This book had a slightly different tone than other Tessa Bailey books, which is ironic. I assumed that since Robbie was the MMC that we would be getting zany antics and silly lines which I love. However, this was not a constant in the book and instead we got characters who had a more mature outlook and had more mature and open conversations with each other.

The conflict was barely a conflict and I am glad that it was resolved quickly. It was not one of the types of breakups where you might be worried they will never work through it. instead, It is the type that you know will only make the relationship stronger.

Overall, I really loved this book! It was Tessa Bailey's magical recipe of the perfect blend of sweet, funny and spicy. I can't decide who's book I want next but I have a feeling who it will be and I am so excited.

Thank you to the publisher and author for an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ahhh I love this book so much!!! Tessa knocks it out of the park with this one for sure!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Did I have fun reading? Yes. Was it any good? Meh.

The softball badass fmc is what caught my attention with this book and that was probably the best part of this. I want to start off by saying if you’re planning on picking up because of “enemies to lovers”, don’t. Bad first impression is more likely (unless the enemies to lovers is Robbie and Elton).

The book isn’t bad. It’s a really quick read, and I would recommend if you’re a fan of sports romance and aren’t someone to think too hard with cute little romances.

Did I read this book in 1 day - yes...yes, I did. To say I am a Tessa Bailey fan is an understatement, and this series is rocking it out of the park. Robbie Corrigan is the rookie we didn't know we needed. One of the newest rookies on the Boston Bearcats living his best single life meets a baseball girlie who knocks his skates off. Skylar Paige is instantly immune to his charms, until she recruits him to be her love coach at her family's yearly wilderness competition to win over her brother's best friend. Lucky for Robbie he's already smitten with the star pitcher and takes on the quest.
I am officially a Robbie fan and so proud of the little rookie that could! If you aren't reading the Big Shots series start - I suggest reading in order but can be read out of order. Tessa knocked this one out of the park - pun intended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book!

The best part of this book is that is was a real quick read. I think since this story was not originally supposed to happen this book got locked into the most insane timeline that made almost no sense and I feel like could have been changed. Also all of the relationship in this book are very superficial from friends and family. The main couple was not the worst but the odds are against them here.

🥵🥎🔥🩵🧼
Let’s begin with the facts:
I opened this book for a lighthearted enemies-to-lovers fake dating romp.
I ended up SIMPING so hard for Robbie Corrigan I considered getting “Yes, Daddy” tattooed in Comic Sans across my clavicle. 😩😂

Who gave Tessa Bailey the right to write a man like this??
Robbie is an NHL player, a cocky little menace with enough bedroom confidence to power a Vegas hotel. He is the kingof “accidentally” saying something filthy and then smirking like he knows your panties just spontaneously combusted.
His mouth is rated XXX. And I wanted to quote it on a throw pillow and gift it to my therapist.
"You need help? Let me bend you over that calendar and reorganize your entire week."
SIR. THERE ARE CHILDREN OUTSIDE. I AM ONE OF THEM.

And Skylar???
Our softball princess with the color-coded planner and a brain running on caffeine, spite, and chronic competence. She is a Type A icon with zero patience for Robbie’s BS...until she very much has patience for his hands. And tongue. And stamina.
Their tension? UNREAL.
Their banter? Foreplay in verbal form.
Their first kiss? I had to sit down. I saw stars. And possibly God.

The Fake Dating??
Don’t worry, it starts fake but ends in public tongue battles, a nearly illegal amount of eye contact, and Robbie whispering filth like a man born to ruin women’s lives (in a good way).
This man did not fake date. He FAKE RUINED HER LIFE. I haven’t recovered.

Spice Level?
Scoville scale: Carolina Reaper x Nuclear Fusion
Steam level: The devil sweating in leather
Impact on my soul: I had to reapply chapstick after every chapter because this book left me DRY and DELUSIONAL.

My final thoughts?
I would let Robbie rearrange my guts and then help me study for finals. I would let Skylar coach me through a heartbreak and then also destroy me in a sport I don’t play.
Together, they are chaos and structure, filth and finesse, and I loved every depraved, delicious second of it.
Rating: 11/10 - Would fake date, real marry, and let ruin me emotionally and physically.
Would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely.
Would I recommend this to my pastor? No.
Would I recommend this to my ex? YES, so he can learn how to behave.
🫦🩷 Tessa Bailey, you’ve done it again. My loins are destroyed, and my standards are elevated. 🩷🫦

Classic literature? No. Did I think Robbie was a cutie pie and did he make me laugh? Yes. The story line was mildly flawed and the timeline was majorly rushed - but I had a great time reading this. It gave me the warm fuzzies and honestly - that’s what I look for in a book.

It was fun to see Sig and Burgess (I still cannot get over his name) for a bit as ‘big brothers’.

-1 star mainly because Madden was just….weird? And I understood none of his random appeal for Skylar lol.


Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

WHat an ABSOLUTE SIMP. This man is gone from the get go. From silly boy too protector in seconds flat...
This girl was so strong and so badass. I so very much love how some of her eye opening realizations were dealt with, remaining true to her character without making her seem weak or dumb.
I flew through this book in a flurry of giggles, legs kicks, and happy sappy tears.

✨ 5/5 stars | Pitcher Perfect ARC Review ✨

I dropped every other book I was reading the second this landed on NetGalley, and honestly? No regrets. I finished it in two days, laughed out loud more than once, and fell way too hard for a ginger hockey player who finally got his emotional act together.

Yes, it’s spicy (obviously—it’s Tessa Bailey), but what stuck with me was how sweet and vulnerable this story ended up being. Their relationship had so much heart. The kind of connection that feels easy but earned. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

Also, this book deserves a movie deal. Give me the banter. Give me the locker room scenes. Give me the moment he realizes she’s it.

Highly recommend—especially if you love athletes, spice, and men who fall first and hard.

Tessa Bailey, you’ve done it again.