4.5 stars. I don't think I knew how bad I wanted a golden retriever from Tessa Bailey until I read about Robbie Corrigan. Everything I've ever read by Bailey has been good, but this book is my favorite. The book works as a standalone, but I appreciate cameos from past (and future?!?) couples.

***Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for an e-arc of Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey! All thought are my own!***

Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar sees him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s crushing on her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right?

From the moment Skylar and Robbie met on the field in Dream Girl Drama, I knew they were a match made in heaven, the first "f you" and all. The take no bull, D-1 softball pitcher who plans things to a T, and the soon-to-be reformed playboy. I mean what's not to love.

I love some fake dating, making your crush jealous, and relationship mentoring and when I tell you I was OBSESSED. I'm sorry, but planning steamy lessons! Consider me hooked. And the fact that he was helping her with her family too, it was great to see.

This book might have the most banter I have ever read in a Tessa Bailey book. I was grinning and giggling multiple times throughout the course of this book. I couldn't get enough. This is my current favorite of the Big Shots series so far. But after reading this and knowing who the couple is going to be in the next book, I am beyond excited!

Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey is out on September 9, 2025! Thank you so much again to Netgalley and Avon Books for an e-arc to review!

This was laugh out loud funny, great banter, golden retriever guy who falls hard and fast, spicy. I liked that they were both competitive athletes. Easy and quick read. Cute one

Robbie RIGHT UP THERE with Burgess

Robbie & Skylar meet at a Bearcats vs Baseball baseball game - Skylar is a collegiate softball pitcher & Robbie plays for the Bearcats. He is instantly attracted to her, but she instantly thinks he is a man whore (for lack of a better word). He convinces her to go on a date with him, where he finds out she actually had a major crush on her brother’s best friend. Yikes. This doesn’t stop Robbie, and he actually devises a plan to help Skyler - He will be her partner at her family’s annual summer games, and will give her tips & tricks on how to make her crush fall for her. Robbie is already head over heels for her, and it doesn’t take Skylar long to start to think maybe Robbie could be the guy for her, as he sees her as a woman vs as her “brother’s little sister”.

*mild* spoilers incoming!

Robbie Robbie Robbie. You did NOT disappoint. We all know I am a Burgess STAN, but something about Robbie really did it for me. He’s witty, sarcastic, has rizz off the charts, but also is 100% ready to settle down when he thinks he has found his person. Skylar really resonated with me. I felt for her ALL throughout the book - her crush can never see her as more than his best friend’s little sister, she is the black cat in her family as everyone went to Brown but she didn’t, and she doesn’t know how to speak up to her family about how much she has grown out of the stupid competitiveness within her family. ENTER ROBBIE - The true ice breaker and man who isn’t afraid to step up for his girl when she can’t. An absolute ICON, ride or die!!! He is also me with how he just HOVELS down food. The amount of Stouffer lasagnas this man ate throughout the book was WILDDDDD.

Probably one of my top TB books, especially one of my favorite in this series. Which is crazy because Robbie was a side character who wasn’t even going to get a book!!!!!

Rocket and Redbeard! Seriously, such a cliche kinda story, Hate to Like, Playboy to One Gal Kinda Girl! But dang do I like these clichés, and I know many of you don't like the Love at First Sight kinda thing, because y'all don't think it's possible or have never experienced something so profound. When I met my now Husband of 19 years! By the end of the week, we knew we would get married, and guess what 5 months later we did! And 19 going on 20 years later we still love and care for each other. So why is it so hard to believe that FICTIONAL Characters can also find that Kinda Love! 🥰 Well Robbie and Skylar definitely proved many wrong, Do Thank You Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC Via Netgalley! Took me Long to read, but became a quick Favorite that I can't wait to own my own physical Copy!!

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!!

I thought the book was really cute & enjoyed meeting Skylar’s family and friends. I loved Skylar’s humor in this book & enjoyed the quick witted banter between Robbie & Skylar. While I enjoyed the book, it was a fast paced read and as a result, many of the scenes felt rushed. While reading, I felt like I skipped through chapters & moments with the couple. I wished more was shown between the conflict & resolution.

I thought this book was so cute and steamy in typical Tessa Bailey style. I loved the sweet banter between Robbie and Skyler and the cute nicknames were just the cute cherry on top. I was a little surprised Robbie came out of his bachelor ways so quickly but it was refreshing that Skyler was the one that had to come around. I loved all of the little things they did for each other (BU merch) and I was definitely rooting for them the whole way through.

First time reading Tessa Bailey and it did not disappoint. At first I wondered why I signed up for a sports romance ARC, but even if you don’t like sports or if you only go to games for the snacks, this book is the perfect summer read.

Skyler is a pitcher and Robbie is a hockey player, with an emphasis on PLAYER. They first meet as they are walking to the field to play baseball. And Robbie is talking to his teammates about his sexcapades from the night before. She immediately hates him and he was smitten. What’s wrong with this guy?!?

Anyway, he wins a bet to go on a date with her and he offers to stand in as her teammate in her family’s annual competition called the Page Stakes. To complicate things, he learns Skyler is secretly in love with her step-brother’s best friend so they agree to fake date so she can get Madden’s attention. While the tropes make it predictable, the journey through big feelings made so satisfying.

If you enjoy enemies to lovers, fake dating, and grand gestures, mixed with 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ you’re going to love this story.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Baseball AND h0ckey in one book.,..SOLD. This is the continuation of the Big Shot series by Tessa Bailey. These are interconnected standalones. If you remember or read the last one there was a baseball game that happened between the baseball team and the hockey team. During that time one of the baseball players brought his sister who was the pitcher during that game. She is the FMC in this book and the Rookie of the team Robbie, in which we have also met is the MMC. I really loved Skylar and Robbie. He is more of a player and she is the girl who has never really been in a relationship. And while I have read other books where it was more of a fake dating trope and she helps him get the girl this is the opposite. It also starts out as an enemies-to-lovers which all of that is an immediate sign me up for now. This is a book I would also classify as “he falls first and harder” type. I really love the journey. I also love them going to her family and just how the interactions go and how Robbie’s character development happens. I love the list that Skylar makes. I thought that was hilarious and it really set up my anti caution for what was to come. I really thought this one was spicy! All I know is if she continues to write in the series I will definitely be reading it because this is one of my favorite series by Tessa. I do see her leaving a line open for another story in this book and I really do hope that one happens.
Thank you to Avon for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tessa Bailey hit it out of the park with Pitcher Perfect (pun obviously intended)!!!! Ever since we met the Orgasm Donors in The Au Pair Affair, I knew there was a heart of gold underneath Robbie Corrigan's player persona, and it was so fun seeing him embrace that side of himself.

This book starts with the baseball game that was featured in Big Shots #3 (Dream Girl Drama). It's not necessary to read Book 3 as this book covers the game again but from Robbie and Skylar's points of view. It's love at first sight for Robbie, and he makes a bet with her - if he makes it on base, Skylar has to let him take her out for coffee / orange juice after the game - and he, of course, wins.

During their coffeeshop date, Skylar learns that her best friend Eva cannot make it home for her family's annual sports competition. Without a team mate, she won't be able to participate....until Robbie offers to stand in for Eva. The last thing she wants is to spend more time with his obvious flirt, but she hopes that his presence will wake up the green monster in her brother's best friend and her secret crush so she agrees to this ludicrous plan.

I walked into this book without having even read a summary, and I finished it in less than 24 hours. It was the perfect poolside read (except for those spicy scenes 😉). I particularly loved how both the main characters are athletes - Skylar is not a wallflower. She is an absolute beast of a softball pitcher, and she has GOALS. It was particularly refreshing after Dream Girl Drama, which featured a FMC that literally did not know how to do her own laundry. I read an eARC of this book, but I sincerely hope that the acknowledgements section remains the same. I love that Tessa dedicated this book to the amazing female athletes that are domination professional sports right now.

The only issue I had with this book was the fact that the majority of the scenes took place outside of Boston, which meant we didn't get many hockey games or much airtime with the Boston Bearcats. I love their camaraderie and just always love getting to check-in on my favorite characters from books past. That being said. the setting for this book worked for Robbie and Skylar's relationship. It just didn't give me all that I wanted.

I am already SO excited for Book #5 in this series, Catcher If You Can. The summary / main characters have not been released, but I firmly believe based on the title that we meet them in Pitcher Perfect.

Read this book if you love:
🏒 Sports romance
⚾ He falls first (and hard!)
🏒 Fake dating
⚾ Lessons in seduction
🏒 Fierce FMCs
⚾ Golden retriever MMCs
🏒 Forced proximity
⚾ Cute nicknames

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had everything I love in a romance: a kooky family, a disaster athlete who's absolutely gone for her, a tough as nails FMC who puts the hero in his place, a moment when the hero stands up for the FMC, and oh my goodness the HEAT in this book! This is officially one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books. It's Tessa at her very best!

This is a highly anticipated read for me and I wasn’t disappointed! I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers, opposite attracts, fake dating romance. I did not think that Robbie would have this much depth to him, I was surprised by his character arc and I’m obsessed with the way he fell head over heels for Skylar. Skylar is a black cat FMC that plays collegiate softball, she keeps to herself and strives for success. She “trains” with Robbie on how to date so she can land the guy she really wants, but Robbie is committed to making Skylar his girl instead.

I loved that Skylar wasn’t quick to warm up to Robbie, she did love his charm but remembered his faults. I loved how this challenged Robbie and the way he opened up to her. Their spice was so good and I loved that we had an end date, it kept the tension high.

This is the fourth installment of Bailey’s Big Shot sports romance series. But it reads just fine as a standalone as I haven’t read books 1-3 yet and didn’t feel like I was missing anything.

These characters were so fun! Skylar’s honest, no nonsense, forthright delivery was refreshing in a romantic female lead. And while Robbie first came off as a chauvinistic womanizer we quickly see his kind heart and sense of humor. There was plenty of humor, snarky and witty banter, and heartfelt moments that made the relationship feel authentic.

Pitcher Perfect is a home run for fans of sports romance with strong heroines and opposites attract troupes. It is compulsively readable with heat and humor and perfect for your summer reading list!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC.
Where do I even start?!
I was so happy to receive it because I really enjoyed the previous books in the series, but I didn't think I would love Corrigan as much as Wells, Burgess or Sig.
That was a lie!
I'm a huge sucker for fake dating and a he falls first trope, so l was in heaven.
The whole dynamic between them was so fun to read.
The competitions, the character growth, the family dynamics, THE NICKNAMES....
Seeing how much Skylar and Robbie complete each other was beautiful.
How fiercely they fight for each other.
And god if I didn't get emotional when seeing how important it feels to be seen and understood, when they are willing to protect each other, be a team, even against those they love and call family if needed to.
All I have is love for this book!
I can't wait to read the next story in this world!
And Tessa, if you're reading this, stop putting crack in your books. This was too addictive and I can't function!
(Actually, don't! Love u bye)

This book was fun!! I loved Robbie’s personality but didn’t feel super connected to Skylar. I did feel like this one was a little rushed, I found it hard to believe Robbie changed his ways and fell in love with Skylar all within like a week but it still kept me entertained so overall it was good

This was really fun! I will always love a sports romcom. I found myself giggling out loud several times. Will definitely be recommending this to my romance book club!

This was a cute, quick read. I did not read the others in the series, but didn't feel like I was missing anything. Per usual Tessa, the spice was spice-ing, but wasn't over done. Loved the story) I don't think you can really go wrong with any sports romance.

This was my first Tessa Bailey book and I liked it. Skylar and Robbie had great chemistry and the spice was amazing. There was some fun banter and top tier dirty talk. I just wasn’t super drawn into the story. This book is insta love to the max. Like let’s get married and have babies after knowing each other for only a week type insta love. I mean and honestly Robbie falls in love with Skylar basically on the first day. Because of the timeframe it’s hard to be emotionally invested in them. But if you are looking for a light sporty romance book this will be right up your alley.

I had so much fun with this one! Robbie and Skylar’s dynamic was a blast. They might be one of my favorite couples of the year. Robbie’s big heart and big stomach. A perfect himbo 😂 And I am such a sucker for a ginger. How Bailey takes him from the playboy sidekick we know from the last two books to a fully-committed leading man felt natural…as did Skylar’s hesitance to trust him with her heart. I related so hard to her pursuit of excellence, and how sometimes being pushed to greatness can result in feelings in inadequacy. Robbie making her feel seen and supported was everything, while also never being afraid to sass her - because she’d dish it right back!

Robbie Corrigan is a player. Coasting as a rookie on the Boston Bearcats hockey team, life is good. Until a pick-up baseball game where Skylar Page takes the mound. A Division 1 pitcher who loves her planner, she has no patience for Robbie’s bravado. Her sights are set on her brother’s best friend - a catcher. Robbie can’t stop thinking about her though, so he agrees to attend a family trip with her in the hopes of making her crush jealous. What could possibly go wrong?

🧡 Fake dating
🧡 Reformed playboy
🧡 Hockey MMC x softball pitcher FMC
🧡 Flirting lessons
🧡 Dislike to like
🧡 Banter banter banter
🧡 Open door spice, level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

⚾️ As much as I loved Skylar, the girl could be naive! A couple of the reveals I spotted a mile away. Fortunately it’s part of what is clearly a larger story to come, and one that is definitely intriguing.

⚾️ One of the highlights of the series is the relationship between the men. Sig & Burgess as grudging mentors for Robbie was a treat. And I loved him and Elton bonding as well. Definitely sensing Elton as another MMC in our future.

⚾️ Tessa Bailey has a tendency to make a relatively small misunderstanding into a catastrophic situation, and this is a prime example. Fortunately though it felt like she tried to move through it quickly.

⚾️ The family competition setting was as zany as one might expect. Add in the fake dating, flirting lessons and side characters that clearly have their own stories to tell and there is a LOT going on. Thankfully Robbie & Skylar’s romance kept the proceedings as grounded as they could be! I love them.

I really enjoyed this one. I would probably rank it my third favorite out of the four books that are currently part of the Big Shots series. Robbie was a typical playboy, and he was acting up when he met Skylar. Did she ask him to come correct? Yes. And he did! I appreciated the way Robbie supported Skylar in different ways to make her feel heard and seen. This story was definitely insta-love because it takes place over 2 weeks. But if there’s anyone I trust to do it right, it’s Tessa Bailey. Thank you to Netgalley, as well as Avon and Harper Voyager, for an advance copy of this book!