I’m a Tessa Bailey fan — always — and this is another classic TB book. Fast paced, witty, smutty. If you’re looking for sports, *he falls first!*, and forced proximity - look no further 😎 I loved the role reversal of the FMC being a bit of a grump and the MMC being sunshine (really more like big dopey golden retriever energy!) and I enjoyed seeing a female athlete as the center of the story (her sporting was much more of the focus than his even though he is an NHL player) Loved it!

I unfortunately need to just accept that Tessa Bailey is not for me. When I saw this available as a "Read Now" I thought sure what the heck, I'll give her another go. So it's really on me for not liking this cause I knew going into it I really wasn't going to be the target audience. If you're a fan of Tessa Bailey, you will without a doubt love this book, as it has all her signature elements, I just happen to hate all her signature elements. The dialogue often feels cringy, it certainly isn't enemies to lovers since Robbie is obsessed with her from the start, and everyone is horny just to be horny.

Tessa Bailey's Big Shot series KEEPS delivering. Pitcher Perfect reminded me of her first book I ever read, which is what made me fall in love with her: Fix Her Up. Skylar was a girl after my own heart, with her planning tendencies. And Robbie don't even get me started. This man was DOWN BAD for his girl, and I ate it up. I truly finished this book in one day because I just couldn't put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book early in exchange for my honest review!
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Who doesn’t love hockey romance?
I. Love. Robbie. We must protect this himbo of a man. I love that he brought Skylar out of his shell and seeing him grow with her was just CUTE! I GOT SO SCARED AT THE END! Alas Tessa brought it all together and now I just want more stories with this couple. Can’t wait for the next one!

As someone new to Tessa Bailey… I'm thinking this was not the book to start with 😬. It just didn't hit like I was hoping to with trope ideas like enemies to lovers and fake dating which are usually such a win for me. I genuinely liked Skylar and Robbie as characters, but together they just weren't what I was wanting them to be. I unfortunately found myself skimming more than falling into the story. Ultimately, this book just wasn't for me. I have heard really good things about others books of T.B and I would still give them a shot 🤷‍♀️.

This book was absolute perfection. I love Tessa Bailey’s books so much and this one is no different. I was so excited that we were getting Robbie’s book. He was for sure a favorite character in the other books for me. I also love a reformed playboy trope and she did such a phenomenal job with this one. I love how quirky and headstrong Skylar is. And the banter was so fun in this book. 10/10 recommend👏🏻👏🏻

⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 15, 22, 24, 26, 33
📚 Tropes/Themes: sports romance, baseball x hockey, flirting/spicy lessons, hate to love, forced proximity, he falls first and SO MUCH harder, reformed playboy
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🛍️ Available: 9/9

💬 This was a great read. I've had several Tessa Bailey books on my TBR for a while and I just have never gotten around to reading them so grabbing this one as an arc was a good reason to finally read some of her books. And honestly, I'm kind of mad I waited so long 😂 I really liked her writing style and I'm definitely going to be putting more effort into reading her books that have been waiting for me on my TBR.

First and foremost, this is definitely a new adult romance because the FMC is still in college. If you've been around here for a while, you know that young MCs are not my fave. Butttttt I also usually try to go into books pretty blind so it's on me for not catching that. They were young, however, it really wasn't a huge issue in this book.

I really loved the banter between the characters and Robbie is hilarious. I mean Skylar is hilarious to but it's her naivety makes her funny and an endearing way. I also don't think I can overstate how adorable and endearing I found Skylar to be and I just loved it. I definitely laughed a lot when I was reading this. Honestly Robbie was charming the pants off of me second hand. Just reading about him talking to Skylar hahahaha.

There were a few parts that felt overly cheesy though and parts of the third act drama seemed like only the kind of drama that 20-year-olds can have, but at the same time it fits with the book so while I kind of rolled my eyes, I didn't hate it.

But other than that this was a solid, engaging, sweet and adorable read. It had just the right amount of swoon (looking at you, Robbie 😂) and gave me butterflies. I had about three different books that I started at the same time as this and picture perfect ended up being the standout as the one that I focused my energy on so I definitely recommend this. 🪁

First off, to me this book was 🌶️ spicy! I loved the characters, the family, the friends, and the whole premise! Both leads are driven athletes with competitive spirits and really worked well together. The banter, the humor, and the emotional growth were all so interesting to read.

⭐️: 2/ 🌶️:2

I was hooked in the first few chapters—Tessa Bailey really knows how to open a story. Right away, the witty banter between Skylar Paige, an elite Division I softball pitcher, and Robbie Corrigan, a self-confident and charming rookie with the Boston Bearcats hockey team, pulled me in. The setup is fun: Robbie agrees to be Skylar’s “fake boyfriend” and her partner in her family’s annual wilderness competition, all so she can catch the attention of her brother’s best friend.

I was coming off the high of Dream Girl Drama when I started this, so I had high expectations for this installment. Since it picks up from a scene in that book, I anticipated the same spark and energy carrying through, but unfortunately Pitcher Perfect didn’t deliver for me. Beyond the strong opening, the story progression felt flat, and I struggled to stay engaged - took me months to finish this. Everything about the production of this felt rushed especially the romance—Robbie and Skylar spend only about a week together, yet it escalates into love in a way that didn’t quite feel believable. I understand this is fiction but at least give me something that is somewhat believable in a timeline for the story or fuel me the drama that can get me there.

The tropes are all here—enemies-to-lovers (though mostly one-sided), fake dating, forced proximity, and a touch of sports romance—but the execution just didn’t land for me this time.

Disclosure: Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another hit for Tessa! I love how she writes her MMCs, they always feel like real genuine men and this book was no exception. I loved the arc of the main characters, but the timeline did feel a little insane. We do love an obsessed man and he was hooked from the first instant!

I interrupt your scroll to let you know that Tessa’s upcoming release is a MUST READ! This book had me giddy and swooning over Robbie the flirting, the banter, and don’t even get me started on his “is this love?” moments. And Skylar? Her vulnerability with her family and her insecurities pulled at my heart so hardddd 🥹💖.

Long story short Skylar has a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. And what better way to get on his radar than by having a fake boyfriend for the upcoming family wilderness competition to make him jealous? AGHHH THE PLOT IS PERFECT OKAY!!

From the moment Skylar and Robbie meet, you just know it’s going to be a fun story. The attraction is THERE immediately, and the fake dating mixed with his whole “I’ll teach you” vibe?? Omg Tessa, stop making me melt into a puddle, thanks 🫠🔥 The scenes were SO good.

Robbie saw her and basically said, “I want her.” What he didn’t expect was for her not to be easy to win over and that only made him fall harder. The way he stands up for her and does little gestures to make her smile?? My heart couldn’t take it! 💓 Like remembering she likes her orange juice without pulp and buying it for her on his grocery run. STOP. 😭🍊

And then there’s Skylar, she’s focused on getting her best friend’s brother to notice her, but slowly she realizes she might actually like Robbie instead. Letting him into her world and showing him who she truly is only makes her more confused. (OBVIOUSLY TEAM ROBBIE, DUH! 😤)

I loved how this book not only gave me the swoons 💕 but also showed glimpses of both their current struggles and see how they want to grow from them. I really enjoyed the character development!

My 4 star rating is honestly just because it didn’t top Dream Girl Drama for me, but since I read it in 2 days… take my rating with a grain of salt lol 😅

You can read this book as a standalone, but I definitely suggest starting this series if you haven't. Each book is filled with spice, rom-com vibes and so much flirty vibes. I loved them!!!

tropes:
💙 sports romance
💙 fake dating
💙 enemies to lovers
💙 3rd person POV
💙 opposites attract
💙 hockey playboy mmc x softball badass fmc

Thank you Avon & Tessa Bailey for my eARC

A witty rom com with delightful characters! Skylar is everything you want in a heroine, smart, sassy and full of spunk. While the plot is slightly predictable, the steamy scenes are red hot and the relationship between the main characters grows in a wonderfully delicious way! Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!

Tessa Bailey's Pitcher Perfect delivers a delightful blend of sports, romance, and humor in this fourth installment of the Big Shots series. The story centers on Skylar Paige, a disciplined Division I softball pitcher, and Robbie Corrigan, a charismatic rookie hockey player for the Boston Bearcats. Their paths cross when Skylar enlists Robbie to be her fake boyfriend for a family competition, aiming to impress her childhood crush. What begins as a strategic arrangement soon evolves into genuine affection as they navigate the challenges of their faux relationship.
Bailey excels in crafting a narrative filled with engaging banter, sizzling chemistry, and endearing characters. The enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes are executed with finesse, providing readers with a heartwarming and steamy romance. The setting of the family wilderness competition adds a unique backdrop, enhancing the story's charm.
While the pacing is brisk, some readers may find the rapid progression of the relationship a bit overwhelming. However, Bailey's signature humor and emotional depth shine through, making Pitcher Perfect a captivating read for fans of contemporary romance.

The character I least expected to get. his own book, ended up being my favorite one in the series so far! I was honestly a little surprised when I saw that the MMC was going to be Robbie. I was not sure there was going to be enough character development for me to get into the story, but boy was I wrong. Some of the dialogue and scenes were a little cringe, but overall the story was just so funny and honest that it just felt real.

4.5 stars

Classic Tessa Bailey, queen of RomCom vibes. I love a golden retriever boyfriend and the family competition is hilarious.

I’m not qualified to be anyone’s spokesperson, but I’ll tell you this. When I notice something making her sad, you can bet your a$$ I’m going to say something about it.
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Listen, I know August and Wells have been sucking it out for my too Tessa book boyfriend, but Robbie Corrigan might’ve just blown them both out of the water. This book was everything I knew it would be since she teased the Pitcher Perfect title. I saw so much of myself in Skylar, from her insecurities and strength all the way down to her planner, lists, and sticky notes (seriously, my desk is COVERED in them). And Robbie? Robbie is both hilarious and the most sweet and tender men ever and I love all of him. And the tears! Did I expect the tears? Absolutely not but there I was with them suddenly streaming down my face. Not only was this adventure of Skylar and Robbie going from essentially hate to love fabulous and endearing, but seeing Sig and Burgess? Elton? Madden? Mailer?! All of them were just the icing on the cake. And the HSM references absolutely had my heart. I already know this is a book I’ll find myself going back to again and again because I felt that much joy reading it and my heart nearly burst at the love. Another hit, Tessa! Not that anything ever isn’t 😜

4⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early ARC of this book! I was waiting all summer for this one to come out and now was the perfect time to read it with summer ending. Transitioning from baseball season to hockey.

Skylar gets surprised by her brother Elton when she’s recruited to pitch in a baseball scrimmage versus the local professional hockey team. When she arrives, she’s disgusted hearing hockey player Robbie talk about last night’s sexual adventures. But then she takes Robbie up on his offer to “coach her” and get her crush Madden’s attention at their yearly family Page Stakes competition. As Skylar takes on flirting practice, she realizes she might actually like Robbie. But can she forget about her childhood crush Madden?

It was a cute story and I loved seeing the personal character growth from both Skylar and Robbie!

Thank you so much to Avon for the early copy!

I decided to read this book right after getting my heart ripped out by another book, I was hoping for a fun, smutty read and that's exactly what I got. I loved this book, it was funny, it was spicy, and it kept me invested the entire time. It's love at first sight for the hunky hockey playboy, Robbie and the way he devotes himself to Skylar is top notch. AND LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SPICY LESSONS! omg spicy lessons in books is easily one of my favorite things and Robbie is the perfectttt person to be teaching Skylar. The fake dating in this book was super fun and caused some hilarious and also tense moments. I can't wait to read the next book!

I am obsessed with Skylar and Robbie, they might be my new favorite couple in this series. This book was funny and emotional and I thought did a great job with character growth. Another home run for Tessa Bailey! Also as a fellow Long Island girlie I always love when she sneaks in Long Island!

“Pitcher Perfect” is chaotic good in the form of a Tessa Bailey brain-rot romance, and I mean that as the highest compliment. It’s like someone took the fake dating trope, shotgunned it with horny ambition, added a sprinkle of sports rivalry, and tossed it into the woods with a wilderness family competition and one bed. This book does not care about realism. It cares about vibes. And sometimes? That’s enough to make my whole serotonin system light up like it’s Christmas at a Bass Pro Shop.

We’ve got Robbie Corrigan, a redheaded rookie hockey player who should be a total douchebag. He says things like “orgasm donor” and allegedly hangs out with men who think whipped cream bikinis are a personality. But oh no. Tessa Bailey said: what if this himbo was just emotionally starving for connection and fell in love with a softball pitcher who uses a planner like it’s her emotional security blanket? Enter Skylar Paige. Competitive, deeply guarded, probably able to throw a fastball straight through the emotional wall around her heart. I love her. She is a tightly wound grudge-holder with a crush on her brother’s best friend and exactly zero time for Robbie’s golden retriever energy.

And yet. When her annual "Hunger Games"-style family wilderness competition rolls around and she needs to make said crush jealous, who’s there? Our flirty, hockey-scented chaos agent, Robbie. Who volunteers himself to be her fake boyfriend with the energy of a golden retriever who just saw a squirrel made of commitment and personal growth. He is not chill about her. At all. And frankly, neither was I.

Fake dating? Check. Flirting lessons? Check. Slow transformation from “you are a walking red flag in skates” to “oh no, he supports me, sees me, and respects my planner”? Check, check, cry.

Now look. If you’re expecting tension so thick it could snap your spine or a slow burn so long you need oven mitts, this ain’t that. Robbie is down BAD from chapter two. The enemies part of “enemies-to-lovers” is more like slightly annoyed to hornily invested. But what it does deliver is an emotionally messy guy who realizes Skylar deserves to feel adored, and then proceeds to simp so hard I had to fan myself with my own Kindle.

And Skylar? She’s got this razor-sharp exterior, but underneath she’s breaking a little under the weight of family pressure and being “the one who didn’t go to Brown.” Watching her thaw, open up, and stop measuring her worth by her rejection letters and childhood crush? My cold little heart turned into a puddle of Gatorade and feelings. She’s not always likable, and that’s what I loved. She’s messy and prickly and needs to learn how to ask for love instead of just hoping it’ll read her planner.

Do I have complaints? Yes. “Redbeard” as a nickname? Ma’am. You’re dating a hockey player, not joining the cast of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Zambon” It pulled me out every time like my brain was yelling “ARRR, me hearties” during a steam scene. Speaking of which, the spice level is signature Bailey, so buckle up for explicit A+ extracurricular “lessons” that made me blush like I walked in on someone’s FaceTime date. And yet… earned. Robbie was out here making vulnerability hot.

Four stars because it’s fun, sexy, and had me cackling even while I wanted to throw Skylar’s planner at her head mid-freakout. Robbie is a reformed disaster man, and I love him for it. Skylar is a control freak with abandonment issues, and I love her for that too. Together, they’re hot, unhinged, and emotionally overdue for this relationship.

Huge thanks to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC. I was just looking for a fake dating trope and somehow got tackled by feelings in the woods instead. Rude. Keep ‘em coming.