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 pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.
When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for 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 wilderness 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?
PJ's Thoughts:
Full disclosure: I've read three Tessa Bailey books. The first two were a struggle. I didn't connect with the characters or their journeys and was at the point where I was ready to admit I just wasn't the right demographic for her writing. I mean, thousands of readers love her so it had to be me, right? But, then along came Pitcher Perfect and a heroine Bailey said was partially inspired by (U.S. Rugby player) Ilona Maher. Once I read that, I had to give her one more try. Holy wow, am I glad I did!
Pitcher Perfect is one of those unicorn books that flowed like hot maple syrup over a stack of yummy pancake perfection. It grabbed my attention from the first page, never lagged, never wavered, and kept me happily flipping pages until the final word. There's enemies-to-lovers romance, fake dating, forced proximity, unexpected vulnerability, family wilderness games (with accompanying snort laughter and tears), banter for days, thought-provoking family dysfunction (but also love and humor), self discovery, surprising twists, and sigh-worthy words - and actions - of respect, admiration, and love. Basically, everything that makes my reader's heart happy.
I couldn't read this book fast enough while also wanting it to never end. Robbie and Skylar are one of my favorite couples I've read in a long time. Pitcher Perfect is my favorite romcom of 2025. It's a book, and a couple, I want to revisit time and time again. Pitcher Perfect has my highest, Top Dish, do not miss this book, recommendation. Seriously, buy it now. It's that good.
Note: For those of you who say you don't read "sports" romance, know that while hockey and softball are integral facets of Robbie's and Skylar's lives, the main focus of this book is the personal relationships that bring challenges, growth, self-realization, and love to the characters within.
Have you read Tessa Bailey?
Does knowing the identity of real people who inspire characters impact how you view the fictional characters while reading?
I love the fake dating trope (especially as it plays out in this book). How about you?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 14 will receive a print copy of Pitcher Perfect.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
Hi PJ, What a great review! Don't enter me in the contest, since I already bought the book. I have read a lot of Tessa's books and usually like them. I DNF'd the book before this one, but may pick it up again at some point. I did love the golf romance, Fangirl Down, so if you didn't read that, give it try. She used a particular golfer for inspiration, I believe. I love the fake dating trope, so I'm looking forward to reading this.
ReplyDeleteI have read a Tessa Bailey's novels and they are light entertainment. Love the fake dating trope as it is unique. Anytime you involve a real individual it is interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have never read Tessa Bailey but she is extremely prolific and I am willing to try one of her stories. This was sounds interesting as I am a big fan of the fake dating trope.
ReplyDeleteIt makes no difference to me if characters are based on real people.
I've read and enjoyed several of her novels. I do enjoy the fake dating trope - especially watching the parties fall for each other! I don't usually chose books because of the real people who inspire the author, however I do often enjoy books where real people appear.
ReplyDeleteTessa Bailey is new to me. I do enjoy the fake dating trope. Knowing a character is based on someone can be a hit or miss for me but I do try to stay open minded and still give it a chance.
ReplyDeleteI don't often read sports romances, but have read a few good ones. I have not yet read Tessa Bailey. I do like it when I can relate to a character either because I know someone like them or a real person in the story that I have met or know something about.
ReplyDeleteFake dating isn't one of my favorites, but it has worked well in some books that I have read. It does have its uses, especially when you don't want to put up with other's attention. I guess any trope works if it is done well.
I'm a fan of Tessa Bailey's. I've read a number of her books and am looking forward to this one. I haven't been the biggest fan of fake relationships. But at least in books, they always bloom into something bigger. As for knowing that there are real people behind the characters, it doesn't usually affect the way I view the characters.
ReplyDeleteLove Tessa Bailey, her books are consistently entertaining. Love fake dating tropes and I've never minded if fictional characters are based off real people. Cannot wait to read this latest book by her.
ReplyDeleteI have not read this author. I love all sports related books, especially baseball ones. The Dodgers are my team and it is close with one other team in their division. Patoct
ReplyDeleteI read Fix Her Up by Tessa, and others are on my wish list. This book is being added to my list for sure.
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