The Hotshot

THE HOTSHOT is the first book in a new series, THE DUGOUT, by writing duo Piper Rayne. When nurse, Leighton Sinclair, becomes guardian to her cousin’s three children she enters into a fake relationship with her best friend’s brother, professional baseball player Hayes Carlisle. The close proximity uncovered buried feelings on both sides until pretending became real. This is a spicy, open door, first person, dual POV, contemporary sports romantic comedy with tropes like baseball romance, single guardian, fake relationship, best friend’s older brother, he falls first, close proximity, slow burn, and found family. This story pulled me in during the first chapter and had a hold on me to the bitter end. The duet narration by J F Harding and Carly Robbins also featured Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Conner Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa James, Meg Sylvan, and Austin Stone. The full cast created a much more realistic experience for me as a listener and Harding and Robbin’s delivered an emotional performance with excellent comedic timing. The recording held up well to changes in speed. The children were an added bonus and the story and narrators communicated the grief and loss as well as the joy and uncertainty that accompanies the beginning of a new relationship. There was also a twist at the end that I had not expected. I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook for listeners who enjoy sports romcoms which touch on emotional topics. (4.5 rounded to 5 stars where needed.) I received a gifted copy of this audiobook via Valentine PR and am voluntarily writing this review.