Pitcher Perfect

A Five-Star Sports Romance That Scores Big on Heart, Heat, and Humor

Tessa Bailey’s Pitcher Perfect is a grand slam of a romance novel—equal parts steamy, funny, and heartfelt. With her signature blend of laugh-out-loud banter and emotional depth, Bailey crafts a story that will charm fans of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and found family tropes from page one to the last pitch.

At the heart of the story is Robbie Corrigan, a rookie NHL player whose life seems pretty perfect: he’s just made it to the pros, has a reputation as a charming “orgasm donor,” and enjoys the attention that comes with it. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige—a no-nonsense softball pitcher who sees right through his player persona. Skylar is laser-focused, highly organized (with actual itineraries for her personal goals!), and completely uninterested in being another name on Robbie’s long list of flings.

The tension between Skylar and Robbie is electric from the start. Their initial interactions are full of witty, fast-paced dialogue and that delicious friction that only great enemies-to-lovers stories can deliver. But Bailey doesn’t stop at the surface-level tension. As the two are thrown together in a fake relationship—complete with a wilderness competition and Skylar’s not-so-secret crush on someone else—they begin to peel back each other’s emotional layers. What starts as a favor turns into something deeper, something real, and watching them slowly come to terms with their feelings is immensely satisfying.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the emotional growth both characters undergo. Robbie is more than just a flirtatious hockey star; beneath his charm is someone deeply loyal, protective, and yearning for something real. Skylar, too, has to navigate what she really wants in a relationship, and her journey is equally compelling. Bailey handles their individual arcs with tenderness, humor, and just the right amount of angst.

And then there’s the spice—Pitcher Perfect delivers. The intimacy between Skylar and Robbie is not just physically charged but emotionally resonant. Every steamy moment is layered with meaning, vulnerability, and care, making their connection feel incredibly genuine.

The supporting cast only adds to the story’s appeal. From the chaos of the family wilderness competition to the cameos by characters from the previous books in the series, there’s a sense of community and warmth that deepens the reading experience. Robbie’s friendships, Skylar’s family, and even the unexpected appearances from familiar faces all make the world feel rich and lived in.

In the end, Pitcher Perfect is a romance that delivers on every front: it’s funny, flirty, deeply emotional, and thoroughly enjoyable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Tessa Bailey or new to her work, this book will remind you why she’s a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

If you’re looking for a sports romance that brings the heat while also tugging at your heartstrings, Pitcher Perfect is a must-read.

I received this book for free from Avon Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.