Review & Giveaway - - Pitcher Perfect

Pitcher Perfect

by Tessa Bailey

Big Shots - Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

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

Review & Giveaway - - The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

by Valerie Bowman

Honeycrisp Orchard Romance - Book 1

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Ellie Lawson’s city life was treating her just fine until a sour turn of events knocks her out in one fell swoop. Dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job, she is left with no choice but to return to her parents’ idyllic inn, nestled within a picturesque Honeycrisp orchard on Long Island. Anticipating a quiet hiatus in the attic apartment, she is instead met with Aiden, the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner who is currently occupying her planned refuge.

Forced together by circumstance, they find themselves not only roommates but also coworkers, when they’re put in charge by their parents of the orchard’s vital Harvest Festival, a lifeline for both the struggling orchard and the inn. Amidst the enchanting disorder of small-town life, Ellie and Aiden grapple with their conflicting values, burgeoning feelings, and an electrifying tension.

PJ's Thoughts:

Are you ready to turn the page to autumn? In the mood for crisper days, leaves changing color, hot cider, caramel apples, and small-town festivals? If so, do I have a book for you! 

Valerie Bowman's The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a feel-good, reunion romance brimming over with cozy fall vibes. Think Hallmark movie with spice. There's the city girl who couldn't get away from her small town fast enough, now returned home but not planning to stay, the boy next door who never wanted to leave and also never owned up to the crush he's been nurturing since they were kids, and the simmering attraction between them threatening to burst into flame. Think forced proximity, sparkling banter, awakening attraction, a bit of steam, and a deep, enduring, emotional payoff.  

Bowman surrounds the main couple with a terrific cast of supporting characters, building a community of citizens who offer up humor, teasing, and the unsolicited advice that comes from people who have known you your whole life. We also meet friends and family members who not only contribute to the progression of this story but also set up future books in the series with intriguing pairings and characters I can't wait to learn more about. 

And then there are the four-legged characters. How could I possibly resist Argos, Aiden's donut stealing Lab, Miss Guin, Ellie's parents' overly enthusiastic goat, or Pumpkin, her family's laid-back, orange pajama wearing Pug? All three pretty much steal every scene they're in. 

If you're looking for a warm hug of a book to take you from summer into fall with humor, heart, and happy endings, pick up a copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman. I highly recommend it. 

What are your favorite things about autumn? 

Are you an all things apple person (like I am) or do you have other seasonal foods that make your taste buds dance?

Have you read any books by Valerie Bowman yet?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 11 will receive a print copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Winner - - September Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winner of a

print copy of Finding Mr. July by Anna E. Collins is:

Laurie Gommermann

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - The Sea Witch

The Sea Witch

by Eva Leigh

Salt & Sorcery - Book 1

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Condemned as a witch, sentenced to die, Alys Tanner uses her innate magical power to flee Puritanical New England. Stealing a ship, Alys becomes captain of The Sea Witch, leading its all-female, sorcery-wielding pirate crew. But the colonial British navy is in hot pursuit. The navy fights for a choke hold on the Caribbean and will destroy anything they cannot control, especially witches.

When Ben Priestley, a headstrong naval navigator, is inadvertently captured by the lady pirates, dangerous truths are revealed. A quest that could turn the tides against the navy’s might ignites a reluctant partnership between the by-the-books prisoner and the fierce witch pirate captain. While they brave backstabbing pirates, perilous tropical islands and monster-filled seas, Alys and Ben’s mistrust grows into unexpected desire as they battle an enemy that will stop at nothing to rule the waves.

PJ's Thoughts:

Lady pirates sailing the Caribbean? Yes, please. Lady pirates who are also witches? Oh, heck yes! 

This book was everything I didn't know I needed: lady witch pirates, high-seas adventure, magical realism, forced proximity, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, and twists I never saw coming. The characters drew me in from the get-go, immersing me in their cut-throat world of piracy. If that wasn't enough, Leigh also added in witches, mages, and super-powered sea creatures bound to England's naval ships and bent on destruction. Fantastical? Yes. And yet, Leigh makes it all seem plausible and real. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough while at the same time wanting to slow down and absorb every minute detail. I read the entire book in one day, staying awake way past my bedtime and relishing every impeccably presented detail. 

The characters were multi-layered, nuanced, and fully developed. I loved the evolution of Alys and Ben, both individually and as an eventual couple. But I also enjoyed the relationships among the all-women crew on Alys's ship. While not the lead couple, they are intrinsically important to the overall story and I appreciated the time and care devoted to their individual characters and stories. I'm hopeful that we will continue to learn more about them as the series continues. 

The relationship between Alys and Ben was not easy, as one would expect between a pirate witch captain and her upright British naval navigator captive. I loved that she held the power but also appreciated the eventual ebb and flow of that dynamic as their characters and relationship grew. Their interactions felt authentic and their slowly changing opinions, organic. I was fully immersed in their quest, in their relationship, in their chaotic world. I was pulling so hard for their improbable happy ending. And, yes, I actually gasped when I reached the end of the book. Cliffhanger!

I don't know when book two of this trilogy is scheduled to be released but what I do know is that I'll be hitting that preorder button the second it becomes available. I am fully involved in these characters now and I cannot wait to discover what Eva Leigh has planned for the next phase of their journey. In the meantime, I'll be rereading The Sea Witch, probably more than once. It's just that immersive. It's just that good. 

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - September 2025

 

Welcome to September! Kids are back in school, football is back in season, and cozy fall books are on the horizon. Here's what we have in store for you this month at The Romance Dish. 

First up, we have a review of The Sea Witch by Eva Leigh on Friday, September 5. This first book in Leigh's Salt & Sorcery series is a high-seas adventure romance filled with witch pirates (an all-women crew), magical realism (witches, mages, and some downright nasty sea creatures), and an unlikely enemies-to-lovers romance. 

If you're looking for cozy fall vibes, a small-town setting, feel-good romance, and an engaging cast of characters (both two and four legged), be sure to stop by on Tuesday, September 9 for a review and giveaway of Valerie Bowman's The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn. 

Thursday, September 11 brings a review and giveaway of Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey. This sparkling, enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating romcom with surprising emotional depth between a smart-mouthed softball pitcher and a cocky hockey player is my favorite romcom of 2025. 

Join me on Monday, September 15 for a review of Emily Sullivan's historical romance, Is This Real or Just Pretend?, book two following last year's Duchess Material. This time around, the spotlight is on workaholic sister, Alexandra and Lucien, the recently-returned chef and son of her family's carriage driver, in a gender-flipped reimagining of the movie, Sabrina. 

Wednesday, September 24 takes us back to the island of Caleva for a review of Royal Caleva: Raul by Nancy Herkness. This third book in the Royal Caleva series features mystery, a steamy cross-class romance, and pulse-pounding adventure.

Stop by on Friday, September 26 for a review of Forever Cowboy by Nan Reinhardt. This Montana romance launches a new location for Reinhardt in a starting-over romance for a forty-something woman from Indiana whose vacation plans go awry and the younger bronc rider who captures her heart. 

Get ready for laughter, love, and an 11-year-old matchmaker in Last on the List by Amy Daws, a single dad - nanny romance that I read in one delicious sitting. Stop by on Monday, September 29 for my review. 

We're going back to Rustler Mountain on Tuesday, September 30 for a review of book two, Outlaw Lake by Maisey Yates. This deeply emotional, friends-to-lovers story had me eagerly turning pages from start to finish. 

That's what's on the schedule for September. What are you looking forward to this month? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 5 will receive a print copy of Finding Mr. July by Anna E. Collins. (Click to read my review)

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Gilded Heiress

The Gilded Heiress

by Joanna Shupe

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by Hellie

 

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

Hellie’s Heeds

What a delightful romp!! If you love steamy sex scenes, witty banter, laugh-out-loud scenes that should totally be in a movie, and plot twists where you wonder, “HOW is the author going to make this work out?”--then you will be enchanted with this book. I feel if you’ve been watching The Gilded Age–and perhaps already watched all the episodes–this may help fill in a bit of that void as well. 

Joanna Shupe’s novels have always been a hallmark of these characteristics: the hot-hot-hot love scenes, banter for days, and the sheer emotional wreckage as we wonder if these characters will ever get their happily ever after. And I think this one fits nicely with her previous offerings–with Leo Hardy being yet another hero in need of a little redemption, but we can’t help but fall for him anyway and root for him to become a better man for this one woman who is perfect for him. He is Dreamy–and seriously, that opening scene in the brothel? We have Bridgerton on Netflix–can we have this one too? 

Neither character is perfect by any means, but they are perfect for each other–and it’s wonderful to watch their relationship unfold. The emotional plot points were dead on–like when I read the black moment, I was like, “Ooof, that is exactly what needed to happen” even as I was yelling, “NO! How are they ever going to get together? There’s not enough pages left!” Just excellent character growth. 

From a historical standpoint, if that is at all a stickler for you, some of the historical stuff feels wildly improbable. Though technically speaking, I suppose, not impossible–which is all we need really, right? (I just watch a lot of missing people shows…the odds of them not winding up dead is slim to none. And then to be a child in this era that grew up in a big city orphanage and didn’t die of whooping cough, typhoid, tuberculosis, or the myriad of other childhood ailments made me a bit skeptical. So…that’s the reason it wasn’t a 5 star for me–I couldn’t quite suspend disbelief.) However, on other aspects of a historical nature–the description of theater life, life in the mid-1890s, etc, I felt those were believable and made for great reading. Anyway, it’s not a surprise she grows up in an orphanage…and was kidnapped–that’s right there in the blurb. If you are a stickler about childhood ailments and orphanages, you too may have difficulties with suspending disbelief, but I can say the rest of it makes for really good reading.

Review - - A Waltz on the Wild Side

A Waltz on the Wild Side

by Erica Ridley

The Wild Wynchesters - Book 6

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Advice columnist Miss Vivian Henry hates how the Wild Wynchesters flaunt so many privileges ordinary people could never emulate. But when her beloved cousin goes missing and the authorities shrug, Viv has no choice but to beg for help from the vigilantes she despises. 
 
Aspiring poet Jacob Wynchester prefers animals to people. He’d rather stay behind the safety of a quill than interact with prickly clients. But when he's appointed lead investigator, Jacob finds he admires Vivian's resourcefulness and intelligence—including the sharp wit he must parry. As they team up to rescue her kidnapped cousin, they discover just how compatible they are.
 
Together, they must not only save the day, but also decide how far they’re willing to go to be who they really are. And determine whether their partnership is a mistake… or the missing piece that completes them.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Waltz on the Wild Side is a solid conclusion to what has been an excellent series. All of the Wynchesters - and their partners - return for this farewell story but it's quiet, gentle Jacob who takes the lead when a young man goes missing and the authorities don't seem to care.

I always enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers story and this one is most definitely that. The Wynchester family is Vivian's absolute last resort when her cousin goes missing. To say she holds them in low regard would be a gross understatement. While her young cousin idolizes these crime-fighting adopted siblings, Vivian is convinced they are too rich, too entitled, and too full of themselves. She has a sharp quill, sharp tongue, and two pets of her own that are enough to scare off every adversary. She will not be easily won over. 

Jacob is a kind soul who is more at home with animals than people, his family being the exception. It was fun to watch him take the lead on a case, especially with the sparks that fly between him and Vivian. These two have more in common than they think. Working together to try to find Vivian's cousin not only deepens feelings but also helps each of them evolve in unexpected ways as they journey toward personal fulfillment and, as a couple, their own happy ending.

As with the earlier books in this series, Ridley brings plenty of adventure, fun, and humor to this one. I enjoy the dynamics among the Wynchester siblings and their chosen partners. There's plenty of teasing but an equal amount of respect and support. And, as always, a few surprises. There are also important social issues addressed in this book, in particular those relating to wealth, race, and gender. I appreciate how Ridley balances the entertainment value of her books with issues important to the time, keeping the characters and their challenges authentic. I'm excited to discover what she plans to bring readers next. 

Review - - Gabriela and His Grace

Gabriela and His Grace

by Liana De la Rosa

The Luna Sisters - Book 3

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

A scandalous arrangement between a hellion heiress and destitute duke reveals truths that neither can outrun….

As the youngest and most rebellious daughter of the overly protective Luna family, Gabriela Luna Valdés claws after her freedom in any way she can. This time, her hunger for adventure has led her aboard a windswept ship bearing for her homeland, away from a mob of fumbling British suitors. But Gabby can’t escape her father’s expectation that she settle down to find a proper husband—a compromise she’s unwilling to make.

For Sebastian Brooks, Duke of Whitfield, the trip to Mexico is his last chance. His last chance to rectify his family’s estate and refill their dwindling coffers. And his last chance to match wits with the sharp-tongued but deliciously tempting Gabriela.

When Gabby finds herself in need of a hasty escape, Sebastian agrees to assist her…but their close proximity sparks a red-hot passion that could ruin all their plans. With scandal looming, can Sebastian convince Gabby his regard is sincere or will she sail away with his heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

Before I talk about this book, I'd like to pay tribute to the creators of the beautiful cover. The Luna Sisters trilogy has been blessed with covers that are representative of the rich, colorful, Mexican heritage of the main characters as well as the beauty of De la Rosa's writing but they have outdone themselves with the cover of this final book. It. Is. Stunning. 

I approached this last book in the Luna Sisters trilogy with mixed feelings. Saying goodbye to these characters filled me with sadness but at the same time, I was eager to take this journey with Gabby and Sebastian, the couple whose story I had been eagerly anticipating since book one. I just knew all that snarky banter in books one and two had to be hiding some amazing chemistry. I read their story in one day. They refused to let me set them aside until they had reached their hard-won happily ever after.

De la Rosa sent the series - and our couple - out on a high note with a fast-paced, adventurous, swoony story that made the most of many of my favorite tropes: road romance (on land and sea), forced proximity (only one ship cabin), only one bed (in that cabin), and adversaries to lovers (so many sparks). I loved the development of these characters, individually and as a couple. The author took her time with them, revealing hidden layers that showed the strengths and vulnerabilities of each along with the deep, emotional wounds delivered by members of their families. The growth, healing, and love found between Sebastian and Gabby was a joy to experience. I pulled so hard for these two. 

The Mexican historical and cultural representation in this book - in the entire series - added texture and richness to the stories, making them even more enjoyable and unique. The way De la Rosa weaved historical facts and figures into the fiction created a vibrant and authentic picture of what life might have been for these three Mexican heiresses whose parents sent them to England when their country was occupied. They made their mark across the ocean but the hearts that held their beloved Mexico close never wavered. 

If you enjoy richly textured historical romance with beautifully developed characters, historical accuracy, authentic cultural representation, complicated family dynamics, humor, heart, and happy endings, I highly recommend Gabriela and His Grace, as well as books one and two of this trilogy, Ana Maria and the Fox and Isabel and the Rogue. 

Review - - A Hero's Return

A Hero's Return

by Carrie Nichols

Sandy Shores - Book 1

Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

He knows how to be brave on a battlefield

Now he has to be brave with his heart

Years of military service taught decorated veteran Braden Sullivan how to be strong. It didn’t teach him how to be vulnerable. Back in his Oregon hometown, with a job as a helicopter pilot and a two-family home to renovate, he’s not at all prepared for his heart to take flight after meeting his tenant, Cassie Donovan. The widowed single mom is beautiful, charming…and terrified of loving another pilot after losing her husband in a crash. Overcoming her fears and his own uncertainties will take courage—but isn’t that what a hero soldier is for?

PJ's Thoughts:

Carrie Nichols launches a new series with A Hero's Return, a heartwarming, humorous, and deeply emotional story of surviving loss, starting over, and finding new love. 

I was quickly invested in Cassie Donovan and her daughter, Amelia. Nichols paints a clear picture of mother and daughter, starting over in a new town after a devastating loss three years earlier. The effects of that loss are still reverberating, making the duo, who are both strong and vulnerable, sympathetic characters I took to heart. I appreciated Cassie's strength, her willingness to put her heart at risk again, and her fierce determination to keep her daughter her priority.

Braden took a bit longer to get to know. I enjoyed his character but I wouldn't have minded more attention to his backstory, especially his military service and its lasting effects on him. It would have added layers and rounded out his character a bit more. He may be grumpy at first but it quickly becomes evident that he's a good guy, showing through his actions how much Cassie's happiness means to him. He's a guy who pays attention.   

I especially enjoyed Braden's soft spot for the animals in the story as well as the evolution of his relationship with Amelia. It's not easy starting a romance with a woman who has a twelve-year-old daughter, especially when that daughter is still grieving the tragic death of her father, taking tentative steps forward in life, and watching her mother fall in love with a new man, all while navigating the hormonal peaks and valleys of puberty. Her character is realistic, relatable, and essential to this story.

If you enjoy stories that feature starting over after loss, family dynamics, finding love a second time, adorable pets, and happy endings, A Hero's Return by Carrie Nichols may be a good book for you.