The Hotshot

De: Piper Rayne

Narrado por: JF Harding, CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan, Austin Stone

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.

Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.

Chicago Colts newest catcher.

And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.

Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.

Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.

Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.

But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

©2026 Piper Rayne Inc. (P)2026 Piper Rayne Inc.

Fantastic new series to love

It was fantastic new beginning. Love all the banter and romance in here. The friendship, the teammates are the best. Can’t wait for all their stories and can’t wait for the next book. Congratulations on another amazing book.

All the emotions! Piper Rayne has them all!

The story had me within minutes and kept me until the end. I laughed, I cried and everything in between

You cannot do this to me

Good grief, you cannot do this to me! I love this story! I love that this is best friend’s older brother. I love that. It’s also kind of a second chance at romance. The slice of spicy the story is fantastic but what drives me bonkers is the cliffhanger at the end!

Disappointed

Normally, I'm a huge fan of Piper Rayne and the characters they create; but I really couldn't find a way to relate to this FMC. I found the character to be over the top unrealistically unreasonable. I finished the book; but to me, it just doesn't measure up to any of this author's other books. As for narration, 5 for him 3 for her.

Steamy Heartfelt Romance

I knew I loved sports romances, but I didn’t realize baseball romances would quickly climb up my favorites list. Hayes and Leighton have undeniable chemistry from the very beginning. He steps in to help ensure she can maintain guardianship of her cousin’s three kids, and that dynamic adds so much heart to the story.

There are so many heartfelt moments throughout—especially Monroe’s dedication to completing national theme days. There’s even a “Say Hi Day,” where she greets every person entering the baseball stadium, driving her family absolutely bonkers in the process. It’s moments like these that make the story feel extra special.

Piper Rayne crafted a well-thought-out story to kick off this new series, featuring longtime mutual pining and a strong cast of characters.

The full-cast narration was NEXT LEVEL AMAZING, with standout performances from JF Harding and CJ Bloom, along with Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan, and Austin Stone.

Read or listen if you enjoy spicy, heartfelt sports romances with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

#TheHotshot #PiperRayne #TheDugout #SportsRomance #AudiobookReview