I could not get past the sentence structure, and I’m not sure how this got past editing. It was a cute story but I just had hang ups about it.

This is a perfect fit for readers who adore small-town romances, multicultural love stories, and second-chance friendships, as it weaves a heartwarming tale of rekindled passion, hometown pride, and the complexities of following one's dreams.

this one hit the nail on the head with the best friend’s brother trope and combined with the sports and small town romance, i loved it! Corey was perfection and it didn’t take long for me to want him to fall in love with Leanne because she was so imperfectly perfect and they worked so well together. fun read!

A heartfelt contemporary romance that beautifully weaves together the dreams, struggles, and complicated emotions of two individuals who are on the cusp of something they never anticipated—a love that grows from the unlikeliest of circumstances.

The story centers around Leanne Fairbanks and Corey Ramirez, two people whose lives seem to be at crossroads, yet are destined to collide in ways neither of them could have predicted. Set against the laid-back beach town of Neptune Beach, California, Leanne owns a food truck named Dragon's Belly, hoping to make a name for herself as a chef. However, despite her culinary passion, she finds herself struggling to get the recognition she desires. Her dreams of fame and success often feel just out of reach, and it's clear from the outset that she is battling self-doubt and the pressure of her own high expectations.

Enter Corey Ramirez, a Minor League Baseball player with dreams of making it to the Major Leagues. Corey is the best friend of Leanne's older brother, and despite his athletic prowess, he’s haunted by the feeling that the Major League is never going to want him. His journey is one of persistence, with each game feeling like a last-ditch attempt to prove himself worthy of a call-up.

The tension between Leanne and Corey takes an interesting turn when the two of them decide to fake-date with benefits, ostensibly to help each other with personal and professional struggles. But as with any well-laid plan, things quickly spiral out of control. What begins as a seemingly pragmatic arrangement soon blossoms into something much deeper, and the two find themselves tangled in emotions neither expected.

One of the standout elements of Fielded Dreams is its exploration of dreams and aspirations. Leanne’s desire for fame and recognition mirrors Corey’s own struggles to break into the major leagues, and both characters find themselves confronting the gap between what they want and what they can achieve. Their relationship, which begins with an arrangement based on convenience, slowly unravels to reveal vulnerability, emotional depth, and a raw, unspoken connection that neither of them could ignore.

The writing is sharp, with witty and relatable dialogue that adds humor to the inevitable awkwardness of fake dating. The chemistry between Leanne and Corey is palpable, and the development of their relationship is wonderfully messy and authentic. The trope of fake-dating is done well, and the "benefits" part adds a fun, tantalizing layer to their dynamic, especially as their feelings for each other grow in unexpected ways.

What truly elevates this book, however, is the emotional growth both characters undergo. As they confront their personal insecurities and dreams, their journey feels genuine, and their bond deepens in ways that are both touching and real. Corey’s eventual admission of his true feelings to Leanne is a culmination of the emotional tension that has built up throughout the story, and it provides a satisfying and cathartic resolution.

The setting of Neptune Beach adds a perfect backdrop to the narrative, with its coastal charm and relaxed atmosphere offering a contrast to the internal battles the characters face. The food truck business adds another layer of charm to Leanne's character, highlighting her passion for food and her need to prove herself in a competitive industry.

Overall, Fielded Dreams is a compelling romance that tackles the complexities of chasing one’s dreams, the unpredictability of love, and the importance of believing in oneself. With engaging characters, witty dialogue, and an emotional payoff that is both heartwarming and satisfying, this book is a great pick for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a mix of humor, heart, and real-life struggles. Highly recommended for anyone looking to escape into a beautifully messy love story.

⭐⭐⭐.5

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You said:
please create a more finished audio book review This Audio was a well done with supporting background noises to add extra instrest for children while listening. This has been so fun to add to our morning for giggles and focus on the day ahead . Potty humour is always a win for kids
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
Certainly! Here's a more polished version of your audiobook review:

Audiobook Review: A Fun and Engaging Experience for Kids

This audiobook is a delightful experience for children, blending a well-crafted story with engaging background sounds that add an extra layer of excitement. The thoughtful sound effects really bring the narrative to life, keeping young listeners intrigued and entertained. Whether it's the subtle rustling of leaves, playful animal sounds, or the energetic music, the audio elements are perfectly tuned to enhance the storytelling experience.

We've found it to be a great addition to our morning routine—offering a perfect balance of laughter and lighthearted fun. The humor, especially the playful use of potty jokes, is sure to spark giggles and smiles, which is always a big win for kids. It’s been a great way to start the day with a positive, fun vibe, setting the tone for focus and enjoyment ahead.

This audiobook is an excellent choice for parents looking to add a little extra fun to their children’s day, while also keeping them engaged and entertained!

This version has a more structured flow and adds a bit more detail while keeping the essence of your original review. Let me know if you want to adjust anything!


You said:
please use this and make it flow better.
This audiobook is a delightful experience for children, blending a well-crafted story with engaging background sounds that add an extra layer of excitement. The thoughtful sound effects really bring the narrative to life, keeping young listeners intrigued and entertained.
We've found it to be a great addition to our morning routine—offering a perfect balance of laughter and lighthearted fun. The humor is sure to spark giggles and smiles, which is always a big win for kids. It’s been a great way to pause and add a positive, fun vibe, to any part of the day while still focusing on feelings and how that aren’t shameful.
This Audiobook is short and engaging.
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
Sure! Here's a smoother, more polished version of your review:

Audiobook Review: A Fun, Uplifting Experience for Kids

This audiobook is a true delight for children, seamlessly blending a well-crafted story with engaging background sounds that add an extra layer of excitement. The carefully designed sound effects really bring the narrative to life, keeping young listeners both intrigued and entertained from start to finish.

It's become a wonderful addition to our morning routine, striking the perfect balance between laughter and lighthearted fun. The humor is especially effective at sparking giggles and smiles—something every parent can appreciate! What’s more, it offers a chance to pause and bring a positive, joyful vibe to any part of the day, all while gently focusing on feelings and promoting the idea that emotions are nothing to be ashamed of.

At just the right length, this audiobook is short enough to keep kids engaged without losing their attention, making it a perfect way to add a bit of fun and positivity to the day.

This version adds smooth transitions and enhances clarity, while keeping the key points you wanted to highlight. Let me know what you think!


You said:
finest this book review. I enjoyed the tension and banter between Zac and melody in this second chance sports romance adventure. Melody was reeling and reviewing her heart break from a toxic and manipulative relationship and Zac is there as a friend first and foremost while she works thought that. They are both in their way to push themselves career wise and

I really liked the tension and spice in this novel. Sneaking around to hide it from your brother just add the right playful/forbidden vibes especially when other friends are in on it.

I didn’t love the reason for their 10 year disconnect while he was pining for her the whole time but I do love the tensions and “its always been you” energy.
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
Certainly! Here's a more refined version of your review:

Book Review: A Tension-Filled Second-Chance Sports Romance

I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Zac and Melody in this second-chance sports romance. The tension and playful banter between them really stood out, creating a compelling and emotionally charged story. Melody is still reeling from the heartbreak of a toxic, manipulative relationship, and Zac, ever the supportive friend, stands by her side as she works through her feelings. Both characters are also navigating their own personal and career challenges, making for a rich, layered narrative.

What really worked for me was the delicious tension and spice in their evolving relationship. The element of sneaking around—especially hiding their connection from Melody’s brother—adds an exciting, almost forbidden vibe, especially with their friends in on the secret. It’s that perfect mix of playful and thrilling.

However, I wasn’t entirely sold on the reason for their 10-year disconnect. While Zac had been pining for Melody all that time, the explanation for their separation didn’t fully resonate with me. That said, the palpable "it's always been you" energy between them still made for an emotionally satisfying payoff.

Overall, it’s an engaging read with great chemistry and a wonderful mix of tension, romance, and personal growth.

This version adds some flow and clarity while maintaining the essence of your thoughts. Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments!


You said:
please add that Melody's emotional healing was so refreshing to read.
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
Certainly! Here’s the revised review with that addition:

Book Review: A Tension-Filled Second-Chance Sports Romance

I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Zac and Melody in this second-chance sports romance. The tension and playful banter between them really stood out, creating a compelling and emotionally charged story. Melody is still reeling from the heartbreak of a toxic, manipulative relationship, and Zac, ever the supportive friend, stands by her side as she works through her feelings. Both characters are also navigating their own personal and career challenges, making for a rich, layered narrative.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is Melody’s emotional healing journey. Watching her take the time to process her past heartbreak, grow, and ultimately regain her sense of self was incredibly fulfilling. It felt both realistic and inspiring, providing a wonderful contrast to the romance and adding depth to the overall story.

What really worked for me, though, was the delicious tension and spice in their evolving relationship. The element of sneaking around—especially hiding their connection from Melody’s brother—adds an exciting, almost forbidden vibe, especially with their friends in on the secret. It’s that perfect mix of playful and thrilling.

However, I wasn’t entirely sold on the reason for their 10-year disconnect. While Zac had been pining for Melody all that time, the explanation for their separation didn’t fully resonate with me. That said, the palpable "it's always been you" energy between them still made for an emotionally satisfying payoff.

Overall, it’s an engaging read with great chemistry, emotional depth, and a wonderful mix of tension, romance, and personal growth.

This version incorporates Melody’s emotional healing as a key highlight. Let me know if you'd like any more tweaks!


You said:
and that sac was the perfect protective male main charachter
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
Certainly! Here's the updated version with that addition:

Book Review: A Tension-Filled Second-Chance Sports Romance

I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Zac and Melody in this second-chance sports romance. The tension and playful banter between them really stood out, creating a compelling and emotionally charged story. Melody is still reeling from the heartbreak of a toxic, manipulative relationship, and Zac, ever the supportive friend, stands by her side as she works through her feelings. Both characters are also navigating their own personal and career challenges, making for a rich, layered narrative.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is Melody’s emotional healing journey. Watching her take the time to process her past heartbreak, grow, and ultimately regain her sense of self was incredibly fulfilling. It felt both realistic and inspiring, providing a wonderful contrast to the romance and adding depth to the overall story.

Zac, too, was the perfect protective male lead. His unwavering support for Melody—without rushing or pushing her—was exactly what she needed. He exudes that perfect balance of strength and tenderness, making him a swoon-worthy character and a true anchor for Melody’s healing.

What really worked for me, though, was the delicious tension and spice in their evolving relationship. The element of sneaking around—especially hiding their connection from Melody’s brother—adds an exciting, almost forbidden vibe, especially with their friends in on the secret. It’s that perfect mix of playful and thrilling.

However, I wasn’t entirely sold on the reason for their 10-year disconnect. While Zac had been pining for Melody all that time, the explanation for their separation didn’t fully resonate with me. That said, the palpable "it's always been you" energy between them still made for an emotionally satisfying payoff.

Overall, it’s an engaging read with great chemistry, emotional depth, and a wonderful mix of tension, romance, and personal growth.

This version incorporates Zac's protective nature while keeping the flow and balance of the review. Let me know if you'd like to adjust anything else!


You said:
book review for fielded dreams, I did not enjoy this book and will not be publicly sharing a review as I want this story to have a chance on its own without my negative review. I did not buy into this couples chemistry or story arc at all. the characters seemed too emotionally immature and I didn't like how Leanne just decided that she could give up her hard earned career to follow after Corey. And I find it hard to believe that he could be so uninvested in the Neptune team and then get called up to the Majors. I found it all to surface level and really had to force my way through this read .
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
Here’s a more polished version of your review that conveys your thoughts clearly while maintaining a respectful tone:

Book Review: Fielded Dreams - A Disappointing Read

Unfortunately, Fielded Dreams didn't resonate with me, and I won't be sharing a public review to avoid impacting the book's chances with other readers. I believe every story deserves a chance to be experienced without my negative critique influencing others too heavily.

That said, I struggled to connect with the chemistry between the main couple or their character arcs. The relationship felt forced, and I never quite bought into their connection. The characters, particularly Leanne, seemed too emotionally immature. I found it hard to accept that she would so easily give up her hard-earned career to follow Corey, a decision that felt rushed and unrealistic. I made it hard to even get through their spicy moments as it just felt so off for me.

Additionally, Corey’s lack of investment in the Neptune Beach and the team, followed by his sudden call-up to the Majors, didn’t sit well with me. He ran out mid game and then was praised as a mentor on the bench. It seemed too contrived, and I couldn’t quite buy into the logic of it. The story felt surface-level, and I found myself having to push through the chapters rather than enjoying the journey.

Ultimately, this book didn’t meet my expectations, but I do hope other readers find something in it that resonates with them.

I WAS NOT A BIG FAN OF THIS BOOK, I THOUGHT THAT THE PACE WAS WAY TOO FAST AND THAT EVERYTHING WAS RUSHED. THE PLOT I WOULD’VE ENJOYED IT IF IT WASN’T AS RUSHED. I THINK THAT IT GLIDED THROUGH THE STORY AND THEY WENT FROM 0 - 100 REAL FAST AND OUT OF NOWHERE

Rating: 🐇🐇/5

I really, truly, solemnly swear, that I wanted to love Fielded Dreams. The premise of this book was undeniably heartwarming. I was also drooling, foaming at the mouth with the brother's best friend trope. However, the sweet moments were largely overshadowed by a plot that was incohesive and under seasoned.

Elements I loved:
▪️The descriptions of the food were so delicious. Absolutely mouthwatering!
▪️The diversity! I really love the half-Asian FMC and Latino MMC!
▪️The loving, supportive families.
▪️Corey was definitely so sweet and caring. (Pissed cause my boyfriend has never offered to wash my hair).
▪️Neptune Beach! This made me want to visit a California beach real bad (with the iconic Jennifer Coolidge voice, of course).

Elements that made it challenging for me:
▪️I really struggled with the writing at times. It felt very juvenile, more obviously during the spicy scenes.
▪️I really found it difficult to connect with any MCs.
▪️The speed felt often all over the place. At times, it was extremely slow and others it was moving very quick.

I easily can see the potential of this story. There were ingredients of this story that made it really fantastic. I needed those flavors to develop more and there to be a clear vision of the characters and story. I think that would be the perfect recipe.

I apologize for the food puns. It was either that or baseball, but I'd be hitting only foul balls if I tried baseball puns.

⚾Book Review ⚾

I had to really push through reading this book and I've struggled to write a constructive review. The premise of the book was really intriguing, hence why I requested it. However the execution of this plot was rather bland and underdeveloped. It felt like a framework that needed lots more detail. The open door spice scenes that lasted only two paragraphes feels really underdone to me. I also just never felt the tension or angst that the story could have developed. It was like reading the ingredients on the back of a chip packet, you want to know what is there, and it's a complete list, but it's not really an interesting read. This might be your thing though??

Big thanks to Netgalley, Good Fortune Books LLC and Brittany Arreguin for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

When I saw a book about a baseball player returning to his hometown, moving back in with his parents, and reconnecting with his childhood best friend and her now-grown-up little sister, I was intrigued. I mean, what’s not to love about a mix of small-town nostalgia, family dynamics, and a touch of romance?

The storyline between the two main characters was sweet, and I especially loved the warmth and chaos of Leanne’s family—they were such a delight. Corey’s side of the story, though, felt like it needed a little more oomph. Why does he hate his hometown so much? I needed more there to really feel his inner conflict.

Oh, and I have to mention the geographical hiccup. The author talked about a baseball game in LA, then suddenly had the team visiting San Diego’s stadium… except they were at Dodger Stadium, not Petco Park. If you’re a baseball fan, or if you’re from either area like I am (born and raised in LA and a proud San Diego college grad), this little slip-up will definitely catch your eye!

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read with a cute ending, but I wish the pacing hadn’t felt so rushed. The big conflict could’ve been, well, bigger and more dramatic to really hit home. But if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance with a touch of hometown charm, this one fits the bill!

Thank you NetGalley and Good Fortune Books LLC for my copy for Fielded Dreams in exchange for my honest review.

Posted on Goodreads on December 16, 2024

this was such a great read for my first baseball romance! the characters felt so realistic and the banter was very funny and cute. i can’t wait to see what this author does next!

This was OK kinda a nice break from all the hockey romances, if you like or know baseball it was a little farfetched or let's say creative. Corey is in his later 20s and chasing his MLB dreams, he's now playing for his hometown new semi professional team (not a farm team though ) - nd not excited about living back in his childhood bedr[m, Leanne owns a food truck after starting over as a chef and is loving it- she also happened to have a huge crush on Corey back in the day who happed to be her older brothers Lance's best friend- Lance and Corey have a suprise meet up after a game at a local bar and so it begins, will Corey get his chance at the big show before time runs out? How does Leanne play into his life,. Like I said it was okay but a slow read for me it needed more and if you know baseball some stuff gets in your head too much but if you enjoys sports romances and second chance type love stories pick it up

I really enjoyed Corey's character. I related to him a lot with him feeling like he's not at the place he wanted to be in life by a certain age. I appreciated him being okay with that and letting life take its course. I also really enjoyed the feelings that come with coming home to your hometown. That feeling like you need to prove yourself. Like things are exactly the same but different all at the same time.

Brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes, so I loved that aspect of this book. I ate up how Corey comforted Leanna when she was upset. He also really supported her and her business from the beginning, even before he really got to know her again after not seeing her for years. He was a sweet hero, and Leanna was a funny and relatable heroine.

All this being said, I found it to be a little insta love. Give me more yearning, angst, and pining. They open up to each other really quickly, and I would've liked to see them work for it a little more. I also felt like the steamy scenes were too short, which made them feel rushed. They could be drawn out more so we as readers can really feel their connection both emotionally and physically. On a positive note, I did enjoy that the author showed the more awkward parts of intimacy like setting boundaries and communicating when we're uncomfortable.

Thanks you NetGalley and Good Fortune Books LLC for sending this book to review. All opinions are my own.

This book was a very cute and easy read. I really enjoyed how light hearted and fun this was.

There were a few cringe worthy moments which I did not enjoy, however, I think it might be due to the MCs being older. It was really nice to read a romance which had older characters in it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a simple and quick read.

Thank you to netgalley, Brittany Arreguin and the publishers for gifting me this arc ⭐️

I think this book, fielded dreams, offers a fun and heartfelt storyline, there are areas where it falls short. the pacing occasionally felt uneven, and the writing could have been more polished to truly elevate the emotional beats and characters arc. I felt the writing was underdeveloped and not as well done as it could have been. however the core idea - a 'hometown hero' grappling with self-doubt and a romance with his best friends sister - is strong and carries the narrative.

There were a few aspects of this book that I loved and thought were really cute and a few I just couldn’t get past.

Being from Northern California, I got a lot of nostalgia reading about Bay Area baseball and references to the A’s moving cities. I also loved hearing about Leanne’s culture through cooking and seeing how passionate she was about bringing that into her business and sharing it with her community.

The thing I couldn’t really get past was the unnatural sounding dialogue and internal monologue. I felt like I couldn’t really get to know the characters because their dialogue was so flat and lacking personality.

I think if the dialogue was improved this could be a really beautiful story. You can tell the author really loves her heritage and the Bay Area and I loved that!

This book is super cute! I loved the whole brothers best friend vibe. It’s the ultimate love story where they keep it a secret and will so anything to be together. I really enjoyed the story line of Corey coming back to his hometown and trying to figure out how to manage the feelings which come with doing so. Out of the whole book, I related most to Leanne and her fear of telling her family her plans, as someone who has moved hundreds of miles away from all they have ever known. It was very well written, as well as well executed, and I enjoyed the glimpse Into the team mates and their personalities as well. I would absolutely recommend this to friends, whether they love baseball or not. I’m not a huge baseball person and I loved it! I also love to support authors of all cultures and backgrounds and truly enjoyed the Asian touches through the book

Thanks to the publisher, Good Fortune books and the author, Brittany Arreguin for allowing me to read this book in advance In exchange for my honest review! #netgalley #fieldeddreams

This was such an enjoyable read! The connection between the characters was undeniable, and the baseball setting brought a fun, unique twist to the romance. The dialogue was sharp and funny, and I found myself cheering for the couple the whole way through. It had a few predictable moments, but that didn’t take away from how engaging the story was. A great pick for anyone who loves charming athletes.

There were some aspects of this book that I really loved, and others that I feel missed the mark. Brittany Arreguin captures the charm of small-town life and the excitement of sports romance and the brother's best friend trope in Fielded Dreams. Set in Neptune Beach, California, the story blends the struggles of chasing dreams with the warmth of rekindled connections. Corey Ramirez's journey from disillusionment to rediscovering his passion, spurred on by Leanne Fairbanks' determination, makes for an engaging premise.

While the book offers a fun and heartfelt storyline, there are areas where it falls short. The pacing occasionally felt uneven, and the writing could have been more polished to truly elevate the emotional beats and character arcs. I felt the writing was underdeveloped and not as well done as it could have been. However, the core idea—a "hometown hero" grappling with self-doubt and a romance with his best friend's sister—is strong and carries the narrative.

Leanne's resilience and optimism contrast well with Corey's internal struggles, making their chemistry believable and heartwarming. The small-town atmosphere adds charm, but the plot could have benefited from deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and stakes.

Overall, Fielded Dreams delivers a feel good read with a solid premise. While not without flaws, it's an enjoyable story that captures the spirit of love, friendship, and finding your place.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley, Brittany Arreguin, and Good Fortune Books for the eARC of this book.