Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey

Published on September 9, 2025 by Avon Books

336 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover

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?

My review

It’s the first novel I read by Tessa Bailey, and I have to admit that normally I don't like the fake dating trope in general. Fortunately, the writer turned the narrative great, and I got attached to the two main characters. It’s book 4 from the series Big shots, but you don’t have to read them all to understand the story. I grabbed this one because a lot of romance fans talked about this author, and one of her creations is becoming a movie, I wanted to give her a chance.

The chemistry between Skylar and Robbie is believable. I could easily imagine the tension between them. If I have to choose my favorite, I vote for Skylar from the first chapter. She doesn’t let man tell her what to do, and I admire her so much for that.

When I noticed Robbie’s shirt on the cover, I was like, oh no, not another guy who thinks every woman will fall for him. He was truly patient with Skylar. The plot is not just about sex. They learn to know each other before something happens between them. Although, I have to warn you that the novel contains a few intimate scenes, so I recommend it to a public over 16.

Another thing I liked about the book is that Skylar’s family is crazy, but they add humour to the story. Robbie didn’t know much about her when he decided to follow her and meet them. It’s another reason why he won my heart.

Excerpts

Immediately, her heart kicked into a print. No one called this time of day with good news. (p.1)

By insulting baseball, he’d probably just ruined his chances of taking this girl out, but he never backed down from challenge. Hence this Saturday morning face-off that literally no one asked for. (p.15)

“Should we lay some ground rules for that, by the way? I mean, we’re not actually together.” (p.80)

“If we want a chance to win, you have to quit treating me like less of a competitor because I’m a girl.” (p.92)

“Trusting you as a man. Or a boyfriend. It would be a cold day in hell.” (p.93)

“Don’t censor yourself with me. Just say it. I could find out what?” (p.137)