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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
chaoticxennial's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mzvasquez_library's review against another edition
3.0
As a baseball girlie, this book had my attention from the start. I played softball in high school (catcher), so when I saw Nailed at Home Plate looking for ARC readers on Threads, I knew I had to give another sports romance a try.
I’ve only seen Savannah Bananas-style entertainment baseball on TikTok, so I was excited to read more about it. The story was fun, easy to follow, and a refreshing take on the grumpy x sunshine trope—except this time, it’s the FMC who struggles with emotions, which was a nice change from the usual dynamic. There wasn’t as much drama as I expected, but since this is the first book, I’m hoping for more in the next one.
The spice level was just right—not too in-your-face, which was a great break after reading a lot of dark romance. There were some wording choices that felt off, and many ARC readers pointed out the similarities between player names and real-life Philadelphia Phillies. K. Iwancio has since addressed both issues, confirming that names will be changed and wording adjustments made before release. I really appreciate her listening to feedback and making those updates.
For now, I’m giving it 3 stars & 4 chili peppers, but I’ll be revisiting my rating once the final version is out!
Update:
With the final release updating character names, it’s now easier to stay immersed in the story without unintended comparisons to real players. The baseball action is dynamic and fun, adding an exciting backdrop to the romance. While some moments slow the pacing, the mix of humor, competition, and emotional depth makes this a standout sports romance. If you love baseball, quirky team antics, and a romance with plenty of heart, Nailed at Home Plate is definitely worth the read.
I’ve only seen Savannah Bananas-style entertainment baseball on TikTok, so I was excited to read more about it. The story was fun, easy to follow, and a refreshing take on the grumpy x sunshine trope—except this time, it’s the FMC who struggles with emotions, which was a nice change from the usual dynamic. There wasn’t as much drama as I expected, but since this is the first book, I’m hoping for more in the next one.
The spice level was just right—not too in-your-face, which was a great break after reading a lot of dark romance. There were some wording choices that felt off, and many ARC readers pointed out the similarities between player names and real-life Philadelphia Phillies. K. Iwancio has since addressed both issues, confirming that names will be changed and wording adjustments made before release. I really appreciate her listening to feedback and making those updates.
For now, I’m giving it 3 stars & 4 chili peppers, but I’ll be revisiting my rating once the final version is out!
Update:
With the final release updating character names, it’s now easier to stay immersed in the story without unintended comparisons to real players. The baseball action is dynamic and fun, adding an exciting backdrop to the romance. While some moments slow the pacing, the mix of humor, competition, and emotional depth makes this a standout sports romance. If you love baseball, quirky team antics, and a romance with plenty of heart, Nailed at Home Plate is definitely worth the read.
tranvnguyen's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to K. Iwanco for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.
4/5 Stars
This book was so good and fun, but not quite a homerun.
I had an absolute blast reading this, the supporting cast of characters were hysterical and this really makes me want to catch an entertainment baseball game if I ever get the chance (which says a lot, I cannot watch baseball to save my life - but that might just because baseball in the Texas sun is absolutely miserable). I NEED Ranger and Tiffiny's book like yesterday.
I absolutely love a man who is down bad, and JT Rheems was down soooo bad. And I can appreciate a man in baseball pants. The banter was so cute and I love me some banter! Also I need someone to actually re-enact the Dancing Through Life scene. I am begging on my knees!
My only critique is that it was a scooch too long. There was a lot of internal dialogue, which I enjoyed most of it. But some of it didn't really further the book.
Tropes:
-Baseball Romance
-Player x Coach
-Celebrity Crush
4/5 Stars
This book was so good and fun, but not quite a homerun.
I had an absolute blast reading this, the supporting cast of characters were hysterical and this really makes me want to catch an entertainment baseball game if I ever get the chance (which says a lot, I cannot watch baseball to save my life - but that might just because baseball in the Texas sun is absolutely miserable). I NEED Ranger and Tiffiny's book like yesterday.
I absolutely love a man who is down bad, and JT Rheems was down soooo bad. And I can appreciate a man in baseball pants. The banter was so cute and I love me some banter! Also I need someone to actually re-enact the Dancing Through Life scene. I am begging on my knees!
My only critique is that it was a scooch too long. There was a lot of internal dialogue, which I enjoyed most of it. But some of it didn't really further the book.
Tropes:
-Baseball Romance
-Player x Coach
-Celebrity Crush
pages_with_hannah's review
funny
medium-paced
4.0
To say that devoured this book would be an understatement! I may yet be turned into a baseball fan after this one! Cadence and JT are such a great couple and it was fun to watch their story unfold. I mean who doesn't love the sound of a baseball team dancing to musical numbers. They had the perfect mix of fun and spice! I need to find a good sugar bowl...IYKYK.
And the Sillys!?! Love all of them and hope to see more of them in the next books!
sarahgio's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This is an honest review, and my first book by this author.
I felt like this book had a lot of potential. The concept was great, the spice was hot. But for me personally the baseball puns were OVER THE TOP. I get it guys, you love baseball. Baseball is your life. Nothing exists (even s@x) without baseball. The puns with bats and bases and balls I’m practically every chapter were too much for me.
I also felt like it needed another edit. Some weird sentence structure and wording sometimes where I had to go back and think, what is this trying to say? Also some repetitive word use.
Bottom line, I didn’t love it. But would I read the next book? If it was just slightly less baseball pun-ny, probably.
I felt like this book had a lot of potential. The concept was great, the spice was hot. But for me personally the baseball puns were OVER THE TOP. I get it guys, you love baseball. Baseball is your life. Nothing exists (even s@x) without baseball. The puns with bats and bases and balls I’m practically every chapter were too much for me.
I also felt like it needed another edit. Some weird sentence structure and wording sometimes where I had to go back and think, what is this trying to say? Also some repetitive word use.
Bottom line, I didn’t love it. But would I read the next book? If it was just slightly less baseball pun-ny, probably.
psych0_4books's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
3.5
Baseball + smut sounds like a good combo right?
Nailed At Home Plate was a funny, lighthearted read. Inspired by the Savannah Bananas and the Philadelphia Phillies, this story follows Cadence Andrews as she works as the choreographer for the Philly Sillys. She has a huge crush on MLB star JT Rheems and one day he reluctantly shows up, sent to the team to work through an injury and to help with the team's attendance numbers. JT's refusal to participate and Cadence's annoyance with him causes tension until a fateful moment. After the two kiss, do things (ahem), and somewhat talk it out, a romance ensues.
I loved with banter between the MCs and the grumpy x sunshine trope works for the beginning of the story. The other Philly Sillys teammates kept the story funny with their quips and the dance numbers had me giggling. The dang spice was SPICY. Cadence and JT's chemistry leapt off the page.
My issues with the story was the how the book felt more like a fanfiction of the Philadelphia Phillies. The names (prior to the author changing them) were close to the names of real MLB players. Oh and we had an instance of the Dominican player being called "exotic". No bueno.
Last comment? There were a couple dates but most of the story's "romance" was the sexual aspect. I am going to tell you that this is a smut book, mmkay? Cute plot with the baseball and how a fan snags attention from a sports star but the 🥵 content takes over the plot for awhile. I'm curious about the next book in the series and will be reading.
*I received the book as an ARC
Nailed At Home Plate was a funny, lighthearted read. Inspired by the Savannah Bananas and the Philadelphia Phillies, this story follows Cadence Andrews as she works as the choreographer for the Philly Sillys. She has a huge crush on MLB star JT Rheems and one day he reluctantly shows up, sent to the team to work through an injury and to help with the team's attendance numbers. JT's refusal to participate and Cadence's annoyance with him causes tension until a fateful moment. After the two kiss, do things (ahem), and somewhat talk it out, a romance ensues.
I loved with banter between the MCs and the grumpy x sunshine trope works for the beginning of the story. The other Philly Sillys teammates kept the story funny with their quips and the dance numbers had me giggling. The dang spice was SPICY. Cadence and JT's chemistry leapt off the page.
My issues with the story was the how the book felt more like a fanfiction of the Philadelphia Phillies. The names (prior to the author changing them) were close to the names of real MLB players. Oh and we had an instance of the Dominican player being called "exotic". No bueno.
Last comment? There were a couple dates but most of the story's "romance" was the sexual aspect. I am going to tell you that this is a smut book, mmkay? Cute plot with the baseball and how a fan snags attention from a sports star but the 🥵 content takes over the plot for awhile. I'm curious about the next book in the series and will be reading.
*I received the book as an ARC
tyrenny's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It's got the humor of a Max Monroe Book and the heat of a Meghan Quinn book. *Fans self*
My favorite tropes:
GrumpyxSunshine (she's sunshine I swear)
He Falls First
Secret Cinnamon Roll
"I was in a world where I had to admire him from afar while simultaneously attempting to pull his head out of his pert ass or else I might end up losing my job. What a glamorous life."
If this quote doesn't sum up this book, I don't know what does. Oh, maybe...
"With one mutual inhale, our mouths collided, hard and hot. I wanted to moan from the sheer relief and utter satisfaction of it all. It was as if I’d been a starving man, in my last moments of life, and given the Holy Grail to drink from. I wasn’t going to let a drop of Cadence Andrews go to waste."
Yep, that does it. This book is a must read, I'm giving it 5 stars on my shelf!
My favorite tropes:
GrumpyxSunshine (she's sunshine I swear)
He Falls First
Secret Cinnamon Roll
"I was in a world where I had to admire him from afar while simultaneously attempting to pull his head out of his pert ass or else I might end up losing my job. What a glamorous life."
If this quote doesn't sum up this book, I don't know what does. Oh, maybe...
"With one mutual inhale, our mouths collided, hard and hot. I wanted to moan from the sheer relief and utter satisfaction of it all. It was as if I’d been a starving man, in my last moments of life, and given the Holy Grail to drink from. I wasn’t going to let a drop of Cadence Andrews go to waste."
Yep, that does it. This book is a must read, I'm giving it 5 stars on my shelf!
melissa_gerritsen's review
4.0
4 stars!
I already knew K. Iwancio is great at writing the most amazing book boyfriends, but she surpassed herself with this baseball man!
In the book we follow Cadence who is a dance coach at the Philly Sillys, a team in the ELB. I didn't know ELB existed in real life, but it sounds like a lot of fun to watch!
When Jamie is forced to join the Sillys, because he is not recovering from his injury fast enough to play in the majors, he first is annoyed and doesn't wanna do all the crazy things and dancing.
Cadence has been having a crush on Jamie since forever and has been watching all his games and knows all his stats. So she doesn't know how to behave around him, and kinda tries to ignore him.
Will Jamie be able to enjoy the dancing during the games? Will they be able to admit the intense tension between them as something more?
Read it now in this baseball sports romance, with lots of baseball references, a cute catcher, the most amazing book boyfriend, and the most 'Silly' teammates!
I already knew K. Iwancio is great at writing the most amazing book boyfriends, but she surpassed herself with this baseball man!
In the book we follow Cadence who is a dance coach at the Philly Sillys, a team in the ELB. I didn't know ELB existed in real life, but it sounds like a lot of fun to watch!
When Jamie is forced to join the Sillys, because he is not recovering from his injury fast enough to play in the majors, he first is annoyed and doesn't wanna do all the crazy things and dancing.
Cadence has been having a crush on Jamie since forever and has been watching all his games and knows all his stats. So she doesn't know how to behave around him, and kinda tries to ignore him.
Will Jamie be able to enjoy the dancing during the games? Will they be able to admit the intense tension between them as something more?
Read it now in this baseball sports romance, with lots of baseball references, a cute catcher, the most amazing book boyfriend, and the most 'Silly' teammates!
jalowenberg's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
3.75
nbbookery's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
After struggling to come back from an injury mid-season, baseball starts JT gets moved from the major leagues to the entertainment league. Joining the Philly Sillys was against his will, and he is determined to return to the major league as soon as possible. However, his new coach, Cadence, is determined to make him Silly material, even if it's against his will. She's been crushing on the hunky catcher since his trade to Philadelphia, but when she comes face to face with the grumpy athlete, he's not the man she imagined him to be. Their grumpy/sunshine clash is starting to reflect on the rest of the Sillys when a chance locker room encounter brings the tension between them to a boiling point. With new motivation backing his plays, JT finds a reason to better himself. With him and Cady's secret relationship knocking it out of the park, JT knows he's finally where he needs to be.
Although I love a good sports romance, I haven't read many baseball ones. That will be changing very soon if anything even comes close to this story. JT and Cady had explosive chemistry, on and off the field. Every one of those bedroom scenes was literal combustion, and I don't know how any book boyfriend will top JT from here on out. Men, start taking notes. I absolutely devoured this story and ignored all my adult responsibilities for one more chapter, over and over. This was the best escape, full of humor, wit, and so many baseball one-liners. The Philly Sillys are the epitome of found family. I can't wait to see what's next!
Although I love a good sports romance, I haven't read many baseball ones. That will be changing very soon if anything even comes close to this story. JT and Cady had explosive chemistry, on and off the field. Every one of those bedroom scenes was literal combustion, and I don't know how any book boyfriend will top JT from here on out. Men, start taking notes. I absolutely devoured this story and ignored all my adult responsibilities for one more chapter, over and over. This was the best escape, full of humor, wit, and so many baseball one-liners. The Philly Sillys are the epitome of found family. I can't wait to see what's next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol