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Denver Bandits Baseball #3
Calling it Safe
Friends with benefits—that’s the agreement. No commitments. No complications … but it’s never that simple.
At my wit's end, I planned to spend the winter focusing on my writing, away from the soul-sucking grind that’s become my norm. The last person I expected to step in and save me when things go awry is my brother’s teammate, the intense and sometimes grumpy Dean Harrison. This winter my goals are threefold: find my happy place, elevate my writing, and try not to get my heart broken by an aloof baseball player.
Like the ever-growing snowdrifts outside, the tension between us keeps building. Unable to stand it, I suggest we “make each other feel good,” something, it turns out, we excel at. Dean is as emotionally unavailable as he is hot, making it the perfect fix for our mutual attraction.
Cold, detached, and grumpy. All words that describe me. But even the most resistant fall. One mint brownie shake is all it takes to upend my life. Well, that and finding Mia James, looking defeated, ordering a shake to drown her sorrows. She’s my teammate’s sister—someone I have no right wanting, but has been a constant in my fantasies since we met. Finding her alone and dejected is my downfall.
Weeks later, with her head in the clouds, she waltzes into my cabin and turns everything upside down. Now I’m questioning all the reasons I’ve kept myself closed off for more than a decade. But will the secrets I’ve held onto for so long hold me back? Or will I succeed at shedding my past and going after the one person who makes me believe in a better version of myself? Her.
At my wit's end, I planned to spend the winter focusing on my writing, away from the soul-sucking grind that’s become my norm. The last person I expected to step in and save me when things go awry is my brother’s teammate, the intense and sometimes grumpy Dean Harrison. This winter my goals are threefold: find my happy place, elevate my writing, and try not to get my heart broken by an aloof baseball player.
Like the ever-growing snowdrifts outside, the tension between us keeps building. Unable to stand it, I suggest we “make each other feel good,” something, it turns out, we excel at. Dean is as emotionally unavailable as he is hot, making it the perfect fix for our mutual attraction.
Cold, detached, and grumpy. All words that describe me. But even the most resistant fall. One mint brownie shake is all it takes to upend my life. Well, that and finding Mia James, looking defeated, ordering a shake to drown her sorrows. She’s my teammate’s sister—someone I have no right wanting, but has been a constant in my fantasies since we met. Finding her alone and dejected is my downfall.
Weeks later, with her head in the clouds, she waltzes into my cabin and turns everything upside down. Now I’m questioning all the reasons I’ve kept myself closed off for more than a decade. But will the secrets I’ve held onto for so long hold me back? Or will I succeed at shedding my past and going after the one person who makes me believe in a better version of myself? Her.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2024
61 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Lo Everett
12 books180 followersHey! I'm Lo. As an avid reader I love contemporary romance with a side of humor. That's what you'll find in my books. I live for quirky characters that make you fall in love with them and equally intriguing secondary characters.
I sat down to write my first book because I was dying for more sports romance after devouring everything out there.
If I am not writing, you can find me watching my kids play sports, hiking with my girlfriends, or on vacation to a new place.
I sat down to write my first book because I was dying for more sports romance after devouring everything out there.
If I am not writing, you can find me watching my kids play sports, hiking with my girlfriends, or on vacation to a new place.
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April 28, 2024
Dean Harrison - welcome to the top book boyfriends’ collection.
📖 Calling it Safe
📝 Lo Everett
🗓️ 04/30/2024
⚾️ sports romance
📱 read on kindle (arc)
📚 book 3 • Denver Bandits Baseball series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
💭 overall thoughts:
Mia’s thoughts had me laughing out loud, the tension between the two was 🔥😮💨 & the sweet, meaningful gifts from Dean had me melting 🫠
I simply adored these two, it gave me all the feels, and I loved it so much.
All the books in this series have been 5⭐️ reads for me (reviews are coming eventually!), but this one is my fav 🥰
✍🏼⚾️MCs:
We’ve got romance writer Mia James, sister to Hendrix (All on the Line).
Brother’s teammate, Dean Harrison, the broken boy who thinks he’s not good enough, but the only thing that’s not enough is his confidence in himself.
They were absolutely perfect for each other!
📖 story:
I loved how mature the conversations and actions were between these two. They both needed something from one another, but also on their own, and time to figure everything out.
🤍side characters:
Happy to get Poppy/Hendrix + Lilac/Cruz updates, and the next book NEEDS to be Indie + Dom 🙏🏼
tropes + topics:
🏠 temporary roommates in a winter cabin
💛 friends with benefits
⚾️ baseball player mmc
✍🏼 romance writer fmc
🩵 brother’s teammate
☀️ grumpy sunshine
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
✨ books with similar vibes:
♡ Catching Feelings by Maren Moore (baseball player mmc, writer fmc, temporary roommates)
♡ The Right Move by Liz Tomforde (roommates, grumpy sunshine, found family)
Thank you to author Lo Everett for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
📖 Calling it Safe
📝 Lo Everett
🗓️ 04/30/2024
⚾️ sports romance
📱 read on kindle (arc)
📚 book 3 • Denver Bandits Baseball series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
💭 overall thoughts:
Mia’s thoughts had me laughing out loud, the tension between the two was 🔥😮💨 & the sweet, meaningful gifts from Dean had me melting 🫠
I simply adored these two, it gave me all the feels, and I loved it so much.
All the books in this series have been 5⭐️ reads for me (reviews are coming eventually!), but this one is my fav 🥰
✍🏼⚾️MCs:
We’ve got romance writer Mia James, sister to Hendrix (All on the Line).
Brother’s teammate, Dean Harrison, the broken boy who thinks he’s not good enough, but the only thing that’s not enough is his confidence in himself.
They were absolutely perfect for each other!
📖 story:
I loved how mature the conversations and actions were between these two. They both needed something from one another, but also on their own, and time to figure everything out.
🤍side characters:
Happy to get Poppy/Hendrix + Lilac/Cruz updates, and the next book NEEDS to be Indie + Dom 🙏🏼
tropes + topics:
🏠 temporary roommates in a winter cabin
💛 friends with benefits
⚾️ baseball player mmc
✍🏼 romance writer fmc
🩵 brother’s teammate
☀️ grumpy sunshine
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
✨ books with similar vibes:
♡ Catching Feelings by Maren Moore (baseball player mmc, writer fmc, temporary roommates)
♡ The Right Move by Liz Tomforde (roommates, grumpy sunshine, found family)
Thank you to author Lo Everett for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
April 30, 2024
If Dean and Mia have 10,000 fans, I am one of them.
If Dean and Mia have 20 fans, I am one of them.
If Dean and Mia have 1 fan, I am that fan.
If Dean and Mia have no fans, I am dead.
I loved everything about Mia and Dean’s story, even their time apart. The third act of this story made perfect sense to me given all we had learned about these two, it was nice to see them wrap up what they needed to in that time. The only reason this isn’t a full five star is because I think one conversation could’ve happened as this time was coming or a note or something. It would’ve made a little more sense within each character’s behavior we witnessed up until that point. That being said, I can’t get over how well Lo Everett balanced them dealing with their respective traumas, the tension between them, and how soft they were each other. I loved this so much 🥲
If Dean and Mia have 20 fans, I am one of them.
If Dean and Mia have 1 fan, I am that fan.
If Dean and Mia have no fans, I am dead.
I loved everything about Mia and Dean’s story, even their time apart. The third act of this story made perfect sense to me given all we had learned about these two, it was nice to see them wrap up what they needed to in that time. The only reason this isn’t a full five star is because I think one conversation could’ve happened as this time was coming or a note or something. It would’ve made a little more sense within each character’s behavior we witnessed up until that point. That being said, I can’t get over how well Lo Everett balanced them dealing with their respective traumas, the tension between them, and how soft they were each other. I loved this so much 🥲
September 7, 2024
4.5⭐️ This book was so delightful spicy I loved it! Dean & Mia were so drawn to each other, caught up in their cozy little nook of the world.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
May 23, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
OMG I AM NOT OKAY 🥹🥹 This book emotionally destroyed me, made me swoon, made me overheat, ripped my heart out and then put it back together again. It was so dang good, and I can’t stop thinking about these characters.
I want a love like Mia and Dean! Hands down soulmate vibes and everything you could ever want out of a love story. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Baseball Player MMC
✨ Author FMC
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Reformed Playboy
I loved this so much. Mia and Dean are magnetic from the first time they meet! He is her brother’s teammate and an absolute closed off grump, and she is an optimistic romance author. When Mia’s plans to spend the winter writing in seclusion fall through, Dean offers up his house to her, even though he knows he should stay far away.
The push and pull between these two was fantastic, and Mia sees right through to the best parts of Dean even if he can’t see them for himself. I love how gone he was for her the minute he met her and she had no clue. Plus calls her Dreamer 🫠🫠🫠 swoon.
This book has excellent communication, positively Spicy spice, and balances a stunning love story with two people sorting out their emotional baggage. Everything just works so well, and the angst nearly tore me apart, but then their love put me back together again.
I also loved the found family aspect and how much the team and the girls leaned on and supported each other!
This is an absolute must read and Lo’s best book yet! I cannot wait for Dom’s story!
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
OMG I AM NOT OKAY 🥹🥹 This book emotionally destroyed me, made me swoon, made me overheat, ripped my heart out and then put it back together again. It was so dang good, and I can’t stop thinking about these characters.
I want a love like Mia and Dean! Hands down soulmate vibes and everything you could ever want out of a love story. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Baseball Player MMC
✨ Author FMC
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Reformed Playboy
I loved this so much. Mia and Dean are magnetic from the first time they meet! He is her brother’s teammate and an absolute closed off grump, and she is an optimistic romance author. When Mia’s plans to spend the winter writing in seclusion fall through, Dean offers up his house to her, even though he knows he should stay far away.
The push and pull between these two was fantastic, and Mia sees right through to the best parts of Dean even if he can’t see them for himself. I love how gone he was for her the minute he met her and she had no clue. Plus calls her Dreamer 🫠🫠🫠 swoon.
This book has excellent communication, positively Spicy spice, and balances a stunning love story with two people sorting out their emotional baggage. Everything just works so well, and the angst nearly tore me apart, but then their love put me back together again.
I also loved the found family aspect and how much the team and the girls leaned on and supported each other!
This is an absolute must read and Lo’s best book yet! I cannot wait for Dom’s story!
April 21, 2024
⚾️ ARC Book Review ⚾️
Author Lo Everett
Published April 30, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A grump and a sunshine!
Friends with benefits to lovers?! You will have to read the book to find out!
Mia is an author!
Dean is a professional baseball player!
During Dean's off season he is back at thid cabin in Colorado and he allows Mia to stay there with him do she can continue writing her book!!
I loved how Dean took Mia on a snowmobile ride, ice skating, and to s personal hot chocolate bar. Complete with marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and whipped topping! Yummy, o love hot chocolate!!
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I love romance sports books! I really liked how Lo wrote this book, she definitely made me laugh! I highly recommend reading this one!
Great job Lo, keep up the great work 😄 Thank you for giving me the great opportunity to be an ARC reviewer for your new book!!
Author Lo Everett
Published April 30, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A grump and a sunshine!
Friends with benefits to lovers?! You will have to read the book to find out!
Mia is an author!
Dean is a professional baseball player!
During Dean's off season he is back at thid cabin in Colorado and he allows Mia to stay there with him do she can continue writing her book!!
I loved how Dean took Mia on a snowmobile ride, ice skating, and to s personal hot chocolate bar. Complete with marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and whipped topping! Yummy, o love hot chocolate!!
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I love romance sports books! I really liked how Lo wrote this book, she definitely made me laugh! I highly recommend reading this one!
Great job Lo, keep up the great work 😄 Thank you for giving me the great opportunity to be an ARC reviewer for your new book!!
April 30, 2024
- Brother’s Teammate
- Friends with benefits
- Close Proximity
- Baseball player X Spicy romance author
- Found Family
This is the third book in the Denver Bandits series, but can be read as a standalone.
Lo Everett simply knocked it out of the park with Mia and Dean. I loved them so much. Their story, their maturity, their undeniable chemistry so good. Describing Dean as a burnt marshmallow was perfection, he really does have a tough crunchy exterior due to his past, but underneath he is a loving, caring, supportive gooey mess. I highly recommend this whole series.
I really really hope the next book is Dom and Indie! 🤞🏼
- Friends with benefits
- Close Proximity
- Baseball player X Spicy romance author
- Found Family
This is the third book in the Denver Bandits series, but can be read as a standalone.
Lo Everett simply knocked it out of the park with Mia and Dean. I loved them so much. Their story, their maturity, their undeniable chemistry so good. Describing Dean as a burnt marshmallow was perfection, he really does have a tough crunchy exterior due to his past, but underneath he is a loving, caring, supportive gooey mess. I highly recommend this whole series.
I really really hope the next book is Dom and Indie! 🤞🏼
April 20, 2024
ARC Review
4.5 ⭐️
Dean Harrison, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody, professional athlete, gray sweat pant wearing snack of a man. His past is something he has never been able to move on from, impacting his desire to avoid relationships at all costs.
Mia James, sister to Dean's teammate, Hendrix, is such a sweet soul. She also writes the books we all love to read, so imagine where she finds inspiration for a new project, when she agrees to live with Dean for a few months
Lo writes a beautiful story of love, hope, healing, and trusting in yourself - of finding your home, and knowing that might be in form of people, as opposed to a place.
Calling It Safe releases 04/30!
4.5 ⭐️
Dean Harrison, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody, professional athlete, gray sweat pant wearing snack of a man. His past is something he has never been able to move on from, impacting his desire to avoid relationships at all costs.
Mia James, sister to Dean's teammate, Hendrix, is such a sweet soul. She also writes the books we all love to read, so imagine where she finds inspiration for a new project, when she agrees to live with Dean for a few months
Lo writes a beautiful story of love, hope, healing, and trusting in yourself - of finding your home, and knowing that might be in form of people, as opposed to a place.
Calling It Safe releases 04/30!
April 25, 2024
Lo is a new to me author, and I’m so so glad I discovered her books via Instagram because I am HOOKED.
I ate this book up in just 2 days. I loved the plot, pacing, characters, found family aspect, and… the SPICE🌶️. Let me tell you, it was spicin’😏😮💨
This book is #3 in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Blurb: Mia James needs an escape. She’s feeling burnt out from her busy career as an author and her well of inspiration is running dry. She hatches the perfect plan for a getaway in the mountains of Telluride to recharge and regroup. However, the perfect plan comes crashing down when the cabin she rented out is no longer available.
Enter Dean- the tall, dark and brooding baseball player from her brother’s MLB team. In a surprising turn of events, Dean offers for Mia to stay at his cabin in the mountains of Telluride with him for the winter while he too rests and recharges during their off season. It’s simple- they each keep to themselves - Mia gets some writing done for her books and Dean goes snowboarding and hiking like he does every winter… But things get a little cozy in the cabin, and little by little Mia discovers that Dean is not the brooding grump he portrays to the world. He is fiercely loyal to his mom, brother, and sister. He adores his two nieces. He runs a large sports charity for kids. And to top it all off, he’s exceptionally kind and attentive to Mia during their winter getaway. But Dean insists he’s not the man that Mia should ever fall for. He’s nothing like the men she writes about in her romance novels. He’s got baggage, and she should know better than to try and unpack it. But lines blur, a friendship forms, and soon enough the two are falling for one another. However, what will it take for them to admit their feelings and put all hesitancy aside? I guess you’ll just have to read to find out 😉
I’m always so excited to find new authors and dive into their writing style and the worlds they create. Lo, I absolutely adored both Mia and Dean’s characters. I love a man who’s grumpy but “soft just for her.” And Mia - what a creative little spitfire! I feel like I want to be friends with her. Witnessing Dean and Mia’s character growth throughout the story was *chef’s kiss*
I’m so excited for the other books in the series, especially Dom and Indie 🤭🤞🏼
Read if you like:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Forced proximity
- Baseball romance
- Brother’s friend/teammate
- Found family
- Strong girl gang
- Spice
- HEA
I ate this book up in just 2 days. I loved the plot, pacing, characters, found family aspect, and… the SPICE🌶️. Let me tell you, it was spicin’😏😮💨
This book is #3 in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Blurb: Mia James needs an escape. She’s feeling burnt out from her busy career as an author and her well of inspiration is running dry. She hatches the perfect plan for a getaway in the mountains of Telluride to recharge and regroup. However, the perfect plan comes crashing down when the cabin she rented out is no longer available.
Enter Dean- the tall, dark and brooding baseball player from her brother’s MLB team. In a surprising turn of events, Dean offers for Mia to stay at his cabin in the mountains of Telluride with him for the winter while he too rests and recharges during their off season. It’s simple- they each keep to themselves - Mia gets some writing done for her books and Dean goes snowboarding and hiking like he does every winter… But things get a little cozy in the cabin, and little by little Mia discovers that Dean is not the brooding grump he portrays to the world. He is fiercely loyal to his mom, brother, and sister. He adores his two nieces. He runs a large sports charity for kids. And to top it all off, he’s exceptionally kind and attentive to Mia during their winter getaway. But Dean insists he’s not the man that Mia should ever fall for. He’s nothing like the men she writes about in her romance novels. He’s got baggage, and she should know better than to try and unpack it. But lines blur, a friendship forms, and soon enough the two are falling for one another. However, what will it take for them to admit their feelings and put all hesitancy aside? I guess you’ll just have to read to find out 😉
I’m always so excited to find new authors and dive into their writing style and the worlds they create. Lo, I absolutely adored both Mia and Dean’s characters. I love a man who’s grumpy but “soft just for her.” And Mia - what a creative little spitfire! I feel like I want to be friends with her. Witnessing Dean and Mia’s character growth throughout the story was *chef’s kiss*
I’m so excited for the other books in the series, especially Dom and Indie 🤭🤞🏼
Read if you like:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Forced proximity
- Baseball romance
- Brother’s friend/teammate
- Found family
- Strong girl gang
- Spice
- HEA
April 30, 2024
This was perfection. Exactly what I was needing and just so good. I couldn’t put it down 😍
“That’s all you. But if you need me to catch you so that you can get back up and show everyone all the things that you’re capable of, I’ll pick you up every single time.”
Mia’s personality and character were the best! I loved seeing her set boundaries and put herself first with her career. I loved how caring she was for her friends and Dean. She is just such a lovable character ☺️
Dean is something else. Let me just tell you. He is THE definition of a burnt marshmallow guy. Because yes, he’s broody and mean- sometimes on the verge of being too mean- but underneath that black, crunchy exterior he is such a loving, SUPPORTIVE, and caring man. When he does care for someone, you will know through not only his words but his actions! Seeing that care aimed towards Mia? Made me the giddiest person in the entire world! Another thing that was amazing? The maturity. The communication. I was so happy to see him and Mia talk things out or be like “hey, I need a little bit to think about this before I say something I’ll regret.” That was refreshing to see and made me fall in love with him even more! 💖🫶🏼
This series has quickly became one of my favorites! I cannot wait to see what’s next for the Denver Bandits ⚾️🥳
Thank you @loeverettbooks for allowing me to read and review! 🫶🏼
April 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mia is feeling lost in the grind of writing her romance novels. Wanting to do something for herself for once, she decides to rent a cabin in the mountains for the winter. But when all the rentals sell out, her brother’s grumpy teammate Dean Harrison offers for her to stay at his cabin with him. As the snow falls, the tension inside the cabin builds. Can Dean drop the walls he’s built around his heart and let himself open his heart for Mia or will secrets he’s kept from his past leave him closed off, losing the best thing that’s ever happened to him?
📕 Grumpy x Sunshine
⚾️ Pro baseball x Romance author
📕 Friends with benefits to lovers
⚾️ Brother’s teammate
📕 Forced proximity
⚾️ Found family
📕 He remembers her coffee order
⚾️ SPICE
🌶️🌶️🌶️
MIA AND DEAN!!! I absolutely loved them as a couple. The tension at the beginning of the story was amazing. Dean was the perfect amount of grumpy but sweet for her. I love the way he took care of her in little ways that added up to mean a lot. And I love how steadfast and loyal Mia was to Dean. She just kept chipping away at his hard exterior no matter what Dean threw her way or how he kept her at arms length.
The side characters were wonderful and Nana Janet was my absolute favorite of the bunch.
I really connected to the conflict in Dean’s past and loved how that was written in the story.
The only thing I didn’t love was the conflict involving Dean and 2 of their friends. It just wasn’t my favorite and I thought it came up in a weird way and telling Mia was really glossed over but it wasn’t a big part of the book so I didn’t mind it.
🖤 Thank you to Lo Everett for the e-ARC for Calling it Safe in exchange for my honest opinion 🖤
Mia is feeling lost in the grind of writing her romance novels. Wanting to do something for herself for once, she decides to rent a cabin in the mountains for the winter. But when all the rentals sell out, her brother’s grumpy teammate Dean Harrison offers for her to stay at his cabin with him. As the snow falls, the tension inside the cabin builds. Can Dean drop the walls he’s built around his heart and let himself open his heart for Mia or will secrets he’s kept from his past leave him closed off, losing the best thing that’s ever happened to him?
📕 Grumpy x Sunshine
⚾️ Pro baseball x Romance author
📕 Friends with benefits to lovers
⚾️ Brother’s teammate
📕 Forced proximity
⚾️ Found family
📕 He remembers her coffee order
⚾️ SPICE
🌶️🌶️🌶️
MIA AND DEAN!!! I absolutely loved them as a couple. The tension at the beginning of the story was amazing. Dean was the perfect amount of grumpy but sweet for her. I love the way he took care of her in little ways that added up to mean a lot. And I love how steadfast and loyal Mia was to Dean. She just kept chipping away at his hard exterior no matter what Dean threw her way or how he kept her at arms length.
The side characters were wonderful and Nana Janet was my absolute favorite of the bunch.
I really connected to the conflict in Dean’s past and loved how that was written in the story.
The only thing I didn’t love was the conflict involving Dean and 2 of their friends. It just wasn’t my favorite and I thought it came up in a weird way and telling Mia was really glossed over but it wasn’t a big part of the book so I didn’t mind it.
🖤 Thank you to Lo Everett for the e-ARC for Calling it Safe in exchange for my honest opinion 🖤
May 1, 2024
This is my first Lo Everett book & I'm kind of mad about it. Like someone should have warned me that she writes like this, I would never have waited so long! This was AH MAY ZING
This brothers teammate / forced prox romance was everything you need. You've got a broken, grumpy baseball player & the radiant ball of sunshine romance author.
Some things I really loved
1. He teaches her how to snowboard
2. Um, the scene within the lift!? Lord
3. The marshmellow quote made my heart soar.
4. The CHRISTMAS GIFT - oh my
5. The use of words like "grumpopatamus" & "twatwaffle" 😂
6. Nana. Friggin Nana is hilarious. I love her so much.
7. The "backside" inspiration scene where he READS what she wrote 😍
I liked the relationship between Dean & Mia. They both have their own insecurities and still uplift the other. Granted, they don't initially uplift themselves, but being able to work together to work through that was so fun to see.
The family drama with Dean's dad & grandfather was enough to make anyone bitter, so it definitely was written in a way that made Dean's "grumpopatamus" behavior justifiable.
I loved that our Mia was an author. There are parts where you get to read her work. So, in a way, you got like a book within a book. That was nifty
This brothers teammate / forced prox romance was everything you need. You've got a broken, grumpy baseball player & the radiant ball of sunshine romance author.
Some things I really loved
1. He teaches her how to snowboard
2. Um, the scene within the lift!? Lord
3. The marshmellow quote made my heart soar.
4. The CHRISTMAS GIFT - oh my
5. The use of words like "grumpopatamus" & "twatwaffle" 😂
6. Nana. Friggin Nana is hilarious. I love her so much.
7. The "backside" inspiration scene where he READS what she wrote 😍
I liked the relationship between Dean & Mia. They both have their own insecurities and still uplift the other. Granted, they don't initially uplift themselves, but being able to work together to work through that was so fun to see.
The family drama with Dean's dad & grandfather was enough to make anyone bitter, so it definitely was written in a way that made Dean's "grumpopatamus" behavior justifiable.
I loved that our Mia was an author. There are parts where you get to read her work. So, in a way, you got like a book within a book. That was nifty
May 2, 2024
Calling It Safe by @loeverettbooks
⚾️ Out Now
Lo is a new author to me and let me tell you, she brings all the feels and all the spice!! Calling It Safe is the third book in the Denver Bandits series but can be read as a stand alone. And I, for one, cannot wait to go back and read the first two. Standalone shmandalone! I will read them all!
Now, we HAVE to talk about Dean and Mia 🫶
Mia needs a place to get away and write. Here comes Dean to the rescue with his cozy winter cabin.
This grumpy sunshine duo, turned friends with benefits, turned lovers have me simply dead.
The banter they had with each other really made their relationship special and enjoyable. I truly adore Mia, and Dean is now absolutely on the roster for top book boyfriend. I mean, he gives the MOST thoughtful gifts… and that mouth 🥵
We also get such a great sense of found family with their teammates and friends. Something that I love reading and when done well, really hooks you into a book! Lo knocks this out of the park!
I am ready for Dom's story, but while I wait, don’t bother me… I'll be reading the first two books 👀
⚾️ Out Now
Lo is a new author to me and let me tell you, she brings all the feels and all the spice!! Calling It Safe is the third book in the Denver Bandits series but can be read as a stand alone. And I, for one, cannot wait to go back and read the first two. Standalone shmandalone! I will read them all!
Now, we HAVE to talk about Dean and Mia 🫶
Mia needs a place to get away and write. Here comes Dean to the rescue with his cozy winter cabin.
This grumpy sunshine duo, turned friends with benefits, turned lovers have me simply dead.
The banter they had with each other really made their relationship special and enjoyable. I truly adore Mia, and Dean is now absolutely on the roster for top book boyfriend. I mean, he gives the MOST thoughtful gifts… and that mouth 🥵
We also get such a great sense of found family with their teammates and friends. Something that I love reading and when done well, really hooks you into a book! Lo knocks this out of the park!
I am ready for Dom's story, but while I wait, don’t bother me… I'll be reading the first two books 👀
August 8, 2024
I loooooved this book! How did it take me so long to read it? It was absolutely adorable and the tension was SO GOOD. Dean Harrison was Book Boyfriend goals, 10/10. I loved him so much!
These tropes are my favorite so I started here, but now wish I had started from the beginning! It was super easy to read (even jumping into book 3) but I want the salacious details that happened before it started!! More than once I said-
"No.. She won't.. Oh, ok! She's going there.. Yeap. Ok. Good stuff!"
Mia and Dean's chemistry was soo good, both in and out of the bedroom. The spice was SOLID and I loved how the tension built. The roommates/forced proximity made all of it come together beautifully and I loved every freaking minute!
I felt like my heart was brought through a rollercoaster from start to finish. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I fell in love.. and every moment just made sense. They were adults who communicated but had to make their lives make sense to make their relationship make sense. I though the flow was so easy and made the book a pleasure to read. Just.. read this book. The second I get a break I am finishing the series!!!
These tropes are my favorite so I started here, but now wish I had started from the beginning! It was super easy to read (even jumping into book 3) but I want the salacious details that happened before it started!! More than once I said-
"No.. She won't.. Oh, ok! She's going there.. Yeap. Ok. Good stuff!"
Mia and Dean's chemistry was soo good, both in and out of the bedroom. The spice was SOLID and I loved how the tension built. The roommates/forced proximity made all of it come together beautifully and I loved every freaking minute!
I felt like my heart was brought through a rollercoaster from start to finish. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I fell in love.. and every moment just made sense. They were adults who communicated but had to make their lives make sense to make their relationship make sense. I though the flow was so easy and made the book a pleasure to read. Just.. read this book. The second I get a break I am finishing the series!!!
April 25, 2024
This was my first book by Lo and I AM IN LOVE!!! The fact that this series’ baseball team is in Denver sold me without knowing anything else simply because I live in Denver and baseball is my weakness🫠 But man was this AMAZING!!
Dean Harrison is the first baseman for the Denver Bandits. When he and his friends go on a vacation when the season ends, the last thing he is expecting is to take notice of his teammates sister. He doesn’t take action on his feelings because he knows better, but forgetting Mia James is hard to do.
When Hendrix asks Dean for a favor (that favor being sharing his cabin in Telluride for the winter with Mia), he doesn’t know how to say no. But when he runs into Mia, he offers right away because he wants to get to know her. This turns into a 3 month friends to lovers to friends with benefits situation. They both have feelings, but Dean is battling demons from his past and until he faces those…
Will Mia be left heartbroken? Or will Dean finally address the demons to take back control of his life?
I absolutely loved this SO MUCH. All the feels. The tension was *chefs kiss* and I can’t wait for y’all to read it!!!
Dean Harrison is the first baseman for the Denver Bandits. When he and his friends go on a vacation when the season ends, the last thing he is expecting is to take notice of his teammates sister. He doesn’t take action on his feelings because he knows better, but forgetting Mia James is hard to do.
When Hendrix asks Dean for a favor (that favor being sharing his cabin in Telluride for the winter with Mia), he doesn’t know how to say no. But when he runs into Mia, he offers right away because he wants to get to know her. This turns into a 3 month friends to lovers to friends with benefits situation. They both have feelings, but Dean is battling demons from his past and until he faces those…
Will Mia be left heartbroken? Or will Dean finally address the demons to take back control of his life?
I absolutely loved this SO MUCH. All the feels. The tension was *chefs kiss* and I can’t wait for y’all to read it!!!
May 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
First- I’d like to thank Lo Everett and Lo Everett books for the ARC!
Calling it Safe is a Sports Romance that follows Mia James. A young, successful, talented writer, and sister to Denver Bandits baseball star.
After pushing herself to write and publish several novels in a short time span- she decides that she is well due for a break and books herself a snowy mountain vacation!
However, once she gets there she learns that her cabin in the mountains has been canceled.
Enter Dean Harrison, her brother’s brooding, sexy teammate. He has a cabin with two rooms he’s willing to share.
As tensions and snowdrifts grow, will they strike out or will they call each other safe.
I absolutely loved this book! I didn’t realize that it was part of a series when I accepted the ARC, but I absolutely loved the characters.
Nana was hands down my favorite, she had so many hilarious moments.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
First- I’d like to thank Lo Everett and Lo Everett books for the ARC!
Calling it Safe is a Sports Romance that follows Mia James. A young, successful, talented writer, and sister to Denver Bandits baseball star.
After pushing herself to write and publish several novels in a short time span- she decides that she is well due for a break and books herself a snowy mountain vacation!
However, once she gets there she learns that her cabin in the mountains has been canceled.
Enter Dean Harrison, her brother’s brooding, sexy teammate. He has a cabin with two rooms he’s willing to share.
As tensions and snowdrifts grow, will they strike out or will they call each other safe.
I absolutely loved this book! I didn’t realize that it was part of a series when I accepted the ARC, but I absolutely loved the characters.
Nana was hands down my favorite, she had so many hilarious moments.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
May 2, 2024
eARC Review:
Thank you Lo Everett for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy!
This was my first time reading a book written by Lo and it was a sweet and spicy read! I loved the character development for Mia and Dean. Both character are struggling with something in their personal lives and are trying to find ways move past them.
Mia is a successful romance author with a serious case of self doubt. She has been struggling to connect with her work and she feels uninspired. Her failed attempts at dating has been icing on the cake. She decides she needs a getaway for the winter to clear her head and find her inspiration.
Dean is the playboy pro first basemen for the Denver Bandits. Dean is the classic pro athlete playboy. Never had a real relationship, never hooks up with someone more than once and always when they are traveling for games. His past has limited his ability to form real relationships with people especially women. He has baggage with his family that he struggles with every day and it weighs him down. He uses his cabin in the mountains as an escape. It’s the place he finds peace and is able to feel like himself again.
Dean offers Mia his spare room in his cabin when her accommodations fall through. He plans to keep his distance, until their mutual attraction becomes too much. They agree to “make each other feel good” until he leaves for spring training and she leave for her book tour. They never meant to let it turn into more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
• brothers teammate
• forced proximity
• friends with benefits
• secret relationship
Thank you Lo Everett for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy!
This was my first time reading a book written by Lo and it was a sweet and spicy read! I loved the character development for Mia and Dean. Both character are struggling with something in their personal lives and are trying to find ways move past them.
Mia is a successful romance author with a serious case of self doubt. She has been struggling to connect with her work and she feels uninspired. Her failed attempts at dating has been icing on the cake. She decides she needs a getaway for the winter to clear her head and find her inspiration.
Dean is the playboy pro first basemen for the Denver Bandits. Dean is the classic pro athlete playboy. Never had a real relationship, never hooks up with someone more than once and always when they are traveling for games. His past has limited his ability to form real relationships with people especially women. He has baggage with his family that he struggles with every day and it weighs him down. He uses his cabin in the mountains as an escape. It’s the place he finds peace and is able to feel like himself again.
Dean offers Mia his spare room in his cabin when her accommodations fall through. He plans to keep his distance, until their mutual attraction becomes too much. They agree to “make each other feel good” until he leaves for spring training and she leave for her book tour. They never meant to let it turn into more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
• brothers teammate
• forced proximity
• friends with benefits
• secret relationship
May 7, 2024
I read this book in a day, and I'm obsessed with this series and these characters. Mia and Dean have appeared in the previous books in the series. Dean is the grumpy baseball player and Mia is the sunshine romance author. Mia is also the sister of Hendrix, who is the MMC in the first book in the series. I loved hearing updates about Hendrix and Poppy and Cruz and Lilah. I am so intrigued by Dom and Indie, and I hope they are the main characters in book 4.
Mia and Dean was such a slow burn, and it added so much to their tension and chemistry. Living in a cabin for the winter made me miss snow and winter so much. It made me long for cold days, snuggling up by a fire with a hot chocolate. Mia and Dean brought out the best in each other, and seeing their love develop was so steamy and so much fun.
Mia and Dean was such a slow burn, and it added so much to their tension and chemistry. Living in a cabin for the winter made me miss snow and winter so much. It made me long for cold days, snuggling up by a fire with a hot chocolate. Mia and Dean brought out the best in each other, and seeing their love develop was so steamy and so much fun.
April 29, 2024
ARC REVIEW
3.5 ⭐️
This was such a cute and fun read. I loved the setting (a beautiful cabin in the woods, in winter!), it just made me realize I need to hide in a cabin during winter at some point in my life and maybe meet my own Mr. Tall, dark and broody up there whose actually a giant marshmallow. I also loved the way Dean showed his love, with the little gestures and how he cared. His kindness was inspiring. I will also definitely need to read the rest of this series especially Hen‘s and Poppy‘s story!
The setting was perfect, the spice was spicing and the ending was great.
3.5 ⭐️
This was such a cute and fun read. I loved the setting (a beautiful cabin in the woods, in winter!), it just made me realize I need to hide in a cabin during winter at some point in my life and maybe meet my own Mr. Tall, dark and broody up there whose actually a giant marshmallow. I also loved the way Dean showed his love, with the little gestures and how he cared. His kindness was inspiring. I will also definitely need to read the rest of this series especially Hen‘s and Poppy‘s story!
The setting was perfect, the spice was spicing and the ending was great.
dnf
May 3, 2024The author was kind enough to select me for an ARC. However, I tried and just couldn’t get into the story. I found myself confused by all the characters in the beginning and the story seemed to jump from point A to point C with no in between. The FMC didn’t want anything to do with the MMC one night, but quite quickly she was all about him. I know most books are like that but there’s usually context in between. This just wasn’t it for me, and I don’t think I should rate it because I DNF at only about 20% of the book.
May 4, 2024
* ARC * Grumpy/Sunshine
This book checked all the boxes. It was the perfect balance of emotional and romantic. With a good amount of spice.
You have Mia, who is a romance author and Dean, who is a grumpy baseball player.
This is a beautiful story about loving each other for who we are. Mia knew about Dean's past, and she knew it was something that still haunted him. Dean didn't believe he was worthy of her. It was incredibly heart-warming seeing them work on themselves first.
🌶🌶🌶/5
This book checked all the boxes. It was the perfect balance of emotional and romantic. With a good amount of spice.
You have Mia, who is a romance author and Dean, who is a grumpy baseball player.
This is a beautiful story about loving each other for who we are. Mia knew about Dean's past, and she knew it was something that still haunted him. Dean didn't believe he was worthy of her. It was incredibly heart-warming seeing them work on themselves first.
🌶🌶🌶/5
April 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ First, this whole series is wonderful and I really just want to hang with the Bandits all the time.
Second, Dean likes to pretend he is a jerk but is fooling no one, least of all Mia! He is putty for her from the start, going out of his way to take care of her and doing sweet things for her.
I was totally here for the friends with benefits, especially when the friend is a hot professional baseball player. I love their friendship and banter.
“It’s a well-known fact that women go nuts for being manhandled. We’re not complicated. Lift us, throw some compliments our way, and feed us. That’s basically all it takes to keep us content.”
Same Mia, same.
I was given an ARC copy of this book and my opinions are my own.
Second, Dean likes to pretend he is a jerk but is fooling no one, least of all Mia! He is putty for her from the start, going out of his way to take care of her and doing sweet things for her.
I was totally here for the friends with benefits, especially when the friend is a hot professional baseball player. I love their friendship and banter.
“It’s a well-known fact that women go nuts for being manhandled. We’re not complicated. Lift us, throw some compliments our way, and feed us. That’s basically all it takes to keep us content.”
Same Mia, same.
I was given an ARC copy of this book and my opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
At this point, just give me whatever Lo Everett is coming up with because I'm going to love it. I love Dean and Mia exactly as much as I loved the other couples in this interconnected (but able to be read standalone) series. Oh and holy hell the scene after they watch Home Alone 2. 🥵
April 29, 2024
I received this as an eARC via email, and I'm so glad I did!
This was my first Lo Everett book, and now I want to read the other two in the series! Calling It Safe had the perfect amount of plot, character development, and spice assembled all into one. Tropes included forced proximity, brothers' teammates, and friends with benefits, and all were written together beautifully!
I loved how the timeline was spread out, and it didn't all happen overnight. The characters grew, changed, and faced their shortcomings head-on, allowing them to develop together, as well as separately. Mia needed encouragement to become a better writer, and Dean needed help reconciling with his family after a long kept, secret tore them apart years ago. The subplot of Dean's family was one of the best parts of this book. Everett could have spent the whole book on the relationship, but that extra plot increased my attention and desire to keep reading.
This was my first Lo Everett book, and now I want to read the other two in the series! Calling It Safe had the perfect amount of plot, character development, and spice assembled all into one. Tropes included forced proximity, brothers' teammates, and friends with benefits, and all were written together beautifully!
I loved how the timeline was spread out, and it didn't all happen overnight. The characters grew, changed, and faced their shortcomings head-on, allowing them to develop together, as well as separately. Mia needed encouragement to become a better writer, and Dean needed help reconciling with his family after a long kept, secret tore them apart years ago. The subplot of Dean's family was one of the best parts of this book. Everett could have spent the whole book on the relationship, but that extra plot increased my attention and desire to keep reading.
May 1, 2024
Gahhhhh this book was everything! Grumpy sunshine and all! The growth Dean and Mia were able to make personally and together could be relatable for anyone! Mental health discussed in such a positive manner, as well as the characters being able to communicate their feelings! Goodness this book was everything you hope for in today’s relationships! I am excited to see how the rest of this group fairs! If I could give half stars I would this book was for sureeeee a 4.5/5!!
Tropes:
⚾️ forced proximity
⚾️ grumpy / sunshine
⚾️ spicyyyyyy 3/5
⚾️ pro athlete / author
⚾️ second chance
⚾️ mental health / therapy
⚾️ found family
⚾️ brothers teammate
This was an ARC read and I’m so thankful to the author and their team for allowing me to read this early! I’m so excited for what’s to come!!
Tropes:
⚾️ forced proximity
⚾️ grumpy / sunshine
⚾️ spicyyyyyy 3/5
⚾️ pro athlete / author
⚾️ second chance
⚾️ mental health / therapy
⚾️ found family
⚾️ brothers teammate
This was an ARC read and I’m so thankful to the author and their team for allowing me to read this early! I’m so excited for what’s to come!!
May 14, 2024
Calling it Safe follows Mia as she fights through writer's block and unhappiness in her job. She decides she needs a getaway in order to finish her novel and her brother's teammate, Dean, has just the place.
Mia and Dean come to an agreement to share his cabin in the Colorado mountains for the winter and things quickly become more than either of them was expecting.
I loved the sweetness between Mia and Dean, and especially all the sadness surrounding the impending end to their relationship at the end of the winter.
This was such a good story!
Mia and Dean come to an agreement to share his cabin in the Colorado mountains for the winter and things quickly become more than either of them was expecting.
I loved the sweetness between Mia and Dean, and especially all the sadness surrounding the impending end to their relationship at the end of the winter.
This was such a good story!
May 12, 2024
3.5⭐️ i liked this book but not as much as Cruz and Delilah story, I just feel there was unnecessary drama from dean like he wouldn’t commit bc he kept a secret? It didn’t make sense and seemed like a forced issue
April 20, 2024
4.5⭐
I really enjoyed this book. Mia and Dean had a fun relationship that had me giggling and laughing. I found them to be pretty relatable. There was Good Flirty Banter throughout. Good spice. I really enjoyed Nana and found myself wanting more parts with her in it. Had a great found family aspect and overall a feel good read.
👀 Brother's Teammate
🏂 Snowboarding Lessons
🤫 Secret Relationship
🫦 Friends with Benefits
⚾ Pro Baseball
‼️Forced Proximity
🌶 Open Door Spice
Thank you Lo Everett for the opportunity to read this e-ARC
I really enjoyed this book. Mia and Dean had a fun relationship that had me giggling and laughing. I found them to be pretty relatable. There was Good Flirty Banter throughout. Good spice. I really enjoyed Nana and found myself wanting more parts with her in it. Had a great found family aspect and overall a feel good read.
👀 Brother's Teammate
🏂 Snowboarding Lessons
🤫 Secret Relationship
🫦 Friends with Benefits
⚾ Pro Baseball
‼️Forced Proximity
🌶 Open Door Spice
Thank you Lo Everett for the opportunity to read this e-ARC
August 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Calling It Safe is the third in the contemporary romance Denver Bandits Baseball series by author Lo Everett.
I had fun reading this story. You learn a lot about both of the main characters and why they have certain personality traits; their motivation or lack thereof. The FMC has a lot of very relatable issues with dating and the MMC has a lot of very relatable issues with family. Which then helps the growth of their romance, it being slow and steamy.
There were quite a few side characters which got me lost several times. Once I got them sorted I became interested in their stories. I was glad to see that there are (and will be) more in this series.
I very much enjoyed the positive and supportive message that was consistent throughout the story. Uplifting and enjoyable, I would recommend this story to lovers of spicy sporty contemporary romances.
Thank you for providing me an ARC Ms. Everett. It’s an honor to be a part of the process!
Calling It Safe is the third in the contemporary romance Denver Bandits Baseball series by author Lo Everett.
I had fun reading this story. You learn a lot about both of the main characters and why they have certain personality traits; their motivation or lack thereof. The FMC has a lot of very relatable issues with dating and the MMC has a lot of very relatable issues with family. Which then helps the growth of their romance, it being slow and steamy.
There were quite a few side characters which got me lost several times. Once I got them sorted I became interested in their stories. I was glad to see that there are (and will be) more in this series.
I very much enjoyed the positive and supportive message that was consistent throughout the story. Uplifting and enjoyable, I would recommend this story to lovers of spicy sporty contemporary romances.
Thank you for providing me an ARC Ms. Everett. It’s an honor to be a part of the process!
May 24, 2024
🏂ARC BOOK REVIEW🏂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC (advanced reader copy) of Calling If Safe by @loeverettbooks! It was my first book of hers that I’ve read and also my first ARC!
There was so much I loved about this book!
There wasn’t a single part of reading this book where I struggled through or started to skip over portions. Mia is a strong FMC which I very much appreciate and Dean, although a little closed off initially, is very much a communicator and in touch with his emotions which we love in a man. Throw in that he’s a professional baseball player, her brother’s teammate, and he supports and helps inspire her writing? It was a great read and now I MUST read the previous 2 in the series!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC (advanced reader copy) of Calling If Safe by @loeverettbooks! It was my first book of hers that I’ve read and also my first ARC!
There was so much I loved about this book!
There wasn’t a single part of reading this book where I struggled through or started to skip over portions. Mia is a strong FMC which I very much appreciate and Dean, although a little closed off initially, is very much a communicator and in touch with his emotions which we love in a man. Throw in that he’s a professional baseball player, her brother’s teammate, and he supports and helps inspire her writing? It was a great read and now I MUST read the previous 2 in the series!!
May 1, 2024
So I totally read this as a standalone as I have not read the previous in the series…. However I was able to 100% keep up and follow along perfectly!!
So you have the brothers teammate who is the MMC - baseball player (yesss- come to mama) - and the FMC who are thrown into a forced proximity situation for a chunk of time in the MMC’s cabin… (yes please)
The FMC is an author and needing some time away to get more writing accomplished! And lo and behold her brother suggest she stay at his teammates cabin - while MMC is also there…. I mean awkward….. or wait, no, no- super hottt!!! Yes, this is a super hot situationship they have going on!!
I am in love with this story! The writing is fantastic & full
Of all The swoon worthy moments, the great banter and the LOL moments!! I love the humor that Lo Everett writes with and devoured this book up so fast!!
Highly recommend, and can’t wait to see what she has coming next!
So you have the brothers teammate who is the MMC - baseball player (yesss- come to mama) - and the FMC who are thrown into a forced proximity situation for a chunk of time in the MMC’s cabin… (yes please)
The FMC is an author and needing some time away to get more writing accomplished! And lo and behold her brother suggest she stay at his teammates cabin - while MMC is also there…. I mean awkward….. or wait, no, no- super hottt!!! Yes, this is a super hot situationship they have going on!!
I am in love with this story! The writing is fantastic & full
Of all The swoon worthy moments, the great banter and the LOL moments!! I love the humor that Lo Everett writes with and devoured this book up so fast!!
Highly recommend, and can’t wait to see what she has coming next!
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