The Curve Ball

Indianapolis Lightning #2

by Samantha Lind

Justin

I had the perfect bachelor's life. No obligations. No commitments.
The greatest job in the world, all while being paid millions to do it.

Until I became a dad overnight. My world turned upside down, I went from ballfields and bars to dirty diapers and bottles.

I turned to my best friend for help but ended up with his little sister. Now, all I want is the one woman I can't have. She's the curveball I never saw coming.

The one woman I'm willing to commit to and change my old ways for. I just have to show her that we can be a family.

Riley

Indianapolis was my fresh start. A new place near my family.

When my brother's best friend ended up with a surprise baby dropped on his doorstep, I was the perfect nanny for the job.

Everything was falling into place, If only I could keep my mind and hands off the playboy baller dad. Working for someone you are attracted to is hard.

But when he's your brother's best friend and you live with him? Talk about impossible. Fatherhood changed him, but is it enough to give us a chance at a happily ever after?

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance, Baseball, Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2020

About the author

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Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls the mid-West home, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music. You can connect with Samantha on her website, www.samanthalind.com.

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Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I have to say that this cover does all kinds of things for me! #winning

Full disclosure … the whole best friend sister/brother thing is not a forbidden trope in my eyes and I never really see it as a conflict. That part of this story wasn’t really what my focus was on. Surprise baby, that’s where my head was at as far as what trope this book was about and I’m pretty sure the author meant for it to be that way because baby Evie truly was the focal point of Justin and Riley. Add in the workplace environment and you’ve got yourself a forbidden romance lol But I digress ….



I really liked the story of Riley and Justin and baby Evie. Their close proximity allowed for their journey to make sense for me and it made their story easy to read. Not much about the story surprised me, but I didn’t find it predictable or boring. I mean yes, I saw the conflict coming a mile away but when you read as much as I do, that’s really not what attracts you to a book, it’s the characters and their growth. The author did a good job with this story-line and these characters. I’m looking forward to maybe reading snippets of the trio in future books! Their chemistry was on point from the very beginning and their sexy banter put a smile on my face!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with plenty of plot twists and action. The book was unpredictable in some points. Can't wait to continue the series

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a NEW NEW author to me but new enough where I have only read one or two from them. This was the case and I gotta say if the blurb didn't catch me the cover did. Justin & Riley together were super sweet. I will have to say that I was caught off guard or maybe am used to things progressing but this really JUMPS RIGHT IN within the first few pages. I enjoyed their back and forth, even if it's in the sweet way. It really was just an easy read, relaxing nothing too crazy happening if you will and Justin is a sweet, funny and hardworking Hero and Riley is the sweet best friend's little sister but towards the end she does get stronger and stronger.

NOT A ARC REVIEW.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Indianapolis Lightning series. Loved this secret baby/best friend’s little sister/sports romance. Justin needed help after the baby he didn’t know that he had was dropped off outside his door. He didn’t back away from his father duties but he needed help so he called his best friend. Riley moved back to be close to her brother and sister in law and was the perfect person to help him. Loved watching him learn to take care of his daughter while falling in love with both her and Riley. Great story, wonderful characters and plenty of chemistry and swoonworthy moments that will leave you with a smile and possibly fanning yourself when you are finished. Loved it and can’t wait to read more.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good sports romance? Baseball, brothers, and brother’s best friend? That is ALWAYS a story that I am going to dive in to!! The Curve Ball has it all – secret baby, single dad, best friend’s little sister/big brother’s best friend, and sports romance all in one!

The Curve Ball is the second story in the Indianapolis Lightning duo, so if you have not already, I encourage you to go read The Perfect Pitch first, but, book 2 will still be ultra enjoyable if you haven’t read book 1. The Perfect Pitch is a second-chance HEA, and it is swoon-worthy!!

Justin “JJ” Johnson is the star catcher for the Indianapolis Lightning, and life is going great. He has the best job in the world, is being paid millions for it, and is loving life. Then he wakes up one day to find out that he is the father of baby Evie, and Erica, the mom, wants nothing to do with either of them. JJ has no idea what to do, but if you read The Perfect Pitch, you will remember his best friend’s sister Riley, who happens to be in a state of change in her own life. Riley recently moved in to big brother’s apartment, and although she isn’t the one JJ turns to for help, she is the one who answers the call! Riley falls in love with Evie upon their first meeting, and steps in to save the day. This sets us up for the perfect nanny situation!!

As Riley and JJ both keep falling deeper in love with Evie, their own feelings for one another continue to grow as well, but neither want to mess up what they have going right now, as it is working for everyone. JJ has gone from confirmed partying bachelor to single dad of a secret baby overnight, and he isn’t sure what else he can add to his life right now. Riley loves both Evie and JJ, but she isn’t looking for a one-night stand and is afraid that JJ will always see her as his best friend’s little sister.

I am not going to give away too much, but this is a steamy, sweet, sexy summertime read!!

I highly recommend both The Perfect Pitch and The Curve Ball, as well as Samantha Lind’s other books. If you like sports romance, her hockey books will make you fall in love!!

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professional baseball player, Justin, lives fun life. He's a ladies man, total player, no worries, no responsibilities except playing baseball. But all that changes when a baby is dropped off on his doorstep. Instant single daddy of a little girl, Evie.

His life is altered and he needs help. Here comes his best friends sister, Riley. We met Riley in the first book Perfect Pitch. She is experienced in the kids department and volunteers to help out clueless Justin. They easily get into a routine and rhythm, he's learning alot and fatherhood starts to become natural to him. He is also becoming aware of his growing feelings for Riley. He see's a future with her, but she is hesitant. So what's a guy to do but put 110% in showing her how perfect they will be together as a family? You can see how much Justin matured in this book. He became a wonderful doting loving dad, an uber romantic towards the love of his life. I was fantastic to see these two fall head over heels for each other.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed. We start with Justin who is this famous baseball player who is a huge player. He thinks he has his life planned out and never wants to settle down in a serious relationship any time soon, then life throws him what he thinks is his biggest curve ball. He is in way over his head but thanks to some amazing friends and his best friend’s little sister, Riley, they help him so much. Riley is a sweetheart that looks at most things in life with the glass half full kind of attitude, she offers her help to Justin and you know immediately these two have instant chemistry even if they refuse to acknowledge it. The tension between them continues to build and as the reader you can almost feel it, but they try so hard not to react on it, until they reach their limits and it consumes them. Although, they are attracted to each other and spend steamy time together can things truly work out between them? Will the media have a field day with the drama they create? Or will this all come between friends and family? I loved this story, all the characters, the family dynamics, and all those that helped a friend that was in need.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

JJ is living the dream between his career as a professional baseball player and his way with the ladies. He is very happily living the single lifestyle until a baby he didn’t know he had appears at his door and he now finds himself a single father. So far out of his depth what is a guy to do but call his best friend and his wife and they have the perfect nanny in mind for him.

Riley has recently moved to town to be closer to her brother and his family so it seems like the perfect solution when she needs a job and he needs a nanny. JJ and Riley both try to deny the chemistry between them as their situation is complicated not only because of her brother but because of the employee/employer relationship but that is easier said than done and once lines are crossed will it bring them closer or tear them apart?

I really enjoyed how JJ and Riley helped each other become the people they were meant to be as JJ realized what and who was truly important in his life.

[mimi_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curve Ball is the second book in Samantha Lind’s “Indianapolis Lightening” series. We have been treated to a beautifully written surprise baby, single dad, best friend’s little sister romance book.

Justin is the ultimate player, a pro baseballer who is used to having no limitations and lives his life the way he wants. That is, until one of his flings appears on his doorstep to leave him with their daughter – one he had no idea even existed.

Naturally, Justin has no idea what to do with a baby and his first call is to his best friend, Derek, who has children of his own. Riley is Derek’s little sister who has just moved into the area to be closer to her family, and she offers to help Justin out with baby, Evie.

There is plenty of chemistry between our hero and heroine in this one. Another great book by Samantha Lind and I am definitely looking forward to see what we get next with this series.

[Alley Ciz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I start, can we just take a moment to appreciate the sexiness of this cover!!!!

Okay, onto JJ and Riley. Oh the feels, let me tell you.

For bachelor JJ getting hit with a surprise baby right off the bat--see what I did there?--I LOVED how he instantly embraced his new role as daddy. Yes, he had his new parent struggles and learning curve but he has Riley right there to help him. Plus the tension between the two burned until they combusted!!!

If you need a book that will hit you with the swoon and leave you smiling step into the batters box with The Curve Ball

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin sure is a cocky one, “mhmm,” he hums. “And I wasn’t balls deep inside you twice this morning, making you scream my name.” Riley is a saucy little thing, “your ***k isn’t a surprise; I already know I’ll be riding it later,” she boldly tells me, causing that appendage to stir in my slacks." I liked this book, I liked Justin.

[Reading_Junkie28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally in love with Justin and Riley❤️ seriously swooned so hard reading this book. Little Evie tied it all together is a sweet bow🎀 This book had me hooked from the start. Justin, the playboy got the surprise of his life. Watching him not only fall in love with his little girl but also his nanny, which is his best friends little sister gave me all the feels.

[Bibliophile Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better! Ms. Lind's confidence in her writing has grown with every new book she releases. 

This is the story of JJ and Riley.

When a surprise knocks JJ off his axis, it's Riley that comes in to save the day.

The chemistry between these two is wicked hot.  Their spark lights up the pages. 

Riley is such a giving soul.  She is just what JJ needs to tame his playboy ways.  I admired her flirty banter and take-charge attitude when it comes to what she wants.

JJ is just swoony! Yes, he's a former playboy, but his dirty talk is on point and when he realizes what a treasure Riley is, he is determined to make Riley his own.

This a sweet, slightly angsty story that really pulls the reader into the world that Ms. Lind has created. It was lovely seeing past characters make appearances! Don't be discouraged by that last sentence, this can totally be read as a standalone! Fans who have read Ms. Lind's previous stories will see small glimpses into other characters.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story

JJ is the playboy of the team, until the night a baby girl is dropped on his door stop by her mom. JJ has no clue what to do so he calls his best friend, Derek. Derek and his sister Riley come over to help JJ. When Riley walks in she takes over and immediately calms baby Evie. Riley is new in town and hasn't found a job so she offers to stay and help JJ especially since his schedule isn't normal and finding someone that can be available all the time is not really going to be easy.. As time goes by their attraction to each other is growing but will they cross that line?

[Sarah_Loves_Reading_Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

My full rating is 3.5 stars.

Sports romance is one of my favourite tropes. I’ve read some of Samantha’s Indianapolis Eagles series, so although I missed book one in this new series, I was excited to give book two a go after reading the blurb.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the storyline (brothers best friend, surprise baby it’s like all my favourite tropes in one book) the characters were engaging. I liked how the main focus from both Justin (JJ) and Riley was baby Evie and there was never a point where there love and care of her was overridden by the budding romance, which I have read in other such stories.

JJ is the epitome of player, both on and off the field, in fact we first meet him about to head out for the night to find a random hookup because, in his words, it’s been a week since he last had sex and that’s the longest he likes to leave it. I have to say, at this point I kind of despised him, but before he could get out of his garage someone he hooked up with last year is leaving a new born on his steps saying she’s his and running away. Where others would fail, JJ really stepped up. He took to fatherhood immediately and never once shyed away from taking care of Evie and as time went on, I really fell for him for the way he took care of her and always did what was best for her. There is a hilarious scene when he’s left alone with her for the first time and she has a blowout! That really was a welcome to fatherhood moment and made me laugh a lot.

Riley is the younger sister of JJ best friend Derek, who already being a father to two girls is who he calls first. Riley arrives to save the day. As she has been a nanny previously she quickly steps into the role for which she is a natural. Her attraction to JJ is there from the beginning, but both fight it for as long as possible, before giving in.

The reasons for not giving this story a higher mark are a few niggles that left me a bit confused throughout and left me feeling like I had missed integral parts of the story. Firstly, the blurb states JJ is going to prove he’s not not the player anymore and can be a partner, but this never really happens imo, one moment they are trying to deny the attraction and the next they are making out. I would’ve liked to see JJ making an effort to show he was changed.
There is also a couple of chunks of time missing, firstly, one day JJ and Riley are on the sofa kissing before Riley runs away, the next chapter it is a month later and there isn’t a lot said about the time in between. Secondly, at the very end, something is mentioned about what Riley has had to deal with being with a famous person, but this is not shown. I think adding these scenes in would’ve just added to the story and endeared readers more to both Riley and JJ showing their strong characters for what they have overcome to be together.

Overall this was an enjoyable read and I would certainly recommend you give it a go. I am also going to download book one. You definitely don’t need to have read it to enjoy The Curve Ball, but with the characters from book one playing a hefty part in this story, I would like to know their story too.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin JJ Johnson is the Casanova of the Indianapolis Lightning Baseball Team. He finds himself with one or more ladies a night. Some may call him cocky and others will just call him a manwhore. However, here’s the thing he doesn't go looking for anything they come looking for him. They don't care if they are sloppy seconds or sharing as long as they can say they were with him. On this particular night, he was dressed and grabbing his key and wallet, and he was already pushing the button for the garage when the doorbell rang.

He walks through the garage out to the front door only to confront one of his ones and multiple, Erica. “JJ, I’m sorry to just show up like this, but I can’t do this anymore. I didn’t have anywhere else to bring her. I’ve put formula, diapers, and a few changes of clothes in the diaper bag,” she rambles on, and it is then that he noticed a baby carrier with a baby in it next to her feet. “Excuse me?” At this point, JJ can’t seem to comprehend what language she is even speaking right then. It's like a Peanuts cartoon and coming out as a garbled mess.

“What the f-- k is going on here, Erica?” He demanded. “JJ,” she sighs, like he should know what the f-- k is going on. “This is Evelyn. She’s yours. I’m sorry I never told you about her before now. I was trying hard to do this on my own, but I just can’t anymore. Everything you need, including my cell number is in her bag,” she tells him. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go,” she says as she takes off for her car. He watched in complete shock as she ran for her car and peeled out of his driveway, leaving the baby and diaper bag on his doorstep.

His attention is pulled from the empty road to the sounds of the baby crying on his doorstep. JJ doesn’t know the first thing about babies. The only babies he’s ever been around have been his best friend, Derek’s girls. Once inside he does the only thing he can do he calls Derek and Jillian for help. Derek tells him to breathe. Sure enough, he hears car doors slamming. First Derek then Riley who is Derek's sister. The perfect storm. This was a very good book. We get to see the progression of JJ’s personality from playboy to family man.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 'Indianapolis Lightning" Baseball team is set to be another smash hit series by Samantha Land.

The 2nd book in the series and I am as captive as I was by the first. It had all the ingredients to be a great book as long as the recipe was right - and the recipe sure was! Who doesn't like a best friends sister to lovers romance? who doesn't like a hot sports man who has to become a daddy overnight when his 3 month daughter Evie who he knew nothing about is handed over to him by her mother who no longer wants anything to do with her!

Justin was the playboy of the team until Evie came into his life on that night his life changes for ever - not knowing what to do he calls his team mate and best friend Derek and his wife Jillian (you can read them in the first book in the series - 'The Perfect Pitch'). Riley Dereks sister has just moved to be near her brother and becomes Evie's nanny a win win for all. But the more time that Justin spends with is best friends sister the more he begins to think of Riley and Evie as 'his girls'. Riley loves seeing the change that has come over Justin since he became a father but she also can't stop her thoughts about the hot Justin that have become x-rated when in bed at night!

But the press can be ruthless when they get a story between their teeth and they now have their hooks into a nice juicy story of playboy Justin who has become a daddy!

Sit back; kick of your shoes and join Justin, Riley and Evie in this 5* hot sports romance!

[Stella Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Curve Ball!

This book is the second in Samantha Lind’s Indianapolis Lightning series. Although, I did not read the first book, it didn’t take long to decipher the characters and their relationships. In this case, Justin (JJ) is best friend to Derek. JJ is a player who has no desire to settle down and is commonly seen partying when he’s not on the field playing baseball. He is stunned when a woman from his past drops off a baby and tells JJ she can’t be her mother any longer and the baby is his. JJ doesn’t have a clue what to do, so he calls his best friend knowing he and his wife have some experience with babies. Instead of Derek’s wife Jillian accompanying Derek to JJ’s rescue, Derek’s sister Riley is there. Riley steps up and takes over the majority of Baby Evie’s care. JJ and Riley have chemistry, but she’s his best friend’s sister! And Evie’s nanny! As they work together to give Evie’s the love and stability she needs, their own love grows.

I enjoyed this book generally. The plot moved along fairly well, making me want to move through to discover how things would work out between these three. I found a bit of the writing was stilted particularly when written in the first person, almost like an instruction manual. If you can get past this, the story is enjoyable. I am looking forward to trying another book written by Samantha Lind, as this was my first experience by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Curve Ball” by Samantha Lind is Book 2 of her Indianapolis Lightning Series and picks up where Book 1 “The Perfect Pitch” finishes (it can be read as a standalone but why do that and miss out on a fantastic second chance romance read?!). I was waiting with bated breathe for this release and it did not disappoint!!

This book was tailor made for my reading preferences because it is everything that I love:
⚾️ It’s a (surprise) Single Daddy, Best Friend’s Sister, Sports Romance a.k.a The Holy Trinity of Romance Books!!!
⚾️ Justin is your typical player on and off the field. He’s incredibly sexy and knows it and has never met a one night stand that he didn’t like.
⚾️ Riley is a sexy, sweet, girl next door type, who is down on her luck. She relocates and moves into her successful older brother’s apartment looking for a fresh start.

When a baby is left on Justin’s doorstep Riley steps in to help. The sexy player is at a complete loss as to what to do until he discovers how incredibly good Riley is with his daughter. He immediately hires her as his nanny which puts a kabosh on his growing attraction to his teammate’s little sister. For her part Riley falls head over heals for the little girl in her care and her sexy father. What happens next is a series of will they, won’t they moments that had me rushing to get to the end. Their happily ever after was perfect and made this a book that I will never tire of recommending. TBR and Enjoy.

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books

Home run!! Samantha Lind has delivered yet another book worth tons of home runs!! The Curve Ball is just as addicting as baseball, well in my case football.

I remember glimpses of Justin while reading the previous book, The Perfect Pitch. Justin is nice do not get me wrong but boy is that man a playboy. He should be named Playboy extraordinaire with how popular with the ladies he is. However, I can say that man does one heck of a turn around and this time it is not for a woman. Well, a woman he wants to date anyway.

Not only did Evie, his daughter, make him see the wrong with his ways, so did Riley. Riley is off limits as she is his best friend's sister. Yep, you heard right. Best friend’s sister. Books within the trope, best friends sister, are always banging because it involves sneaking around -- sometimes.

I have read many of Samantha’s books and I have to say that The Curve Ball is within my top five favorite books by her. I was blown away with how well she was able to pin down Riley and Justin. She threw in just the right amount of romance and feels. I loved that there was not any unnecessary drama between the characters. I also loved that it was not rushed, it was well paced. They both had Evie’s best interest at heart before themselves and that made the book all the better.

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

[Mst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a sucker for sports stories and when I realized I had the 2nd book after reading Perfect Pitch, I was giddy to read it.

What a way to ruin a night of carousing than have a baby mama show up and drop a baby on your doorstep, then bolt.
This is where my first problem with this book started. I have to give kudos to the baby mama. Yeah, I know this is just fiction but the way everyone dumped on her irked me. She could have left the baby in child services hands when her mental health started to be affected as a single broke mom, but she (I'm sure) went out of her way to place the baby with the father. So I don't see her as a horrible mother. But I guess ppl with money and stability can be judgemental.

Now my understanding of Justin and this baby is that he isn't sure she is his, so until a blood test comes back saying so, why would somebody buy out Target when the paternity isn't 100%? I could see buying the basics; portable bed, clothes, and things like that but setting up a whole room in less than 24 hours seems presumptuous to me.

Then there is Riley, who I liked in the first book, not so much in this one. Telling her mother about this baby, sending her pictures without permission, just no. Plus, no direction in life. Riley was just too perfect for me when it came to everything she did. Even seasoned parents have oops moments with their children. But no, not Riley who never had a diaper blowout on her watch. I call BS.

The flip-flopping of Justin and Riley's relationship got to be boring after a while. The time skips didn't help leaving me to wonder how they were cohabitating with so much hanging between them. It got to the point where I was looking forward to when Justin got together with his teammates.

I do hope the 3rd book is tucked somewhere in my Kindle so I can continue with this series. And look into the hockey one!

[Amanda Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more than the last one (although please note, this works just fine as a standalone read, so don't let that stop you)

This was absolutely fun, funny, sweet, and swoony-- single dad who also happens to be a former playboy AND a hunky baseball player? Yes, please!

Lind does a phenomenal job creating real, complex characters that are utterly relatable and often hilarious (my favorite kind!) The relationships between those characters (romantic or otherwise) are at the heart of the story, because it's never JUST about two people falling in love. We are able to watch JJ and Riley grow and evolve as individuals, and the relationships they have with their friends and families play an integral role in that process. I think that's my favorite thing about Lind's books -- the banter between friends and the growth of her characters feels very genuine and makes everyone seem important, whether or not the main storyline revolves around them.

And, of course, I love the love. The chemistry between JJ and Riley is off the charts, and I'd be lying if I claimed I didn't become attached to Evie myself. There's a perfect balance of steam, sweetness, humor, and reality, and it makes for the perfect read. I swear every book is better than the last, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!!

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read this authors work before and knew I was in for some Good writing. I never deny the fact that I can always get a good read from her. My problem is these characters just did not do it for me this time. He ends up with the baby that he didn't know he had and yes he turns his life around and is all about the baby. My opinion does change about him being a man whore because he really does focus on his baby and all that she needs even before he knows that she is truly his.

She is his best friend's sister and her brother doesn't want her with his best friend go figure. I just don't feel anything about them going any further It ends up being the same old story that we've heard before read before has been done before. I was hoping I'd get something different that the story would go with different way that something would make it stand out unfortunately that did not happen. It is a hot spicy sexy read and that's one thing that can't be denied. It just feels like it all happened too fast too much with too little needed for it to be real.

I do have to say it's probably me. I've gotten to the point where I'm demanding more from my romances than the regular old thing and unfortunately this one didn't do it for me but it may do it for you. it's a good read that I don't have a problem with recommending

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was another home run for this author! I absolutely love how her books are about men who happen to be athletes, instead of letting the sport take over the book! It makes the story so much....more! And JJ & Riley gave us an amazing story, with lots of twists and turns, surprises around every corner!

JJ is a pro baseball player, who is living is best life. Until his fun life gets turned around when a little surprise lands in his lap! And he has no idea what to do about it! Luckily, he has his friends and family to back him up, and help him along until he figures it out!

Riley is the kind of girl that everyone wants in their corner. She is just perfect! She takes whatever life throws at her and just "rolls with the punches"! When JJ needs help, she immediately offers her services, regardless of how it makes her feel.

This book was great in so many ways! All of my favorite types of stories all rolled into one amazing package. This author just keeps putting out amazing books, and I'm just going to have to keep reading them! Riley & JJ's story is one of those that you read in one sitting, and then go back to read again! Definitely a must read!

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has all my favorite tropes in one: best friends little sister, surprise baby, AND sports romance. Plus that cover is insanely hot! However, I could not get into the actual story at all. Maybe it's because it jumped into the plot super fast without much interaction between our two MC's, or the fact that I couldn't stand JJ. Right away he's complaining thay he needs sex because a week is the longest he's ever been without it --ugh-- and even though he was making an effort to be a good father, the man was just clueless about everything. Which I get, a perma-bachelor isn't going to know the ins and outs of parenthood and what if all entails, but I just wanted to smack some sense into this boy.

I didn't really like Riley that much about her, and I can't really put my finger on why that is. She has an immediate attraction to JJ, but it just felt like they wanted each other physically, not on the emotional level the author was trying to get at.

I also hated the time jumps. Riley and JJ would kiss, she'd run away, and then it would be a month later. And then the author tries to add some big conflict about the pressures of dating a famous person, but it's not shown.. it was just too jumbled for me.

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Evie might have turned my world upside down in a matter of minutes when Erica dropped her on my doorstep, but it was Riley that threw the curve ball I never saw coming."

Awww... this was such a sweet story. I mean, who doesn't love a man who is so totally out of his element, finding love with the woman who came to his rescue?

So, we have Justin, "JJ" Johnson, catcher for the Indianapolis Lightning baseball team. Player extraordinaire both on the field and off, he's not one for putting down any roots with anyone. Then, in the blink of an eye, his past knocks on his door and forever changes his future. A baby? He has absolutely no clue what to do, right? Enter Riley, his best friend's little sister. If he thinks baby Evie has changed his life, he has no idea what Riley is going to do to it!

Riley swoops in to help JJ out when he unexpectedly becomes a single father. He's clueless and she knows just what to do. But the live-in nanny position only fuels the attraction she feels for him until one day - KABOOM!! She knows his reputation of playing the field but she can't help herself. If he hurts her, she'll never survive. Not only would it mean losing JJ, but losing Evie too. Can JJ change his ways, or is all of this a bad idea?

I enjoyed this story. No real drama, no angst, just a sweet story of meant to be.

[Slick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall I found this book to be predicatable and a bit ridiculous and honestly way to easy. A confirmed bachelor/manwh*re has a baby dumped on his doorstep by a woman he hooked up with the year before, he's out of his element and calls his best friend who comes with his little sister who conviently needs a job and is immediately hired as his nanny (I'm sure you see where this is going). He's a professional baseball player and gone a lot, she has to "live in" and they are attracted but fight it for the good of the baby until they don't. The mother of the child is dealt with (it's revealed later she signs away her rights to the child) and basically there is no conflict other than one incident of an old photo in a blog post that upsets the heroine. Justin, his friend Derek, and Derek's wife Jillian are all approaching 30 or there and yet their conversations sound like that of high school or young college age kids. Riley (Derek's sister) is 22 maybe 23 and honestly the most mature out of the bunch. The author would have you believe that JJ (Justin) the hero walks around thinking of sex 24/7, I mean come on. Anyway, this one was a bust there was so many times I thought about not finishing but I did and now I'm done. Can't say that this book enticed me to read anything more from this author.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justin "JJ" Johnson lives the epitome of bachelor life as a professional baseball player. He brags about no-commitment flings to his best friend, Derek (Perfect Pitch) until one of those women arrives on his doorstep one night and passes him an infant that she says is his, drops a diaper bag and leaves. He calls Derek in a panic for help since he knows nothing about babies. Derek arrives with his little sister, Riley, who just arrived in town when her job didn't work out. Riley offers to stay to help him while JJ tries to get things sorted out. For not being around babies a lot, JJ's a quick learner under Riley's supervision. For a professionaly athlete, he seems to have a lot of free time to hang out with his new daughter, Evie, and Riley. The attraction between these two sparks immediately, but both try to resist because of their respective relationship with Derek. These two are a sweet couple from the start, add in an adorably good infant, and JJ now has an instant family. This story is a pretty easy read, and I wished for a larger blip to derail this couple, the author is keeping it pretty tame. I listened to the audio book, and the narrators gave a pretty easy going portrayal of this couple.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Justin and Riley from Samantha Lind’s latest book!! We met them briefly in the first book in the series, and I knew then that they would make a romantic and sexy couple. The addition of a surprise baby, the adorable Evie, made this a five star read for me. The love Justin has for his daughter was immediate and beautiful, even when he had no idea how to care for her. His desire to learn and nurture was very apparent and the scenes where Riley was instructing him stole my heart. I was glad that they always put Evie’s care first and their little family grew closer every day. Riley always knew what to do when it came to Evie which made Justin’s transition to fatherhood that much easier. It was only natural that Justin and Riley began seeing each other as more than employer and nanny, but acting on those feelings was another matter entirely. It was obvious to me that they were crazy about each other, but Riley was uncertain as to what might happen to their friendship if they gave in to their desires. She loved Evie and would never jeopardize her job and she dreamt every night about being with them forever. Life definitely threw Justin a curve ball with the arrival of his bundle joy. Fortunately for him, Riley appeared like a fast ball over home plate to win his heart and make his family complete.

[Jill Kerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment in the Indianapolis Lightning and I am hooked!
Justin (JJ) Johnson is a player, nobody denies that but when a baby is dropped off at his home by a one night stand from the previous summer, JJ has to change his ways quick!
Riley is the sister of Derek (who we met in the first Lightning book) and new to town and not working yet. She immediately takes on a nanny role to care for baby Evie and help JJ with the life adjustment. There is certainly attraction brewing between the two of them but it was nice to see they didn't jump into a physical relationship right away. Instead, they got to know each other better and became a true team in caring for Evie. Having said that, once they took the plunge, their relationship went form 0 to 60 pretty quick!!
Angst was at an all time low with this book and I'm perfectly fine with that. The conflict was minimal and they resolved it quickly. Too many times I'm stuck in an angst-o-rama where neither person can seem to get things resolved....ugh!
I'm looking forward to the next Lightning book and am hoping to see more of the players!