Review: The Hotshot by Piper Rayne (The Dugout #1)
Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the authors via Valentine PR.
I've been looking forward to the first book in Piper Rayne's new spin-off series ever since it was first hinted at. From housing football players with the Chicago Grizzlies and being called The Den to it being home to the hockey players with the Chicago Falcons and dubbed The Nest, the condo building in Chicago is now The Dugout, which also happens to be the title of the series. And yes, you guessed it--we've got baseball! First at bat is The Hotshot, a falling-for-your-sibling's-best-friend--or alternatively, falling-for-your-best-friend's-sibling--romance between a baseball player looking for a fresh start with his hometown team and a labor and delivery nurse who goes from single to caring for her cousin's children.
Being named the guardian to her cousin's three kids was something thirty-year-old Leighton Sinclair wasn't necessarily prepared for. Her new life may not be easy, but she's committed to being there for Lake, Lincoln, and Monroe. Having Hayes Carlisle around is a distraction she doesn't need, but the thirty-two-year-old shortstop wants to help ease Leighton's load in any way he can. So, when her guardianship is challenged, having Hayes declare that they're in a relationship and that he's there for both her and the kids shouldn't have been all that surprising. But can Leighton really agree to be Hayes's fake girlfriend and not risk getting her heart broken by the one guy she's always wanted but could never actually have?
This was such a strong start to the new The Dugout series! There were a number of details about the Leighton and Hayes's history that were surprising, but that's what made their journey all the more interesting. Leighton being best friends with Hayes's younger sister, Callie, was already an anticipated hurdle, yet it wasn't necessarily as clear-cut as one would have expected--and that's a good thing because again, it sets the story apart. Lake, Lincoln, and Monroe had their own unique personalities, with Lake being such a standout because of how protective she was of those who mattered most to her. The Hotshot was a five-starred read, setting the bar high for the rest of the couples to come in The Dugout.
This was such a strong start to the new The Dugout series! There were a number of details about the Leighton and Hayes's history that were surprising, but that's what made their journey all the more interesting. Leighton being best friends with Hayes's younger sister, Callie, was already an anticipated hurdle, yet it wasn't necessarily as clear-cut as one would have expected--and that's a good thing because again, it sets the story apart. Lake, Lincoln, and Monroe had their own unique personalities, with Lake being such a standout because of how protective she was of those who mattered most to her. The Hotshot was a five-starred read, setting the bar high for the rest of the couples to come in The Dugout.
Release Date: 17 February 2026
Date Read: 15 February 2026
Learn more about Piper Rayne.
Pre-order The Hotshot on Amazon.
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