There were some aspects of this book that I really loved, and others that I feel missed the mark. Brittany Arreguin captures the charm of small-town life and the excitement of sports romance and the brother's best friend trope in Fielded Dreams. Set in Neptune Beach, California, the story blends the struggles of chasing dreams with the warmth of rekindled connections. Corey Ramirez's journey from disillusionment to rediscovering his passion, spurred on by Leanne Fairbanks' determination, makes for an engaging premise.

While the book offers a fun and heartfelt storyline, there are areas where it falls short. The pacing occasionally felt uneven, and the writing could have been more polished to truly elevate the emotional beats and character arcs. I felt the writing was underdeveloped and not as well done as it could have been. However, the core idea—a "hometown hero" grappling with self-doubt and a romance with his best friend's sister—is strong and carries the narrative.

Leanne's resilience and optimism contrast well with Corey's internal struggles, making their chemistry believable and heartwarming. The small-town atmosphere adds charm, but the plot could have benefited from deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and stakes.

Overall, Fielded Dreams delivers a feel good read with a solid premise. While not without flaws, it's an enjoyable story that captures the spirit of love, friendship, and finding your place.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley, Brittany Arreguin, and Good Fortune Books for the eARC of this book.