Some books are pure comfort reads – the kind that make you smile from the first chapter and leave you feeling lighter by the end. Designated Heart Throb is exactly that kind of story. With small-town charm, baseball banter, and a romance built on kindness and persistence, this is a heartwarming read that’s easy to fall in love with. If you’re craving a sweet, wholesome romance with characters you’ll want to keep visiting, Red Bird, Maryland is ready to welcome you.
Title: Designated Heart Throb
Author: Jess Hansen
Series: Red Bird Baseball
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
Affiliate links can be found within this post. If you need additional information, please see the disclaimer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this super sweet read! Samantha Taylor is adorable, she’s made a deal with herself that she will never date a baseball player. She’s been around them her entire life and she’s just not interested in it. But when hunky Harrison Jones comes to town as the designated hitter doing rehab, he falls so hard for her.
Their first meet-cute is in a coffee shop where he tries so hard to ask her out and she kindly brushes him off, not thinking he’s serious at all. But she also gives him a fake name and let’s him think she works in ticketing at the stadium. This turns into a whole thing for the first half of the book.
It’s adorably funny how everyone knows he’s referring to Sammy (Samantha) when he’s telling everyone about the prettiest girl he’s ever seen and keeps calling her Jane. When he finally learns who she really is, he’s still not deterred. Sammy did not expect him to be all-in with his interest and the wall she’s built slowly starts to crumble.
I loved every second of this adorable read and really loved how kind all of the characters were. It’s refreshing to immerse in a story where everyone is supportive of one another and there to build each other up. This story is complete with the best happily ever after and plenty of drops of other characters that are sure to feature in future books!
So get ready to fall into small town, baseball-lovin’ group of wonderful characters!
Publisher’s Blurb:
All bets are off when love steps up to the plate.
Hunky major league hitter, Harrison Jones never strikes out… ever. That is until he meets his match while rehabbing in Red Bird. He falls first, and hard for the woman of his dreams. The only problem? He doesn’t know who she is.
Sammy Taylor has one rule – she doesn’t date ball players. Ever. Good thing rules are meant to be broken. When she meets handsome Harrison, he tests everything she thought she knew she wanted.
He doesn’t let a few swings and misses get him down. If baseball has taught him anything, it’s that practice makes perfect and he’s on his way to stealing her heart. When meddling sisters Beatrice and Agnes get involved, all best intentions go out the window.
Can these clinch a happily ever after?
If you like he falls first, small town festivals, bachelor auctions, dachshunds, meddling older ladies, matchmaking, mistaken identities and of course baseball, you’ll love Designated Heart Throb!
Please note: Every book in this series is free of profanity, violence, or spice. Suitable for every age to enjoy and share. Heartwarming and wholesome because everyone deserves a happily ever after.
Welcome to Red Bird, Maryland. A picturesque town filled with charming shops, tree lined streets, and the love of all things baseball. Soaked in sunshine and surrounded by rich history the quiet brick paved streets could be a Hallmark movie set. From a timeless diner to the family owned coffee shop, you’ll love every minute of your stay. Book your room at the gorgeous Tall Oak Inn B&B and check out Red Bird, today!
Where to Buy:
Designated Heart Throb is a reminder that romance doesn’t need angst or edge to be engaging, it just needs heart. With lovable characters, gentle humor, and a setting that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie, this book delivers a feel-good reading experience from start to finish. If you love wholesome romances, small towns, and stories where love is met with encouragement instead of conflict, Red Bird might just become your next favorite fictional getaway.
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