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Southpaw

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Sutter Mason is sick and tired of ballplayers. And pitchers? The worst!

She’s over their inflated egos. Done with their magnetic charm. And as far as she’s concerned, the broken promise the last ace left her with was her final strike in the game of love.

The problem? Her dad is the coach of the hometown minor league team. And the hot new lefty who just joined the squad? He’s her brother’s new roommate. This time around, instead of falling for the player, she’s going to use him to get what she wants—the perfect case study for her psychology thesis.

No dates. No feelings. Zero extra innings. Simply a business relationship that ends when the season is done or Jensen Hawke is pulled up for prime time.

Arizona Monsoon rookie Jensen Hawke is laser focused—on proving he’s more than just hype, on breaking the league’s strikeout record, and on getting called up to the big leagues.

Jensen doesn’t do relationships. He doesn’t even really do friends. But his stubborn attitude is getting him in trouble on the mound. His control comes and goes. His curveball is a mess. And every time his roommate’s cute sister points out that it’s probably all in his head, he wants to scream.

But when a single conversation with her seems to up his game, Jensen decides maybe he’s got time for one relationship while he chases his dream. Just a little positive mental coaching. Nothing but two people working toward shared goals.

So what if Sutter Mason gets him more than anyone ever has. Believes in him in a way that makes him believe too. Looks at him like he’s actually special. And so what if he’s starting to feel things he swore off for good.

In baseball, sometimes all it takes is one spectacular play to change the game. And Jensen Hawke and Sutter Mason didn’t see each other coming. With love on the line, everything is riding on this next pitch.

* Southpaw is a standalone, new adult, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine baseball romance full of angst, steam and swoon.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2023

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About the author

Ginger Scott

60 books3,417 followers
Ginger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,476 reviews5,316 followers
Read
April 2, 2023
I too am a lefty who played ball, however, I DNF this one at the halfway mark out of pure boredom.

Profile Image for Tammy - .
922 reviews124 followers
March 31, 2023
I read A LOT of romance books so I see a lot of the same tropes play out all the time. I also see a lot of the typical conflicts and scenarios come into play. One thing that I love is being surprised when the "expected" never comes, and that's why I love this author's work. She never gives me what I'm expecting.

At it's core, this is an enemies-to-lovers sports romance featuring the baseball coach's daughter and her brother's roommate who happens to be the coach's new pitcher. See? Typical tropes that I've read so many times before. But this story? It has one of the funniest meet-cutes that I've read in quite awhile. It's low angst and there is not a lot of added drama. I loved the progression of Sutter and Jensen's relationship from enemies to friends to lovers, and although that progression takes place fairly quickly, it never felt rushed. The "business relationship" that kicks off their relationship is unique and refreshing. Although Jensen starts out as the grumpy to Sutter's sunshine, I liked him from the moment that he stepped onto the page, and Sutter is a heroine that I'd want to be friends with.

This story kept me turning the pages and wanting more, and my only wish is that we would have gotten an extended epilogue taking us a little farther into the future. With some of the other characters in this book though, maybe we'll get a series and see these two again? I'd be on board for that...
Profile Image for Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction.
1,013 reviews820 followers
May 10, 2023
I liked this book a lot but it didn't hit me in the feels like Ginger Scott's books usually do.

Scott's writing style has always locked me into the story and this book was no different. I love Scott's comfortable and engaging writing style. While I liked the plot of this book, I didn't love it. Or at the least, I didn't love parts of it. Or more aptly, I didn't like the overall execution of it. I felt that the overall plot and the characters' backstories were strong and had a lot of potential but just didn't meet the mark. I am probably in the minority here, but I just didn't feel that spark or wow factor. The world-building was really great. I felt very immersed in the surroundings that the characters were in.

As I said, the characters had great backstories and lots of depth but I think that there were a lot of missed opportunities with them. While I liked the characters, I didn't feel overly connected to them. I think that that, more than anything, is what makes me feel so disconnected from this story. I did like the addition of so many great secondary characters.

The romance was a slow-burn romance that had a little too much instalove going on for my liking. Not the type of instalove that happens in the span of hours but more like weeks. The main characters don't know each other long before sparks start flying. I did appreciate that they spent a lot of time together and got to know each other on a deeper level. It made their love story more believable to me. The instalove aside, I also felt that there wasn't enough of a spark in their relationship. I just wasn't feeling it much. Sure, they seemed perfect for each other but I just didn't feel it when I was reading the book. It left me with a lackluster feeling.

Overall, this was a cute story with great writing that just missed the mark for me. I can't rate it badly because it really was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I just didn't feel that wow factor that you can feel down to your bones. I will definitely keep reading Ginger Scott's books because she is an excellent writer. Even though it didn't totally work for me, I would still recommend this book.


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Profile Image for Deanna.
3,578 reviews57 followers
March 29, 2023
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Southpaw was everything I hoped it would be. I like everything Ginger Scott writes but her new adult sports romances are where she truly shines. College baseball romances like Southpaw. Her knowledge of the game enhances her already stellar storytelling. 

I love the way Ginger Scott writes. Always have, 99.9% sure I always will. She brings life to characters and their story in the best way. I feel her books: the characters, their emotions, the setting. I felt like I was at the field right along with them. I also felt the tone Scott set. This book had a slight feeling of angst, but nothing too stressful. 

Sutter and Jensen were characters I enjoyed getting to know. Sutter's pride, dreams, and heart were recovering from a big blow. She was finally moving on when Jensen showed up. Her initial reaction to him was perfect. She also had a lot going on family wise that made her reactions and actions more complex. I loved her relationship with her brother and her best friend. Jensen's pride, dreams, and heart were also recovering from big blows. He was coming back from an injury that he was scared would be the end of his baseball career. He had lost faith in his ability and himself. Despite that, I loved his determination and drive. Jensen's relationship with his sister was sweet, the rest of his family situation was stressful. I loved how Sutter and Jensen were different but had more in common than they expected.

Neither Sutter nor Jensen was looking for or wanted a relationship. They both started out kind of irritated with each other and it really worked for me. I loved how Sutter badgered Jensen and how Jensen couldn't decide whether to humor her or file stalking charges (I'm just kidding about the stalking... Maybe.). The way their relationship unfolded was a little sweet, a little sexy, and a little dramatic. I more than loved them together.

This is a new adult romance, so obviously Sutter and Jensen falling in love is the main deal here. The baseball plot was a close second. The psychological aspect to baseball, pitchers specifically, that was woven into the story. I found it fascinating and smart of Scott to include. I don't know that I have read a NA sports romance with this before. Jensen was struggling with the mental aspect of the game and Sutter was there to help him through it. The way she did that was both interesting and cool. I liked how it tied to their pasts and the romance.

At the end, I was left with a couple of questions I wanted answers to. I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but I would have liked to have known how Sutter dealt with someone or something toward the end. I also wanted to know more about Kiki and the "outfielder". And more about Billy and his co-worker. Oh! And I would even like to know Amber and Ryan's story. I'm hoping Ginger Scott will turn this into a series and at least give me a book for Kiki. 

Overall, I loved Southpaw. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I was fascinated by the characters and their love story. 

You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
993 reviews775 followers
March 30, 2023
“She’s a tornado cutting through my path, destroying my blueprint just like I would be for hers.”

Oh my diamonds … Southpaw is another Ginger Scott gem! I fell head-over-heels in love with this baseball romance brimming with heart, heat, a strong heroine, and a hero who will bring you to your knees. Jensen and Sutter are simply magical … the pessimist and the optimist who bring out the best in each other.

Southpaw is an opposite attracts meets sports romance romance starring a pitcher hero who temporarily lost his mojo and his coach’s daughter muse. Jensen is the gorgeous and gruff pitcher whose mind is his toughest opponent. Sutter is the beautiful, brazen and brilliant psychologist who dives first into life, helping others heal. I could not help but swoon for the bold baseball hero who is grows so much thanks to the heroine’s coaching.

Heart-melting and self-healing, Southpaw is not only a love story, it’s a balm for the soul for anyone who has battled stereotypes and self-worth. I was so vested in this romance. I reveled in feeling like a part of the baseball team with a birds-eye view in the stands, watching Jensen pitch, as I cheered for both the player, the game, and love.

This tale touched both the sports lover and eternal romantic in me, reaching in and hugging my heart as I felt the soulmates Scott seamlessly brings to life. I was in awe of this baseball book full of butterfly feels. Hands-down, Southpaw is a must read-romance … a soul-catching, heart-hitting home run!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ heart-hitting home runs

➡️ https://amzn.to/40INuaW

Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
Profile Image for Christina.
409 reviews29 followers
July 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

✨Baseball Romance
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Slow Burn
✨No Third Act Breakup

•Dual POV
•Stand-alone

Ginger Scott does it again! Does anyone have that one author that got them into reading? Well for me, it’s Ginger Scott. My friend & I fell in love with her writing from The Falling Series and then proceeded to read every book she wrote. This book did not disappoint! It was such a cute baseball romance and I loved it! 😍❤️

Sutter had a bad breakup with her ex, who is a professional baseball player. He recently got engaged and she finds herself drunk and staying at her brother’s apt. There she runs into Jensen, the new pitcher for the minor league team her dad coach’s, and her brother’s new roommate. She feels this connection to him, but doesn’t want to date anyone right now, let alone another pitcher. But, she needs to finish her thesis and asks Jensen for his help. As they work together, they can’t deny this pull that they have towards one another.

I loved how this sports romance book really added the baseball aspect to it. I love all sports, and it was so great to see full-detail baseball scenes in this book. It really just made me love it even more. I also loved Jensen + Sutter’s relationship. What started as a friendship ultimately grew into more and it was so beautiful to see. The way the cheered each other on was just so cute! 🥹
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,215 reviews38 followers
April 3, 2023
An enemies-to-lovers sports romance

Sutter Mason has grown up around baseball her whole life. Her father is a minor league head coach. She used to love being around the game. But, a year ago her fiancée - a pitcher on her father's team broke up with her and left for the major leagues. 

Jensen Hawke is a new rookie on Sutter's father's team - Arizona Monsoon's and is now Sutter's brother - Billy's - new roommate! Jensen is working with the new minor league team to help get his grove back into pitching and working through his injured shoulder. 

Sutter has been working on her master's degree program. Sutter has a great idea that the mind for baseball players you a psychologist can work with to get over mental blocks. She is working on the science behind the idea. Her father doesn't really believe her. He only believes in the stat's - what do the numbers say? Once Sutter can work on the numbers and improve his players scores and skills maybe he will believe in her idea. 

Sutter and Jensen both have had heart aches / breaks in the last year. Will they be able to help heal each other? 

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review. 
Profile Image for Mîndy Gømer.
40 reviews
March 29, 2023
I’ll start off with…i need more!!! I haven’t actually read a book in a long while (audible for the win!) but I seriously couldn’t put this one down. When i had to put it down I couldn’t wait to pick it back up again. I love baseball so reading the behind the scenes on what could happen is fun! Watching Sutter and how she develops throughout the story..fighting the attraction the quips towards Jensen. Its what long term goals are made of. Sutter loves with her everything. Jensen. Jensen is guarded and rightfully so. I love the turn around in him when he starts seeing the results that Sutter is seeing. Pushing her to go after her dreams and not standing in her way. Love. Love. Love! I definitely recommend this book! I’ve read Ms Scotts book since Blindness..shes one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Cassie.
312 reviews18 followers
April 11, 2023
I don’t think there is any other author who can excite me with a sports romance book quite like Ginger Scott. Her knowledge and excitement for sport is always palpable in her books. Add in that hero heroines are always involved in the book-specific sport and I am a goner.

She also writes some awesome enemies-to-lovers and this one was no different. I would even call it a bit of a grumpy/sunshine. Add in some excellent intimate scenes and it was a home-run.
Profile Image for Chloe Stevenson.
98 reviews
May 2, 2023
well this was just adorable. wasn’t sure i could enjoy it bc well he’s a pitcher… and a lefty… but hey jensen was so sweet
Profile Image for Melissa.
125 reviews17 followers
November 7, 2023
3,5 ⭐
Sport romance de Béisbol con Friends to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Rom Com y Slow Burn.
📖: Sutter será la coaching mental de Jensen, compañero de cuarto de su hermano, mientras que a la vez eso será parte de su proyecto de tesis de psicología que debe terminar.
Al principio él será reacio con ella, pero poco a poco se irá acostumbrando a la personalidad de ella y a su compañía, y la atracción mutua será inevitable.
Uno de las tantas cosas que me gustó del libro fue que desde el principio hubo un apoyo mutuo por parte de los protagonistas. También me gustó la relación que tenía Sutter con su hermano, ambos se preocupaban por el otro, y el hermano no era celoso y era gracioso.
El primer beso de Sutter y Jensen, y la primera vez que tuvieron sexo se dio más o menos en el 80% del libro (slow burn) ... había mucha tensión, me tenían desesperada
El epílogo y el capítulo antes, me gusto porque muestra que ambos cumplieron sus sueños, viven juntos y él le propone matrimonio.
March 30, 2023
Southpaw is a new adult standalone from Ginger Scott. This is an enemies to friends to lovers, baseball sports romance about Sutton Mason and Jensen Hawke. She has grown up around baseball because her father is the coach for a minor league baseball team and he is the new pitcher. As they get to know each other and their friendship develops, they soon learn they have more in common than they thought. An enjoyable slow burn with lots of baseball action.

Sutton has found it hard moving forward after having her heart broken by her ex boyfriend Corbin.
They used to live with her brother Billy, and she often goes back there to wallow in her memories. One day she is shocked when she has an unfortunate run in with his new roommate.
Jensen is a leftie baseball player who has been traded to Monsoon. He is still dealing with the after-effects of having surgery for an injury and is desperate to be a headline-making player again. He has persisted all his life against the odds to prove himself. He isn’t happy that his Coach has set him up living with his son especially when he meets his very feisty and annoying daughter.

Sutton needs to finish her psychology thesis for her masters and her speciality is motivational therapy and personal growth coaching. She believes mental coaching correlates to success on the mound for pitchers but needs another case study to prove her methods work. She’s positive she can make Jensen a better pitcher so comes up with a proposal to work with him. He doesn't believe she will make a difference to the way he throws and feels it’s a bad idea.

Their first interactions are hilarious, with great banter and funny incidents. I loved how she messes with Jensen and gets inside his head. She is brazen, blunt and very funny. I really liked their strange conversations as she pushes him out of his comfort zone. Her coaching sessions are certainly unique and unconventional. They both have dad issues, are recovering from their last relationships and dealing with family drama. She is more attracted to Jensen than she wants to admit and needs to focus on her work and not the player. Jensen is starting to enjoy her random visits, invasive prodding and strange ways. He loves her smile but she is such a temptation.

There is a great selection of supporting characters. Billy was an absolute sweetie, he had his sister’s best interests at heart and was scared she was making the same mistakes again. He wants to help and fix her, take away the hurt she’s been through. Kiki is the best friend every girl needs and his sister Amber is just full of sunshine and positivity. Ernie was great, his interactions with the couple so amusing.

Can she work with him and build up his confidence without falling for him? Can he find his form and not let her down? Can they give into their feelings and maybe risk everything. I absolutely loved Sutton and she had me cracking up with her antics. There are a couple of great twists which I really enjoyed and a lovely epilogue to finish their story. One of the running jokes throughout the book is her having a key to her brother’s apartment and constantly telling Jensen “I have a key” but it turns out she actually has the key to his heart !!
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,031 reviews51 followers
April 4, 2023
Ginger Scott's love of baseball was never more evident than in Southpaw. I really did enjoy how she gave us yet another very interesting aspect of the game, as our heroine Sutter Mason analyzes the issues with a particular pitcher and gives him very different kinds of 'therapies' to improve their performance. The guinea pig, if you will, this time around is the brooding Jensen Hawke and when Sutter convinces him to be her latest test subject in order for her to complete her master's thesis, the coach's daughter and the talented lefty find a heat even more potent than Jensen's slider.

I found it wildly clever how Scott uses Sutter's unconventional 'voodoo' to help out the struggling Jensen. It was beyond cute as she watches Jensen finally enjoy the game he loves so much without the monkey on his back telling him he may not make it to the major leagues. His relationship with his family is a huge burden for him although his sister remains his staunchest supporter no matter what. And I was happy he at least had her by his side when his parents would seem unimpressed by his choice of career.

With Sutter's past and possible future constantly colliding in the form of her weakness for sexy ball players, there is plenty of angst to go around in this well-written book. I really loved Sutter and how she manages everything in her professional life quite easily but, of course, when it comes to matters of the heart, all logic goes right out the window. But watching as she slowly falls for Jensen and Jensen finding it hard to resist the persistent and somewhat pesky Sutter, I was thrilled when these two finally found a path, albeit a complicated one, to each other.

Sutter's brother Billy is a huge standout, his loyalty to his sister no matter how many times she shows up unannounced to his and Jensen's apartment beyond sweet. He provided levity when needed and never-ending support for his sister when she struggled with her feelings and past hurts. I'm hopeful a story about his well-deserved HEA will happen soon.

Scott combines witty banter, anxious moments and sexy times really well. The chemistry between Jensen and Sutter cannot be denied no matter how hard they try since handsome, strong and talented pitchers seem to be Sutter's weakness. Even though both had been a bit scarred in their prior relationships and a huge coincidence almost keeps them from even thinking about being together, I was very satisfied with how their story eventually turned out.

Another great addition to the sports world that Ginger Scott continues to beautifully create, I happily give Southpaw a big 4 stars!
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
773 reviews22 followers
March 29, 2023
Southpaw by Ginger Scott is a brother’s roommate baseball romance with a touch of the initial animosity of an enemies to lovers that’s more enemies to friends to lovers. Sutter is trying to finish her psychology degree so she can work as a mental coach for athletes, but her test subject was now ex-fiance and current pro-baseball player. When her brother gets a new roommate from her Dad’s Triple-A baseball team, she sees her chance to finish her thesis, if she can ignore her attraction to Jensen Hawke long enough to work with him. Jensen is coming back from Tommy John surgery and trying to get to the Major League, but insecurities and issues from his past are interfering with his natural ability on the field. Can the feisty and quirky Sutter help him get his game back on track, or will she become his ultimate distraction?

Southpaw is the first book I’ve read by Ginger Scott, but it definitely won’t be the last!! There’s great world building here with wonderful characters, authentic emotions, so much witty banter, angst, slow burn chemistry that was ready to erupt at any second, and a couple little twists to keep it interesting! I will admit that the slow burn, will they or won’t they stage took too long for me, but they made up for it towards the end of the book. I loved Sutter’s strength, even though she had her own insecurities she needed to work through. The scenes with her and her mom touched my heart, because my family faced a similar situation with my grandpa. The complexity of the emotions around that with her father were very well portrayed also. I also enjoyed the sibling relationships both Sutter and Jensen had in this book, as they were very entertaining. I know I love to harass my brothers!😂 But really, it’s all about Jensen and Sutter’s undeniable connection and the way they evolved together into the people they were meant to be! I loved the epilogue, but I’m hoping we get to see more from this world in the future!!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#sportsromance #CoachesDaughter #BrothersRoommate #romancebookstagram #GingerScott #Southpaw #bookreview #ARCreview #arcreader #bookrecs #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #arcreader #wordsmithpublicity
Profile Image for Chloe-Ann.
121 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2023
3⭐️
This was such a fun read for me as I am someone who has experienced what J goes through when playing a sport competitively. I wish I had a mental coach when I was younger. For this reason, I really enjoyed J’s character, but S was just kind of annoying most of the time because of her immaturity😅

I enjoyed the secondary characters as well and would love to hear K’s story at some point. (This might have already been done but this is my first read from Scott). The authors knowledge of the sport was definitely a bonus to the storyline as things actually made sense, OH AND THERE WAS ACTUALLY SPORTS CONTENT IN A SPORTS ROMANCE, rather then it being mentioned once and somehow that classes something a sports romance?😬

Reasons why this is a 3 star read: wish it had been longer, with the epilogue being set further in the future. Some parts felt a bit unnecessary / boring, and these could have been used to explore more of the mental coaching. Stutters character just annoying me lol.

🩵favourite quotes🩵
- her laugh…one that lasts long enough to not evaporate in the breeze.
- fire is good. I think it’s useful.
- everything in life needs balance.
- he was pouring everyone once of his heart and soul into each throw. That’s too much for one man. He was weighing himself down, physically and mentally.
- we lightened his load. Simply by forcing him to slow down and live a little.
🩷 - that’s the thing about being inside your head, though. You can tell yourself not to think about something, but all you’re doing is thinking, giving that person or idea more of you.
- let’s introduce you to amber so you can become best friends then plot to destroy me.
- I don’t want to hold my breath waiting for this amazing high I’m experiencing to turn into a low, but experience tells me that’s inevitable.
Profile Image for Stacey.
504 reviews28 followers
June 14, 2023
After Sutter’s ex-fiancé announces his engagement to some woman after his first start in a MLB game, she knows she’s officially done with men. Especially baseball players!

Drunk and pissed off, she heads to her brother’s apartment, also the apartment she use to share with her ex-fiancé. In the elevator a cute guy comes in but she sees the red flag, baseball player. She ignores him and gets off but realizes he does too. He follows her all the way to her brothers front door and she freaks! She thinks he’s following her so sprays him with dry shampoo! 😂 He wasn’t following her, he is her brother’s new roommate.

Jensen is not back in the game after rehabbing a Tommy John surgery. He’s playing on a minor league in Tucson and is trying to find his pitching arm again. After a bad breakup and family drama his head really isn’t clear for him to focus 100%.

Sutter’s final thesis is due soon for her masters in psychology. Her ex-fiancé was her case study but he said she can’t use that info so she’s back to finding a study. She then realizes how tense Jensen is so she offers help for him to better his game in exchange to be her case study.

The banter between Jensen and Sutter was so fun! Honestly they were a perfect ying and yang together. Jensen was frazzled with his pitching, Sutter calmed him to focus. Sutter is always on the go and Jenese got her to calm down and enjoy the little things. She’s also very feisty and Jensen allowed her to be her true self even if others thought she was to much.

I also loved the relationship between Sutter and her brother. It’s so refreshing to see a healthy sibling relationship but also as a brother and a sister. I really hope her brother gets a book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Brother’s Roommate/Dad’s Player
Angst
2,311 reviews34 followers
March 30, 2023
Settle In grab on tight and prepare yourself for a journey unlike you’ve ever been on before . A journey that will grab onto all your emotions so freaking fast and pull at your heartstrings in ways you definitely will not expect. A journey that will leave you speechless, that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what’s to come and will have you smiling, laughing, crying and rooting so hard . Southpaw had me feeling all of the above and so much more . I just adored both Sutter and Jensens characters so much . There is so much more to both characters then you first think and I loved watching their layers get peeled back . There journey is not all hearts and flowers in fact it states off as more of a hate to love / enemies to lovers trope but so quickly turns into so much more . It’s filled with angst , humor , witty banter , love , romance, heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, struggles, tragedy, animosity, insecurities, family , friendships, unexpected surprises, wonderfully written characters that are so captivating, so unique , very multi layered and of course likable and very relatable. In my honest opinion there are no perfect words to express all the reasons I loved this book so much or to clearly express the emotions it absolutely going to stir in you . It’s you something you need to experience first hand by simply picking it up and reading. Sports romance , enemies to lovers and brothers roommate are a few of the tropes I enjoy reading most and this was definitely the perfect blend of all 3 . Ginger Scott never fail’s the deliver phenomenally written storylines . And Southpaw is the perfect example of not only what a true queen she is but of just why she’s one of my top 10 favorite authors
a minute ago (edited)
Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,541 reviews181 followers
March 30, 2023
It feels like it's been an age since I read a Ginger Scott novel and I remember how much I appreciate her writing. I just don't ever pick them up on a whim because they aren't a light and fluffy read between life. They have all the emotions and a heap of events that make it feel like I'm a voyeur in someone else's life. So I only read them when I am in the mood and have the time.

Sutter was such a different character, and despite the fact I don't have one single thing in common I feel like I know her. The whole time I was reading this I felt like I could look over and shake my head at her. Because for someone who had it all together the girl was a hot mess. But she didn't let that hold her back once she made up her mind to go for something.

Jensen honestly surprised me the most. He started out with such a stick in his uhm, yeah. But his growth and success was beautiful to watch because he was so honest about his perceived failures. And the pair of them together made me feel everything. Honestly, they went from cold to hot to cold to laughing with a few tears mixed in and I loved it.

I was totally engrossed in the book. Which is surprising for me because it was a slower burn than I anticipated. But it was a decent length with so many layers to each of the characters. I couldn't stop trying to figure out how they were going to react or if I was right in some of my assumptions. And it was about baseball, seriously I don't even believe that's a real sport for how much I know of it.

March 30, 2023
As prickly as the cactus in the desert where she lives, Sutter Mason would have you believe that she is tough and aloof, her sassy humour and edgy vibe help with her disguise….but as we get to know this character through the eyes of Jensen we soon see that, like her brother, she’s really a people pleaser deep down. She’s a magnet, a gentle soul, drawing people in to her and holding them in her heart.

Jensen Hawkes is a complicated guy. He has so much up in his head, so many things pulling him and his game. He too has a sensitivity about him…he keeps it well guarded and reserved for those he cares deeply for.
Recovering from injury this is his chance to prove himself worthy of a place in the big leagues.

As these two start a business relationship, it’s clear to see they have a lot in common, as Sutter helps Jensen with his game he too sees right through her. They both have their own demons and issues, they quickly realise they can’t hide from each other no matter how much they fight it!

I just loved this and everyone in it. This is a slow burn romance as Sutter and Jensen form a close friendship based on mutual respect and care. This bond pulls them close and results in an enduring connection….one where they aren’t afraid to help each other soar and reach their goals…. I loved the sass, humour, heat, attraction and closeness, the author brings all the feels with her brilliant writing. Some parts had my chest aching then I was laughing out loud, swooning…you name it I felt it and I enjoyed every page of it!!
Profile Image for Jules.
1,447 reviews88 followers
March 30, 2023
Ginger Scott has done it again! With her latest NA sports romance, Southpaw, the author has again captured my heart and my imagination. Fans of the author know she loves her baseball, and that is abundantly clear in Southpaw. Even if readers aren’t baseball or a sports fans, I predict they’ll fall in love with the main characters Sutter and Jensen.

Suter is a graduate student working on her final thesis, and she is the daughter of the local minor league baseball team. Jensen is the delicious-to-look at new pitcher on that minor league team. He is rehabbing after surgery and trying to get back in the show. They make an interesting duo. The attraction is electric, the banter is fun, and the chemistry is obvious from the start. The two would be candidates for an “insta-love” story were it not for the baggage they carry from bad break-ups. The secondary characters are supportive but marginally developed, and the addition of the “ex’s” makes for great plot tension and relationship angst.

The story arc is engaging, the slow-burn romance is perfect, and the character development is excellent. Southpaw is richly layer with sports, romance, and family drama 9of the dysfunctional type). I’ve been an ardent fan of the authors for a while, and Southpaw has reconfirmed that Ginger Scott will remain one of my go-to/always recommend authors.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Pam.
1,526 reviews15 followers
March 31, 2023
I have been very patiently waiting for the queen of baseball to give us another baseball story. We have gotten a fabulous NA sports romance that is a slow burn full of banter and character growth. In true Ginger Scott fashion she pulled me in from the first chapter and didn't let me go. I love how she makes me feel like I am in the story watching and participating.

Sutton and Jensen were complex characters in thier own way. Sutton still feeling the pain of her last relationship with her ex that has moved into the limelight so it isn't always easy to hide from. Jensen is trying to pick himself back up after surgery and prove that he has what it takes in the sport to keep moving forward in his career. For both of these characters family's past issues keep throwing up walls and they are built pretty strong.

As we watch the friendship grow between Sutton and Jenson, it is clear to see that giving trust is an issue. Before they know it that friends is slowly morphing into something on a whole new level. Neither of them was looking for a relationship.

Can she help Jensen move forward with his career? Will her mental coaching theory get her what she is looking for with her degree? Will these closed off people be willing to open their hearts and truly give their feelings a chance? Be ready for some twists and surprises as you read their story.

I am seriously hoping that there might be thought of growing this group of side characters into a series around the Monsoon team. A girl can dream, right!

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Profile Image for Nicolle.
15 reviews
March 30, 2023
This was my first Ginger Scott book and I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm definitely a fan after reading Southpaw. I received an ARC of this book but my opinion is entirely my own. I grew up watching baseball with my dad so it doesn't take much to persuade me into reading a baseball romance. I fell in love with Sutter's personality very quickly. She's fun and driven and I have to root for my girls in male-dominated industries. I loved how she was knowledgeable about parts of the sports but also didn't pretend to know everything. She never puts down women who aren't fans of the sports and doesn't lean into the "not like other girls narrative." She seems like just the type of girl I would absolutely love to be friends with. Sutter sees something in Jensen that others clearly don't and brings out the best in him. I'm not going to lie with a name like Jensen all I could picture was Jensen Ackles and it feels pretty fitting. For a large part of the book, it feels like Sutter was really the one helping Jensen grow but towards the end that really turned and I loved to see it. The romance aspect is a bit of a slow burn which I felt left me wanting more of them but I still enjoyed every minute of it. I quickly devoured this book in pretty much one sitting. Sutter and Jensen are worth the read.

Spice 2.5
TWs: Slight mentions of Dementia, Chronic Illness, and Cursing
Profile Image for AC Book Blog .
979 reviews130 followers
April 2, 2023
Sutter just got out of a bad relationship with a baller. She is sick of them all. The problem is there is a new pitcher who just joined her dad’s minor league team. He is her brother’s new roommate - hot, broody, talented but has a little problem “leaning too much to the right” :) Sutter needs to finish her psychology thesis so what’s better way than using said hot pitcher as a test subject? You know? Fix him a little bit, purely business no pleasure …? Well, that did not work out as she expected :) I really like Sutter – she is kind of a fixer, unapologetic, barging in people life whether they like it or not. Jensen is stubborn, focus, and don’t do relationships. He plays ball and rather spend time in solitude at home. The last thing he needs is his roommate’s sister barging in his life with all kind of shenanigans with positive mental coaching. Well, ready or not, here she comes :0 Sutter is persistent and eventually wore Jensen down layers by layers. I love that Sutter is supportive and she always believe in Jensen. Jensen was a hard nut to crack. He is a bit grumpy with Sutter at the beginning which made for an awesome angsty enemy-to-lover romance. The way their relationship progress is cute, a little steamy, and a lot of swoon. Overall, I find the concept of mental coaching is unique. Slower in the middle but otherwise entertaining read!
Profile Image for Mel Southworth (Mels.bookreads).
183 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2023
Sutter Mason loves baseball. She knows how it clicks. She’s always known the smell of the leather mitt and the pitch.
She dislikes Corbin a lot and I don’t blame her.
She has her own place after she moved out of her brother, Billy’s place as she shared a room there with Corbin and they were all hush hush engaged.
But she still has a key so she thinks it’s fine to still hang out there and sleep over when she doesn’t want to go home after a night out with her friend Kiki.
She doesn’t expect to find Jensen Hawke, another leftie thrower in her old bedroom.
She decided she now needs to use Jensen for her thesis to finish off her course but also to not repeat history and fall for him the same way she did with Corbin.
Sutter believe psychology can help how a thrower throws and it’s all in the mind when they get it wrong. She has a week to prove this to Jensen.
But unknowing to her how Jensen and her life somehow got all mixed up before they even met and their hearts were broken!

Really enjoyed Southpaw, it was lovely to read and I got such a feel for the characters and was wanting the best for them both and hoping for a happy ending, but did I get this? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Now who’s off to McGill’s for a beer? I heard the baseball team like to hang out there…
Profile Image for Nicolle.
15 reviews
April 14, 2023
This was my first Ginger Scott book and I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm definitely a fan after reading Southpaw. I received an ARC of this book but my opinion is entirely my own. I grew up watching baseball with my dad so it doesn't take much to persuade me into reading a baseball romance. I fell in love with Sutter's personality very quickly. She's fun and driven and I have to root for my girls in male-dominated industries. I loved how she was knowledgeable about parts of the sports but also didn't pretend to know everything. She never puts down women who aren't fans of the sports and doesn't lean into the "not like other girls narrative." She seems like just the type of girl I would absolutely love to be friends with. Sutter sees something in Jensen that others clearly don't and brings out the best in him. I'm not going to lie with a name like Jensen all I could picture was Jensen Ackles and it feels pretty fitting. For a large part of the book, it feels like Sutter was really the one helping Jensen grow but towards the end that really turned and I loved to see it. The romance aspect is a bit of a slow burn which I felt left me wanting more of them but I still enjoyed every minute of it. I quickly devoured this book in pretty much one sitting. Sutter and Jensen are worth the read.

Spice 2.5
TWs: Slight mentions of Dementia, Chronic Illness, and Cursing
Profile Image for Cat.
1,663 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2023
I loved this sports romance between Sutter and Jensen.
Sutter's dad is the coach to the Baseball team,and so Sutter is not really impressed with Baseball players.Until her interest is peaked when a new player starts on the team Jensen Hawke he may be good looking and hot but he is also troubled.
Sutter will not fall for him but decides she needs him to help her with her thesis,he intrigues her but he is also her brothers new roommate.
Jensen is struggling with his game after an injury,I think he has alot of negative thoughts and self doubt,I also think he lost his confidence a bit.
Being a psychology major Sutter may be able to help him get over his metal block and his negative attitude.
I loved the attraction,the emotion and I loved the writing in this book.
Ginger Scott really knows how to write a real ,raw story with some beautiful moments and romantic scenes.The characters in this book are so easy to like and champion,I wanted them to be together so bad.
Jensen and Sutter made a deal and that became something else they both didn't expect,I loved reading how their characters change under one anothers influence.
Southpaw is a book that you will not be able to tear yourself away from and I absolutely enjoyed it very much.
Excellent.
5 Stars.
Profile Image for Ashley B.
133 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2023
If you are looking for a baseball romance, this is it! I couldn’t put this book down. I LOVED Sutter and Jensen… the witty banter and the slow burn chemistry were fantastic. The writing was wonderful and I felt the characters emotions and could imagine the setting the whole time. I loved the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of the mental game of baseball as well.

This was such a unique take on a sports romance and I loved every second. Sutter, the coach’s daughter, is helping Jensen, her brother’s new roommate and stubborn pitcher, with his mental game for her psychology thesis. I loved the way Sutter believed in Jensen even when he didn’t want to believe in himself. The way both Sutter and Jensen took their own insecurities and developed and made each other better was the best!

I really enjoyed the sibling relationships between Sutter and her brother and between Jensen and his sister. Also, the relationship between Sutter and her mom was beautiful and heartbreaking. I would love to see this developed into a series to get more from the side characters I also grew to love!

I would definitely recommend picking this one up if you are a lover of sports romance, baseball, enemies to lovers, and grumpy/sunshine.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,602 reviews244 followers
March 30, 2023
I loved this sports romance between Sutter and Jensen. Sutter's dad is the coach to the Baseball team, and so Sutter is not really impressed with Baseball players. Until her interest is peaked when a new player starts on the team, Jensen Hawke he may be good looking and hot but he is also troubled. Sutter will not fall for him but decides she needs him to help her with her thesis, he intrigues her but he is also her brothers new roommate.
Jensen is struggling with his game after an injury, I think he has a lot of negative thoughts and self doubt. I also think he lost his confidence a bit. Being a psychology major Sutter may be able to help him get over his mental block and his negative attitude.
I loved the attraction and the emotion. I also loved the writing in this book.
Ginger Scott really knows how to write a real, raw story with some beautiful moments and romantic scenes. The characters in this book are so easy to like and champion, I wanted them to be together so bad.
Jensen and Sutter made a deal and that became something else they both didn't expect, I loved reading how their characters change under one another's influence.
Southpaw is a book that you will not be able to tear yourself away from and I absolutely enjoyed it very much.
Excellent.- Cat W.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
590 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2023
Great slow burn sports romance
This is the first book from Ms. Scott I've read, but I enjoyed it so much I will definitely be seeking out more.
Told in a dual POV, this is a story about Sutter and Jenson. She's trying to finish her thesis on the benefits of mental coaching as it relates to sports people and their performance. He's a pitcher, in the minors coming back from an injury and struggling. Both are still dealing with the moving on process from past romantic relationships.
Sutter is a great female lead, she's smart and intelligent and sassy, has complex relationships with family and friends and is well entrenched in the local baseball scene with her dad being the coach. Jenson is new in town and their first meeting is hilarious and he has her pegged as annoying from the get-go.
Their chemistry is undeniable although they try to, the more time they spend together the harder they fight it. Ms. Scott does a great job of building the tension while keeping us engaged in a well plotted and paced story, with good character development, great banter between all the characters, emotional scenes and others that will make you laugh out loud. This was great from beginning to end, thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,712 reviews530 followers
April 5, 2023
Baseball and romance make for a delightful combination. And just what I needed after finishing a chilling thriller. My typical go-to usually includes a sports-related rom-com and Ginger Scott met the criteria with “Southpaw.”

Jensen and Sutter were two wonderful main characters – both carrying around heavy baggage. I loved how they were able to bring out the best in each other. An adorable and surprising meet/greet, along with non-stop witty and enticing banter were highlights of the game between them. Humor is always an attention-getter for me and this story hits the mark. But (there always seems to be a “but”), towards the finish line those highs lost some their oomph, and the momentum dulled a bit.

There were a couple of foul balls that popped up. But it was a strike-out when Jensen's dad was first identified as “Lyle” on page 199 and then quickly thereafter on page 206 became “Lloyd.” I know those slip-ups occur, but it still shouldn’t happen if the editing team is on their toes.

My biggest disappointment came when the story conclusion felt abrupt, leaving some loose ends and falling short of a solid wrap-up! The Epilogue -- though sweet and happy -- didn’t quite earn a homerun for this fan. Still, the Southpaw and his girl made for a fun read!
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