What do you think?
Rate this book
The Final Score #3
The Best Friend and the Shortstop
I’ve had a crush on my best friend, Alex Mendoza, for years, and I was finally going to tell him how I felt. But instead, I got cold feet. And now he thinks I’m interested in his teammate—my ex.
Of course, being the good friend he is, Alex has offered to make my ex jealous. What’s wrong with a little play flirting?
Well, for starters, I’m not playing.
Alex’s mom and mine are best friends, soul sisters forged together by growing up in the same small town. They say they didn’t plan it, but the fact that Alex and I were born two weeks apart has always felt very much part of their plan. Our birthday parties were always together. First days of school were the same. And when Alex got his own car, the passenger seat was literally labeled with my name—Nikki Thomas. Convenient since we were inseparable.
For most of my life, Alex has been like the big brother I never had. He’s always been my protector. And he’s always made me feel safe. But somewhere along the way, he started to make me feel other things too.
Now it’s his senior baseball season, and he has the talent to go pro. His dreams are all coming together. My life, on the other hand, is falling apart. I know Alex would support me if I told him my secrets. After all, that’s what best friends do. But maybe it’s my turn to be the protector. And if that means all I can have are a few pretend kisses, then perhaps that will have to be enough.
Unless it turns out Alex has been keeping secrets of his own.
Of course, being the good friend he is, Alex has offered to make my ex jealous. What’s wrong with a little play flirting?
Well, for starters, I’m not playing.
Alex’s mom and mine are best friends, soul sisters forged together by growing up in the same small town. They say they didn’t plan it, but the fact that Alex and I were born two weeks apart has always felt very much part of their plan. Our birthday parties were always together. First days of school were the same. And when Alex got his own car, the passenger seat was literally labeled with my name—Nikki Thomas. Convenient since we were inseparable.
For most of my life, Alex has been like the big brother I never had. He’s always been my protector. And he’s always made me feel safe. But somewhere along the way, he started to make me feel other things too.
Now it’s his senior baseball season, and he has the talent to go pro. His dreams are all coming together. My life, on the other hand, is falling apart. I know Alex would support me if I told him my secrets. After all, that’s what best friends do. But maybe it’s my turn to be the protector. And if that means all I can have are a few pretend kisses, then perhaps that will have to be enough.
Unless it turns out Alex has been keeping secrets of his own.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2024
226 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Scott
70 books3,514 followersGinger 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).
Sign Up for Ginger's Newsletter!
http://www.littlemisswrite.com/newsle...
Find Ginger online here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerScottA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegingerscott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorginge...
Website: https://www.littlemisswrite.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/gingerscott
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ginge...
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).
Sign Up for Ginger's Newsletter!
http://www.littlemisswrite.com/newsle...
Find Ginger online here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerScottA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegingerscott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorginge...
Website: https://www.littlemisswrite.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/gingerscott
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ginge...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 18, 2024
The Best Friend & The Shortstop was a nice, enjoyable read.
Nikki and Alex are friends since they were born because their parents and especially their mothers are friends. They grew up together, developping deeper feelings than friendship, but they are too scared to destroy their beautiful friendship and to change their dynamics telling the truth to one another.
I liked Nikki and Alex, even if they tested my patience with their worries, but they are still young and I forgave them. I devoured this book to finally see Nikki and Alex relationship change, they only needed a bit of courage to be honest with each other.
Ginger Scott wrote a good book, with likable characters. She also addressed some delicate issues with such a sensitivity that the story never felt stilted.
I recommend to read this friends to lovers story if you appreciate slow burn and some teen pining.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 15, 2024
Best friends to lovers romance is one of my favorite tropes so I've read a lot of them. I've also read a lot of fake dating romances, and the storylines are typically very much alike. This one, though? I found this one to be an original and refreshing spin on this common trope.
Nikki and Alex have been best friends their entire lives. They are each other's "person", but now that college is coming close to an end, Nikki thinks that maybe it's time that she reveals her true feelings to her best friend. Alex has a lot going on in his life though, so maybe it's not the right time for Nikki to make her big reveal. When Alex thinks that Nikki might want to get back together with her ex, he comes up with a plan to help her. They'll fake date. That's sure to make her ex jealous, right? It's a horrible idea and Nikki knows it, but at this point, she'll take whatever she can get when it comes to being with Alex.
Going in, I thought that I knew exactly how this story would go. I've read this storyline enough times to predict how it would play out, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong. This story went in a direction that I wasn't expecting. There were some twists that I didn't see coming that made this story original and kept me turning the pages.
I loved the relationship between Alex and Nikki, and that through it all, they never gave up on each other. The secondary characters were perfectly placed to keep this story interesting, and I was once again reminded how much I love Cutter McCreary from The Tomboy and the Captain.
The Final Score series has turned out to be one of my favorite sports romance series, and don't let the innocent looking covers fool you...this series gets steamier with every book and this is some of the hottest romance that this author has written. I absolutely loved this one and I hated to see it end.
Nikki and Alex have been best friends their entire lives. They are each other's "person", but now that college is coming close to an end, Nikki thinks that maybe it's time that she reveals her true feelings to her best friend. Alex has a lot going on in his life though, so maybe it's not the right time for Nikki to make her big reveal. When Alex thinks that Nikki might want to get back together with her ex, he comes up with a plan to help her. They'll fake date. That's sure to make her ex jealous, right? It's a horrible idea and Nikki knows it, but at this point, she'll take whatever she can get when it comes to being with Alex.
Going in, I thought that I knew exactly how this story would go. I've read this storyline enough times to predict how it would play out, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong. This story went in a direction that I wasn't expecting. There were some twists that I didn't see coming that made this story original and kept me turning the pages.
I loved the relationship between Alex and Nikki, and that through it all, they never gave up on each other. The secondary characters were perfectly placed to keep this story interesting, and I was once again reminded how much I love Cutter McCreary from The Tomboy and the Captain.
The Final Score series has turned out to be one of my favorite sports romance series, and don't let the innocent looking covers fool you...this series gets steamier with every book and this is some of the hottest romance that this author has written. I absolutely loved this one and I hated to see it end.
June 12, 2024
Alex and Nikki have been best friends forever… they have this wonderful connection which is built from a life long history. Stories that only they know, familiarities and quirks that only they recognise in each other and a deep seated love and support for their respective passions.
Nikki is tough and scrappy, she’s Alex’s fiercest cheerleader. She knows when his game is off and she knows something is playing on his mind….which means she is even more reluctant to spill what’s playing on her mind…for fear of ruining the most valued relationship she has and also completely tipping his game right off!
I Loved both of these characters, as usual Ms Scott writes their passion and closeness perfectly, her own love for the sport of baseball really comes through with her concise knowledge and I really enjoyed the commentary.
This is a great, fun read with some minor angst that is dealt with honestly and with a realistic approach which is very much appreciated…..the friendships of Cole and Omar bring some light relief that helps pull the story along nicely.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of these stories in this series and I’m looking forward to whatever Ms Scott brings us next!
Nikki is tough and scrappy, she’s Alex’s fiercest cheerleader. She knows when his game is off and she knows something is playing on his mind….which means she is even more reluctant to spill what’s playing on her mind…for fear of ruining the most valued relationship she has and also completely tipping his game right off!
I Loved both of these characters, as usual Ms Scott writes their passion and closeness perfectly, her own love for the sport of baseball really comes through with her concise knowledge and I really enjoyed the commentary.
This is a great, fun read with some minor angst that is dealt with honestly and with a realistic approach which is very much appreciated…..the friendships of Cole and Omar bring some light relief that helps pull the story along nicely.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of these stories in this series and I’m looking forward to whatever Ms Scott brings us next!
June 16, 2024
The Best Friend and the Shortstop is book #3 in The Final Score series. Fake dating, friends-to-lovers and college sports bring this romance story together! Nikki and Alex grew up next door to each other. Best friends from the beginning with their moms in the background planning their wedding - that is their moms' dream! They have an unbreakable connection.
Now in college, they each have hurdles to jump. Alex is in a slump and a freshman is jockeying for his spot on the baseball team. Nikki is pursuing music - mixing and production and experiences a crisis of sorts of her own. It starts out as a "fake dating" situation and then the heat is turned up! There are a few cameos from The Tomboy and the Captain as well as the The Wallflower and the Running Back!
I love Ginger Scott's sports romance books. They are fun, sexy and just good writing! The Best Friend and the Shortstop is a great pool or beach read. I recommend all of the books in the The Final Score series!
4 stars
#AuthorGingerScott #TheBestFriendandtheShortStop #TheTomboyAndTheCaptain #AlexAndNikki #SportsRomance #MustRead
Now in college, they each have hurdles to jump. Alex is in a slump and a freshman is jockeying for his spot on the baseball team. Nikki is pursuing music - mixing and production and experiences a crisis of sorts of her own. It starts out as a "fake dating" situation and then the heat is turned up! There are a few cameos from The Tomboy and the Captain as well as the The Wallflower and the Running Back!
I love Ginger Scott's sports romance books. They are fun, sexy and just good writing! The Best Friend and the Shortstop is a great pool or beach read. I recommend all of the books in the The Final Score series!
4 stars
#AuthorGingerScott #TheBestFriendandtheShortStop #TheTomboyAndTheCaptain #AlexAndNikki #SportsRomance #MustRead
June 12, 2024
A great addition to this series. I really enjoyed the complexity of this friends to lovers storyline. Alex and Nikki have great chemistry and their push and pull will hook you from the beginning to the end. Definitely worth the read.
July 25, 2024
definitely not a fan- plot was rushed, the ending was rushed, and overall predictable. cute story though
February 25, 2025
*4.5 stars*
July 17, 2024
really liked this book. had to read on my ipad as i couldn’t get it to the kindle (not books fault but made the experience worse). but i love a friends to lovers book so i ate this up
June 15, 2024
Wow, what a book!
The Best Friend and the Shortstop is the third book in the, The Final Score series and can be read as a standalone.
Alex and Nikki were so much fun to read. They’ve been friends since forever so they know each other better than anyone. Their love for each other is strong and has been built from them growing up together. They know each other’s quirks and can see instantly when someone is wrong with the other.
Absolutely everything about them was just a big yes especially their banter, it was brilliant and always had me laughing. I loved them both so very much.
This was my first read by this author but I now know it won’t be my last, I’m going to go grab the others to read them too. Ginger Scott brought us some beautiful characters with this book.
The Best Friend and The Shortstop is a friends to lovers sports romance. A fun and exciting book with wonderfully written characters.
The Best Friend and the Shortstop is the third book in the, The Final Score series and can be read as a standalone.
Alex and Nikki were so much fun to read. They’ve been friends since forever so they know each other better than anyone. Their love for each other is strong and has been built from them growing up together. They know each other’s quirks and can see instantly when someone is wrong with the other.
Absolutely everything about them was just a big yes especially their banter, it was brilliant and always had me laughing. I loved them both so very much.
This was my first read by this author but I now know it won’t be my last, I’m going to go grab the others to read them too. Ginger Scott brought us some beautiful characters with this book.
The Best Friend and The Shortstop is a friends to lovers sports romance. A fun and exciting book with wonderfully written characters.
June 13, 2024
My favorite by far in this adorable series, The Best Friend and the Shortstop is great fun from beginning to end. Ginger Scott gives us a friends to more kind of romance with Nikki Thomas and Alex Mendoza finally seeing what has been in front of them for years. At the same time, they pursue their individual career choices as seniors at Tiff University. Both are truly Tiff Tuff as this talented author likes to proclaim as Alex faces huge challenges on the baseball field since his parents are suddenly headed for divorce and Nikki starts to have issues with her hearing, threatening her hopes to be a sound engineer with each passing day.
But it's the tight connection they have had since birth that carries both of them through the worst as they decide to be a fake couple in order to dissuade Alex's teammate and former boyfriend of Nikki's from going after her once again. Adding yet another layer to their relationship and individual stress. Scott doesn't waste time, however, in forcing Nikki's hand as her bestie in Omar challenges her to finally get with Alex and before we know it, they are trying a kiss again that was supposedly weird back as freshmen that leads to feelings both have been suppressing for years.
These two are feisty with one another but have this crazy good intuition as to what the other needs no matter the situation. I loved how Nikki watched every single one of Alex's games and held him when things were going horribly wrong both on and off the ballfield. In turn, Alex let Nikki do her thing at parties, acting as DJ and getting the crowd pumped up, then being there for her when she couldn't handle accounting and when her hearing starts to go awry.
These two manage to conquer their fears, fix what is broken and walk away together like it always should have been. I loved them and their fierce love of one another and how no matter what may occur in the future, Alex and Nikki would forever have each other's backs.
There is plenty of humor that truly drives this storyline as Nikki and Alex find their footing even when things are tough. Secondary characters provide support, times of strife and some real camaraderie for our couple that gives this series a great send-off.
I'm very happy to have been able to hang with these athletes and the ones they've chosen to care for and am thrilled to give The Best Friend and the Shortstop a solid 5 stars!
But it's the tight connection they have had since birth that carries both of them through the worst as they decide to be a fake couple in order to dissuade Alex's teammate and former boyfriend of Nikki's from going after her once again. Adding yet another layer to their relationship and individual stress. Scott doesn't waste time, however, in forcing Nikki's hand as her bestie in Omar challenges her to finally get with Alex and before we know it, they are trying a kiss again that was supposedly weird back as freshmen that leads to feelings both have been suppressing for years.
These two are feisty with one another but have this crazy good intuition as to what the other needs no matter the situation. I loved how Nikki watched every single one of Alex's games and held him when things were going horribly wrong both on and off the ballfield. In turn, Alex let Nikki do her thing at parties, acting as DJ and getting the crowd pumped up, then being there for her when she couldn't handle accounting and when her hearing starts to go awry.
These two manage to conquer their fears, fix what is broken and walk away together like it always should have been. I loved them and their fierce love of one another and how no matter what may occur in the future, Alex and Nikki would forever have each other's backs.
There is plenty of humor that truly drives this storyline as Nikki and Alex find their footing even when things are tough. Secondary characters provide support, times of strife and some real camaraderie for our couple that gives this series a great send-off.
I'm very happy to have been able to hang with these athletes and the ones they've chosen to care for and am thrilled to give The Best Friend and the Shortstop a solid 5 stars!
June 12, 2024
Note: This review is for an ARC provided by WordSmith Publicity and is my unbiased opinion.
This series of new adult sports romances from Ginger Scott is just SO GOOD! The Best Friend and the Shortstop, the third in The Final Score series, was just as fun as the first two books. I loved that this one was about childhood best friends finally giving into their feelings for each other.
Nikki and Alex were characters were easy to love. Nikki was into music and mixing it. She was also ready to tell Alex she was in love with him. Alex was a college baseball player struggling with his hitting and his family situation. He also had some feelings for Nikki, but he was good at stuffing them down. Nikki and Alex were super sweet together. They had a strong emotional connection and knew each other so well that they could always have each other's backs. I loved how acting on and declaring their feelings for each other worked. Their romance was mostly light, a lot of fun, and only a teeny bit dramatic.
Another fun thing about this book is while it is set at Tiff like the first two books, it is about a different sport and has different characters. Alex's teammates added a lot of fun and drama, while Nikki's just added to the fun. I would love a book about Alex's friend Cole!
I know this is repeating what I said about the first two books in this series, but I had such a good time reading The Best Friend and the Shortstop. New adult sports romance, especially baseball, is where Ginger Scott's writing shines the most for me and she hit this one out of the park! If you enjoy college sports romances, you won't want to miss this book. I need another book in this series!
This series of new adult sports romances from Ginger Scott is just SO GOOD! The Best Friend and the Shortstop, the third in The Final Score series, was just as fun as the first two books. I loved that this one was about childhood best friends finally giving into their feelings for each other.
Nikki and Alex were characters were easy to love. Nikki was into music and mixing it. She was also ready to tell Alex she was in love with him. Alex was a college baseball player struggling with his hitting and his family situation. He also had some feelings for Nikki, but he was good at stuffing them down. Nikki and Alex were super sweet together. They had a strong emotional connection and knew each other so well that they could always have each other's backs. I loved how acting on and declaring their feelings for each other worked. Their romance was mostly light, a lot of fun, and only a teeny bit dramatic.
Another fun thing about this book is while it is set at Tiff like the first two books, it is about a different sport and has different characters. Alex's teammates added a lot of fun and drama, while Nikki's just added to the fun. I would love a book about Alex's friend Cole!
I know this is repeating what I said about the first two books in this series, but I had such a good time reading The Best Friend and the Shortstop. New adult sports romance, especially baseball, is where Ginger Scott's writing shines the most for me and she hit this one out of the park! If you enjoy college sports romances, you won't want to miss this book. I need another book in this series!
June 13, 2024
The Best Friend and the Shortstop . Well it’s official Ginger Scott’s The Final Score Series really does just keep getting better and better . This time around we get Alex and Nikki’s story and man was it an emotional rollercoaster that grabs onto your heart from the get go and does not let go . I mean really who does not love a best friends to lovers romance. And these two really are best friends in all the most important ways . Connected at the hip for as long as they can remember. Our heroine Nikki has been harboring not so friendly feelings towards Alex for a while now - hoping that he would wake up and finally see what’s right in front of him . Yet also afraid of losing her very best friend. Well she’s about to get her wish because what she doesn’t yet know is that Alex has been slowly falling in love with her as well . Both have struggles ahead of them . Alex’s are with his career as a baseball player and finding out his parents are divorcing and for Nikki- she starts to have some issues with her hearing which could greatly affect her dreams of becoming a sound engineer. What a beautifully written and emotionally charged love story . I really do feel like I was just taken on the ride of my life . There were so many moments I was speechless and others I was yelling outta pure frustration. One second I was smiling and laughing the next I was sobbing and rooting so freaking hard so settle in grab on tight and make sure to put plenty of free time aside because once you start I can promise you will not be getting much sleep
June 21, 2024
Author Ginger Scott proves she never disappoints with her latest new adult romance, The Best Friend and The Shortstop. Her latest novella in the Final Score series features Alex and Nikki, and both are “Tiff Tuff”. These Tiff University seniors each have issues to contend with, and their biggest asset is each other. They’ve been best friends since elementary school thanks to their mom’s friendship.
Speaking from experience, many of those best-friend moms are hoping to become in-laws when their adorable offspring grow up. While it was subtlety true for Alex and Nikki’s moms, it became true for Alex and Nikki themselves. Of course, they both think their feelings are unrequited and worry that expressing their true feelings would mean losing their best friend and anchor. When you’re going through stuff, you can’t risk losing that person who has your back 24-7. That is the source of the angst in this contemporary romance.
Some of the guy conversations didn’t seem totally natural, but I really enjoyed the organic banter between Alex and Nikki. Their connection feels so true, and because of that bastion, they conquer their fears, face their issues, and walk through the fires together.
The Best Friend and The Shortstop is an excellent friends-to-lovers romance that made my heart sing.
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
Speaking from experience, many of those best-friend moms are hoping to become in-laws when their adorable offspring grow up. While it was subtlety true for Alex and Nikki’s moms, it became true for Alex and Nikki themselves. Of course, they both think their feelings are unrequited and worry that expressing their true feelings would mean losing their best friend and anchor. When you’re going through stuff, you can’t risk losing that person who has your back 24-7. That is the source of the angst in this contemporary romance.
Some of the guy conversations didn’t seem totally natural, but I really enjoyed the organic banter between Alex and Nikki. Their connection feels so true, and because of that bastion, they conquer their fears, face their issues, and walk through the fires together.
The Best Friend and The Shortstop is an excellent friends-to-lovers romance that made my heart sing.
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
June 21, 2024
The Best Friend and the Short Stop is the last book in the Final Score series, and I am a little sad this series has come to an end. This has to be my favorite sports romance series this year. I enjoy Ginger Scott's writing style, she is imaginative and creates exciting worlds and characters. This book's storyline is original, page-turning, and able to convey emotion and feelings in the words she puts into her books. Ginger Scott's world is vivid in detail and had me at the edge of my seat at Alex's baseball games and fisting my hands when Nikki had to be nice. I thought the characters were complex and had a beautiful friendship and chemistry that everyone else noticed but them. This book is a contemporary sports, friends-to-lover romance and can be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting with The Tomboy and the Captain.
Nikki was witty, sarcastic, and loyal. I really connected with her personality in this book. I enjoyed her sassy attitude and her love of cheesecake. Alex was funny, loyal to Nikki, his mom, and his team, and possessive of Nikki. I felt for him in this book he was struggling and it showed on the field. I loved the banter and their growing chemistry throughout this book. I loved the paths Nikki and Alex took throughout this book to come to the same ending. They were there for each other and were truly best friends from the beginning. This book had drama, angst, push and pull, and spice. I laughed, cried, and almost threw my Kindle a few times while reading this book, and got a little teary-eyed when I reached the end. -By Brooke
Nikki was witty, sarcastic, and loyal. I really connected with her personality in this book. I enjoyed her sassy attitude and her love of cheesecake. Alex was funny, loyal to Nikki, his mom, and his team, and possessive of Nikki. I felt for him in this book he was struggling and it showed on the field. I loved the banter and their growing chemistry throughout this book. I loved the paths Nikki and Alex took throughout this book to come to the same ending. They were there for each other and were truly best friends from the beginning. This book had drama, angst, push and pull, and spice. I laughed, cried, and almost threw my Kindle a few times while reading this book, and got a little teary-eyed when I reached the end. -By Brooke
June 11, 2024
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 is the 3rd and final book in the Final Score series by Ginger Scott, featuring a friends to lovers, fake dating romance for Alex and Nikki. They’ve been best friends since birth, and Nikki wants to tell Alex she has stronger feelings for him, but it never feels like the right time to risk ruining their friendship. With stress building in both their lives, they need each other more than ever. Is it finally time to risk it all for the chance at a forever love?
I loved the depth of the friendship between Alex and Nikki, and how in tune to each other they were. With both of them having personal issues unraveling at the same to it was heartwarming to see the way the could draw strength from each other. The Will-They-or-Won’t-They tension was there, but not overpowering. I found the little games they played to be cute, I enjoyed the witty banter they had with each other and with their friends. There were definitely a couple plot twists I didn’t expect that made the story more interesting. Alex and Nikki did, indeed, have some spicy chemistry, when they gave into it! I love the way the book ended, but I’m sad to say goodbye to this series.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
#TheBestFriendandtheShortstop #GingerScott #college #BaseballRomance #athletes #friendstolovers #fakedating #bestfriendstolovers #NewAdult #wordsmithpublicity
I loved the depth of the friendship between Alex and Nikki, and how in tune to each other they were. With both of them having personal issues unraveling at the same to it was heartwarming to see the way the could draw strength from each other. The Will-They-or-Won’t-They tension was there, but not overpowering. I found the little games they played to be cute, I enjoyed the witty banter they had with each other and with their friends. There were definitely a couple plot twists I didn’t expect that made the story more interesting. Alex and Nikki did, indeed, have some spicy chemistry, when they gave into it! I love the way the book ended, but I’m sad to say goodbye to this series.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
#TheBestFriendandtheShortstop #GingerScott #college #BaseballRomance #athletes #friendstolovers #fakedating #bestfriendstolovers #NewAdult #wordsmithpublicity
June 15, 2024
Review:
⚾The Best Friend and The Shortstop⚾
The Final Score #3
By Ginger Scott
⭐ 5/5 ❤️ 5/5
⚾ Baseball Romance
⚾ Best Friends to Lovers
⚾ College Romance
Nikki
She was always in love with him
Alex
He never knew that he might always loved her
A sweet friends to lovers romance
We follow the love story of Nikki and Alex. Raised together because their mothers are best friends and of course best friends themselves.
But over the years Nikki developed a secret crush on Alex.
But because of their friendship and him seemingly seeing her only as a friend she never said or acted on that feeling.
Now after three years at TU and a lot of things actually going on, they get closer than friends. But under the pretense of fake dating for a few reasons, things could be deemed to blur lines, or worse, break up a lifelong friendship.
But Alex and Nikki are never ones to hold back for long, only when people from the outside get involved in a way neither saw coming, it might throw hurdles in their way.
Alex was sweet but he let some things meddle too much with his head. He had his issues with his dad and a fellow baseball teammate.
Nikki had things of her own that bothered her but she was always there for her friend.
This was an entertaining story with intriguing characters, no overwhelming drama but relatable problems the characters had to overcome.
⚾The Best Friend and The Shortstop⚾
The Final Score #3
By Ginger Scott
⭐ 5/5 ❤️ 5/5
⚾ Baseball Romance
⚾ Best Friends to Lovers
⚾ College Romance
Nikki
She was always in love with him
Alex
He never knew that he might always loved her
A sweet friends to lovers romance
We follow the love story of Nikki and Alex. Raised together because their mothers are best friends and of course best friends themselves.
But over the years Nikki developed a secret crush on Alex.
But because of their friendship and him seemingly seeing her only as a friend she never said or acted on that feeling.
Now after three years at TU and a lot of things actually going on, they get closer than friends. But under the pretense of fake dating for a few reasons, things could be deemed to blur lines, or worse, break up a lifelong friendship.
But Alex and Nikki are never ones to hold back for long, only when people from the outside get involved in a way neither saw coming, it might throw hurdles in their way.
Alex was sweet but he let some things meddle too much with his head. He had his issues with his dad and a fellow baseball teammate.
Nikki had things of her own that bothered her but she was always there for her friend.
This was an entertaining story with intriguing characters, no overwhelming drama but relatable problems the characters had to overcome.
July 8, 2024
This book was a little different than the others in the series.
Nikki and Alex have been best friends since they were born. Their mother's are best friends, and they were always together growing up. Always over at each other's houses, always in each other's lives. The mother's have always been meddling in their lives, always pushing each other on one another.
Nikki has always had a huge crush on Alex. But, has always remained in the friend zone with him, so as to not disrupt the friendship. Now that they are both seniors in college, they have spent so much time together, they know each other's habits and what they other likes/not likes. Nikki doesn't play a sport, she is a DJ - mixes CD's, tapes, music and wants to become a sound engineer, sound mixer.
Alex is struggling his senior year with baseball. The younger freshmen are eyeing for his spot on the team. He keeps putting too much pressure on himself and hurting himself with his batting and throwing. Alex's parents have recently split, and that is causing him a lot of pressure also and overthinking baseball. Alex is worried about his baseball career - if he will have one after college.
Alex & Nikki decide to become 'fake boyfriend / girlfriend' to get both their ex's off of their cases about possibly getting back together. However, will being close to each other make them actually be with each other?
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nikki and Alex have been best friends since they were born. Their mother's are best friends, and they were always together growing up. Always over at each other's houses, always in each other's lives. The mother's have always been meddling in their lives, always pushing each other on one another.
Nikki has always had a huge crush on Alex. But, has always remained in the friend zone with him, so as to not disrupt the friendship. Now that they are both seniors in college, they have spent so much time together, they know each other's habits and what they other likes/not likes. Nikki doesn't play a sport, she is a DJ - mixes CD's, tapes, music and wants to become a sound engineer, sound mixer.
Alex is struggling his senior year with baseball. The younger freshmen are eyeing for his spot on the team. He keeps putting too much pressure on himself and hurting himself with his batting and throwing. Alex's parents have recently split, and that is causing him a lot of pressure also and overthinking baseball. Alex is worried about his baseball career - if he will have one after college.
Alex & Nikki decide to become 'fake boyfriend / girlfriend' to get both their ex's off of their cases about possibly getting back together. However, will being close to each other make them actually be with each other?
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2024
Knocked it right out of the park
To say this story is good is just not doing it justice. This story was phenomenal it really was. I am a 58 year old woman so when I read a story about youth because these are 22-year-olds about I don't always relate but this story it sucked me right in and I mean right in from the very beginning I was so taken with this I literally sat down to read this and just continued ignoring everything I had to do today. I definitely was not prepared for that the way the story flowed it was incredible it made me laugh it was definitely friends to lovers but it also had a slow burn because she had this huge crush that she has been feeling for a while now with her friend and you kind of get the idea that he has too but they just don't cross the line but when they do man it's hot and I mean sizzling I was very surprised by that actually I guess I shouldn't be 22-year-olds. So I'll tell you it's got some space I enjoyed the way the story went how it flowed I enjoyed the humor in it it was very humorous at times but also even his struggle it definitely made the story and it just kept you so engrossed from the very beginning to the end I was sorry it actually ended I was so engrossed in the story. I recommend this to anyone. But especially if you like baseball.
To say this story is good is just not doing it justice. This story was phenomenal it really was. I am a 58 year old woman so when I read a story about youth because these are 22-year-olds about I don't always relate but this story it sucked me right in and I mean right in from the very beginning I was so taken with this I literally sat down to read this and just continued ignoring everything I had to do today. I definitely was not prepared for that the way the story flowed it was incredible it made me laugh it was definitely friends to lovers but it also had a slow burn because she had this huge crush that she has been feeling for a while now with her friend and you kind of get the idea that he has too but they just don't cross the line but when they do man it's hot and I mean sizzling I was very surprised by that actually I guess I shouldn't be 22-year-olds. So I'll tell you it's got some space I enjoyed the way the story went how it flowed I enjoyed the humor in it it was very humorous at times but also even his struggle it definitely made the story and it just kept you so engrossed from the very beginning to the end I was sorry it actually ended I was so engrossed in the story. I recommend this to anyone. But especially if you like baseball.
June 13, 2024
**3.5 stars
Ginger Scott threw me off with the crisis that happens in this book. I was worried it's what was going to happen after learning what Nikki's dreams are, and I ended up being right. But Ginger really showed that with the right opportunities and the right people supporting you, you can handle a lot of tough things. Although the things Nikki says toward the end in front of her mom - I was dying 🤣
But that's me jumping to the end. Nikki has been on the struggle bus trying to tell Alex how she feels. And I don't blame her. Every time she tries to tell him lately, he drops big truth bombs on her about his family life. And she just can't find the right timing. And then he mistakes her attempts as her trying to get him to help her make her ex jealous.
This wasn't the best fake dating story I've read. If anything, it's really more of a subplot rather than the main plot of the story. It's really more about how Nikki has always been there for Alex and he's been oblivious. But once Alex realizes he has feelings for Nikki, he really steps up. Though there were a few times I would have preferred to see him grovel a bit - like giving a certain someone a ride home. 😒
I really liked this one but The Tomboy and the Captain is still holding strong as my favorite of this series.
Ginger Scott threw me off with the crisis that happens in this book. I was worried it's what was going to happen after learning what Nikki's dreams are, and I ended up being right. But Ginger really showed that with the right opportunities and the right people supporting you, you can handle a lot of tough things. Although the things Nikki says toward the end in front of her mom - I was dying 🤣
But that's me jumping to the end. Nikki has been on the struggle bus trying to tell Alex how she feels. And I don't blame her. Every time she tries to tell him lately, he drops big truth bombs on her about his family life. And she just can't find the right timing. And then he mistakes her attempts as her trying to get him to help her make her ex jealous.
This wasn't the best fake dating story I've read. If anything, it's really more of a subplot rather than the main plot of the story. It's really more about how Nikki has always been there for Alex and he's been oblivious. But once Alex realizes he has feelings for Nikki, he really steps up. Though there were a few times I would have preferred to see him grovel a bit - like giving a certain someone a ride home. 😒
I really liked this one but The Tomboy and the Captain is still holding strong as my favorite of this series.
June 14, 2024
I enjoyed everything about this latest book by Ginger. Honestly, I do prefer enemies to lovers over friends to lovers, but Alex & Nikki's story was that incredible I soon got over myself fast.
There was that whole aspect of will they or won't they, especially with Nikki's friend Omar pushing her to reveal her true feelings to Alex. But it just seems that things pop up and the time isn't quite right. Well, that is until an opportunity raises itself and they both take a tentative step forward.
The one thing that I do always like about the best friends to lover's trope is that both of them seem to have romantic feelings towards the other but are scared to mess up their friendship dynamics. Being able to read both POV's as a reader you know what each character is thinking and feeling, and it can be both exciting and frustrating waiting for one of them to make the first move.
Aside from the romance between Alex and Nikki, I also enjoyed reading about both of their career aspirations. Both have struggles, but for extremely different reasons, but to me it just added a bit more realness to the story. Obviously, I cannot recommend this book enough, and look forward to whatever Ginger releases next
There was that whole aspect of will they or won't they, especially with Nikki's friend Omar pushing her to reveal her true feelings to Alex. But it just seems that things pop up and the time isn't quite right. Well, that is until an opportunity raises itself and they both take a tentative step forward.
The one thing that I do always like about the best friends to lover's trope is that both of them seem to have romantic feelings towards the other but are scared to mess up their friendship dynamics. Being able to read both POV's as a reader you know what each character is thinking and feeling, and it can be both exciting and frustrating waiting for one of them to make the first move.
Aside from the romance between Alex and Nikki, I also enjoyed reading about both of their career aspirations. Both have struggles, but for extremely different reasons, but to me it just added a bit more realness to the story. Obviously, I cannot recommend this book enough, and look forward to whatever Ginger releases next
June 24, 2024
"I enjoyed everything about this latest book by Ginger. Honestly, I do prefer enemies to lovers over friends to lovers, but Alex & Nikki's story was that incredible I soon got over myself fast.
There was that whole aspect of will they or won't they, especially with Nikki's friend Omar pushing her to reveal her true feelings to Alex. But it just seems that things pop up and the time isn't quite right. Well, that is until an opportunity raises itself and they both take a tentative step forward.
The one thing that I do always like about the best friends to lover's trope is that both of them seem to have romantic feelings towards the other but are scared to mess up their friendship dynamics. Being able to read both POV's as a reader you know what each character is thinking and feeling, and it can be both exciting and frustrating waiting for one of them to make the first move.
Aside from the romance between Alex and Nikki, I also enjoyed reading about both of their career aspirations. Both have struggles, but for extremely different reasons, but to me it just added a bit more realness to the story. Obviously, I cannot recommend this book enough, and look forward to whatever Ginger releases next"
There was that whole aspect of will they or won't they, especially with Nikki's friend Omar pushing her to reveal her true feelings to Alex. But it just seems that things pop up and the time isn't quite right. Well, that is until an opportunity raises itself and they both take a tentative step forward.
The one thing that I do always like about the best friends to lover's trope is that both of them seem to have romantic feelings towards the other but are scared to mess up their friendship dynamics. Being able to read both POV's as a reader you know what each character is thinking and feeling, and it can be both exciting and frustrating waiting for one of them to make the first move.
Aside from the romance between Alex and Nikki, I also enjoyed reading about both of their career aspirations. Both have struggles, but for extremely different reasons, but to me it just added a bit more realness to the story. Obviously, I cannot recommend this book enough, and look forward to whatever Ginger releases next"
June 19, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this story!
"I'm living a dream. Nikki has always been in a box, one I've built and kept tidy and been very careful not to mess up. Now there is no box. And what if that means she disappears?"
Nikki Thomas and Alex Mendoza have been best friends since the cradle. Although they love one another, Nikki has been IN love with Alex for a few years now, and has been teetering on the edge of confession many a time. Alex is going through some personal issues but, as always, Nikki is there for him. When life gets tougher, Nikki becomes the only thing that make sense.
"If our friendship dies because of this, I need to know it was worth it. That I had something so great, so rare and beautiful, in my hands and devoured it. Lived it. Breathed it."
These two were cute, sweet, and seriously sexy! I understood Alex's point of view that he'd rather have Nikki only as a friend if it meant he'd never lose her as his forever person, but I loved that he eventually took the risk and stepped over the line. I really enjoyed the dynamic they had - that they could call each other out when they needed to - but also that they were so connected and understood each other so well. Such a wonderful, heartwarming couple.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"I'm living a dream. Nikki has always been in a box, one I've built and kept tidy and been very careful not to mess up. Now there is no box. And what if that means she disappears?"
Nikki Thomas and Alex Mendoza have been best friends since the cradle. Although they love one another, Nikki has been IN love with Alex for a few years now, and has been teetering on the edge of confession many a time. Alex is going through some personal issues but, as always, Nikki is there for him. When life gets tougher, Nikki becomes the only thing that make sense.
"If our friendship dies because of this, I need to know it was worth it. That I had something so great, so rare and beautiful, in my hands and devoured it. Lived it. Breathed it."
These two were cute, sweet, and seriously sexy! I understood Alex's point of view that he'd rather have Nikki only as a friend if it meant he'd never lose her as his forever person, but I loved that he eventually took the risk and stepped over the line. I really enjoyed the dynamic they had - that they could call each other out when they needed to - but also that they were so connected and understood each other so well. Such a wonderful, heartwarming couple.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
June 14, 2024
The Best Friend and the Shortstop: A Fake Dating, Friends-to-Lovers, College Sports Romance (The Final Score Series Book 3) by Ginger Scott is a story about Nikki and Alex, college seniors navigating the complexities of university life together. Nikki, Alex’s best friend since they were toddlers, is a character whose friendship has withstood the test of time with an unbreakable bond. Both have experienced unrequited love and have harbored secret desires for each other. Despite having other romantic interests, their friendship remains the cornerstone of their lives. Their story is a compelling exploration of friendship, falling in love, and simply experiencing life. Alex is experiencing a hitting slump playing baseball, and Nikki is dealing with her own issues, as well as dealing with anger, hurt feelings, and family baggage as they finish up their senior year and emotional issues that get worked out within the pages of The Best Friend and The Shortstop. Ginger Scott knows how to write romance stories that always imprint feel-good feelings upon a reader.
June 13, 2024
I absolutely love the Final Score series and was so excited for this book! Alex and Nikki have been best friends since they were young, but always kept a secret from each other. Now in their senior year of college, things start to change between these two. Nikki tries to push herself to be open and honest with Alex, but the timing is never right, until Alex steps in as her fake boyfriend due to a misunderstanding. Nikki and Alex have always been close, but now with them becoming closer in order to keep up their fake relationship, the lines start to blur and feelings that have been buried start to surface. Alex and Nikki take us on a whirlwind journey of best friends to lovers that will hit you with all the feels. Nikki and Alex have to figure out what they want, taking the chance and exploring a future together while navigating all the drama and curveballs that come their way. I loved their story and could not get enough of Nikki and Alex!
June 16, 2024
Just like their mothers Nikki has been best friends with Nikki since they were children. They are now in college and Nikki has accepted that what she feels for Alex extends beyond friendship, but she is cautious about damaging one of the most important relationships in her life. Her attempts to tell him don’t have the expected outcome and she now finds herself pretending to be dating him.
Alex plays baseball for the college team and is having some challenges both on and off the field. The one person who has always been there for him has been Nikki so when he thinks she needs help in the form of a fake boyfriend he doesn’t hesitate to step up especially since he wants it to be real.
Nikki and Alex were so adorable with each other. They are supportive of each others dreams and are there when life throws them curveballs that are difficult to overcome. They are destined to be so much more than friends and I enjoyed seeing them realize it as well.
Alex plays baseball for the college team and is having some challenges both on and off the field. The one person who has always been there for him has been Nikki so when he thinks she needs help in the form of a fake boyfriend he doesn’t hesitate to step up especially since he wants it to be real.
Nikki and Alex were so adorable with each other. They are supportive of each others dreams and are there when life throws them curveballs that are difficult to overcome. They are destined to be so much more than friends and I enjoyed seeing them realize it as well.
June 23, 2024
Seppy's 5 Star Review:
Nikki and Alex have been best friends since birth because they grew up together as their moms were best friends. Nikki is harboring feelings for Alex but is afraid of telling him her deeper feelings. Alex is clueless; he doesn't see the connection with Nikki as more than best friends until he does. Now Alex comes up with the idea to fake date each other. Nikki isn't sure this is the best idea but goes along with it to be "dating" Alex any way she can.
I enjoyed reading this one about Nikki and Alex as they fumble through "fake" dating and tell each other how they feel. It is a cute story and is full of emotional drama because these two are dealing with their emotions. I love a good best friend to lovers/ fake dating story and this one doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed each book in this series and I loved this one too. One Click this series today each can be read as a standalone.
Nikki and Alex have been best friends since birth because they grew up together as their moms were best friends. Nikki is harboring feelings for Alex but is afraid of telling him her deeper feelings. Alex is clueless; he doesn't see the connection with Nikki as more than best friends until he does. Now Alex comes up with the idea to fake date each other. Nikki isn't sure this is the best idea but goes along with it to be "dating" Alex any way she can.
I enjoyed reading this one about Nikki and Alex as they fumble through "fake" dating and tell each other how they feel. It is a cute story and is full of emotional drama because these two are dealing with their emotions. I love a good best friend to lovers/ fake dating story and this one doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed each book in this series and I loved this one too. One Click this series today each can be read as a standalone.
June 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥
⚾️Sports romance
⚾️Best friends to lovers
⚾️Baseball romance
Oh I just loved Nikki and Alex so much! Their love was truly meant to be. Growing up together, with their mothers as best friends, they’ve literally known each other since they were born.
I really enjoyed both Nikki and Alex. But I’ll be honest, Brayden made me rage-y. Obviously he was a totally jerk, but he was awful.
The hearing loss and Alex learning about how that will impact Nikki and her career, and helping through that just cemented for me how much I loved him. They are so sweet together. For a college boy Alex has his act together! And can we have a moment to acknowledge much fun is it for their moms? I loved that part. Forever connected due to their kids.
Thank you to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC of this book
🔥🔥🔥🔥
⚾️Sports romance
⚾️Best friends to lovers
⚾️Baseball romance
Oh I just loved Nikki and Alex so much! Their love was truly meant to be. Growing up together, with their mothers as best friends, they’ve literally known each other since they were born.
I really enjoyed both Nikki and Alex. But I’ll be honest, Brayden made me rage-y. Obviously he was a totally jerk, but he was awful.
The hearing loss and Alex learning about how that will impact Nikki and her career, and helping through that just cemented for me how much I loved him. They are so sweet together. For a college boy Alex has his act together! And can we have a moment to acknowledge much fun is it for their moms? I loved that part. Forever connected due to their kids.
Thank you to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC of this book
July 4, 2024
The Best Friend & The Shortstop - Ginger Scott
Oh my goodness how I love a friends to lovers romance. I mean who wouldn’t want to have your spouse also be your best friend to have that special bond like Alex and Nikki do. Nikki has been in love with Alex for years but has always settled for just being his best friend secretly loving him. Their bond is strong and it keeps growing. When Nikki is finally ready to tell Alex how she feels he thought she actually had feelings for Brayden. I loved that they both had these intense feelings passed beyond friendship yet neither one could see it. This was such a fun book to read. Loved every second of it and was sad it was the last book of the series. This is a book you definitely should read and the entire series while you at it because it is a great series. Highly recommend.
Oh my goodness how I love a friends to lovers romance. I mean who wouldn’t want to have your spouse also be your best friend to have that special bond like Alex and Nikki do. Nikki has been in love with Alex for years but has always settled for just being his best friend secretly loving him. Their bond is strong and it keeps growing. When Nikki is finally ready to tell Alex how she feels he thought she actually had feelings for Brayden. I loved that they both had these intense feelings passed beyond friendship yet neither one could see it. This was such a fun book to read. Loved every second of it and was sad it was the last book of the series. This is a book you definitely should read and the entire series while you at it because it is a great series. Highly recommend.
June 13, 2024
3.75⭐️
2 🥵😮💨
Nikki and Alex
Best friends to lovers
Fake dating
College baseball romance
This was a cute book… grew up together as best friends… went to college together and Alex had other girlfriends and Nikki had boyfriends but always thought about Alex…..after breaking up with her recent boyfriend Alex thinks she wants him back so they “pretend” to be together but not really.
Thinking about her more now and seeing her as he never has before but says that he loves her and always has but never realized it
Nikki has always been in love with her best friend since they were little… yet she was still afraid to express her feelings, she is stays in the friend zone and watches him with OW (which is ridiculous to me, but whatever) she is always there for him and vice versa and they just end up together and it’s always been you type of relationship
2 🥵😮💨
Nikki and Alex
Best friends to lovers
Fake dating
College baseball romance
This was a cute book… grew up together as best friends… went to college together and Alex had other girlfriends and Nikki had boyfriends but always thought about Alex…..after breaking up with her recent boyfriend Alex thinks she wants him back so they “pretend” to be together but not really.
Thinking about her more now and seeing her as he never has before but says that he loves her and always has but never realized it
Nikki has always been in love with her best friend since they were little… yet she was still afraid to express her feelings, she is stays in the friend zone and watches him with OW (which is ridiculous to me, but whatever) she is always there for him and vice versa and they just end up together and it’s always been you type of relationship
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews