Curveballs & Kisses (Diamond Warriors 3) by Kathleen Kelly-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2026

Reece Steele doesn’t do drama.

As the California Cougars’ hottest pitcher, #30 rules Wildcat Stadium, dominates the Tahoe Blues and Chicago Coyotes, and leaves a trail of broken hearts wherever he goes.

Everyone knows Reece is a player, on and off the field.

Then she happens.

Ava Bishop, the coach’s daughter, is off-limits, untouchable, and the one woman guaranteed to ruin his career if he makes a move.

One forbidden kiss becomes a curveball he never saw coming.
One taste becomes an addiction he can’t shake.

Now Reece is pitching for more than wins.
He’s fighting the one battle he can’t afford to lose for the girl he’s not supposed to want.

Because falling for Ava risks his contract…
But losing her would cost him everything.

This season, the real game isn’t played on the field.
It’s played with Ava Bishop’s heart.

••••••

REVIEW:CURVEBALLS AND KISSES by Kathleen Kelly is the third instalment in contemporary, adult multi-authored DIAMOND WARRIORS baseball romance series.This is twenty- seven year old Diamond Warriors pitcher Reece Steele, and twenty-six year old tattoo artist Ava Bishop’s story line. CURVEBALLS AND KISSES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Reece and Ava) CURVEBALLS AND KISSES follows the forbidden romance and relationship between Diamond Warriors pitcher Reece Steels, and tattoo artist Ava Bishop. Ava Bishop doesn’t date baseball players. Been there, done that, and has the emotional scars to prove it. Her father, Coach Bishop has warned the players his daughter is off limits but team pitcher Reece Steele is determined to prove Ava is worthy, and offers up a secret relationship that will become public fodder, and threaten his future with the Diamond Warriors.

The world building focuses on the ‘forbidden relationship’ as our couple navigate behind the scenes, out of the public eye but someone else is determined to destroy the relationship before it gets started. Without Ava, Reece struggles with his game, and the coaches and team begin to take notice. the $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are interesting and determined.We are introduced to a few of the members of the Diamond Warriors including Coach Bishop, Reece’s ex Lena, and his agent Derek Paulson.

CURVEBALLS AND KISSES is a story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy