The Umpire Strikes Back (Return to Starlight Bay #9)

In the world of baseball, the only thing more explosive than a Riptide fastball is the rivalry between fiery umpire Kali “The Call” Carter and the irresistible pitcher Ripley Johnson, known as Riptide. When Kali’s sharp wit and unwavering dedication to her craft clash with Riptide’s laid-back charm and protective instincts as a single father, sparks fly—both on and off the field.

Kali dreams of opening a girls’ baseball camp, but first, she must prove that a woman can call the shots in a male-dominated sport. Riptide, while battling his own challenges of parenting and career, is convinced that Kali is...

In the world of baseball, the only thing more explosive than a Riptide fastball is the rivalry between fiery umpire Kali “The Call” Carter and the irresistible pitcher Ripley Johnson, known as Riptide. When Kali’s sharp wit and unwavering dedication to her craft clash with Riptide’s laid-back charm and protective instincts as a single father, sparks fly—both on and off the field.

Kali dreams of opening a girls’ baseball camp, but first, she must prove that a woman can call the shots in a male-dominated sport. Riptide, while battling his own challenges of parenting and career, is convinced that Kali is the last person to mentor his daughter. As their banter escalates from playful jabs to heartfelt moments, they discover that beneath the rivalry lies a shared passion for the game—and maybe something even deeper.

In this pitch-perfect romcom, Kali and Riptide must navigate the muddy bases of love, family, and their own dreams. Will they find common ground before the final inning, or will their stubbornness keep them from hitting a home run together? Grab your mitt and join the fun in this delightful tale where love is the ultimate game-changer.