The Change Up by Alexis Buxton

Where dreams collide and secrets unravel, love finds its perfect pitch.

In the midst of college life, where dreams intermingle with uncertainty, Chloe Mariano finds herself thrust into a world far removed from her comfort zone of books and solitude: baseball. A quiet wallflower with a haunted past, Chloe seeks solace in romance novels and hours spent in the kitchen. As a dedicated member of the university newspaper staff, she dreams of landing the coveted main feature this semester, armed with ambition and a passion for storytelling.
However, fate has other plans.
When her professor unexpectedly assigns her to cover the university’s baseball season, Chloe reluctantly steps onto the field, her notepad ready as she captures the essence of the game while guarding her heart.
Enter Cody Jacobs, a man who exudes confidence with a swagger in his step and a grin that charms everyone he meets. Despite his reputation as a playboy, Cody’s every move drips with self-assurance. Yet beneath his suave exterior lies a turbulent sea of emotional and mental abuse. His passion for baseball burns bright, propelling him with the drive to be the best, his sole love revolving around the game.
As Cody navigates the highs and lows of college baseball, he must confront his vulnerabilities and insecurities, realizing that true strength lies not in cockiness, but in the depth of his feelings. Alongside Chloe, whose own past wounds remain hidden, they’re forced to confront their demons, heal old wounds, and rewrite their story.
In a world where secrets flourish and second chances are rare, Cody and Chloe must summon the courage to embrace truth and healing, one inning at a time.