Saving the Shortstop (The Good Girls of NE University #3) by Hannah Gray

 

As the daughter of a retired NFL player, college softball's number one ranked shortstop, and someone usually considered an all-around good time, I've never had an issue getting attention. But getting the attention of the person I most want it from? Now that's a different story. When Dallas Rivers, my brother's best friend who also happens to be one of my dad's players on the NEU football team, is struggling in school. I find myself volun-told to help. I should be thrilled with this arrangement. After all, I'm in school to become a teacher. Except, I've always made it a point to keep a respectable distance from him. Because the one person whose attention I've always longed for? Yep, you guessed it...It's Dallas Rivers. Saving the Shortstop by Hannah Gray was published on June 11th, 2026. This is the third book in The Good Girls of NE University series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. Okay, now that has been said, I am absolutely enjoying this book series. I have actually had the amazing pleasure of being able to get all three of the books that are currently out to read. Hannah Gray knows how to create each book to be their own but yet, also have the same characters throughout the series. I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book. I love learning about Dallas and his past that has been hinted in the other books then there is Haven. This book has amazing trope of lifelong friends who finally realize that perhaps they love each other more then friends. These two are such opposites that really work. I love how they finally ended up together in the book. It was easy to see how their relationship shifted and changed on each page. The dialogue in this book is top notch. I cannot wait to read book four at the end of the year. I also need to check out the other books by Hannah Gray. She is becoming one of my favorite authors. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"It's just so funny that the guy half the team can't stand is the one you choose to turn into your fuck buddy."

 
"Years ago....He was drunk, and he didn't remember it the next day. I didn't bring it up. It was nothing."
"Or....he did remember but was embarrassed....This happens in my romance books all the time. They're friends. Lines get crossed. The MMC finds a way to cover it up." 
"Gigi, did you just compare Dallas to one of the male main characters in your spicy books?" 

"Because things went from, like, zero to sixty in about three seconds."
"Give me a little credit, Short....I lasted more like two minutes, for sure." 

"You can make it up to me when you sit there like a good girl while I paint your face with my cum....The cum you could have had inside you, if only you didn't act like a brat."  

The Good Girls of NE University Series 

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher 

3. Saving the Shortstop 

4. Praising the Pitcher (TBA 12/31/2026) 

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Football & Softball

Friends to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

Brother's Best Friend 

College Romance 

Childhood Friends 

Convincing the Catcher (The Good Girls of NE University #2) by Hannah Gray

 

From a young age, I knew things to be true. Number one, I was going to play professional softball. And number two, in order to get there, I couldn't allow myself any distractions. Ever. Being a type 1 diabetic catcher at a division one college, I'm no stranger to challenges. But when my dad gets diagnosed with cancer and my mom finds herself drowning in his medical bills, losing our health insurance while my dad becomes unrecognizable has me questioning my own strengths. Cane Hall is the stepson of retired NHL legend Tripp Talmage. He's also NEU's most beloved baseball player. At least, he was before one mistake has everyone second guessing his integrity, and he finds himself at odds with social media backlash. As NEU's first type 1 diabetic female catcher, I have my share of fans. And when Cane approaches me, offering to pay for my prescriptions in return for me faking a friendship to help him save his image...I somehow find myself saying yes. Under one condition-no romance. No feelings. Because I don't do boyfriends. Especially ones that look like Cane Hale. But when my dad dies, Cane is there, being everything I need him to be, making it hard not to fall for him. And though he distracts me from my grief, eventually, I know i'm going to come head to head with the pain. So, will I let Cane hold my hand while I face it? Or will I do what I do best and push him away? Not long ago, I would have known the answer. But now, I have no idea. Convincing the Catcher by Hannah Gray was published on March 16th, 2026. This is the second book in The Good Girls of NE University series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I was so excited to read this book as I loved the first book of the series. This book made me giggle and smile throughout the book until Harley's dad passed away. I sobbed and sobbed as the relationship between the Harley and her dad you could see how much she loved her dad. Though, I loved the romance in this book and how the two characters were supporting each other. The spicy scenes were top notch even though I thought that Harley was in no way ready for it when they finally both gave in. The two characters in this book are both well rounded as they both have a past that affects their future. They also both grow through this book as a person and are even better because of their relationship. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book. I cannot wait for the third book in this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Seriously, I was here all last year and never even ran into you. Now you're popping up like a jack-in-the-box." 

"I know. How dare he make money for his charity with our fine asses? With my luck, I'll get bought by some old cougar or something." 
"Old cougar need love too, Hale!...Besides, maybe she'll, like, bake you cookies or some shit." 
"Why the fuck would she pay for a date with him and then bake him cookies?"
"Because old ladies love to bake, dickwad! And they're good at it. I mean, fuck, if I could live to play hockey for ninety years, I'd probably get pretty good too. You know?" 
"But your body would be decrepit, Einstein." 

Stupid six-pack. Stupid wet six-pack. Stupid V-line and stupid towel. 

The Good Girls of NE University Series

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher

3. Stealing The Shortstop

4. Praising the Pitcher (TBA 12/31/2026) 

Tropes

Sports - Baseball / Softball 

Friends to Lovers 

He Falls First 

New Age 

Slow Burn 

Virgin

Forced Proximity

Getting the Goalie (The Good Girls of NE University #1) by Hannah Gray

 

Being the child of a hockey legend is great and all, until you figure out that people either respect you for it or think you've only gotten as far as you have because of the name on your jersey. I may be Cam Hardy's daughter, but I've worked my butt off for every minute. I've earned on the ice. When I land at NE University, I'm eager for a fresh start and a new season of hockey to begin. But when a ghost from my past - one I never wanted in my present - comes out of nowhere, I learn quickly that even the biggest campus can become small, fast. Especially when said ghost has made it his mission to pursue me. My dad forbids it. But unfortunately for us both, guys like Hendrix Hunt don't back down from a challenge. No, just the opposite, actually---. Hendrix is the bad boy on campus with a mile-long list of debatable choices under his belt and an abnormally large chip on his shoulder. And when he lets me see his softer side, I fall for him - heart first. But just when I think I can trust him, he flips the script, reminding me that I can't. So when he comes back again this time, with a grand gesture - I know I should guard my heart like I guard my goal. But the reality is, unlike facing my opponents on the ice. Getting the Goalie by Hannah Gray was published on January 15th, 2026. This is the first book in The Good Girls of NE University series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I have to say that I absolutely devoured this book. This book was so good that it was really hard to put it down and function around my family. The characters had so many backstories that you had to pay attention throughout the book to hear pieces and put them all together. You were just given enough to understand and then try to figure it all out. I loved that this book showed the ending five years later. The romance in this book was amazing and really kept me loving the two characters. I love how you see how the two characters work together to help each other grow. The spicy scenes are tame but there are pieces that make you giggle in joy. I highly recommend checking this amazing book out. I know that I am going to be reading more by Hannah Gray in the near future. 

The Good Girls of NE University Series 

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher 

3. Stealing the Shortstop 

4. Praising the Pitcher (TBA 12/31/2026) 

Tropes

Sports - Hockey

Enemies to Lovers 

College Age 

He Falls First 

Forbidden Love 

Forced Proximity

Bad Boy

Second Chance 

The Christmas Catch (Holiday Harbor #1) by Hannah Gray

 

He's the salty fisherman whose family owns miles of coastline...she's the business-savvy realtor looking for oceanfront property to develop. The Christmas Catch by Hannah Gray was published on November 6th, 2025. This is the first book of the Holiday Harbor series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. This book had so many great lines throughout the books that it's too many too count. The characters were those that you fell in love with from the first page. From Stella being from the city whose background was being in foster care. To the fisherman who is gruff and had a family who he adored. Both of the characters had great character development through the book. This book kept me entertained throughout the book. Also the smut scenes were top knotch. Though, I haven't read where the women is more of the dominated in scenes before but it didn't take away from this book. Hannah Gray did amazing at this book and it's perfect to read for the Christmas season. I cannot wait to read more books by this author and can't wait to check out book two of the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You know, I could give you what I know you so badly want....And no, I'm not talking about my family's land, sweetheart. i'm talking about my cock." 

"If you sit here like a good girl, I'll take you back to your place. If you try to run again, I'll chase you down, and next time, I'll handcuff you to something." 

"Good girl." 

"Good boy. Now taste me, Outlaw. Lick my fingers clean." 

"Such a good boy for me." 

Holiday Harbor Series 

1. The Christmas Catch 

2. The Holiday Trawl (TBA November 6th, 2026) 

Tropes 

Small Town Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

Close Proximity 

Holiday Romance