Cedar Creek Thunder: Book 1
Publication Date: February 8, 2026
I hired a single mom to help make my small town fall in love with a baseball team. And now I’m the one falling in love…with her.
Buying a small town baseball team might seem an odd choice for a millionaire tech developer, but I welcome the challenge.
Moving back to my hometown and reviving the once-beloved Cedar Creek Thunder is an impulsive attempt to find a deeper purpose, and a life that is measured in happiness rather than dollars.
A chance encounter with the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen has my temperature rising from more than the tea she’s spilled on me. When she walks into my office for an interview later that morning, it quickly becomes clear there’s no one better suited for the job .
Isla Forrester should be off limits, but with a smile that pierces my soul, the single mom is fire wrapped up in sweet temptation.
I’ve always had thick walls around my heart, but Isla and her son are breaking them down.
Now my sole purpose is getting her to believe that loving her is no challenge at all.
I have been a fan of Julia Jarrett’s books for a while and have enjoyed several of her previous series. When I saw she was releasing a new sports romance series, I knew I had to give it a try. The Cedar Creek Thunder series kicks off with The Game Changer.
The story follows Luca, the owner of the Cedar Creek Thunder independent baseball team, and Isla, a marketing consultant. Isla is hired to help Luca promote the team after he purchases his hometown franchise. As sparks fly, the two must navigate their insecurities and various obstacles to reach their happily-ever-after.
Without giving too much away, there is a significant plot point dealing with diversity and acceptance that I absolutely loved. Some of my favorite romances lean into similar issues, and it resonates with me every time. This aspect of the story was clearly well-researched and presented both tastefully and respectfully.
I really enjoyed both Isla and Luca; they were well-developed characters with a relatable and realistic relationship. Their interactions and banter were engaging, and I couldn’t stop listening to their story.
I listened to the audiobook version and loved the duet narration. It is a format I don’t think is used often enough, and it was perfect for this book. Both Heather Firth and Connor Crais did a wonderful job bringing the story to life. Their pacing and performances were excellent, and I would gladly listen to more from either of them.
While the book was a little light on sports—which is understandable given the front-office setting—I look forward to reading more about the team members in future installments. Additionally, fans of the Dogwood Cove series will be happy to spot a brief cameo.
If you are a fan of small-town romances, I highly recommend Julia Jarrett, and The Game Changer.
Julia Jarrett is a busy mother of two boys, a happy wife to her real-life book boyfriend, and the owner of two rescue dogs. She has a passion for writing sexy, sweet, contemporary romance novels that are full of relatable heroines, and the swoon worthy men who fall in love with them.
If you’re looking for Julia, she’s probably sitting in a comfy chair somewhere, drinking tea and dreaming of a sunny vacation. Find her on Instagram and Facebook by clicking the links below.
