I Wish He Would by Amanda Schimmoeller: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Contemporary romance
• Series: Sweeter Than Fiction (Book #4)
• Length: 360 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: September 1, 2026

Tropes

• Forced proximity
• Friends to lovers
• Fake relationship
• Sports romance

My Rating

Book Description

“I hit it out of the park in the friend department. The dating department? Not so much.

After a series of horrible first dates, I’m convinced it’s time to give up on my search for love. But when my best friends convince me to try out a list of twenty questions to fall in love, I decide to give it a shot.

I go on a date and test out the questionnaire, but it seems the only answers I get are the ones leading me back to my friend, Austin Bradford, who also happens to be the star shortstop for the Louisville Mustangs.

Despite all my desperate attempts to convince my best friends otherwise, I’ve had feelings for Austin since we met three years ago. Which also happened to be the same night he friendzoned me.

When I have to attend my cousin’s destination wedding — who, might I add, is marrying my jerk of an ex-boyfriend — Austin insists on going with me. I tell myself it will be fine, just a friendly vacation. Maybe I can even bury all my feelings for him on the beach.

Except, the time I spend with Austin has me questioning if the heated looks he’s sending my way are real, or if the Caribbean sun is making me hallucinate.

I wish he would give me a clear sign, because I refuse to put my heart on the line and risk our friendship without knowing if our love story will be a grand slam or a strikeout.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

She’s had a crush on him from the beginning. He friendzoned her when they first met.

Alyssa and Austin had understandable reasons for staying friends, even though both of them clearly had feelings for each other.  (Seriously, everyone noticed.  Her friends and family, his teammates, people they just met 😂).

Austin bakes cookies for Alyssa, watches their favorite show with her, stands up for her, and reads Pride & Prejudice because she likes it!

Alyssa, meanwhile, sees the real Austin.  Not the money or the fame.  Though, she still respects his talent and dedication to baseball — whether it’s by cheering him on at the game, celebrating the wins, or consoling him after the losses. 

It’s funny how they were both trying to get out of the friendzone with each other at the wedding. I was so relieved they were able to openly communicate after a thankfully brief misunderstanding 😅

I’m also glad Austin and Alyssa didn’t get together right at the last second.  That way, I could appreciate them being a cute couple for several more chapters.

Austin’s teammates were funny and helpful in their own way. Loved all the group chats, both the Long Live Girlies and the Single ‘Stangs!

I received a gifted ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Favorite Moments

⚾ three years ago
✂️ unpacking at the hotel 
⚾ holding Alyssa in the ocean
✂️ talking in the pool
⚾ showing Alyssa the field
✂️ wearing Austin’s jersey

Favorite Quotes

“It’s always him. It’s always been him. No matter now many dates I’ve gone on trying to convince myself otherwise, every single one has only brought me back to Austin.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“But I guess that’s what love does to a person. It makes you grow into who you were always meant to be.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“Love is a risk with no guarantees, but I’m not scared of falling alongside her when I know we’re going to catch each other every time.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

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