The Wild Card

The Dugout, Book 2

De: Piper Rayne

Narrado por: Sean Masters, Erin Mallon, JF Harding, Teddy Hamilton, Connor Crais, CJ Bloom, Austin Stone, Meg Sylvan, Willa Jaymes

Getting pregnant after a one-night stand with my brother’s best friend was never part of the plan.

We’re talking about Foster Davis here. Chicago Colts closing pitcher. The broody king of one-word answers. And the man everyone knows keeps one foot out the door.

Surprisingly, when two pink lines turn my world upside down, Foster doesn’t run. He steps in, he shows up, and he insists we do this together.

Pretending we’re fine is easy. Pretending this is just about the baby? Not so much. Because Foster is gentle when no one’s watching. Because he looks at me like I’m something worth protecting. Because the walls he’s built start to crack—and I’m the one he’s letting inside.

Our arrangement was supposed to be simple. Boundaries were set. Co-parents and no catching feelings.

Okay, maybe a few sex lessons were added in too. Bad idea, I know.

Because the more time I spend with Foster Davis, the harder it is to remember why I ever thought he was the risky choice.

©2026 Piper Rayne Inc. (P)2026 Piper Rayne Inc.

I couldn’t get enough!

That’s no surprise though since accidental pregnancy is one of my most favorite tropes! I loved Callie and Foster’s story. I can’t wait to get my hands on Decker’s story! The full cast did an amazing job!

One of my favorite reads of the year!

I cannot overstate how much I loved Foster and Callie's story! Ever since The Hotshot, I have been dying to read/listen to this book, and I was not disappointed at all! The narration is top notch! Sean Masters and Erin Mallon nailed their characters perfectly! This was such an incredible story that had me laughing out loud, grinning to myself, and wanting to give Foster the biggest hug ever. I can't wait for Decker and Easton's stories!

Never missed a beat…

Wow, they have done it again! Absolutely enthralling and entertaining read! I loved every moment of this read. It was so real, so…relatable and still had that spark of something more. The kids were amazing, especially that little Monroe. She’s so adorable with her National day stuff. Lake just like all little teenage girls who hit 13 before their time and Lincoln just a normal everyday 9 yr old who loves baseball. It’s devastating that they lost so much so young but again it’s relatable. Now on the main event lol. Leighton and Hayes. Wow, attraction since high school…but not wanting to hurt Callie along the way. It was so beautiful to watch how it all played out. How Callie threw me together over and over again. She couldn’t be there for her best friend when she was struggling the most so Callie sent the next best thing…her brother! And well…let’s just say it went from there. Life was never the same again. Drive in head first you won’t regret it…I mean I didn’t anyways. Now…what has Callie gotten herself into? I think I know who the father is and that’s going to be interesting if I’m right…here we go…

The Wildcard: Full Cast Audio Done Right

Title: The Wildcard
Series: The Dugout Series #2
Author: Piper Rayne
Format: Audiobook (Full Cast Narration)
After enjoying The Hotshot, I happily stepped back into the world of the Chicago Colts for Foster and Callie’s story. Piper Rayne continues to create sports romances that feel light enough to binge while still carrying emotional depth underneath the banter and chemistry.
First, the audiobook itself deserves praise. Full cast narration remains one of my favorite formats because it pulls you directly into the story and gives each character a distinct presence. The performances overall were outstanding and made long listening sessions fly by. The only voice that continues to throw me off is the agent character, who somehow manages to make me uncomfortable every appearance. His portrayal makes the agent sound creepy or slime.
Foster Davis intrigued me in book one, and I was excited to learn more about the emotionally guarded relief pitcher carrying years of hurt from estrangement with his parents and twin brother, Decker. While he comes across as distant, closed off, and uninterested in attachments, beneath all of that is someone deeply loyal and willing to show up when it matters most.
Callie balances him well. She’s independent, strong, and equally afraid of vulnerability, making their relationship feel less like opposites attract and more like two guarded people learning how to trust. Their chemistry works because it develops gradually.
This is definitely a slow burn romance. By the later chapters, especially around chapter 34, I found myself practically yelling for these two to stop dancing around their feelings already and kiss
The accidental pregnancy trope can be hit or miss for me, but I thought Piper Rayne handled it with more emotional weight than expected. Rather than focusing solely on surprise or drama, the story explores responsibility, healing old wounds, family expectations, and what creating something new can look like when both people carry baggage.
One of my favorite aspects was Foster’s growth. Watching him soften without completely losing the parts of himself that make him guarded felt realistic. His storyline involving family estrangement and reconciliation added heart beyond the romance.
I also loved catching the small Easter egg in the bookstore. Tiny references like that always make connected series more fun.
If I had one critique, some emotional moments wrapped up a little easier than expected, but overall this was an enjoyable listen with strong narration, lovable side characters, and enough anticipation to keep me hitting play.
If you enjoy:
⚾ Sports romance
🔥 Slow burn with mild spicy
👶 Surprise pregnancy trope
🎧 Full cast audiobooks
❤️ Emotionally unavailable heroes who secretly care deeply
👨‍👩‍👧 Family healing & reconciliation
📚 Connected romance series
…then The Wildcard is worth adding to your summer listening list.
Now excuse me while I immediately move on to Penelope and Decker’s story because Piper Rayne absolutely planted the seeds for that one and I’m ready.

great story line

loved the story, but using the same voice for most male side characters was disturbing. example - the creepy landlord had the same voice as the sports agent. it made all of the men with that voice sound like the skeezy creep. other than that, loved it.