
About the Book:

Title: Defensive Indifference
Series: Southern Sports Sweethearts
Author: M J Padgett
Release Date: September 25th, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When life gives you fresh out of the oven donuts, it’s probably not a good idea to drop them on the swoony baseball player’s lap.
After a very public incident, all pro-baseball player Koa Keaton wants is to be left alone. But everywhere he goes, reporters flash cameras in his face, begging for a statement about his crumbling life. When Koa dips into a local donut shop to escape the entourage of stalkers, he doesn’t expect to find yet another groupie desperate for his attention.
Evalina Renn has enough on her plate with a young child, a struggling business, and a stack of never ending bills. The last thing she needs is to deal with a cocky baseball player who thinks he’s too special to sign a simple autograph, even if he is her son’s favorite Savannah Sharks player. Still, she doesn’t mean to accidentally dump a scalding hot stack of donuts onto his lap, leaving the star player covered in chocolate frosting.
Koa isn’t proud of his overreaction to the waitress, especially when it ends up on every local news outlet. To top it off, the woman refuses to accept his apology. His repeated attempts to make things right are met by slamming doors, frustrated groans, and utter humiliation. The worst part is he can’t stop thinking about her and what it might be like to kiss her until she smiles.
Defensive Indifference is a sweet, meet disaster, enemies to lovers romance with faith elements and a side of comedy!
Book Review:
Oh, I have been waiting for the next book in this series. I adore M. J. Padgett’s books and this series have been so fun! Defensive Indifference is the fourth book in M.J. Padgett’s Southern Sports Sweetheart. This follows Koa who is a baseball player.
Poor Koa, he was struggling. His whole world was upended and he was not handling it well. Koa seemed a bit hotheaded at times but he was trying to learn from his mistakes. It was interesting to get to know him better and see how he truly did care for those in his circle. Evalina was just trying her best. She wanted to provide the best life for her son, Dustin, but she was struggling. Evalina was a bit frustrating at times but I understood her.
Koa and Evalina definitely got off on the wrong foot but they came to understand each other. They both had some growing to do as they learned to forgive and move forward. Their interactions made sense but it did lead them to some fights which may or may not have included donuts. Koa and Evalina were definitely entertaining as they learned to put aside their differences. However they truly did go to love and understand each other. I love the way that Koa tried to help and support Evalina.
The romance was sweet and slow burn. The plot was so interesting! Koa’s family situation was engaging and I wanted to see how everything would work out. I also loved reading about Koa connecting with Dustin. The side characters were a lot of fun! I see hints of new books. I really enjoyed this and I would definitely recommend it! Defensive Indifference is a closed door romantic comedy.
What I loved:
Redemption and forgiveness
New characters
The baseball team
Koa’s sister and Spencer!
Dustin interacting with Koa
Baking!
Single mom who works hard
Faith
I received a complimentary copy

















