This fun, spicy and quick listen is origin story of Boone and Lucinda - the parents of Atticus, Brick and Bristol who each have their own book.
It’s preformed by Maxine and Joe so of course it has great narration. Maxine embraced the strong minded but shy Lucinda who can challenge Boone, the young base player on his way the big leagues. And Joe brings a fun loving head over heels Boone to life. They are set up by Boones parents who meet Lucinda in the stands of a game and the two of them have a whirlwind romance.
⚾️ The Catch Swift Series • Book # .05 By: @authorlpike
🎧Narrated By: @therealjoearden and @narratormaxine
Omg instant connection!! I had the pleasure of listening to this series in April and automatically binged all three books of the Swift Series, loving them, so when The Catch became available I jumped to listen and so happy I did. What I loved most about the Swift Series was the family dynamic, the closeness, the support and the incredible banter the family shared, now in The Catch, the prequel to The Swift Series we go back to where it began, with the parents Boone and Lucinda and their love story. The Catch is a short prequel narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Talk about short and sweet, WOW, Boone and Lucinda had known each other briefly as kids but when their paths cross as adults there is no looking twice, these two fell hard and fast. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were able to bring the angst out even in the short amount of time, giving us the genuine love and flirty tones as well as the sexy spice that ultimately brought these two closer giving them the foundation to build their lives together. I was not ready for it to end so I jumped right back into The Curve book 1, featuring Boone and Lucinda’s second child Atticus Swift, also narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell, listen to The Catch today on the Blue Nose Audio app, and catch the rest of the series on audible.
⚡️Extra thoughts on the prequel and entire series following the children of Boone and Lucinda…. If you are looking for swoon worthy relationships with the best banter, heartfelt conversations, spicy men who know how to treat their ladies, a family that is top tier goals and a series epilogue that will most definitely bring tears to your eyes (in a good way) than listen to the Swift Series by Leslie Pike!
🫶🏼Thank You @bluenoseaudio for the opportunity to listen and review.
A short and spicy novella filled with heart! In The Catch, we meet Boone and Lucinda, two people who haven't seen each other since they were younger, but happen to find each other again later in life. One kiss leads to so much more and changes their lives in a whirlwind of romance, launching us into what is only the beginning of these characters love story. I’m intrigued and want to go listen to the rest of the series now!
Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden knocked this narration out of the park and made me feel like I traveled back in time with these characters. These two are comfort voices for me and bring their characters to life in such a way that it feels like the audio is visually playing out in my mind. This was such a fun listen and the shower scene…iykyk 😏😅 there were lots of sweet, laugh out loud, and swoon-worthy moments woven throughout this little novella and I enjoyed every second of it!
This audiobook is a smile in audio form! The Catch is a prequel novella to Leslie Pike’s Swift series, and it’s seriously just pure happiness! The romance, the nostalgia factor (Come on! Who doesn’t love the 70s?), the banter, the family dynamic… Did I mention romance? Because I think it bears repeating. This is romance at its finest, in its purest, swooniest form. The characters of Boone and Lucinda are complete opposites, and we all know how opposites attract. For popular, up-and-coming baseball player, Boone Swift, and introspective artist, Lucinda Sutton, the attraction is instant. And once that first life-changing kiss happens between them, it’s game over for these two. For such a short listen, this book packs in an awful lot—a lot of story, a lot of emotion, and a lot of romance! And the way Leslie Pike captures the dynamic spirit of the 70s just adds to the perfection of this story, giving us a love story that is wholesome, funny, and spicy all at the same time.
There was literally nothing about this gorgeous little baseball romance that I didn’t absolutely love! And not to be too on-the-nose about it, but Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden knocked it out of the park with this one! They each truly made me FEEL every word of their performance! Maxine perfectly captured the many sides to Lucinda, her shy yet strong-willed nature, her free spirit, her love of life, and her absolute devotion to her art and to Boone. It all combines into a truly captivating performance. And Joe as the character of Boone is the very definition of swoonworthy. He really shines in Boone’s inner monologue moments, in my opinion. Boone’s emotions are absolutely palpable—his excitement, his angst, his lust, his frustration, his hope, his joy, and his all-encompassing love for Lucinda. It all comes through at a soul-deep level in his performance. Even if you’ve never read the Swift series (like me), I defy you not to thoroughly enjoy this audiobook! It left me with a warm heart and a huge smile on my face!
Leslie Pike's Swift Family series kicks off with a nostalgic return to 1976, where the love story of Boone and Lucinda unfolds. This audiobook captures the vibrant energy of a young couple on the brink of a lifelong journey. Boone Swift, a hopeful Memphis Triple A baseball player, dreams of making it to the majors while falling hard for Lucinda Sutton, a free-spirited artist. The contrast between Boone's meticulous plans and Lucinda's spontaneous nature creates an engaging narrative of opposites attracting. As they navigate their differences, their mutual desire ignites a passionate romance that begins with a single, life-changing kiss. This tale of love and ambition is not only a foundation for the Swift family saga but also an enchanting escape into a bygone era, beautifully rendered through the voices of Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden.
Mitchell's portrayal of Lucinda is both strong and captivating, effortlessly conveying a dynamic character who offers Boone a spirited challenge, while also exuding a warmth that draws listeners in. Her ability to elevate any character she voices is evident, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Arden’s depiction of Boone is equally compelling, capturing the sincerity and determination of a young man deeply in love. Together, Maxine and Joe transport the audience back in time, creating an immersive experience that resonates with emotion and nostalgia. Their performances not only bring the characters to life but also set the stage for the subsequent stories of their children, Atticus, Brick, and Bristol, in the Swift Family series.
The Catch Swift Series Prequel By: Leslie Pike Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell
It is great to be back in Leslie Pike’s Swift Family world for a lovely novella and a blast into the past for the start of Boone and Lucinda’s love story. Boone and Lucinda are the parents of the characters featured in the Swift Family series, starting with Atticus’ story in “The Curve”, followed by Brick’s story in “The Closer” and last but not least, Bristol’s story in “The Cannon”, each book is just as amazing as the other and are now available in a boxset for your listening or reading pleasure. Lucinda’s and Boone’s heartwarming story is full of steam and passion, and as a kid in the seventies, it was great to visit that era, where it all began for those two, with the designer jeans, Candies and Elvis in concert. This is the perfect book to enjoy in one sitting and a fabulous way to start the series or to revisit it. It is a wonderfully plotted story with the perfect balance of drama, charm, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Leslie Pike, thank you for another fabulously delightful and heartwarming story.
🎧📚🎧 Leslie Pike cast the perfect narrators to bring her characters to life. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell do an amazing job portraying the characters, giving each a voice that is fitting. I love how they own their roles, sounding believable and just as I imagine the characters to sound. These two are entertaining storytellers and they deliver a winning performance, one that knocks the story out of the park. Thanks for another fabulous listen.
The Catch takes us back to 1976 and introduces us to Boone Swift, a baseball player from Memphis, and Lucinda, an artist. At just 1.5 hours, this prequel to The Swift Series is a quick listen, but it still manages to pack a lot into a short amount of time.
The story is all about Boone and Lucinda meeting and how their relationship starts to unfold. It’s full of passion, chemistry, and the kind of spark that makes you want to root for them. Leslie Pike did an amazing job making this feel like a complete story, even though it’s so short.
What really brought it to life for me were the narrators, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. They’re both legends in romance audiobooks, and this story is the perfect example of why. They nailed the emotions and made Boone and Lucinda’s journey feel real from the start.
I’ll admit, there was one little moment that wasn’t my favorite—let’s just say I’m not a fan of feet being mentioned during intimate scenes—but it was super brief and didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the book. I even joked with Leslie Pike about it, and honestly, it’s such a minor thing in an otherwise fantastic story.
As someone who listens exclusively to audiobooks, I’m really excited to see how Boone and Lucinda’s story ties into the rest of the Swift series as it gets released. For such a short listen, this one had everything I needed.
If you’re in the mood for a quick, feel-good romance about the start of a relationship full of passion and promise, The Catch is definitely worth checking out. Five stars from me!
Leslie Pike delivers a captivating romance in The Catch, and the audiobook brings it to life in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic. From the very start, the story pulls you into a world of emotional depth, second chances, and undeniable chemistry between the main characters.
The narration is a standout. Joe and Maxine have a captivating ability to shift seamlessly between characters, giving each one a distinct and authentic voice. The male and female perspectives are delivered with such nuance that you feel the tension, vulnerability, and passion radiating from the pages—or in this case, the speakers.
The narration flowed beautifully, matching the rhythm of the story perfectly—lingering in tender moments and ramping up the intensity during emotionally charged scenes. Whether it’s a playful banter or a heartfelt confession, the delivery makes you feel every word. I felt the warmth of a small-town baseball game or the quiet intimacy of a late-night conversation. Every scene is vivid and immersive, enhancing the experience of the book.
For fans of heartfelt romance with characters you can’t help but root for, The Catch is a home run. And if you’re an audiobook lover, this performance is the perfect way to experience it. Leslie Pike’s words combined with the narration makes this a truly memorable listen. Highly recommended!
I am in insta-love with "The Catch" just as much as the characters are with each other!
Set in the 70s, this novella brings a nostalgic charm that transports you back to the good ol' days. The absence of cell phones and modern technology, coupled with old-fashioned ideals, (Elvis in concert, anyone?) truly makes the era a character in itself.
Lucinda, an artist, and Boone, a college baseball player, have a whirlwind romance that captures the essence of insta-love. Despite its brevity, "The Catch" gives just enough to leave you craving more. Going in blind, without any prior knowledge of the rest of the series, I found myself incredibly curious about what's going to happen next. Who are the other characters? Where will the series go from here? Leslie Pike has crafted a compelling start that sets the stage for an intriguing series.
The narration by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell as Boone and Lucinda was phenomenal. Their dual style narration added depth to the characters and made the story come alive. It's a quick listen, perfect for a single sitting. I cannot wait to listen to the rest of the series!
𝙻𝚎𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝙿𝚒𝚔𝚎'𝚜 talented hands are at it again, bookies! She has given up a prequel novella to her 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 series and what a powerful punch it was!
This is where the 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 began, two young opposites meeting, and falling hard for each other. Set in the 70s, this is a refreshing change from the contemporary romances I love. I loved watching Boone, a college baseball player trying to make it to the big leagues, fall head over heels in love with the free spirited Lucinda. Their attraction is instant, powerful and definitely has me ready to listen to/read the next book!
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑀𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙 brings her masterful talent to the table as she voices Lucinda. Her voice flows smoothly and fills Lucinda with all the personality!!!! 𝐽𝑜𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛'𝑠 voice brings the charm & turns up the heat with breathing life into Boone. Together these narrators beautifully bring these characters to life for the listener!
If you want a spicy, banter filled novella to listen to, complete with cell phone free times, nostalgia and two characters that will instantly catch your eye and steal your heart, grab this one up! 𝙻𝚎𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝙿𝚒𝚔𝚎 is a favorite for me and I hope she becomes one for you, too!
𝑨𝑳𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 This was just what I needed to help me get out of my little slump. It was short, sweet, spicy, and had a beautiful HEA. 🙂↕️
The story had me intrigued from the first chapter, and being a novella, it didn’t take long for me to love it. The MCs, Lucinda and Boone couldn’t more different to one another. Yet, they worked so well. I loved the cheekiness and confidence that radiated from a stereotypical ‘reserved girl’, which added more complexity to her persona overall.
The audio performance was captivating and the VAs were a perfect match to bring these characters to life! They made it fun, cheeeeky and wholesome through the short listen. I really enjoyed this audiobook!
Thank you for the ALC @authorlpike, @bluenoseaudio and to the VAs @narratormaxine + @therealjoearden
A quick, delightful read/listen that brings a baseball star and a quiet girl together in the 1970s. Leslie delivers terrific banter, and the insta-love connection between Boone and Lucinda is absolutely adorable. As a novella prequel to The Swift Series, it sets the stage perfectly—I can’t wait to dive deeper into this world through the series. The dual narration was spot-on. Maxine and Joe’s performances captured the emotional depth of each POV beautifully, making the dialogue feel natural and engaging. Their dynamic is always a treat. A flawless production, exceptional narration, and a fast-paced yet satisfying story, nothing felt rushed or missing. A home run all around!
This prequel to the Swift series is sure to capture your heart! Travel back in time and experience Lucinda and Boone's love story. With meddling parents, young sweethearts, and a trip back in time this love story will sweep you off your feet. Can a kiss change the whole trajectory of their lives?
Narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden. The playful energy between Maxine and Joe is truly magical and can be felt tenfold. Can't wait to see where the Swift family takes us! Leslie Pike is a quick witted writer and the back and forth between these two is sure to keep you smiling and laughing.
This is my ALC review: I loved this story. It was full of earnest, yet requited insta love. Boone and Lucinda start their journey after a little nudge and help from his parents after one of Boones minor league games. Their connection is palpable. This audiobook was narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden. Maxine gave you everything for Lucinda. I felt her nerves, her anxiety and her heart when it was floating with happiness. Joe was everything Lucinda needed, his Boone was unwavering, committed and passionate. This story is a prequel. Production of the audiobook was made by Blue Nose Audio, and was seamless.
The book is a prequel to the Swift Family Series. In the story we get to know Boone, a baseball player and Lucinda, an artist. We get to know how they meet and how their relationship grows. In all honesty, I had a bit of trouble connecting with them. This is the first time I have read this author's work, and I was taken aback by the amount of profanity, sexual innuendo and sex scenes this short story had. I would have preferred more character development instead. If you are someone that enjoys short stories with lots of dirty talk as well as sex scenes then this story is probably for you. After a taste of this author's writing, I have decided that this author's work is not for me.
A short but powerful little snippet in this world, we meet two characters that haven’t seen each other since they were young, and one kiss changes their whole lives in a whirlwind of passion and spice, leading us into what I am assuming is going to be just the beginning of these characters lives. I got this as an ALC listen from Blue Nose Audio and Joe and Maxine’s performance are as epic as always. Joe took it to a whole new level with the self love shower scene….that was a true and realistic performance! IYKYK
I’ve never read or listened to this series before, but after this super quick listen, I just might have to!
I love how quick this was, but I wasn’t disappointed. I really enjoyed Boone and Lucinda’s love story. I also love a sports romance and this one hit. Also the spice was spicy!!!!
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are pure perfection in every title they perform together and this was no exception.
Thank you BNA and Leslie Pike for the advanced listen!
Sometimes going outside of your genre is a good idea. I am not really a baseball fan and my least favorite trope is an unplanned pregnancy, but….. Leslie Pike has me INVESTED in these characters! Maybe it’s because of nostalgia, maybe because I needed a break from all the dark romance and sometimes you need a good reset. Either way, I want to know what’s next from this family.
I had the privilege of the ALC from Blue Nose Audio. Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden narrate this beautiful novella and of course, do a phenomenal job.
This prequel is a fun, sweet and steamy look into how the Swift family began. The meet cute between Boone Swift and Lucinda Sutton was awkward and hilarious and set the stage for these opposites to fall hard for each other. I loved how Boone and Lucinda were so warm, supportive, and funny throughout the series, so this story reiterates why I loved them so much. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell brought this heartwarming and sizzling story to life, beautifully. I really enjoyed their performances that made me laugh, smile and swoon all at the same time.
Maybe this hits different if you've read the series it's a prequel to.
I grabbed this as a Chirp Friday freebie and listened to it because it's really short.
At first, it's promising - it's set in the late 1970s, we have two characters who went to high school together, he had a secret crush on her... but unfortunately, all the development is in the first few chapters. Then it's all horniness that didn't particularly work for me, and skipping over the emotional development of the relationship straight to end game.
I'd skip this unless you're already invested in this series.
Very short, spicy, steamy prequel novella of Swift Series Collection that was beautifully narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Thanks to blue nose audio, i got introduced to Boone swift and Lucinda. Their first meet was like sparks and fireworks like thanksgibing parade. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter very much It has two epilogues that gives us a fantastic HEA 4 stars for Swift Brood
The Catch by Leslie Pike is such a sweet prequel to the Swift series! Boone and Lucinda’s love story is just so heartwarming. From the moment they started flirting, their chemistry had me smiling the whole time. Leslie Pike packed so much charm and emotion into this short story, and it’s the perfect way to see how the Swift family began. Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden absolutely nailed the narration, bringing Boone and Lucinda to life effortlessly. This little novella is a perfect addition to the series and rounds out the Swift family in the best way!
The Catch is the novella that kicks off the Swift Family series. This sweet and spicy book is the start to Boone and Lucinda’s relationship. They originally met when they were younger and eventually meet each other again later in life. I cannot wait to read more of this series.
Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden did a spectacular job narrating this book with bringing Lucinda and Boone to life. I love the dynamic these two narrators bring to such a heart felt book.
This quick read (or listen for me) is fun, spicy, and full of love. This prequel novella of the Swift Family series is the meet cute of Boone and Lucinda and has me wanting to dive into the rest of the series immediately!
Performed in dual narration by the ever lovely Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden, these two gave amazing performances to once again prove they can bring even the shortest of stories to life with a dynamic that leaves me wishing the story didn’t have to end so soon.
The Catch written by Leslie Pike, Book 0.5 is the Prequel in the Swift Series. We are introduced to Boone and Lucinda.
This is a fun and sweet love story. The energy between these two is magnetising! I enjoyed how at ease with each other Boone and Lucinda were from the beginning.
The headliner scene made me giggle. IMO the whole book had the perfect balance of sweetness, sexiness and spice. Boone and Lucinda are sooo good together! “Some things the heart alone is meant to see.”
Maxine Mitchell as Lucinda and Joe Arden as Boone are perfectly cast. I felt like I was there in the story sharing in their joy as my friends explored their potential. Oh and Maxine, your male voice is sooo good.
Thank you Leslie for this fun read/listen. I cannot wait to revisit The Swift Series.
I listened to The Swift brothers’ series and was excited to learn that the parents of Atticus, Brick, and Bristol had a story too. Boone & Lucinda knew each other in high school—he had a crush on Lucinda back then, so a few years later, now he’s taking his shot. Their dates felt like a sweet trip down memory lane (an Elvis concert!). It’s a quick listen, and you can always count on Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell to bring big personalities to the characters.
Short and smexy, this prequel novella gives us an insight into what’s to come in the series. This audiobook is narrated by Joe Arden as Boone and Maxine Mitchell as Lucinda in their early 20s in the 1970’s. The epilogue introducing the kids and their personalities is just the taster I needed for the upcoming books.
The Catch is a prequel to the Swift series and what a great introduction. I was laughing out loud and kicking me feet with how sweet Boone was and the immediate connection between him and Lucinda was palpable. Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden were perfection as usual. I am never disappointed when these two narrator a book together. I am looking forward to diving into the Swift series.
He is a baseball star , she is the girl who was his best friend in high school . His mother gets her phone number for him … shy and unsure he gives it a shot … they go on a few dates … he gets a call inviting him to the majors … they have an accidental pregnancy , marriage and a life together ;) it was soo good