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Catching Feelings #1
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
It's not about the wedding, it's about the marriage...license.
Sean
When my ex cheated and begged me to take her back, I made a rash, too-public vow: the next woman I kiss will be my wife. It seemed like a good idea at the time—anything to stop being everyone’s second choice. The ultimate fallback guy.
Then the Kayla Carville walks into my bar, all bold and stunning. When she hears my ex tearing me apart, she kisses me to shut her up. And when she learns about my stupid promise, she offers me a way to save face: we’ll claim we’re engaged.
The thing is, this isn’t about some stupid vow anymore. It’s about finding the courage to stop being the backup goalie and finally go for what I really want.
If I can.
Kayla
My ex is the worst, so my dad bought me a baseball team.
Classic billionaire-dad move.
Now I’m living in a small Southern town that hates me, trying to convince everyone I’m an absolute delight, not some generic “Boss Babe.”
They’re not buying it.
Except for Sean O’Shannan, the hot hometown hockey hero and bar owner who gave me the courage to break up with my fiancé months ago. He’s the kind of guy who remembers my smoothie order, saves a seat for me at the church potluck…and proposes when he discovers I don’t meet the team’s “ownership residency requirement.”
Saying yes is easy.
The hard part?
Not falling for my husband.
Sean
When my ex cheated and begged me to take her back, I made a rash, too-public vow: the next woman I kiss will be my wife. It seemed like a good idea at the time—anything to stop being everyone’s second choice. The ultimate fallback guy.
Then the Kayla Carville walks into my bar, all bold and stunning. When she hears my ex tearing me apart, she kisses me to shut her up. And when she learns about my stupid promise, she offers me a way to save face: we’ll claim we’re engaged.
The thing is, this isn’t about some stupid vow anymore. It’s about finding the courage to stop being the backup goalie and finally go for what I really want.
If I can.
Kayla
My ex is the worst, so my dad bought me a baseball team.
Classic billionaire-dad move.
Now I’m living in a small Southern town that hates me, trying to convince everyone I’m an absolute delight, not some generic “Boss Babe.”
They’re not buying it.
Except for Sean O’Shannan, the hot hometown hockey hero and bar owner who gave me the courage to break up with my fiancé months ago. He’s the kind of guy who remembers my smoothie order, saves a seat for me at the church potluck…and proposes when he discovers I don’t meet the team’s “ownership residency requirement.”
Saying yes is easy.
The hard part?
Not falling for my husband.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2025
515 people are currently reading
1609 people want to read
About the author
Kate Watson
17 books710 followersKate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
August 31, 2025
A MILLION SHINY STARS 😍😍
Enter one of my top favourite new rom-coms! It’s funny. It’s *deep*. Seriously, I was getting choked up. It completely STOLE MY HEART.
Kayla and Sean are utterly adorable. So well-matched with sweet chemistry and charming banter. They genuinely see and care about each other. And their modern marriage of convenience felt realistic—as a huge MOC fan, I heartily approve. 🤭
If you’ve ever read a sports romance and thought, “I need more sports,” Kate’s got you. Because this book covers both a hockey player AND a baseball team owner. Best of both worlds—and I say this as a clueless about sports girlie. 😂
The small town southern snobbery was hilarious and sooooo maddening. It definitely set me on the war path ready to fight for Kayla. I think that was the point. 😂 Lessons in prejudice, friends.
Like I mentioned, the themes were DEEP. So deep. Wanting to belong. Wanting to be wanted, not just needed. Chasing a dream. Green flag relationships. Learning to set boundaries with exes. Yup, there was a lot of ground covered between all the laughing.
Easily a top read of 2025 for me—and I’m so stoked for the next books in the series! Please read it and then we can fangirl together! 🤭
Enter one of my top favourite new rom-coms! It’s funny. It’s *deep*. Seriously, I was getting choked up. It completely STOLE MY HEART.
Kayla and Sean are utterly adorable. So well-matched with sweet chemistry and charming banter. They genuinely see and care about each other. And their modern marriage of convenience felt realistic—as a huge MOC fan, I heartily approve. 🤭
If you’ve ever read a sports romance and thought, “I need more sports,” Kate’s got you. Because this book covers both a hockey player AND a baseball team owner. Best of both worlds—and I say this as a clueless about sports girlie. 😂
The small town southern snobbery was hilarious and sooooo maddening. It definitely set me on the war path ready to fight for Kayla. I think that was the point. 😂 Lessons in prejudice, friends.
Like I mentioned, the themes were DEEP. So deep. Wanting to belong. Wanting to be wanted, not just needed. Chasing a dream. Green flag relationships. Learning to set boundaries with exes. Yup, there was a lot of ground covered between all the laughing.
Easily a top read of 2025 for me—and I’m so stoked for the next books in the series! Please read it and then we can fangirl together! 🤭
July 25, 2025
Another home run by Kate Watson! If you love a marriage of convenience where they actually likes each other from the start, this book is perfect for you. It's fun, flirty, and seriously swoon-worthy.
Kayla and Sean’s story is hands down one of my favorite reads this year. I loved how Kayla, who’s used to shrinking herself to fit in, and Sean, who’s always the dependable one but rarely the chosen one, complement each other so beautifully. They build each other up, cheer each other on, and bring out the best in each other, with some seriously cute and playful banter along the way. Oh, and did I mention there’s hockey AND baseball? What’s not to love?
Being back in Mullet Ridge and Sugar Maple, with cameos from The Janes and their significant others, was such a treat. Kate Watson has truly outdone herself again, and I already can’t wait for whatever she writes next!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥 Sports Romance (Hockey + Baseball)
❤️🔥 Opposites Attract
❤️🔥 Small Town
🚨🚨 TW: Disordered eating
Kayla and Sean’s story is hands down one of my favorite reads this year. I loved how Kayla, who’s used to shrinking herself to fit in, and Sean, who’s always the dependable one but rarely the chosen one, complement each other so beautifully. They build each other up, cheer each other on, and bring out the best in each other, with some seriously cute and playful banter along the way. Oh, and did I mention there’s hockey AND baseball? What’s not to love?
Being back in Mullet Ridge and Sugar Maple, with cameos from The Janes and their significant others, was such a treat. Kate Watson has truly outdone herself again, and I already can’t wait for whatever she writes next!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥 Sports Romance (Hockey + Baseball)
❤️🔥 Opposites Attract
❤️🔥 Small Town
🚨🚨 TW: Disordered eating
July 23, 2025
‘I have one friend in town.
The captain of the hockey team.
The hometown hero.’
From the very first chapter of Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend by Kate Watson, I was hooked—and it only got better from there. Friends, this is easily one of my absolute favorite reads of 2025… if not the top read. Yes, it’s that good.
I had a million other things I should have been doing, and yet… I MADE the time to devour this book because I simply couldn’t put it down. And now? I’m already ready for a reread. That’s how much I loved it.
Kate Watson has delivered another unforgettable story full of heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud banter, swoony romance, and all the feels you crave. This small-town sports romance mash-up has everything: hockey, baseball, marriage of convenience, family drama, sizzling chemistry, and two main characters you can’t help but root for.
The characters? FANTASTIC. Every single one—Sean, Kayla, the side characters, the villains, the nemeses, and even the sharp-tongued church ladies—plays their role to perfection.
‘I should be ashamed to admit this, but I can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they learn that the rumors are true: the golden boy married the outcast.’
Perfection, my friends!
It’s a story about second chances, finding your place, and falling for the one who sees (and loves) the real you. Sean and Kayla’s romance is flirty, heartfelt, and unforgettable—one of my favorite couples Kate has ever written.
Kate Watson is already an auto-buy author for me, and she should be for you too. Read this one, then thank me later. Seriously, it’s for your own happiness.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend is available now—grab your copy and settle in for a top-tier romance you won’t forget.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger: Mentions of abandonment and an eating disorder. Romance—kisses only.
The captain of the hockey team.
The hometown hero.’
From the very first chapter of Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend by Kate Watson, I was hooked—and it only got better from there. Friends, this is easily one of my absolute favorite reads of 2025… if not the top read. Yes, it’s that good.
I had a million other things I should have been doing, and yet… I MADE the time to devour this book because I simply couldn’t put it down. And now? I’m already ready for a reread. That’s how much I loved it.
Kate Watson has delivered another unforgettable story full of heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud banter, swoony romance, and all the feels you crave. This small-town sports romance mash-up has everything: hockey, baseball, marriage of convenience, family drama, sizzling chemistry, and two main characters you can’t help but root for.
The characters? FANTASTIC. Every single one—Sean, Kayla, the side characters, the villains, the nemeses, and even the sharp-tongued church ladies—plays their role to perfection.
‘I should be ashamed to admit this, but I can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they learn that the rumors are true: the golden boy married the outcast.’
Perfection, my friends!
It’s a story about second chances, finding your place, and falling for the one who sees (and loves) the real you. Sean and Kayla’s romance is flirty, heartfelt, and unforgettable—one of my favorite couples Kate has ever written.
Kate Watson is already an auto-buy author for me, and she should be for you too. Read this one, then thank me later. Seriously, it’s for your own happiness.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend is available now—grab your copy and settle in for a top-tier romance you won’t forget.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger: Mentions of abandonment and an eating disorder. Romance—kisses only.
January 15, 2026
I think my occasional struggle with the marriage-of-convenience trope got in my way here. Like the secondary characters being so quick to accept a completely out-of-the-blue marriage. And in this case, Sean and Kayla were quite open about their attraction and feelings for each other, so I never quite understood why they couldn’t just properly acknowledge their relationship instead of acting like it was all for show with an end date.
But I will say, the flirty banter was incredibly cute! The kisses too! And I thought it was an interesting addition to have Kayla as the owner of a baseball team, especially since the position was forced on her despite her limited knowledge of the sport. Poor girl. She really showed them! There was also a nice balance with heavier topics, keeping the story from feeling too fluffy.
I think I just wanted more conflict within the romance itself. While it was nice to see Sean and Kayla happily together, there was very little tension or drama to keep things exciting. I loved the healthy communication between them (and seeing their seriously terrible exes be put in their place), but without any big obstacles, I was a bit bored sometimes.
(heat level: kisses only)
But I will say, the flirty banter was incredibly cute! The kisses too! And I thought it was an interesting addition to have Kayla as the owner of a baseball team, especially since the position was forced on her despite her limited knowledge of the sport. Poor girl. She really showed them! There was also a nice balance with heavier topics, keeping the story from feeling too fluffy.
I think I just wanted more conflict within the romance itself. While it was nice to see Sean and Kayla happily together, there was very little tension or drama to keep things exciting. I loved the healthy communication between them (and seeing their seriously terrible exes be put in their place), but without any big obstacles, I was a bit bored sometimes.
(heat level: kisses only)
July 23, 2025
Kate Watson is becoming a favorite author to read. Diamonds had all the things I love in a book: sports, marriage of convenience, swoony hero, witty banter, and a woman coming into her own.
July 19, 2025
“You elevate people. I wanted to live up to your expectations and reach the potential you already saw in me. You don’t exist to make people better; you make people better because you exist.”
Well I’ll just tell ya’, I thought there was no way I could love a couple more than I loved Patty and Lou, but Sean and Kayla just blew them out of the water!! Sean! Sean! Sean!!!! You sweet, wonderful, lovable hunk of man!
Now this can be read as a standalone, but I implore you to read Truly, Medley, Deeply and Since We’ve No Place to Go if you haven’t. Those two stories really set the stage for Diamonds. We met Kayla in the latter and we get a glimpse at the first meeting between the two in the former.
This story has some much dang heart I can’t hardly stand it! Sean has spent his life taking care of others, only being needed by others not wanted, the standup guy, the “guy who waits at home for the girl”. So when Kayla comes to town and “needs” to be married to ensure her ownership of the team, he’s the guy to get the job done. So we get the most amazing marriage of convenience between a big ol’ teddy bear and the crazy beautiful, insanely savvy girl who has spent her life trying to be picture perfect to fit in.
Shoot this MoC was a match made in heaven from the moment those two laid eyes on each other. Their chemistry is perfection. Their interactions are sweet enough to give you a tooth ache. And the way they stand up for one another will have you pumping your fists and doing a victory dance.
I absolutely loved seeing some of our Sugar Maple friends. But I was most excited to see the twins, Lucas and Logan. I see a hard-fought romance coming Lucas’s way soon. I was so happy to meet Kayla’s family, especially her brothers. Kate does a fantastic job writing siblings and their fun quirks and ribbings. Also, I really, really need Fletch to get a HEA!!
This was such heartfelt, tender and vulnerable, yet super fun sports romance. I highly recommend it!
Thanks Kate for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Well I’ll just tell ya’, I thought there was no way I could love a couple more than I loved Patty and Lou, but Sean and Kayla just blew them out of the water!! Sean! Sean! Sean!!!! You sweet, wonderful, lovable hunk of man!
Now this can be read as a standalone, but I implore you to read Truly, Medley, Deeply and Since We’ve No Place to Go if you haven’t. Those two stories really set the stage for Diamonds. We met Kayla in the latter and we get a glimpse at the first meeting between the two in the former.
This story has some much dang heart I can’t hardly stand it! Sean has spent his life taking care of others, only being needed by others not wanted, the standup guy, the “guy who waits at home for the girl”. So when Kayla comes to town and “needs” to be married to ensure her ownership of the team, he’s the guy to get the job done. So we get the most amazing marriage of convenience between a big ol’ teddy bear and the crazy beautiful, insanely savvy girl who has spent her life trying to be picture perfect to fit in.
Shoot this MoC was a match made in heaven from the moment those two laid eyes on each other. Their chemistry is perfection. Their interactions are sweet enough to give you a tooth ache. And the way they stand up for one another will have you pumping your fists and doing a victory dance.
I absolutely loved seeing some of our Sugar Maple friends. But I was most excited to see the twins, Lucas and Logan. I see a hard-fought romance coming Lucas’s way soon. I was so happy to meet Kayla’s family, especially her brothers. Kate does a fantastic job writing siblings and their fun quirks and ribbings. Also, I really, really need Fletch to get a HEA!!
This was such heartfelt, tender and vulnerable, yet super fun sports romance. I highly recommend it!
Thanks Kate for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
January 7, 2026
4.5
Cute! This was a fun sports mash-up romance! Kayla is the new owner of a small town minor league baseball team, while Sean is a hockey player trying to get called up to the major leagues. They are super cute together! I loved that they just like each other right from the start and there's none of the secretly liking each other but not saying anything, theyre just open and flirty with each other and it just works! Good chemistry. I enjoyed the overall storyline, characters and it was just a nice read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Rated G
Romance: Clean, kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Cute! This was a fun sports mash-up romance! Kayla is the new owner of a small town minor league baseball team, while Sean is a hockey player trying to get called up to the major leagues. They are super cute together! I loved that they just like each other right from the start and there's none of the secretly liking each other but not saying anything, theyre just open and flirty with each other and it just works! Good chemistry. I enjoyed the overall storyline, characters and it was just a nice read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Rated G
Romance: Clean, kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
December 13, 2025
Kate Watson has done it again, hooking me from the beginning of the story and keeping me turning pages until the end!
Sean & Kayla may have met in his family’s bar, but Sean hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since! So when he finds out, she’s still in Mullet Ridge as the new owner of the Mudflaps baseball team, he can’t help but hope to see her! When Kayla’s team is threatened due to her lack of residency, Shaun jumps to the rescue by proposing a marriage of convenience! From there, these two have the sweetest, best friendship to more relationship!
I loved these two so much! Their cute relationship had me rooting for them to make things work for real, from
the beginning! Sean was the biggest sweetheart always looking out for others and making sure everyone else was happy! Kayla was strong and powerful and kept her chin up despite her rough beginning in a small town!
I loved their chemistry, the small town activities, both of their families, how they rooted for and cheered each other on, the sports themes, the flirting and banter, and eventually even Loretta and Eunice! 😆
Don’t miss this one!!
A few favorite quotes:
“I love a good laugh, and Sean’s is better than good. It’s the kind that makes you feel captivating, not just funny. I love people with a good sense of humor.”
“…it’s not his intoxicating smell that hits me—it’s the quiet certainty in his eyes, like he’s decided I already belong.”
“Do you know what it’s like thinking I’m taking you off the market? I feel like the king of the world.”
“And I kiss him. Desperately. Like I haven’t eaten, haven’t breathed since the second we said goodbye. Like his mouth is the only thing that can revive me.”
Sean & Kayla may have met in his family’s bar, but Sean hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since! So when he finds out, she’s still in Mullet Ridge as the new owner of the Mudflaps baseball team, he can’t help but hope to see her! When Kayla’s team is threatened due to her lack of residency, Shaun jumps to the rescue by proposing a marriage of convenience! From there, these two have the sweetest, best friendship to more relationship!
I loved these two so much! Their cute relationship had me rooting for them to make things work for real, from
the beginning! Sean was the biggest sweetheart always looking out for others and making sure everyone else was happy! Kayla was strong and powerful and kept her chin up despite her rough beginning in a small town!
I loved their chemistry, the small town activities, both of their families, how they rooted for and cheered each other on, the sports themes, the flirting and banter, and eventually even Loretta and Eunice! 😆
Don’t miss this one!!
A few favorite quotes:
“I love a good laugh, and Sean’s is better than good. It’s the kind that makes you feel captivating, not just funny. I love people with a good sense of humor.”
“…it’s not his intoxicating smell that hits me—it’s the quiet certainty in his eyes, like he’s decided I already belong.”
“Do you know what it’s like thinking I’m taking you off the market? I feel like the king of the world.”
“And I kiss him. Desperately. Like I haven’t eaten, haven’t breathed since the second we said goodbye. Like his mouth is the only thing that can revive me.”
August 30, 2025
Every time I start a new Kate Watson book, I have no doubt that I’m going to love it! She never fails to bring the banter, swoony tension, heartfelt character arcs, and so much humor I find myself smiling to myself while reading. Diamond’s Are A Girl’s Best Friend tops them all and is my new favorite of Watson’s (and I love all her books).
Sean and Kayla are fire! There’s a magnetism between them, while also a realism in their interactions. I adored the way Sean really sees Kayla, anticipating her needs and meeting her right where she’s at. And Kayla is the perfect encourager for Sean, helping him overcome his doubts.
This marriage of convenience was SO well done, too. There was such a seamlessness to the progression of the relationship, and I loved that they went into the marriage with genuine respect and interest for each other. Many marriage-of-convenience romances use the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I do enjoy it, but the genuine feelings Kayla and Sean have for each other made for such a sweet romance. I was rooting for them right from their first “meet-cute.” Highly enjoyable read and definitely reread worthy!
Diamond’s Are A Girl’s Best Friend is interconnected with Kate Watson’s other books but can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you’re going to want to read her entire backlist when you finish this one if you haven’t already!
Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Toxic exes, Cheating (past), Eating Disorder Representation, Self Doubt
Sean and Kayla are fire! There’s a magnetism between them, while also a realism in their interactions. I adored the way Sean really sees Kayla, anticipating her needs and meeting her right where she’s at. And Kayla is the perfect encourager for Sean, helping him overcome his doubts.
This marriage of convenience was SO well done, too. There was such a seamlessness to the progression of the relationship, and I loved that they went into the marriage with genuine respect and interest for each other. Many marriage-of-convenience romances use the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I do enjoy it, but the genuine feelings Kayla and Sean have for each other made for such a sweet romance. I was rooting for them right from their first “meet-cute.” Highly enjoyable read and definitely reread worthy!
Diamond’s Are A Girl’s Best Friend is interconnected with Kate Watson’s other books but can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you’re going to want to read her entire backlist when you finish this one if you haven’t already!
Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Toxic exes, Cheating (past), Eating Disorder Representation, Self Doubt
July 27, 2025
So good!! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of this book. I just knew it was going to be amazing and, wow, it exceeded my expectations. This is such a captivating story. The writing style, the characters, the humor, the heart… just awesome.
This is a contemporary, marriage-of-convenience, sports rom-com. It’s heavy on personal growth as both MCs have issues to work through. What I love about this story is how Kate Watson starts the relationship first and then has them work through their issues together in the most touching way. I love how they support one another, each empowering the other to face their fears and insecurities and become better together. There’s none of the typical angst and spiraling introspection of MCs battling internal demons on their own before they can be together. Instead there’s a partnership filled with compassion, thoughtfulness, open communication, and flirty banter. The MCs are such great characters, it simply impossible not to love them.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Either Fletch or Scottie/Lucas, I am so on board.
Highly recommended!
Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God
This is a contemporary, marriage-of-convenience, sports rom-com. It’s heavy on personal growth as both MCs have issues to work through. What I love about this story is how Kate Watson starts the relationship first and then has them work through their issues together in the most touching way. I love how they support one another, each empowering the other to face their fears and insecurities and become better together. There’s none of the typical angst and spiraling introspection of MCs battling internal demons on their own before they can be together. Instead there’s a partnership filled with compassion, thoughtfulness, open communication, and flirty banter. The MCs are such great characters, it simply impossible not to love them.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Either Fletch or Scottie/Lucas, I am so on board.
Highly recommended!
Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God
July 16, 2025
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend is the first book in the Catching Feelings series, but those of us who have enjoyed Kate's previous books will enjoy seeing some familiar characters and places. But don't worry, if this is your first Kate Watson book, you'll absolutely be able to enjoy this one just the same.
Hockey romance gets all the hype, but I've got to tell you, I've really been enjoying a lot of BASEBALL romance lately... so a book that has both hockey AND baseball!? Yes, please! Throw in a little marriage of convenience? Even better. Right away, Sean and Kayla drew me in. He's the hockey player that has been given the second chance to play in the NHL- a dream he'd passed on to be there for his family. She's the newcomer in town- the billionaire heiress whose dad bought her a baseball team- who just wants to fit in and be accepted. I loved the connection between these two-- yes, the chemistry was undeniable, but I also loved how they genuinely looked out for and supported each other. And their text threads throughout always had me smiling. Truly, I just couldn't get enough of the two of them together. As always, Kate Watson delivered the perfect balance of humor and emotion, and I loved it!
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. While the overall tone is lighthearted, it does have mentions of past eating disorder.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Hockey romance gets all the hype, but I've got to tell you, I've really been enjoying a lot of BASEBALL romance lately... so a book that has both hockey AND baseball!? Yes, please! Throw in a little marriage of convenience? Even better. Right away, Sean and Kayla drew me in. He's the hockey player that has been given the second chance to play in the NHL- a dream he'd passed on to be there for his family. She's the newcomer in town- the billionaire heiress whose dad bought her a baseball team- who just wants to fit in and be accepted. I loved the connection between these two-- yes, the chemistry was undeniable, but I also loved how they genuinely looked out for and supported each other. And their text threads throughout always had me smiling. Truly, I just couldn't get enough of the two of them together. As always, Kate Watson delivered the perfect balance of humor and emotion, and I loved it!
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. While the overall tone is lighthearted, it does have mentions of past eating disorder.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2025
Why is it that the big guys are always the biggest teddy bears? Sean’s quote is so spot on: “I’m not the guy a girl waits at home for. I’m the guy who waits at home for the girl.” He’s described as a 6’4” grizzly bear, with a mullet, but he’s all green flags. He and Kayla were perfect together, really seeing each other for who they were. They understood and accepted each other and genuinely wanted what was best for the other person. I was rooting for them from the get go. Kate Watson is a fantastic story teller and pulls you in immediately. Every book of hers that I have read I have loved. Her side characters add so much and I’m really hoping we’ll get to read Fletcher’s story. He definitely needs some love in his life.
July 22, 2025
This book was soooooo good. Funny yet emotional, well written with characters you fall in love with over and over again.
One of the best marriage of convenience romances out there and I ended up reading it in one sitting, yes, it's that good 😍
One of the best marriage of convenience romances out there and I ended up reading it in one sitting, yes, it's that good 😍
January 7, 2026
i want to be a mullet ridge mudflap
I am Kayla carville- I feel the need to constantly impress and live up to expectations
alsoooo I HATE marriage of convenience but this worked!!! I liked it too cs these feelings were real the whole time something moc usually lacks and there was no third act breakup
I can't wait for Scottie and Lucas's bokl
I am Kayla carville- I feel the need to constantly impress and live up to expectations
alsoooo I HATE marriage of convenience but this worked!!! I liked it too cs these feelings were real the whole time something moc usually lacks and there was no third act breakup
I can't wait for Scottie and Lucas's bokl
August 15, 2025
Sean is just the swooniest MMC ever! I loved that this modern day marriage of convenience started out with mutual attraction and care for each other. It was so sweet seeing their total support and love for each other grow and grow as the story progressed, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
TW: Disordered eating, Past abandonment
TW: Disordered eating, Past abandonment
July 23, 2025
Marriage of Convenience Masterpiece
I binged this book in four hours on release day it was that good.
I didn't expect anything less and yes still this book delivered even MORE witty banter, sizzling romantic tension, sweet closed door romance, and emotional healing that's going to save me thousands of dollars in therapy.
I'm in awe.
Sean and Kayla were on fire from the beginning but their healing emotional journeys as they fell in love were stunning. I've never struggled with either of the issues Sean and Kayla have dealt with and yet I still cried and cheered.
Not to mention I totally cackled out loud several times.
Sibling relationships anyone? They were perfection in this book, from Sean and Patty's texts, to Kayla's brothers and especially Wes.
Okay but I also need every side characters story ASAP. Scottie, Lucas, Clementine, the Coach, the old ladies at the church. I want them all people. They were masterfully written with amazing depth for side characters without taking away anything from our two MCs.
Listen I can't pick a favorite Kate Watson book, because they each get better while the first ones are still treasured old friends.
But I'm tempted to say this might have beat out Single All The Way as my new favorite. 🫣🤭🤫
Alright. Go read it for yourself. It's beautiful.
💋swoony kisses only! They're married there are a few very chaste cuddle sessions of them in a bed together. Very chaste. Door 100% closed. Literally cuddles only.
⚠️check the authors note at the beginning of the book
I binged this book in four hours on release day it was that good.
I didn't expect anything less and yes still this book delivered even MORE witty banter, sizzling romantic tension, sweet closed door romance, and emotional healing that's going to save me thousands of dollars in therapy.
I'm in awe.
Sean and Kayla were on fire from the beginning but their healing emotional journeys as they fell in love were stunning. I've never struggled with either of the issues Sean and Kayla have dealt with and yet I still cried and cheered.
Not to mention I totally cackled out loud several times.
Sibling relationships anyone? They were perfection in this book, from Sean and Patty's texts, to Kayla's brothers and especially Wes.
Okay but I also need every side characters story ASAP. Scottie, Lucas, Clementine, the Coach, the old ladies at the church. I want them all people. They were masterfully written with amazing depth for side characters without taking away anything from our two MCs.
Listen I can't pick a favorite Kate Watson book, because they each get better while the first ones are still treasured old friends.
But I'm tempted to say this might have beat out Single All The Way as my new favorite. 🫣🤭🤫
Alright. Go read it for yourself. It's beautiful.
💋swoony kisses only! They're married there are a few very chaste cuddle sessions of them in a bed together. Very chaste. Door 100% closed. Literally cuddles only.
⚠️check the authors note at the beginning of the book
August 12, 2025
Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend by Kate Watson is a sweet read with a fun premise—a small-town, marriage of convenience romance with a sports twist. The combination of baseball and hockey adds a unique element that sets it apart from more typical contemporary sports romances.
I really liked Sean and Kayla as individual characters, and their chemistry when they were together was definitely a highlight. Their relationship had some genuinely touching and entertaining moments, and I found myself rooting for them. Those scenes were the heart of the story for me.
However, there were parts that didn’t quite work as well for me. Some aspects of the plot pulled me out of the story, especially the frequent focus on both characters' exes. I also would’ve loved more time spent on the sports elements—more scenes at the baseball field and hockey rink.
Overall, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend is an enjoyable read with some charming moments, but, for me personally, it didn’t fully deliver on all the potential it had.
I received a complimentary book from the author. All opinions are my own. 3 stars.
I really liked Sean and Kayla as individual characters, and their chemistry when they were together was definitely a highlight. Their relationship had some genuinely touching and entertaining moments, and I found myself rooting for them. Those scenes were the heart of the story for me.
However, there were parts that didn’t quite work as well for me. Some aspects of the plot pulled me out of the story, especially the frequent focus on both characters' exes. I also would’ve loved more time spent on the sports elements—more scenes at the baseball field and hockey rink.
Overall, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend is an enjoyable read with some charming moments, but, for me personally, it didn’t fully deliver on all the potential it had.
I received a complimentary book from the author. All opinions are my own. 3 stars.
January 17, 2026
Plot- This book was soooo long. Where was the tension?
They jumped into a marriage of convenience insanely fast, and without discussion- it was completely unrealistic. I tried to just go with it, but the middle of the book dragged so hard, it’s hard to forgive all the flaws. In fact, I decided to DNF @67% but then I came back to it the next day and skim read to the end. (Hardly bothered with the epilogue.)
It felt like I’ve read this story a million times before.
Characters- The FMC and MMC were likable, except the MMC struggled with insecurity (as we were reminded constantly!!).
I really liked how it depicted the FMC’s issues surrounding food (disordered eating), and that the MMC was so sweet about. But it seemed to me that the author had her get over it super fast, before the reader actually knew much about it, without capitalizing on the depth of her struggle.
Romance- Medium chemistry… that steadily decreased to zilch during the last half. The story stagnated and their potential tension went nowhere fast.
I still really liked them together. They were so sweet to each other and I loved their affectionate PDA!
I just can’t understand why the author thinks their lack of physical intimacy is normal: they are married, they are super attracted to each other (both physically and emotionally), they are affectionate and supportive in their words and actions, and they kiss all the time in the privacy of their apartment. But avoid sharing a bed or making love. Even when they do share a bed, it’s snuggling only. I don’t get it. What’s holding them back? Why have they drawn this arbitrary line? I’m baffled. It’s weird.
And it’s also weird that they were still clutching at the idea that this was temporary at the 2/3 mark of the book, when it clearly wasn’t fake for either of them. When they are so into each other in private and emotionally close, why is it scary to say “You mean a lot to me. I like us. This is real for me. Is it real for you, too?”
I got soooo bored in the middle. There was nothing interesting happening.
I was losing respect for this weenie of a man at that point in the book. If you want her so much, then what’s stopping you?! Just go for it. It’s obv she would be receptive. She tells you in her actions and her words every single day. Stop being such a coward. You’ve been married for 4 months now, and you’re just in a holding pattern. What are you waiting for?!
Writing - Definitely subpar writing, but not absolutely horrible either. What’s with the hillbilly slang of “outta” and “ain’t?” The narration legit uses this language:
”But Serena may as well be shooting fireballs outta her eyes.”
“Because this tension ain’t for my ex.”
And this word in parenthesis- what the heck? I think it must be a typo and the editor just didn’t catch it. Right?
“She gives me another (achingly) soft kiss before looking at Serena.”
I find it absurd that the entire backwater town hates the FMC just because she is a wealthy outsider, notwithstanding how exceptionally kind and sweet she is to everyone. Like, they are trying to run her out of town and are openly rude and hostile to her. It’s makes no sense and reeks of superficial storytelling.
I hated that whole plot line.
And the old ladies at church are horrendously nasty and judgmental. I’m talking full on caricature-style. This was just sloppy writing. (And the FMC was trying to win them over but I’m like, “Why do you care what they think about you? They are catty and mean and you don’t need to grovel for their acceptance.”)
Lastly, the FMC’s grand gesture was so cringy! That would have been humiliating for a grown man. So ridiculous to bring the whole town and make such a spectacle during his tryouts. Worst ending ever!
There was just a lot of silly drama. It felt forced.
Content-
Language- No swearing.
Spice- Just sweet kisses.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- no
Spiritual/religious- no
Cover- meh.
POV- dual POV, first person
Cliffhanger- no.
Format- KU
They jumped into a marriage of convenience insanely fast, and without discussion- it was completely unrealistic. I tried to just go with it, but the middle of the book dragged so hard, it’s hard to forgive all the flaws. In fact, I decided to DNF @67% but then I came back to it the next day and skim read to the end. (Hardly bothered with the epilogue.)
It felt like I’ve read this story a million times before.
Characters- The FMC and MMC were likable, except the MMC struggled with insecurity (as we were reminded constantly!!).
I really liked how it depicted the FMC’s issues surrounding food (disordered eating), and that the MMC was so sweet about. But it seemed to me that the author had her get over it super fast, before the reader actually knew much about it, without capitalizing on the depth of her struggle.
Romance- Medium chemistry… that steadily decreased to zilch during the last half. The story stagnated and their potential tension went nowhere fast.
I still really liked them together. They were so sweet to each other and I loved their affectionate PDA!
I just can’t understand why the author thinks their lack of physical intimacy is normal: they are married, they are super attracted to each other (both physically and emotionally), they are affectionate and supportive in their words and actions, and they kiss all the time in the privacy of their apartment. But avoid sharing a bed or making love. Even when they do share a bed, it’s snuggling only. I don’t get it. What’s holding them back? Why have they drawn this arbitrary line? I’m baffled. It’s weird.
And it’s also weird that they were still clutching at the idea that this was temporary at the 2/3 mark of the book, when it clearly wasn’t fake for either of them. When they are so into each other in private and emotionally close, why is it scary to say “You mean a lot to me. I like us. This is real for me. Is it real for you, too?”
I got soooo bored in the middle. There was nothing interesting happening.
I was losing respect for this weenie of a man at that point in the book. If you want her so much, then what’s stopping you?! Just go for it. It’s obv she would be receptive. She tells you in her actions and her words every single day. Stop being such a coward. You’ve been married for 4 months now, and you’re just in a holding pattern. What are you waiting for?!
Writing - Definitely subpar writing, but not absolutely horrible either. What’s with the hillbilly slang of “outta” and “ain’t?” The narration legit uses this language:
”But Serena may as well be shooting fireballs outta her eyes.”
“Because this tension ain’t for my ex.”
And this word in parenthesis- what the heck? I think it must be a typo and the editor just didn’t catch it. Right?
“She gives me another (achingly) soft kiss before looking at Serena.”
I find it absurd that the entire backwater town hates the FMC just because she is a wealthy outsider, notwithstanding how exceptionally kind and sweet she is to everyone. Like, they are trying to run her out of town and are openly rude and hostile to her. It’s makes no sense and reeks of superficial storytelling.
I hated that whole plot line.
And the old ladies at church are horrendously nasty and judgmental. I’m talking full on caricature-style. This was just sloppy writing. (And the FMC was trying to win them over but I’m like, “Why do you care what they think about you? They are catty and mean and you don’t need to grovel for their acceptance.”)
Lastly, the FMC’s grand gesture was so cringy! That would have been humiliating for a grown man. So ridiculous to bring the whole town and make such a spectacle during his tryouts. Worst ending ever!
There was just a lot of silly drama. It felt forced.
Content-
Language- No swearing.
Spice- Just sweet kisses.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- no
Spiritual/religious- no
Cover- meh.
POV- dual POV, first person
Cliffhanger- no.
Format- KU
July 22, 2025
✨If you have not read a Kate Watson book yet, you are missing out! ✨
This story can be read as a standalone; however, Sean and Kayla are both introduced in previous books: Truly, Medley, Deeply and Since We’ve No Place To Go, just do yourself a favor and read those books 😉
I LOVED how this book focused on Sean and Kayla equally, with the obstacles they face. The representation of mental health (disordered eating), self doubt, perfectionism, and the various ways it affects practically everything in one’s life was written so gracefully. The story was paced perfectly. It was not rushed and we get to see the full evolution of this marriage of convenience and the healing that takes place.
Kayla is an outsider to the town of Mullet Ridge and is the new owner of the local baseball team. She does everything she can to show the local citizens she is here to stay, but ex fiancés keep causing problems, including Kayla’s ownership of the team to come into question. Sean is not about to lose out on this amazing woman, who he can’t get out of his mind. He won’t let her lose her team and leave his town forever. After a most public display of affection-where his vow: ‘the next woman I kiss will be my wife’ is called into question-He proposes a marriage of convenience. She gets what she needs for her ownership and he gets a chance at her staying and seeing if a relationship between them could work.
Sean is dependable, loyal, and puts others before himself in every circumstance. He’s the fall back guy. Kayla pushes him to look deeper into figuring out the reason he doesn’t let himself hope and advocate for his own dreams to come true. Through Sean’s genuine acceptance of Kayla she learns she doesn’t have to be perfect or shrink to fit into other peoples lives, she deserves to take up all the space.
I did not want this story to end. The tears rolling down my face were not of sadness, but of how much joy and healing can be found in finding the person who allows you to be 100% authentically yourself. Kate never fails to deliver a book that is full of deeper topics but written with sincere intent for her readers. The light hearted teasing moments in the story between Sean and Kayla are perfectly balanced with the deeper topics.
‘𝕆𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕒 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕙𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖. 𝕀 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕒𝕚𝕟’𝕥 𝕒 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕝.’
I ADORED Sean’s and Kayla’s family, Lucas, Logan, Fletch, the locals in Mullet Ridge, the Janes, Tripp, Patty, all the characters we love from Sweet as Sugar Maple series. All of them created such a perfect story!! Do not miss out on the opportunity to read this story. It’s never to late to shoot for your dreams 🤍
Thank you Kate for the opportunity to read this story early! All thoughts are my own.
This story can be read as a standalone; however, Sean and Kayla are both introduced in previous books: Truly, Medley, Deeply and Since We’ve No Place To Go, just do yourself a favor and read those books 😉
I LOVED how this book focused on Sean and Kayla equally, with the obstacles they face. The representation of mental health (disordered eating), self doubt, perfectionism, and the various ways it affects practically everything in one’s life was written so gracefully. The story was paced perfectly. It was not rushed and we get to see the full evolution of this marriage of convenience and the healing that takes place.
Kayla is an outsider to the town of Mullet Ridge and is the new owner of the local baseball team. She does everything she can to show the local citizens she is here to stay, but ex fiancés keep causing problems, including Kayla’s ownership of the team to come into question. Sean is not about to lose out on this amazing woman, who he can’t get out of his mind. He won’t let her lose her team and leave his town forever. After a most public display of affection-where his vow: ‘the next woman I kiss will be my wife’ is called into question-He proposes a marriage of convenience. She gets what she needs for her ownership and he gets a chance at her staying and seeing if a relationship between them could work.
Sean is dependable, loyal, and puts others before himself in every circumstance. He’s the fall back guy. Kayla pushes him to look deeper into figuring out the reason he doesn’t let himself hope and advocate for his own dreams to come true. Through Sean’s genuine acceptance of Kayla she learns she doesn’t have to be perfect or shrink to fit into other peoples lives, she deserves to take up all the space.
I did not want this story to end. The tears rolling down my face were not of sadness, but of how much joy and healing can be found in finding the person who allows you to be 100% authentically yourself. Kate never fails to deliver a book that is full of deeper topics but written with sincere intent for her readers. The light hearted teasing moments in the story between Sean and Kayla are perfectly balanced with the deeper topics.
‘𝕆𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕒 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕙𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖. 𝕀 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕒𝕚𝕟’𝕥 𝕒 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕝.’
I ADORED Sean’s and Kayla’s family, Lucas, Logan, Fletch, the locals in Mullet Ridge, the Janes, Tripp, Patty, all the characters we love from Sweet as Sugar Maple series. All of them created such a perfect story!! Do not miss out on the opportunity to read this story. It’s never to late to shoot for your dreams 🤍
Thank you Kate for the opportunity to read this story early! All thoughts are my own.
August 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Watson’s Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend is a unique take on the sports romance. This book feature not one, but two sports (hockey and baseball). In addition, both the male and female main character are involved in a sport whether it be as a player or owner.
Having never read a book by Kate Watson, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her writing. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she packs a punch. While this is a romantic comedy, it is not short on heart.
Watson tackles some heavy topics such as disordered eating, unattainable/ deferred dream, and lack of community acceptance. Getting to witness the main characters (Kayla and Sean) come together to help heal one another was not only encouraging but uplifting.
While Watson does so much right, the thing she did best was the slow burn between Kayla and Sean. As someone who isn’t a fan of instant love, I enjoyed witnessing their relationship bloom over time. What started out as respect quickly turned to friendship and eventually ended in love!
This book also features:
-Dual POVs
-Clean Romance
-Billionaire Romance
-Marriage of Convenience
-He Falls First
-Found Family
Special thanks to Little Bird Creative and Kate Watson for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Watson’s Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend is a unique take on the sports romance. This book feature not one, but two sports (hockey and baseball). In addition, both the male and female main character are involved in a sport whether it be as a player or owner.
Having never read a book by Kate Watson, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her writing. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she packs a punch. While this is a romantic comedy, it is not short on heart.
Watson tackles some heavy topics such as disordered eating, unattainable/ deferred dream, and lack of community acceptance. Getting to witness the main characters (Kayla and Sean) come together to help heal one another was not only encouraging but uplifting.
While Watson does so much right, the thing she did best was the slow burn between Kayla and Sean. As someone who isn’t a fan of instant love, I enjoyed witnessing their relationship bloom over time. What started out as respect quickly turned to friendship and eventually ended in love!
This book also features:
-Dual POVs
-Clean Romance
-Billionaire Romance
-Marriage of Convenience
-He Falls First
-Found Family
Special thanks to Little Bird Creative and Kate Watson for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2025
I am in love with Kayla and Sean and their sweet story.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, by the lovely Kate Watson, has been out in the world for two weeks now. I got to read it early, and I’m still dreaming about these precious characters and the way their story played out on these pages.
This is the kind of hockey romance I want to read. It has all the flirty banter and melt-your-heart moments without the sizzling open-door spice that often comes with the genre.
Kayla and Sean are incredibly relatable—from their struggle to figure out where they fit in the world to broken dreams to facing what seems impossible in their careers and even the way they deal with the antics of people who live in their small town of Mullet Ridge. Kayla is such a boss, and I’m so here for the way Sean supports and encourages her, and the way Kayla shows up for Sean is absolute perfection.
If you’re looking for a wholesome story with all the tension and banter and swoony kisses but none of the open-door spice, I think you’ll love the tenderhearted romance between these two.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, by the lovely Kate Watson, has been out in the world for two weeks now. I got to read it early, and I’m still dreaming about these precious characters and the way their story played out on these pages.
This is the kind of hockey romance I want to read. It has all the flirty banter and melt-your-heart moments without the sizzling open-door spice that often comes with the genre.
Kayla and Sean are incredibly relatable—from their struggle to figure out where they fit in the world to broken dreams to facing what seems impossible in their careers and even the way they deal with the antics of people who live in their small town of Mullet Ridge. Kayla is such a boss, and I’m so here for the way Sean supports and encourages her, and the way Kayla shows up for Sean is absolute perfection.
If you’re looking for a wholesome story with all the tension and banter and swoony kisses but none of the open-door spice, I think you’ll love the tenderhearted romance between these two.
July 22, 2025
Sean and Kayla are literally the cutest! Ok so this book has a LOT to unpack, but it’s all so worth it. It’s not a roller coaster or massive plot twist kinda book, rather something you can cozy up with.
The exes on both sides was honestly really sad because at the end of the day, so many people act out of jealousy (I mean hello emotional maturity for the main characters!) and truly relatable to the real world.
A note tho, both of them are already down bad at the beginning of the book, it just takes many many pages for them to realize they are truly made for each other.
Sean is such a green flag. I loved him in Truly medely Deeply, and loved him here. And can we just talk about how great Watson writes her side characters? Scottie and Fletch added so much dynamic to the story, and I would eat up a book from Fletch POV (just sayin)
Kayla is so memorable, I genuinely felt bad for how hard she tried to fit in, but at the same time admire her resiliency (also note, there are mentions of a eating disorder)
Kate Watson is a fantastic author, and I have yet to read a story of hers I didn’t enjoy. If you like sports romances (even if you’re like me and don’t care much for baseball or hockey irl), marriage of convenience trope, and a clean, no spice read with all the feels, I highly recommend!
The exes on both sides was honestly really sad because at the end of the day, so many people act out of jealousy (I mean hello emotional maturity for the main characters!) and truly relatable to the real world.
A note tho, both of them are already down bad at the beginning of the book, it just takes many many pages for them to realize they are truly made for each other.
Sean is such a green flag. I loved him in Truly medely Deeply, and loved him here. And can we just talk about how great Watson writes her side characters? Scottie and Fletch added so much dynamic to the story, and I would eat up a book from Fletch POV (just sayin)
Kayla is so memorable, I genuinely felt bad for how hard she tried to fit in, but at the same time admire her resiliency (also note, there are mentions of a eating disorder)
Kate Watson is a fantastic author, and I have yet to read a story of hers I didn’t enjoy. If you like sports romances (even if you’re like me and don’t care much for baseball or hockey irl), marriage of convenience trope, and a clean, no spice read with all the feels, I highly recommend!
July 24, 2025
This dual POV, marriage of convenience, interconnected sweet romcom is the PERFECT read.
Let's get into it:
— DAAGBF is the first book in the Catching Feelings series (yay more Kate books!)
— Sean is Mr. Dependable, golden retriever, teddy bear of a hockey player, but he's used to being the fallback guy, never anyone's first choice. Now, he's coming to Kayla's rescue by offering his zip code & his last name.
— Kayla is a perfectionist who's about to lose the baseball team (that her rich daddy bought her to make up for her ex fiancé being a jerk) because she doesn't have residency in Mullet Ridge. After kissing Sean protectively in front of his ex (who left him at the alter for her baby daddy even though Sean was raising her daughter), she learns that Sean made a grand statement that "the next woman he kissed would be his wife", so they pretend they are engaged until Sean offers to help her with the residency issue & they get married FOR REAL!
What to expect:
- NO spice
- NO foul language
- Steamy kisses
- Witty banter
- Palpable chemistry
- "My wife/husband" 😌
- Cameos from your favorite characters in the Sweet As Sugar Maple series
All of Kate Watson's books are available now on Kindle Unlimited, as ebooks, & paperbacks.
GET TO READIN' 😌👏🏻📚
Let's get into it:
— DAAGBF is the first book in the Catching Feelings series (yay more Kate books!)
— Sean is Mr. Dependable, golden retriever, teddy bear of a hockey player, but he's used to being the fallback guy, never anyone's first choice. Now, he's coming to Kayla's rescue by offering his zip code & his last name.
— Kayla is a perfectionist who's about to lose the baseball team (that her rich daddy bought her to make up for her ex fiancé being a jerk) because she doesn't have residency in Mullet Ridge. After kissing Sean protectively in front of his ex (who left him at the alter for her baby daddy even though Sean was raising her daughter), she learns that Sean made a grand statement that "the next woman he kissed would be his wife", so they pretend they are engaged until Sean offers to help her with the residency issue & they get married FOR REAL!
What to expect:
- NO spice
- NO foul language
- Steamy kisses
- Witty banter
- Palpable chemistry
- "My wife/husband" 😌
- Cameos from your favorite characters in the Sweet As Sugar Maple series
All of Kate Watson's books are available now on Kindle Unlimited, as ebooks, & paperbacks.
GET TO READIN' 😌👏🏻📚
July 22, 2025
Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend by: Kate Watson
TL;DR 5 ⭐️ marriage of convenience sports romance
📖 Kayla needs to meet a residency requirement to continue ownership of her baseball team. The local hockey hero "proposes" a solution
You'll Find 🔍
- strangers to more
- two confident leads
- small town charm and snark
I thought 💬
What a great spin on MOC. Both characters genuinely like each other and are super flirty. This was alot of fun to read!
- The villains seemed a little too dramatic
I loved ♥️
This one has such an important message.
This story felt romantic and playful. I couldn't put it down.
Kate Watson has outdone herself. It has small town charm, sports and killer side characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
TW: disordered eating
CW: no language, closed door
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#sizzlenospice
#lowspice
#closeddoor
#katewatson
#hockeyromance
#diamondsareagirlsbest friend
TL;DR 5 ⭐️ marriage of convenience sports romance
📖 Kayla needs to meet a residency requirement to continue ownership of her baseball team. The local hockey hero "proposes" a solution
You'll Find 🔍
- strangers to more
- two confident leads
- small town charm and snark
I thought 💬
What a great spin on MOC. Both characters genuinely like each other and are super flirty. This was alot of fun to read!
- The villains seemed a little too dramatic
I loved ♥️
This one has such an important message.
This story felt romantic and playful. I couldn't put it down.
Kate Watson has outdone herself. It has small town charm, sports and killer side characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
TW: disordered eating
CW: no language, closed door
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#sizzlenospice
#lowspice
#closeddoor
#katewatson
#hockeyromance
#diamondsareagirlsbest friend
August 6, 2025
I have loved each of the books I've read by Kate Watson more than the last, and that stands true with this one as well. I adore everything about this book and cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Kayla and Sean are the absolute cutest together. Both are struggling with past wounds that have given them unhealthy preconceptions about themselves, and both help push the other to see themselves more accurately. They learn to love themselves as they grow to love each other and it's just so good.
I also just love how unabashedly flirty they are with one another. So often in marriage-of-conveniences, the MCs hide their feelings and pretend to not like each other, but not these two. They support, encourage, compliment, and flirt with each other from day one. They fully acknowledge their attraction to and comfort with one another, and I am here for it. And it doesn't hurt that their chemistry is off the charts.
The cast of side character is also super fun. Eunice and Loretta were the very best little, old, southern church ladies, being the perfect balance of caring and judgy to make it oh so satisfying when Kayla wins them over. The Mudflaps staff, Scottie and Fletch in particular, and team were a blast, and make me extremely excited for future books.
Thank you so much, Kate, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 10 out of 10, no notes. All opinions are my own.
Kayla and Sean are the absolute cutest together. Both are struggling with past wounds that have given them unhealthy preconceptions about themselves, and both help push the other to see themselves more accurately. They learn to love themselves as they grow to love each other and it's just so good.
I also just love how unabashedly flirty they are with one another. So often in marriage-of-conveniences, the MCs hide their feelings and pretend to not like each other, but not these two. They support, encourage, compliment, and flirt with each other from day one. They fully acknowledge their attraction to and comfort with one another, and I am here for it. And it doesn't hurt that their chemistry is off the charts.
The cast of side character is also super fun. Eunice and Loretta were the very best little, old, southern church ladies, being the perfect balance of caring and judgy to make it oh so satisfying when Kayla wins them over. The Mudflaps staff, Scottie and Fletch in particular, and team were a blast, and make me extremely excited for future books.
Thank you so much, Kate, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 10 out of 10, no notes. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
This book was so good, I didn’t want it to end!
I just kept catching myself smiling as I read this. I couldn’t put it down so I stayed up too late.
It’s cute and sweet and so funny, but still has emotional depth to it. I loved Sean and Kayla. We’ve met them both in past books. I was looking forward to getting to know them better and their story was everything I hoped it would be. I loved their support of each other and just the way they handled things together even though they’re a little opposite. Even the side characters… Watching the town come together in the ways they did, I loved her assistant, meeting the family, and her ex… ugh. I love hating him.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love: Marriage of convenience &
Sports romance (hockey and baseball!) this is definitely for you.
Thanks Kate Watson and her team for a copy of this ❤️
I just kept catching myself smiling as I read this. I couldn’t put it down so I stayed up too late.
It’s cute and sweet and so funny, but still has emotional depth to it. I loved Sean and Kayla. We’ve met them both in past books. I was looking forward to getting to know them better and their story was everything I hoped it would be. I loved their support of each other and just the way they handled things together even though they’re a little opposite. Even the side characters… Watching the town come together in the ways they did, I loved her assistant, meeting the family, and her ex… ugh. I love hating him.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love: Marriage of convenience &
Sports romance (hockey and baseball!) this is definitely for you.
Thanks Kate Watson and her team for a copy of this ❤️
July 19, 2025
Another home run by Kate Watson! I am continually impressed every time I read one of Kate’s books because I always feel like I identify so much with one of the main characters and then I want to be besties with everyone else in the book! Kayla & Sean’s story is no exception. Kayla has a history of shrinking herself to fit in and Sean feels like his sole purpose in life is to be the one everyone needs and can depend on, but not the one people choose and fight for. I loved how they complement each other so beautifully and allow the other to grow into their best selves throughout the book. As someone who is also 5’10”, I identified a lot with Kayla! Sometimes life is hard for us tall girls! I loved their text banter and lived for the cameos of our besties, The Janes, and their significant others. As always, this book left me excited to see where this new series will go next!
*I received this ARC in exchange for a review. No positive review was required.*
*I received this ARC in exchange for a review. No positive review was required.*
July 20, 2025
A marriage of convenience with a big brooding man like Sean O’shannan - yes please! We’re back in Mullet Ridge for this stand alone with interconnected characters from the Sweet as Sugar Maple series. And it’s finally time for Sean’s sweet HEA, with the gorgeous billionaire Kayla Carville. Kayla is the new owner of the Mudflaps baseball team (I can’t wait for the stories for the men in this team!!) but is met with hostility, an outsider coming into a small town, but with the help of an old acquaintance, Sean is the golden boy of the town, slowly, very slowly, the town start to warm to her. All but Sean’s ex, who is out to cause all the drama! A real funny, full of banter book that has you clawing for more - another brilliant book from Kate!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
December 21, 2025
Book 204 of 2025
I don’t know what it is about this series, but I am hooked! Kayla and Sean are perfection. Their struggles are relatable (minus the being a billionaire part, ha), which makes it easy for readers to connect with. Their marriage started as fake, but the connection as already there. They each have their own personal story, but they are so similar in how they want to belong and be loved for who they are. It’s so, so good. It really does give me similar feelings to the DC Eagles series & I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on this series for a year. I *almost* wish I’d waited until the spring to start. The last book comes out then. Then you could binge read all of them back to back, but I have zero regrets with this one
Format: ebook (KU)
I don’t know what it is about this series, but I am hooked! Kayla and Sean are perfection. Their struggles are relatable (minus the being a billionaire part, ha), which makes it easy for readers to connect with. Their marriage started as fake, but the connection as already there. They each have their own personal story, but they are so similar in how they want to belong and be loved for who they are. It’s so, so good. It really does give me similar feelings to the DC Eagles series & I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on this series for a year. I *almost* wish I’d waited until the spring to start. The last book comes out then. Then you could binge read all of them back to back, but I have zero regrets with this one
Format: ebook (KU)
January 26, 2026
Crushed this one out in a day and it was so fun. I needed a quick romcom to get me out of a reading slump, and Kate Watson totally delivered.
I’ve really enjoyed her latest few books! The covers look so sweet and light, but she always manages to pack some serious depth in her characters.
Read if you like:
- Marriage of convenience
- Sports romance
- Flirty text threads
- Mature characters
- Small town vibes
- Closed door romance
4.5 stars.
The main thing that kept it from a 5 star romcom for me, was how often the author described the MMC "tearing up". No guy in his 30s gets emotional that often. Just saying.
Available on KU. (The sequel is also a great read: Planes, Reins, and Automobiles)
CW: character healing from an eating disorder
I’ve really enjoyed her latest few books! The covers look so sweet and light, but she always manages to pack some serious depth in her characters.
Read if you like:
- Marriage of convenience
- Sports romance
- Flirty text threads
- Mature characters
- Small town vibes
- Closed door romance
4.5 stars.
The main thing that kept it from a 5 star romcom for me, was how often the author described the MMC "tearing up". No guy in his 30s gets emotional that often. Just saying.
Available on KU. (The sequel is also a great read: Planes, Reins, and Automobiles)
CW: character healing from an eating disorder
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