The Surprising Catch, Book Three:

The Surprising Catch #3

by Alexa Wilder

Introducing Book Three of The Surprising Catch, the long-awaited follow-up to The Stubborn Suitor and The Reckless Secret. If you’ve been waiting for Ashley's story, this is it! Ashley Woodsen has sworn off all men. The love of her life walked out on their marriage over a year ago, for a slimmer, younger version of Ashley. She couldn't forget his hurtful parting words, and it was just easier to go it alone. So why does she feel her heart flutter and her insides tense every time someone mentions…him? Preston Alcott has always been a playboy. Wealthy, successful, and as alpha as they get, he’s never had a woman say no to him. So why is this gorgeous curvy nurse constantly turning him away? It seems like she’s looking for any excuse to keep from getting close to him. If Ashley’s reluctance to be with Preston wasn’t enough, fate puts them together in a small ski resort, cut off from the rest of the world by a blizzard…and surrounded by a few people who may have played part in a murder. As they try to unravel this mystery, they may just figure out what can finally bring them closer to each other. Preston is the only person Ashley knows she can trust here. Will she be willing to take a risk with her heart? BOOK THREE She kissed him with deep, languid intensity, licking into his mouth and tasting his tongue, her eyes shut and her breathing slow, arms locked around him like she didn’t want to let him go, and she didn’t—in that moment, in that embrace, with the taste of his desire for her on his tongue, she wanted to hold onto him for as long as he’d have her. She brought hands up between them to unbutton his shirt, letting the whole world fade into the background as her fingers met skin and hair, as she felt the thunderous beat of his heart in his chest. It hadn’t been long since she’d last felt his skin, let him touch her, but she didn’t care, and she didn’t think he did, either. She needed him right now, all of him. Needed him to claim her as the woman he wanted. Release Schedule Book March 17, 2016 Book March 24, 2016 Book March 31, 2016 Book April 7, 2016 Book April 14, 2016

Audible Audio

Published May 19, 2024

About the author

Alexa Wilder has been a sucker for romance since she found her first Harlequin at a hospital rummage sale when she was thirteen. While she loves all forms of the written word (so much that she occasionally gets caught reading the cereal box at breakfast), love stories have always been her favorite.

She lives in the southern U.S. with her husband, two sons, an assorted menagerie of pets, and spends most of her time dreaming up sexy, domineering heroes and the feisty, strong willed heroines who will send them reeling.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 1, 3 & 4 in the series are FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2022)! 🎁

[Asian Chef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this books as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm giving this book FIVE STARS as this book has everything on it. It has the mystery and suspense that makes me want to keep turning the pages on, plus...with hot, steamy sex that makes the story more interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am in great anticipation for the next one to come out and for the conclussion of this book. Just when you think you've figured it all out, you'll be surprised what Alexa Wilder will throw in there to twist up the story! Yep...she's that AWESOME! So, stay tuned...patience everyone as we wait for the next one to come out. This book is EPIC!


The Surprising Catch, Book 3
Alexa Wilder
March 28, 2016

****MAY CONTAIN SPOILER ALERT****

After spending time all locked-up with a potential murderer at the Alcott Resort, there is nothing much left for Ashley to do but continue to play “detective” and puzzle up all the bits of information she’s been getting from the rest of the people in the hotel. What else can she do? The hotel is not operational, the roads are closed because of the blizzard for only God knows ‘till when. So she continues her “snooping” around.
But whenever Preston’s presence surrounds her, she would forget everything about the murder and would totally surrender herself to this man. Preston would always make her feel sexy, wanted and desired. A feeling she’s been longing to feel for so long that her ex-husband denied to give her. Her ex made her feel fat, unwanted and undesirable in the short period of their marriage that caused the painful divorce afterwards. Leaving Ashley morally damaged, felt less confident and insecure about herself. So she raised her walls up and guarded her heart. She’s scared of opening up her feelings and investing it to another person that would be Preston.
Preston is head over heels crazy for Ashley. He couldn’t get enough of her. He wanted her every time and that was nothing he experienced in the past. He wanted to continue dating Ashley even when they get back from this vacation and see where it will lead them, but Ashley is pulling off from him. Preston freaked out when he taught that Ashley left with the helicopter only to find out that she’s just sending off the Xing’s. When the cops finally showed up later that day and took over the investigation, Ashley felt relieve and exhausted once they got back to their original hotel later that night. Ashley’s friends wanted to find out the outcome of spending alone time with Preston. Although Ashley is feeling something “more” for him, she cannot afford to get hurt again so she thought of avoiding Preston until the next day when they went out for skiing. Trying so hard to avoid him resulted to…an accident?

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SURPRISING CATCH-BOOK 3-A MOST ENTHRALLING, SUSPENSEFUL, ROMANTIC STORY... I love series because they give you something to look forward to, and you get to know all the awesome characters, and the characters in this series are intriguing, sultry, powerful, and full of unexpected surprises;

This story focuses on; PRESTON, is head-turning gorgeous, sultry and a billionaire; Ashley, a curvaceous, sassy, beautiful nurse.

What you’ll find in this story; a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters, spectacular story-line, dynamic vivid scene descriptions, fabulous banter, jealousy, gripping suspense, mystery, shocking incidents, secrets revealed, life threatening incident, emotions spiral, pent-up tension, jaw-dropping heart-throbbing sizzling romance, and a cliff-hanger that leaves you yearning for more now!

Ashley drags Preston with her to continue the search for evidence to catch the murderer. The police finally arrive at the resort to question the guests. Preston cherishes Ashley and wants to continue their relationship when they get back home. Preston feels her pulling away from him, but will do everything he can to capture her heart forever. Ashley is petrified to give her heart to the gorgeous Preston; the haunting insecurities that her ex left her with are starting to surface again. Ashley finds herself having to prove to Preston that she can do anything on her own, and puts herself in horrific danger....

WOW/INCEDIBLE fast paced well written creative read by a truly gifted author. The author does not disappoint by giving readers an intriguing plot, fabulous dialogue, and gripping suspense, that keep you glued to the book from start to finish. Preston and Ashley’s romance is filled with fiery sensual passion. Ashley’s quick thinking make her a fantastic amateur sleuth. This series gets more exciting with each book. I absolutely adored this story, as it was a most delightful read. I so can’t wait for the next book in this enthralling series. If you treasure fantasy romance this is a terrific book for your library. {I was gifted this book and this is my honest review}. In the world of fantasy romance the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservation I recommend this book and the series.

[Nikki Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say this is probably the best one of the series so far..... most exciting for sure.

The search continues in the murder investigation and Ashley drags Preston along trying to figure out what happened and who did it. The police finally arrive to the resort and begin questioning everyone. Preston tells Ashley that he wants to continue the relationship once they are home..that He doesn't want to end things at the resort but once Ashley is aware of his feelings she begins pulling away with doubts and insecurities.
Preston vows to not let her walk away no matter what and that He will do whatever He can to insure her that she is worthy of love and is beautiful both on the inside and out. Ashley knows that she needs to face these demons of her past if she wants to have any hope of a relationship but she can't stop hearing her ex in her head giving her more and more doubts that Preston loves her...regardless of how much he shows her.
They all go out together (all the friends) to have some fun on the slopes since they will be returning home in a couple days. Ashley being stubborn goes off on her own trying to show everyone she doesn't need anyone that leaves us with a huge cliffhanger... Want to know what happened?? Go grab the 3rd part and find out. Alexa always gives us a thrill seeking adventure with lots of camaraderie amongst friends and sexy hot passionate sex amongst the couples leaving us all panting and wanting more in the end.

Can't wait for Part 4.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK 3—WOW—This was one of the most exciting in the series so far. We get to see more Preston and Ashley interaction. There is this almost fragile quality to their interactions when they aren’t sexing each other up. Ashley is afraid to let Preston in after what happened in her last relationship yet Preston at first doesn’t mind the challenge but as they continue to investigate the murder that took place—soon Preston starts to feel frustrated—there is this holding pattern emotionally but sexually OMG HOT HOT HOT but soon the roads clear up and the police arrive so the gang decide to go skiing . Ashley and Preston are on the slopes. Sadly there is an accident involving one of the main characters- will he/she make it? Who set up the accident to happen? Will we find out who the murderer is in book 4? Will book 4 hold the answers—This series is so exciting because it is full of suspense, romance, and action. Everything I look for in my romance book- I cannot wait for book 4 to find out what is going to happen!

My rating: 4.8 stars *****

**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot better than the first two. The connection between Ashley and Preston is growing each day they're together. After hearing more about Ashley's past, I'm starting to understand her more, which in turn helps me understand some of the decisions she's making regarding her relationship with Preston.

I still have questions though. Why does everyone keep going through Larry's stuff and searching his body? Isn't that tampering with what could be evidence? I know they're snowed in and probably stir crazy, but even Preston and Ashley, who seem the most level headed, keep putting their hands all over everything.

I'm still not sure I trust the Xings. What would they have done to Ashley had she not decided to help them? And isn't her helping them escape going to come to light once they're all questioned by the police. And how is everyone getting into everyone else's rooms? They seem to all freely be going through each other's things.

After Ashley's skiing incident, I'm interested to see what happens next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her confrontation with the Xings, Ashley now has two goals--solve the murder, and protect a couple from exportation and possible death. Just another day in the life of an ER nurse, right? With the snow clearing and the cops on her way, Ashley is a very busy girl. She is enjoying her romance in the safe bubble of Preston's hotel, but what will happen when they are able to leave? Preston wants more that just the weekend, but Ashley is still reluctant to let anyone into her heart. Will Preston be able to melt the ice that surrounds her heart?

Get ready to fan yourself ladies, this one is even hotter than the last! One of my favorite things about reading books by Alexa is each one gets better than the last. They keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat, or should I say mattress!!

**I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this part of the story. Still deep in the mystery, Ashley is surrounded by threats to her safety, physical and emotional. I loved how divided she felt between solving the murder and dealing with the pleasurable assault to her senses by a very committed Preston.

With plenty of steamy moments, and one of them so intimate and well described, this third part is really intense with revealing surprises, sneaky suspects, and a man who wants so much from her that she recoils because of past hurts. I'm very interested in how things are developing between them.

Emotions are running high. While one thing has been resolved, there is so much to do about their relationship that the next part is going to be specially powerful. Again, the cliffhanger is another plot twist that I didn't see coming, and the stakes are so high! How will Preston react?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the Surprising Catch part three and was received as an ARC. Preston and Ashley's adventure continues. A blizzard has confined the guests in the resort for the night to ride out the storm and a murder has taken place. Ashley and Preston get much closer. Preston is able to break through some of Ashley's defenses and the two find they have a overwhelming chemistry. Ashley has never had sex this good before. The real story is who committed the murder. Ashley cannot let it go. She begins to play detective and finds valuable information to Eli the police when they arrive. Ashley finds dealing with murder is easier then opening her heart. This book was exciting and action packed....loved it!

[Cheryl Woods-lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third book of The Surprising Catch, Preston and Ashley becomes closer, even though she still has reservations and concerns. Ashley is still not confident with her sexually and her appearance due to the mental abuse of her ex-husband. Preston continues to pursue Ashley in hopes that she will understand his feelings. In addition, there is still a killer on the loose. At the end of book three, the killer is identified and they are reunited with Cami, Drew, Maggie and Declan to continue their skiing mini vacation. Even though Ashley is not a skier, she goes down a hill and the book ends with her losing her balance and tumbles down the slope. How will that work out? We will have to wait for Book Four……

[Jane Stopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again another fabulous installment for Ashley and Preston. Things have been hotting up for them, they have taken things to a new level, but the mystery still surrounds the resort as to who the killer is. With the snow slowly thawing and there friends flying in In a helicopter and the police able to get through the blockade made by bad weather Ashley is suddenly hit with the fact her break is coming to an end and that while it's been fun... Really fun this thing she and Preston have cannot continue. She has work to get back to and she's sure he has to and why would Preston want to be seen with plain Ashley? She is not his type... Or is she more than just his type

[ME · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series with Ashley is definitely not been my favorite from Alexa Wilder. Ashley has some serious self esteem issues that seem to go up and down like a roller coaster. Gotta give credit to Preston for following his heart and not giving up on her. This book seemed a little rushed in that the killer of Larry was quickly identified, captured, and wrapped up in a nice neat bow. Now, Ashley has reverted back to her old self around Preston and it is borderline annoying. Can't wait to see how this series ends and hope that Preston can pull Ashley out of her personal view and keep it that way! Received an ARC for an honest review.

[Margie Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Surprising Catch#3 by Alexander Wilder

Great series great author I hope you are reading these you will love it as I do the story is getting good Boa and Chen have to leave he is here illegal so Allision when her friends come on helicopter she put them on to get them out before the police can question them about the murder Allison panics about Preston she front think he will like her after the ski trip goes down the slope doesn't know what she doing read the book to Ser what happens enjoy Margie

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better!

Preston really cares about Ashley, but she still has self esteem issues from her ex. Now that the murder is solved, or is it, I'd like Ashley to move on and discover she's a person worth loving and learn to love herself.

But first, what happened on the ski slope? How bad is this person injured? Will this accident bring Ashley and Preston closer? Is the real murderer still free?

Can't wait to find out in the next book in this series.

[Heidi Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy for a honest review

Preston and Ashley can't seem to get enough of each other that is until a relationship after the weekend is mentioned.
Ashley is scared Preston will hurt her like her ex did so retreats into her shell. Preston is used to getting what he wants and doesn't understand Ashley.
With the murder apparently all solved (Ashley doesn't think so) and their friends arriving in the helicopter it gives Ashley some time to think what next.......Skiing of course.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch 3. I received the book as an ARC member in return for an honest review. As the story continues we discover how the guests end up at the resort and what connections they have with each other. We find out why they want to kill Larry. Ashley and Preston's friends make it back to the resort by helicopter before the police and discover the situation and try to help. Once everything is over they go skiing only to have an accident. Now what happens to Ashley?

[Kimkbries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed part three of this series. Preston is acting like he really likes Ashley. She just cannot figure out why? In addition, they are stuck in a dangerous situation. Will they get out of it safe? How will they be together when it is over? Enjoy this journey as we see what is next in this story of two people that are so good together. Question is, is it enough to drop down the walls of doubt?

[Shelly Celli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy given by author for honest review. If hate cliffhangers, this is not the book series for you unless you get them all at the same time.

Ashley has been found in a room with a couple that she believes may be the killers, but finds out that her assumption isn't correct and she has more investigating to do. Once she has helped the couple (and given into Preston a few more times) they are finally rescued, only to have a skiing accident happen and Preston almost

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising Catch is living up to its title! Ashley with Preston's help is determined to him out who killed Larry. Just when you thought you have figured it out, more surprises are around the corner. Add that with the attraction between Preston and Ashley, and you have the makings of an excellent story. Each installment keeps getting better and better!

[Carol Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley and Preston's relationship heats up as they wait for the snow storm to clear and the police to arrive to investigate the murder. The guests are questioned and Ashley searches for clues to the murder. As the episode ends, Ashley is once again in danger. I can't stand the tension while I wait to see if Ashley survives again.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Surprising Catch, Book Three (An Alpha Billionaire In Love BBW Romance)

I have read Books 1, 2, and 3 of The Surprising Catch and I am thoroughly enmeshed in this Series. Can't wait for Book 4. Please hurry with the next book. I am dying of curiosity to find out what happens next to Ashley and Preston.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This who done it has been classified as mystery solved. However, the romance is on shaken ground. Our heroine is letting her past relationship interfere with a potential future. The story is not over yet!

I absolutely love the cliffhangers, in this series. This one did not disappoint. I can hardly wait to see where the next book will take place.

[Tara Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting better and better!

The plot thickens and the steam continues! Can't wait for book four! Will Preston finally make his way into Ashley's beaten down heart? Will he even see her again to try?

[Kristine Cluney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so addicted to this story

This story is so fabulous and I can't wait to see how this ends. This story has everything to keep you on the edge of your seat. I am going nuts waiting for the next part

[Chantay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantay

I loved this news series! Love and mystery all in one. You feel like you're cheering for the characters to give this relationship a chance! Awesome book! I would recommend this book to any romance reader. Five stars!polkchantay@gmail.com

[Bourbon, Books and Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just keeps getting better!

Loving the plot, storyline, and characters! Preston is still a sweetheart but Ashley is starting to grate on my nerves. Great plot and H/h so far! On to book 4!

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What twists Alexa brought us. I can't stop and now I have to wait for the next book. Amazing. She brought the characters together during a time of utter chaos. But will their affections survive when there isn't so much drama around?

[Teresa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Can't wait till next book


Would recommend
Keep me interested and want to see what happens. Love her writing and I think it's definitely a great story

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

I enjoyed this third book and now have to wait a week for the next! A good, quick, fun read.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising...

Chain of events and not what I was expecting. Great way of concluding the main "problem" and now on to more emotional baggage. Then bam! What can happen next...