Catch Me If You Can

by Ella Kit

When Caleb and Nathan (reluctantly) team up to win the heart of the same girl who came between them in high school, things don’t go exactly to plan. Old grudges, unresolved tension, and a few too many close calls make it hard to tell who they’re really chasing anymore.

Because somewhere between sticking to the mission and accidental flirting… catching feelings for each other starts to feel like the real plot twist.

Catch Me If You Can is a mature 18+ MM romance that explores themes of cheating (not between the main characters). This slow-burn story follows a best-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers arc, filled with love triangle chaos, emotional tension, and a powerful journey of self-discovery and awakening.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Queer

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2025

About the author

Ella Kit is a writer of LGBTQA+ romance novels who loves giggling and kicking her feet over charming characters, crying happy tears over love declarations, and celebrating those hard-earned happily-ever-afters.

Through her stories, she brings to life heartfelt romances that dive deep into love, growth, and self-discovery.

When Ella isn’t writing, you can find her reading, exploring new adventures, and chatting with readers who adore sweet love stories as much as she does.

Reviews

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute little story! Absolutely loved it. I was able to finish it in a few hours because it was on the shorter side and it was largely unproblematic. At least in my opinion.

I am always down for a good best friends to enemies to lovers. These are my three favorite tropes combined into one. Best friends to lovers, enemies to lovers and second chance.

This author absolutely ate with her writing! It was genuinely so cute. I loved the main characters and the smut was nice! Not too much or too little!

I also loved the way she didn’t make Sarah into an awful person. A lot of the times with these mm books, the women are either on the back burner or just sl*t shamed beyond belief and this author made Sarah a decent human being.

Would recommend for anyone looking for these tropes and something short and sweet!

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You spend so much time taking care of others, but who takes care of you?” I ask quietly. I mean it every word.
That gets his attention. He stands there, stunned. Honestly, I can’t believe I said them, either.
“What did you just say?” Caleb’s hands come up to grasp mine as I continue grazing his jawline with my thumbs.
“I asked - who takes care of you?” I look at him deeply now. His eyes dart between mine as he tries to come up with an answer.
“I-I don’t know.” He breathes.
[...]
“I’ve realized something these last few days,” I start. Oh my gosh, someone stop my word vomit. Now.
“And what’s that?” Caleb asks. I give him a gentle shove so he’s now sitting on the edge of the bed.
“I want to take care of you, too.” I whisper, looking into his eyes. Being so close I can see the dark ring of blue around the ocean color of his eyes. It’d put anyone in a trance. I think it put me in a trance years ago. “You deserve someone taking care of you too.” I clarify. His eyebrows pinch together while he bites his lip, like he’s been dying to hear those words.
~ ahhh i’m weak for scenes like this 🫠🫠

this was my brand of chaotic and messy 😭 but whenever Caleb and Nathan would be soft and vulnerable with one another? OH I JUST MELTED. i loved the praise kink omg. 🥹 i also loved how even though they do chase after the same girl at first, once they start to realize possible feelings for each other (and how, maybe, just maybe, the feelings have been there all along), that was simply it. no stupid/unnecessary drama needed but, instead, we get to see them just… be with each other. :’)

(thank you, marci, for putting this on my radar!! 😌)

[Emna · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @23%
Someone stab me for picking this up. I deserve it.

[patrícia · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review | 3.5⭐ Release: june 3, 2025 | MCs: Caleb and Nathaniel (reluctantly)

🌈 Tropes & tags
Double awakening (gay x bisexual)
One bed
Second chance
Besties to rivals to lovers
Praise kink
Forced proximity

This was a wild, messy ride in the best way. Caleb and Nathaniel’s dynamic had so much tension, history, and emotional confusion—and I loved seeing how that evolved. What surprised me most was how strong their connection was once they let themselves explore it. The experimenting, the dirty talk, the chemistry—it all felt charged and real. Their scenes together, especially the more intimate and vulnerable moments, really worked for me. There was something deeply satisfying in watching two former best friends rediscover each other in such a raw, physical way.

The book is fast-paced and leans into the chaos of past mistakes and unresolved feelings. While I personally struggled to connect with some of the setup—especially the love triangle elements—I appreciated the story’s willingness to dive into complicated emotions and shifting dynamics.

At its heart, this felt like a story about finding clarity in confusion, and about two people who maybe needed a second chance to figure themselves out—and each other. If you're in the mood for a bold, steamy, emotionally tangled read, this might hit the spot.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars 3/5 spice

This was such a cute story. I would have loved it if it were longer since the couple were so loveable. It sucked how Caleb did a really crappy thing just to show Nathan that he deserved better causing them to have a fallout.

I enjoyed the concept of them reuniting years later to chase after the same girl but ending up realising that they’ve always loved each other. It was sweet seeing them fall back into being best friends again, doing what they used to do back then.

This was very fun, easy, sweet read.

- Best friends to enemies to lovers
- Chasing after same girl
- Double queer awakening
- It’s always been you

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3.25🌶️



Y’all, This Was My First Book By Ella And I Can Officially Say, This Book Is ABSOLUTELY Perfect To Read In Pride Month Next Month. Caleb And Nathan Y’all Were A Really Amazing Couple And The Chemistry Was Off The Chains. The Jealousy Scenes Were Also So Good😂 A Story About Two Guys Going After The Same Girl They Had Feelings For When They Were Young, But A Weekend Together Changes Everything? It Was Just Such A Great Concept And It Was Really Great. It’s Also About Finding Yourself And Owning Up To You And Being You And Not Letting Anyone Dime Your Shine And To Be Yourself, And That Message Is Just So Important And I Loved It. I Definitely Recommend Y’all Read This During Pride Month Because The Sentimental Message Here Is So Important And It Will Make Everyone Who Is A Part Of The LGBTQ Community Feel Seen In Some Way Shape Or Form. Ella, I Absolutely Love You So Much, The Kindest Of Souls Ever, And I Absolutely Cannot Wait To Read More By You Because You Are An Author Everyone Needs To Know About💕🫶




Thank You So Much Ella Kit For Sending Me The Arc. I Love And Appreciate You So Much. Check This Out On June 3rd Y’all You Do Not Want To Miss💕🫶

[Brittney Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My love for him is overwhelming. Even after all this time, I still can’t believe he’s here with me right now. He chose me. And I’d choose him again and again.”

This was my first book by Ella Kit and it was a quick and easy read that I finished in one day. I would definitely read more by this author.

Caleb and Nathan were best friends in high school - til they ended up fighting over the same girl. Four years later, they both fly in Canada to chase that woman- but end up finding each other instead.

I loved Nathan - and just wanted to give him a hug. All he wanted was to be chosen. Caleb.. I had mixed feelings about at first. You could tell he was trying to ignore feelings but I don’t like how he went about handling certain things. You warm up super quickly to him though.
And the girl? Sarah? I have feelings about her. It was fucked up how she strung them both along but I did eventually end up liking her when she let them both go and helped the boys end up as endgame.

Caleb and Nathan were definitely meant to be and the spice between the two was flawless. This book wasn’t super angsty and I loved that you got a decent chunk of these two being happy and together.

What you’re getting:
Double awakening (gay x bisexual)
One bed
Second chance
Besties to rivals to lovers
Praise kink
Forced proximity
HEA
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

** ARC Review **

[Ashlee B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nathan + Caleb

-mm
-friends to enemies to lovers
-trying to win the same girl
-“it’s always been you”

this was cute & had a good storyline…but it wasn’t what i thought it was going into it when i saw it promoted…by the author. it was literally promoted as “a book about a guy who gets with the guy his girlfriend cheated on him with” which makes me think it’s gonna be totally messy & a kind of petty revenge plot story…yet what wasn’t shown is: ****insert possible spoilers from here on****

that they were besties BEFORE this happened…had some kind of connection BEFORE the “cheating” (which idek if i’d really classify it as such cause it never explains the consequences of what happend) & then it like time jumps forward with both guys in some kind of casual relationship with THAT SAME GIRL the whole time…& then ending up reconnecting over the fact they were both GOING TO WIN HER BACK?? …i’m sorry but NONEEEE of that was anything like the hook of getting with the guy your gf cheated on you with...intentionally. which is what i was under the impression of. could have just been me tho🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[Kim Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

Gaaaah, this book was so cute. It made me feel so cozy, and at some point I was giggling and kicking my feet cause I can’t with those two cuties 🥰

Nathan and Caleb used to be best friends. They were inseparably and did everything together. But when someone enters their life, their friendship changes.

I cannot even say what I enjoyed most about this story since there is so much. I liked every side character, which honestly rarely happens and that made the whole book even better.

Nathan and Caleb were like perfectly made for each other 🤧🥹

[Alexreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

i cant even finish this shit
the characters are insufferrable, the writing is terrible and the whole book feels like it was written for wattpad
i hated caled because he was an asshole
i hated nathan because he couldnt grow a goddamn backbone like dude stop acting like a fucking pussy
and i hated sarah for obvious reasons
i dont recommend reading this headache of a book

[Louisemgx · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5
I read this book in just a few hours time. It was an easy read, nothing really dramatic happened and it was fairly enjoyable. I thought there was quite a lot of smut in the story, not always necessary to keep writing round after round in great detail, but it was fun to see the 2 friends getting to explore each other, learn to trust eachother again and just live their silly little dream of finally being together.
Sometimes I missed a bit of plot and useful content as, for me, everytime Nathan and Caleb were together, they were exploring eachother.. I would have loved to read more of their relationship outside of the bedroom.
I just needed an easy read and this book was perfect for it!✨

[gab_e_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this story is so great! As you already know, I love „Friends to Lovers“, and this one is really good ❤️! I loved the two of them chasing each other - sometimes more and sometimes less consciously. But they never lost sight of each other. And then, when came together - that connection, wow, I literally got goosebumps reading that! And the Praise Kink, omg so well done, top 😳🔥👌🏼. I love this 😅❤️! This was my first book by Ella Kitt, but I hope not the last. Go and keep an eye out for this story!

Oh, diese Geschichte war so toll! Wie ihr bereits wisst, liebe ich „Friends to Lovers“, und diese hier ist wirklich gut ❤️! Ich habe es geliebt, wie die beiden sich gegenseitig jagten - mal mehr und mal weniger bewusst. Aber sie haben sich nie aus den Augen (Herzen) verloren! Und dann, als sie zusammen kamen - diese Verbindung, wow, ich habe buchstäblich Gänsehaut bekommen während des Lesens! Und der Praise Kink - omg, so gut gemacht, top 😳🔥👌🏼! Ich liebe das 😅❤️! Das war mein erstes Buch von Ella Kitt, aber ich hoffe nicht das letzte!

[Allison Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 could’ve been longer and a little more fleshed out but it made me feel like this 🤭 for most of the book so i liked it

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was... cute? Sure, maybe. I think I spent more time cringing than enjoying.

The fact that the situation with Sarah made it so that their friendship was destroyed made it mind boggling that both of them end up continuing some kind of relationship with her until they end up where they did. And then stay friends with her after all this!

Caleb's reasoning for doing what he did was complete bs. He was trying to be a hero? If that were even remotely true (ridiculous as it is), would he have proceeded to have this whole long relationship with her? Probably not.

I don't think Caleb does enough in the way of apologising for what he did. I get that they're in high school when it happens, but they were supposedly best friends.

Anyway, I would like to say the smut saved it? It was good, fun. But reading the words "woah" and "damn" the way they were used in these scenes just gave me the ick.

All this to say, this is why we don't read books recommended by TikTok.

[Shy Queens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tik tok and their damn false advertisement 🙄.

[Danielle Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night left. To tell the truth. To figure this out. To stop running. All or nothing.

Have you ever loved someone so much it terrified you...yet lost them because you weren't brave enough to stay?

Caleb has always been the boy who shines, the charmer, the life of the party, the one who never lets the cracks show. But charm can only hide so much. Behind the easy smile is fear, and behind every playful chase is a truth he's never been willing to admit. One night, one stolen moment of flirtation, changes everything and sets the course for years of silence. Losing his best friend Nathan Philips once nearly destroyed him, but pretending there was nothing there is even worse. Now, with time unable to dull the ache, every glance, every memory, every brush of skin is a reminder, all along, he's been running after the wrong person.

Nathan lived his life quietly, steady and thoughtful, a man who guards his heart because he knows the cost of giving it away. There was only one person who could shake that composure, one who held his loyalty even as he shattered it, Caleb Brown. Time has built walls around those memories, protective layers meant to shield what's left of his heart. But walls tremble when the past walks back in. A smile, a touch, even a laugh shared in the dark threatens to unravel everything. He swears he's stronger now, that he won't fall again. Yet deep down, he knows the truth, love like theirs never really goes away.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ella, I loved these two, my goodness what a journey they went on. This book isn't just a friends-to-lovers romance, it's a story about mistakes, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to finally stop running. It's messy and tender, a raw journey of two hearts that never stopped belonging to each other. This book is a second chance, about finding the bravery to face what was once too frightening to hold, and about discovering that sometimes the one you've always chased, has been waiting for you all along.

[monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

The story was great. I did loved the connection between Caleb and Nathan once they get past the whole Sarah situation. I loved that Nathan wanted to take care of Caleb once he stops and realizes no one's done it before. I liked that Caleb took accountability and apologized for what he did, eventually. It was a cute, sweet, fast read and a really good book for those who need a palette cleanser.

Caleb was hard to like during the first half of the book. I think he was really arrogant and cocky and his reason for doing what he did was kinda childish. These boys have a problem with communication and they need to work on that. Nathan also had his moments where I just wanted to scream "GROW A BACKBONE" almost as much as I wanted to strangle Caleb and his friends. I did end up liking Caleb towards the second half of the book, once we get a more in-depth look into who he really is and his need to care for Nathan; I thought that was really sweet.

One thing I don't understand is how they were able to stay friends with Sarah after she strung them along for four years? Taylor I didn't like at first either because what WAS his problem with Nathan?? I mean I'm glad he apologized to Caleb for being mean to Nathan but like we didn't get to see him apologize to the actual victim here..

I enjoyed reading their story and I wished it was longer just so I can see more of them. They've become one of my favorite couples of the year.

Looking forward to what the author has planned next.

Thanks to Ella Kit for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book and this is my honest review.

[Samantha Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when two former best friends are forced to face the past and the feelings that they have kept buried for years?

This was such a good read, I was so invested in it that I wound up reading the whole thing in one sitting. The chemistry that Caleb and Nathan had thought the whole book had me screaming “ just kiss already” right up until the point they in fact did kiss.. and then of course I squealed in happiness. These two gave off the whole idiots in love vibes that I find so enduring, and while it took them a minute to get there they finally pulled it together. Poor Sarah was a mess and thankfully she was not going to be the horrible person I was worried she would be, and I even have some hopes for her future as well.

Ella did a wonderful incorporating time skips in this book to demonstrate the development of the friendship and eventual relationship between Caleb and Nathan, and I love that she added an epilogue of sorts to make sure that we got to see everything come full circle.

If you are looking for a spicy, low angst read to add to your pride celebrations this one is for you!

[nic づ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A few years ago, we were right here, in this same room. Doing the same thing. Only you were about to commit your life to someone else.” He swallows, then reaches out and takes my hand in his. “You chose me that night. And you’ve kept choosing me ever since. You’ve never stopped chasing me. And the truth is—I’ve never stopped chasing you, not since the day we met.”
My throat tightens.
“I promise to keep choosing you every single day, for the rest of our lives. As long as you’ll have me.” He smiles nervously.”
“I drop to my knees, meeting him eye to eye. I take both of his hands in mine.
“There hasn’t been a single day since meeting you that I haven’t thought about you. You’ve made every one of my hopes come true. And there’s not a single part of me that wants to live in a world without you. Forever’s not long enough. Yes. A million times, yes,” I breathe, pulling his mouth to mine.”

This book was such a great read, I had an amazing time reading it, which felt like breath of fresh air for me since i’ve been in a reading slump for months now and I felt exhausted trying to continue every book I picked up BUT THIS ONE? I loved it, and it was exactly what I needed.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review

If you know me, you know I love a good childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story and this one did not disappoint!

What do you do when the ex–best friend you now hate (because you were both crushing on the same girl) turns out to be the one you end up falling for? That line right there “Yeah. I guess that’s how it went down.” was the plot twist of the century for me. And I was so here for it.

This book is such a cute mix of tension and heart. The push and pull between Nathan and Caleb? So satisfying. I couldn’t get enough of their banter, the stubbornness, the lingering feelings they both tried to ignore. You can tell there’s so much history there, which made every moment between them feel earned.

Nathan surprised me in the best way quiet, reserved, but oh wow… he brings the heat when it counts. And Caleb? Total sunshine. Sweet, and exactly what Nathan didn’t know he needed. Their connection just made sense. They balanced each other out so naturally, they were made for each other.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I applied to an arc for Catch me if you can and I had no idea who she was and what was her written style except that she was a fellow Canadian. The story was original and it sounded good. I had no expectations whatsoever. And boy am I glad to have read this book. It became an instant favourite.

The story is good and although it’s only 234 pages, the pacing is perfect. Everything is happening when it should happened. I loved the characters so much. I wanted them to get their shit together so bad and I couldn’t stop reading until they did. I was feeling the longing in everything they say or do. They don’t even know it but I did. Their chemistry was off the charts and the spicy was excellent. It did not disappoint.

It was my first from Ella Kit but it won’t be my last. Considered me a fan! Read it! You won’t regret it!

[Taylor Dawicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read! I liked the characters and their relationship dynamics although I do wish they had a bit more depth (more background especially finding out about the parents as they weren’t mentioned much prior to being introduced). Their relationship evolved quickly after deciding to stop chasing the same girl they both have been for years and that spice was spicy af!

This Ella Kit’s second novel and after reading both I can definitely see the author’s growth! Thank you for an arc of this book Ella! I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for more.

[the cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun I loved the concept and I really really really LOVED the playlist honestly the playlist made the book for me. I don’t wanna be too harsh since this is only the second book this author has published but for me there was too much smut and it wasn’t exactly well written so that made it less readable for me and took away from my enjoyment of the rest of the book. “The tongues fighting for dominance” phrase really took me out but overall I had a good time and I see a lot a lot of potential in this author.

[Crex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cutesy read I had way too much fun with it!
Best friends to enemies to lovers ? Sign me up every time 😩💖

Nathan’s the shy, nerdy type until they hit the bedroom—then suddenly he’s the one in charge 👀🔥
Meanwhile, Caleb gives dominant energy but turns into a full-on princess in bed and I LIVED for it 🙈

They travel to another country chasing after a girl, get into all kinds of fun chaos, and honestly?
I felt like I was third wheeling in the best way.

I also loved how Sarah stayed part of their lives, and Tony & Theo! Ultimate bestie goals with how supportive they were 🥹✨

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella is a tiktok friend that i didn't know wrote not only 1 book but 2!!! how i didn't know this is beyond me. I devoured this book. read it in one sitting. It was so good and I absolutely love these 2. Ella im so proud of you and I will be reading your 1st book next.

[Books_withtish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge 4.5 Review to come

[Jurnee Mccarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!!!

[Javi☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

La verdad es que tenía expectativas con esta historia, pero a medida que más avanzaba la historia menos me gustó su desarrollo.

Si bien es un cliché total que ya he leído en otras ocasiones, esta se sintió demasiado vacía y los personajes muy poco desarrollados.

Anyway creo que mi yo de 15 años hubiera disfrutado este libro y su estilo de escritura, pero actualmente no lo recomendaría JAMÁS. Eso es todo bye 🙂‍↕️👋

[Tara Gillin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one as the blurb sounded like such a great premise! and although I loved these characters and the spice was GOOD, I felt like It needed some editing and some improved character development. although I enjoyed it and was a quick fun read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

Catch Me If You Can was a pretty enjoyable read overall and quick - I read it within a couple of hours. I enjoyed Caleb and Nathan's story I just kept waiting for an emotional connection. The story starts in high school and then goes to 4 years later when they're both continuing to chase after the same woman - who I did not like. She led both these men on for YEARS and they were clueless.

I started this after two books that made me cry so it's a good pick if you want something light and quick as a palette cleanser. This is my second Ella Kit book and she's quickly becoming one of my faves.

Thank you to Ella Kit for adding me to the ARC team for this book. I can't wait to see what's next from you!