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Big Shots #5
Catch Her If You Can: A Novel
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new marriage of convenience, friends-to-lovers sports romance about a baseball catcher and the burlesque club owner he can’t get out of his head.
Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.
Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.
Madden won’t let Eve get away that easily, though. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon ignites into something much hotter, and now it’s up to Madden to convince Eve that their connection is far more than a business arrangement. As the passion builds, can their fake marriage become the real deal?
Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.
Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.
Madden won’t let Eve get away that easily, though. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon ignites into something much hotter, and now it’s up to Madden to convince Eve that their connection is far more than a business arrangement. As the passion builds, can their fake marriage become the real deal?
333 pages, ebook
First published January 20, 2026
1024 people are currently reading
39010 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
96 books67.5k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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January 11, 2026
Love at first sight, second chances, a marriage of convenience, and a benefits-filled, undeniably steamy relationship—this sports romance has it all. Add in two genuinely adorable main characters, explosive chemistry, and yes, an unapologetically exhibitionist heroine, and you get a story where the pages are practically on fire. The chapters sizzle, with passion and intimacy driving the emotional core as much as the romance itself.
Eve Mitchell was raised by a single father who owned a strip club in a small, conservative, tightly knit town—a background that made her an easy target for bullies from a very young age. When she was fourteen, a new boy arrived in town: Madden Donahue, a charming Irish teen who had just moved in with his aunt. He was sixteen, instantly magnetic, and sparks flew between them almost immediately.
They meet through mutual friends—Eve is close to Skylar, while Madden befriends Elton, Skylar’s brother, after joining the baseball team. But despite the undeniable connection between Eve and Madden, she resists her feelings. Skylar is secretly in love with Madden, and Eve can’t bring herself to betray the only friend who has consistently stood up for her while the rest of the town mocked her because of her father’s profession. So instead, Eve buries her feelings and settles into years of friendship with Madden—despite sharing countless intimate, emotionally charged moments that blur every boundary.
In the present timeline, Eve inherits her father’s strip club and transforms it into a burlesque venue, determined to prove that the town can’t push her out—and that she can succeed on her own terms. And she does, creatively. Financially, however, the plan struggles. On top of that, Eve’s addict sister leaves her twin children in Eve’s care indefinitely, burying her under responsibilities no one her age should have to shoulder alone.
Enter Madden.
He confronts Eve, revealing that he’s always known why she held back her feelings for him all those years. When unexpected health issues and mounting insurance costs threaten to completely upend Eve’s life, Madden proposes a solution as bold as it is risky: a marriage of convenience. The arrangement helps him finally have the woman he’s always loved and gives Eve much-needed financial breathing room while she works toward launching a new music venue that could secure a future for the twins.
There’s only one rule: the marriage will last six months. It will remain a secret shared only among three trusted friends, protecting Madden’s rising Yankees career from scandal—especially since the media wouldn’t look kindly on him marrying a burlesque club owner shunned by her hometown for years.
Of course, what they don’t account for is that plans change. Feelings deepen. Love grows louder. And when love takes root this fiercely, it has a way of bulldozing every obstacle in its path.
Overall: I adored this book. I absolutely loved the twins, and the supporting cast—especially Full Blush Rhonda—added so much heart and humor. Madden and Eve are endlessly lovable together, and their connection feels both emotionally grounded and irresistibly hot. Elton was a fantastic sidekick, and I’m already excited to read his story next.
This is an engaging, steamy, and deeply heartwarming sports romance that I completely devoured. Easily one of my favorite books in the series.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon / Harper Voyager for providing a digital reviewer copy of one of Tessa Bailey’s most anticipated sports romances in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Eve Mitchell was raised by a single father who owned a strip club in a small, conservative, tightly knit town—a background that made her an easy target for bullies from a very young age. When she was fourteen, a new boy arrived in town: Madden Donahue, a charming Irish teen who had just moved in with his aunt. He was sixteen, instantly magnetic, and sparks flew between them almost immediately.
They meet through mutual friends—Eve is close to Skylar, while Madden befriends Elton, Skylar’s brother, after joining the baseball team. But despite the undeniable connection between Eve and Madden, she resists her feelings. Skylar is secretly in love with Madden, and Eve can’t bring herself to betray the only friend who has consistently stood up for her while the rest of the town mocked her because of her father’s profession. So instead, Eve buries her feelings and settles into years of friendship with Madden—despite sharing countless intimate, emotionally charged moments that blur every boundary.
In the present timeline, Eve inherits her father’s strip club and transforms it into a burlesque venue, determined to prove that the town can’t push her out—and that she can succeed on her own terms. And she does, creatively. Financially, however, the plan struggles. On top of that, Eve’s addict sister leaves her twin children in Eve’s care indefinitely, burying her under responsibilities no one her age should have to shoulder alone.
Enter Madden.
He confronts Eve, revealing that he’s always known why she held back her feelings for him all those years. When unexpected health issues and mounting insurance costs threaten to completely upend Eve’s life, Madden proposes a solution as bold as it is risky: a marriage of convenience. The arrangement helps him finally have the woman he’s always loved and gives Eve much-needed financial breathing room while she works toward launching a new music venue that could secure a future for the twins.
There’s only one rule: the marriage will last six months. It will remain a secret shared only among three trusted friends, protecting Madden’s rising Yankees career from scandal—especially since the media wouldn’t look kindly on him marrying a burlesque club owner shunned by her hometown for years.
Of course, what they don’t account for is that plans change. Feelings deepen. Love grows louder. And when love takes root this fiercely, it has a way of bulldozing every obstacle in its path.
Overall: I adored this book. I absolutely loved the twins, and the supporting cast—especially Full Blush Rhonda—added so much heart and humor. Madden and Eve are endlessly lovable together, and their connection feels both emotionally grounded and irresistibly hot. Elton was a fantastic sidekick, and I’m already excited to read his story next.
This is an engaging, steamy, and deeply heartwarming sports romance that I completely devoured. Easily one of my favorite books in the series.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon / Harper Voyager for providing a digital reviewer copy of one of Tessa Bailey’s most anticipated sports romances in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 7, 2025My expectations for this book are currently in the trenches 🫡
January 15, 2026
“𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒐.” 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏, 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. “𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕,”
The way I am shocked to say we are in book #5 of Tessa’s sports romance series, and I am still devouring every single one of them, makes this series a top read for me 🤯📚.
Tessa Bailey, I WAS ALREADY SCREAMING in Pitch Perfect for Eve and Madden’s story, so for them to finally have their chance was all I ever wanted 😭💖.
Madden and Eve is a friends-to-lovers story where Madden, the catcher of the Yankees, finally decides to do something about his crush 😌, and when the opportunity presents itself to marry Eve, he decides to propose it to her hehe. MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE!!! 💍🔥
This was insanely cute, both of them know each other since his high school years and the way Madden protects and cares for Eve since then is so obvious they have this unspoken tension for YEARS and me likey. Eve has a reputation in the town and doesn't want Madden to be affected by it, but Madden doesn't care and the way he proves it has me all giddy.
This was insanely cute 🥹 Both of them have known each other since their high school years, and the way Madden protects and cares for Eve since then is so obvious THEY DESERVE EACH OTHER OKAY. They have had this unspoken tension for YEARS, and me likey 😏✨ Eve has a reputation in town and doesn’t want Madden to be affected by it, but we see that Madden doesn’t care and PROVES IT over and over had me all giddy 😭
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒖𝒑. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑬𝒗𝒆.
The way Madden brings in protectiveness in such a soft way, but at the same time stands firm, especially post wedding with the whole “that’s my wife” 😮💨 delicious. He is nothing without her and yearns for her in so many ways. Not only that, but the way he shows up for her and truly cares for her… agh, I could keep talking about him because that’s how perfect he is for Eve 😭
And then there’s Eve ✨ the most badass woman who loves her job as a burlesque owner, even if it’s tied to a “bad” reputation. Doesn't think twice to take here of her sister's kids and understand is a huge responsibility. Not only that but the way she tries to hide her love for Madden, but at the same time gives in just a little bit throughout their early marriage, had me in a chokehold!!!!
This book overall brings such a unique angle because combining sports romance ⚾️ and burlesque 💃 elements hellooo?? Tessa knows no bounds. Bringing in Eve's sensual personality mixed with Madden’s obsession with her?? AGH I WAS DEVOURING IT ALL 😭🔥
You can read this as a standalone, but I highly suggest at least reading Pitch Perfect so you’re introduced to the characters and truly understand that the tension between them has been there from the start 😏
tropes
💛 sports romance
💛 marriage of convenience
💛 small town
💛 friends to lovers
Thank you Avon for my eARC!
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ Tessa oh Tessa they way I been dying for Madden and Eve story OMFG I CAN'T WAIT!!!
The way I am shocked to say we are in book #5 of Tessa’s sports romance series, and I am still devouring every single one of them, makes this series a top read for me 🤯📚.
Tessa Bailey, I WAS ALREADY SCREAMING in Pitch Perfect for Eve and Madden’s story, so for them to finally have their chance was all I ever wanted 😭💖.
Madden and Eve is a friends-to-lovers story where Madden, the catcher of the Yankees, finally decides to do something about his crush 😌, and when the opportunity presents itself to marry Eve, he decides to propose it to her hehe. MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE!!! 💍🔥
This was insanely cute, both of them know each other since his high school years and the way Madden protects and cares for Eve since then is so obvious they have this unspoken tension for YEARS and me likey. Eve has a reputation in the town and doesn't want Madden to be affected by it, but Madden doesn't care and the way he proves it has me all giddy.
This was insanely cute 🥹 Both of them have known each other since their high school years, and the way Madden protects and cares for Eve since then is so obvious THEY DESERVE EACH OTHER OKAY. They have had this unspoken tension for YEARS, and me likey 😏✨ Eve has a reputation in town and doesn’t want Madden to be affected by it, but we see that Madden doesn’t care and PROVES IT over and over had me all giddy 😭
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒖𝒑. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑬𝒗𝒆.
The way Madden brings in protectiveness in such a soft way, but at the same time stands firm, especially post wedding with the whole “that’s my wife” 😮💨 delicious. He is nothing without her and yearns for her in so many ways. Not only that, but the way he shows up for her and truly cares for her… agh, I could keep talking about him because that’s how perfect he is for Eve 😭
And then there’s Eve ✨ the most badass woman who loves her job as a burlesque owner, even if it’s tied to a “bad” reputation. Doesn't think twice to take here of her sister's kids and understand is a huge responsibility. Not only that but the way she tries to hide her love for Madden, but at the same time gives in just a little bit throughout their early marriage, had me in a chokehold!!!!
This book overall brings such a unique angle because combining sports romance ⚾️ and burlesque 💃 elements hellooo?? Tessa knows no bounds. Bringing in Eve's sensual personality mixed with Madden’s obsession with her?? AGH I WAS DEVOURING IT ALL 😭🔥
You can read this as a standalone, but I highly suggest at least reading Pitch Perfect so you’re introduced to the characters and truly understand that the tension between them has been there from the start 😏
tropes
💛 sports romance
💛 marriage of convenience
💛 small town
💛 friends to lovers
Thank you Avon for my eARC!
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ Tessa oh Tessa they way I been dying for Madden and Eve story OMFG I CAN'T WAIT!!!
January 21, 2026
Allow me, i can finally rate it one star
In short (because my review is a mess and I’m deleting it) since this was a friends to lovers trope, I expected both the MMC and the FMC to be virgins; or, if not, then neither of them to be. I don’t like double standards. What I got instead was an MMC who was interested in the FMC during their teens, but as soon as he turned 18 and went to college, his interest disappeared and he slept around for two years. They met again when she turned 18 and he became interested in her again this time sexually and stayed celibate. Meanwhile, she’s more virgin than olive oil and so clueless about sex she clearly missed out on a lot of Wattpad during her teens. On top of that, this book can go to hell and so can the app that wouldn’t let me rate it beforehand.
-----
Tessa did the same shit as last time. But there’s a 7-year gap between the book releases, and time hasn’t taught her how to write a good friends-to-lovers trope. We’ll see MMCs trying to move on, but her FMCs never do. She literally has 29–30-year-old virgin FMCs because they couldn’t get over the MMCs. Saying I’m disappointed, that my head hurts, that I never want to read her again, and that my mom would be scared by my thoughts doesn’t even begin to cover it.
I’m on the floor, I need someone to pick me up. And I can’t even give it 1 star yet because this book hasn’t been released and Goodreads decided to screw us over like this. Lmao, starting my 2026 reading list like this is VIOLENT.
-----
do i have fear??? yes. absolutely. tessa, don’t make this book a copy of Sink or Swim. you’re better than that. don’t ruin us like that, you’ve done it before… i still have nightmares!
friends to lovers trope can be very good or very bad. very good if both stay virgins waiting for each other or at least, there’s no double standard; very bad if the mmc is the only one fully enjoying his single life while the fmc remains a virgin sighing over him.
In Sink or Swim we got the worst when tessa decided the mmc had to sleep with every woman while the fmc stayed a virgin at 29 and still pining for her best friend. Madden and Eve must be better than this.
On the other hand, i beg on my knees that mailer doesn’t get a book. this guy has no mmc material and neither does elton. like… both guys keep seeing other women afterward, a real mmc wouldn’t do that. give other characters a chance, that’s all.
In short (because my review is a mess and I’m deleting it) since this was a friends to lovers trope, I expected both the MMC and the FMC to be virgins; or, if not, then neither of them to be. I don’t like double standards. What I got instead was an MMC who was interested in the FMC during their teens, but as soon as he turned 18 and went to college, his interest disappeared and he slept around for two years. They met again when she turned 18 and he became interested in her again this time sexually and stayed celibate. Meanwhile, she’s more virgin than olive oil and so clueless about sex she clearly missed out on a lot of Wattpad during her teens. On top of that, this book can go to hell and so can the app that wouldn’t let me rate it beforehand.
-----
Tessa did the same shit as last time. But there’s a 7-year gap between the book releases, and time hasn’t taught her how to write a good friends-to-lovers trope. We’ll see MMCs trying to move on, but her FMCs never do. She literally has 29–30-year-old virgin FMCs because they couldn’t get over the MMCs. Saying I’m disappointed, that my head hurts, that I never want to read her again, and that my mom would be scared by my thoughts doesn’t even begin to cover it.
I’m on the floor, I need someone to pick me up. And I can’t even give it 1 star yet because this book hasn’t been released and Goodreads decided to screw us over like this. Lmao, starting my 2026 reading list like this is VIOLENT.
-----
do i have fear??? yes. absolutely. tessa, don’t make this book a copy of Sink or Swim. you’re better than that. don’t ruin us like that, you’ve done it before… i still have nightmares!
friends to lovers trope can be very good or very bad. very good if both stay virgins waiting for each other or at least, there’s no double standard; very bad if the mmc is the only one fully enjoying his single life while the fmc remains a virgin sighing over him.
In Sink or Swim we got the worst when tessa decided the mmc had to sleep with every woman while the fmc stayed a virgin at 29 and still pining for her best friend. Madden and Eve must be better than this.
On the other hand, i beg on my knees that mailer doesn’t get a book. this guy has no mmc material and neither does elton. like… both guys keep seeing other women afterward, a real mmc wouldn’t do that. give other characters a chance, that’s all.
Read
February 4, 2025Ok but I thought this book would be about Reese but it has a baseball themed name… hmmm
January 22, 2026
Well that was fun!
This is my first Tessa Bailey book and 10/10 would read again.
Also does liking this make me a sports romance girlie now?
The spice was hot, there was just enough emotional depth to keep me invested, and the side characters were amazing. I desperately need more Veda she is amazing. TBH I’d read a book with Rhona as the FMC she seems like a delight!
| IG | TikTok |
I won this book in a giveaway from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is my first Tessa Bailey book and 10/10 would read again.
Also does liking this make me a sports romance girlie now?
The spice was hot, there was just enough emotional depth to keep me invested, and the side characters were amazing. I desperately need more Veda she is amazing. TBH I’d read a book with Rhona as the FMC she seems like a delight!
| IG | TikTok |
I won this book in a giveaway from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Want to read
May 12, 2025I ALREADY KNOW WHICH COUPLE IN THIS ONE AND I AM GOING ABSOLUTELY FERALLL MOUTH FROTHING GRRR GRRRR GIMME GIMMEEEEEEE 👹👹👹 MOTHER BAILEY PLSSSSSSSSSS I BEG DONT FLOP THIS
Read
August 15, 2025tessa bailey please don’t make me care about the yankees i can’t do it i won���t do it
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Happy Release Day!!
3.5 stars
Uber mixed feelings on this one.
As always, Tessa's writing is incredibly engaging and fun. Even when there are parts I dislike about her stories, I'm still enjoying myself immensely.
The MMC in this one is perfect. Silent and strong type, ridiculously loyal, and Irish. Perfect.
Which makes the issues I have with the FMC more glaring. She was a great character on her own, but I was never fully sold on her being the romantic interest. She's a great person, but I don't think we ever get to see why Madden was so down bad from the start. All we get over her when they're young is she is quite, vulnerable, and beautiful.
And not a fan of the ending. The juxtaposition of these two characters is right in your face with how they're dealing with issues and so I was really disappointed.
But much love to TB and her amazing story telling 💙
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars
Uber mixed feelings on this one.
As always, Tessa's writing is incredibly engaging and fun. Even when there are parts I dislike about her stories, I'm still enjoying myself immensely.
The MMC in this one is perfect. Silent and strong type, ridiculously loyal, and Irish. Perfect.
Which makes the issues I have with the FMC more glaring. She was a great character on her own, but I was never fully sold on her being the romantic interest. She's a great person, but I don't think we ever get to see why Madden was so down bad from the start. All we get over her when they're young is she is quite, vulnerable, and beautiful.
And not a fan of the ending. The juxtaposition of these two characters is right in your face with how they're dealing with issues and so I was really disappointed.
But much love to TB and her amazing story telling 💙
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
January 11, 2026
rating: 3.75 ★
madden donahue is the newest catcher for the new york yankees and has been hopelessly in love with eve mitchell since the two crossed paths in high school. eve, being the daughter of the only strip club owner (now turned burlesque club) in town has always turned him down to protect her best friends feeling as well as him from the scrutiny she has endured her whole life. nevertheless, madden has always gone out of his way to protect her. now that he’s made it to the major leagues and eve finds herself caring full time for her niece and nephew he wants to protect her the best way he knows how: marrying her. this way the kids can have health insurance, and he has at least 6 months to convince her that the chemistry they have is real.
this book really felt different from the other books in the big shot series and in a really good way. the way that tessa wove flashbacks into the beginning of the book really built up their chemistry and relationship. i mean, we love a man who YEARNS am i right? 👀 and i’m talking yearning for years until she was ready. not to mention we really got to dig into the internal struggles of the main characters, which pulled me in from the very beginning.
“𝙞’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝.”
on the flip side, all of the things that make tessa baileys book so enjoyable are still present and going strong. she never fails to make me laugh, i mean full bush rhonda? absolutely fucking sent me. 😭
also shoutout to tessa for having a child free couple in their book. 🥹
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤍
madden donahue is the newest catcher for the new york yankees and has been hopelessly in love with eve mitchell since the two crossed paths in high school. eve, being the daughter of the only strip club owner (now turned burlesque club) in town has always turned him down to protect her best friends feeling as well as him from the scrutiny she has endured her whole life. nevertheless, madden has always gone out of his way to protect her. now that he’s made it to the major leagues and eve finds herself caring full time for her niece and nephew he wants to protect her the best way he knows how: marrying her. this way the kids can have health insurance, and he has at least 6 months to convince her that the chemistry they have is real.
this book really felt different from the other books in the big shot series and in a really good way. the way that tessa wove flashbacks into the beginning of the book really built up their chemistry and relationship. i mean, we love a man who YEARNS am i right? 👀 and i’m talking yearning for years until she was ready. not to mention we really got to dig into the internal struggles of the main characters, which pulled me in from the very beginning.
“𝙞’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝.”
on the flip side, all of the things that make tessa baileys book so enjoyable are still present and going strong. she never fails to make me laugh, i mean full bush rhonda? absolutely fucking sent me. 😭
also shoutout to tessa for having a child free couple in their book. 🥹
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤍
dnr
January 8, 2026Note: friends to lovers, virgin fmc / non-v mmc
Books with these tropes piss me off so much, i need to read something with a lot of omd to balance it out
Books with these tropes piss me off so much, i need to read something with a lot of omd to balance it out
March 2, 2025
first review for this book & that’s on period💅🏽
Read
June 1, 2025Madden and Eva?
November 18, 2025
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eArc*
Tessa Bailey you will always be famous in my household!!! This series branched off in so many different directions and I kind of love how she just followed the characters she felt were interesting and compelling and landed here. I will say this book is a stunning return to form, as the last one wasn’t my favourite of the bunch, but we’re so back!!!
Tessa Bailey you will always be famous in my household!!! This series branched off in so many different directions and I kind of love how she just followed the characters she felt were interesting and compelling and landed here. I will say this book is a stunning return to form, as the last one wasn’t my favourite of the bunch, but we’re so back!!!
January 19, 2026
Super interested to get into Madden and Eve!
But also...what do I have to do for at least a couple of chapters or a novella about Mailer and Reese 😭😭😭😭
![](https://media.tenor.com/LLb8XNz_utIAAAAM/begging-cat.gif"/)
pls Tessa, I'm begging lol
3.75 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon for the digital arc of Catch Her If You Can!
I truly enjoyed seeing the fake marriage trope and the romance play out for the newest catcher of the Yankees and a Burlesque club owner. Both Eve and Madden were so enjoyable to read with Eve and her own pride, being a girls’ girl and being there for others when times got hard. I adored how Madden loved her and the fact that these two showed their love to each other even before their “marriage” gave us a lot of depth into their relationship and own emotions. I also adored the addition of new side characters of Veda and Full Bush Rhonda along with having our favorites from Pitcher Perfect like Elton, Skylar and Robbie! The epilogue also wrapped up the Big Shots series well! I would love to have a couple of short stories or novellas about the other couples mentioned throughout the series but other than that I enjoyed this book very much!!
But also...what do I have to do for at least a couple of chapters or a novella about Mailer and Reese 😭😭😭😭
pls Tessa, I'm begging lol
3.75 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon for the digital arc of Catch Her If You Can!
I truly enjoyed seeing the fake marriage trope and the romance play out for the newest catcher of the Yankees and a Burlesque club owner. Both Eve and Madden were so enjoyable to read with Eve and her own pride, being a girls’ girl and being there for others when times got hard. I adored how Madden loved her and the fact that these two showed their love to each other even before their “marriage” gave us a lot of depth into their relationship and own emotions. I also adored the addition of new side characters of Veda and Full Bush Rhonda along with having our favorites from Pitcher Perfect like Elton, Skylar and Robbie! The epilogue also wrapped up the Big Shots series well! I would love to have a couple of short stories or novellas about the other couples mentioned throughout the series but other than that I enjoyed this book very much!!
Want to read
September 17, 2025Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.
Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.
I AM SCARED, they have been in love with each other for so long, what if he dated around and she was just there,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen, girl FOURTEEN like wtf ???
Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.
I AM SCARED, they have been in love with each other for so long, what if he dated around and she was just there,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen, girl FOURTEEN like wtf ???
December 29, 2025
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As usual, Tessa Bailey knocks it out of the park. She creates vulnerable, relatable, and lovable characters. I’m just so sad this series is now concluded but glad we got a bonus couple.
December 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW - Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
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I’ve really loved this series overall and have found every book fun and easy to read. While I still enjoyed this one, it didn’t quite hit the same level for me as some of the earlier instalments.
I was interested in Eve’s storyline, especially with her having custody of her niece and nephew, and
I liked the marriage-of-convenience setup. Eve is a layered character, and Madden is very much a classic Tessa Bailey hero, intense, devoted, and completely head over heels for his woman. That said, the romance felt a little rushed. Their feelings were pretty instant, which left little room for tension or a slower build. I was hoping for more yearning and a stronger “will they, won’t they” dynamic.
I also would have liked more depth in parts of the story. The past storyline felt underexplored, and I wished there had been more development in Eve’s relationship with her sister.
Overall, this was still an enjoyable and easy read. The Au Pair Affair and Pitcher Perfect are still my favourites in the series, but this one will appeal to readers looking for a lighter, easy romance and those keen to complete the series.
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I’ve really loved this series overall and have found every book fun and easy to read. While I still enjoyed this one, it didn’t quite hit the same level for me as some of the earlier instalments.
I was interested in Eve’s storyline, especially with her having custody of her niece and nephew, and
I liked the marriage-of-convenience setup. Eve is a layered character, and Madden is very much a classic Tessa Bailey hero, intense, devoted, and completely head over heels for his woman. That said, the romance felt a little rushed. Their feelings were pretty instant, which left little room for tension or a slower build. I was hoping for more yearning and a stronger “will they, won’t they” dynamic.
I also would have liked more depth in parts of the story. The past storyline felt underexplored, and I wished there had been more development in Eve’s relationship with her sister.
Overall, this was still an enjoyable and easy read. The Au Pair Affair and Pitcher Perfect are still my favourites in the series, but this one will appeal to readers looking for a lighter, easy romance and those keen to complete the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
Stfu ANOTHER baseball one? The way I am so sat oMG
December 1, 2025
The Big Shots series is the gift that keeps on giving. Every single book gives you something different but all with that Tessa Bailey charm (and spice). Book 5 is about Madden and Eve (who had fairly prominent roles in book 4 and I was very excited to have them be the main love interests in this book). Madden and Eve have loved each other since they were kids. But Madden thought Eve didn't like him and Eve thought Madden was destined to be with her best friend. Jump to current day where Madden is the catcher for the Yankees and Eve is trying to run her struggling burlesque club and raise her niece and nephew.
I really enjoyed this one and had a hard time putting it down. Having already met these characters in book 4, I was so ready to dive into their little marriage of convenience storyline. I think I connected with Eve a lot in this one because she's very quiet, doesn't really like hanging out with people, and is not the bubbly heroine we get in so many romcoms. Their relationship was believable, why they entered this marriage was believable, even the third act breakup made complete sense for me. The side characters were fun (including my favorite, Full Bush Rhonda). The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is I am not a fan of voyeurism spice, AND, I wish we had a little more with the baseball part of the storyline. Besides that, no notes.
Tessa is clearly setting us up for a Big Shots #6 and OH BOY am I excited for that one.
I really enjoyed this one and had a hard time putting it down. Having already met these characters in book 4, I was so ready to dive into their little marriage of convenience storyline. I think I connected with Eve a lot in this one because she's very quiet, doesn't really like hanging out with people, and is not the bubbly heroine we get in so many romcoms. Their relationship was believable, why they entered this marriage was believable, even the third act breakup made complete sense for me. The side characters were fun (including my favorite, Full Bush Rhonda). The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is I am not a fan of voyeurism spice, AND, I wish we had a little more with the baseball part of the storyline. Besides that, no notes.
Tessa is clearly setting us up for a Big Shots #6 and OH BOY am I excited for that one.
November 27, 2025
What you can expect to find in Catch Her If You Can:
-friends to lovers
-she falls first
-burlesque dancer x baseball player
-marriage of convenience
-found family
-single parent
Madden Donahue didn't really feel like he truly belonged anywhere until he migrated from Ireland to the US to live with his aunt. That's where he made his first real friends and of course where he met Eve Mitchell. His group of friends and his love of baseball grounded him. But Madden always felt the need to protect Eve. Especially since the small town they lived in constantly gave her crap for being the daughter of the strip club owner.
But Eve has dreams and plans to turn that strip club to a Burlesque club. She's proud of who she is and wants to show the town she's capable of turning the strip club into something that embodies her. But when unforeseen circumstances leave Eve as the guardian of her sister's two younger children, Eve's not sure she can achieve her dreams while also giving the loving care her niece and nephew deserve. Madden proposes a solution for Eve - marry him and gain insurance to help take care of her niece and nephew. She reluctantly agrees, but only on the terms that it's a temporary 6 month solution and that no one knows about this "marriage." Eve doesn't want to taint Madden's image of being associated with her. But what happens when their marriage of convenience starts to feel all too real?
As soon as I read the synopsis and saw marriage of convenience I needed to read this book. And Tessa did not disappoint. The last few books by Tessa Bailey have been hit and miss for me, but I really enjoyed Catch Her If You Can. I loved how sweet both Madden and Eve were towards one another. Eve's always wanted Madden and vice versa but so many obstacles kept them apart. Madden wasn't about to let Eve go when he had her. I will always say that Tessa Bailey knows how to write the best spicy scenes and she definitely delivered in this book 👀.
Overall, a solid 4 star read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
-friends to lovers
-she falls first
-burlesque dancer x baseball player
-marriage of convenience
-found family
-single parent
Madden Donahue didn't really feel like he truly belonged anywhere until he migrated from Ireland to the US to live with his aunt. That's where he made his first real friends and of course where he met Eve Mitchell. His group of friends and his love of baseball grounded him. But Madden always felt the need to protect Eve. Especially since the small town they lived in constantly gave her crap for being the daughter of the strip club owner.
But Eve has dreams and plans to turn that strip club to a Burlesque club. She's proud of who she is and wants to show the town she's capable of turning the strip club into something that embodies her. But when unforeseen circumstances leave Eve as the guardian of her sister's two younger children, Eve's not sure she can achieve her dreams while also giving the loving care her niece and nephew deserve. Madden proposes a solution for Eve - marry him and gain insurance to help take care of her niece and nephew. She reluctantly agrees, but only on the terms that it's a temporary 6 month solution and that no one knows about this "marriage." Eve doesn't want to taint Madden's image of being associated with her. But what happens when their marriage of convenience starts to feel all too real?
As soon as I read the synopsis and saw marriage of convenience I needed to read this book. And Tessa did not disappoint. The last few books by Tessa Bailey have been hit and miss for me, but I really enjoyed Catch Her If You Can. I loved how sweet both Madden and Eve were towards one another. Eve's always wanted Madden and vice versa but so many obstacles kept them apart. Madden wasn't about to let Eve go when he had her. I will always say that Tessa Bailey knows how to write the best spicy scenes and she definitely delivered in this book 👀.
Overall, a solid 4 star read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
January 22, 2026
I am a sucker for an accent
January 12, 2026
⚾️ Baseball Player
🪭 Burlesque Club Owner
⚾️ Pining, so much pining
🪭 Marriage of convenience
This books timing couldn’t have been more accurately planned with the release of Life of a Showgirl - that’s Skylars album folks.
There is so much yearning in this book I almost couldn’t cope (positive). I’d been excited for Maddox’s story since Pitcher Perfect and it felt so uniquely Tessa Bailey than I devoured it within a day!
With someone having published as many books as Tessa I am honestly amazed at her ability to create a fresh unique story every time. We had plenty of cameos/mentions of other characters in the series without overtaking the story and it was so lovely to see Skylar’s character growth and journey as she came to love herself.
My only critique is I feel the ending was rushed and Skylar lost her narrative and independence slightly, I would have liked her to stand up for herself more towards the end!
🪭 Burlesque Club Owner
⚾️ Pining, so much pining
🪭 Marriage of convenience
This books timing couldn’t have been more accurately planned with the release of Life of a Showgirl - that’s Skylars album folks.
There is so much yearning in this book I almost couldn’t cope (positive). I’d been excited for Maddox’s story since Pitcher Perfect and it felt so uniquely Tessa Bailey than I devoured it within a day!
With someone having published as many books as Tessa I am honestly amazed at her ability to create a fresh unique story every time. We had plenty of cameos/mentions of other characters in the series without overtaking the story and it was so lovely to see Skylar’s character growth and journey as she came to love herself.
My only critique is I feel the ending was rushed and Skylar lost her narrative and independence slightly, I would have liked her to stand up for herself more towards the end!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don't know what Tessa Bailey is doing with this series, but it is working! Big Shots started off rocky for me, but these last two books have been so much fun. Sure, you have a little mellow drama, but would it be Tessa Bailey without it?
I was pleasantly surprised to discover a story where our main couple behaved in fairly reasonable ways with rationale behind their actions. Honestly, the worst thing about this book is that you would only marry a pro-athlete (and a Yankee, no less) for health insurance in the United States.
We first met Eve and Madden in the previous book in the series, where they played beguiling yet absolutely gorgeous side characters. Now, they are center stage, baggage and all. Eve is a knockout who suffers from the stigma of her father owning a strip club which she now runs. Madden is a transplant Irishman who got strong armed into playing America's game only to tragically discover that he's actually quite good at it. He is also absolutely coocoo for cocoa puffs about Eve. We get some lovely flashbacks to their time in high school, where Madden manages to toe the line of being Eve's protector without bringing a complete tool.
Eve is forced into quite a predicament when her nephew, who she is raising alongside his twin sister whilst their mother is in rehab, is diagnosed with asthma. As any self-employed person facing a health crisis in the US health care system can vouch, Eve does the only sensible thing and agrees to marry a pro-athlete. The fact that they're absolutely bonkers for each other is beside the point.
This story was surprisingly heartwarming. We see a couple who genuinely care about each other. We witness a pairing who work to support each other without losing their heads (which is a step forward with Tessa Bailey). There is a subplot about female empowerment. To think that we could have skipped the au pair and step-sibling nonsense and gone straight here!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager US for this digital ARC!
I was pleasantly surprised to discover a story where our main couple behaved in fairly reasonable ways with rationale behind their actions. Honestly, the worst thing about this book is that you would only marry a pro-athlete (and a Yankee, no less) for health insurance in the United States.
We first met Eve and Madden in the previous book in the series, where they played beguiling yet absolutely gorgeous side characters. Now, they are center stage, baggage and all. Eve is a knockout who suffers from the stigma of her father owning a strip club which she now runs. Madden is a transplant Irishman who got strong armed into playing America's game only to tragically discover that he's actually quite good at it. He is also absolutely coocoo for cocoa puffs about Eve. We get some lovely flashbacks to their time in high school, where Madden manages to toe the line of being Eve's protector without bringing a complete tool.
Eve is forced into quite a predicament when her nephew, who she is raising alongside his twin sister whilst their mother is in rehab, is diagnosed with asthma. As any self-employed person facing a health crisis in the US health care system can vouch, Eve does the only sensible thing and agrees to marry a pro-athlete. The fact that they're absolutely bonkers for each other is beside the point.
This story was surprisingly heartwarming. We see a couple who genuinely care about each other. We witness a pairing who work to support each other without losing their heads (which is a step forward with Tessa Bailey). There is a subplot about female empowerment. To think that we could have skipped the au pair and step-sibling nonsense and gone straight here!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager US for this digital ARC!
December 8, 2025
I’m not ashamed to admit that as the pub date has gotten closer, I’ve been basically stalking NetGalley’s “recently added” tab, hoping this would be up for request. Thank you Avon/Harper Voyager for coming through with this ARC just as I was looking to fill my weekend reading plans!
In this marriage-of-convenience / friends-to-lovers installment, we follow Madden and Eve, who have been mutually pining for each other for years but perceived each other as off-limits. The story follows predictable events within the tropes, and we get Tessa’s characteristic fast-paced style, silliness, and spice. But don’t fret! There’s also a unique twist to the spice in this one (no spoilers), which gave it a fun distinctness from her previous ones. I liked that the barriers to the relationship were external things they could work through together. I also enjoyed that Eve wasn’t the typical “outgoing/bubbly” FMC, and I was here for how Down Bad Madden gets and sees her, despite the negative assumptions people have about her. The side characters (Rhonda!) were a hoot! Another solid addition to the series.
Ms. Tessa, I immediately suspected that you were laying groundwork for a 6th book. This is the series that keeps giving, and I’m ready.
Pub date: 1/20/26
In this marriage-of-convenience / friends-to-lovers installment, we follow Madden and Eve, who have been mutually pining for each other for years but perceived each other as off-limits. The story follows predictable events within the tropes, and we get Tessa’s characteristic fast-paced style, silliness, and spice. But don’t fret! There’s also a unique twist to the spice in this one (no spoilers), which gave it a fun distinctness from her previous ones. I liked that the barriers to the relationship were external things they could work through together. I also enjoyed that Eve wasn’t the typical “outgoing/bubbly” FMC, and I was here for how Down Bad Madden gets and sees her, despite the negative assumptions people have about her. The side characters (Rhonda!) were a hoot! Another solid addition to the series.
Ms. Tessa, I immediately suspected that you were laying groundwork for a 6th book. This is the series that keeps giving, and I’m ready.
Pub date: 1/20/26
December 21, 2025
This is an ARC review. I want to thank Tessa Bailey and Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!
Eve and Madden are just the best second chance like romance with all the yearning! I live for this type of longing and sexual tension this book gives. There is nothing sexier than a man who supports a female in her sexuality! Eve was able to blossom before our eyes with each act Madden showed Eve. The constant showing up for her was everything. Little did he know she showed up in the most selfless way possible long before.
Both of their upbringings brought up just hurt and irritation. Madden’s upbringing brought up some emotions for me but also made me so thankful he had a woman in his life who showed him what true love could look like. As for Eve she should never have been bullied for things she had no control over. Through it all they had each other as a safe space.
“I like you knowing I’m going to keep showing up.”
The writing style was binge worthy and crave worthy. I didn’t want their story to end. But the only thing that keeps me going is the thought of Veda and Elton being the next couple in this series. I AM ALREADY obsessed with Veda!
Eve and Madden are just the best second chance like romance with all the yearning! I live for this type of longing and sexual tension this book gives. There is nothing sexier than a man who supports a female in her sexuality! Eve was able to blossom before our eyes with each act Madden showed Eve. The constant showing up for her was everything. Little did he know she showed up in the most selfless way possible long before.
Both of their upbringings brought up just hurt and irritation. Madden’s upbringing brought up some emotions for me but also made me so thankful he had a woman in his life who showed him what true love could look like. As for Eve she should never have been bullied for things she had no control over. Through it all they had each other as a safe space.
“I like you knowing I’m going to keep showing up.”
The writing style was binge worthy and crave worthy. I didn’t want their story to end. But the only thing that keeps me going is the thought of Veda and Elton being the next couple in this series. I AM ALREADY obsessed with Veda!
December 24, 2025
I admittedly went into this one with low expectations because I wasn’t super interested in the characters from the prior book mentions. I was wrong to do so! I think this will be my second favorite of the series (nothing will beat Fangirl Down). This book was less silly and more serious for a Tessa Bailey book. It did take me a little bit to get into it but I ended up reading it in one sitting. The story was interesting and while things moved quickly like they always do in a Tessa Bailey book, it worked here because of some flashbacks and knowing the two of them were pining after each other without acting on it for so long.
🤍 single guardian
🥹 “it’s always been you”
💍 marriage of convenience
💭 flashbacks
⚾️ baseball
👏🏻 no third act breakup (in my opinion)
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
🤍 single guardian
🥹 “it’s always been you”
💍 marriage of convenience
💭 flashbacks
⚾️ baseball
👏🏻 no third act breakup (in my opinion)
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
January 12, 2026
⭐️: 3.5
🌶️: 4
⚾️sports romance
⚾️marriage of convenience
⚾️friends to lovers
⚾️dual timeline
A fun, fast-paced read with the signature banter and heat I expect from Tessa Bailey. While I enjoyed the story overall, I never fully connected with the characters, which kept me a bit at arm’s length emotionally. I wanted to feel Eve and Madden’s years-and-years of pent up lust and yearning, and just didn’t. Still, it was entertaining and easy to fly through, just not a standout for me given the other books in this series that I enjoyed much more.
♥︎ Many thanks to Netgalley, Tessa Bailey and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC of Catch Her If You Can.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️= open door, multiple scenes, descriptive
🌶️: 4
⚾️sports romance
⚾️marriage of convenience
⚾️friends to lovers
⚾️dual timeline
A fun, fast-paced read with the signature banter and heat I expect from Tessa Bailey. While I enjoyed the story overall, I never fully connected with the characters, which kept me a bit at arm’s length emotionally. I wanted to feel Eve and Madden’s years-and-years of pent up lust and yearning, and just didn’t. Still, it was entertaining and easy to fly through, just not a standout for me given the other books in this series that I enjoyed much more.
♥︎ Many thanks to Netgalley, Tessa Bailey and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC of Catch Her If You Can.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️= open door, multiple scenes, descriptive
January 22, 2026
it feels like tessa was grasping for straws when writing this book
December 12, 2025
Ah! Catch Her If You Can was unfortunately a bit of a let down for me. Historically Tessa Bailey's books have been hit or miss for me, but after loving Pitcher Perfect I had high hopes for this one, seeing we were staying with similar characters. For me, the magic wasn't there in Catch Her If You Can.
One thing I loved about Pitcher Perfect was the fun, fast paced plot and the relationship development between Skylar and Robbie. It helped build the angst and yearning, creating an emotional anticipation that had me devouring the book. I didn't find any of that here. Eve and Madden revealed their feelings pretty much immediately, making the marriage of convenience trope / "conditions" for their marriage feel out of place. I never really bought into why they couldn't be together, and it doesn't seem they like they did either because...they were always together. I don't know, I found myself wishing they tried to stay in the friends category longer to build up the yearning. I'm also not entirely sure what the plot was here, to be honest. It read a bit as, they get together, they stay together, epilogue. I think because of this it didn't feel like a friends to lovers story for me, we didn't get to see much of them being friends. I know her and Skylar are friends because we've seen it, but we were told her and Madden had this huge friendship history that we didn't get to see. I wish this could have been flushed out a little more, especially with Pitcher Perfect being its predecessor.
A redeeming factor I did love however was Veda and Elton! Oh my god, I wanted more of them and their relationship! I know Tessa Bailey has said the Big Shots series is complete, but I am begging her to change her mind. I need to see their story, even if it is just a novella, I'd die to get my hands on that. Although,..one thing did somewhat take me out of the overall story. A point of conflict was Veda being "way too young" for Elton at 21. Eve was 22, but she isn't too young for Madden? This wasn't a huge detail, but it was something I found odd as it was mentioned a few times.
Overall, this was a miss for me. But, I can definitely see others, or bigger fans of Tessa Bailey's work, loving this. Consider checking this out if you're looking for a protective, obsessed MMC who will do anything for his girl, or a spicy read to shake up your TBR. Expected publication is Jan 20, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.
One thing I loved about Pitcher Perfect was the fun, fast paced plot and the relationship development between Skylar and Robbie. It helped build the angst and yearning, creating an emotional anticipation that had me devouring the book. I didn't find any of that here. Eve and Madden revealed their feelings pretty much immediately, making the marriage of convenience trope / "conditions" for their marriage feel out of place. I never really bought into why they couldn't be together, and it doesn't seem they like they did either because...they were always together. I don't know, I found myself wishing they tried to stay in the friends category longer to build up the yearning. I'm also not entirely sure what the plot was here, to be honest. It read a bit as, they get together, they stay together, epilogue. I think because of this it didn't feel like a friends to lovers story for me, we didn't get to see much of them being friends. I know her and Skylar are friends because we've seen it, but we were told her and Madden had this huge friendship history that we didn't get to see. I wish this could have been flushed out a little more, especially with Pitcher Perfect being its predecessor.
A redeeming factor I did love however was Veda and Elton! Oh my god, I wanted more of them and their relationship! I know Tessa Bailey has said the Big Shots series is complete, but I am begging her to change her mind. I need to see their story, even if it is just a novella, I'd die to get my hands on that. Although,..one thing did somewhat take me out of the overall story. A point of conflict was Veda being "way too young" for Elton at 21. Eve was 22, but she isn't too young for Madden? This wasn't a huge detail, but it was something I found odd as it was mentioned a few times.
Overall, this was a miss for me. But, I can definitely see others, or bigger fans of Tessa Bailey's work, loving this. Consider checking this out if you're looking for a protective, obsessed MMC who will do anything for his girl, or a spicy read to shake up your TBR. Expected publication is Jan 20, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.
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