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Catching Feelings #3
The Setup Man
She's fake dating the wrong guy. Enter Mr. Right.
Scottie
I've spent my whole life cleaning up after Jake Rodgers—the bad boy of Major League Baseball. So when his latest PR disaster threatens to send him to the minors, agreeing to fake date him feels noble. Temporary. Manageable.
Then hot young pitcher Lucas Fischer shows up—with coffee I didn’t ask for and a smile that doesn’t quit—and suddenly none of it feels manageable anymore. Especially when I’m assigned to be his handler.
Now I'm pretending to be in love with the guy I've never wanted while trying not to fall for the one I can't have.
Lucas
I've been bringing Scottie Quinn coffee for ten months. I've never once guessed her order wrong–no small feat, considering the woman orders coffee based on vibes.
I've also never once told her that I know she's fake dating Jake Rodgers, that she deserves better, or that I'm in love with her. I'm a patient guy. I can wait. What I can't do is watch her disappear to make everyone else comfortable.
But Jake and I are on the same team now, and our GM has one ironclad rule: no clubhouse drama.
Easy enough. All I have to do is keep showing up until she stops pretending… without blowing up both our careers.
Yeah. Maybe I’m not that patient after all.
Scottie
I've spent my whole life cleaning up after Jake Rodgers—the bad boy of Major League Baseball. So when his latest PR disaster threatens to send him to the minors, agreeing to fake date him feels noble. Temporary. Manageable.
Then hot young pitcher Lucas Fischer shows up—with coffee I didn’t ask for and a smile that doesn’t quit—and suddenly none of it feels manageable anymore. Especially when I’m assigned to be his handler.
Now I'm pretending to be in love with the guy I've never wanted while trying not to fall for the one I can't have.
Lucas
I've been bringing Scottie Quinn coffee for ten months. I've never once guessed her order wrong–no small feat, considering the woman orders coffee based on vibes.
I've also never once told her that I know she's fake dating Jake Rodgers, that she deserves better, or that I'm in love with her. I'm a patient guy. I can wait. What I can't do is watch her disappear to make everyone else comfortable.
But Jake and I are on the same team now, and our GM has one ironclad rule: no clubhouse drama.
Easy enough. All I have to do is keep showing up until she stops pretending… without blowing up both our careers.
Yeah. Maybe I’m not that patient after all.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2026
About the author
Kate Watson
18 books938 followersKate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
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April 8, 2026I had the privilege of proofreading this one! I LOVE Scottie and Lucas so much. Don’t miss this on April 16th!
April 13, 2026
This is my new favorite book by Kate Watson. It contains all the swoon and funny moments expected for a rom/com while diving into deeper themes that give you allll the feels. (Definitely more than one chapter brought tears to my eyes).
I have been looking forward to Scottie and Lucas' story ever since their plot line was introduced in an earlier book. Plot twist... Scottie is fake dating her brother's best friend and Lucas' potential teammate. Scottie and Lucas navigate falling in love amidst some choas while learning to stand up for what they both truly want- each other.
Favorite Parts
-Lucas always guessing Scottie's favorite flavor of coffee.
-Lucas' relationship with his twin Logan
-Scottie's character growth and all the things that contribute to that (I can't say more cause spoilers!)
-Lucas's mom passed away and some of the moments where grief was discussed were absolutely beautiful
Favorite Quotes:
I see you. I’ve been seeing you for a long time. You’re not invisible to me.
No, with me, she’ll be the one who comes first, the one whose comfort matters most, whose happiness isn’t considered a luxury but a necessity.
I’m starting to think my coffee preference is based less on mood and more on the man. If Lucas brings it, I love it. End of story.
When our eyes connect, something tight snaps into alignment inside me, like I’ve been off-kilter all day and just found my balance.
I have been looking forward to Scottie and Lucas' story ever since their plot line was introduced in an earlier book. Plot twist... Scottie is fake dating her brother's best friend and Lucas' potential teammate. Scottie and Lucas navigate falling in love amidst some choas while learning to stand up for what they both truly want- each other.
Favorite Parts
-Lucas always guessing Scottie's favorite flavor of coffee.
-Lucas' relationship with his twin Logan
-Scottie's character growth and all the things that contribute to that (I can't say more cause spoilers!)
-Lucas's mom passed away and some of the moments where grief was discussed were absolutely beautiful
Favorite Quotes:
I see you. I’ve been seeing you for a long time. You’re not invisible to me.
No, with me, she’ll be the one who comes first, the one whose comfort matters most, whose happiness isn’t considered a luxury but a necessity.
I’m starting to think my coffee preference is based less on mood and more on the man. If Lucas brings it, I love it. End of story.
When our eyes connect, something tight snaps into alignment inside me, like I’ve been off-kilter all day and just found my balance.
April 17, 2026
Is there anything better than a Kate Watson romance? This book gave me all the slow burn feels and had some of my fave microtropes (he takes care of her when sick). Loved everything about this book.
April 16, 2026
This was so good! 4.5 stars for me (rounded down to 4 stars for Goodreads). I loved the characters, and the plot had an untraditional combo of tropes which was clever and unique. I enjoyed all the overlap of characters from Since There’s No Place to Go (book #0 in this series).
I loved getting to know Lucas — and even Logan — deeper in this book. Kate did such an amazing job adding depth to his character by taking a minor goofy twin character in book #0 to a passionate and lovable main character in this one. Scottie is also really likeable, and I enjoyed their chemistry. There’s a lot of deep themes in this book, especially for a romcom (don’t worry, it’s still very sweet and light), and I really enjoyed that. The writing was well done (and so funny!), and Kate covered a lot of interesting topics like complicated family relationships, twin sibling dynamics and pressures, the baseball PR world and much more.
I really know very little about baseball, so I didn’t totally know what most of the baseball jargon meant, but I was surprised by how much I learned about the sport and am more interested in it than I was before. My husband is hopeful that maybe I’ll be willing to watch it with him now 😆.
❗️Content considerations: low spice (descriptive kissing/making out only), no swearing but reference to it occurring. Author content warnings: spiked drink resolved on page, themes of grief, ALS, codependency, anxiety, and unintentional neglect.
💭 Age range: Adult
Thank you to Kate Watson for the e-ARC and for allowing me to be part of the ARC team! All opinions are my own.
I loved getting to know Lucas — and even Logan — deeper in this book. Kate did such an amazing job adding depth to his character by taking a minor goofy twin character in book #0 to a passionate and lovable main character in this one. Scottie is also really likeable, and I enjoyed their chemistry. There’s a lot of deep themes in this book, especially for a romcom (don’t worry, it’s still very sweet and light), and I really enjoyed that. The writing was well done (and so funny!), and Kate covered a lot of interesting topics like complicated family relationships, twin sibling dynamics and pressures, the baseball PR world and much more.
I really know very little about baseball, so I didn’t totally know what most of the baseball jargon meant, but I was surprised by how much I learned about the sport and am more interested in it than I was before. My husband is hopeful that maybe I’ll be willing to watch it with him now 😆.
❗️Content considerations: low spice (descriptive kissing/making out only), no swearing but reference to it occurring. Author content warnings: spiked drink resolved on page, themes of grief, ALS, codependency, anxiety, and unintentional neglect.
💭 Age range: Adult
Thank you to Kate Watson for the e-ARC and for allowing me to be part of the ARC team! All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2026
OKAY THE YEARNING?
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I do consider this a soft five stars, but it did make me tear up in the last few chapters and that pretty much signals that I loved the book so here we are!! Easily my favorite book from Kate Watson. I honestly wasn’t sure this plot set up was going to work for me but I loved the way it was handled and the right kind of lines were kept so I’m a happy little soul soaking in this baseball romance.
The way my man Lucas YEARNED. And learned. He was tender hearted and flirty and genuine all while realizing he could be more firm in his decisions and taking the next step forward with strength rather than letting things happen to him. I loved watching his relationship with Scottie but I also loved watching his dynamic with Logan and Coop too.
Scottie was someone I could easily see myself in and that made her story frustrating to read, but also entirely relatable. I love a fierce sports girlie and Scottie is a pro. I could have jumped for joy when she started making decisions for herself and holding to what she wanted out of life and her relationships. And how everyone showed up for her??? CUE THE EMOTIONS.
It was just all around a great baseball romance. I ate this one right up and you must get on it to reading it too.
Overall audience notes:
- Sports romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: loss of a parent (recounted)
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I do consider this a soft five stars, but it did make me tear up in the last few chapters and that pretty much signals that I loved the book so here we are!! Easily my favorite book from Kate Watson. I honestly wasn’t sure this plot set up was going to work for me but I loved the way it was handled and the right kind of lines were kept so I’m a happy little soul soaking in this baseball romance.
The way my man Lucas YEARNED. And learned. He was tender hearted and flirty and genuine all while realizing he could be more firm in his decisions and taking the next step forward with strength rather than letting things happen to him. I loved watching his relationship with Scottie but I also loved watching his dynamic with Logan and Coop too.
Scottie was someone I could easily see myself in and that made her story frustrating to read, but also entirely relatable. I love a fierce sports girlie and Scottie is a pro. I could have jumped for joy when she started making decisions for herself and holding to what she wanted out of life and her relationships. And how everyone showed up for her??? CUE THE EMOTIONS.
It was just all around a great baseball romance. I ate this one right up and you must get on it to reading it too.
Overall audience notes:
- Sports romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: loss of a parent (recounted)
July 22, 2026
☆5
I’m obsessed! Lucas and Scottie are absolutely adorable. The yearning was everything! The forbidden dating part made the yearning feel much more intense. There were secret touches and moments filled with so much longing and tension, it made my heart ache in the best way. It was so good! The way Lucas saw Scottie completely was my favorite. He knew how she likes her coffee and that she taps her nails when she’s stressed or nervous. He helped her even when she didn’t ask, just because he cared. Lucas was such a green flag. He never crossed the line when she and Jake were fake dating. He always showed up for her and took care of her when she was sick.
When things got hard, and she ran because she thought it was the best thing, he still chased after her. With his whole heart. That moment when they finally could be together freely was perfect. It was so incredibly sweet 🥹
Scottie and Lucas are perfect together. The way they love each other so fiercely is so beautiful.
Kate Watson is amazing at writing these deep but heartfelt love stories that just stay with you. This is definitely one of those books. I love Scottie and Lucas so much, and I cannot wait for Logan’s book, I just know it’ll be amazing!
tropes:
💚frenemies to lovers
💛forbidden dating
💚baseball romance
💛flirty MMC
💚golden retriever x black cat
💛forced proximity
💚he takes care of her when she’s sick
💛”Yes ma’am”
💚so much yearning
💛dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
I’m obsessed! Lucas and Scottie are absolutely adorable. The yearning was everything! The forbidden dating part made the yearning feel much more intense. There were secret touches and moments filled with so much longing and tension, it made my heart ache in the best way. It was so good! The way Lucas saw Scottie completely was my favorite. He knew how she likes her coffee and that she taps her nails when she’s stressed or nervous. He helped her even when she didn’t ask, just because he cared. Lucas was such a green flag. He never crossed the line when she and Jake were fake dating. He always showed up for her and took care of her when she was sick.
When things got hard, and she ran because she thought it was the best thing, he still chased after her. With his whole heart. That moment when they finally could be together freely was perfect. It was so incredibly sweet 🥹
Scottie and Lucas are perfect together. The way they love each other so fiercely is so beautiful.
Kate Watson is amazing at writing these deep but heartfelt love stories that just stay with you. This is definitely one of those books. I love Scottie and Lucas so much, and I cannot wait for Logan’s book, I just know it’ll be amazing!
tropes:
💚frenemies to lovers
💛forbidden dating
💚baseball romance
💛flirty MMC
💚golden retriever x black cat
💛forced proximity
💚he takes care of her when she’s sick
💛”Yes ma’am”
💚so much yearning
💛dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
April 17, 2026
Content: no language or violence, closed door (kissing only)
Genre/Tropes: Contemporary RomCom, forbidden romance, sports romance
My thoughts: Kate Watson has done it again! I mean, Lucas is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and pure green flags. Love him so much. I had been looking forward to this story since meeting Scottie in Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, and this book did not disappoint. I love how this book plays with fake dating and love triangles, without really being about either of those things as far as tropes go.
I love the balance that Kate strikes in swoony moments and the ones that rip your heart out in the best of ways. (Chapter 26, have tissues at the ready—you’ve been warned.)
Some favorite moments:
⚾️ Lucas taking care of Scottie when she’s sick
⚾️ Sneaking around, hand holding under the table
⚾️ When they finally kiss!!
⚾️ The conversation between Lucas, Logan, and Coop at the end of the book
⚾️ Watching Scottie be a beast at her job
⚾️ How Lucas always makes sure Scottie has a coffee
⚾️ The moment Scottie decides she has had enough and finally sends a text with her real feelings
Genre/Tropes: Contemporary RomCom, forbidden romance, sports romance
My thoughts: Kate Watson has done it again! I mean, Lucas is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and pure green flags. Love him so much. I had been looking forward to this story since meeting Scottie in Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, and this book did not disappoint. I love how this book plays with fake dating and love triangles, without really being about either of those things as far as tropes go.
I love the balance that Kate strikes in swoony moments and the ones that rip your heart out in the best of ways. (Chapter 26, have tissues at the ready—you’ve been warned.)
Some favorite moments:
⚾️ Lucas taking care of Scottie when she’s sick
⚾️ Sneaking around, hand holding under the table
⚾️ When they finally kiss!!
⚾️ The conversation between Lucas, Logan, and Coop at the end of the book
⚾️ Watching Scottie be a beast at her job
⚾️ How Lucas always makes sure Scottie has a coffee
⚾️ The moment Scottie decides she has had enough and finally sends a text with her real feelings
April 19, 2026
The Yearning 😍
It's like Kate Watson took the word yearning and defined it over the course of a whole novel.
Yearning = Scottie and Lucas
Takes notes.
Wow.
Scottie and Lucas were the best. My heart was in my throat wondering how everything would resolve. The ending... Totally worth it.
Oh and of course we cannot forget the absolutely perfect emotional healing and growth each character went through on this adventure.
I cried.
But when do I not cry when reading a Kate Watson book. Oh yeah, NEVER, because she writes absolute perfection. I will take no objections to this statement.
Another winner, and now I must go get my shelf trophy copy so I can pull it out whenever I need a good cry and swoon.
It's like Kate Watson took the word yearning and defined it over the course of a whole novel.
Yearning = Scottie and Lucas
Takes notes.
Wow.
Scottie and Lucas were the best. My heart was in my throat wondering how everything would resolve. The ending... Totally worth it.
Oh and of course we cannot forget the absolutely perfect emotional healing and growth each character went through on this adventure.
I cried.
But when do I not cry when reading a Kate Watson book. Oh yeah, NEVER, because she writes absolute perfection. I will take no objections to this statement.
Another winner, and now I must go get my shelf trophy copy so I can pull it out whenever I need a good cry and swoon.
April 17, 2026
Fake Dating That’s Actually Fake (gasp!)
It was actually refreshing and sometimes hilarious to see a fake dating book where the relationship stays entirely platonic! The horror at kissing each other was priceless.
Scottie is stuck in a fake relationship with her brother’s best friend, the bad boy of baseball, to help improve his image. What Jake and her family don’t realize is that it’s killing her inside, especially since she has a crush on Lucas Fischer.
While the fake relationship with Jake made her growing feelings for Lucas forbidden, I loved Lucas and Scottie! I loved how he saw her and relieved her burdens without her needing to ask. If you like clean romance, witty banter, and strong family ties, this is the book for you!
It was actually refreshing and sometimes hilarious to see a fake dating book where the relationship stays entirely platonic! The horror at kissing each other was priceless.
Scottie is stuck in a fake relationship with her brother’s best friend, the bad boy of baseball, to help improve his image. What Jake and her family don’t realize is that it’s killing her inside, especially since she has a crush on Lucas Fischer.
While the fake relationship with Jake made her growing feelings for Lucas forbidden, I loved Lucas and Scottie! I loved how he saw her and relieved her burdens without her needing to ask. If you like clean romance, witty banter, and strong family ties, this is the book for you!
April 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🫑: kisses only
🤬: none
SWOON… Lucas is such a green flag book boyfriend! Loved this book so much. Such a great addition to the series and I am so excited for Logan and his Book Babe coming up! & dare I say…. I would LOVE for Jake to get a book in the future? That man deserves a redemption story.
🫑: kisses only
🤬: none
SWOON… Lucas is such a green flag book boyfriend! Loved this book so much. Such a great addition to the series and I am so excited for Logan and his Book Babe coming up! & dare I say…. I would LOVE for Jake to get a book in the future? That man deserves a redemption story.
July 2, 2026
These two 🫠🫠
From SWNPTG I've been waiting for the twins' stories! Lucas and Scottie are so cute.
Scottie is a work horse who juggles everything for everyone and silently cleans up everyone's messes while not asking anything in return. She also has been the scapegoat for her family and especially for Jake. Which is how she finds herself fake dating him to clean up a mess he made. She is so used to being overlooked she doesn't know what she needs.
Lucas is a glass half full kind of guy. He doesn't take life too seriously, but his talent and hard work has got him far. He's been secretly pining after Scottie for a year and when he finally works up the nerve she starts dating Jake.
I really love the wallflower who doesn't see her own worth who is noticed by the fun loving man who brings her out of her shell. These two are the cutest. I like how Lucas showed up even when she shot him down. That being said I felt like most of the book I was feeling for Lucas because he was being yanked around... I think it worked out well in the end, but this whole situation was MESSY. How could it not be.
I like the full circle moment with the parents and with Jake finally taking responsibility for his own actions, but it just felt like a little too late. I could see where Scottie was coming from, but that doesn't mean I liked how she was or how she handled situations. I felt like she had a double standard that was unattainable. Don't push the line, but why aren't you pushing past the line...
Again, I liked it, but something rubbed me the wrong way. BUT I loved all the baseball!! Even the stuff that went over my head! And Logan and being the voice of reason made him so endearing! Coop is such a hype guy!
Fake dating the wrong guy
Forbidden love
Ops manager x baseball player
Baseball romance
He takes care of her
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language
TW - codependency, toxic relationships, loss of a parent
Favorite things:
Ch 9 🫠
He takes care of her
Coffee deliveries
Sneaky secret touches
Logan and his voice of reason
Parents showing up
From SWNPTG I've been waiting for the twins' stories! Lucas and Scottie are so cute.
Scottie is a work horse who juggles everything for everyone and silently cleans up everyone's messes while not asking anything in return. She also has been the scapegoat for her family and especially for Jake. Which is how she finds herself fake dating him to clean up a mess he made. She is so used to being overlooked she doesn't know what she needs.
Lucas is a glass half full kind of guy. He doesn't take life too seriously, but his talent and hard work has got him far. He's been secretly pining after Scottie for a year and when he finally works up the nerve she starts dating Jake.
I really love the wallflower who doesn't see her own worth who is noticed by the fun loving man who brings her out of her shell. These two are the cutest. I like how Lucas showed up even when she shot him down. That being said I felt like most of the book I was feeling for Lucas because he was being yanked around... I think it worked out well in the end, but this whole situation was MESSY. How could it not be.
I like the full circle moment with the parents and with Jake finally taking responsibility for his own actions, but it just felt like a little too late. I could see where Scottie was coming from, but that doesn't mean I liked how she was or how she handled situations. I felt like she had a double standard that was unattainable. Don't push the line, but why aren't you pushing past the line...
Again, I liked it, but something rubbed me the wrong way. BUT I loved all the baseball!! Even the stuff that went over my head! And Logan and being the voice of reason made him so endearing! Coop is such a hype guy!
Fake dating the wrong guy
Forbidden love
Ops manager x baseball player
Baseball romance
He takes care of her
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language
TW - codependency, toxic relationships, loss of a parent
Favorite things:
Ch 9 🫠
He takes care of her
Coffee deliveries
Sneaky secret touches
Logan and his voice of reason
Parents showing up
August 11, 2026
Overview:
Language 🤐: None
Romance ❤️🔥: LV 2 Kisses only (lightly descriptive
Violence ⚔️:there’s like one confrontation but no one really gets hurt
⚠️the Author has a content warning at the beginning, Grief, talk of terminal illness, anxiety, unintentional neglect, a scene with a spiked drink that is resolved on page ⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Work Romance
- He takes Care of Her
- Protective MMC
My Thoughts:
I have always loved Lucas and Scottie’s dynamic so I absolutely loved reading their story! Lucas is just the sweetest in my opinion, I loved the little things he did for Scottie. Also the way he finds out she is fake dating Jake is not how I thought that would go down but also like the absolute best!
It was so fun seeing their dynamic! Who knew holding pinkies in stolen moments could be so romantic! All their stolen moments and then growth into actually chasing after each other was wonderful.
I enjoyed as well Coop, Logan and Lucas’ interactions were golden! It made me think of all my brothers and just cracked me up! They are the most annoying of brothers but the best wingmen too!
I just love the way Kate is able to write these stories full of laughter but also such depth! She knows how to really get into deep subjects but make you enjoy every moment. I totally cried during part of this story.
I’m so excited for the upcoming stories in this series! I can not wait for the next book to be released! 🤩
Language 🤐: None
Romance ❤️🔥: LV 2 Kisses only (lightly descriptive
Violence ⚔️:there’s like one confrontation but no one really gets hurt
⚠️the Author has a content warning at the beginning, Grief, talk of terminal illness, anxiety, unintentional neglect, a scene with a spiked drink that is resolved on page ⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Work Romance
- He takes Care of Her
- Protective MMC
My Thoughts:
I have always loved Lucas and Scottie’s dynamic so I absolutely loved reading their story! Lucas is just the sweetest in my opinion, I loved the little things he did for Scottie. Also the way he finds out she is fake dating Jake is not how I thought that would go down but also like the absolute best!
It was so fun seeing their dynamic! Who knew holding pinkies in stolen moments could be so romantic! All their stolen moments and then growth into actually chasing after each other was wonderful.
I enjoyed as well Coop, Logan and Lucas’ interactions were golden! It made me think of all my brothers and just cracked me up! They are the most annoying of brothers but the best wingmen too!
I just love the way Kate is able to write these stories full of laughter but also such depth! She knows how to really get into deep subjects but make you enjoy every moment. I totally cried during part of this story.
I’m so excited for the upcoming stories in this series! I can not wait for the next book to be released! 🤩
June 7, 2026
I loved Lucas so much but the ending made me so mad!
April 22, 2026
I don’t always expect a romcom to wreck me and then put me back together but this one did exactly that! Maybe it’s because I can identify with Scottie but man this one made me cry my eyes out. 😅 It also made me laugh and swoon and man that first kiss 🫠 So basically it was the whole package and just made me hungry for Fischer Bro #2 to get his story!
If you have read the other books in this series you know Lucas has it bad for Scottie and he is willing to do anything to get her to give him the time of day- but in a totally cute not creepy way at all. He feels like he is finally making some leeway when Scottie all the sudden starts dating her brothers best friend who is a MLB star with some major red flags 🚩 and he just can’t wrap his head around it.
Scottie has been fixing Jake’s problems for years, a long time family friend who is basically an adopted brother who has a lot of history and struggles and it shows with all of his poor decisions. When Jake asks Scottie to fake date him to save his image she reluctantly agrees after lots of pressure from her family to help him out.
I’ve never read a book before with fake dating in this way and it was so well done and made for a lot of struggles the two MC’s had to overcome to finally get together. I loved this one so much! It was a beautiful story of fighting for yourself and also those you love and I recommend it wholeheartedly!
If you have read the other books in this series you know Lucas has it bad for Scottie and he is willing to do anything to get her to give him the time of day- but in a totally cute not creepy way at all. He feels like he is finally making some leeway when Scottie all the sudden starts dating her brothers best friend who is a MLB star with some major red flags 🚩 and he just can’t wrap his head around it.
Scottie has been fixing Jake’s problems for years, a long time family friend who is basically an adopted brother who has a lot of history and struggles and it shows with all of his poor decisions. When Jake asks Scottie to fake date him to save his image she reluctantly agrees after lots of pressure from her family to help him out.
I’ve never read a book before with fake dating in this way and it was so well done and made for a lot of struggles the two MC’s had to overcome to finally get together. I loved this one so much! It was a beautiful story of fighting for yourself and also those you love and I recommend it wholeheartedly!
July 8, 2026
The sneaking around and lying were not good. I think that could have been handled differently. The ending was good and I cried twice ❤️ a LOT of drama I will need time to recover from.
September 22, 2026
Kate is so masterful and writing emotional, gut punch stories that also have you laughing. She draws me in so well that I couldn’t stop being so nervous for fake characters! Her attention to the baseball details, as well as setting and characters, makes it so immersive!
May 2, 2026
Scottie and Lucas have great chemistry, but they are trying to sneak around like teenagers with raging hormones. It felt like they should be mature enough to know when things are appropriate or not… Also Jake is the absolute worst and I can’t even understand why Scottie keeps helping him.
There was enough good in this book that I’m still happy with it, but enough annoying that I could only give it 3 stars.
No swearing
Swoon, no spice.
There was enough good in this book that I’m still happy with it, but enough annoying that I could only give it 3 stars.
No swearing
Swoon, no spice.
May 1, 2026
I love Kate Watson books and her writing. Love the characters and their connections and stories. I was actually gifted an ARC - and feel really bad that I didn’t finish it. This one got me though (stop reading if you don’t like spoilers).
The characters spend 65% of the book yearrrning for each other but holding to the ‘no cheating’ thing and then after one confrontation with Jake - they throw it all to the wind and they are sneakily making out in every corner.
My daughter said I was being too sensitive. Maybe so. That’s okay. Not everyone loves every book.
She was ‘fake’ dating. Jake assumed they were already ‘together’ and kissing etc. Jake wasn’t interested. I get all of that. But the fact they put such emphasis on the ‘no cheating’ thing and then just tossed it bugged me and I couldn’t finish it. 🤷🏻♀️ I love her other books and will definitely read others that come out. Just didn’t like the direction this one went. Honestly, they probably worked through it at some point and I just didn’t have the patience to push through.
The characters spend 65% of the book yearrrning for each other but holding to the ‘no cheating’ thing and then after one confrontation with Jake - they throw it all to the wind and they are sneakily making out in every corner.
My daughter said I was being too sensitive. Maybe so. That’s okay. Not everyone loves every book.
She was ‘fake’ dating. Jake assumed they were already ‘together’ and kissing etc. Jake wasn’t interested. I get all of that. But the fact they put such emphasis on the ‘no cheating’ thing and then just tossed it bugged me and I couldn’t finish it. 🤷🏻♀️ I love her other books and will definitely read others that come out. Just didn’t like the direction this one went. Honestly, they probably worked through it at some point and I just didn’t have the patience to push through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2026
I seriously don’t think there is any Kate Watson read I won’t enjoy at this point. The Setup Man was as quick-witted as it was poignant, and I’m grateful I was given the privilege of ARC reading for it.
Scottie has spent so much time prioritizing everyone else that she doesn’t know what it’s like to have someone choose her. Lucas wants to be that person for her, especially when he learns that she’s begrudgingly fake dating Jake. As they grow closer, they have to choose if a future together is worth the risking their careers for!
I felt so deeply for Scottie and her predicament. She didn’t know how to advocate for herself because she was unintentionally overlooked by her family & felt too entrenched in her choices to change. Lucas noticing her rerouted the trajectory of their relationship in the best way.
Lucas cared for Scottie so well. He was such a sweet golden retriever with a sneaky perceptive side that got me as I read along. He wanted what was best for her, and he learned that sometimes, you have to step outside the lines and act in order to make your dreams a reality.
The mutual pining and tension in this book was sooooo good. 😊 🔥💃🏼 They are both into each other from the beginning & watching them fall in love was tender and felt really authentic. I truly adored this them together. They weren’t perfect, but they complemented each other so well and had such good chemistry. I believed in their love and rooted for them the entire way. I couldn’t ask for anything better in a romcom!
If you’re a fan of forbidden, sportsball romance, this one is for you!! Kate really dove into the baseball terminology for this book, so if you’re a baseball fan, you’ll super enjoy this read! 👏🏻
Things I loved:
- [ ] Lucas’s perceptiveness🤭
- [ ] Scottie’s take-charge personality💪🏻
- [ ] The Fischer twin dynamic😆
- [ ] Cooper, Kayla, Fletch, & other side character appearances👏🏻
- [ ] Delirious Scottie😬🫠💃🏼
- [ ] The punch & Lucas’s protectiveness😻
- [ ] Scottie’s parents showing up for her🥹
- [ ] Scottie choosing herself in the end🫶🏻
- [ ] The tension and pining🔥
- [ ] Foreshadowing for Logan’s story👀🤩
Songs
- [ ] “Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes
- [ ] “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back” by Shawn Mendes
- [ ] “I Know Places” by Taylor Swift
- [ ] “Risk” by Gracie Abrams
Scottie has spent so much time prioritizing everyone else that she doesn’t know what it’s like to have someone choose her. Lucas wants to be that person for her, especially when he learns that she’s begrudgingly fake dating Jake. As they grow closer, they have to choose if a future together is worth the risking their careers for!
I felt so deeply for Scottie and her predicament. She didn’t know how to advocate for herself because she was unintentionally overlooked by her family & felt too entrenched in her choices to change. Lucas noticing her rerouted the trajectory of their relationship in the best way.
Lucas cared for Scottie so well. He was such a sweet golden retriever with a sneaky perceptive side that got me as I read along. He wanted what was best for her, and he learned that sometimes, you have to step outside the lines and act in order to make your dreams a reality.
The mutual pining and tension in this book was sooooo good. 😊 🔥💃🏼 They are both into each other from the beginning & watching them fall in love was tender and felt really authentic. I truly adored this them together. They weren’t perfect, but they complemented each other so well and had such good chemistry. I believed in their love and rooted for them the entire way. I couldn’t ask for anything better in a romcom!
If you’re a fan of forbidden, sportsball romance, this one is for you!! Kate really dove into the baseball terminology for this book, so if you’re a baseball fan, you’ll super enjoy this read! 👏🏻
Things I loved:
- [ ] Lucas’s perceptiveness🤭
- [ ] Scottie’s take-charge personality💪🏻
- [ ] The Fischer twin dynamic😆
- [ ] Cooper, Kayla, Fletch, & other side character appearances👏🏻
- [ ] Delirious Scottie😬🫠💃🏼
- [ ] The punch & Lucas’s protectiveness😻
- [ ] Scottie’s parents showing up for her🥹
- [ ] Scottie choosing herself in the end🫶🏻
- [ ] The tension and pining🔥
- [ ] Foreshadowing for Logan’s story👀🤩
Songs
- [ ] “Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes
- [ ] “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back” by Shawn Mendes
- [ ] “I Know Places” by Taylor Swift
- [ ] “Risk” by Gracie Abrams
September 11, 2026
This is a book about baseball, but it wasn’t a home run for me. Get it? 😂 Ok, I’ll quit with the corny jokes now.
There were things that I really liked about it and some I didn’t.
What I liked:
The writing is good. The humor was hilarious. Some romcoms are too fluffy and corny, but this had a good overall feel as far as writing goes. I really enjoyed that part. The banter between the characters and the text threads had me really laughing.
I liked that it had substance. It dealt with some real issues, not just fluffy stuff. Scottie was a people pleaser. Jake was toxic. Lucas was passive. It made them dimensional and real so the story felt like it had more depth.
The coffee aspect was cute. I love baseball so that was a plus. The setting was unique and fun, for the most part.
What I didn’t like:
Too much kissing between Scottie and Lucas. Not all of it was overly descriptive, but it was just too much. That part needed to be dialed back some.
All the lying. And covering for Jake. He was so toxic and Scottie just enabled him constantly. She was a people pleaser, but it got annoying. Also, them kissing when he was like a brother to her was weird. I get they were fake dating or whatever, but that was icky. That part of the story wasn’t plausible to me. She hated all of it, but kept doing it anyway. She should have kicked his sorry butt to the curb way sooner than she did.
I liked the writing style and that the story and characters had more substance than most romcoms I’ve tried. But the lying and secrecy, I was not a fan of. I’ll probably try another book by this author to see if it’s a trend or if this particular storyline was just a bust.
There were things that I really liked about it and some I didn’t.
What I liked:
The writing is good. The humor was hilarious. Some romcoms are too fluffy and corny, but this had a good overall feel as far as writing goes. I really enjoyed that part. The banter between the characters and the text threads had me really laughing.
I liked that it had substance. It dealt with some real issues, not just fluffy stuff. Scottie was a people pleaser. Jake was toxic. Lucas was passive. It made them dimensional and real so the story felt like it had more depth.
The coffee aspect was cute. I love baseball so that was a plus. The setting was unique and fun, for the most part.
What I didn’t like:
Too much kissing between Scottie and Lucas. Not all of it was overly descriptive, but it was just too much. That part needed to be dialed back some.
All the lying. And covering for Jake. He was so toxic and Scottie just enabled him constantly. She was a people pleaser, but it got annoying. Also, them kissing when he was like a brother to her was weird. I get they were fake dating or whatever, but that was icky. That part of the story wasn’t plausible to me. She hated all of it, but kept doing it anyway. She should have kicked his sorry butt to the curb way sooner than she did.
I liked the writing style and that the story and characters had more substance than most romcoms I’ve tried. But the lying and secrecy, I was not a fan of. I’ll probably try another book by this author to see if it’s a trend or if this particular storyline was just a bust.
April 17, 2026
“Tell me where the line is, Quinn.” His voice is low, rougher than I’ve heard it. “I’ll crawl to it. I’ll live on it. Just tell me where the line is.”
I need you to stop what you’re doing right now and go get yourself a copy of this book! I love everything Kate Watson writes. I adore this entire series. And now, this book has my whole heart wrapped around its perfectly imperfect characters!
Scottie is fake dating the absolute wrong guy, a guy who is like a brother to her, who needs an image makeover, and who kisses like a squid. 😆She’s also the player coordinator for TikTok Boy aka Lucas Fischer a setup man pitcher for the Mudflaps minor league baseball team. Lucas has been crushing on Scottie (and getting her daily coffee) for a while and they can both feel the sparks between them. But, Scottie would never put herself first and Lucas would never ask her to cheat on her boyfriend. So, just where do they draw the line?
Oh. My. Heart! These two are so, so cute! Their characters have so many layers and their story has alll the things you want and love in a RomCom. I laughed, I cried (more than once!), I smirked, I grinned, and I happy sighed—clearly this book gave me allll the feels!
Scottie aka Quinn aka Quinnie the Pooh and Lucas aka Luke aka TikTok Boy aka Fischer FOREVER!!
Favorite quotes:
“This is the part I wish I could explain to Logan: the way she fits against me like the space was carved for her, like I’m not whole when she’s not there.”
“When I’m on my deathbed, I’m not going to be wishing I’d played one more inning, Logan! I’m going to wish I’d made one more memory! I don’t care about baseball if I can’t have Scottie.”
“Calling her “my person” isn’t quite right, because he’s always been that and always will be. But he’s right that with Scottie, it’s different. She’s not my other half—or my other third. She’s my whole heart.”
I need you to stop what you’re doing right now and go get yourself a copy of this book! I love everything Kate Watson writes. I adore this entire series. And now, this book has my whole heart wrapped around its perfectly imperfect characters!
Scottie is fake dating the absolute wrong guy, a guy who is like a brother to her, who needs an image makeover, and who kisses like a squid. 😆She’s also the player coordinator for TikTok Boy aka Lucas Fischer a setup man pitcher for the Mudflaps minor league baseball team. Lucas has been crushing on Scottie (and getting her daily coffee) for a while and they can both feel the sparks between them. But, Scottie would never put herself first and Lucas would never ask her to cheat on her boyfriend. So, just where do they draw the line?
Oh. My. Heart! These two are so, so cute! Their characters have so many layers and their story has alll the things you want and love in a RomCom. I laughed, I cried (more than once!), I smirked, I grinned, and I happy sighed—clearly this book gave me allll the feels!
Scottie aka Quinn aka Quinnie the Pooh and Lucas aka Luke aka TikTok Boy aka Fischer FOREVER!!
Favorite quotes:
“This is the part I wish I could explain to Logan: the way she fits against me like the space was carved for her, like I’m not whole when she’s not there.”
“When I’m on my deathbed, I’m not going to be wishing I’d played one more inning, Logan! I’m going to wish I’d made one more memory! I don’t care about baseball if I can’t have Scottie.”
“Calling her “my person” isn’t quite right, because he’s always been that and always will be. But he’s right that with Scottie, it’s different. She’s not my other half—or my other third. She’s my whole heart.”
June 2, 2026
I have to be honest that I almost dnf'd this one in the first 30%, but I have loved this series and everything I've read by Watson so I stuck with it. I'm glad I did!
These are characters we've been waiting to see, and it was so fun to get to know them center stage! I found the drama believable though it sounds far-fetched in the synopsis.
I also about LOST MY MIND when I realized most of the book is set in Phoenix for spring training!!!!!! Loved it! Though I'm really curious if there was enough detail explaining spring training that people who don't know what it is understood what was happening?
But my criticism for this book is that it could have been maybe even a full 50 pages shorter due to redundant descriptions. She would describe what a character was thinking or feeling, but then have the dialogue repeat the sentiment. I think this could have been much more dialogue driven and that introspection removed and it would be *tight*.
And the teaser at the end for the next book?!?!!?? AGHHHH!!!
These are characters we've been waiting to see, and it was so fun to get to know them center stage! I found the drama believable though it sounds far-fetched in the synopsis.
I also about LOST MY MIND when I realized most of the book is set in Phoenix for spring training!!!!!! Loved it! Though I'm really curious if there was enough detail explaining spring training that people who don't know what it is understood what was happening?
But my criticism for this book is that it could have been maybe even a full 50 pages shorter due to redundant descriptions. She would describe what a character was thinking or feeling, but then have the dialogue repeat the sentiment. I think this could have been much more dialogue driven and that introspection removed and it would be *tight*.
And the teaser at the end for the next book?!?!!?? AGHHHH!!!
October 21, 2026
“I’ll be the one in neon.” 😆
Another cuuute addition to the series! I loved their texts, how doting Lucas was & seeing Quinn grow. I do think she needs to work through her unrealistic wish that people around her would read her mind & learn how to ask for what she wants, and that they hadn’t kissed while she was fake dating someone else (this bordered the line of cheating for me, hence knocking off half a star), but the ending was so sweet and I enjoyed the ride.
Lucas being so over-the-top doting did kinda make me feel bad about my own life with some unhealthy comparison. I still wish romances could be like Mimi Mathews’ The Work of Art which made me fall more in love with my man instead of compare. But this was still such a good time!
Audio: solid
Romance: a couple very detailed makeouts
Another cuuute addition to the series! I loved their texts, how doting Lucas was & seeing Quinn grow. I do think she needs to work through her unrealistic wish that people around her would read her mind & learn how to ask for what she wants, and that they hadn’t kissed while she was fake dating someone else (this bordered the line of cheating for me, hence knocking off half a star), but the ending was so sweet and I enjoyed the ride.
Lucas being so over-the-top doting did kinda make me feel bad about my own life with some unhealthy comparison. I still wish romances could be like Mimi Mathews’ The Work of Art which made me fall more in love with my man instead of compare. But this was still such a good time!
Audio: solid
Romance: a couple very detailed makeouts
May 19, 2026
This isn’t my first book by this author but it’s not my favorite. It was just okay and not bad - I believe this is the third book in this series and it’s my second favorite (the first being my favorite). There was something missing from this story - I can’t quite figure out what it was but it feels like something was missed. Perhaps it was a lack of “dating” between the characters? I’m not sure - but again, not terrible. It was a quick, sweet and clean read and I always love the mention of characters from other stories! Still excited to read the next book in the series!
July 12, 2026
This book was crazy! The forbidden romance/faking dating totally worked for this story, but I definitely wouldn’t have picked up this book if I didn’t love the author.
This was such a cute story and I loved how the characters grew throughout the story. Both the main and supporting characters. I loved how the romance was both funny and serious and just overall adorable. I loved the ending and overall just loved the originality in this story.
Content: Passionate making out, childhood trauma mentioned, grief, anxiety mentioned
This was such a cute story and I loved how the characters grew throughout the story. Both the main and supporting characters. I loved how the romance was both funny and serious and just overall adorable. I loved the ending and overall just loved the originality in this story.
Content: Passionate making out, childhood trauma mentioned, grief, anxiety mentioned
October 1, 2026
I’m a huge fan of fake dating, and this one has a unique twist. It’s kind of like fake dating gone wrong, or at least the wrong guy.
I loved the workplace dynamics, which happens to be a baseball team. Jake sees Scottie like a sister (although they’re secretly fake dating for PR), but Lucas has been pining for her for months; everyone knows the team’s rules: no drama.
And yet, it makes for good drama! Lots of family meddling and a slow-burn romance bring on the feels. Kate won my heart with all the coffee love in this one too!
Thank you @katewatsonbooks for this gifted book.
I loved the workplace dynamics, which happens to be a baseball team. Jake sees Scottie like a sister (although they’re secretly fake dating for PR), but Lucas has been pining for her for months; everyone knows the team’s rules: no drama.
And yet, it makes for good drama! Lots of family meddling and a slow-burn romance bring on the feels. Kate won my heart with all the coffee love in this one too!
Thank you @katewatsonbooks for this gifted book.
April 20, 2026
Scottie and Lucas… GAH! I’ve loved them since their debut in Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, and their story did not disappoint. This was the best kind of forbidden love story, but also mixed with fake dating (the wrong guy). Forbidden love, workplace dating, baseball romance?! It doesn’t get better than that. This book had me smiling, giggling, blushing and even tearing up. Another fabulous story by Kate Watson!
April 21, 2026
Really heartfelt and unique twist on fake dating and a forbidden relationship. It had me tearing up in one but but chuckling in another.
I loved and often related to Scottie and her complicated feelings that she has to fix everything for people and not be the one to need anything from anyone. And then Lucas seeing her even tho no one else does, and giving what she didn’t even voice. Also loved the whole fighting-for concept too. I think every woman gets that. ;)
Well done, as always in the series. I loved the banter, the swoon, the depth, and the complicated-ness of it all.
I loved and often related to Scottie and her complicated feelings that she has to fix everything for people and not be the one to need anything from anyone. And then Lucas seeing her even tho no one else does, and giving what she didn’t even voice. Also loved the whole fighting-for concept too. I think every woman gets that. ;)
Well done, as always in the series. I loved the banter, the swoon, the depth, and the complicated-ness of it all.
April 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Book 3 of Catching Feelings Series
- Closed door romcom
- Dual POV
- Baseball player MMC
- Player coordinator FMC
- navigating family dynamics
- Fake dating her brother’s best friend AND it’s horrible
- Learning how to ask for help and accept help
- Learning to not play it safe
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- the coffees
- Scottie’s epic attitude
- The easy comfort they have with one another
- “Tell me where the line is”
- Scottie learning to stick up for herself
- Logan & Lucas’s heart to heart
- 🥹 her being worth being found
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
UGH. I love Lucas and Scottie together so much. But this whole situation is SO MESSY. I was highly entertained, but I felt so bad for Lucas the whole time. The characters had a lot of growth to do with setting boundaries and being brave enough to go after what they want. Both MCs notice all the little ways the other person hides (through humor, self deprecation, sarcasm, redirection) and encourage each other to be fully honest.
They got a beautiful ending where everything came back together after falling to pieces. They are literally the sweetest and I love how obsessed they are with each other.
This is a closed door romcom with no cursing and just kissing.
**Thank you so much to Kate and Happily Ever Readers for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
Kingdom of fear by Cameron Whitcomb
Take it from me by Jordan Davis
There she goes by Benson Boone
Glad you Exist by Dan + Shay
Ghost town by Benson Boone
Something bout a woman by Thomas Rhett
Pierre by Ryn Weaver
Bottom of your boots by Ella Langley
- Book 3 of Catching Feelings Series
- Closed door romcom
- Dual POV
- Baseball player MMC
- Player coordinator FMC
- navigating family dynamics
- Fake dating her brother’s best friend AND it’s horrible
- Learning how to ask for help and accept help
- Learning to not play it safe
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- the coffees
- Scottie’s epic attitude
- The easy comfort they have with one another
- “Tell me where the line is”
- Scottie learning to stick up for herself
- Logan & Lucas’s heart to heart
- 🥹 her being worth being found
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
UGH. I love Lucas and Scottie together so much. But this whole situation is SO MESSY. I was highly entertained, but I felt so bad for Lucas the whole time. The characters had a lot of growth to do with setting boundaries and being brave enough to go after what they want. Both MCs notice all the little ways the other person hides (through humor, self deprecation, sarcasm, redirection) and encourage each other to be fully honest.
They got a beautiful ending where everything came back together after falling to pieces. They are literally the sweetest and I love how obsessed they are with each other.
This is a closed door romcom with no cursing and just kissing.
**Thank you so much to Kate and Happily Ever Readers for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
Kingdom of fear by Cameron Whitcomb
Take it from me by Jordan Davis
There she goes by Benson Boone
Glad you Exist by Dan + Shay
Ghost town by Benson Boone
Something bout a woman by Thomas Rhett
Pierre by Ryn Weaver
Bottom of your boots by Ella Langley
April 26, 2026
Another Homerun for Kate Watson
Kate Watson just keeps getting better. This series might be my favorite. The tension, the banter, the yearning, the almost-kisses. I’m obsessed. It’s a rom-com but it goes deeper. I love the family dynamics in this book. I rarely write reviews but this one forced me to. If you’re debating reading this book or this series, stop debating and just start reading. You can thank me later. ;)
Kate Watson just keeps getting better. This series might be my favorite. The tension, the banter, the yearning, the almost-kisses. I’m obsessed. It’s a rom-com but it goes deeper. I love the family dynamics in this book. I rarely write reviews but this one forced me to. If you’re debating reading this book or this series, stop debating and just start reading. You can thank me later. ;)
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