The Catch: A Roommates to Lovers Sports Romance

by Leonor Soliz

Becoming roommates with a hot, commitment-phobic football player wasn't the plan. Neither was ending up in his bed.

When my ex's cheating ruined my life, I didn't think I'd be saved by my brother's friend Gael "Saint" Santiago— a star wide receiver with a dimpled smile and a different woman on his arm every week.

Now I'm in the bedroom next door and Saint has stopped dating. Instead, he holds me close when my ex is in sight, and offers himself as my rebound.

He's not supposed to become my home. Saint doesn't do happily ever after, and I won't settle for anything less.

But we've been sharing our nights for weeks with no end in sight. Maybe forever doesn't scare this player after all…

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Sports Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Plus Size, Sports

371 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Leonor wrote her first Meet Cute at eight years old and never really stopped. Her stories are cozy and fun: low conflict, slow burn books that will make you swoon... and will reward you with great spice. With a healthy dose of humor, these stories guarantee a happily ever after to her plus size and multicultural characters.

Leonor is a Latina living in Canada, working as a therapist during the day and fitting as much writing to her life as she can. She’s also a multicrafter, trying her hand at watercolor, jewelry, sewing, and anything else that strikes her fancy. She makes her own covers!

Learn more about Leonor at leonorsoliz.com/links.

Reviews

[Anne in VA · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 15%. I'm bored. For a guy that keeps talking about the "spark" he has for Ames, I get ZERO sparks reading this. The characters are very bland. And I get Ames went through a breakup, but taking 2 weeks off from work seems a bit excessive, especially when she's a small business owner and the business is in trouble.

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh god este libro fue BUENO! La tensión, la amistad, TODO!

La historia de Saint y Ames me encantó porque a pesar de que nos dicen sobre el ex de Ames y todo lo que pasa, siento que no hubo tanto drama con eso y eso, eso fue lo que hizo que me gustara mucho. Vemos como estos dos pasan a ser amigos con beneficios pero poco a poco mientras lees vas viendo como van creciendo los sentimientos (que ya estaban solo que no se daban cuenta), fue lindo de leer, como Saint hacia cada pequeña cosa para ver a Ames feliz, como aunque su futuro estaba incierto solo quería que ella fuera feliz.

Me gusto, fue súper ligero de leer, un poco mas spicy que los anteriores libros que he leído de la autora pero bueno al fin y al cabo, sin duda un libro que se quedara en mi mente por mucho tiempo (Saint, solo dire eso).

---

Oh my goodness!! this book was GOOD! The tension, the friendship, EVERYTHING!

I loved the story of Saint and Ames because even though we hear about Ames' ex and everything that happens, I feel like there wasn't that much drama around it, and that's what made me like it so much. We see how these two become friends with benefits, but little by little as you read, you see how their feelings grow (they were already there, they just didn't realize it). It was nice to read how Saint did every little thing to make Ames happy, how even though his future was uncertain, he just wanted her to be happy.

I liked it. It was a very easy read, a little spicier than the author's previous books I've read, but at the end of the day, it's definitely a book that will stay with me for a long time (Saint, that's all I'll say).

📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[Chrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonor Soliz delivers a romance that doesn’t just entertain but it nourishes. At its heart is a love story that celebrates softness, vulnerability, and the kind of care that feels like home.

What made this book unforgettable for me was the Latinx male lead, Saint. He’s not just swoony but he’s emotionally present, culturally grounded, and refreshingly willing to let love for Ames guide his choices. There’s something deeply validating about seeing a man who doesn’t posture or dominate, but instead listens, adapts, and cherishes. His devotion and willingness to cater to Ames’ emotional and physical needs felt like a dream come true especially in a genre that often glorifies alpha behavior.

And then there’s the plus-size heroine Ames. She’s radiant, complex, and never reduced to a stereotype. Her body isn’t a hurdle to overcome, it’s part of her beauty, her strength, her sensuality. Watching her be adored without caveats was healing. Soliz writes her with such respect and warmth, and the chemistry between her and Saint is electric because it’s rooted in mutual care and emotional safety.

This story reminded me why I love romance: not just for the butterflies, but for the way it can reflect our deepest hopes. The Catch gave me a love story where softness is strength, where cultural identity is honored, and where emotional generosity is sexy. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

[H-A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Catch by Leonor Soliz
(ARC Review)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I didn’t want this book to end. I laughed, I cried, I genuinely kicked my feet at one point and giggled to myself (a total book girlie cliche I know but only my doggos witnessed it so its fine ha).

I have been waiting for Saint and Ames story since I finished The Game (if you haven’t read it, go back, it’s SO good) and this did not disappoint.

Ames is so relatable, let's face it, we’re all a little complicated and it's hard being a human being so I love it when the books I read don’t run from that fact. Ames has shaped her relationship world view a certain way in the pursuit of perfection and safety and it's only by realising she needs to relax that , that she starts to be truly happy.

Saint was the loveable side character in the last book so I KNEW coming into this that the man was going to be a sweetheart. But boy did I underestimate how adorable this golden retriever of a man would be hidden under the guise of a playboy. Saint has the sl*tty little chain vibe down and he could teach all book boyfriends a thing or two about yearning, a personal favourite trait of mine.

“Dimples pop. Earring shines. Chain peeks.”

The foundation of friendship between the two is so important to read. I love the way they champion each other and you’ll be rooting for them from day one. Ames has a tumultuous dating history and internalises each mistake as if she’s the problem all along but Saint quickly squashes any of that and reminds her of who she is.

“I don't need to change myself for the future I want.”

This is a sports romance and as someone who knows nothing about the actual sport but loves the genre, it was thoroughly enjoyable. One of my favourite things, particularly about American football and hockey books, is the camaraderie between the players and the people in their lives. There’s nothing as fun as a rowdy group chat and a group of giant men ribbing each other whilst simultaneously supporting one another. I loved the found family aspect of this, they’re one team and the people they love are part of that.

I loved this entire book, the body positivity and inclusivity, the tension, the yearning! What more could you possibly want?

This was a joy to read from start to finish, it has all the tension and yearning you could possibly ask for, the spice is spicinggggg and we all knew Saint would aim to please. If I haven’t made it clear enough in the rest of this review, I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Do yourself a favour and run to read this when it releases!

P.S Don’t think I’m not going to be eagerly awaiting the Pen and Bear book now (please say there will be one).

Thank you so much for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.

[Colette aka Colatte · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story was fun but it lagged and dragged in certain areas that didn’t seem to be as important to the storyline. I enjoyed the characters, their backgrounds, their development, and their relationships throughout the book.

[Weekend Reader_]

I beta read this book and let's just say Saint and Ames will take you on an emotional roller-coaster. Their HEA is definitely an earned one

Format: beta document
Romance tag: open door

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint and Ames.

This sweet novel is going to tug at your heart strings in the best way. Have you ever wondered why someone cheats? Well, so did Ames. She got her answer. Saint steps up in the best way when Ames shows up at his door step. Stay and stay as long as you want.

These two, the banter, the sexy moments and the realness of their friendship turned room mates turned.. lovers is just amazing adorable. I love how the MMC reassures the FMC time and time again that he wants her. That he wants her completely, mind, body and soul. & then when they finally get to the 'i love yous' it gets even better.

I loved the found family vibe, the character development of Saint as he evolves into the man that Ames has always looked for but never really found. & just ahh the whole book was so so good.

Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes

LOVES:
- After seeing how Saint had been pining for Ames in the previous book, I was excited. It was devastating to realize how wrong Saint’s opinion of himself was. Screw that random girl who told him he wasn’t good enough 👎
- The Uruguayan food and cultural elements were fun to learn about
- Leonor writes some very good spice 🔥
- I really liked all of the processing about what love looks like and what makes a relationship work. When Ames finally had her epiphany about it, I was very happy
- The secret messages and grand gesture were exactly what I needed 🥰

CRITIQUE:
- The first half felt a little clunky at times and slow, but I really loved the second half

The epilogue wasn’t what I was expecting as it seemed to give away a few things about the next couple books in the series. However, I still want to read them so I guess no harm, no foul!

Saint and Ames were so cute, I loved them. 💓

Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases September 23rd!

[Michelle Antunez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonor writers beautiful stories with Latinx MMC and their plus size FMC's. I have been waiting for Saint's story because qw were introduced ro him and Ames in the previous books and she did not disappear.

We got so many sides of Saint. I think I can safely say he's my favorite at the Strike. Their love story was so perfect, just the angst and all the growth Ames did throughout the story was just so beautiful to read.

Thanks to the author for a gifted advanced copy in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

[Megan Koca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved The Game, so I was stoked when I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this second book in the series.
Reading The Game prior to The Catch is not mandatory; they can both standalone. However, reading it first will provide background information on the side characters and friendships in this book. Plus I would just recommend reading it because it's so cute.
While The Game definitely had spice and possibly more scenes of it (maybe?) I think The Catch's spice was spicier. 🌶️🌶️ If a submissive man gets you going you're going to LOVE Saint as he quite literally crawls to Ames and does everything she asks of him and more. He's a smitten kitten from the start.
I've really enjoyed this series so far and hope there will be a 3rd book about the mysterious Bear and Pen!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Sept 23rd ARC review 

If the dedication page is any indication,  I'm going to enjoy this book and its message.  "For anyone who's ever thought they needed to change to deserve love.  You don't.  You're lovable as you are. "

"Dom, you do your best," I say.  "At the very least, you can look pretty and challenge him that way."   This line got a snicked out of me.  

There were parts in the book that I felt went a bit too slow,  but I enjoyed the book overall.   I appreciated the message that we each are enough, shouldn't change/hide ourselves to please others,  and we shouldn't "settle". 

[Samantha Creamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and let me say… I loved this book!! It’s the second book of the series and so good. A little bit of a slow burn, but there’s so much happening and so much chemistry between the main characters it’s like foreplay. The way Saint and Ames are together is amazing… and that first spicy scene?! I read the first half of that over and over again.

[alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my very first ARC! I wanted to like this so bad but I was very bored by the plot and distracted with the writing style. The characters had no tension between them and their banter was just awful.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gael Santiago take me now. This man!!!! This fictional man is EVERYTHING. This is a friends to lovers ( brothers best friend) between relationship queen Amelia and playboy Saint. But honnestly This player is only a player because he can't have her. He thinks he cant fo relationships but by god no actual man is that devoted. He gives such good praise and can take it like a good boy. I want to say its a slow burn but it explodes at half way and when I say explodes I mean you need a extinguisher for your book, thats how hot it gets. Loved every moment of this. I think its my new favorite Leonor Soliz book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh...where to start? I liked this book. I really like the characters. The Strike football team and friends are just a hoot. I love that they support each other as much as they egg each other on. Ames and Saint have been friends since her brother and him were teammates. And while they both had attraction to the other; they were like ships passing in the night. Either they were involved with other people or not what the other was looking for at that time. Add in big brother putting the kibosh on a relationship, it just never happened.

Then Ames finds herself moving into Saint's condo after a breakup. Proximity is key here - and the question becomes not if, but when. I really liked that they were friends first. They supported each other professionally, lifting the other. As a plus sized girlie, I love seeing women like me represented in romance stories.

I do look forward to the next of the books and to see where the series goes. I will say that for some reason, these books take me FOREVER to read. I am usually a pretty quick reader (can devour a book in 1-2 days), and both of the Leonor Soliz books I've read have taken me almost 3 times as long. I can't identify why that is, because I do love the books, but they certainly don't read as fast as other books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: arc team

[Mia Cienfuegos · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I just want to thank Leonor Soliz for giving me an ARC and making me feel like a true bookstagrammer! 🤣 Secondly, thank you for writing men who love plus-size women. And thirdly, thank you for writing confident women!

I absolutely loved this book and how sweet it was. I’ve struggled to find books with plus-size FMCs that feel genuine. The ones I’ve read are either too spicy or just not well written. But this book, while definitely spicy, had such a great story at its core.

I adored Saint and how Ames was his exception. I loved that he fell for who she was. The POVs were fantastic, and Leonor Soliz created such great tension between the characters with some amazing payoff.

This was a low-stakes, cozy romance, and the MMC? Written by a woman and then some. I loved it. I understand it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, sometimes I just need that kind of read. Something that lets me escape and smile.

I can’t wait to read more of Leonor’s books! You have a loyal reader in me for life 🫶🏻

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I'm easy. You give me a few kisses and tell me I'm a good boy and I'll kneel at your feet...You can test it if you like. I'll be good for you.”

The Catch by Leonor Soliz had me swooning, crying laughing, fanning myself and giggling & kicking my feet. It had everything that I adore in a romance story. Brother's best friend? Check. Plus size rep? Check. Reformed playboy? Check. Emotional growth? Check. Hot intimacy? Check.

“If she wants to look, she'll figure out how gone I am for her. It must be written all over my face, too.”

Ames & Saint are everything. The chemistry between these two was palpable from the start and I loved how their slow burn turned into a five alarm fire. After Ames is cheated on, she decides to stop settling and go after what she wants. Saint has only felt a spark once in his life, but after being warned away, he becomes King of the playboy and develops his "baked & bye" technique. When Ames moves in with Saint while she finds her footing again, their spark reignites and this time, there's no stopping it. They start a journey together to prove to themselves and others that they can be more than they ever thought.

“I promise I'll never stop wanting to love you. I'll stay right here, next to you, holding your hand as we walk together. No matter what the journey throws at us.”

Do yourself a favor and read this book. It's everything that's great about romance stories in one amazing story. Leonor, you out did yourself with this book & this couple.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW all opinions are my own!* 3.5/5

A huge thank-you to Leonor Soliz for gifting me my very first ARC!

The Catch is a brother’s best-friend, sports romance featuring two Latin main characters and a plus-size FMC that I absolutely adored.

Gael Santiago — aka Saint — is a charming playboy who swears off commitment, while Amelia (Ames), fresh off a breakup, ends up needing a place to stay. Since Saint has been her brother’s best friend since college, their forced proximity sets the stage for sparks to fly.

Although the story is a slow burn and dragged a little in the middle, it was still such a fun, heartfelt read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to dive into more of Leonor Soliz’s books!

Due to Goodreads not giving half stars it’s a 3.5 out of 5 starts!

[Erica Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Leonor Soliz for the ARC of The Catch. All opinions are my own.
Saint is easy on the eyes, star running back, and surprisingly, a talented baker. His reputation as a “great time, short time” guy even comes with a goodbye pie for his flings. The only woman he ever truly wanted, Ames, is off-limits—his best friend’s sister. But when Ames shows up heartbroken and needing a place to stay, Saint can’t keep his feelings tucked away anymore.
Ames, a chef facing career setbacks after a public breakup, wants a rebound to get her life back on track. Saint offers himself up as the solution, but what starts as casual quickly becomes complicated with real feelings, sizzling chemistry, and dreams that may not align.
I loved the Latino representation and how Soliz shows the cultural differences within the community. Saint’s pet names, his stylish flair, and his open-hearted devotion made him completely swoon-worthy. The banter and spice were perfect, and the side characters added so much depth.
This was such a fun, sweet, and spicy romance. Now I’m excited to go back and read Logan and Evie’s story, and I’m already hoping Pen and Bear get their own book next!

[Strzykar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really REALLY liked this book. I love forced proximity to begin with, but the tension, and the yearning from BOTH of them was exquisite. It's got depth and I LOVE the found family and the fact that the characters talk to each other to work through their respective hang-ups and avoid the dreaded 3rd act breakup.
The steamy scenes are also SO intense, like, it's the only way these two could be given the way they were pining for one another, but my goodness, it's spicy! And the connection they have shines through even in those scenes.
I haven't read any other of the side characters stories, but now I want to! I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.

[Gie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is so cute! It’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from Leonor’s books—sweet, swoony, and completely addictive. But this one? When it gets hot, it gets HOT!

I absolutely adored Ames. She’s confident, strong, and just so easy to cheer on. Saint… whew. He is pure Y.U.M.M.Y. The way their friendship slowly deepens into something more made my heart melt, and the build-up between them is perfection. Every glance, every moment of tension, just sparks.

What I loved most was how natural their connection felt. The chemistry is electrifying in the best mix of sweetness and heat, and it never feels forced. By the time things finally tipped over into romance, I was completely hooked.

Overall, this was such a fun, feel-good romance that kept me smiling and fanning myself in equal measure. Leonor delivered another gem, and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING LATINE ROMANCE

4.5 stars. I love the way Leonor writes sports romances 🥰

Ames is recently out of a long term relationship after getting cheated on and her brother’s best friend offers her his place to stay while she figures out what’s next, including with her private chef/catering business (that is now at risk since a big chunk of it was tied to her ex).

The thing is, they’ve both been circling around each other in their minds for years. Saint is a player in more ways than one, but that’s because he always saw Ames go for a different type of guy than he could offer. Ames is the serial monogamist, but that’s because taking a risk with Saint seemed too far out of reach. Well guess what happens when they are forced to confront being single at the same time under one roof 😏

The one tiny hiccup for me was how often Ames would say she owed Saint for letting her stay, etc. He always reassured her and it was well before any spicy times it just got a bit repetitive. This didn’t hit as strongly as the first in the series but I still definitely enjoyed.

Thank you to the author for the eARC!

[Zahria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

In my opinion this is a slow burn done right!I loved getting to know Saint and Ames as individuals as well as their dynamic together. The slow gradual connection they build throughout the book is unmatched. The Catch is my first football romance and I thoroughly enjoyed since football is one of the only sports I know anything about. Saint and Ames story gave me all the feels which is why I just love a sports romance.🫶🏾

Lastly I want to thank Leonor Soliz for the ARC of The Catch, I enjoyed every second of it!!💜

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I got to ARC read this one. Such a sweet story. Ames and Saint were perfect for each other from the start. I really enjoyed the side characters too and will definitely read more from this author in the future.

[Nina Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, another great book from one of my favorite Latina authors. I love the blending of culture and tradition that the author weaves in all her books. This friends to lovers book was a fun read and I love the relationships of all the characters as a whole. Looking forward to their next book.

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing piece of work I absolutely loved it the characters were amazing and the plot was amazing and the writing style was perfect

[Kimberlyyyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Leonor for the e-arc (and for the special mention in the acknowledgements!)

This steamy roommates to lovers was exactly my cup of tea, a love a submissive man in the bedroom that is obsessed with his partner and knows her worth !!

Saint and Ames have undeniable chemistry that simply grabs you by a hook!

Their love confessions were so damn good, I'm talking legs kicking and grinning.

I love that Saint and Ames both know their way around the kitchen, Saint with desserts and Ames with Uruguayan meals. Tbh I was craving the food I was reading about, give me some arepas con queso and I melt with the cheese.

Truly another great book from Leonor, I love everything she does and I wish her nothing but the best with this release!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all… the pining is unreal with this one! It’s such a good slow burn and when Saint and Ames finally do get to the bedroom, the spice is so hot. I really enjoyed this book, it was such a fun read. No dreaded third act break up, enough drama to keep things interesting but not stressful, and aspects of found family that I love to see in books. There was a great combination of sweet and spice, it was really well written- I enjoyed the pacing and the plot. I loved watching these two cheer each other on and fight for their dreams and their relationship.

[Lynn Maxwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Catch: A Roommates to Lovers Story

2.5 stars for me

I wanted so much to like this book more than i did, but i got so bored. The back and forth was frustrating and not in a good way. So many points in the book i wanted to scream “JUST TELL HER”. Overall, the storyline was cute, but the “sexual tension” if you can even call it that was not doing it for me. I honestly almost DNF’d halfway through, but pushed myself to finish it

[Jennifer Deuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so thrilled this was my very first ARC and it was so good I could not put it down. I finished it in 12 hours (with breaks thrown in for responsibilities and such). Ames and Saint are so absolutely adorable. I loved watching them fall in love. The fact that real love is work and comes from where we least expect it is often missing in romance novels and Leonor hit those points home so well. If you haven't read it yet you have to get caught up in The Catch!!