Since We've No Place to Go: A Very Merry Romantic Comedy

Catching Feelings #0

by Kate Watson, Stephanie Rose (Narrator), Gregory Salinas (Narrator)

The only thing I hate worse than Christmas is Cooper Freaking Kellogg.



My reason for hating Christmas is my mom loved Christmas, and now she’s gone. My reason for hating Cooper Kellogg is also he annoys the jingle out of me. The all-star, all-ego player is on the injured list, and—lucky me!—we’re assigned to work on a special project together. Between awkward team events, a Christmas escape room, and some very inconvenient mistletoe, Coop and I are getting way too close for comfort.

Then we’re trapped in a blizzard overnight, and Coop’s cocky grin slips, showing the man behind the mischief. I start falling for his exasperatingly handsome face faster than the snow can pile up around my car. Unfortunately, my overprotective MLB dad and brothers have one rule bigger than Santa no dating players. And it’ll take a lot more than Christmas magic to change their minds.



Liesel Fischer is the Grinch I never knew I needed. She’s smart, snarky, and treats me like a typo she wants to delete. So naturally, getting under her skin is my new favorite Christmas tradition. It doesn’t matter that I’m itching to unwrap all the intriguing layers beneath her prickly exterior. And it especially doesn’t matter that she’s the first woman I’ve ever wanted to drop my own walls for.

I’m not allowed to date her.

I shouldn’t date her.

But after a blizzard traps us in her car and I miss my flight home, I’m definitely going to date her.

Now if a Christmas miracle can just convince her family that we belong together.

I’ll put it in my letter to Santa.

Set in the charming world of Single All the Way, this swoony, closed-door standalone holiday romance connects to Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend and the Catching Feelings series.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Enemies To Lovers, Sports, Contemporary, Sports Romance

Audible Audio

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Kate 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.*

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a holiday read that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe yell, “Just kiss already!”? This is the one! Liesel and Cooper’s story kicks off with a fiery first meeting at the airport (thanks, delayed flight!), and from there, the sparks just don’t stop flying.

Liesel is a whip-smart analyst for Chicago’s pro-baseball team, and Cooper is a cocky (but oh-so-swoon-worthy) injured pitcher who knows exactly how to push her buttons.
Their banter? Top-tier.
The insults? Basically foreplay.
And the chemistry? Off the charts!

And guess what? There’s no dreaded third-act breakup. Just two stubborn, lovable people figuring out life, love, and how not to kill each other. Oh, and if you’ve read Single All the Way, you’ll be excited to see Juliet and Nate pop in for a cameo!

Kate Watson knows how to deliver characters you can’t help but root for. Don’t miss this one for your holiday TBR!

Read this if you like:
🌟 Baseball Romance
🌟 Enemies to Lovers
🌟 Forced Proximity
🌟 Protective Family

🚨🚨 TW: Grief, anxiety, death of a parent

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit, I picked this up for the pretty cover, expecting a road trip romance. Turns out, it wasn’t that at all. Whoops! My fault. But honestly, I’m not even a little disappointed. It was still the super cute Christmas romance I was hoping for!

It follows Liesel, who works in analytics for the Chicago Firebirds, and Cooper Kellogg, a showboat baseball star temporarily sidelined by an elbow injury. And let’s just say, Liesel is not thrilled when the two are forced to work together to finalize the team roster.

I couldn’t get enough of Cooper’s relentless, cocky charm that constantly annoys Liesel. Their banter was so fresh, playful, and full of sparks! And, of course, underneath Cooper’s bravado lies a genuinely nice, misunderstood guy!

I also thought the family aspect was really wonderful, as both of them, in their own ways, are feeling the loss of their mothers. Though their situations are very different (Cooper’s mom is living with agoraphobia, while Liesel’s mom passed away two years ago), their shared grief during the holiday season was so touching!

(heat level: kissing only)

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m DNFing at 75% but since I’ve read this far I’m going to give it a rating. 4 stars. I enjoyed most of this, the banter is really good. I like the characters overall but there are too many innuendos for my personal preference. And it just got weird with the brothers and Cooper. It is cute and funny but I can’t finish it.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story. It will definitely be one I go back to and reread. It’s a hilarious and totally swoon-worthy enemies to more story, with some amazing depth regarding loss and representation of agoraphobia—which I related to on a personal level having a parent who bears that burden as well. It was so well done. I laughed, I cried, and I loved the whole story so very much.

I said it before, but even more so now, I truly feel honored to have designed the hilarious Ugly Christmas Sweater that makes an appearance in both of Kate’s Christmas books. Read it and you’ll know why.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since There's No Place to Go is a standalone novel but does feature characters from Kate's previous holiday romcom- Single All the Way. You can definitely enjoy this one even if you haven't read the previous--- though I'd certainly recommend both.

Oh my goodness, this book! As much as I absolutely adored Single All the Way, I have to say that this one was even better! Right from their hilarious meet cute, I was drawn into Cooper and Liesel's story. They had such amazing banter, matched only by their undeniable chemistry. Cooper might be one of my favorite MMCs ever... he's so cocky, but with his big heart, it's impossible not to love him anyway. Their story was filled with so much holiday cheer and so many laugh out loud moments that had me smiling throughout. (The interactions between Coop and Liesel's brothers were the best!) That was blended perfectly with the more tender moments that had me reaching for the tissues. Liesel's loss of her mother to ALS and Cooper's mother's struggle with agoraphobia added so much more to the story. As someone who struggles with agoraphobia myself (though to a lesser degree), I loved seeing this representation in a side character and I found myself relating to her very much. While there were definitely some tougher moments, there was also so much healing... truly just the perfect heartfelt holiday read! I absolutely loved everything about it.

Since There's No Place to Go is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since We've No Place To Go is the most perfect Chirstmas romcom. It's going on my all time favorite list for sure.

It starts with the most hilarious meet cute, or maybe it's a meet hate because they are enemies after all.

It's a bit of a sports romance because the FMC Leisel works for a baseball team in the analytics department (as a fellow Excel spreadsheet enthusiast, that sure sounded like a fun job) and the MMC Cooper is a baseball player. Since the book takes place in December it's the off season so no actual game play, which is great because I am not a sports fan.

There is so much Christmas joy but it is balanced some deep emotional moments. Overall though, the book is feel good joy and I'm happier having read it.

Kate Watson knocked it out of the park (see what I did there? It's baseball afterall🤣)

All the stars, hearts and Christmas joy 🥰

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance readers, if you’re looking for your next Christmasy hit, definitely put this on your list!

This is my first book by this author but definitely not my last. Since We’ve No Place to Go is fun and flirty with great character dynamics. From the very first chapter I was pulled in and it held my attention to the end.

This books starts off with bad first impressions that lead to much much more. Cooper and Liesel are two headstrong people that have to find a way to work together for the good of the team — and sparks fly. The “bicker-banter” was on point.

I was so impressed by how much baseball was incorporated into the plot and the characters backstories. When I read a sports inspired romance I really want the author to go all in and she excelled.

There was a great deep dive into the characters backstories, and I love seeing Coop and Liesel grow together as they got to know each other heal and bond over their dreams and past hurts.

Read For:
✨Fun banter
✨Solid chemistry
✨Cocky Male MC
✨A Female MC with a knack for sports analysis
✨Growing together through shared grief

A lovely read I’m glad I picked up. Ive had zero attention span this holiday season and this sucked me in.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for forced proximity and sports romance and grumpy sunshine and cozy wintery reading! This was the perfect book to read recently. It's funny and sweet and I loved the full cast. I laughed... a lot.
Liesel loves baseball and her job as an analyst for the Chicago Firebirds. She does not love Cooper Kellog, one of the star and very showy players. Forced to work with her nemesis on building the roster for the upcoming season is just another reason to not enjoy the holidays this year.
Based on the cover, I expected a road trip romance. I was wrong but the cover is perfectly suited (IYKYK). Kate is definitely an author I'd love to read again and again. She balaces the fun humor with a mutual grief they can relate to. It's thoughtful and heartwarming!
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends, add this to your Christmas reads! Fun and sweet holiday romcom, this is about two lovable people with great banter that start to realize how much they need each other to work through their individual family traumas. No third act breakup either, it’s a Christmas miracle!

[Brenna (brennas_book_corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been dying for a baseball romance and this delivered! A fun, closer door Christmas romcom!

[Hannah Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! It was so cute and Christmassy and romantic and I laughed out loud so many times at the banter between the main characters (and then had to try to explain to those around me why I was laughing). But there was also so much depth to it. I found myself writing down quotes and rereading lines of wisdom about relationships and letting go and allowing yourself to grieve (not only those who have died but changes and expectations too).

Also, protective brothers :)

Looking forward to reading more by this new to me author!

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful Christmas story that definitely made me feel a range of emotions. Yes it is a baseball romance but it is definitely more than that. It’s the growth of Leisel and Cooper, the struggles they face and journey they both go on to heal from their past. The family dynamics were a joy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it! There are a few trigger warnings like a death of a parent, illness and mental illness so please be aware especially if this is a trigger for you. I received a complementary copy from the author.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I loved everything about this book. From the meet cute, the banter, the genuine lol moments, the moments that made me swoon, and backstories that made me want to bawl my eyes out along with the main characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the beginning but I oddly lost interest in the end

I loved the beginning all the way up to Christmas and then I just couldn't seem to stay engaged. I think the ending with Christmas was a little too over the top for me. The extreme shifts didn't seem realistic, especially with Cooper's mom. But this is a sweet Christmas read.

Content: PG. Kissing only. Triggers with loss of a mom, mental illness, and coping mechanisms.
Language: No language
Religious: No

Happy reading!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sweetest Christmas story! 🎄 He's the baseball player she can not stand, and she's the sports analyst that really speaks her mind about him, TO him! But if that wasn't a rocky enough start, Leisel and Cooper are in for more of a challenge when they are forced to work together. They say there is a thin line between love and hate, and that seems to be oh so true for these two. There are reasons Cooper is the way he is, the misunderstood, cocky player. And there are reasons she can not stand him, something she's keeping a secret. As Christmas rolls around they both are mourning different aspects of it. And their enemy, soon becomes their friend... possibly even more... that is, if it wasn't totally forbidden! Can Lee and Coop unpack their feelings for each other (and their secrets) and then fight for a future... together?

This story had all the feels, and there was even a part where I found myself in tears, but for a good reason. No spoilers, though. You do not want to miss this!!!

What to expect: enemies to lovers, he loves Christmas/she's avoiding it, lots of ugly sweaters, snowed in, forced proximity, forbidden romance, workplace romance sweet kisses.💋 Rumor is... there will be a bonus epilogue also that you will NOT want to miss when the book releases! Shhhh.

For me, this was a 4.5, rounded up to 5 stars!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my personal thoughts and experiences with the book.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

🎄 The vibes:
- christmasy
- Fun but serious too
- Dual pov
- Baseball
- Closed door

⚾️ My thoughts:
I wasn’t sure how to feel about Cooper at first, but I really warmed up to him. I love a flirty MMC, and Coop fits the bill perfectly. I liked that he wasn’t just a silly, fun guy- he was willing to stand up for himself to Liesel’s dad. 10/10. I found myself laughing and grinning at so many comments from him.

🎄 I enjoyed his chemistry with Liesel. I thought they were very cute together.

⚾️ The Christmas elements were there which I love to see. Also there was some depth here with both Liesel and Cooper’s family histories. There’s a grief journey element and the entire plot line involving Cooper’s mom having agoraphobia was something I haven’t seen done in a book before.

🎄 The fight halfway in almost made me blow my top. Liesel came off as so immature for me and I struggled with that moment. I almost felt like it was strange and out of character for her.

⚾️ I think this book is unique for me because it was silly and light hearted but it also went very deep with some themes of grief and mourning. There were a lot of different elements and subplots going on through the course of the book and sometimes I felt like maybe too much was going on. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had just focused on the more serious themes - BUT I still liked this one a lot and thought it was a cute read to add to the tbr.

Note- closed door

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Christmas story and this book has it in abundance. Liesel used to love Christmas but now she wishes it was over with quicker. Sat in the airport while her plane is delayed she can't believe it. When a couple get up to leave she rushes to sit down in one of the only two seats. Really he's that ignorant he puts his back on the only chair left and totally acts like he doesn't see me and it that a tattoo on his face. Nate moves his bag for the woman to sit down and boy gorgeous is an understatement. When a report on the TV mentions me she goes off in a rant. Ok say what you really think about me, except she doesn't know its me with beard hat and tattoo make people avoid looking straight at me. That's is until she's that riled up she looks into my eyes and slowly the recognition shows in her face. Now we have to work together that's really going to work out. This is a story that covers some serious subjects but I thought it was compassionately written and from various perspectives. This will have you laughing and cringing in some places, and the usual argument comes into play about Die Hard and YES its a christmas movie. I also think we should have a new superhero called Elverine. I also hope that maybe we might get to have a book for Kayla I think it would be interesting. Be sure to add this to your tbr list you won't regret it ❤️

[Stephanie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liesel and Cooper’s story was so sweet! I love the connections to Sugar Maple and a good baseball story. The way they just get each other is pure poetry. I love how his confidence allows her to shine and how she challenges him to be better, be real. And the enemies-to-lovers banter is just off the charts. Also love the little nugget of the intentionally misquoted lyrics throughout.

Once again Kate Watson has pulled out all the feels with the family relationships in this book. I’m here for it all—the complexities of a parent with a mental illness and handling the holidays after loss. She so kindly and gently deals with both things, and I think it’ll help readers with similar experiences feel seen. I know it did for me. Watson truly has a knack for that.

Such a sweet, charming, and yet deep, Christmas romance that hit with all the right feels for me.

Ps: Liesel’s brothers, Logan and Lucas, also have my heart, and I hope to see more of them in the future. (That can be a thing, right?)

Content notes: grief, anxiety

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute romcom! The romance was sweet and funny with low-stress conflict and low-spice content (which I want in my romcoms).

Kate does a good job capturing witty banter and humor, and she’s good at character building! I didn’t expect this to have so many emotional themes, but it’s woven in well.

The story is not at all what I thought it would be about. Since the cover photo is of them in a car, I thought it’d be a road trip storyline, but the portion in the car is only one scene in the book. But it surprised me in a good way. I also feel like the title didn’t really give much information about what the book was about. It’s actually more of a baseball romance, which I ended up liking (and I actually learned a lot about baseball).

In general, it’s a pretty simple plot with very low stakes and minimal intrigue, but I didn’t mind for this kind of genre. It was a good, clean Christmas romance, and I’d recommend it if you want something light, cutesy and funny.

🤔 Content considerations: Kisses only (but descriptive), some innuendo and described tension
(TW: death of a parent, mental illness)

💭 Age recommendation: Adult

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is a professional baseball player out for the season due to injury. Liesel works for the same baseball team that Cooper plays for and is most definitely not his biggest fan.

When the two are forced to work together, sparks fly. They just can’t help antagonizing each other. Everyone around them sees the sparks too. Including Liesel’s dad who just so happens to be an umpire and makes it clear that Cooper needs to leave Liesel alone.

Through a series of events Cooper and Liesel are pulled together. Will the two admit their attraction to one another? Can there even be a future together for the two of them?

This sassy, hilarious, pull-on-your-heart-strings story is an absolute must read. I couldn’t read this without smiling and laughing out loud. There’s so much witty banter with some serious moments woven in. It was so well written. I loved the balance of humor and real life struggles. This is for sure a Christmas romcom with depth that you will absolutely want to read.

[Ally | SkipTheSpice · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to believe that it’s only been a little over a year since I read my first Kate Watson book. I was an immediate fan after reading the first two books in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series, and then Watson released her Christmas book, Single All The Way, which was one of my favorite books of 2023. Fast forward to now, and I didn’t think there was a way Watson could match my love for Single All The Way, but now that I’ve read her newest release, Since We’ve No Place To Go, she’s proven me wrong!

I cannot get over how much I absolutely loved this book! If I could give it 6 stars, I would! From Cooper and Leisel’s first fiery encounter, I fell in love with their chemistry. Cooper just might be the most cocky character I’ve read, but he’s also incredibly likeable - and Leisel absolutely can’t stand him. It’s the perfect recipe for a rivals to more rom-com. And if that were simply all this book was – a rivals to more rom-com – it would still be entertaining and enjoyable. But there are so many layers to Cooper and Leisel that Watson expertly peels back as the story unfolds. This book deals with grief and loss, without the heaviness that often results from stories with those topics. Leisel’s protective family adds sweetness as well as hilarity to the story. And the banter and snark are perfection! Forget about your TBR and grab this one today! You’ll be laughing, swooning and feeling all the feels in no time!

Intimacy: Kisses Only
Language: None

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to try a book by this author for the past couple of years. I’m so happy that Since We’ve No Place to Go ended up being the first book of hers that I read. First of all, it was such a great Christmas book. Secondly, while being fun and witty, it actually dealt with some pretty deep issues, such as grief, mental illness, and forgiveness.

I loved these two together! Coop and Liesel got off on the wrong foot right from the beginning, but it became clear pretty early on that Cooper was intrigued by Liesel. And, whew! There was actually a pretty good reason that Liesel didn’t like Coop at first. They were so cute with the way they began to be drawn to each other as the romantic attraction built. I loved the way these two eventually communicated so well with each other and really shared deeply about themselves. I also loved seeing Coop interact with Liesel’s family. Priceless!

This book was so good! I look forward to reading more from this author. Since We’ve No Place to Go is a sweet and clean romcom.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Laura (Laura and Literature) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and sweet romance full of witty banter.

A bit of grumpy and sunshine with some Christmas thrown in there. The story revolves around baseball and I thought that was very fun, too.

The characters were likable. I really liked Leisl’s dad and her brothers were great! I felt like we really got to know everyone and it added to the story for me.

Leisl and Cooper are a new favorite of mine.. their separate stories are so heartbreaking and unique on Coopers side, I thought. I was really rooting for them from the beginning!

Speaking of the beginning, that opening scene was hilarious 🤭

[Alix | IG: ThisBookishMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, holiday baseball romance that had me laughing throughout the whole book. I loved the banter and enemies vibes in the beginning and the loveable MMC.

It did lose a little momentum for me about halfway through the book and there were a few things I didn’t love, but I still really enjoyed it overall and would recommend. Also bonus points for making me cry!

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it!

Full review to come.

[Lauren Brewington · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so silly and sweetie! love the depth of coop & liesel - so good!!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute Christmas read. A hallmark movie in a book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

tis the season and all that to read festively

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas story!!! I loved this so much I have the biggest smile on my face!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

These kindle unlimited Christmas books are just so good!! This one was so funny