“Do you think I could make a real living out of punching people’s exes? Hear me out…what if they really, really deserved it?”
Gage supposes it’s a fair question, even if he doesn’t mean it. Granted, the pain and trauma he’s been living with for the past year has changed him, but that’s not the kind of person he wants to be.
And that much is obvious when Gage pragmatically doesn’t ice out his new neighbor who also happens to be the guy that ghosted him for three months after their one night together.
But Gage can’t really blame Fallon for going silent. He’s dealing with as much as Gage is. In fact, as Gage comes to learn, Fallon has a lot more on his plate than a crappy ex. He’s about to become a dad, and he’s doing it completely alone.
Gage can’t seem to help himself when he offers to step in and help. And it’s not just the fact that he’s a firefighter trained to play hero. There’s something about Fallon that Gage can’t get enough of. Something that doesn’t just make him want to keep running after the other man.
He also wants to catch him. To love him. To be loved back. And to turn their chaotic lives into something like a happily ever after.
Chasing You is the eighth and final book of the single dads series, Words We Never Said. It’s a friends with benefits romance that contains a firefighter in pain trying to find his way again, a nerdy photographer who has no idea what to do when his life is turned upside down, punching people who deserve it, naming cockroaches after your exes and feeding them to zoo chameleons, building a family, accidentally falling in love, and a feet-kicking, toe-curling happily ever after.
I very much enjoyed the first four books of this series, but, many thanks to @Janet for including a note on a circumstance that I would not be okay with and would wreck this one for me. Apart from not enjoying "pregnant as a way to get characters a baby, this would RUIN me:
Gage and Fallon are both recovering from significant trauma and I just loved the way they were there for each other.
I sympathised with Fallon so much too. I've had two traumatic pregnancies and honestly I can't even imagine how much additional stress being trans adds to that experience. I totally understood the decisions Fallon made too because it's like as soon as Joe Public sees you're pregnant, people immediately think it gives them the right to ask super intrusive questions, touch you without consent, and offer unwanted advice you never asked for! I really liked the way Fallon dealt with everything on his own terms and the way Gage totally supported that too.
The whole c-section bit definitely gave me flashbacks though - mine was an emergency and I was awake for it, and I still remember the fucking disgusting feeling of people tugging around 😂😂 The recovery process was horrific too and I wish I'd done the same as Fallon!!
Gage's journey of dealing with what happened to him felt realistic too, and it was definitely difficult to read how much he was struggling and how he was lashing out. I liked the way it was portrayed that trauma doesn't just magically disappear because the person responsible is punished for it. I cried a lot for Gage, and also for Fallon, but I absolutely loved how their story ended.
4.5 stars This is a series that should have never ended, I loved every single story. And finally it's Gage's turn to find his forever love.
I adored Gage since the first book: he was such a wonderful kid and it was beautiful to see him growing up as an amazing adult too. His traumatic experience was anticipated in the previous book, so I already knew what happened to him, but that wasn't any less hurtful. I'm so glad the author gave him a satisfying resolution on that front. I also really really appreciated Gage's confrontation with his father: he hurt him, but he also needed to get it all out and clarify things. It was time for them to be completely honest and open.
I loved Fallon too and I think the author couldn't find a more perfect partner for Gage. I also believe that the description of the pregnancy was very very well done: Fallon's struggles were real and the author handled them very respectfully.
What prevented me from giving five full stars: I completely understand how Fallon fell for his ex's manipulation the night he got pregnant: he was emotionally distressed, he had been drinking and for a moment he saw his ex exactly how he was at the beginning of their relationship. But the fact that he chose to have ful intercourse with him the same night he had a very emotional moment with Gage bothered me a bit. It seemed to me that what he shared with Gage was devalued by what he did just right after with his ex. And since this is the last book of the series, I was disappointed that we didn't get to see all the other characters for a final goodbye.
This story made me laugh and cry at the same time. I really adore this author, they write amazing stories and I definitely can't wait for the next one.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Since nobody in the book judged Fallon for how this all started I’m gonna do it because seriously?! This wasn’t just some silly little mistake, that was just shitty behavior and poor choices.
This was so good. I have truly enjoyed this entire series. I love each of them. I'm so happy for Gage This felt like a full circle moment for him. I so desperately wanted happiness and closure and relief for him I am so glad Gage and Fallon found eachother. Sad to see this series is over but I'm so glad they are all Ok
Catching You by E.M. Lindsey is book 8 in the Words We Never Said series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and have been patiently waiting foir Gage’s story. I thought at the beginning that it for sure would be with Lucas. However, when it became apparent that Lucas and Gage were only platonic soulmates, I was curious as to who would capture Gage’s attention. We knew after the last book that it would deal with trauma for both Gage and Fallon. Both men had been through so much with previous partners. I love how soft they were with each other and how they fit each other so well. It makes sense why the author chose to have Lucas and Gage have different partners once the stories developed. Fallon is set to become a single dad (it wasn’t my favorite thread on how that came to be, but that is more of a me thing). However, Gage stepped up to help in any way. It was sweet watching them bond and fall in love during the pregnancy. There are many sensitive topics in this book that I think E.M. handled really well. I would highly recommend this book, series, and author to anyone who asked. I cannot wait to see where they take us next.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
What a disappointment... I was looking forward to Gage's story, but what a letdown.
I can't like fallon at all. I know he didn't have an obligation to Gage, but you can't say all that sweet bullshit about him and then, almost just a few minutes later, let your abusive ex into your house and fuck him. Gage deserves so much better. And what, you don't know what condoms are for (with the ex). What about health.
Also, the paternity test, that was an obvious plot. This should've been written differently for me to enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Gage and Fallon get their happy ever after, surrounded by their found & blood family. And *what* a journey they have to get there! The trans rep was brilliant. The disability rep and depiction of trauma too. As always with EM Lindsey, it is clear how much care – both research and really using sensitivity readers, as well as experience – goes into making sure these aspects are done well.
Anyone who has read the previous book knew that there was the suggestion of another route to Gage becoming a parent and I was so glad to see that was not the way it turned out!
In this, you'll find: - MM Contemporary Romance - Firefighter MMC - Autistic trans MMC - Discussion of past sexual assault, revenge porn & blackmail - Paternity claim resulting from SA - Unplanned pregnancy as a trans man - Mention of abusive ex & past assault of both an MC & secondary character - Discussion of trauma related to being a biracial Asian adoptee with a single white Dad - Mention of past parental neglect, and being brought up by a brother - Ableist discrimination by a man at a D&D group - Secondary characters with varied disabilities, including an amputee, being blind, narcolepsy, dystonia and more
Wonderful ending to the series. Gage gets his happy ever after with Fallon. Lots of drama and angst and somewhat heavy emotional content in this story. Plenty to be worried about if you have triggers, which is not my case, that's I really enjoyed being engrossed in the details. For me this was almost like a learning experience regarding several of the issues that were brought up by the characters and their families.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, trans, pregnancy, ptsd, autism
After the last book, I so badly wanted more of Gage and Fallon, both as a couple and on their own. They were such interesting characters from what we saw, and they did not let me down. These two have a lot going on, and they were so strong and brave. They somehow kept going, and got each other through. It was not only so good seeing them support each other, but also in how they fought for themselves. This book handles many hard topics with sensitivity. Past SA, past DV, gender dysphoria, transgender struggles, autism, ADHD, to name some. EM is so good at giving the experience of being someone experiencing these things, realistically and with empathy. There were definitely moments that I teared up, but also many laughs and smiles. Thanks so much to EM for this arc.
"Don't let people convince you to make yourself small because they're full of envy."
After finding comfort in each other, Fallon goes silent on Gage for a while - but then as life would happen, they find themselves neighbors - and Fallon has some important news of his own that he shares with Gage, thus rekindling their relationship. Slowly, their intense bond moves into love, as they slowly take the time to get to know each other, support each other. As it is ALWAYS the case with EM Lindsey, it is clear how much care goes into making sure the trans rep, the disability rep and the depiction of trauma were done well.
Oh how i LOVED this book. Gage has been one of my favorite characters since the very start of the series and I couldn't wait to see him get his happy ending. After what we learn in Lucas book, I was kinda weary about the route this single dad situation would occur, but boy am I glad it didnt go that way. I also really loved that we got to see Gage being more vulnerable but also find his strength to overcome SO MUCH and be so self aware of how he was acting. The confrontation with his dad, the way he finally opened up about what was going on his head. And i loved how Adele reacted. This was a very much needed moment.
And as for Fallon - oh my. Sweet baby. I loved him in Chasing you. I loved him in Winning You and i was desperate for more. I love that he was able to overcome some big events too in his life - his ex was really an absolute dirt bag - and get to find someone who saw him, entirely, for who he was. One of my favorite moment was at the very beginning, when, for the first time, Fallon feels ok asking for what he needs and actually get it. I love how they were there for each other and really SEE each other. I think their relationship was beautifully brought up, and they had the perfect balance of supporting each other, taking turns in being the strong one.
Another great thing about this book is that it didnt shy away from the bond between Lucas and Gage. Their friendship is so beautiful, and it was nice to see that it didnt change - merely adapted - to the new situation. The only thing i was disapointed about, seeing as this was the last book in the series, is the lack of appearance from the other characters. I wish we would have gotten some kind of goodbyes or something. But it didnt bother me enough to take anything away from the way i loved this book. I am gonna miss those characters so much and will be revising them for sure.
Read if you enjoy found family, high heat, trauma healing, hookup to lovers, naming cockroaches to feed chameleon as cathartic grand gestures, twists on the accidental pregnancy trope and, of course, a swoony HEA.
Please take care to read the content warning before you read this story, however, if you've read the rest of the series, you have a good idea on what might be going on.
“You make me feel like myself, just the way you are with me. And I like that I’m yours.”
I can’t believe we’ve arrived at the final book in this wonderful series. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series; the found family was unmatched, and the variety of pairings was refreshing. And Gage and Fallon were the perfect couple to close things up with. Gage has been a mainstay in the series since he was just a gangly teenager in the early books, and it was great seeing the man he grew up to be. No doubt the amazing men he had surrounding him his entire life played a big part in that. But he’d experienced a terrible trauma a few years ago, which he was still healing from. My heart broke for him when we learned in the previous book what he’d gone through, but I thought his healing journey was so well done. Recovery from something like that isn’t linear, and this book portrayed the highs and lows.
Despite all he’d been through, Gage was still able to open his heart to Fallon, and their relationship was so beautiful. Fallon had a lot on his plate. A careless choice he made one night turned his world upside down. But Gage never hesitated to step in and support him, so he didn’t have to go through it alone. And along the way, they fell in love. These two were so perfectly matched, I loved the way they cared for and supported one another. Their communication was fantastic, and I loved the little family they built. I won’t spoil anything, but the way that all played out was great. Tugged at all my heartstrings!
I loved seeing cameos from several of the other guys from the series. Obviously, Adele played a big part in this one. He’s always been one of my favs from the very first book, and he continued to prove why he’s a great father and the de facto leader of this group. There were a few difficult scenes between him and Gage, but also some really beautiful father/son moments that brought tears to my eyes. These men are all so open, honest, and not afraid to be vulnerable. It was one of the things I loved most about this series, and there were so many prime examples of those things throughout this book.
The epilogue was so sweet. I only wish we had gotten to see more of the other guys during the epilogue to help say goodbye to these wonderful characters! But even so, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m sad to see the series draw to a close.
Ever since the first book in this series released I have been wanting Gage's story. At first it was hinted at that he might end up with Lucas, but then we learned things wouldn't have worked out between them. We got to see Lucas get his happily ever after with Frankie, and now we finally got to see Gage get his happily ever after.
Gage and Fallon aren't a couple I was expecting to end up together, but wow, they make a great team. Both men have been through a lot, have seen there fair share of trauma, have dealt with the ups and downs life has thrown at them, but they've both come out on the other side different, but stronger. Especially after they meet each other and let one another in they become stronger and more unified together, which I loved seeing.
I absolutely adore EM's ability to write such relatable and realistic characters, they are 'messy', and I think some might say broken, but they are so much more beautiful and relatable because of those things. I thought the pacing was as fantastic as always, the story and the characters immediately immersed me back into the world of Single Dad's finding their people. The romance between Gage and Fallon was so good! You could feel the connection those two had with one another, I think some might feel as if their relationship progressed too quickly. But I don't think so, I think their relationship happened exactly as it was supposed to.
I thought EM did a really great job with writing Fallon's character, and I thought the way in which they wrote about Fallon's pregnancy was in a respectful way and well written. I loved seeing past characters making appearances one more. I also really loved how Lucas and Gage were still there for each other and continued to be each other's rocks even though their relationship has shifted some after they both found their partners.
This book was very bittersweet for me, as much as I loved this book, and this incredible series, I am so sad that this series is now over. This series, these characters, were absolutely magical and were filled with hope, found family, and love. Please read this amazing book, better yet, read this whole series. It'll be worth it!
After watching Gage grow up in the earlier books in this series, it was wonderful to see him take center stage and make a love connection of his own. His and Fallon's journey wasn't an easy one, but the love they had for each other felt so warm and soft that I knew everything was going to be okay. I think what made it so easy for me to connect with Gage was how hard he tried to be the best version of himself. He had been through trauma I wouldn't wish on anyone, and instead of letting that make him bitter he worked to process and move forward. It was clear in this book that he wasn't giving himself enough credit for that, and I was glad to see his loved ones have patience and forgiveness when he lashed out. Connecting with Fallon was a happy accident neither of them saw coming. It was incredible how their chemistry clicked into place after so little time, and I loved how intuitive they were when it came to meeting each other's needs. Fallon's pregnancy was central to his storyline, and I really appreciated the tact E.M. Lindsey displayed when describing his experience. It didn't take long for me to be sure that Fallon and Gage had a forever kind of love, but the two of them had to navigate their own feelings and get comfortable with how the rest of the world would perceive their relationship. I was thrilled to see Fallon and Gage's support networks rally around them when they needed it. It can be so easy to internalize when things get scary, but this book was a reminder that we're stronger together than on our own. In Fallon and Gage's case, their partnership and the community around them were highlights of this story, and I definitely found myself tearing up towards the end of the book when the two of them hit some big milestones together.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
If you know me, you know I'm yet to meet an EM Lindsey book I haven't loved but I think this one is going to take a special place among them all. Lindsey is known for their exceptionally nuanced explorations of character and Catching You delves into some deeply layered dynamics for these characters as individuals and as a couple navigating a new relationship.
Both characters are dealing with some heavy things-between Fallon's shitty abusive ex, a pregnancy, the decision to have the baby and the ensuing complicated feelings around his body, and Gage's recovery (which doesn't always feel like recovery) from an SA and the consequent legal issues around it, these characters are really going through it. There was so much for them to negotiate in terms of learning who they are now amidst all these big changes, what that means for their bodies and how they experience desire, their emotional well-being, and their future as a couple. Lindsey beautifully depicts the challenges of these exchanges, the give and take that occurs especially with two neurodivergent people, and grounding it in real human feelings. There was such care and tenderness, not just between the MCs but also in how this relationship impacts their relationships with other loved ones.
Truly, Lindsey has outdone themselves with this book and I'll be thinking about Gage, Fallon and the whole crew for a long time. What an incredible way to end the series!
CWs: Non-graphic mentions of past SA, non-consensual drugging, non-consensual video recording, trauma, trauma recovery, on-page panic attacks, CPTSD, maladaptive coping, past physical abuse (not between MCs), mentions of adoption trauma and coping, transgender pregnancy, mentions of transphobia and dysphoria, trans/cis PIV intercourse resulting in pregnancy, and gender-affirming sterilization surgery.
Rating: 4.5 Steam: 3 PoV: dual, 3rd person Genre: contemporary romance, MM Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, hookups to lovers, found family
I can't believe this was the last book in the series... I'm going to miss these characters so much! Gage and Fallon's story brought all the feelings, along with the best kind of hurt / comfort.
After reading Winning You, I was a bit worried about how things would play out in this one, because reading about Gage's trauma and what he had been through… It was a lot. I should have trusted E.M. Lindsey though - they made sure that Gage and Fallon got a hard earned, but super swoony HEA.
I've always had a soft spot for Gage, and I loved seeing him with Fallon. They were great together, and even if they tried to keep it casual at first, it was easy to see that they cared deeply for each other. It was lovely seeing Gage and Fallon bonding and slowly falling in love, and the hurt / comfort between them was perfect! I loved how supportive and sweet they were with each other, and Gage also had an amazing support system with his family and Lucas.
They were both dealing with a lot throughout the story, and be sure to check out the TWs if you need to. It was a bit heavy on the trauma for a while, with a lot of emotions that had me sobbing. Even if parts of their story was heavy and emotional, it was overall a beautiful story, with a lot of sweetness and happiness to it too. The portrayal of both Gage and Fallon, as well as what they went through, felt realistic and respectfully written.
This whole series has been such a treat to read, and I'm going to miss this found family and their chaotic energy. I loved the way it ended though, and if you're looking for a series full of hurt / comfort, friendships and found family, you definitely need to read this one!
- I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Catching You is the final book in the Words We Never Said series by E.M. Lindsey. I have loved this series so much and am sad to see it coming to a conclusion, but Catching You was a wonderful conclusion.
Catching You brings us the story of Gage and Fallon. They first meet when there is altercation in the hallway between Fallon and his ex. We pick back up when they are building a friendship and supporting each other through their respective traumas.
After a wonderful evening together, Fallon goes silent on Gage. We learn he learns he is pregnant and has been dealing with all that entails on his own. Once Gage learns what Fallon has been facing, he jumps right in to support Fallon.
Their love is a bit of a slow progression. They really take the time to learn about each other and how to support each other. To me, it is through that support that the love comes. Gage and Fallon have this perfect push/pull thing. They take turns being strong and supporting the other.
It’s so interesting to see how Gage can ground Fallon by just being in his presence. It’s as if Fallon knows instinctively that Gage is good for him.
I really appreciate that throughout the book there is this message of not fixing things, but coping the best they can. Therapy, family and friends are great but they can’t 100% “fix” things.
E.M. did a lovely job of bringing in all of the prior MCs in a seamless way.
Please read the trigger warnings. This story does not shy away from trauma, healing, and challenges.
Steam: 3/5 Fun: 4.5/5 Overall: 4.5/5
Thanks to the author for providing an eARC and this is my honest review.
Gage is still healing from a brutal year when he discovers his new neighbor is Fallon — the man who ghosted him after their one night together. But Fallon’s life is even more chaotic than Gage realised: he’s about to become a single dad, completely on his own. Despite their messy past, Gage steps in to help, and their friends‑with‑benefits arrangement quickly deepens into something real. Between heartbreak, unexpected parenthood, and some wildly cathartic coping methods (like naming cockroaches after exes), the two men slowly build something that looks a lot like family — and maybe even a happily ever after.
I loved this final instalment of the series that was everything I hoped for and more. Gage and Fallon’s love felt powerful, tender, and absolutely earned — two men carrying heavy emotional histories who somehow fit together with remarkable ease. What moved me most was Gage’s complete, unwavering acceptance of Fallon’s trans identity, and the beautifully sensitive way Fallon’s pregnancy was written including dysphoria. It never felt sensationalised; it felt human, intimate, and deeply respectful. Both men have their own storms to weather — Gage’s grief and Fallon’s fear of doing everything alone — yet their connection grows into something steady and life‑changing. And yes, the named cockroaches were a highlight. Cathartic, hilarious, and weirdly perfect. I’m genuinely sad this is the last book in the series. These characters felt real, flawed, warm, and wonderfully relatable, and saying goodbye to them is bittersweet. A heartfelt, hopeful finale that left me smiling and a little emotional. This was an MM(FTM) story with mature content.
Oh my heart. Gage has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series, so seeing him get his hea was emotional for me. Gage and Fallon were like two pieces of a puzzle, with some differences and some sameness, but together they make sense. They make a picture.
In book 7, we learned Gage was dealing with a lot of heavy things (SA/revenge porn/blackmail/paternity) and we continue to work through these events and their effects on Gage in this book. No easy 'oh! all fixed' it's work. Healing is not linear. Some things may never be the same, and coming to terms with that. Fallon is also going through A LOT -- an abusive ex and an unexpected pregnancy. As is often the case in an EM book, it's an emotional roller coaster. Yet at the same time, our MCS and extended found family are weighted blankets of support, community, and care.
EM does a great job crafted and honoring the varying representations in their books. The way they handle trauma, anxiety, the autism spectrum, trans masc, and more is respectful... is impactful...and most importantly it's not there 'just for the plot' with no depth or consideration.
A beautifully emotive, but at times heavy read. Please prioritize your mental health and check the cw before reading. This is the last book in the series, and I suppose you could read it standalone BUT I think you for sure need to read book 7 first! There's a lot of overlap/interconnections.
When I first learned that EM decided to add Lucas and Gage's stories to this series, I was ecstatic. These are the oldest kids of the single dads and I felt like we sort of get to see them grow up in the first 6 books of the series. Seeing how they interacted with the littles in the other books, I was excited to see them become "dads" too.
I've seen other reviews that commented on being disappointed that Lucas and Gage didn't end up together. Personally, I am glad they didn't. A core theme of the other books was the strong friendship between the dads. Being the next generation (and not dads), Lucas and Gage didn't have that support system outside each other. I think EM made the best choice to have these two be best friends. I saw them called platonic soulmates somewhere and I think that's perfect.
We get a lot of information and hints at how Gage's story will play out in Lucas's book, so I was pretty well-prepared, but as always I appreciate how well EM handles delicate topics and themes (check your triggers before reading). Watching Gage and Fallon support each other and fall in love was so sweet. It didn't feel like a jump-off-the-cliff kind of falling in love, but more like a steady slide into the inevitable. I enjoyed it immensely.
As a whole, this series really encapsulates some of what I think is EM's best writing. I'm sad to see the series come to an end and I'll definitely be re-reading.
Well, the ending of this series is honestly very sad, mainly because the saga is now over. This author has been one of my favorites ever since I discovered her with Pock—well, I don’t remember the exact title, but you get the idea. Truly, every book she releases, I read them all, and I read them way too fast. I connect with her writing so deeply; I absolutely love it.
Gabe and Fallon’s story is really, really beautiful. Gabe is a survivor of sexual abuse, and on top of that, they tried to make him believe a baby wasn’t even his. He didn’t know how to feel, and the anger he felt—I feel that too. And Fallon, after so much bullying, so much abuse, so many hurtful words, and so much negativity in his life, finally gets something good.
And honestly, it was so beautiful that the baby did turn out to be Gabe’s. It felt like everything they suffered was finally rewarded by the universe, by life, by God, bringing them together. It was incredibly touching because they supported each other and loved each other exactly as they were: Gabe supporting Fallon as a trans man, and Fallon supporting Gabe as a survivor of sexual abuse.
It was such a beautiful story, truly. These two characters gave the saga the closure it deserved, and it’s something I’ll always carry with me. I really hope this author continues to release more books like these, because these eight books were the most beautiful thing in the world. And seeing that the baby was Gabe’s, how she looked just like him—it was like… thank you. It was everything I needed in this life.
I really loved this story, this is a story I recommend you take your time with, there is a tonne packed into this fairly quick read and that’s exactly what I did, taking time to feel and process what I was reading.
I adored Gage, he is such a bundle of love, o loved him from the first moment, his love language is definitely service, such a swoony character. Also what he’s been through what he had to overcome it’s heartbreaking. I absolutely love how Fallon was there for him, how he took care of him. Fallon who omg had the most epic amount of things to deal with because of a mistake the adjustments the recalibrating just the sheer resilience Fallon needed was awe inspiring. I wish we had spent more time with them, I did not want their book to go by so fast.
The way the author handled the representation across the spectrum in this book is phenomenal, spot on, perfection. The journey the trans character takes in this story is challenging it’s handled with so much grace as is the neurodiversity and the mental health journey. There is a tonne to relate to in this book. As usual EM Lindsey’s writing humbles me and I can’t wait to read what’s next now this series has come to close.
Gage has been in my heart for a while now, and his book really took him through the ringer. I went into this book knowing the TWs and was a bit hesitant, but somehow, like always, E.M. was able to break me and heal me all within just 264 pages. I devoured this book, which honestly isn’t unusual for me. The care they put into writing about any topic, whether heavy or light-hearted, is the main reason I’ll always want to read their books.
Gage and Fallon are so sweet and unique together, and their friendship and blossoming relationship are filled with so much depth and love right from the start. I just couldn’t stop rooting for him to find his HEA, and I have to admit, I was nervous for a bit there. But I was definitely not disappointed with how everything fell into place. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Luckily, I read this on my Kindle because I spent most of the last half either teary-eyed or ugly crying.
I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but Gage and Fallon will definitely stay in my head and heart for a long, long time.
I received a free copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I'M NOT CRYING I SWEAR. I loved this book so much. I've been waiting for Gage to finally get his happy ending since the moment i finished the last book, and i absoulutey devoured this one. This book had me sobbing with how loving and sweet it was. I didn't know what to expect when i started it but Gage and Fallon absolutely stole my heart. I loved seeing them navigate all of the tricky situations that they had to go through. I think this book tackled both of their struggles very well and in a way that felt raw and human. I am not trans so i can not speak on that experience, especially with the added aspect of pregnancy but from an outsider's perspective, it was handled really well. As someone who is an SA survivor, Gage's experience and healing journey within this book truly resonated with me. I am so sad to see this series come to an end but i think this was a great way to end it. I adored this series and these characters, and i am so happy with the way everything turned out for them all.
Catching You is the eighth and final book in E.M. Lindsey’s excellent Words We Never Said series. The first six books focus on a group of single dads who become like family to one another. The series then jumps forward by a few years to give us books for Lucas (Winning You) and Gage, the two oldest of the original group of kids. I really love that Lindsey added on these last two books, as Gage and Lucas were both such interesting parts of the main series and it was great to see each of them finding their happiness. They are also best friends and rely on one another quite a bit, so they each play a big side role in one another’s stories.
This is one of my favorite series from Lindsey, which says a lot considering how many of their books I have read. Catching You caps the series off so well and really brings it to a close perfectly.
This was one of the best E. M. Lindsey books I have read. I thought Lucas would be the favorite one but this was it in a big big way! I am sad because Words We Never Said series is done, E. M. brought mostly everyone back from it though, all the kids for sure. Briar, Audra, Rex, and then Bowen, Lane, Monty, Adele, Kash, Kylen, Frankie and Fenton of course and Lucas. I learned so much about being a trans man and what loving an autistic, trans man would be like. I felt like this was a gift for my brain. I also learned more about ADHD, and adoption and so much more. But through this all, the author supplied, what they always brought to this series love and kindness, for parents, for children, for friends, for family real and found, so much understanding and treating those we love with respect and letting everyone be who they are. No matter how long it takes. This was an ARC read for me and through my tears at the way the book and the series has ended, this review is in my own words.
Catching You was everything I hoped Gage’s story would be and more. I’d always imagined his future tied to Lucas, so realizing their bond was meant to stay beautifully platonic made me even more curious about who would truly see Gage. Fallon was the perfect answer. Both men carry deep wounds, and watching them slowly build something gentle and safe together was incredibly moving. Their softness with each other, the way they fit so naturally, made their love feel inevitable. Fallon’s path to becoming a single dad wasn’t my favorite element personally, but the emotional payoff — especially seeing Gage step up with such sincerity — was worth it. E.M. Lindsey handles heavy topics with compassion and honesty, and this book is no exception. I’d recommend this story, this series, and this author to anyone who loves romance that feels tender, real, and healing. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
“…the best things happened to the ones who held out for their happily ever afters.”
Gawd, the perfect ending to such a great series! Gage, who we have watched grow up, finally gets his so deserved HEA with our sweet photographer, Fallon. Of course if you have read Lucas and Frankie’s story, E. did a great job of a meet horrible. Fallon and Gage’s story picks up in the aftermath of the horrific Charlie mess. Their journey takes place over the next nine months with tender moments, poignant moments, sexy moments, lovely moments, heartrending moments. Throughout all these, E. gives us moments with some of our favorite Single Dads, I just want to hug them, this family. The epilogue does have a marriage in it, but really the best part is the perfect circle back to the beginning of this wonderful series!
I loved a lot of books in this series, but this one is definitely right there near the top. (I'm going to go back and forth between Lucas's book and this one for favorite depending on mood). I just absolutely adore Gage and Fallon. This book is HEAVY on the hurt/comfort. Like, tissues are definitely needed because these two are going through it. But, the relationship is so solid. Even when they aren't defining it, and after a quick snafu, it's so obvious that they're it for each other and I just love them so much. Their relationship is built on friendship, support, and so much love. Plus, we have so many scenes with some of my past favorites (thank you Lucas for making me laugh so hard that I woke up my spouse), it's just the perfect ending to the series -- even if I'd read so many more books with this group
Gage and Fallon are both used to being too much - too loud, too weird, too not "normal." When they meet, neither one is in the place for a relationship - but a friendship, with a side of benefits, is 100% in the cards. But when life gets complicated, both men have to realize that they don't have to go at it alone. That together, they may find exactly what they need.
What a fantastic ending for such a great series! We've seen Gage (and Lucas, his BFF) grow into men during this series and it's such a joy to see their lives unfold. This isn't fairy-tale and life isn't always easy, but seeing the love and support Gage (and Fallon) have around them is amazing!
Thanks to the author for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.