Love Catch: A Sweet Sports RomCom

by Laura Langa

Jilted at the game. Roommates by chance. Catching feelings by accident.

Humiliated after my MLB fiancé called off our engagement—in the middle of a baseball game, I did what any rational, rule-following girl would I climbed on top of the dugout to give him a piece of my mind.

I just didn’t expect to slip—or fall straight into the arms of Trevor Chapman.

Awkward? Totally. Except the team’s veteran catcher also happens to be my roommate. Trevor’s protective, patient, and ten years my senior—but I’m the one sharing custody of his rescue calico and handling the personal taxes for half of the Waves lineup.

To shake off my post-breakup funk, I make a list of adventures—and rope Trevor in. With every item we cross off, it’s harder to ignore that I’m catching feelings faster than Trevor snags fastballs.

I’ve already been burned by a Waves player, so letting myself fall again feels risky—even when Trevor has always been there to catch me.

Love Catch is a closed-door sports romcom featuring a jilted bride, her protective MLB roommate, and one very sweet calico rescue cat.
It’s perfect for readers who love playful banter and sizzling kisses with no third act breakup!


The Love Playbook series—where swoony athletes, laugh-out-loud romance, and happily-ever-afters meet adorable rescue animals who steal the show. Each book is a standalone, full-length, closed-door romcom featuring a different sport and an adorable pet! Books can be read in any order.


Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré (Football/Soccer)

Love Catch by Laura Langa (Baseball)

Every Breath You Take by Larissa Hommes (Swimming)

Don't Crosse the Line by Britney M. Mills (Lacrosse)

The Neighbor Playbook by Kristine W. Joy (Basketball)

Try for Love by Dana LeCheminant (Rugby)

First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman (American Football)

Faking Fore-Ever by Abby Greyson (Golf)

Genres: Sports Romance

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 13, 2026

About the author

Laura Langa is an award-winning sweet romance author. She strives to write stories that pull at her readers’ heartstrings and create relatable characters you can’t help but root for. Laura loves trees and all things green, hates flossing but forces herself to do it every night, drinks tea—not coffee, and believes that salt air can often cure a bad mood.

Visit her website at www.LauraLanga.com
Subscribe to her newsletter at https://lauralanga.com/newsletter
Instagram @LauraLangaWrites
Facebook @LauraLangaWrites

Reviews

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETA Read

Getting broken up with in a stadium full of onlookers was not on Kenzie’s BINGO card. The small-town, naive, tax accountant was happy living a quiet life. But when her whirlwind romance with the Waves’s starting pitcher (Aaron) is blasted on the JUMBOTRON for all to see, he quickly denies the relationship. Heartbroken and humiliated Kenzie retreats to the comfort of her home that she shares with her dear friend and employer (Travis).

Travis has been in love with Kenzie since the moment she entered his life. As a professional catcher for the Waves, his schedule made being a pet owner nearly impossible. Enter Kenzie. After developing a friendship and learning that Kenzie was in need of housing, Trevor offered up his home. The only problem is that meant he would never be able to profess his true feelings.

With Kenzie reeling from the breakup and Trevor suppressing his love, the two must navigate a new normal. Will they find a healthy balance, or will they be forced to go their separate ways?

This book is romcom PERFECTION!!!

Readers won’t be able to help but fall in love with Kenzie and Trevor. Not only do they have the most adorable love story, but the slow build up solidified them as a perfect match. I am crossing my fingers that Langa expands this standalone romance into some form of a series!!!

Be sure to read Love Catch for:
-Closed Door
-Sports Romance
-Jilted Bride
-Protective MMC
-Forced Proximity (Roommates)
-Age Gap (10 years)
-He Falls First
-Adorable Calico Cat

Special thanks to Laura Langa and West East Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

* Laura Langa’s Love Catch is the second book in the multi-author series, The Love Playbook. This is an interconnected series follows professional sports players as they navigate love and adorable pets.

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Laura ARC, and like every single book I’ve read by her, it was such a sweet & fun read!

Kenzie’s heartbreak & subsequent behavior were relatable. No two people grieve a relationship the same way, but her emotional eating and tears were definitely something I’ve experienced before! 🫠 I love that she allowed herself to feel, and Trevor stood by her while she needed to heal in that way. Her interests were normal and nerdy and I loved the romance reader references.

Trevor was so swoony. Laura has a knack for writing incredibly green-flag men, and he was no different. He’s affable, respectful and considerate, but his protective streak was my favorite part of his character. He would defend Kenzie and her well-being. I love that he never tried to force her to be someone she wasn’t either, even when she struggled with her self-image.

Although their professions were different, the two supported one another & spent time doing everyday things together. Trevor helping Kenzie get out of her comfort zone and completing her list was exactly what she needed to move on from Aaron & his rotten ways! Kenzie showed up for him at games and in life, & it was just so cute how they grew from friends to more. Once they were in, they were inseparable and so into each other with chemistry for days! 🥰

There were quite a few one-liners in this read that got me. I especially thought I’d never read the phrase “bohemian emotional support pouch” but here we are. 😆

Seriously y’all, make sure you read this one when it comes out on 2/17!

Thanks for the ARC, Laura! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🤩

CW: This is a closed-door romance with passionate makeouts and no language. There’s mention of a public breakup, absent parents, and a punch thrown (a deserved one, imo lol).

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t enough baseball romances. And even where there are like 100 closed door baseball romances I’ll still say there aren’t enough.

Laura’s Love Catch goes all the way at the top of the close door baseball romance stack with the great Mari Loyal. Not only is there the technical writing that makes it a true baseball romance, there’s time in the field, and the sizzling chemistry is there as well.

Trevor and Kenzie’s journey is trip down a list. One created by Kenzie — “Do It Scared” after being dumped by pitcher and JERK Aaron. Before the end of the first chapter I was wishing Kenzie would’ve punched Aaron, or Trevor. Either one would work! Thankfully, Aaron does get his just deserts in the end 😅

Trevor is a tender and swoony MMC. Seriously, I swear every baseball man is a bomb on the field, catching everything, throwing everything, and hitting everything. But off the field Trevor is to die for! Tender, muscular, caring, sweet, muscular, affectionate, thoughtful, muscular… oh, and he adopted a cat. And he makes a social media video to help a pig with diabetes get adopted. So, yeah, he’s a catch. And he’s a catcher. And catchers and second basemen are my favorites.

AND, you get to take a trip to Wilks Beach!! And now I really really need a Noah book! 😉

Love Catch is a no language, no spice, found family, roommates, golden retired romance. Perfect for the closed door romance and baseball lover!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know hockey gets all the hype when it comes to sports romance... and honestly, I do get it, I love it too. But lately? Baseball romance has been making its way to the top of my favorites... and when it's also written by one of my favorites!? I had high expectations... and it absolutely did not disappoint. Right from that perfect catch, Trevor and Kenzie absolutely stole my heart. That first chapter drew me in, but when we get to his POV and see the pining? Oh my goodness! It was just so perfectly done! I loved the back and forth of wondering when they were finally going to cross that friendship line... the interrupted moments kept me hanging on... and that first kiss!? Wow! (Seriously, the chemistry between these two! Every kiss was perfection!) And once we finally do see them get together, there is still plenty to keep things interesting. I loved how these two cared for one another. The way she shows up for him (and the lengths she'll go to do so)? It was equal parts sweet and hilarious, and I couldn't get enough. If you love baseball romance and sweet rescue cats, this is absolutely one NOT to be missed! I loved it!

Love Catch is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of The Love Playbook series, a multi-author series that can be enjoyed in any order.

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

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this read. kenzie is such a good character to read. she's just the girl everyone loves. she's pure she's genuine and she's from upstate NY where her parents have a farm. Im that reader who loves those references because I am from upstate NY. where family farms are out lifeblood. she had such great parents they let her pursue her dream. an accountant. when you live numbers it's a no brainer. but she is the stereotype for the farmer turned accountant. good job Laura you were spot on.
then comes Trevor her roommate and the best cat daddy. they met because Kenzie was his pet sitter when he was away on his mlb games. he's always had a crush on her he was too much of a gentleman to throw anything more at her as she was already in a rut from her previous
relationship. but he's the best guy for her .

I loved their dynamics their progression of their relationship. to me it progressed nicely without all that background angst. so very much enjoyed the pet owners feed with crazy people like them. it was a nice add. that I am sure morphed into other books.
oh as a reader of this author we get to visit Wilkes Beach and I love that. you are familiar with that place so at times I feel like I went home.

[Lauren Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one! I’m going to have to hunt down some more closed door baseball romances! Trevor is a pro baseball player and Kenzie is an accountant who met when she started taking care is his cat, Banks, when he traveled. After Kenzie has a very public breakup, Trevor decides to stop ignoring his feelings for her…

Some of my favorite parts:
- Trevor’s catch
- Banks and Jet (obviously!)
- Princess the Pig
- spotlight on animal adoption
- lighthouse
- Grandpa
- signs
- Mallory
- press conference

I couldn’t put this one down and loved how much they cared for each other. They both found ways to make the other feel loved and special. He helped her cross off things from her “do it scared” list and she made sure he finally had people at his games there for him 🥰

Highly recommend if you love closed door sports romances. Bonus if you love adorable animal sidekicks!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book! Laura Langa does it again guys. I cannot stop gushing about this book! I was hooked from the first chapter! What a way to start!

Kenzie and Trevor are just adorable and I love how he was trying to keep his crush hidden but he struggled sometimes. This friends to more romance was tension-filled and romantic. Kenzie was quirky and smart and Trevor was loyal and protective. I loved how Trevor helped Kenzie feel like the capable person she was and he saw her for who she was. The character growth for Kenzie was so good and I loved how it related to their romance so well. There was so much development for both of them. They were just a delight to read! All the fun activities they did and the way Trevor lit up when he was around her. I just adored how they felt safe with each other and they both wanted to show the other how important they were no matter how their past made them feel.

Things I loved about the plot were the rescue kittens, visits to Wilks Beach, the pool hall flirtation, and the baseball game scenes, especially the one at the end. So funny and sweet!

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, sweet sports romcom—and completely adorable from start to finish. I was hooked from the very first chapter, thanks to the laugh-out-loud opening, the swoony MLB setting, and yes… the rescue kittens absolutely stole my heart. After being publicly jilted during a baseball game, the heroine’s accidental meet-cute (literally) with Trevor Chapman sets off a roommates-by-chance, catching-feelings-by-accident romance that’s equal parts playful and tender. Trevor is protective, patient, and quietly charming, and their slow-burn chemistry builds through witty banter, shared adventures, and heartfelt moments that feel earned. Add in a closed-door romance, sizzling kisses, zero third-act breakup, and a sweet calico rescue cat, and this book delivers all the cozy, feel-good vibes romcom lovers crave.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small fall with a large change
A fun story of finding love that’s been right in front of you. After Kenzie is informed her engagement is over, she finds herself on top of the dugout (her ex was a pitcher) screaming at him. But when she steps off the edge of the dugout it’s Trevor, the catcher, who catches her. Trevor who hired her to take care of his cat when he travels and invited her to move into his home when her apartment needed repairs. Returning home she writes a list of things that scare her but she wants to do anyway and Trevor becomes her partner and support in each adventure. Will either one recognize what they have built slowly over time with care, concern, support, and laughter? That perhaps what they have been looking for is exactly what they have been building. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
I just finished LOVE CATCH, and I am overwhelmed by the emotions the book shares with the readers. The wonderful characters all have distinct emotional personalities. From slimeball to supportive family and teammates, from ballpark personnel to media support, and especially between Kenzie and Trevor, their personalities and genuine happiness shines through making even the rough parts better. Of course the unquestioned love from their pets is just icing on the cake!
I appreciated the accuracy of details about baseball games, stadium descriptions,rules and consequences.
This perfection could only be better if the author would decide to continue the Wave baseball story as a series!

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has such a way with words. The book will fill you with all of the emotions--giggling, blushing and crying!

This book is told from the point of view of Trevor and Kenzie and it is so much fun. Every girl dreams of a guy like Trevor, who treats her like a princess and wants the best for her. Kenzie is quirky but a riot as well. When she goes out of her comfort zone, she will have the reader cracking up.

My other favorite character was Mallory. She was the perfect friend, hyping up Kenzie and being there for her in the ups and downs of life.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, this covers for this series? Absolutely amazing. Dealing with a world wide break up, was never in Kenzie's plan. Trevor was the player but also the roommate who ask her to take care of Banks for him that's why they are roommates. But the story of this 2 is absolutely beautiful. 2 people who became roommates but where also friends connected by something neither of them knew but everyone else did see. So happy I got to read Trevor and Kenzie and Banks story, love it all.

[Tara Malta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bestie had me crying on chapter 2! Trevor is definitely my new favorite Laura MMC. Boy was sooo gone for Kenzie. Plus he is a catcher?! Yes please!! I finished the book sobbing with happy tears.

Check this out if you enjoy:

💗age gap
⚾️sports romance
💗roommates to lovers
⚾️he fell first
💗kisses only---> but they're steamy
⚾️no 3rd act breakup

10/10. Just read it!

Thank you again to Laura for the early copy to read and review!!!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could I would give this book 10 stars! I loved everything about this story & the icing on the cake, it was a baseball romance. Kenzie & Trevor & their cats were adorable & I’m not a cat person. 😊 This has to be one of my favorite best friends to more books, deep with emotion & all the feels.

[Darla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was super cute!! I loved that we got a trip to wilks beach in this too! I loved plot and all of the ways he took care of her. this was my first one into this new multi author series and it makes me excited to read the others!!


I did receive an eARC of this book and this is my honest and not required review

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

I loved the main characters. They were both sweethearts.
I loved watching their romance bloom and grow.
I loved how much they each looked out for the other.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Relatable characters, meddling townspeople, laugh-out-loud moments and lots of love are combined to form a brilliant story. I was laughing so much and in tears often.
I would love to read more from this author!

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a gifted eARC.

This was cute!

Full review to come soon.

[Modern Miss Granger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute -Review to come

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable sports rom-com.. Loved it! Sweet, romantic, and heartfelt.. Trevor is such a sweetie!