Catching Feelings

Scottish Single Dads #3

by Amy McGavin

Here is what I know about my feelings for Douglas Fraser. They are silly. Hopeless. Entirely one-sided. And I've been carrying them around for so long now that I barely question them anymore.

We both live in the small Scottish seaside town of Ardmara, but Douglas has never really seen me. Not properly. To him, I'm just the librarian who helps his twins find books and pretends not to notice when they wreak havoc in the children's section.

He has no idea I notice everything about him. The breadth of his shoulders. The roughness of his hands. The scent of salt and sea that clings to him after a day on the water.

Then I run a hire boat aground on some rocks, and Douglas has to fish me out of the situation, along with what remains of my dignity.

After that, he starts noticing me. Not as Ellie from the library, not as part of the background, but as a woman. A woman he watches with an intensity that heats my skin and scrambles my thoughts.

For the first time, I let myself hope.

But hope is dangerous when the man you want has spent years putting everyone else first. He's made duty and self-sacrifice a way of life.

Is he even capable of choosing himself, let alone me?

---

Catching Feelings is the third book in the Scottish Single Dads series of interconnected standalones.

Perfect for fans of long-held crushes, slow-burn tension, and Scottish single dads who fall hard once they finally give in to their desires. 🎣

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Amy McGavin is the pen name of a Scottish wife-and-husband writing team whose real names are… Amy and Gavin.

The couple’s contemporary romance novels are set in the Highlands. Each story is crafted with humour and heart, with a wee bit of heat thrown in.

The pair live in Glasgow with their daughter and very lively cocker spaniel. When they’re not writing, they enjoy exploring Scotland’s breathtaking hills, glens, and beaches, then treating themselves to coffee and cake afterwards.

To keep up to date with all their publishing news, and gain access to exclusive bonus content, join their newsletter.

Reviews

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing quite like a single dad trope. Nothing. But make him Scottish, give him two slightly terrifying twins, and wrap it all up in a man who is genuinely kind, gentle, and just quietly aching to be loved in a real, meaningful way… and it hits on an entirely different level.

I’ve loved Douglas since book one. I had a feeling he was going to be something special, and he absolutely delivered. He completely snuck into my heart, and I know he’s a character I’ll hold onto for a long time.

Ellie is the perfect match for him. She starts off sweet and innocent… until she isn’t, which just makes her even better. She balances Douglas and the chaos of his life so effortlessly, and their relationship felt both comforting and deeply emotional.

I’ve loved this series as a whole, and I’m genuinely sad to see it end. Amy and Gavin have such a beautiful, understated way of bringing Scotland to life that makes every book feel immersive without ever being overwhelming.

[Nikki Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars all the way!!

Amy McGavin saved the best for last in the Scottish Single Dads series!

Douglas and Ellie made the absolute perfect match and the anticipation built deliciously from start to finish!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this eARC in advance of publication!

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
I’ve been so excited for Douglas and Ellie’s story, and it absolutely did not disappoint. This has easily been my favourite book of the series so far, I completely adored both Douglas and Ellie. They were such a sweet couple and felt genuinely perfect for each other.
It took Douglas a little while to catch up emotionally, but once he finally got with the program, he did not waste any time. My heart really went out to him with everything surrounding the twins’ mother. She was infuriating from beginning to end, and while she had a slight redeeming moment at the end, even that still felt rooted in selfishness.
One of my favourite parts of the book was seeing Ellie stand up for Douglas and fight for their relationship. She had waited for him for so long, and I loved that she was not willing to let him go without a fight. It was also wonderful seeing a different side of her as she slowly grew in confidence throughout the story.
The twins were another highlight. They were absolute chaos in the best possible way and brought so much life and humour to the story.
Douglas was such a kind, sweet, and selfless character. For so long he was simply existing rather than truly living, so when he finally allowed himself to believe he deserved happiness, I found myself quietly cheering for him. I was rooting for both of them the entire time, and watching their relationship unfold felt incredibly heartwarming.
The romance does develop fairly quickly, but because Douglas has been stuck in emotional limbo for years and Ellie has been quietly pining for just as long, it felt believable enough that I could overlook it. The “I love yous” felt slightly anticlimactic, but honestly that seemed perfectly in character for Douglas and actually made me laugh.
Overall, this was such a warm, emotional, and satisfying romance, and without a doubt my favourite in the series, would 100% recommend this series.

[tammys_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

4.5⭐️ Douglas is the single dad of 7 year old twins and a commercial fisherman. Ellie is the shy librarian who has had a crush on Douglas for a while. When Ellie gets her rented boat stuck on rocks, Douglas rescues her. Their friends encourage him to ask her out, but Douglas is technically married to a woman who abandoned their children years ago. This story has likable characters, humor and spice. It’s a quick read with a happy ending.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Scottish Single Dads series. It is the story of Fisherman Douglas Fraser, his twin children and librarian Ellie McPherson. Douglas’s wife abandoned him and the children when the children were 2 years old. Five years later she has occasionally dropped in for a day or 2. Meanwhile, Douglas carries on.

[Mary Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching Feelings is a charming, small town, single dad romance. Douglas is an absolutely clueless single dad who is blind to the crush Ellie has on him. Ellie is the quiet shy librarian who would never make the first move. When Douglas rescues Ellie after her boat gets stuck on some rocks, their friends take it as an opportunity to push them together. As their relationship grows they both work through personal issues, bringing an emotional depth to their story. This is such a wonderful feel good story, set in an idyllic Scottish seaside town with an incredible group of characters.

[TheBookMum13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 Catching Feelings 🌟

Scottish Single Dad's Series
Book 1 - Captain of my heart- Out Now
Book 2 - Built for Love- Out Now
Book 3 - Catching Feelings - 30th April 2026
Author: The best duo..... @amymcgavinbooks

Thank you, Amy McGavin, for an ARC of this book! I have loved every single minute of being in Ardmara and to have read all 3 books in the series all as ARCs, I am so grateful 🥰

What a great addition to the series! Seeing the pining from Ellie throughout the other two books even slightly then to this 😱 obsessed!

Our quiet wee librarian seems to be very much done with being looked over/wallflowered! And my god, does she hook Douglas good! The twins are absolute chaos, which I loved..... maybe not at certain parts when they weren't themselves... iykyk..... but aside from that, I love the nutters!

I loved these two so much, so set in their routine in their day to day, but rather than living, it's a case of survival... then one day it changes... one little comment and next thing you know.... Ellie has beached a boat on the rocks... literally 😂

I loved the dynamic between the two MCs that they just clicked and were at peace when together, I loved the wee trip back to Bannock from the True Scotsman Series, having a little catch up with some familiar face made my night 🥺

I'm a sucker for a single dad.... I've now been with the bugger for almost 13years 😂 but I think with the routine for surviving and just going with the flow, I genuinely saw a lot of my other half in the MCs. When Ellie was describing Douglas, he is kind, he is steady, I was like, Oh yup... I get it!

Great read, great series, the friendships are on point, the support! The three single dads.... no longer single.... but I think this series really proves.... genuinely takes a village 🥰

Thank you again, Amy McGavin!

#scottishsingledadseries #catchingfeelings #Builtforlove #captainofmyheart #arcreader

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Charming Ending to this series
Catching Feelings is the final book in Amy McGavin's series, and it left me with a nice warm feeling. The two main characters are so beautifully written — the MMC is endearingly oblivious and completely overwhelmed by life, while the FMC is one of those quietly incredible people with a boundless capacity for platonic love. The kind of character you don't see often enough. Together they were just so genuinely cute that by the end I found myself smiling with a little extra feeling in my chest.

As a series finale, this felt like exactly the ending these characters deserved. Charming, warm, and entertaining from start to finish. And one of my favorite things McGavin does is set their stories in towns that live side by side with towns from their other series — so you get these little glimpses of familiar characters along the way. It always feels like a bonus, like you're not just reading a story but actually stepping into a whole living, breathing world.

That's really McGavin's magic — and it makes even more sense when you know that Amy McGavin is actually a pen name for an author couple. There's something so fitting about a duo who writes love stories together, and it comes through in every page.

Their writing style is so inviting that it doesn't just make you want to keep reading — it makes you want to explore the genre further, and honestly, it makes you want to pack a bag and find yourself a small town just like the ones they write about.

A wonderful series. I'll miss this world.

Thanks to the authors for this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! Ellie and Douglas for the win
This is the third story in the Scottish Single Dads series and features Douglas who has 7 year old twins Rosie and Logan.
His wife left him when the children were two and she forever flits in and out of their lives whenever it suits her.
Life for Douglas is always hectic, what with work and two very active children.
His love life is non existent and as he never divorced nothing will ever change, until the day he finally starts noticing Ellie likes him.
Ellie the town librarian, who also plays the fiddle in the band Celtic Kicks has liked Douglas for ages but knew nothing could ever happen due to his marital status.
This was such a sweet, beautiful story of rediscovery, realising that there is more to life than just being a dad and that wanting more is not being selfish.
Douglas and Ellie were wonderful characters, perfect for each other and their steamy scenes were fun and intimate.
With their friends behind them becoming a couple, there was just one person making it hard for them.
Are they strong enough to weather the storm that is coming their way?
Or will it all end before it truly starts?
Great storyline and catch up’s with the couples from books one and two.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Thank you Amy McGavin for the opportunity to read this story.

[Shauna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Scottish Single Dads series.

Douglas and Ellie have been quietly sinking in my veins throughout this series and oh man did they totally deliver when it came their turn.

He's a single dad with chaotic but adorable twins, Rosie and Logan. Dealing with the kids, a full time job as a fisherman and a "wife" who pops in and out of his life whenever the feeling takes her. I just wanted to hug him the whole way through this.

Ellie is the quiet put upon librarian who is struggling with her unrequited feelings for him while trying to looking after her ailing mum. I loved how she stood strong , knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to fight for it.

I love these two so much and the way they finally get together is so bloody cute - Oh and did I mention my book husband Lewis (The Highland Crush) makes a wee appearance? No, okay just ignore that - he's mine anyway, I already told Iona too 🤣

[Chris Redd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still wandering around with a lovesick expression on my face. Amy McGavin's Catching Feelings, the third book in their Scottish Single Dads series is in a word--Adorable.

I jumped into this without having read the first two books in the series and had no problem following along.

I love a good lumberjack MMC and Douglas is just that only change the uniform to a fisherman and Ellie is a sweet as pie librarian another one of my favorites. Douglas is duty-bound to protect his children and be a good dad to the point of blinding himself to every other part of his life. Ellie is crushing hard and big man Douglas is not picking up what she's laying down.

When Ellie requires a hilarious and mortifying rescue Douglas's blinders start to come down.

Enter the worst mom in the world, Douglas' estranged wife.

This book is so immersive you'll feel like you've dropped into a cozy little seaside pub and have been listening to a reel having a pint with the locals.

[booksadoodle (Tammy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was the story we were all waiting for! Ellie has been pining for Douglas for years, holding herself back, sticking to her quiet routine at the library, and never taking a chance. Douglas has been living on autopilot. Abandoned by his wife after the marriage died years before, working as a fisherman, and caring for his twins, never doing anything for himself. Everyone else sees Ellie’s longing, and now finally Douglas notices. So much angst and pining. 🫠 This one was the perfect choice on which to end the Scottish Single Dads series. It grabs you from the start and I devoured it. I’m always excited to pick up a book from Amy & Gavin because I know that it’ll bring all the emotions and never disappoint! Thank you so much to Amy & Gavin for the opportunity to review this e-ARC. I already purchased my trophy shelf copy! 😍 I received a gifted advance review copy for free and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful finale to this series. Douglas a hardworking fisherman caring for his twins with the help of his parents never has time for himself. Ellie has been crushing Eon him for a long time but knows he has a difficult relationship with his wife. However, when circumstances lead to Douglas needing to rescue Ellie, he notices Ellie, the quiet librarian as a woman. And when he learns from his other single dad friends that Ellie likes him he follows their advice to ask her out on a date. But any relationship between them has to overcome Douglas' estranged wife coming and going when she feels like it. And Ellie has to work around caring for her mother too. An emotional and funny rollercoaster of a story with two adorable 7 year olds. You know you have finished a good series when you are sad it has ended.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am soo in love with this series, and so sad that it's concluded! Oh, but what a cute way to end!

All series long, Douglas has been doing his best to survive his day to day: wrangling his energetic twins by himself, while working his fishing boat. It doesn't leave a lot of time to decompress or think, so it's not surprising he has no idea someone has a crush on him.

Ellie sees him. She watches him do the best he can, and wishes he would notice her. She is so sweet in her crush, and he's just clueless!
I love how the friend group helps things along and the chemistry between these two, once he's aware.

The drama with his situation was rough, but I am so happy with how it resolved and their HEA. Please read this series in order for the best experience.

I recommend this author duo, and their other works.
I look forward to the next new release.

Fortunate to have received an ARC (thank you) I happily leave my review.

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to Douglas and Ellie’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. They are so right for each other and I loved how down to earth they both were and how the book had such a feel good vibe about it. I loved it so much I will definitely have to read it again.
I received a free copy and leave my review voluntarily.

[Jeanne Dembenski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story to finish out the stories of these single dads. Ellie and Douglas take a bit of a hard road to each other but they finally each release what was holding their lives back. Finding happiness, love and a family with two spirit filled 7 year olds makes for a great story

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Just the comfort read I needed. I love the strength of Ellie and the crossover was a nice surprise. It’s the sort of town you want to pack your bags and move to.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Amy and Gavin have done it again with another great story and characters.

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maybe if you'd invited me onto your boat...." might help get inviting into a heart as well.

Great dual pov of Ellie and Douglas. Having a onesided crush on Douglas, Ellie needs to get his attention some how. She already has got it of his twins Rosie snd Logan (7years old, Red headed and mischievous). As they get to knoe each other - their feelings change and this is what Douglas has been surprised about.

[Susan Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about Douglas and Ellie, the quiet librarian who fancies and wants thebsingle father of twin whirlwinds. He doesnt know as hes so busy.
Reading how their lives unfold is so well written from both sides, taking from also the other friends too. This series i will re read again.