What do you think?
Rate this book
Rose City Roasters
Catch Got Your Tongue
Never Been Kissed meets Ted Lasso (but make it baseball) in this neighbor-to-lovers, brother's teammate romcom set in the Pacific Northwest.
After two decades of living in her brother's shadow, Bella Pink is determined to start fresh and build something that finally feels like hers. Since moving to Rose City—home of Major League Baseball's newest addition, the Roasters—she's found a solid circle of friends who love every bit of her curvy, neurospicy self, launched her honey business, Comb Sweet Comb, and even started dating again. Unfortunately, her recent run of bad dates looks less like romantic potential and more like a highlight reel of red flags . . . or a future Dateline episode.
Enter Bennett King, her brother's teammate and her new next-door neighbor. Bennett sees straight through Bella's carefully curated “I’m fine” routine and makes her want things she definitely didn’t schedule into her color-coordinated calendar.
Bennett is used to being "the exception." As the only deaf catcher in major league baseball, he’s staked his career—and mental health—on preparation, routine, and always staying in control. Except when it comes to Bella. Whether he's ready or not to admit it, Bennett’s been gone for his teammate's little sister since the night she outbid half the city for him at a charity bachelor auction. She’s too young, too inexperienced, and too off-limits . . . but the closer she gets, the harder it becomes to remember why staying away from her was ever an option in the first place.
Catch Got Your Tongue is the fifth book in the Rose City Roasters baseball series. This neighbors-to-lovers, brother's teammate romance between a plus-size, neurospicy beekeeper and the cinnadom, deaf catcher next door features a virgin heroine who's eager to experiment, grown men tasting wedding cakes, anxiety and autistic representation, an almost entirely LGBTQIA+ supporting cast of characters, and NSFW phone calls.
After two decades of living in her brother's shadow, Bella Pink is determined to start fresh and build something that finally feels like hers. Since moving to Rose City—home of Major League Baseball's newest addition, the Roasters—she's found a solid circle of friends who love every bit of her curvy, neurospicy self, launched her honey business, Comb Sweet Comb, and even started dating again. Unfortunately, her recent run of bad dates looks less like romantic potential and more like a highlight reel of red flags . . . or a future Dateline episode.
Enter Bennett King, her brother's teammate and her new next-door neighbor. Bennett sees straight through Bella's carefully curated “I’m fine” routine and makes her want things she definitely didn’t schedule into her color-coordinated calendar.
Bennett is used to being "the exception." As the only deaf catcher in major league baseball, he’s staked his career—and mental health—on preparation, routine, and always staying in control. Except when it comes to Bella. Whether he's ready or not to admit it, Bennett’s been gone for his teammate's little sister since the night she outbid half the city for him at a charity bachelor auction. She’s too young, too inexperienced, and too off-limits . . . but the closer she gets, the harder it becomes to remember why staying away from her was ever an option in the first place.
Catch Got Your Tongue is the fifth book in the Rose City Roasters baseball series. This neighbors-to-lovers, brother's teammate romance between a plus-size, neurospicy beekeeper and the cinnadom, deaf catcher next door features a virgin heroine who's eager to experiment, grown men tasting wedding cakes, anxiety and autistic representation, an almost entirely LGBTQIA+ supporting cast of characters, and NSFW phone calls.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
56 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 16, 2026
Okayyyy baseball romance series. You can Hit It. 🔥 This was all spice, little to no plot, and I appreciated that. As the fifth installment to this series that I’d never read before, I was a tad confused by all the characters that I didn’t know but was expected to. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the series from the beginning to rectify that. I loved Bennett and Bella as MCs. They were so sweet together and I appreciated the rep of their characters! (He’s deaf and anxious. She’s fat and autistic.) I also loved how there were bread crumbs for like 4 other future books in this one. Pop off!
April 21, 2026
Catch Got Your Tongue is book 4 in the Rock City Roasters series. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I've read by Kelly Reynolds and I can easily and happily say it won't be my last!
In this brother's best friend/teammate romance, we get Bella and Bennet's story. Bella is the sister of the Roasters' pitcher, Jared Pink. She is a curvy woman that is confident in her body and has the sass and spunk to back it up. She is a beekeeper that is still trying to find her way with her honey business.
Bennet is the Roasters' catcher and recently moved in with Jared, his best friend and teammate that lives next door to Bella. Bennet is hearing impaired and I loved how the author handled this with such care and inclusivity. Bennet is a green flag MMC from the start and I love that about him! Bella and Bennet have crushed on each other for years but close proximity, a storm, and some nudging from their friends just might be what these two have needed to finally get together.
Thank you, Kelly Reynolds for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book! I am looking forward to starting at the beginning of this series to learn more about the amazing characters in this book!
In this brother's best friend/teammate romance, we get Bella and Bennet's story. Bella is the sister of the Roasters' pitcher, Jared Pink. She is a curvy woman that is confident in her body and has the sass and spunk to back it up. She is a beekeeper that is still trying to find her way with her honey business.
Bennet is the Roasters' catcher and recently moved in with Jared, his best friend and teammate that lives next door to Bella. Bennet is hearing impaired and I loved how the author handled this with such care and inclusivity. Bennet is a green flag MMC from the start and I love that about him! Bella and Bennet have crushed on each other for years but close proximity, a storm, and some nudging from their friends just might be what these two have needed to finally get together.
Thank you, Kelly Reynolds for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book! I am looking forward to starting at the beginning of this series to learn more about the amazing characters in this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an arc copy of the book which was a first for me! I am very appreciative of getting the chance to read this book ahead of it’s release.
First of all I really enjoyed the main character - Bella was relatable and I loved how she was allowed to be flawed and still capable and driven without her losing her vulnerability.
Bennett has the makings of a great love interest! He was kind, patient and just the right amount of possessive. Honestly the whole book had so much potential and in the moments the characters were vulnerable and open with each other were so good! The one thing that took away from their love story was the lack or bonding moments. Instead there was plenty of steamy moments, don’t get me wrong they were great! And I understand that part of Bella’s story arch was her inexperience and getting to experience all of that with Bennett. It just… didn’t feel like there was enough moments of bonding and building the lust into love, it felt like they happened off page. The few morsels of that kind of intimacy that we got were great and so sweet. I just wished there had been as much focus on the moments where they got to know each other’s souls as when they got to know each other’s bodies. Because what we got was a good book: entertaining, funny and sexy. But it lacked the depth to make it a great love story.
First of all I really enjoyed the main character - Bella was relatable and I loved how she was allowed to be flawed and still capable and driven without her losing her vulnerability.
Bennett has the makings of a great love interest! He was kind, patient and just the right amount of possessive. Honestly the whole book had so much potential and in the moments the characters were vulnerable and open with each other were so good! The one thing that took away from their love story was the lack or bonding moments. Instead there was plenty of steamy moments, don’t get me wrong they were great! And I understand that part of Bella’s story arch was her inexperience and getting to experience all of that with Bennett. It just… didn’t feel like there was enough moments of bonding and building the lust into love, it felt like they happened off page. The few morsels of that kind of intimacy that we got were great and so sweet. I just wished there had been as much focus on the moments where they got to know each other’s souls as when they got to know each other’s bodies. Because what we got was a good book: entertaining, funny and sexy. But it lacked the depth to make it a great love story.
April 20, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC but all opinions are my own💕
This book is the 5th in a series that I have not previously read. Everything made sense but I could tell there were little things said here and there that had been previously talked about or brought up in the first 4 books but not enough to leave you confused. This book is mainly spice with little plot, a nice break from heavier reads. I related to Bella’s anxiety & was kicking my feet with how sweet Bennett was towards her.
I received this book as an ARC but all opinions are my own💕
This book is the 5th in a series that I have not previously read. Everything made sense but I could tell there were little things said here and there that had been previously talked about or brought up in the first 4 books but not enough to leave you confused. This book is mainly spice with little plot, a nice break from heavier reads. I related to Bella’s anxiety & was kicking my feet with how sweet Bennett was towards her.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
It was a really sweet story, loved the communication between the MC and the smut was also great! Thank you so much for letting me being an ARC reader
April 15, 2026
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, sexy read with characters I couldn't help but root for. Both of the main characters, Bella and Bennett, have had challenges stacked up against them, but they help each other move forward in life. Bonus points for lots of representation -- I love seeing plus-main characters living their best lives, focusing in on their hobbies, and not spending the entire plot worrying about losing weight. And when a hot, brooding athlete is into the curvy girl? Game. On.
The plot:
Bella's life path isn't looking very clear to her. She's trying to get her honey business off the ground while still going to school. Her dating life is in shambles. She can't afford her own place or a car that actually functions. Just as she's starting to despair about being left behind, an unexpected savior shows up -- her brother's friend and Major League Baseball teammate, Bennett. As much as Bennett knows he should stay away from Bella, he just can't seem to get her off his mind, and before long, the two are kind of orbiting each other. And what started out as mutual attraction has the potential to lead to more, as the pair find themselves supporting each other through good times and bad.
What I liked:
- Lots of representation in this! We've got a plus size, neurodivergent FMC and a Deaf MMC who struggles with anxiety. This leads to a lot of intricacies in each character and the way they think, act, and interact. I think that was very well done.
- The chemistry between Bella and Bennett is fantastic. It's evident how well they play off of each other and how in tune they are to each other. I love how Bennett is protective of Bella without being overbearing.
- Both main characters have a supportive set of friends and that was very heartwarming.
- Slow burn who?? Bennett is literally pining for Bella in his first chapter. Sometimes I don't want to wait. With these two, I was excited to get right into it, especially as Bella is rather inexperienced in the romance department and it was interesting to see her process her feelings and desires.
- Every. Single. Time. Bennett calls her Arabella!!
What I didn't like:
- I love a sports romance and this is technically a baseball book, but honestly, I would've liked to see more of the sport itself. There's a really great scene where I would've enjoyed more of that so we could see more of Bennett's world, Bella's familiarity with it through her brother, and how the two meet in the middle to support each other.
- This book is advertised as being a standalone, so I did not read the first four books in the series before reading this and I think that was a mistake. There's so much lore that I was missing out on. Bennett had already been thinking about Bella for weeks by the time I opened the book. And where was I? The ensemble cast is also so large with their own backstories and it was hard at times for me to keep track of them. For this to have been a true standalone, I think it needed more context.
- I really enjoyed the relationship between Bella and Bennett, but I think their conflict fell a little flat for me. Something just felt like it was missing.
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, sexy read with characters I couldn't help but root for. Both of the main characters, Bella and Bennett, have had challenges stacked up against them, but they help each other move forward in life. Bonus points for lots of representation -- I love seeing plus-main characters living their best lives, focusing in on their hobbies, and not spending the entire plot worrying about losing weight. And when a hot, brooding athlete is into the curvy girl? Game. On.
The plot:
Bella's life path isn't looking very clear to her. She's trying to get her honey business off the ground while still going to school. Her dating life is in shambles. She can't afford her own place or a car that actually functions. Just as she's starting to despair about being left behind, an unexpected savior shows up -- her brother's friend and Major League Baseball teammate, Bennett. As much as Bennett knows he should stay away from Bella, he just can't seem to get her off his mind, and before long, the two are kind of orbiting each other. And what started out as mutual attraction has the potential to lead to more, as the pair find themselves supporting each other through good times and bad.
What I liked:
- Lots of representation in this! We've got a plus size, neurodivergent FMC and a Deaf MMC who struggles with anxiety. This leads to a lot of intricacies in each character and the way they think, act, and interact. I think that was very well done.
- The chemistry between Bella and Bennett is fantastic. It's evident how well they play off of each other and how in tune they are to each other. I love how Bennett is protective of Bella without being overbearing.
- Both main characters have a supportive set of friends and that was very heartwarming.
- Slow burn who?? Bennett is literally pining for Bella in his first chapter. Sometimes I don't want to wait. With these two, I was excited to get right into it, especially as Bella is rather inexperienced in the romance department and it was interesting to see her process her feelings and desires.
- Every. Single. Time. Bennett calls her Arabella!!
What I didn't like:
- I love a sports romance and this is technically a baseball book, but honestly, I would've liked to see more of the sport itself. There's a really great scene where I would've enjoyed more of that so we could see more of Bennett's world, Bella's familiarity with it through her brother, and how the two meet in the middle to support each other.
- This book is advertised as being a standalone, so I did not read the first four books in the series before reading this and I think that was a mistake. There's so much lore that I was missing out on. Bennett had already been thinking about Bella for weeks by the time I opened the book. And where was I? The ensemble cast is also so large with their own backstories and it was hard at times for me to keep track of them. For this to have been a true standalone, I think it needed more context.
- I really enjoyed the relationship between Bella and Bennett, but I think their conflict fell a little flat for me. Something just felt like it was missing.
April 19, 2026
Thank you so much to Kelly Reynolds for the complimentary copy of this!
This book is OUT NOW!
My goodness! Kelly has done it again. I need this series to go on forever because I just love Rose City and all the team members of the Roasters and their ladies.
"Thank you for noticing when I checked out."
"I always want to notice."
I have loved this book from start to finish. Baby boy Bennett made me smile so much! He fell so hard for Bella real quick. I love in romances when each of the love interests has their own thing going on while also trying to date. It is a reminder to not lose yourself into your partner when you start a relationship. Bella has these big dreams of building her honey product empire. She just has all these big ideas and acknowledges that it is hard to follow through on them because she's moves on to the next thing. And I love how we were introduced to Parker and Cat who we learn will play a role in a future book with Mr. Roman. Bennett is the catcher for the Roasters and who is good friends with Bella's brother which I am so happy that we did not get the whole angry brother trope. He also has anxiety which often times makes him feel like he is going to constantly let people especially Bella down.
Kelly's spice scenes are so *chef's kiss* Somehow even with our FMC being a virgin this book was still very spicy and intimate. So kudos to her for keeping us fed throughout the book. Bennett just wanted to please Bella so much. There is a moment where Bennett mentions how they went line dancing and I am wagging my finger at you Kelly for robbing me of a dancing moment (one of my favorite microtropes).
"I just realized this is the second massage I've had this week."
"Better not have looked like this."
"Jealous?"
"Possessive. There's a difference. Jealous men are insecure. Possessive men don't like other people touching their treasures."
One thing I love about Kelly's books especially this series is that she does not focus on the woman's weight. Like it is acknowledged and describe but all the women are confident and just exist. And the men just love them for who they are and how they look. Kelly made Bella even more of a baddie by having her do pole dancing as a sport! Also in her run down of what this book has she does mention that Bella has Autism. It was done so subtly. Then on the flipside with Bennett, there is a moment in the book where his anxiety had become so severe that Bennett needed time to recover (trying to be vague for the sake of spoiling).
I just love this couple so much! They were so messy in a human way that make you feel like they could be your friends. The whole friend group just seem like people I want to hang with *cries* I am so excited that the next book will be an MM romance and it sounds like we are sticking with the Rose City crew into 2027!
PS - So happy that we got a peek into Clarke and Soren's wedding!!!
This book is OUT NOW!
My goodness! Kelly has done it again. I need this series to go on forever because I just love Rose City and all the team members of the Roasters and their ladies.
"Thank you for noticing when I checked out."
"I always want to notice."
I have loved this book from start to finish. Baby boy Bennett made me smile so much! He fell so hard for Bella real quick. I love in romances when each of the love interests has their own thing going on while also trying to date. It is a reminder to not lose yourself into your partner when you start a relationship. Bella has these big dreams of building her honey product empire. She just has all these big ideas and acknowledges that it is hard to follow through on them because she's moves on to the next thing. And I love how we were introduced to Parker and Cat who we learn will play a role in a future book with Mr. Roman. Bennett is the catcher for the Roasters and who is good friends with Bella's brother which I am so happy that we did not get the whole angry brother trope. He also has anxiety which often times makes him feel like he is going to constantly let people especially Bella down.
Kelly's spice scenes are so *chef's kiss* Somehow even with our FMC being a virgin this book was still very spicy and intimate. So kudos to her for keeping us fed throughout the book. Bennett just wanted to please Bella so much. There is a moment where Bennett mentions how they went line dancing and I am wagging my finger at you Kelly for robbing me of a dancing moment (one of my favorite microtropes).
"I just realized this is the second massage I've had this week."
"Better not have looked like this."
"Jealous?"
"Possessive. There's a difference. Jealous men are insecure. Possessive men don't like other people touching their treasures."
One thing I love about Kelly's books especially this series is that she does not focus on the woman's weight. Like it is acknowledged and describe but all the women are confident and just exist. And the men just love them for who they are and how they look. Kelly made Bella even more of a baddie by having her do pole dancing as a sport! Also in her run down of what this book has she does mention that Bella has Autism. It was done so subtly. Then on the flipside with Bennett, there is a moment in the book where his anxiety had become so severe that Bennett needed time to recover (trying to be vague for the sake of spoiling).
I just love this couple so much! They were so messy in a human way that make you feel like they could be your friends. The whole friend group just seem like people I want to hang with *cries* I am so excited that the next book will be an MM romance and it sounds like we are sticking with the Rose City crew into 2027!
PS - So happy that we got a peek into Clarke and Soren's wedding!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⚾️ "What did you have in mind?"
He smirked. "Strip batting practice.'
"Strip what now?"
"You heard me." He stepped closer, voice dropping. "Hit the ball, I take something off. Miss it, you lose your clothes."🐝
Catch Got Your Tongue (Rose City
Roasters number 5) 𝖻𝗒 Kelly Reynolds
𝗔𝗥𝗖 - expected April 14, 2026
⚾️🐝
Kelly has this unique ability to give us diverse characters that are both grounded and powerful without making it feel exploitative. There’s a certain finesse to the writing that 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 makes you feel as though the design of these characters is unintentionally crafted. Nor do they feel trivial or token. Each character is full bodied, complex, and wholly human.
⚾️
Bella & Bennett (Be & Be) were absolutely meant to BE. 🐝 Their pull. Their passion. It was beautiful.
They sparked joy throughout their story. They make you want to soak up every moment and be a part of their being. It feels like catching up with friends. (Catching 😊⚾️)
🐝
Bella & Bennett are both so interesting on their own but when together it feels like you’re dancing on the edge of something more as you read each scene when they occupy the same space.
With these two, and characters in other books by Kelly Reynolds- separately & together they are layered and completely developed people. Neither one felt like they outweighed the other, the MMC & the FMC were equal. That’s not something you always get from other authors.
⚾️
As a tidbit- spoiler free- I fully enjoyed the surprises near the end of this novel! 👀 ᴏʜ ʜᴇʟʟ yes!!!! Buzzzzzzing! 🐝‼️
𝖶𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗌𝗈 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗋𝗈𝖽𝗎𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋s 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗈𝗈 ... 👀 Definitely interesting and interested. 💛
🐝
★★★★★
𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬❤︎▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
✖︎ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 & 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 ✖︎
⇨PLUS-SIZE, NEUROSPICY BEEKEEPER
⇨DUAL POV
⇨𝖦𝖮𝖮𝖣 𝖦𝖨𝖱𝖫
⇨SMALL TOWN
⇨Bᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
⇨INEXPERIENCED (BUT EAGER) FMC
⇨HE FALLS FIRST & HARD
⇨𝖧ᴏɴᴇʏ ᴅᴜsᴛ
⇨ᴅᴇᴀғ ʙᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ᴄᴀᴛᴄʜᴇʀ
⇨ᴀsʟ ʀᴇᴘᴘᴇᴅ
⇨ᴏᴜʀ ʀᴇᴏᴄᴄᴜʀʀɪɴɢ ᴄᴀsᴛ ᴏғ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs
⇨ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴄʜᴀᴛs
⇨a ROSE CITY ROASTERS novel
⇨HIS TEAMMATE'S SISTER
⇨𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗧, 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 & 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘
▬▬▬❤︎▬▬▬❤︎▬▬▬
⚾️ "You're not too anything," I said, firm.🐝
🐝happy reading 🐝
He smirked. "Strip batting practice.'
"Strip what now?"
"You heard me." He stepped closer, voice dropping. "Hit the ball, I take something off. Miss it, you lose your clothes."🐝
Catch Got Your Tongue (Rose City
Roasters number 5) 𝖻𝗒 Kelly Reynolds
𝗔𝗥𝗖 - expected April 14, 2026
⚾️🐝
Kelly has this unique ability to give us diverse characters that are both grounded and powerful without making it feel exploitative. There’s a certain finesse to the writing that 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 makes you feel as though the design of these characters is unintentionally crafted. Nor do they feel trivial or token. Each character is full bodied, complex, and wholly human.
⚾️
Bella & Bennett (Be & Be) were absolutely meant to BE. 🐝 Their pull. Their passion. It was beautiful.
They sparked joy throughout their story. They make you want to soak up every moment and be a part of their being. It feels like catching up with friends. (Catching 😊⚾️)
🐝
Bella & Bennett are both so interesting on their own but when together it feels like you’re dancing on the edge of something more as you read each scene when they occupy the same space.
With these two, and characters in other books by Kelly Reynolds- separately & together they are layered and completely developed people. Neither one felt like they outweighed the other, the MMC & the FMC were equal. That’s not something you always get from other authors.
⚾️
As a tidbit- spoiler free- I fully enjoyed the surprises near the end of this novel! 👀 ᴏʜ ʜᴇʟʟ yes!!!! Buzzzzzzing! 🐝‼️
𝖶𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗌𝗈 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗋𝗈𝖽𝗎𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋s 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗈𝗈 ... 👀 Definitely interesting and interested. 💛
🐝
★★★★★
𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬❤︎▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
✖︎ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 & 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 ✖︎
⇨PLUS-SIZE, NEUROSPICY BEEKEEPER
⇨DUAL POV
⇨𝖦𝖮𝖮𝖣 𝖦𝖨𝖱𝖫
⇨SMALL TOWN
⇨Bᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
⇨INEXPERIENCED (BUT EAGER) FMC
⇨HE FALLS FIRST & HARD
⇨𝖧ᴏɴᴇʏ ᴅᴜsᴛ
⇨ᴅᴇᴀғ ʙᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ᴄᴀᴛᴄʜᴇʀ
⇨ᴀsʟ ʀᴇᴘᴘᴇᴅ
⇨ᴏᴜʀ ʀᴇᴏᴄᴄᴜʀʀɪɴɢ ᴄᴀsᴛ ᴏғ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs
⇨ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴄʜᴀᴛs
⇨a ROSE CITY ROASTERS novel
⇨HIS TEAMMATE'S SISTER
⇨𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗧, 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 & 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘
▬▬▬❤︎▬▬▬❤︎▬▬▬
⚾️ "You're not too anything," I said, firm.🐝
🐝happy reading 🐝
Review of advance copy received from Author
Back to Rose City!
This whole series has been a lot of fun, and Catch Got Your Tongue is no different. Bella is the sister of pitcher Jared Pink, and Bennet King is the catcher for the Rose City Roasters. I love how what seems like the main trope, brother's best friend is present, but also in a really lovely and different way. Reynolds does a good job of making all her books have typical tropes done in a safe, inclusive and beautifully accepting way. All her characters have interesting qualities that are a little unexpected. And the whole Roasters organization as well as all of Rose City is wonderful to each other.
Bella is a beekeeper who is taking a little bit longer than most to find her way in life. It seems like during the course of the book she is really carving out the life she wants for herself. She is taking chances and opening herself up in ways I wish I was brave enough to do at her age.
Bennet is a little older, and has been pretty settled in his job for a while, but now he's ready to settle into a home with the little sister of his teammate that he's had a crush on for a while. Like all Reynolds' MMC's, Bennet is pretty obsessed in a full on green flag way from the start. He approaches Bella like the treasure she is- absolutely swoon-worthy.
The chemistry and spice between the two is jumping off the page. This one is almost a slow burn, but the payoff is good.
I also like how the main tension in the story is centered around Ben's anxiety. For anyone who has dealt with anxiety, it can feel overwhelming so quickly. It can kind of take over your life before you know it, even if there aren't any other major problems at the time. It was all handled in typical Roasters fashion- the team and town taking care of their own.
All in all this series is like going out with friends you have had for so long you can't imagine yourself without the inside jokes and decades of history. With a side of spice that is tons of fun and creative. Can you say strip batting practice?
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
This whole series has been a lot of fun, and Catch Got Your Tongue is no different. Bella is the sister of pitcher Jared Pink, and Bennet King is the catcher for the Rose City Roasters. I love how what seems like the main trope, brother's best friend is present, but also in a really lovely and different way. Reynolds does a good job of making all her books have typical tropes done in a safe, inclusive and beautifully accepting way. All her characters have interesting qualities that are a little unexpected. And the whole Roasters organization as well as all of Rose City is wonderful to each other.
Bella is a beekeeper who is taking a little bit longer than most to find her way in life. It seems like during the course of the book she is really carving out the life she wants for herself. She is taking chances and opening herself up in ways I wish I was brave enough to do at her age.
Bennet is a little older, and has been pretty settled in his job for a while, but now he's ready to settle into a home with the little sister of his teammate that he's had a crush on for a while. Like all Reynolds' MMC's, Bennet is pretty obsessed in a full on green flag way from the start. He approaches Bella like the treasure she is- absolutely swoon-worthy.
The chemistry and spice between the two is jumping off the page. This one is almost a slow burn, but the payoff is good.
I also like how the main tension in the story is centered around Ben's anxiety. For anyone who has dealt with anxiety, it can feel overwhelming so quickly. It can kind of take over your life before you know it, even if there aren't any other major problems at the time. It was all handled in typical Roasters fashion- the team and town taking care of their own.
All in all this series is like going out with friends you have had for so long you can't imagine yourself without the inside jokes and decades of history. With a side of spice that is tons of fun and creative. Can you say strip batting practice?
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2026
This is the fifth book in Reynold's baseball series called Rose City Roasters, and follows the love story between the team's catcher, Bennett King, and Arabella (Bella) Pink. If you're a fan of the trope bestfriend's-younger-sister, then this book is one to add to your TBR: Bella is Bennett's friend (and teammate's) younger sister. The age-gap isn't anything too dramatic, she's 23 and Bennett is 29. Additionally, I really loved how mature Bennett and Bella's brother were about the whole thing, with no unnecessary drama or cavemen grunts. Bennett is the quiet, sullen type - and in bed, he's the call-me-daddy-type. Meow. Bella is a beekeeper, she's crafty, ambitious, plus-sized, autistic, and friggin' pole-dances to stay in shape. Dude. I wanna meet her IRL.
Despite Bennett being a sports celebrity, the book has this overall very slice-of-lifey and cozy vibe which includes visits to the farmer's market, a friend's bookstore, and eating yummy pastries at a café.
It does have some third-act drama, but it's short-lived and easily resolved. And, importantly, it doesn't seem out-of-character, as its largely the result of Bennett's anxiety disorder. Actually, let's talk about that a bit more... I absolutely loved about this book was the way in which mental health disorders were represented, along with the FMC`s neurodivergence. It felt so real, which is unsurprising given that the author went the extra (very important) mile of hiring a sensitivity reader.
Bennett is definitely a possessive FMC- and he does get some sexual gratification about the fact that Bella is a virgin. SO, if that`s not the type of book or escapism you want, this may not be for you. As for me, in real life: red flags! But in my books, I'm so thirsty for it.
Tropes:
- Neighbours-to-lovers
- Bestfriend's-younger-sister
- Virgin FMC
- Possessive MMC
- Dom/sub
- Cozy vibes
Also, this book has some of my favourite one-liners. I mean, along with "you motherfucking cunt biscuit", we have this bad boy:
"He rolled the baseball between his palms, oblivious to the fact that I was standing there having a sexual awakening about headbands." I mean, girl, same.
Despite Bennett being a sports celebrity, the book has this overall very slice-of-lifey and cozy vibe which includes visits to the farmer's market, a friend's bookstore, and eating yummy pastries at a café.
It does have some third-act drama, but it's short-lived and easily resolved. And, importantly, it doesn't seem out-of-character, as its largely the result of Bennett's anxiety disorder. Actually, let's talk about that a bit more... I absolutely loved about this book was the way in which mental health disorders were represented, along with the FMC`s neurodivergence. It felt so real, which is unsurprising given that the author went the extra (very important) mile of hiring a sensitivity reader.
Bennett is definitely a possessive FMC- and he does get some sexual gratification about the fact that Bella is a virgin. SO, if that`s not the type of book or escapism you want, this may not be for you. As for me, in real life: red flags! But in my books, I'm so thirsty for it.
Tropes:
- Neighbours-to-lovers
- Bestfriend's-younger-sister
- Virgin FMC
- Possessive MMC
- Dom/sub
- Cozy vibes
Also, this book has some of my favourite one-liners. I mean, along with "you motherfucking cunt biscuit", we have this bad boy:
"He rolled the baseball between his palms, oblivious to the fact that I was standing there having a sexual awakening about headbands." I mean, girl, same.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.75 stars rounded up to 4 because Goodreads needs decimals already!
This fifth installment of my favorite fictional baseball team was very anticipated for me. As someone with an ASL and Deaf Studies minor and an autistic child, the two main characters were already two of my favorites in the series. I was excited to see their story and to have so much disability representation in a book. I was a tad hesitant, since I had a feeling the author wasn't Deaf or autistic herself. However, she mostly handled it well. She wrote in the notes about having sensitivity readers and doing some research about historic Deaf players in baseball. I did have a few nit picky complaints though:
-Bella having taken a few ASL classes in college and being able to flirt in ASL no problem was a little unrealistic. Of course I don't read romance books for realism, but I think it adds to societal stereotypes of ASL being a language that can be picked up quickly, as if it doesn't have its own grammatical structure, nuance, and robust vocabulary.
-The "good girl" trope, which I know is some people's thing, but isn't mine. I've read other books with it and not minded because whatever tickles your pickle. However, when it's used with an autistic character I find it more cringey because it leans into the infantilism that is common toward autistic people in the media.
-This one isn't so much a criticism as something I would have included: Bennett signs Bella's name on at least one occasion, and it's not clarified whether he is fingerspelling or if he gave her a name sign. This is usually a pretty important thing for Deaf people in Deaf culture. I don't know if Reynolds didn't come upon this part of Deaf culture in her research or if she just didn't want to include it.
Overall, it was a quick, fun read, and I'm looking forward to the next two installments that were hinted at in the author's note. I wish the Roasters were a real team!
3.75 stars rounded up to 4 because Goodreads needs decimals already!
This fifth installment of my favorite fictional baseball team was very anticipated for me. As someone with an ASL and Deaf Studies minor and an autistic child, the two main characters were already two of my favorites in the series. I was excited to see their story and to have so much disability representation in a book. I was a tad hesitant, since I had a feeling the author wasn't Deaf or autistic herself. However, she mostly handled it well. She wrote in the notes about having sensitivity readers and doing some research about historic Deaf players in baseball. I did have a few nit picky complaints though:
-Bella having taken a few ASL classes in college and being able to flirt in ASL no problem was a little unrealistic. Of course I don't read romance books for realism, but I think it adds to societal stereotypes of ASL being a language that can be picked up quickly, as if it doesn't have its own grammatical structure, nuance, and robust vocabulary.
-The "good girl" trope, which I know is some people's thing, but isn't mine. I've read other books with it and not minded because whatever tickles your pickle. However, when it's used with an autistic character I find it more cringey because it leans into the infantilism that is common toward autistic people in the media.
-This one isn't so much a criticism as something I would have included: Bennett signs Bella's name on at least one occasion, and it's not clarified whether he is fingerspelling or if he gave her a name sign. This is usually a pretty important thing for Deaf people in Deaf culture. I don't know if Reynolds didn't come upon this part of Deaf culture in her research or if she just didn't want to include it.
Overall, it was a quick, fun read, and I'm looking forward to the next two installments that were hinted at in the author's note. I wish the Roasters were a real team!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hooked me from the very first line, I genuinely laughed out loud, which immediately pulled me into the story. Bella is such a standout main character: funny, a little chaotic, and incredibly easy to connect with. She feels real in a way that made me think she would be an amazing best friend in real life.
The friend group is one of the highlights of the book. Their dynamic feels natural, supportive, and genuinely fun. The “Smutty Buddies” book club was a particularly great touch, and it made me excited to explore the rest of the series because every side character felt interesting in their own right.
Bennett was another strong point for me. He is thoughtful, observant, and consistently shows up for Bella without expecting anything in return. I especially appreciated how his deafness was portrayed, it felt respectful and well-integrated into his life rather than defining him entirely. It added depth to his character and to the way he navigates the world and his relationships.
What really made this book work, though, was the romance. Their relationship develops through small, meaningful moments that allow trust and connection to build naturally. There is a strong sense of mutual care and attentiveness, and the emotional payoff feels earned. When the chemistry finally comes to the forefront, it lands well without overshadowing the foundation that was built beforehand.
I also appreciated that while Bennett does struggle with feeling like he is not enough at times, this conflict does not drag on unnecessarily. The story allows space for growth and communication, which ultimately strengthens the relationship rather than creating prolonged frustration.
Overall, this was a funny, heartfelt, and engaging read with a strong central romance and a memorable supporting cast. It left me genuinely excited to go back and read the rest of the series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
The friend group is one of the highlights of the book. Their dynamic feels natural, supportive, and genuinely fun. The “Smutty Buddies” book club was a particularly great touch, and it made me excited to explore the rest of the series because every side character felt interesting in their own right.
Bennett was another strong point for me. He is thoughtful, observant, and consistently shows up for Bella without expecting anything in return. I especially appreciated how his deafness was portrayed, it felt respectful and well-integrated into his life rather than defining him entirely. It added depth to his character and to the way he navigates the world and his relationships.
What really made this book work, though, was the romance. Their relationship develops through small, meaningful moments that allow trust and connection to build naturally. There is a strong sense of mutual care and attentiveness, and the emotional payoff feels earned. When the chemistry finally comes to the forefront, it lands well without overshadowing the foundation that was built beforehand.
I also appreciated that while Bennett does struggle with feeling like he is not enough at times, this conflict does not drag on unnecessarily. The story allows space for growth and communication, which ultimately strengthens the relationship rather than creating prolonged frustration.
Overall, this was a funny, heartfelt, and engaging read with a strong central romance and a memorable supporting cast. It left me genuinely excited to go back and read the rest of the series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
March 19, 2026
🛁 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🛁
Catch got your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds
“You can’t pull me under when you’re the one who holds me up.”
When the world starts to thaw in the spring, all I wanna do is read baseball romance. When the incredible Kelly Reynolds offered me an arc of her newest neighbors to lovers baseball romance right as my seasonal depression started to break? I felt like I hit the JACKPOT.
I absolutely love anytime I get to return to the Roasters universe, and I think Bella and Bennett might be my favorite couple. We’ve read about so far. Their love reminded me a lot of how I felt about this most recent season of Bridgerton in the way that it was as simple as breathing. Both Benedict x Sophie and Bella x Bennett fell into one another in the most perfect way at the most perfect time, and experiencing their joy filled me with happiness.
Another thing I absolutely love about this universe is the diversity we get in sexual preferences, disabilities, physical appearances, and neurodivergencies of our characters. Kelly never stops exploring different relationship dynamics in regards to diversity, and I feel like it absolutely helps people feel seen.
I love the little callbacks and insights we got into the characters we loved from the previous books and also the sneak peaks we got of books to come. And as always, Kelly shows us that attraction and spice is not limited to the size of a character. We love a world where fat girls get lifted off their feet and told to “sit down” (IYKYK).
This universe makes me sweat, swoon, laugh out loud, it feels like I’m reuniting with a group of friends. Every time in installment comes out. I can’t wait for the next story in this series and I’m grateful to not only call Kelly one of my favorite authors but a great friend. Catch Got Your Tongue comes out April 14th and you WILL want it on the tippy top of your TBR.⚾️🧡✨🛁📚
Catch got your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds
“You can’t pull me under when you’re the one who holds me up.”
When the world starts to thaw in the spring, all I wanna do is read baseball romance. When the incredible Kelly Reynolds offered me an arc of her newest neighbors to lovers baseball romance right as my seasonal depression started to break? I felt like I hit the JACKPOT.
I absolutely love anytime I get to return to the Roasters universe, and I think Bella and Bennett might be my favorite couple. We’ve read about so far. Their love reminded me a lot of how I felt about this most recent season of Bridgerton in the way that it was as simple as breathing. Both Benedict x Sophie and Bella x Bennett fell into one another in the most perfect way at the most perfect time, and experiencing their joy filled me with happiness.
Another thing I absolutely love about this universe is the diversity we get in sexual preferences, disabilities, physical appearances, and neurodivergencies of our characters. Kelly never stops exploring different relationship dynamics in regards to diversity, and I feel like it absolutely helps people feel seen.
I love the little callbacks and insights we got into the characters we loved from the previous books and also the sneak peaks we got of books to come. And as always, Kelly shows us that attraction and spice is not limited to the size of a character. We love a world where fat girls get lifted off their feet and told to “sit down” (IYKYK).
This universe makes me sweat, swoon, laugh out loud, it feels like I’m reuniting with a group of friends. Every time in installment comes out. I can’t wait for the next story in this series and I’m grateful to not only call Kelly one of my favorite authors but a great friend. Catch Got Your Tongue comes out April 14th and you WILL want it on the tippy top of your TBR.⚾️🧡✨🛁📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, easy romance read. Even though it’s part of a series, it worked really well as a standalone. I never felt lost jumping in here, however having the backstory of the other characters/couples is nice.
The characters were honestly the highlight for me. The MCs have been quietly interested in each other for a while, which made the chemistry feel natural instead of rushed. The MMC (Bennett) is a professional baseball player who is deaf and deals with anxiety, and I loved seeing that representation handled in a way that felt thoughtful without defining his entire character. The FMC (Bella) is plus-sized and very relatable, with sensory processing/neurospicy traits that added a lot of authenticity to how she navigates the world. I also liked the added dynamic of her brother being on the same baseball team, for a good brothers friend/teammate trope.
One of my favorite parts of the story was how well Bennett understood Bella during moments when she was overwhelmed. Those scenes were really sweet and showed how attentive and supportive he is.
Also loving this book for skipping the usual frustrating romance tropes. No ridiculous third-act breakup, no massive miscommunication drama. Just two people figuring things out together/ navigating a new relationship.
Spice-wise I’d put it around about a 3.75/5, which felt well balanced with the emotional side of the story.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me! Fun, swoony, and perfect if you want a romance that’s engaging without being overly heavy. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were honestly the highlight for me. The MCs have been quietly interested in each other for a while, which made the chemistry feel natural instead of rushed. The MMC (Bennett) is a professional baseball player who is deaf and deals with anxiety, and I loved seeing that representation handled in a way that felt thoughtful without defining his entire character. The FMC (Bella) is plus-sized and very relatable, with sensory processing/neurospicy traits that added a lot of authenticity to how she navigates the world. I also liked the added dynamic of her brother being on the same baseball team, for a good brothers friend/teammate trope.
One of my favorite parts of the story was how well Bennett understood Bella during moments when she was overwhelmed. Those scenes were really sweet and showed how attentive and supportive he is.
Also loving this book for skipping the usual frustrating romance tropes. No ridiculous third-act breakup, no massive miscommunication drama. Just two people figuring things out together/ navigating a new relationship.
Spice-wise I’d put it around about a 3.75/5, which felt well balanced with the emotional side of the story.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me! Fun, swoony, and perfect if you want a romance that’s engaging without being overly heavy. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 ARC Review: Catch Got Your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds
Releasing April 14th — Book 5 in the Rose City Roasters Series
This is Bella & Bennett’s story, and it was as sweet as honey 🍯. We first met Bella back in Pitches Be Crazy (book 2), and I have been WAITING for her happily ever after. And with Bennett, the cinnamon‑roll catcher of my dreams- SWOON!
Bella is our plus‑size, neurospicy queen, sister to star pitcher Jered Pink, and someone who has always deserved a partner who sees her fully.
Bennett , who is deaf, wears speech processors, and has been harboring a soft little crush on Bella for a while. When he moves in with her brother, that means he also means he moves right next door to Bella. Cue the forced proximity, the protective streak, and the moment he decides he’s done holding back. I loved seeing his confidence bloom once he wasn’t tiptoeing around Bella’s brother and her inexperience anymore.
What really worked for me:
🐝 Plus‑size FMC who gets worshipped
🐝 Deaf MMC navigating pro baseball
🐝 Autistic FMC navigating her world with honesty
🐝 Virginity trope (yes please)
🐝 A couple who supports each other through their anxieties
🐝 A diverse cast of supportive friends
Diversity done right — Kelly Reynolds always delivers here! It's one of the reasons I always pick up her novels!
This was a cute, easy, low‑plot read with great chemistry. I honestly just wanted more Bella and Bennett! Their connection was the magic, and I could’ve happily lived in that space longer.
Bella and Bennett were worth the wait, and I’m already excited to see what Kelly Reynolds gives us next in this wonderfully inclusive world
Releasing April 14th — Book 5 in the Rose City Roasters Series
This is Bella & Bennett’s story, and it was as sweet as honey 🍯. We first met Bella back in Pitches Be Crazy (book 2), and I have been WAITING for her happily ever after. And with Bennett, the cinnamon‑roll catcher of my dreams- SWOON!
Bella is our plus‑size, neurospicy queen, sister to star pitcher Jered Pink, and someone who has always deserved a partner who sees her fully.
Bennett , who is deaf, wears speech processors, and has been harboring a soft little crush on Bella for a while. When he moves in with her brother, that means he also means he moves right next door to Bella. Cue the forced proximity, the protective streak, and the moment he decides he’s done holding back. I loved seeing his confidence bloom once he wasn’t tiptoeing around Bella’s brother and her inexperience anymore.
What really worked for me:
🐝 Plus‑size FMC who gets worshipped
🐝 Deaf MMC navigating pro baseball
🐝 Autistic FMC navigating her world with honesty
🐝 Virginity trope (yes please)
🐝 A couple who supports each other through their anxieties
🐝 A diverse cast of supportive friends
Diversity done right — Kelly Reynolds always delivers here! It's one of the reasons I always pick up her novels!
This was a cute, easy, low‑plot read with great chemistry. I honestly just wanted more Bella and Bennett! Their connection was the magic, and I could’ve happily lived in that space longer.
Bella and Bennett were worth the wait, and I’m already excited to see what Kelly Reynolds gives us next in this wonderfully inclusive world
May 5, 2026
⭐️ 5/5
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
💧 5/5
Catch Got Your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds is a heartfelt baseball romance that combines emotional vulnerability, representation, humor, and soft relationship development into a genuinely refreshing reading experience.
The story follows Bennett and Bella as they navigate a brother’s teammate romance filled with emotional tension, personal growth, and strong emotional connection.
One of the strongest aspects of the book for me was the representation throughout the story. Seeing a deaf MMC represented in a sports romance made the book feel especially unique while also adding emotional depth and perspective to Bennett’s character and experiences.
I also personally related to the anxiety representation throughout the story, which made parts of Bella’s emotional journey feel especially realistic and emotionally impactful for me as a reader.
The relationship dynamic between Bennett and Bella was also balanced really well. The brother’s teammate trope added emotional tension while still allowing the romance to feel soft, comforting, and emotionally grounded.
I appreciated how emotionally warm the story felt overall while still maintaining strong chemistry and meaningful relationship progression between the characters.
Overall, Catch Got Your Tongue is a comforting and emotionally engaging sports romance filled with strong representation, emotional vulnerability, sweetness, and relationship dynamics that made me genuinely hope we continue getting more books in this series.
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
💧 5/5
Catch Got Your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds is a heartfelt baseball romance that combines emotional vulnerability, representation, humor, and soft relationship development into a genuinely refreshing reading experience.
The story follows Bennett and Bella as they navigate a brother’s teammate romance filled with emotional tension, personal growth, and strong emotional connection.
One of the strongest aspects of the book for me was the representation throughout the story. Seeing a deaf MMC represented in a sports romance made the book feel especially unique while also adding emotional depth and perspective to Bennett’s character and experiences.
I also personally related to the anxiety representation throughout the story, which made parts of Bella’s emotional journey feel especially realistic and emotionally impactful for me as a reader.
The relationship dynamic between Bennett and Bella was also balanced really well. The brother’s teammate trope added emotional tension while still allowing the romance to feel soft, comforting, and emotionally grounded.
I appreciated how emotionally warm the story felt overall while still maintaining strong chemistry and meaningful relationship progression between the characters.
Overall, Catch Got Your Tongue is a comforting and emotionally engaging sports romance filled with strong representation, emotional vulnerability, sweetness, and relationship dynamics that made me genuinely hope we continue getting more books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Arc Reader
I don't even know where to begin, I loved this book. Overall, it's a cozy and cute small town romance with a friends to lovers trope. It follows a professional baseball player(Bennett) and a plus size, entrepreneur, and college student (Arabella) who also happens to be the sister of one of Bennetts teammates.
Arabella is an amazing character that I could personally connect to as someone who is plus sized and neurodivergent. The representation of both those traits were well displayed in the book, but didn't overtake her overall character.
Bennett King was also a very well rounded character. I enjoyed how patient and protective he is over Arabella and I love how his deafness is written into the story, it adds some very unique interactions and again, the representation is amazing. Just like Arabella, Bennetts disability doesn't take away from his character, but adds another level to it.
You can read this book as a stand alone, but there are other relationships from previous books that were developed. After reading this book, I would definitely read the others in the series because I am curious to see how some of the couples got together.
Overall, Id give this book an 8/10. There are of course a few things that I didnt LOVE about the book, but overall, I really did enjoy the read.
I don't even know where to begin, I loved this book. Overall, it's a cozy and cute small town romance with a friends to lovers trope. It follows a professional baseball player(Bennett) and a plus size, entrepreneur, and college student (Arabella) who also happens to be the sister of one of Bennetts teammates.
Arabella is an amazing character that I could personally connect to as someone who is plus sized and neurodivergent. The representation of both those traits were well displayed in the book, but didn't overtake her overall character.
Bennett King was also a very well rounded character. I enjoyed how patient and protective he is over Arabella and I love how his deafness is written into the story, it adds some very unique interactions and again, the representation is amazing. Just like Arabella, Bennetts disability doesn't take away from his character, but adds another level to it.
You can read this book as a stand alone, but there are other relationships from previous books that were developed. After reading this book, I would definitely read the others in the series because I am curious to see how some of the couples got together.
Overall, Id give this book an 8/10. There are of course a few things that I didnt LOVE about the book, but overall, I really did enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There’s just something about a sports romance that hits every single time but Catch Got Your Tongue completely snuck up on me in the best way. Bella Pink is building a life that actually feels like hers (her honey business? I’m obsessed), and attempting to navigate dating… even if her track record lately is more red flag compilation than love story. And then Bennett King (her brother’s teammate) moves in next door, and suddenly everything she thought she had under control starts to unravel.
Bennett is so carefully structured and Bella completely shifts his world in a way that feels both soft and inevitable. The tension, the quiet yearning, the way he sees her even when she’s trying to hold everything together, it all just works. And one of my favorite things? No third act breakup. Just growth, communication, and two people actually choosing each other, which felt so refreshing.
This book also shines in its representation. Bella’s autism and Bennett’s anxiety and deafness are handled with so much care, adding real depth to both characters without ever taking away from the romance. And the supporting cast? Truly one of the highlights. There’s such a vibrant, diverse group of characters surrounding them that it genuinely made me want to go back and read the rest of the series just to spend more time in this world.
Bennett is so carefully structured and Bella completely shifts his world in a way that feels both soft and inevitable. The tension, the quiet yearning, the way he sees her even when she’s trying to hold everything together, it all just works. And one of my favorite things? No third act breakup. Just growth, communication, and two people actually choosing each other, which felt so refreshing.
This book also shines in its representation. Bella’s autism and Bennett’s anxiety and deafness are handled with so much care, adding real depth to both characters without ever taking away from the romance. And the supporting cast? Truly one of the highlights. There’s such a vibrant, diverse group of characters surrounding them that it genuinely made me want to go back and read the rest of the series just to spend more time in this world.
May 3, 2026
Catch Got Your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds
I loved this book but honestly how could you not!? Bella and Bennett are perfection and I can’t get enough of them. These books have altered my brain in the best way possible and honestly hooked me into baseball romances. Thank you for creating such a safe and loving space for plus sized and mid sized FMCs they all deserve love and you do that beautifully in your books 🤍 here is a quote with no context that makes me giggle 🙈
“Get off him, you . . . f*cking d*ck muffin!”🤣
If you love:
🎀 Plus Size, Neurospicy Beekeeper
🎀 Small Town
🎀 Inexperienced but Eager FMC
🎀 He Falls First & Hard
🎀 Deaf Baseball Player
🎀 Neighbors to Lovers
🎀 His Teammates Sister
🎀 Anxiety & Autism Rep
🎀 Mutual Pining
Genre/type: Baseball Romance / a Neighbors-to-lovers Romance
Pages: 326
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or standalone: book 4 in an interconnected stand alone series
Tropes or themes: Plus Size, Neurospicy Beekeeper, Small Town, Inexperienced but Eager FMC, He Falls First & Hard, Deaf Baseball Player, Neighbors to Lovers, His Teammates Sister, Anxiety & Autism Rep & Mutual Pining
Check triggers: open-door romance, recreational use of alcohol, plus discussions about anxiety, ableism, deafness, and parental neglect
Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable
I loved this book but honestly how could you not!? Bella and Bennett are perfection and I can’t get enough of them. These books have altered my brain in the best way possible and honestly hooked me into baseball romances. Thank you for creating such a safe and loving space for plus sized and mid sized FMCs they all deserve love and you do that beautifully in your books 🤍 here is a quote with no context that makes me giggle 🙈
“Get off him, you . . . f*cking d*ck muffin!”🤣
If you love:
🎀 Plus Size, Neurospicy Beekeeper
🎀 Small Town
🎀 Inexperienced but Eager FMC
🎀 He Falls First & Hard
🎀 Deaf Baseball Player
🎀 Neighbors to Lovers
🎀 His Teammates Sister
🎀 Anxiety & Autism Rep
🎀 Mutual Pining
Genre/type: Baseball Romance / a Neighbors-to-lovers Romance
Pages: 326
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or standalone: book 4 in an interconnected stand alone series
Tropes or themes: Plus Size, Neurospicy Beekeeper, Small Town, Inexperienced but Eager FMC, He Falls First & Hard, Deaf Baseball Player, Neighbors to Lovers, His Teammates Sister, Anxiety & Autism Rep & Mutual Pining
Check triggers: open-door romance, recreational use of alcohol, plus discussions about anxiety, ableism, deafness, and parental neglect
Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable
April 21, 2026
The best sports romances are the ones that feel super hyper local and very connected to the city that they're set in - K Iwancio's Philly Sillies in Philly, Sloane St James' Montana Lakes in Minneapolis. Reynold's Rose City Roasters feels very local to Portland - whether the it's Bella's backyard apiary (very Portland), the fact that even wealthy baseball players like Bennett need to have roommates to make housing affordable (very Pacific Northwest) and a strong interest in crafts that runs through the Rose City Roaster series.
These are interconnected standalones, so you very much can read this one without reading the previous ones, but these are two characters who have been in each other's lives and have been circling each other, so it does enrich the book if you've read it. I also have to say I so appreciate the depiction of Bennet's's identity as a hard of hearing baseball player, and that his management varies, whether with his speech processor or with ASL - it seems like Reynolds was very thoughtful as to what a day in a life of an athlete with a disability would entail.
This book has been compared to Ted Lasso, and I think it's because of the comforting and cozy feeling this book reads. It feels like a warm cup of tea in the Portland drizzle.
These are interconnected standalones, so you very much can read this one without reading the previous ones, but these are two characters who have been in each other's lives and have been circling each other, so it does enrich the book if you've read it. I also have to say I so appreciate the depiction of Bennet's's identity as a hard of hearing baseball player, and that his management varies, whether with his speech processor or with ASL - it seems like Reynolds was very thoughtful as to what a day in a life of an athlete with a disability would entail.
This book has been compared to Ted Lasso, and I think it's because of the comforting and cozy feeling this book reads. It feels like a warm cup of tea in the Portland drizzle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bella is a fun-loving, confident student and entrepreneur, who finally decides to take the leap with her brother’s teammate, Bennett. Bennett has charm and a giant heart, and Bella’s been on his mind for quite some time. Catch Got Your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds was a super cute read about Bella and Bennett finding their way into a beautiful relationship together.
I enjoyed all the characters in the book, especially Bella and her new friend, Parker. The author described them in a way that felt like I was right there with them in the car, with the windows down and signing along to Whitney Houston. The main characters had strong dialogue with witty and smart banter, which kept me smiling throughout the book.
Although I loved the book, I thought the plot was a little shallow. There wasn’t much of a climax, because any conflict was resolved easily and quickly. The depth of the characters, however, and the way they navigated their neurodivergence in their relationships easily made up for any plot faults. Overall this book was a joy to read, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!
I enjoyed all the characters in the book, especially Bella and her new friend, Parker. The author described them in a way that felt like I was right there with them in the car, with the windows down and signing along to Whitney Houston. The main characters had strong dialogue with witty and smart banter, which kept me smiling throughout the book.
Although I loved the book, I thought the plot was a little shallow. There wasn’t much of a climax, because any conflict was resolved easily and quickly. The depth of the characters, however, and the way they navigated their neurodivergence in their relationships easily made up for any plot faults. Overall this book was a joy to read, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever loved a book's setting and characters so much that you wished you could live inside it? Kelly Reynolds's Rose City Roasters baseball series features a rainbow of characters who I wish were my friends and neighbors.
Sports romance is a crowded genre; and now gay sports romance has hit the mainstream. Kelly Reynolds is ahead of the trends, writing queer and inclusive romance for years. Her special brand is full of love, acceptance, and understanding, wrapped in humor, sass, and humanity.
Catch Got Your Tongue is the fifth of punny titles in the series. The book tells the love story between the Roasters’ Deaf catcher Bennet King and his neuro-spicy neighbor, the big and beautiful beekeeper, Bella Pink. Though there are scenes of honey-based spa sessions, no bees were harmed in the making of this story.
Since I can’t move to Rose City and hang with the Roasters, I have to settle for the next best thing. I can reread the previous titles and enjoy the friendships, shenanigans, and spicy moments. Then I’ll look forward to the next book, wondering who next will find their HEA in Rose City.
Sports romance is a crowded genre; and now gay sports romance has hit the mainstream. Kelly Reynolds is ahead of the trends, writing queer and inclusive romance for years. Her special brand is full of love, acceptance, and understanding, wrapped in humor, sass, and humanity.
Catch Got Your Tongue is the fifth of punny titles in the series. The book tells the love story between the Roasters’ Deaf catcher Bennet King and his neuro-spicy neighbor, the big and beautiful beekeeper, Bella Pink. Though there are scenes of honey-based spa sessions, no bees were harmed in the making of this story.
Since I can’t move to Rose City and hang with the Roasters, I have to settle for the next best thing. I can reread the previous titles and enjoy the friendships, shenanigans, and spicy moments. Then I’ll look forward to the next book, wondering who next will find their HEA in Rose City.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I know I’m a very trope driven reader. If the characters/tropes are right you can transplant it into 52 different stories and I will LOVE them all.
I ADORED, COULD NOT PUT DOWN, THESE TWO.
Bella and Bennett both navigate disabilities, but so often I didn’t even notice because of how they show up for each other. The honesty and vulnerability each shares, but also just that understanding and acceptance of what each other needs/wants in the moment was *chefs kiss*
I always appreciate mental health representation in stories and I felt it was handled well for Bennett as well as the team.
Being Book 5 and the third season of this crew you can feel the maturity shift from Soren and Clarke’s introduction, but I appreciated the switch back to more commarderie with the team and the Bitchcraft chat was back 😊
Not saying you should skip the other couples, they all weave together to make this team better, but Bella and Bennett are my favourite and I’m glad I broke my ARC rule.
Thank you Kelly for the advanced copy of this fantastic duo 💜💜
I ADORED, COULD NOT PUT DOWN, THESE TWO.
Bella and Bennett both navigate disabilities, but so often I didn’t even notice because of how they show up for each other. The honesty and vulnerability each shares, but also just that understanding and acceptance of what each other needs/wants in the moment was *chefs kiss*
I always appreciate mental health representation in stories and I felt it was handled well for Bennett as well as the team.
Being Book 5 and the third season of this crew you can feel the maturity shift from Soren and Clarke’s introduction, but I appreciated the switch back to more commarderie with the team and the Bitchcraft chat was back 😊
Not saying you should skip the other couples, they all weave together to make this team better, but Bella and Bennett are my favourite and I’m glad I broke my ARC rule.
Thank you Kelly for the advanced copy of this fantastic duo 💜💜
March 27, 2026
Move over Jared Pink, your sister just stole your spot for favorite book in this series. I enjoyed every single moment of Bella and Bennett’s story.
As with the rest of the books in this series, this book brought me so much joy. Kelly’s sense of humor in her writing is right up my alley and I was snickering and giggling my whole way through this book. It also has so many heart-warming moments, both in the relationship development between the main characters but also in all of the surrounding friendships. I love that we just keep building and exploring a wonderful groups of friends in this series and get to see glimpses of our other favorite characters as they are living their best lives.
The neurodivergence and anxiety representation we get with our MCs was so thoughtfully done. Bella’s character was so complex but did not feel cliche. I particularly enjoyed reading how Bennett and her friends listened to her as she explains her experience and then enthusiastically do what they can to make her feel comfortable and accepted as she is. My heart was full by the end of this book.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As with the rest of the books in this series, this book brought me so much joy. Kelly’s sense of humor in her writing is right up my alley and I was snickering and giggling my whole way through this book. It also has so many heart-warming moments, both in the relationship development between the main characters but also in all of the surrounding friendships. I love that we just keep building and exploring a wonderful groups of friends in this series and get to see glimpses of our other favorite characters as they are living their best lives.
The neurodivergence and anxiety representation we get with our MCs was so thoughtfully done. Bella’s character was so complex but did not feel cliche. I particularly enjoyed reading how Bennett and her friends listened to her as she explains her experience and then enthusiastically do what they can to make her feel comfortable and accepted as she is. My heart was full by the end of this book.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received Catch Got Your Tongue as an ARC from Kelly in exchange for my honest opinions.
Catch Got Your Tongue is the 4th installment in the Rose City Roasters series. It can be read as a standalone, but honestly, the other books in the series are so good that you’ll want to get them on your TBR too!
Catch Got Your Tongue is a dual POV that follows Bennett, the deaf catcher for the Roasters, and Bella, neurodivergent sister of one of Bennett’s teammates. Kelly did such a fantastic job with this story. There was obviously time, effort, and research put into perfecting the characters, which I appreciate greatly as a special education teacher and advocate for the special needs community. I also commend Kelly for how she wrote Bella’s first time. Bennett was absolutely perfect in taking the time needed and not rushing. His mental health struggles were also so relatable, especially right now for me.
Catch Got Your Tongue is the 4th installment in the Rose City Roasters series. It can be read as a standalone, but honestly, the other books in the series are so good that you’ll want to get them on your TBR too!
Catch Got Your Tongue is a dual POV that follows Bennett, the deaf catcher for the Roasters, and Bella, neurodivergent sister of one of Bennett’s teammates. Kelly did such a fantastic job with this story. There was obviously time, effort, and research put into perfecting the characters, which I appreciate greatly as a special education teacher and advocate for the special needs community. I also commend Kelly for how she wrote Bella’s first time. Bennett was absolutely perfect in taking the time needed and not rushing. His mental health struggles were also so relatable, especially right now for me.
April 14, 2026
Bennett + Bella
Bennett, the catcher for the Rose City Roasters, moves in with his teammate, Jared Pink (from book 2, Pitches Be Crazy). Bella who is Pink’s sister happens to live next door after deciding she needed a fresh start. Enter neighbors-to-lovers, brother’s teammate romcom.
I love how Kelly continues to capture different disabilities, and relationship dynamics through her books. Bennett is a deaf catcher, and Bella is a plus-size, neurospicy, beekeeper. Getting to see parts of myself in Bella was really impactful to me, I even shed a few tears for feeling seen in a main character in a book. And I can only hope to one day meet my Bennett who will see right through the I’m fine act and want to really know how I feel.
Seeing Bennett and Bella work through both of their feelings and support each other was one of my favorite parts of the book, besides the spicy lessons 😊.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Bennett, the catcher for the Rose City Roasters, moves in with his teammate, Jared Pink (from book 2, Pitches Be Crazy). Bella who is Pink’s sister happens to live next door after deciding she needed a fresh start. Enter neighbors-to-lovers, brother’s teammate romcom.
I love how Kelly continues to capture different disabilities, and relationship dynamics through her books. Bennett is a deaf catcher, and Bella is a plus-size, neurospicy, beekeeper. Getting to see parts of myself in Bella was really impactful to me, I even shed a few tears for feeling seen in a main character in a book. And I can only hope to one day meet my Bennett who will see right through the I’m fine act and want to really know how I feel.
Seeing Bennett and Bella work through both of their feelings and support each other was one of my favorite parts of the book, besides the spicy lessons 😊.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
April 15, 2026
I absolutely loved Catch Got Your Tongue by Kelly Reynolds! Even though it’s part of the Rose City Roasters series, it works perfectly as a standalone and I was instantly hooked by Bella and Bennett’s story.
This neighbors to lovers, baseball romance is impossible to put down. Bennett, a hearing-impaired hero, and Bella, a neurodivergent, curvy girl, grab the reader from the very beginning of story and have you rooting for their happy ending. Their relationship is full of chemistry, sweetness, and plenty of spice. Be warned, some of the chapters are NSFW.
The strong found family and friendship element is enhanced by the fact that Belle is Bennett’s teammate’s little sister. Thereby bringing just the right amount of conflict without impacting the flow of the story.
I highly recommend if you love emotional, spicy romances with unforgettable characters, especially an MMC that falls first and hard.
This neighbors to lovers, baseball romance is impossible to put down. Bennett, a hearing-impaired hero, and Bella, a neurodivergent, curvy girl, grab the reader from the very beginning of story and have you rooting for their happy ending. Their relationship is full of chemistry, sweetness, and plenty of spice. Be warned, some of the chapters are NSFW.
The strong found family and friendship element is enhanced by the fact that Belle is Bennett’s teammate’s little sister. Thereby bringing just the right amount of conflict without impacting the flow of the story.
I highly recommend if you love emotional, spicy romances with unforgettable characters, especially an MMC that falls first and hard.
April 16, 2026
Catch Got Your Tongue started out with our main characters, Bella and Bennett, secretly-not-so-secretly pining for each other. Their love story unfolded with the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. There are moments of deep conversations and connection between Bella and Bennett, as well as with their friends. Then there are moments where the spice level is cranked up to 10. Whew! I loved the deaf, anxiety, and neurodivergent representations in this book. Bella and Bennett meet each other where they are at and Kelly did a phenomenal job of showing what it looks like to understand, see, and support someone when they need a solid ground to stand on.
This was my first Kelly Reynolds book and I devoured it! 10/10! This is part of her Rose City Roasters series and can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy neighbors-to-lovers, plus size FMC, sports romance then I recommend picking up this book.
This was my first Kelly Reynolds book and I devoured it! 10/10! This is part of her Rose City Roasters series and can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy neighbors-to-lovers, plus size FMC, sports romance then I recommend picking up this book.
May 7, 2026
Announcement: I’m moving to the home of the Rose City Roasters and plan to become a regular at every small business mentioned. Seriously, grab your glove, meet me at Would Smell as Sweet, and let’s load up on cinnamon rolls and talk plot twists like we’re in extra innings.
Catch Got Your Tongue was my first introduction to the Rose City Roasters world, and I was instantly hooked, lined, and emotionally reeled in. From the local bakery to the cozy bookstore to the absolute culinary masterpiece that is totchos (tater tot nachos??? say less), this town has me ready to pack a bag and never look back.
And then there’s the beautifully complex Bella. The anxiety + autism rep is handled with so much care and intention - it’s not performative, it’s not over-explained, it just exists in a way that feels real, deeply respectful, and normalized. She’s also a small business owner and beekeeper, casually out here building her honey empire. We’re talking farmers market honey, honey-based products, and eventually branching into things like face creams… and let’s just say, some spicier uses for honey. (Honey dust. That’s all I’ll say. Read the book. You’re welcome.)
Bennett? Oh, Bennett. A deliciously protective cinnadom. Seeing anxiety rep and a cochlear implant represented in a sports setting felt so refreshing and normalized - it wasn’t his whole identity, but it was honored in a way that mattered.
The chemistry here doesn’t swing for the fences immediately. Instead, it simmers slowly like honey that grows silkier with every turn of the spoon. And then, suddenly, there’s a strip batting cage scene, leaving me grinning and a little breathless. Give me nine innings of this kind of nuanced, inventive romance any day.
This book is the literary equivalent of sliding into home base on a sun-warmed afternoon: effortless, exhilarating, and so easy to lose yourself in that I finished it in a single, greedy sitting. The tangle of relationships is playfully messy, sincere, and brimming with lived-in quirks that felt as inviting as a hometown dugout. It’s all comfort and unexpected depth, like honey on toast with a pinch of sea salt- familiar, yet quietly extraordinary.
Warning: I started here, fell in love with the characters, and immediately went back to read the entire series. This book is not just a read - it’s a gateway.
Five easy-reading stars for this one - a true honey-sweet(plus spice) story that slides right into your heart and leaves you wanting an encore at the bottom of the ninth.
Tropes & Such:
- Neighbors to lovers
-Anxiety + Autism Rep
-Deaf Catcher with Cochlear Implants
-Baseball Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Plus Size Neurospicy Virgin Beekeeper FMC
-LGBTQIA+ Supporting Characters
-Dual POV
-Rose City Roasters Novel
-Group Chat Titled "B!itchcraft"
-ASL Rep
-He Falls First
-Honey Dust
-Pole Fitness
Catch Got Your Tongue was my first introduction to the Rose City Roasters world, and I was instantly hooked, lined, and emotionally reeled in. From the local bakery to the cozy bookstore to the absolute culinary masterpiece that is totchos (tater tot nachos??? say less), this town has me ready to pack a bag and never look back.
And then there’s the beautifully complex Bella. The anxiety + autism rep is handled with so much care and intention - it’s not performative, it’s not over-explained, it just exists in a way that feels real, deeply respectful, and normalized. She’s also a small business owner and beekeeper, casually out here building her honey empire. We’re talking farmers market honey, honey-based products, and eventually branching into things like face creams… and let’s just say, some spicier uses for honey. (Honey dust. That’s all I’ll say. Read the book. You’re welcome.)
Bennett? Oh, Bennett. A deliciously protective cinnadom. Seeing anxiety rep and a cochlear implant represented in a sports setting felt so refreshing and normalized - it wasn’t his whole identity, but it was honored in a way that mattered.
The chemistry here doesn’t swing for the fences immediately. Instead, it simmers slowly like honey that grows silkier with every turn of the spoon. And then, suddenly, there’s a strip batting cage scene, leaving me grinning and a little breathless. Give me nine innings of this kind of nuanced, inventive romance any day.
This book is the literary equivalent of sliding into home base on a sun-warmed afternoon: effortless, exhilarating, and so easy to lose yourself in that I finished it in a single, greedy sitting. The tangle of relationships is playfully messy, sincere, and brimming with lived-in quirks that felt as inviting as a hometown dugout. It’s all comfort and unexpected depth, like honey on toast with a pinch of sea salt- familiar, yet quietly extraordinary.
Warning: I started here, fell in love with the characters, and immediately went back to read the entire series. This book is not just a read - it’s a gateway.
Five easy-reading stars for this one - a true honey-sweet(plus spice) story that slides right into your heart and leaves you wanting an encore at the bottom of the ninth.
Tropes & Such:
- Neighbors to lovers
-Anxiety + Autism Rep
-Deaf Catcher with Cochlear Implants
-Baseball Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Plus Size Neurospicy Virgin Beekeeper FMC
-LGBTQIA+ Supporting Characters
-Dual POV
-Rose City Roasters Novel
-Group Chat Titled "B!itchcraft"
-ASL Rep
-He Falls First
-Honey Dust
-Pole Fitness
April 20, 2026
Bella and Bennett are SO freaking adorable. As individuals they are both so relatable and lovable. From the moment their story begins you get such warm, fuzzy vibes from them both that carries throughout the entire story.
Bennett is such a champion for others and despite Bella's own struggles, she stands up for him and is in his corner through it all as such a steady presence. They're both down BAD for each other and when they're finally brave enough to let each other in (which the rest of the side characters are so ready for), magic happens between them.
The way the author approaches anxiety and neurodiversity is done with such care. This is my first book in the series and definitely was enjoyable as a standalone, but the cast of side characters are a lot of fun and definitely make we want to explore the rest of the series!
Also - CHECK OUT the character art - OMG it is GORGEOUS!
Bennett is such a champion for others and despite Bella's own struggles, she stands up for him and is in his corner through it all as such a steady presence. They're both down BAD for each other and when they're finally brave enough to let each other in (which the rest of the side characters are so ready for), magic happens between them.
The way the author approaches anxiety and neurodiversity is done with such care. This is my first book in the series and definitely was enjoyable as a standalone, but the cast of side characters are a lot of fun and definitely make we want to explore the rest of the series!
Also - CHECK OUT the character art - OMG it is GORGEOUS!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews