Hard to Catch

by Alice Ward

This is the third sexy STANDALONE novel in Bestselling Author Alice Ward's brand new sports romance series, The Beasts of Baseball.

Todd Morris
I couldn’t imagine anything worse than being traded from the Mets — until the day I’m traded to the Beasts. Now I’m catching for Calvin Malone, their star pitcher. Star pretty boy. Star pain in my ass. The tension between us is thick. All over a girl. Whitney. The woman I deserve. Not him.

If that’s not bad enough, I learn that my reputation as an adrenaline junkie, a daredevil, a risk taker has landed me a babysitter during spring training. I have to admit... Katrina Delaney is hot. Not only is she damn fine to look at, she’s the daughter of a baseball legend. And mysterious. She’s hiding something beneath that social media perfection. But what? I want to find out.

Katrina Delaney
Good ole’ dad, Bobby "Spaceman" Delaney. He did it this time. Our family fortune is being sold to the highest bidder while I try to figure out how to survive on my own. Sure, I’m twenty-three, old enough to handle my own life. But I’ve never had to. Daddy has always handled everything — until now.

Thank God for Rhett Hamilton, my savior. An amazing job opportunity as the social media manager for the Beasts is my new lease on life, my beginning, my chance to prove I can do it on my own. I’ve spent my entire life around baseball players, so it’s a perfect fit. The only thing that’s changed is how I look at these men. As a girl, I’d neglected to appreciate their rugged good looks, hard bodies, and wickedly sexy demeanor. As a woman, I’m appreciating plenty, especially the new catcher Todd Morris. But his deep blue eyes seem to see right through me. To the real me. To my secrets.

NOTE: The Beasts of Baseball series follows the sexy exploits of the players on the baseball team The Beasts, and the women they love. Each book can be read as a standalone and features a heart twisting HEA with No Cliffhanger.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Baseball

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2017

About the author

Alice Ward is the bestselling author of dozens of hot and steamy contemporary romances. She’s an amazingly prolific writer, releasing a new book almost every single month. Her books are widely read, especially by women and any other lovers of the romance genre. My Stepbrother, My Lover, was her first smash hit.

*** Get a Free VIP Exclusive Alice Ward book here: authoraliceward.com/free-book ***

Alice lives in Miami with her hunky husband. The beach is her all time favorite place to relax with her laptop and write.


Alice loves to connect with her readers:
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Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Review to come.

[Carol]

included free with The Dom vs. The Virgin.

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
copy received for honest review
This is the 3rs book in the series. I did not read the first 2 books. I think the author did a good job of covering the previous players and the connection to the team and how they are all connected. Todd is a risk taker. he is a secret adrenaline junkie. After one of his excursions, he helps someone in danger and it comes to the attention of his MLB team. He is traded to the Beasts. Katrina is the daughter of baseball royalty. Her dad is her hero and when she finds out his secrets she is devastated. She was the princess and did have to do anything. Now she has to g row up and earn a real living. She goes to the Beasts to work as the internet PR person. She must show the public the good side of the team without destroying their edge. When she meets Todd they are attracted and become secret lovers. With all the secrets,egos and a jealousy, it is a wonder they have time to work on their romance. The characters are likable. We see growth with Kat. she went from pampered princess to a working woman with pride in her work. Good story - believable characters.

[Gidg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked some of the story but then again I didn't like it. Was it better than "Rookie Mistake (The Beast of Baseball #1)", yes. Was it better than "Winning Streak (The Beast of Baseball #4)", not by a long shot. Although written well I was just annoyed by the pattern I notice about this author's writing for this series and it just put me off. It comes off very sexist in that the woman is always in need of some guy to save her or solve her problems or she's constantly crying and begging for the man to either forgive her, believe her, or change for her. I find it sad that this female writer would constantly write such characteristics for her female characters. Stieg Larsson wrote one of the most admirable and iconic female characters to date with his character Lisbeth Salander, and he's a man. sigh.

Another recurring character trait for the women in this book series is they all don't seem to have a back bone and won't really stand up for themselves. The men are all portrayed as man babies or jerk with their head up their derriere.

Spoiler Alert here, Todd after over hearing Katrina's dad talking out of his backside and suggesting she hang on to one of the players for money and then hearing state emphatically that is not why she is there Todd then accuses Katrina of going after him for his money. Instead of her standing tall and stating the obvious she does the insipid thing as to cry and cry and cry and ask for forgiveness. She had the opportunity to state all the times HE, not her, chased after her and made the first move. Such as when he followed her to the airplane restroom trying to convince her to join the mile high club. Or when he followed her to the Adult Book Store and initiated their tryst there. Then he was the one who showed some time later at her Condo apartment for another go around. Then many times after that where he AGAIN went looking for her and initiated the relationship when she had told him at the beginning she was worried that she would lose her job if they were found out. Not once did she seek him out and she could have easily pointed these points out to make him see clearly she wasn't a gold digger trying to snag him but it was he was trying to snag her. But no, the writer decides lets go with another sexist stereo type that all women will crumble for the men they love when rebuffed instead of taking a stand and fighting for them.

Of all the books that I read in this series the only one I liked was "Wild Streak". Although the female in the book was a bit of a jelly fish when it came to her mother and did need a little rescuing a couple of times she wasn't a complete whimp. In "Wild Streak" the heroine did find her voice a few times and spoke up for herself and was strong when dealing with the drama that surrounded her. The leading man, Kane Steal, came off as a stand up guy with his head better screwed on than his teammates. He was flawed but not overly so where you thought "what a heel".

I won't be suggesting "Hard to Catch" to anyone I know. The only book I have recommended and will continue to recommend to my friends and family is that of "Wild Steak". That was the best of the lot.

[Xiomara Lebron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. This the third book of her Beast of Baseball Series. Todd Morris is the new catcher of the team, his been call cocky and a daredevil a bad boy. His been trade from the Mets and now he has to fit in the new team and work with Calvin Malone the pitcher, and it's not been easy. Katrina Delaney is the the new social media manager in the other word she has to make them look even when their been bad. They are attracted to each other but she's been told to not fraternize with the player and she want to prove the them and to herself that she can do the job. Did they gave to,each other a chance? I love it can't wait for the next one.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good sports related romance, and this is a good one! The best thing about it is there's no cheating, no exes, and very little angst. It's a story about two people building a relationship and what can happen when secrets are kept. I did think the part about the loan sharks was a bit over the top, but then again, it was needed to move the story forward. Looking forward to the next book in there series!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I really enjoyed Todd & Katrina's story. I was kept on the edge of my seat. Good book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these characters.
Again, loved the Daytona references.
I wonder if that sex shop really exists. Hahhahahahah

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baseball romance, Love this series!!

I loved this book!!! I he read the series so far and hope there will be more about the other players. Let's find out what Kane hides or Luke. Kat and Todd s attraction had so much sexual attention between the two. When they had sex the first time you knew it was going to be great. They both brought out the best in each other.

[minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that it is a really good book. I would not give it 5 stars because I was not fully awestruck. I like that the author did at least some research about Baseball. The main female character’s arc was satisfying and I am glad that the main male character didn’t immediately come back to her. Overall, good, just not great.

[Summer Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!

I am so glad Todd Morris got his own book. I loved the little glimpse of him that we got in Rookie Mistake! This was another great book in this series, can't wait to read the next!

[Melody Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t like Katrina at all. She was too weak

[Sian Bulpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

An emotionally charged book.
The things you do and hide for love.
Todd and Katrina know this and have to work through it

[Yeluz Selarom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd Morris and Katrina

There relationship was forced to be a secret. It started as a secret and ended as a mistake but am glad they found each other again. Todd was a hero even if he didn't want to admit it being an adrenaline junkie didn't mean that he didn't have a good heart.

[dawn hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really like this author

Love this series
Cannot wait for another book in this series.
I really enjoy when you know they love each other from the beginning and watch it unfold... seriously a great read.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to Catch by bestselling author Alice Ward is Book 3 of the Beasts of Baseball series and a Sports Romance.

Todd is an adrenaline junkie. He goes parachute jumping. He rides a motorcycle. Unfortunately, that's against the rules if you're a catcher for the New York Mets. Todd's fun times bites him in the ass when he wipes out near a pileup while riding a motorcycle, then rescues a baby from a burning car. And the media are there to film everything. Including Todd's parachute unfurling out of his backpack when he chased down a would be thief who had tried to take off with Todd's backpack. Bad news (for Todd) travels fast and Todd ends up getting traded to a new baseball team, the New York Beasts.

Katrina is the daughter of a baseball legend and has grown up in the world of baseball surrounded by luxury. But her luxurious lifestyle just came crashing down after her dad's gambling problem got out of hand. Now she can no longer afford to be an unpaid social media management intern. So when Rhett Hamilton, the owner of the New York Beasts calls with a job offer, she gratefully accepts. The Beasts notorious for being rowdy, hard partying players and it was Katrina's job as the social media manager is soften the rough edges of the players' images.

Todd and Katrina are immediately attracted to each other when they meet. Lana tries really hard to resist Todd after Lana, the PR and Marketing Director who hates Katrina and has it in for her, tells her that there's a strict policy against fraternisation with the players. Katrina is helpless against Todd's charm and they start seeing each other in secret and falling for each other. Then Katrina's secrets catch up to her and their fledgling relationship falls apart. When Katrina finds out that her father's problems are a lot worse than he let on and vicious loan sharks come knocking, Katrina turns to Todd for help.

Hard to Catch is a fantastic story with nerve-wracking suspense, sweet romance and steamy scenes. Alice Ward created characters who are so likeable and realistic that you'll find yourself cheering for the hero and heroine and jeering at the villains. Todd and Katrina share a deep emotional connection and their intense feelings for each other was palpable. This book is perfect for fans of Sports Romance, especially baseball fans. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book

[Leighanne Cooper nottingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!!

I love this series so much... I didn't think anything couldn't Ace but Todd might have.. Todd and Kat can't keep there hands off each other which makes for a very hot, fast reading, and complete package book...LOVED IT!!!!!!!!

[Annatasia Meehleder · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. ****

I don’t think I have read a sports romance on baseball so I was excited to see how I would like it. I was pleasantly surprised because I don’t consider myself a sports fan. I don’t know much about the sport either and I was delighted that it actually told some of the inner dynamics of how a baseball game is played. The book told how the catcher works with the pitcher and gives the hand signals between his legs and behind his glove away from the players eyes to keep the move secret. It told how the catcher is basically the eyes for the pitcher and how he studies the players to see their weakness and strengths so he knows what signals to send to the pitcher so the pitcher knows what type of ball to throw and what direction to throw it.

I thought that was absolutely intriguing to read about since I had no idea about the game. It made me look at baseball in another light and I think that it is kind of captivating now and I will definitely watch the next game that comes on now that I know something about it.

Now about the characters, I really like how loyal both Todd and Katrina are to their families and their jobs. They work really hard at their jobs even when problems come up and people don’t quite get along they still stuck around and that is very admirable. These characters are strong, despite all the obstacles they faced together and separately they still persevered.

There were plenty of twists and turns in this book that I didn’t see coming and I was shocked by them. Some had me gasping and clutching my reading device like, “what…”. It had some intense moments that I loved, but you, my friend, will have to read those for yourself to find them out.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read in this three book series. Every book can be read as a stand alone. I loved this book. I am not a baseball fan by any means but this book was about more than baseball. Todd Morris plays for the Mets he is the catcher and loves a good adrenaline rush until one adrenaline rush gets him into trouble and he is traded to the Beasts.
Katrina Delaney is the daughter of a famous baseball player. She has been around baseball all her life so much so she knows the ins and outs the rights and wrongs. The same day she goes through the worst day of her life she receives a call from the head coach of the Beasts. He wants her to come work for him changing the image of the players from bad to good.Basically keep the players in line and out of trouble.
That is where things change for not only her but Todd. These two hit it off and hide what is happening between them since she is not suppose to be involved with a player.But some things happen that bring them closer together but then something happens to tear them apart. But i refuse to tell you anymore..This is a book that you must read to see what happens. I will warn you there is a moment in this book that was rough for me to read because of what almost happens to her.
But with that being said this is a well written book even with that part in it. There is amazing character chemistry between all the characters in this book. The chemistry between Todd and Katrina is off the charts. I love how they bring the best out of each other. I highly recommend reading this book. It is far more than just a baseball storyline. After reading this one I want to read the other two in this series.

[Armenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Sports Romance

Coming off a high just minutes after finishing a skydive and riding his rented motorcycle, Todd Morris, adrenaline junkie and catcher for the NY Mets can’t believe his luck when he’s outed by the media. Never mind he happened to be in the same traffic accident when the camera crews showed up to record the whole thing. So s#!t hits the fan when Coach finds out he’s violated team rules regarding putting his body in dangerous activities. So Todd is traded to the Beasts.


Rhett Hamilton, owner of the Beasts, offers Katrina Delaney a PR position with the team, just polishing the image of the team players. She’s the daughter of a legend, Bobby “Spaceman” Delaney and has been raised around baseball all her life. But her dad has run up gambling debt with loan sharks, and a life of privilege is suddenly cut away. She’s promised her parents to keep this secret from the public. When Todd first meets Katrina, there’s an attraction and he see more to her than having a baseball legend for a father. They keep their affair secret, but things get complicated while trying to keep true feelings about each other from the mix. I just the sizzle between Todd and Katrina, really hot sexy goodness.

Hard To Catch is the third book in the Bests of Baseball series. I love how the conflicts get resolved and it’s a feel good ending. Love that Lana Lawson, the PR director gets what she deserves and Katrina's dad gets back on track. Another sports romance that pulled me in from the start and could not put down. Ms. Ward’s writing is fluid and the characters so relateable which made for a enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to Catch by Alice Ward is Book 3 of the Beasts of Baseball series. This is a sports romance which is action packed, filled with sports, passion, intrigue, twists and turns that make the plays look easy.
Todd Morris plays catcher for the Mets until some trouble gets him traded to the Beasts. Katrina Delaney is the daughter of a famous baseball player. But Kat finds out something horrible on the same day she finds out Todd has been traded to the Beasts. When Todd first meets Katrina, there is a heavy attraction between them but there is more than that. He sees her as more than a child of a famous sports person. He sees HER, Kat and he wants to know her. Soon they are hitting the sheets and this puts her careers at risk and things gets super complicated when they are trying to keep true feelings about each other as well as their secret affair hidden. Also they have their own secrets that they are trying to keep from one another and others in the mix which will test their relationship. Will Todd and Kat be able to stand the test of time and come out in public or will the stress of everything kill their affair before they could come out of the shadows?
This was a good 3rd book in the Beast of Baseball series and I enjoyed getting to know each of the MC of this series. The heat and chemistry between the MC in this book is off the hook. Also, the plot is tight and keeps on pace. Only things I had some questions about, wasn’t addressed as much. Maybe it will be in the next book for this series.

My rating: 4.5 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard To Catch

Todd a baseball player who sought out all the risks and thrills, yet gave no thought to the consequences it might have on his career. Katrina daughter of a famous player who lost his fortune to gambling, in turn took all his daughter had and sold it as well. Two people met by fate, everyone has secrets or things they would like to keep in their pasts, yet doing so, could hurt others. Great story, team work, friendship, bonding, love, will show how people come together to help each other❤️❤️, Enjoy!

[Jill Partin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina family loses everything. She went from the rich girl to the girl that needs to make her own way. She is given the opportunity to work for a baseball team: BEAST. and she goes foe it. Todd is a bad boy risk taker. After doing something risky his is traded to the Beast baseball team. They is a little past history with him and another play on the team. Katrina and Todd had have connection that they try very hard to hid. Katrina keeps some things from Todd and he finds out. He is hurt by this and walks away. Katrina gets into some trouble and is Todd there to save her?

Given as an ARC

[Jaime Fertal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina is a woman who has a father that is a legend in the Baseball world with that said she has always had everything she has ever wanted or needed. Her father since being out of the baseball world has picked up a new habit and gambling isnt where he excels and now they have to sell everything and that means Katrina now needs a paying job to support herself. Todd a Man who loves to do things to give him an adrenaline rush, but it isnt aloud in his contract so when everything goes bad and he gets traded he feels it will be the worst thing in the world to be a Beast!

What I enjoyed most about Hard to Catch is watching two people who have both lost what is their livelihood Todd with his team spot with the Mets and Katrina with her lifestyle of not having to work to support herself, them coming together and finding out what truly counts and matters in the world and that is to find love. Todd finding that he gets that adrenaline rush with her and her finding what she never thought she would find but falling for him all the same.

This book is great, this book has Todd a man who is on a baseball team with strict rules but breaking them all to get that rush that excites him, Katrina a woman who needs to find a paying job and gets one pretty much handed to her and her only rule is not to fraternize with any of the players which is easy until she see's him Todd, Lots of secret meetings and some dangerous situations that will leave you wanting more, a love story. If you like stories like this, then Hard to Catch is a must!!

[Ruza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to Catch is the 3rd book in The Beast of Baseball Series by Alice Ward.

Todd Morris is a NY Mets catcher and an adrenaline junkie who loves the rush he gets from jumping out of planes, riding motorcycles, and speeding. Todd gets traded to the NY Beasts because of his reckless behavior. He's not happy with the trade, but happy he's still in NY.

Katrina Delaney has been around baseball players her whole life. Her father is the one and only retired Bobby Spaceman Delaney. On the day Katrina finds out her father lost everything from gambling, she gets a call from the Owner of The Beasts owner Rhett Hamilton. Rhett offers her a job as the Social Media person for The NY Beasts. Rhett doesn't want Katrina to change his players, he just want her to polish how the public see them.

Katrina and Todd meet on the first day on her job. All of the players are impressed that her father is Spaceman, but all Todd see's is Katrina. Katrina and Todd are really attracted to each other, and they have a secret affair. However, each of them have their own personal secrets that will test their relationship. This story will keep your emotions on their toes as you read how Katrina and Todd get their HEA.

Another awesome book in this collection!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I loved Todd and Kat, another great story! I definitely recommend the entire series, hot romances with great baseball hunks

[Keri Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traded For Love
Todd Morris has just been traded to the NY Beasts. No one seems to be too happy about it. Calvin Malone’s the pitcher. Todd had a fling with Calvin’s wife, before she was his wife, while they were broken up. Calvin is not over it. Things are about to get heated!

Katrina has just been hired by the Beasts to work on their image and social media. Her job is to keep them out of trouble and make the fans see them as more than just a bunch of rowdy, party boys.

Todd sees Katrina and it’s game on. He knows exactly what he wants and he’s going to let her know. Katrina feels that same attraction, but this is her job. She doesn’t want to jeopardize the job that she needs. Plus, she has a secret and getting close to someone means sharing her secret. However, protecting her family has to come first.

Katrina tries to stay away, but Todd just pulls her in. These two can’t keep their hands off one another. Sneaking around and keeping their relationship a secret is getting complicated.

This story is hot and steamy. Their connection is something they just can’t hide. However, getting through all the obstacles to be together is going to tough. Catching up with Calvin and Ace settling in to family life is like coming full circle. The NY Beasts are boys becoming men, once they meet the right their better half!

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did receive a free ARC copy of Hard to Catch, The Beasts of Baseball book 3.

I have read book 1 & 2 in the series. You could read book 3 as a standalone. The characters are inter mixed and the author gives a background on the characters.

In Book 3, we learn about a new catcher, Todd Morris. Morris has been traded to the Beasts baseball team. He isn't happy about this move. His old team thought he was to much of a daredevil and didn't fit into their image. Todd is an adrenaline junky he wants to feel alive, not just live.

We meet the new Social media manager for the team, Katrina Delaney, who is the daughter of a famed baseball star. What no one knows is that her father had a very serious gambling problem and the family has barely anything left.

Katrina is given the social media manager job, new salary, apartment and has been directed to help clean up the bad boy image of the Beasts baseball team. There is to be no fraternization with members of the staff and the baseball team members.

When Todd meets Katrina for the first time all he can see is her green eyes and he's lost inside them. Katrina has a similar pull towards Todd. How will they keep this professional???? Will they be able to resist each other???

[E Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great love story

This was a very engaging love story. Very hot and steamy, plus very sweet. Todd and Katrina each have some issues and these interfere with their relationship, but do they have something worth fighting for. A great read!! An enjoyable story to read for an afternoon.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a massive sports romance fan and I am SO glad I have had a chance to read this one by Alice Ward. It's a standalone romance but is part of a series following the New York Beasts, a baseball team and their players, however this is great on its own and made me go back and buy the previous two! Beware readers that once you start, you may struggle to put down until you finish it!!

In this book we meet Todd, a daredevil catcher who can't stop his need to push his physical boundaries and Katrina, a daddy's girl who has grown up in the shadow and protection of her famous father but due to unforeseen circumstances now need to learn to stand on her own two feet! Of course, Todd and Katrina are thrown together and here begins a fast paced, intense and sexy romance that builds from secrets and adrenaline that threatens to take them both out.

I loved how Todd and Katrina were portrayed and how they developed and grew up together while also realising that they had something more than sparks! I can't wait to go back and read the other two in the series and wait for the next instalment. This is a good series and one I hope Alice Ward will continue for many more books to come!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book