Catching Caden

This book started off well – I liked the premise – but the characters lost me. They weren’t realistic. Caden is a pro baseball player who won’t enter a relationship because too many women are ultimately after his bank account. But then he introduces Murphy to his sister and freely shares his phone number? He doesn’t even give his date his number! I get that guilt took him to the hospital but everything after that was a stretch. For Murphy, her growth as far as her career is admirable, and while her attitude about it changes fast, the baseball to the face forced her so I could see it. But she moves on from her bf really fast and with very little hurt. I could see that too…but it doesn’t justify losing her temper and storming out of her apt with her suitcase. I also thought her roommates were one dimensional and stereotyped. I stopped there and did not finish.

Love how the characters built friendship first and then love. Plus they talked to each other.

Samantha Christy’s stories are all so good – and all different. I loved Caden’s story – mostly because he was such a nice guy and the relationship was organic and pretty authentic. Also, very well edited!

Caden has learned his lesson – keep women at an arm’s length. He learned both from experience and observing the ups and downs of his teammates. He goes to bat, hits a home run, and feels responsible for the injury Murphy receives from the home run ball. Despite the fact that the injury ends her barely started modeling career, Murphy takes everything in stride. When Caden tries to apologize and help, she tells him it wasn’t his fault and she will be fine. A woman not trying to take him for all she can is new to Caden, and they form a tentative friendship. The friendship grows, and eventually, love blossoms. However, there is someone lurking around that always has a hand out and is always looking to make trouble. How will Caden and Murphy deal with the eventual malicious play? Will it break them or make them?

This was such a refreshing read. The relationship was very organic – they met, became friends, then best friends, then more. While insta-love is fine to read, it does get old after a bit. Building up to love is very satisfying. Learning how to navigate a relationship – make mistakes, get angry/upset, take a breath, learn to forgive and move forward are all part of real life. Both parties spent time examining their stances, their assumptions, and what they really want in life. Really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to seeing what has happened in Brady’s past, and how his heart can be healed.

This was such a wonderful read. Samantha Christy knows how to write guys that are super swoon-worthy! Caden Kessler falls into that category for sure!!

Caden is the starting catcher for the NY Nighthawks. In the middle of a game, he hits a homerun that ends up hitting a fan in the stadium. Feeling guilty, he tracks this person down and visits her at the hospital. They start off as friends, but their chemistry is undeniable, and leads to more.

The writing was done well, and the pace was perfect. But I think what I loved the most were the characters in this book. Caden was a dream, and Murphy was down to Earth, despite thinking that she wouldn’t be. I also loved catching up with characters from Samantha Christy’s other books.

This new series is certainly off to a good start! And I can’t wait to get more from Brady!