Sapphic and football, my heart. Also, the cover is amazing. Thought it was only fitting to read this before the Super Bowl and am glad I did. I enjoyed the past and present tenses as it gave more insight into the MCs. It was the first time I'd read a book that had it in reverse order which took a bit to get used to but still liked that it was incorporated. Another solid one by Kris Bryant.

3.5 stars, rounded up.
I generally enjoy Kris Bryant's writings and was excited to get an opportunity to read her latest. I enjoyed the premise of a second chance, f/f romance where one of the MCs is shattering the glass ceiling with her NFL coaching career.
I am not sure if it was the back and forth from past to present that threw off the flow of the story for me, or maybe just the seeming lack of chemistry between MCs Sutton and Parker, but I struggled with this one more than Bryant's other books.
While I still think the writing was good here, more could have been done with the characters. At the end, I wanted more. I can see this becoming a sort-of series, though, and if it does I will definitely read the next one. I just hope the romance seems more believable and palpable than with Sutton and Parker.

Sutton has become the first ever female offensive coordinator for a new NFL team but when they recruit the man who stole her high school girlfriend, will it cause problems and feelings to return? Although I don't watch American Football, it isn't essential to read and enjoy this book. Sutton is a likable character and the story is split into past and present chapters to provide relevant information on her relationship with Parker in high school and the present as she gradually comes back into her life. This is a quick and easy read which kept me reading on to find out what would happen between the two.

There's a lot to this story that I really enjoyed - Sutton's career in football and breaking the glass ceiling, the push/pull of the romance, and Sutton's friends and family. However, I will admit that there were aspects to this story that made it difficult to engage with - mainly the interlacing chapters between the past and present. Initially, I enjoyed the flashbacks as it concreted the connection between Parker and Sutton, however there was a point where I became frustrated with the flashbacks as I just wanted to stay in the present and see how it played out. For me, it impacted the pace of the story.

Regardless, I still enjoyed this second chance romance. Plus, what a super sexy cover 🔥🔥

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Being a woman in the NFL is no mean feat but Sutton McCoy made it. Not as a quarterback like when she was in high school but as the next best thing: she’s the new offensive coordinator for an NFL expansion team. Little does she know her first hire will be her high school nemesis Grayson Moats, the obnoxious player who married her ex-girlfriend. And that’s only the first surprise…

The story is told with “Present” and “Past” chapters. Kris Bryant made the interesting choice of using the flashbacks backwards. The first of these chapters is Sutton’s team beating Grayson’s (that’s not a spoiler, it’s very early in the book and the chapter title gives it away) and from then on, all the chapters set when the characters were teenagers take the reader further and further back. Knowing what happened after what you’re reading is always an exciting experience, elevating foreshadowing to new heights. Because you know the what but not the how nor the why, not the journey. I enjoyed that for most of the book, even though after a while, when the “Past” chapters got to the very beginning of when Sutton and Parker met, the stakes were so low the foreboding feeling disappeared. That’s, however, when the “Present” chapters picked up, both in pace and tension, and the whole evened out.

I don’t know how she does it but Kris Bryant always writes characters I can’t help loving, whether or not I click with the story itself. It’s true with Sutton and Parker again. I liked the story too, some things I saw coming, some I didn’t, and overall it was a really nice read. But I absolutely loved the longing, the push and pull. It doesn’t matter than American football is a mystery to me, I understand love and pining and I got all that and more.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the cover because how hot is that?

2.5 stars. , Sutton McCoy was the first female quarterback at her high school, she then goes on to be the offensive coordinator for the new NFL team the Connecticut Cheetahs. She is then put into a situation, as her former flame from high school is married to the quarterback that they are trying to recruit. Parker O’Neal is now married to a man with two kids and Sutton has never gotten over being dumped by her.

I wanted to like this book but for some reason I did not like it as much I thought I would. I liked the concept of the book, but the whole situation as the book evolved was not the best. I thought there was too many scenes from the past and I felt like they did not need to be there. I liked the meeting many years later, but i felt like it went from zero to 60 way too fast and i felt like i didn't feel their chemistry build again. I would not recommend this one, there are better Kris Bryant books.

3.5 stars for Kris Bryant's latest. I absolutely adore this cover...talk about yumminess! Women in football is definitely my jam and I was thrilled with how Sutton's football prowess is accepted by her high school teammates as well as her colleagues as an adult. This is a second chance tale that jumps back and forth from past to present to give readers Parker and Sutton's full story. I found it interesting that the past was told in reverse chronological order as I've never encountered this type of plot point. Kris Bryant definitely did her research on the dynamics of the NFL and as someone who absolutely loves football, I give her kudos because someone who knows nothing about it would have an easy time following. Sutton and Parker's story is both swoon-worthy and heartbreaking. Their past is riddled with hurt and poor decisions and after 15 years apart when they're reunited, those old feelings are still there. I don't want to give too much away so I will just say that this is a super fun read that proves that things aren't always what they seem. Thanks, Kris Bryant for another awesome read!

Kris doesn't disappoint as usual. Even though i am not a football fan, I totally enjoyed this story and thought it was well written. Well Done!! I recommend 4.5 stars.

Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGaley for this ARC.

I love football! I do not love the violence that causes injuries and concussions. With that said, I was pleased to read this story about a female quarterback and the first offensive coordinator in the NFL. Over time could it happen? I say, anything is possible. With women currently being hired in the NFL to actually coach the players, the stepping stones are being laid.

I thought this read provided entertainment as well as issues and topics that make you think. I also enjoy second chance romances. Parker O'Neal, pressured by a religious family to be exactly what they want her to be which is a bummer. Grayson Moats, the man that becomes an issue in Parker and Sutton's life, or does he. Sutton McCoy, high school quarterback and eventual offensive coordinator in the NFL. The reverse flashbacks were different and new to me. Took me a moment to grasp what was going on but then I got it. I enjoyed how Sutton grew over time especially with the support of her best friend, Haley. I also thought her father was a good guy. Totally opposite of Parker's parents.

I do not follow any type of sports in any way, but the description of this sounded like it was something I would enjoy reading. I was correct!
The story follows Sutton and Parker. Sutton and Parker were each other's first love in high school. Sutton is the only female on the football team and Parker is a cheerleader. The two are instantly drawn to each other and the relationship would most likely have lasted except for Parker's ultra conservative parents who forbid her to go out with Sutton. The two get together in secret, but it becomes all too much for Parker and she breaks up.
Fast forward 15 years and Sutton is assistant coach for a NFL team. The team is in a bind with one of their players gone and Sutton reaches out to one of her buddies from her football team, Grayson, who is in the NFL and exactly what they need.
What Sutton didn't know is Grayson and Parker had married and had 2 daughters. When Sutton sees Parker it is as being transported back 15 years. Parker wants them to get coffee and catch up and Sutton is very wary of spending any time with her.
The bombshell that Parker eventually tells Parker will change everything and what will she decide to do.

I would recommend.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

American Football makes absolutely zero sense to me, and I still adored this story! Catch took me into a world involving a non-existent sport in my country but carries similar themes and ideals we all live through and can relate with.

Sutton grew up with football running through her veins. She left her mark as a teenager by being the first female quarterback at her school and earnt the respect of most of her peers. She was openly lesbian and fell in love, only to have her heart ripped out when her girlfriend’s homophobic parents moved their daughter away and forbid them to have contact.

Fifteen years later and she is ecstatic to be the first female offensive coordinator for the Cheetahs, a new NFL team. When her rival quarterback from her high school days is recruited to join her team, she is torn between her past and her present. Grayson was the boy who ended up with the girl she loved, and seeing Parker on his arm threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard for. The story is told from Sutton’s point of view, with the occasional throwback to her teenage years.  

Catch is written as brilliantly as all of Bryant’s stories; fast-paced, emotionally charged, and low angst because her characters know how to communicate! I’m always going to give extra points for relevance, and women in sports is a topic close to my heart. Catch is a second-chance sports romance with a twist that you won’t want to put down.

For those who like sports and romance, you may enjoy this new book by Ms. Bryant. Sutton McCoy has always loved football. She began playing at a young age, was the quarterback on her high school team, and even played at the college level. For fifteen years after college, she worked her way up through the NFL coaching ranks and has now broken the glass ceiling by being hired as the offensive coach on the new NFL football team, the Connecticut Cheetahs.

Grayson Moats has been hired as the new quarterback for the team. He and Sutton have history that goes all the way back to high school when Sutton played as quarterback on a rival high school team.

Parker O’Neil comes from a very religious family. During high school she and Sutton have to hide their relationship then one day during their senior year Parker ends their liaison. Of course, Sutton is devastated and tries to move on. Parker, too, moves on but not the way one would except—she marries Grayson and has a family.

There are some twists and turns in this book which I believe readers will enjoy. The story is presented in chapters alternating between past and present. Generally, I do not like this type of format, but Ms. Bryant transitions smoothly because the story is solid and well planned.

I found the characters interesting and believable. For readers who are not football fans, do not worry. The story has a good hook on it and will keep you turning the pages.

I highly recommend this book. I rate this a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book touched my heart in so many ways. I played sports all throughout my High School years and my 1st girlfriend was with me all 4 years. I could feel the anguish that Sutton and Parker were going through. Then after meeting again 15 years later, all the feelings come rushing back.
Sutton and Parker were childhood sweethearts ripped apart by Parker’s religious parents. Parker ended up marrying the boy that Sutton lost her to who will be the quarterback for Sutton new NFL team. Anytime Sutton and Parker came into contact you felt the overwhelming chemistry of these two. As the story goes on, I found myself saying “wow didn’t that that coming” a few times. Excellent Book!!

I really enjoyed this book!

Sutton McCoy was the first female quarterback in her high school, now she has landed her dream job, offensive coordinator for an up and coming NFL team. The last thing she expected was to make a call to recruit a new quarterback for the team, a quarterback she beat once long ago in the field, the same quarterback who got to keep the girl, her girl, Parker O'Neal. Parker has many regrets, the biggest one, letting go of Sutton. Now Parker has a husband, two daughters and what looks like the perfect marriage. Lines get blurred as their interactions get more personal and Sutton will be faced with a choice she never thought possible.

I am a sucker for books where first loves meet again after many years, so this was right up my alley. I loved their story and I specially enjoyed the way the writer told the characters past story. Sutton and Parker's chemistry was palpable. The writing and pace was excellent. Side characters were also great and really added to story. I basically read this in one seating because it was that good! Kris Bryant is becoming one of favourite authors.

I will be getting a hard copy of this and it will go into my pile of "read again".

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a fair few of Kris Byrant's books, and I've enjoyed them all. I'll be honest, football is not normally my ‘cup of tea’ and I initially thought I would have to do lots of googling when it came to the ‘sports talk’ of the story, I really thought I was going to struggle with this. But I didn't. So if you like me, don't normally follow football and/or are a Brit, where we don't have this sport ( apart from rugby which isn't really the same), you'll be fine.

It's got a good storyline, and strong characters and I like how we were flipped back from present to past, I Know some people struggle with this and don't enjoy it, but for me, it ‘made’ the storyline and was important, and it doesn't really bother me. The storyline is interesting, it piqued my interest, and there's little angst, but the only issue I had with the book is that it's very predictable.

Can we take a minute or 2 to acknowledge the front cover tho...

I've given Kris Byrants Catch, a 3 out of 5.

Really fun, light read, a second chance romance set in the world of NFL football about which I know very little, thankfully it's not a requirement for enjoying this book. The characters are well written and believable, the story is engaging and I really liked the plot device of a chapter in the past, followed by one in the future. It's a low angst interesting read.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a big fan of the author but I’m afraid this book did not grab me, as well written as it was. The constant flashbacks were distracting and the fact that they were in not in chronological order was confusing. And one of the main characters being married (whatever her circumstances) and closeted was off-putting. I really liked Sutton as a character though - she was a really well developed and relatable character that came to life. Overall this was not my favourite book by this author but fans of second chance romances will probably enjoy it.

I really enjoyed Catch by Kris Bryant. I loved Temptation and Home by the author, but haven't loved some of her others quite as much and so wasn't sure what to expect.

This story centers around Sutton (an NFL coach) and Parker (an NFL wife) who dated each other in high school, broke up due to Parker's homophobic parents, and have found their way back together. I really loved the premise of this book, especially the NFL setting which I thought was interesting and created a good cast of characters. (I also have to say that Sutton's dog Crowbar was a favorite.)

I also really liked Sutton and Parker's interactions. It was easy to see why they liked each other, why they struggled and root for them to come back together. Grayson (Parker's husband) was also a great, likable and complex character, even if I did guess his secret almost immediately.

I didn't love the flashbacks nearly as much as present day and wish this had been contained in a prologue, with more time then to watch Sutton and Parker grow back together after Grayson's secret is revealed, but this is ultimately a minor complaint.

This is a great one to pick up if you're looking for a quick and fun read!

I started my 2023 reading journey with this book and immensely enjoyed it; second-chance romances are my favorite genre. I liked Sutton as a character and her relationship with her dad. I couldn't understand Parker and I wish we could spend more time with Sutton and her as a couple.

Catch by Kris Bryant is a heartwarming story of first love given a second chance with the added distinction of being woven into a sports romance. This really appealed to me.

I haven’t followed NFL football in the last several years, but I used to be enough of a fan that I kept up with which teams were winning and losing. I can usually figure out what is happening on the field, so I knew I would enjoy this part of the novel. I found I also really liked the characters and their love story, as complicated as it turned out to be.

We see the story through the eyes of the main character, Sutton McCoy who is the just-hired offensive coordinator for The Connecticut Cheetahs, a new expansion team in the NFL. She is one of the first women to be hired in a coaching position for a national team.

Sutton was also one of the first female high school quarterbacks in the world. In high school she and her team made it to the state championship, so Sutton is used to being in the spotlight. She is in even deeper peril now since she finds herself coaching Grayson Moats, her old rival high school’s quarterback, the one who took her first and only true love away from her in high school…the man who married her former sweetheart, Parker O’Neal. Talk about awkward!

This is quite a complex tale with lots of unexpected twists and turns in the plot. I know my eyebrows were raised often as I read this book. The book is told in both the present and the past, with flashbacks happening in alternate chapters. Both the football/coaching aspect of the narrative as well as the love story will keep you entertained and reading. The characters, especially Sutton will grab your heart, and I know you will be rooting for her happy ending.

This is an excellent reunion, sports romance. If you love either of those tropes, you are going to enjoy this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.