REVIEW: The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson: If ever there was a time to be petty it would be the day of your divorce, which is exactly how Daphne finds herself seated in prime baseball fan seats, only downside being she really isn’t a fan of baseball, but the big middle finger it gives her ex is worth sitting through the snooze-fest of a game. Well that is until one two many ballpark beers awaken Daphne’s inner heckler, what started out harmless enough soon turn into Daphne heckling Battery player Chris Kepler, to the point the poor guy begins to cry right there on the field in front of everyone. Instantly flooded with guilt Daphne decides to message Chris to apologise, conveniently leaving out the small detail that she was in fact the heckler. She just never expected him to actually reply to her DM or for them to hit it off. with a real connection forming and feelings starting to sprout, Daphne cant help but worry if she comes clean that she was the heckler, she might totally strike out with Chris…

I have to say I liked The Art of Catching Feelings a whole lot more than I had expected, while I love the sports romance trope, baseball is not one of the sports that I find myself always gravitating towards, though I am happy to say this book might just have changed my mind. I loved the build up and getting to see Daphne and Chris forming their relationship, but I did not love all the lying and the fact that it took Daphne so long to come clean. While I did not love this lack in communication, I did really enjoy the rest of the book.

Daphne was a nice enough character, I loved reading her point of view on baseball, this was both hilarious and totally relatable. Though I think the only thing keeping me from loving her character was the fact that she kept the heckling secret for so long, like she knew how hurt and angry Chris would be but she still drew it out for so long. Nevertheless I did really enjoy getting to see her character perusing her dreams. For the most part I have to say I liked following Daphne in her awkward, quirky, adorable hot mess era. Now as far as book boyfriends go it would be safe to say that Chris ranks up there with the best of them. This guy is sensitive and kind, and I loved his heart of gold. He is the total opposite to everything baseball players are known for, he doesn’t let his ego get in his way and we get to see what a genuine person he actually is. I will say that my heart did break for Chris once we learn the reason for his emotional upheaval.

This was very much an insta love type of situation. The love connection between Chris and Duckie, aka Daphne, grew pretty fast but I liked that it was on a very emotional level. As much as I love the fact that they connected on an emotional level, I couldn’t help but feel that Daph should have come clean sooner. This aside I loved these two as a couple, there was so much of steam and banter. Good gosh did these two have some hot moments, like seriously steaming up the pages good.

There were some really great supporting characters, that I felt could have had a bit more of a prominent role in the overall story. Overall The Art of Catching Feelings was a nice cute read that packed a punch in the feelings but still managed to stay a light and easy read. Definitely worth checking out!
 

Book Info:

Publication: June 18, 2024 | Berkley |

A professional baseball player and his heckler prove that true love is worth going to bat for.

Daphne Brink doesn’t follow baseball, but watching “America’s Snoozefest” certainly beats sitting at home in the days after she signs her divorce papers. After one too many ballpark beers, she heckles Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler, who quickly proves there might actually be a little crying in baseball. Horrified, Daphne reaches out to Chris on social media to apologize . . . but forgets to identify herself as his heckler in her message.

Chris doesn’t usually respond to random fans on social media, but he’s grieving and fragile after an emotionally turbulent few months. When a DM from “Duckie” catches his eye, he impulsively messages back. Duckie is sweet, funny, and seems to understand him in a way no one else does.

Daphne isn’t sure how much longer she can keep lying to Chris, especially as she starts working with the team in real life and their feelings for each other deepen. When he finds out the truth, will it be three strikes, she’s out?