Alicia Thompson hit a home run with this one!

I really loved her writing in this book. Thompson does a great job with characters and I like her writing style a lot. I just wish there was a dual POV (but that's just me wanting to get in Chris Kepler's head haha).

This is a sports romance but it feels different than most sports romances out there because Daphne could care less lol. I thought this was refreshing. Plus we actually see baseball games! I liked Daphne's commentary too. Chris is such a dreamboat. Readers will definitely fall for him. I thought the romance was sweet and just the right amount of steamy. I loved Chris & Daphne. The relationship had a nice build up and everything felt organic too.

I thought this book was full of heart and humor. I had a great time reading this!!

Many thanks to @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the gifted digital and audio copies of this AMAZING book. Once I finished it, I immediately ordered a signed copy! Below is my honest review.

Daphne isn’t a big baseball fan, but she wasn’t about to let her ex-husband have the tickets her brother (who works for the team) got for them. This is how she finds herself drunk behind home plate, heckling the players while the ink is barely dry on her divorce papers. But when one of her jabs hits too close to home for the home team’s third baseman, Chris Kepler, Daphne regrets her taunting and takes to Instagram DMs to apologize. Unfortunately, she forgets to identify herself as the heckler in all of her drafting and re-drafting of the apology. Chris doesn’t usually respond to DMs, but something about the message from duckiesbooks draws him in, and they strike up a friendship that starts to become something more and begin to share parts of themselves they’ve never shared with anyone. But as the days go by and Duckie doesn’t own up to being the heckler, it becomes more challenging to do it, particularly when she gets an opportunity to work as a temporary sideline reporter for the team. Now Chris knows Duckie and Daphne as two separate people.

I have read numerous sports romances, yet this book stands out EASILY as one of my favorites. It weaves a compelling plot, introduces two remarkably relatable and complex characters, and the sport is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story. The supporting characters are a delight, and the personal growth of key characters is wonderful. The romance is a perfect blend of steamy and tender, evolving from no strings to a deep connection in such a sweet and tentative way. The third act is a testament to the authenticity of the characters, filled with both subtle intimacies and grand gestures. 

Kristen Sieh (Funny You Should Ask) narrates the audiobook and does a fantastic job with both POVs and tons of text interactions.

Ok I have loved Alicia's first two books (With Love, From Cold World is actually stellar) and I was so excited for a #baseballromance. There was a lot of love: Chris being amazing, the vulnerability he showed, the badassery of Daphne's sister in law, the real focus on grief for men and dealing with a family member who has committed suicide, the fun of meeting someone online and clicking, the SEX. But all of this was overshadowed for me by Daphne and the catfishing of it all - I knew it was going to happen. But what I didn't know what how long it is was going to be for. Literally 70+% of the book and Chris doesn't know that the book person he's talking to online is Daphne who he's falling for in person. Like WTF. It made me actually dislike Daphne so much because there was time and time again that she could've told him. Truthfully, she doesn't deserve Chris. And that made it hard for me to love this. If she had told him at 50%? 5 star for sure.

I loved the sex scenes (these might be some of her best and hottest) and I loved the bookstagram of it all. But Daphne's lies really were a sticking point for me.

I was SO looking forward to this new romance from Alicia Thompson after loving her two previous novels, but I couldn't really get past the deception on Daphne's part - it just felt like a conflict better suited for a YA romance rather than a romance between two grown adults.

After Daphne's divorce she refuses to let her ex have the baseball tickets she doesn't even want, so she proceeds to go to the game with her BFF, get totally plastered on ballpark beers, and ruthlessly heckle one of the players, Chris. When her heckling gets picked up by mainstream media, Daphne decides to reach out on social media and apologize, only to forget to identify herself as the heckler. But after Christ messages back, battling his own struggles with grief two begin a pen pal exchange that turns more-than-friendly and Daphne can't bear to tell him the truth. Things get even more complicated when the two being to work together IRL, and keeping track of her two relationships with Chris becomes tricky.

Love, love, loved! This book was just so great. I loved both Daphne and Chris, two characters with so much depth and heart. I also love a sports romance, so hard to go wrong there. But perhaps most, I love the play on You've Got Mail that is so fresh and fun. This book hits every note I wanted it to.

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and feelings are my own.

5 stars - 10/10

Cute cute cute. I am not a sports fan, but this wasn’t too sporty for me. The romance was sweet (if a little complicated), the characters were fun, and the grief/mental health discussions were very special to me. Love Alicia Thompson and her sweet, thoughtful, character-driven, laugh-inducing books

If there’s one topic being debated in sports, it’s just how much players can hear us if we’re at a game. Let that sink in for a moment as I tell you about this book. The Art of Catching Feelings follows Daphne who ends up heckling a struggling baseball player named Chris and as soon as he hears her, it immediately shatters him.

In order to make amends, Daphne decides to reach out to him on Instagram but conveniently forgets to say who she is. Meanwhile, in real life, the two end up having to interact as she is brought in to talk to him after the heckling. It doesn’t end there as Daphne is recruited to take over her sister-in-law’s place while she’s on maternity leave.

From there, it’s a balancing act of Daphne and Chris being attracted to each other and trying to figure out where they stand. Similarly to Thompson’s other romances, this isn’t just about the romance. Chris is dealing with the grief of losing his brother while Daphne is going through a divorce. These two have so much going on but it doesn’t take away from the romance. If anything, seeing everything Daphne and Chris are dealing with proves just how resilient they are as characters.

While the third-act conflict does feel a bit predictable, it also makes for an entertaining read and is something you’re slowly but surely waiting for. When the shoe does drop, it feels so dramatic, and honestly, it makes me appreciate the story all the more. The Art of Catching Feelings is great for those wanting a sports romance, those who love baseball, or if you love a meet-disaster which is truly what these two have.

All in all, The Art of Catching Feelings is such an incredible romance and one I’m still thinking about even after finishing. I truly can’t wait to see what Alicia Thompson does next.

Daphne and Chris are both struggling - but they heal one another, This baseball themed rom com features one of those tropes that always bugs me a bit- Daphne doesn't own up to Chris about being the person who heckled him for a long time, That said, I liked that they wrote to one another and that they are more well rounded than many characters in the genre. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, Don't worry if you don't know baseball- this is totally accessible.

The Art of Catching Feelings is a book that took me by surprise. I am a baseball fan and the blurb made this sound like a sweet, fun read. It is, but there's also a much deeper, more emotional side of the story too.

Chris and Daphne are both working through emotional and difficult times in their lives. Their struggles and pain felt very realistic, and I appreciated that it didn't shy away from the impact it made on each of their lives. You really get to see how they feel, how they find healing and why mental health is so important.

The two of them also had a really great connection. It was so interesting seeing it grow and their relationship develop as they spoke online and got to know each other in person as well. I really like them both individually and as a couple.

I had seen Alicia's books before, but this is the first one I've picked up. It is honestly one of the best books I've read this year, and I definitely see myself rereading it again in the future. The writing and storytelling were fantastic and I loved every minute of reading it.

4.5 - “You’re the book I want to reread. For the rest of my life.”

I’m a romantic about baseball. It’s been a constant in my life, and I’ve been through the dramatic highs and disappointing lows (in my house we pretend 2004 never happened). This book felt like such a perfect baseball romance, balancing the game and the romantic relationship so well.

The way Daphne becomes connected to Chris is funny and cringey as she heckles him from the crowd. She immediately feels bad and ends up in an accidental online relationship with him. Their chemistry, even in their DMs and text messages, is so palpable. Daphne feels so guilty as everything progresses, but the longer it goes, the harder it becomes for her to come clean. I appreciated that you could feel her inner turmoil over what she was doing. And even though it doesn't excuse this type of behavior, it feels like something that could realistically happen.

Chris is such a swoon. I don’t know what it is exactly about him, but I just adored him and his arc. He’s still grieving his brother’s death and seems to be what’s causing his slump. He opens up to Daphne about a lot of things, both as she becomes the team’s field reported and as her Instagram alter-ego, and he starts to come out of it. And because of all this, his reactions feel justified and realistic.

It's not a particularly deep romance, but I think that's what makes this so enjoyable. There are real, tangible hardships that both characters face, but the overall story is happy. There is a beautiful moment when Daphne takes Chris to a baseball camp that isn't for a photo opportunity. She brings him back to the game and he has a great time helping the kids.

The supporting characters are fun, and I just think Alicia Thomson just keeps getting better. Her books always feel unique, and I always get a little bit of the feels. This was just great and it’s the perfect summer read for baseball season.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the free book and PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

What if the athletes heard your heckles?

That's the set-up for this novel. Daphne attends a baseball game with great seats, and Chris can hear what she yells at him when he goes up to bat. Her taunts cause him to cry. So she reaches out to apologize via social media. But she fails to clarify that she is the person who heckled him.

This book had a lot of deep emotions and some tough storylines. A few parts made me wince and wish Daphne would be more open and honest. But overall, I thought the book had pretty good pacing. And I enjoyed both the physical and the emotional aspects of their relationship over time.

I loved that Daphne loved books, and that Chris took her book recommendations. I don't know that there's a better way to show love for someone.

Kristen Sieh narrated, and she did such an impressive job with all the voices, even Chris's.

CW: suicide (off page before book begins)

3.75 stars

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson is an epic baseball romance that is sure to win it’s way into your hearts & score it’s way onto your must read summer romance list!

This is the second book I’ve read from this author & I know this won’t be my last because I am always undoubtedly intrigued by their work. Alicia Thompson has a fresh writing style & takes on the romance genre by continually adding uniqueness to their incredible stories.

The Art of Catching Feelings is perfect for fans of…
⚾️ Baseball Romance
⚾️ Enemies to Complicated to Lovers
⚾️ Forced Proximity
⚾️ Epistolarian Aspect

This hero!! This hero…this is a phenomenal hero. He is going through a really difficult time & it was a beautiful journey of his own individual growth but I also just really appreciated his authentic kindness. I loved the fact that the heroine was recently coming out of a divorce because I feel that isn’t showcased enough, especially in romance books, with coming back in the dating world. Everyone deserves to find love & it was a read of joy, humor, spice, pride & swoon as we watch this love story unfold.

Alicia Thompson also does an incredible job of bringing difficult, real life hardships & brining this into the characters & handling them, their journeys & everything in between involved with such grace & respect. I am always so grateful for the mention & emphasis on the importance of mental health in this story. Thank you sincerely for displaying & emphasizing the importance of mental health in professional sports & as someone dealing with incredible loss.

If you are looking to get you right in the best kind of feels, have you on the edge of your seat with popcorn with it’s drama & spice & finally, make you swoon over a baseball player & the woman he can’t stop thinking about, I highly recommend checking out The Art of Checking Feelings by Alicia Thompson! It comes out June 18, 2024.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Content Warnings: This book mentions &/or contains divorce & the loss of a loved one to suicide. There are on-the-page depictions of panic attacks. There is also some pregnancy/baby content, mostly involving a side character.

I will post my review to Amazon around release day & add link once I do!

This was a fun baseball themed romance and I had such a fun time reading and listening to it. I knew the premise was going to frustrate me... and it did towards the end but by the time I was kinda frustrated, I was invested in the relationship between Chris and Daphne. But ultimately, I was #TeamChris and think he deserved better. I really grew to care for Chris. Daphne, not so much! There's definitely steam in this one so hold on to your baseball caps :) I hadn't read anything by Thompson before but I definitely want to read more now!
Edit Review

I loved everything about this book. Daphne and Chris were such wonderfully written characters and I really enjoyed seeing them connect both online and in person. I am personally a big fan of the anonymous online communication trope, but I could see that aspect keeping some people from enjoying this. I thought the humor was spot on and there was also so much emotion in these characters.

I highly recommend this one and can't wait to see what Alicia writes next!

Consider me in my baseball romance era! 😍⚾️ A huge thank you goes out to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy of the ebook because it was quite the catch (see what I did there? 😉)

I absolutely adored the entire premise of this book. The mistaken identity/catfish plot is one I have greatly enjoyed before and this was no exception. Daphne was everything I love in a quirky, slightly damaged main character and she was perfect for this story. I also really loved Chris and the mental health rep he brought to the table along with his baseball skills. Together they were a wonderful pair!

Despite some unnecessary drama/plot points that didn’t really add much to the story, overall this was a fantastic book (a real home run you might say… 😂) and absolutely perfect for the summer!

The Art of Catching Feelings drops June 18 so don’t strike out by not getting yourself a copy!

I don’t know how I feel. I thought it was hinged on what the author wanted to be a miscommunication trope/catfish, but actually it was based on a lie and that didn’t sit with me. At the same time, I hated that I liked the characters because if I hated them, I wouldn’t be conflicted in my rating. I thought it lost momentum at about halfway and I ended up skimming so much of the last bit, but it was cute and it redeemed the author for me.

Ah I wanted to love this one but it just didn’t hit the mark for me 😭 it’s so hard for me to like a book with a miscommunication trope, I just get too frustrated. I do love Alicia’s writing tho and will be reading whatever else she comes out with!!

The best word I can use to describe Alicia Thompson's books is "tender." Oh my gosh, they are so soft and tender, like a big, warm, sexy hug. With The Art of Catching Feelings, she made me fall in love with Chris, the way I fell for Sam in book 1 and Asa in book 2. SHE WRITES THE BEST BOOK BOYFRIENDS!! Needless to say, I adored this book. I'm a baseball fan but I also appreciated that she didn't get too deep in the nitty gritty of the mechanics of the game and focused more on the romance. I will say that I don't understand readers giving more negative reviews because of what Daphne did to Chris by hiding her identity. It's a pet peeve of mine when people complain about the premise of the book as clearly stated in the summary, read it anyway, and then leave a bad review because of said premise.

The Art of Catching Feelings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks so much to @berkleyromance for the free eARC! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley

I had so much fun reading this book! This was the first book that I have read by Alicia Thompson, and now I’m definitely going to check out her previous work.
There were so many things that I appreciated about this book. First, the FMC Daphne has a Bookstagram!!! How perfect is that? I loved that detail.
Also, her writing style really worked for me. This was in third person, but it was done so so so well, it sucked me in immediately.
I also love stories that include text messages, and this one has tons.
I adored both of the main characters. I loved how much Chris cared for Daphne. I loved their relationship and the way they opened up to each other.
There are some deeper mental health topics discussed by the characters, and again it’s written well.
You’ll spend a lot of this book going “girl just do it already” BUT ITS SO FUN. IT IS FRUSTRATINGLY FUN. I ate it up.
Also, even if you don’t typically like to read about sports I still recommend it. I know literally NOTHING about baseball or sports in general, but I still had a great time reading this book!
The Art of Catching Feelings will be available on June 18th. Add it to your TBR now!!!

Read If You Like:
⚾️sports romance
⚾️friends to lovers
⚾️workplace romance
⚾️hidden identity
⚾️text messages

The Art of Catching Feelings made me appreciate the meet-cute trope.

After her divorce, Daphne decided to go to a baseball game to avoid wasting the ticket. Despite not knowing anything about the game, she heckled one of the players, Chris (though what she said wasn’t that bad), and made him cry.

For reasons I will not disclose (and to avoid spoilers), Daphne had to interchange between two personas while interacting with Chris. She basically builds two strong connections with him. Regardless, Chris finds himself attracted to her in both personas.

The sexual tension between the main characters was top-notch, and the slow burn gave us a satisfying buildup. I love how Alicia Thompson portrayed both characters. Chris and Daphne helped each other grow—Chris finally addresses his grief, and Daphne learns to love herself more.

Overall, this is a cute and well-written romance that I think anyone would enjoy.