Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Caught Up

Caught Up (Windy City Book 3)
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Today was a good day."
"They could all be good days."

"I hope you're out there finding your joy because you're the reason we found ours."

.....................................................

This was a reread, and as with the others, it was even better the second time! I am convinced that Liz Tomforde worked some sort of magic when she was writing this series. I mean... HOW ARE THEY ALL 5 ⭐️'s ??? And please understand... this is certainly a five star!

I am not an emotional person nor an emotional reader, but this book got me, especially those last 5 chapters! Did I cry? Not quite, but if this book doesn't pull at your heartsrings, I don't know what will. The plot and the character dynamics and development were perfection. The transformation and growth by these characters, uhh all I can say is YESSS!

Kai(mmc) was the most devoted and loving father sweet little Max could ask for. He literally would do anything for his kid, even give up his first love baseball! Miller(fmc) was truly a wild one with no intention to settle or stay in one place. I loved seeing her pull Kai out of his shell, which allowed us to see his more playful and flirty side. The banter... oh boy, the banter between these two was... well I have NO words other than PERFECTION, CHEF'S KISS, 10/10. In addition, I really liked seeing Kai know exactly what to do reach Miller when she got too in her head. It was also fun watching him slowly guide her towards her ending realization regarding their little family, her career, and other relationships. Also, the way Liz Tomforde developed these two's relationship and incorporated the perfect progression and amount of spice, was again, chef's kiss!

Also, I can't leave a review without having mentioned one of the best book dads ever... Monty. The way this man stepped up for Miller. The way he always encouraged her. The way he was always so proud of her. True father/daughter relationship goals. He is now one of my new favorite side characters.

⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, low to medium spice, adult content, death of parent (off stage), abandonment (off stage)

Content Warnings

frantically's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

some misc thoughts: it's easy to look at this and be upset about another hallway-esque romance, a career driven woman choosing the single dad and his son over her "dreams" but this isn't what this is about. it isn't about having to choose between kids and your job. it's about miller's dad who chose his kid and loved it and about kai who always wanted to choose his kid but everyone told him he shouldn't and about miller who honestly has no clue what she should do now with her kid vs. career situation. it's about miller realising that maybe her career wasn't her dream and that maybe dreams come to you later in that life, that titles aren't everything and that you don't have to choose a life goal, a passion at 18 and stick with it forever. it isn't about choosing – it's about making things work, compromising, thinking "is my talent worth not being with the people i love? is what i'm talented at actually what i want to do for the rest of my life?", realising just because you thought you set yourself in stone with a decision, with a thought, an accomplishment, you actually don't owe anyone anything. and it's never too late to actually start fulfilling your dreams.

Content Warnings

_thebookishintrovert_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Liz Tomforde has done it again and given me a new book boyfriend (and baseball daddy): Kai Rhodes. Kai is the starting pitcher for Chicago's MLB team and a single dad who is having a difficult time balancing the two. After firing another nanny, his coach comes up with a solution. Enter Miller Montgomery: professional pastry chef and Max's new nanny. Oh, and she also happens to be the coach's daughter.

I'm a sucker for forced proximity and a single dad/nanny trope and this book did not disappoint! I enjoyed the banter between Kai and Miller as well as the precious moments with Max (who is also the cutest and sweetest little boy ever).

Seeing their bond grow over the course of the summer and Kai's love for Max and Miller was just 🥹 This has become

one of my favorite books and I cannot wait for the next installment of the series!

There are cameos from the previous two books so if you're wanting to read this as a standalone I would keep that in mind for spoilers. I highly recommend the entire series though if you haven't already read it!

Quotes:

"I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.“

"You promised to help me find my balance in life. I thought I'd try to help you find your joy."

"Because when life or work gets too stressful, too overwhelming for me, l'm able to see who matters most. And that's you, Miller.”

Content Warnings

whatbeccareadnext's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Liz Tomforde could write a recipe and I'd read it.

This book may have been my favourite of the Windy City books so far. It was like a sucker punch to my heart at some points, and I was absolutely sobbing towards the end, but it wouldn't be 5 stars for me without a HEA!

Miller is both the most relatable and frustrating character, I understand why she is making all of her decisions, but it doesn't make me want her to change her mind any less.

Meanwhile Kai is 6 foot 4 and gorgeous so... need I say more?

Content Warnings

finnickdeservedbetter's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

For readers who like:

• nanny x single dad
• sports romance
• only one bed
• boss' daughter
• commitmentphobes faling in love
• extrovert FMC x introvert MMC
• and a little bit of an age gap

Content Warnings

kat7794's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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