“If you’re going to start coming to my games, I better see Rhodes on your back and I’m not talking about my brother.”
I went into Caught Up by Liz Tomforde with pretty low expectations, not because of the series (don’t get me wrong, The Right Move was one of the best romances I read last year 👑), but because the single dad x nanny trope is just… not my favorite. Books with that setup usually land around 3 or 3.5 stars for me.
But guess what? You never know which book is gonna sneak up and become your next 5-star read. 😭💖
I’m a single dad and starting pitcher for Chicago’s MLB team.
I’m stretched too thin, but I don’t want help raising my son.
Each of his previous nannies only lasted a few weeks before I let them go.
Now, my coach is putting his foot down by hiring the one person I can’t fire—his daughter.
Miller Montgomery is the last woman I should fall for. Too wild, too young, and too unattached.
Chicago is just a quick stop for her. I thought I’d be counting down the days until she left, but summer feels too short when I start thinking about forever.
Miller
As a high-end pastry chef who recently won the most prestigious award in my industry, I’m desperate to prove I deserve it. But with a new title comes new pressure, and I can’t create a fresh and inspiring dessert to save my life.
With only two months to get back on track, I should be focusing in the kitchen, but instead, I let my dad talk me into using my time off to nanny for his star player’s kid.
Kai Rhodes forgot how to have fun, and I’m eager to jog his memory. But when he and his son start to feel like home, I have to remind us both that my time in Chicago ends with the summer.
Besides, I’ve always been a runner, and the last thing I want is to get caught.
Review of Caught up by Liz Tomforde
Honestly, I didn’t expect to give another 5-star rating, I never rate two books in the same series that high. But I guess that streak is officially broken, because this one completely won me over! Liz Tomforde is really doing something special with this series, and I can’t wait to read the rest.
At first, this book was sitting around a solid 3-star for me… until the 50% mark hit. That’s when everything started to click, the pacing, the emotion, the characters, it all just bounced back so well. And the love confession? Yep, that moment tipped the scale and made this feel like a 6-star read in my heart. 🧡
Plot Analysis of Caught up by Liz Tomforde
So basically, we’ve got Kai, a single dad and moody MLB pitcher who’s juggling a baseball career, parenting, and a deep resistance to anyone helping him, classic emotionally constipated MMC energy. He’s been firing nannies like it’s a competitive sport, and now his coach is like, “Enough. I’m calling in reinforcements.”
Enter Miller, said coach’s wild-child, pastry-chef prodigy daughter, who’s definitely not on the market for love or diapers. She’s got kitchen burnout, a prestigious award she’s trying to live up to, and exactly zero qualifications to deal with an emotionally shut-off baseball player and his adorable son. Naturally, she’s perfect for the job.
She agrees to nanny as a “break” from the kitchen (how chaotic do you have to be for nannying a moody man’s kid to feel like a vacation? 😂), and of course, sparks start flying. She’s sunshine. He’s grumpy. We’ve seen it, we love it, we’re here for it. But there’s a ticking clock, she’s only in Chicago for the summer, and she’s a known runner (emotionally, not athletically).
Characters of Caught up by Liz Tomforde
Miller Montgomery:OH Miller! I think I have a crush on her. Like… I’m straight, but she’s definitely my type 😅. I loved her so much, she was chaotic in the best way, but also so self-aware and responsible when it really mattered. The way she holds herself to such high standards, especially not wanting to disappoint Monty? That hit way too close to home. I was like… okay, rude, but also accurate 😭. And don’t even get me started on her relationship with Max, Mommy Miller had me melting. She was so soft and patient with him, and I swear I saw the word MOTHER in bold, glowing letters above her head. She is a MOMMY 😳 (I didn’t say that. You did.)
Kai Rhodes : Let me say it straight to your face: he is a DADDY. Yep. I said what I said, and I’m not taking it back 😌. I love this man. Like, how is he even unreal? Where’s my Kai, hmm?? I’ll wait.
Kai is the grumpiest man alive, but never mean, and I love how Liz handled that balance. His character development was so satisfying. Every scene with him and Max? Melting. His protectiveness? Swooning. His relationship with Isaiah?? PLEASE.
BUT WAIT. That filthy mouth??? I was on my knees and my jaw was on the damn floor. I’m sorry, sir, what did you just say? I had to physically pause and stare at my Kindle like it betrayed me. I was not prepared and I did not recover.
This man is literal perfection. I’m not even sorry. 💅
The romance :Miller & Kai are my fictional parents. PLEASE adopt me, I’ll be so well-behaved, I swear 😭. And in case it wasn’t obvious already: I LOVE THEM. Like, deeply. Their dynamic?? Top tier. The tension? The banter? I was on the edge of my seat whispering “yes, more, please” like I was begging for another hit 😩. They were the perfect mix of funny, emotional, soft, and lovey-dovey, I was melting. Their relationship development was chef’s kiss levels of satisfying. Every scene with them felt like a warm hug and a punch to the heart at the same time. OBSESSED.
Pacing & writing style
think it’s safe to say that Liz Tomforde is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This series just keeps raising the bar with every book, and Caught Up was no exception. Her writing? So good, just like in Mile High and The Right Move. It’s flawless, super easy to read and follow, and she just gets it. Liz knows how to balance emotional depth, humor, and heart in a way that makes her stories hit so hard. The characters were incredibly well-developed, with real growth and thoughtful arcs. She handled their trauma, healing, and even the parenting dynamics with such care and nuance. Honestly, she pulls you into the story and makes you believe in these people, their love, and their journey, and that’s such a special kind of magic.
AND NOW, THE LOVE CONFESSION. Let me tell you, that scene alone made me want to stand up and clap in my living room like I was at a concert. Liz is THAT author, just from that one scene. It was a full-blown masterpiece. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I was sobbing , not crying, not tearing up, sobbing until I couldn’t even see the words on my Kindle anymore. I had to take a break, pull myself together, then come back and reread it… and cry for another 15 minutes. 😭 And yes, I’ve gone back to reread it every few days because it lives rent-free in my head now. It was tender, raw, vulnerable, everything a love confession should be. Honestly? It’s my new favorite one ever written.
“You put me first when I forgot how to. You reminded me what it felt like to be important, to be chosen first.”
THIS LINE??
Ripped my heart out, stomped on it, then lovingly taped it back together. Like how dare Liz write something that emotionally devastating yet healing at the same time??? Honestly?? That line alone deserves its own annotated edition, embroidered on a pillow, tattooed somewhere, I don’t know, but it needs to be honored. You’re not alone in crying, bestie. We’re all out here collectively sobbing with you 😭💔
The pacing in Caught Up was honestly perfect. I have zero complaints, everything felt timed just right. I enjoyed every single second of it. Even the third-act breakup (if we can even call it that 👀) worked so well with the story. It wasn’t just drama for the sake of it, it made sense, it had emotional weight, and it was handled in a way that felt real and respectful to both characters’ growth.
No unnecessary angst, no dragging things out, just smooth, well-written tension that added to the story without ruining the vibe. Chef’s kiss. 💅✨
Tropes and Trigger warnings of Caught up by Liz Tomforde
Tropes of Caught up by Liz Tomforde
Single dad x nanny
Sport romance
Forced proximity
Found family
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Only one bed
Trigger warnings of Caught up by Liz Tomforde
Grief
Child abandonment mentioned
Death of a parent mentioned
Sexual harassment
Some quotes I enjoyed
“If you’re as terrible of a listener in the bedroom as you are in real life, Miller, I can promise you this, you wouldn’t be allowed to come.” Those pretty lips part, jade eyes wide. “Two can play this game, Montgomery. Now, let’s go.” I nod toward the other side of the house once again. Her lips press together, holding back a grin. “You keep talking like that, Kai, and I’ll be ditching the ‘baseball’ part and just be calling you ‘daddy.”
“Is that what you need to hear, Miller? That I think you’re hot? Do you really need to hear me say I can’t keep my fucking eyes off you when you’re in the room, or have you finally picked up on that?”
“Well, we all have our limits now, don’t we?”
“And I’m yours?” His eyes trail my face, once again landing on my lips.
“I think you might be.”
“Oh my God! You’re impossible. You need to go. I’m not your problem to worry about.”
Turning, she heads back up the way we came, but I stop her, pinning her against the wall, the two of us meeting on the same stair. “
Yes, the fuck you are.”
“Life is about finding your joy, living in a way that brings you and others happiness.”
“You think you’ll be able to keep yourself detached because you’re not looking at my face while I fuck you?”
“Well, it doesn’t matter if you see me or not. You’re going to feel every inch of me. I’ll be so deep, you’ll be able to feel me in your fucking throat, and I can promise you, Miller, your body won’t let you forget me.”
“I know you don’t want her to leave, so why are you helping her do just that?”
“Because it’s her dream, and I care about her too much to not help her chase it, even if that means I won’t be there when she gets everything she’s worked for.”
“Pressure is a privilege, Miller. Expectations are high because you’re successful. If you were average, no one would be waiting on bated breath for you.”
“Life is meant to be spent chasing happiness.”
“Mills, you already are mine. Even if I haven’t been allowed to show you, you’ve always been mine.”
“You are the most jealous woman I’ve ever met. You know that?” Her head jerks back. “You’ve met other women?”
“Because when life or work gets too stressful, too overwhelming for me, I’m able to see who matters most. And that’s you, Miller.” He shakes his head. “And it’s in there because I’m so fucking in love with you, it’s too painful not to be able to see you every second of the day.”
“But I’m not going to keep pretending like I’m not absolutely fucking ruined from having you for the last two months. I know this is the last thing you wanted, but I’m not going to apologize. You’re my favorite person, Miller, and for once I had someone for me. I had someone taking care of me. After being alone for so long, I finally had someone looking out for me.”
“Miller, you’re not just another person.” He won’t look at me, his attention locked on the ground, and I catch the first tear fall from under his glasses, hitting the floor. “You put me first when I forgot how to. You reminded me what it felt like to be important, to be chosen first. I know you wanted this to be easy and detached, but you’re fucking in here.” His fingers meet his chest, tapping it a couple of times, blue eyes meeting mine, and full of pain. “You’re everywhere, and when you leave tomorrow, I’ll still see you everywhere. In this kitchen. In Max’s room. In my bed. There’s nothing about us that’s easy. This is fucking miserable, Miller, knowing there’s a clock counting down the seconds until I don’t have you anymore, but I’d do it all over again. I’d fall in love with you all over again. I’d break my heart all over again because loving you was one of the two greatest surprises of my life.”
“If I could…” he continues, shaking his head. “I’d chase you. I’d spend every free day on an airplane to get to you, even if that meant I only got to kiss you once before I had to fly back to Chicago. I’d spend my off-season living out of a hotel or out of your fucking van just to be close to you, but it’s not only me I’m making decisions for anymore. And because of that, I don’t want you to say anything. Don’t tell me if you love me, and fuck,” he exhales a painful laugh. “Please don’t tell me if you don’t. But especially don’t give me any hope because if you do, I have a feeling I’d chase you across the country until you were caught.”
“I hope you’re out there finding your joy because you’re the reason we found ours.”
“You said it was my choice if I wanted to live up to expectations, and I do. But now, the only expectations I’m going to worry about are the ones I set for myself. And the only expectations I have for myself are to be happy and to chase the things I want.”
Final Thought
Caught Up completely caught me off guard, pun very much intended. 😌 I started Caught Up thinking, “ugh, single dad and nanny, here we go again,” and ended up flat on the floor clutching my Kindle like it betrayed me. I mean, how dare this book be so good?? I came in with low expectations and Liz said, “that’s cute, watch this.” And she did.
From Miller being my ultimate girl crush to Kai having me in a literal chokehold (emotionally… mostly), this book gave me all the feels. The banter? Perfect. The sexual tension? Sizzling. The emotional moments?? Ruined me.
And THE LOVE CONFESSION?? That wasn’t a scene, that was a full-on emotional assault. Liz really said, “hope you’re hydrated,” then proceeded to ruin me. I was SOBBING. Had to put the Kindle down. Came back later and sobbed again. Like clockwork.😭
Liz Tomforde is officially on my “will ruin me again and again and I’ll say thank you” list.
Liz’s writing just hits, it’s easy to read, full of heart, and makes you feel like you’re living inside the story. And Caught Up proves she knows how to write soft, messy, healing love in the most beautiful way.
So yeah, consider me fully invested in this series and this woman’s career. I’ll be first in line for whatever Liz writes next. 🫡
Because I clearly have no self-preservation when it comes to fictional men and women with great banter and unresolved trauma. 🙃💔
About the author
Liz Tomforde is a New York Times bestselling author of sports romance novels that depict realistic and healthy relationships. Her books off er a mix of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, a healthy dash of spice and swoon-worthy men who look good in a uniform.
Born and raised in Northern California, Liz is the youngest of five children. She loves all things romance, travelling, dogs and hockey. When she’s not travelling or writing, Liz can be found relaxing at home or listening to a good audiobook while on a walk with her golden retriever, Luke.
Practical Information for Readers
Caught up by Liz Tomforde Book Formats
Caught up by Liz Tomforde is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:
Paperback: Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
PDF Caught up : While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.
Where to find Caught up by Liz Tomforde PDF
Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.
Caught up by Liz Tomforde Age Rating
I’d recommend Caught Up by Liz Tomforde for readers aged 18+ due to explicit sexual content and themes like grief, loss, and child abandonment. The book also briefly touches on sexual harassment, which could be triggering for some readers, so keep that in mind before diving in.
