Overall Grade: B
Tropes: second chance romance; marriage of convenience; pro baseball MMC; single dad; forced proximity; insta-attraction
In the second installment of L.B. Dunbar’s Chicago Anchors series, Catch the Kiss delivers a compelling second-chance romance between Ruthie and professional baseball player Bolan. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vibrant sports scene, their story unfolds a decade after their initial meeting, offering readers a satisfying exploration of growth, redemption, and unexpected love.
The novel opens with an ingenious meet-cute that immediately captivates, despite its questionable premise as a legitimate psychological study. This creative introduction establishes the foundation for Dunbar’s narrative with remarkable efficiency, setting up the characters’ initial connection in a way that feels both unique and memorable. When their paths cross again years later, the groundwork for their second chance is already firmly established in readers’ minds.
Bolan’s character arc stands as one of the novel’s greatest strengths. His transformation from playboy athlete to devoted husband unfolds with a charm that makes him increasingly endearing as the story progresses. What proves particularly compelling is that Bolan falls first, dedicating himself completely to making their marriage of convenience succeed. His commitment to Ruthie and his daughter showcases a depth of character that transcends the typical sports romance hero.
Equally engaging is Ruthie’s journey, which mirrors the familiar struggles many women face after early marriage failures—the challenge of reclaiming one’s identity and purpose. Through Bolan’s genuine interest and eventual love, she discovers her own space as a mother to his daughter, finding both her voice against manipulative in-laws and her path to profound happiness. Her evolution feels authentic and emotionally resonant, offering readers a protagonist whose growth is as satisfying as the romance itself.
While Dunbar’s storytelling shines in character development and emotional depth, her reliance on an obvious baseball metaphor throughout the narrative occasionally feels heavy-handed and unnecessary. This running motif, while thematically relevant, sometimes detracts from the natural power of Ruthie and Bolan’s story. This tendency toward overly explicit metaphorical frameworks appears to be a recurring element in Dunbar’s writing style.
Despite this minor critique, Catch the Kiss succeeds in creating engaging, relatable characters whose second-chance journey proves both heartwarming and satisfying. Dunbar’s Chicago Anchors series continues to demonstrate her talent for crafting contemporary romances with emotional substance and authentic character growth. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to future installments featuring the compelling personalities introduced in this Chicago-based world.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 