Summer Catch

A Charleston Condors Novella

By: Beth Bolden

Narrated by: Darcy Stark

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Newly hired Charleston Condors’ coach Jonathan Kelley is very aware of all the uphill battles he’s got to climb.

There’s a new owner he’s got to please. New culture to implement. New players to train. New rules to follow.

But one rule hasn't changed: don't spend so much time flirting with the cute bartender via text that you start to wonder if you're straight, after all.

But Kieran doesn’t just make the best drinks in Charleston, or own the Pirate’s Booty, the most fun bar in town, he’s kind and sweet and undeniably hot.

He makes Jon long for things he’s never craved, not ever before. But Jon’s never lived in fear. He goes after what he wants, and what he wants is Kieran.

Maybe this summer, the Condors won't be the only ones scoring touchdowns.

©2024 Beth Bolden (P)2024 Beth Bolden

Good addition to the series

Having listened to and read Summer Catch, I would say I enjoyed both versions, and am glad to have read/listened to it given that I've read the other books in the Charleston Condors world that Beth Bolden has so lovingly and thoughtfully created. That said, if I hadn't read the full length novels, I would probably feel a bit disappointed with this novella. It does a lot of time skipping, as in there is often a week or two that has passed between the end of one chapter and the start of another. As a result, the story feels a bit more like it's skimming the surface. It does fill in gaps and compliments the other novels, so it's worth reading alongside the others. Regarding the voice acting, I found the southern accent somewhat put on (it didn't feel fully organic) but I liked the pacing of the reading overall.

Fun and sweet epilogue to an amazing series

I was so excited to get John and Kieran's story, after their reveal in The Play. This is a lighter, shorter story that made a perfect epilogue to one of the best series I've ever read. I enjoyed seeing a few scenes from the previous books through Coach Kelly's eyes. I appreciate that the author gave us a bit of fan service that way without spending too much time on events that we already experienced previously in the series. It was just the right amount of getting John's perspective without feeling like I was rereading the series.

I love the way Darcy Stark narrates, bringing the characters to life with unique voices and powerful emotions.

While I don't think you have to read the series to enjoy this novella, it will have a much greater impact if you have. This series is an absolute stand out in sports romance, so I highly recommend getting the whole set!

Great novella!

I've been so excited to see Kieran and Coach Jon get their romance, and it did not disappoint. I appreciated the growth of their feelings as they communicated, often through text messages. Both were very likable, and together, they were sexy and fun. The story is great, and the narrator of the audio version gave a very good performance. This was a satisfying entry in a series I love.

I love this series

All of the books in this series are good. This is kind of a prequel and kind of not since it involves Kieran at our favorite local bar hangout and the coach Jonathan. I loved this insight into who the coach may or may not have been seeing through the entire series! These two are perfect and Darcy Stark did a great job as usual bringing these characters to life. Loved it!!!

Great intro to the Condors series!

This is fun and spicy novella about Jon, the new head coach for The Charleston Condors, and Kieran, bartender & owner of The Pirate's Booty, the local bar and unofficial hangout for the Condors. Kieran is known for having a superpower that enables him to know exactly what someone *needs* to drink (as opposed to what they may want). However, Jon walks into The Pirate's Booty, Kieran's superpower fails him! After they meet and start chatting, Jon becomes comfortable enough with Kieran that they begin a friendship that is on the flirty. Jon is straight - or so he thinks, but over time and after exchanging some fun texts, do things change?

I'd say so! Jon starts to feel *things* for Kieran & he is all in with his bi-awakening! Their spicy times are spicy & their sweet times are oh so sweet. I love the mix of friendly chats, sexy times, and loving moments - usually novellas don't hit all these points well, but this one does.

Darcy Stark does a fab job of voicing the characters - Kieran has a lovely Charleston drawl, the female voice is actually well done, and Jon sounds hot. I felt the emotions these characters were experiencing & I think the narrator did a great job with that. I had more than a few happy tears during the last part of the story (during the epilogue yes, but also before).

I have read all the Condors book and was so happy to get to revisit them and to finally hear Coach Jon's/Kieran's story, which was hinted at in Deacon's bonus epilogue! Frankly, I think I need to go reread all the books right now because I just love all these boys.

What to Expect:

* football
* Charleston setting
* football coach MC + bartender/bar owner MC
* bi-awakening
* first times
* intro to the Condors/cameos
* low angst

Coach's Romance!

Love this series, but best for last! I love it when the coach finds love and I was very pleased it was with our sweet bartender not a player! Coach has never been into guys before, so we get all the cute first desires and feelings here. Such a quick, easy and fluffy romance to round everything to an end. Darcy Stark is the voice of this series, sweet narration.

A sweet story - by Shana W

This is a sweet, low angst short story about Kieran, a bar owner, and Jonathan, the new coach for the Condors, a football team. Although Jon insists to Kieran that he is straight when they first meet, he cannot seem to resist the bartender, who is so sweet, kind and good looking. Kieran is attracted to Jon upon meeting him. The two of them start texting and then getting together socially, causing Jon to learn some things about his sexuality that he never knew. The story is entertaining and the characters are well developed and likable.
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Darcy Stark. His voice was pleasant to listen to and his pacing and expression were very good.
I received an audiobook copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

sweet with heat

Finally we get Kieran's story and Coach Kelly.
It's good as expected! Sweet with heat! I've waited this series for Kieran and wasn't disappointed.
I listened to Audio and Darcy Stark did an amazing job. I love Kieran' s accent. There's lots of emotion
And it's just a good Ole feel good romance

One drink, two drink, all the drinks, for Jonathan

When Jonathan arrives to coach the Condors out of a terrible management situation, he has his work cut out for him.

He meets Kieran when he comes to the bar to ask if Kieran will keep an eye out for the players, and immediately something strikes him.

Kieran is also interested, but his drink superpower is nowhere in sight, and his gaydar seems off when Jon says he’s straight.

But that doesn’t prevent them from hanging out with each other, becoming friends, and eventually realizing they are interested in a romance.

They keep things under the radar until the end of the season, but share in the stresses of the team and getting through to the playoffs.

A fun novella where Kieran gets his story and Jon gets the man he never knew he wanted. The audiobook adds a layer of lightness to the story, makes the development of the relationship seem more gradual, which I really liked.

I received this ARC for free and am glad to give it my honest review in thanks.

Love this one!

Coach's story is fantastic and the narration adds so much dimension to the story. Definitely recommend!