Caught Up by Liz Tomforde

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde is the third book in the Windy City series, exploring the life of Kai, a talented pitcher for the Chicago MLB team, the Windy City Warriors. As a single father, Kai struggles to balance his responsibilities on the field with his desire to be a devoted dad to his son, Max. The story delves into themes of family, love, and the challenges of parenthood, set against the backdrop of professional baseball. Fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction will appreciate the emotional depth and character development throughout this engaging narrative. This edition is perfect for readers looking for heartfelt stories that blend romance and personal growth.

Key Points

  • Explores the challenges of single fatherhood in a professional sports setting
  • Follows Kai's journey as a pitcher balancing career and family life
  • Highlights the emotional bond between Kai and his son Max
  • Features the dynamics of the Windy City Warriors team and their support for Kai
  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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Chapter 1
Kai
“You’ve got to be kidding me, Ace.” Monty drops the scouting report onto
his desk in the hotel room. “You fired him on a game day? What the hell are
you planning to do with Max tonight? It’s your night on the mound.”
I made sure to bring my son in for this meeting partly because I didn’t
have anyone else to watch him and partly because I knew Monty was going
to be pissed I fired another nanny, but would be less furious with Max’s
chubby-cheeked smile staring back at him.
“I don’t know. I’ll figure it out.”
“We had it figured out. There was nothing wrong with Troy.”
Like hell there was nothing wrong with Troy. After my early morning
workout with the team doctor and training staff, loosening up my shoulder
for tonight’s start, I came back to my room to find my son with a diaper that
was hours past due for a change. Add that to the weeks he spent fanboying
over my teammates instead of focusing on his job, and I was done.
“Not the right fit,” is all I say in response.
He exhales a long, defeated breath and Max giggles at my field
manager’s frustration.
Monty eyes him from across the desk, leaning in. “You think this is
funny, kid? Your dad is making me go gray.”
“I think that’s all you, old man.”
My fifteen-month-old son smiles back at my coach while sitting in my
lap, all gums and baby teeth. Monty drops the tough guy act as I knew he
would because Max is a soft spot for him. Hell, he’s a soft spot for the
entire team, but especially for the man sitting across the desk in this hotel
room.
Emmett Montgomery, or Monty as we call him, is not only the field
manager of the Windy City Warriors, Chicago’s MLB team, but he’s also a
single dad. He’s never told me the details of how his family came to be, but
I would be shocked if his situation were anywhere as absurd as mine. That
is, unless he also had a past fling fly across the country almost a year since
he last saw her, only to drop the bomb that he’s a dad and she wants no
involvement before leaving him as a single parent to a six-month-old baby
boy.
I try not to take advantage of Monty, knowing he and the entire
organization have bent over backwards to make my new family situation
work, but when it comes to my kid, I refuse to compromise on who takes
care of him while I’m working.
“I’ll talk to Sanderson,” I offer, referring to one of the trainers on staff.
“He’ll be in the training room all night. I can get Max situated there. As
long as no one gets hurt, the room will be quiet. He can sleep.”
Monty rubs his thumb and forefinger over his brows. “Kai, I’m trying
here. I’m doing everything I can for you, but this isn’t going to work unless
you have childcare we can all rely on.”
Monty only uses my first name when he’s wanting me to take his words
to heart. Otherwise, he and the whole team call me by my nickname—Ace.
But I have taken his words to heart. They’re the same ones he’s been
preaching to me for the past three months, ever since the season started.
I’ve already rotated through five nannies. And the reason for that is
because, well... I’m not sure I want to make it work.
I’m not sure I want to play baseball anymore.
The only thing I’m positive of is that I want to be the best possible dad
for Max. At this point in my life, at thirty-two and after ten years in the
majors, nothing else matters to me.
A game that I once loved, that I thought of as my entire existence, I now
view as time away from my family.
“I know, Monty. I’ll figure it out when we get back to Chicago. I
promise.”
He exhales another defeated sigh. “If your brother weren’t also on my
roster, you’d be the biggest pain in my ass, Ace.”
I roll my lips in, trying not to smile. “I’m aware.”
“And I’d trade you if you weren’t so damn talented.”
I can’t help but laugh at that one because he’s full of shit. I’m one of the
best pitchers in the league, yeah, but regardless of my talent, Monty loves
me.
“And if you didn’t like me so much,” I add for him.
/ 389
End of Document
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FAQs of Caught Up by Liz Tomforde

What are the main themes in Caught Up by Liz Tomforde?
Caught Up explores several key themes, including the complexities of single parenthood, the pressures of professional sports, and the importance of family. Kai's journey emphasizes the struggle to balance his career as a pitcher with his responsibilities as a father. The story also touches on love and personal growth, showcasing how relationships evolve in the face of life's challenges.
Who is the protagonist of Caught Up and what is his background?
The protagonist of Caught Up is Kai, a talented pitcher for the Windy City Warriors. At thirty-two, he has spent a decade in Major League Baseball and is navigating the challenges of being a single father after a complicated past. His character is defined by his dedication to his son, Max, and his internal conflict about his career and family life.
How does Kai's relationship with his son Max influence the story?
Kai's relationship with Max is central to the narrative of Caught Up. As a single father, Kai's love for his son drives his decisions and shapes his priorities. The bond they share highlights the emotional stakes of the story, illustrating how fatherhood transforms Kai's perspective on life and his career in baseball.
What role does the Windy City Warriors team play in Caught Up?
The Windy City Warriors team serves as a supportive backdrop for Kai's journey in Caught Up. The camaraderie among teammates and their understanding of Kai's situation reflect the challenges athletes face off the field. The team's dynamics add depth to the story, showcasing how they rally around Kai as he navigates the complexities of parenthood and professional sports.
What can readers expect from the writing style of Liz Tomforde?
Readers can expect a relatable and engaging writing style from Liz Tomforde in Caught Up. Her prose combines humor, emotional depth, and vivid descriptions, making the characters and their experiences come alive. Tomforde's ability to weave together romance and the realities of life as a single parent resonates with readers, particularly those who enjoy contemporary romance and sports fiction.
Is Caught Up part of a series, and how does it connect to other books?
Caught Up is the third installment in the Windy City series by Liz Tomforde. While it can be read as a standalone, the book connects to previous titles through recurring characters and overarching themes of love and family. Readers familiar with the earlier books will appreciate the development of characters and relationships that continue to evolve throughout the series.

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