Episode 172: An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey

Adventurous Hearts Series, Book 2

This week on LiteraryScape, we're discussing An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey—a historical romance that takes us into the world of Chicago's semiprofessional baseball league, where reputation is everything and one wrong move can cost you your dreams.

About the Book

B Corinne has forged a groundbreaking career as an umpire in Chicago's semiprofessional baseball league and is working toward her dream of leading the women's athletic department at Western College. With her reputation on the line, a romance with Emmett Worland—a talented pitcher known for his womanizing ways—is the last thing she needs.

But when her women's baseball team desperately needs help, Emmett is the only one who can save them. As they spend more time together, an undeniable attraction develops. The catch? Emmett is hiding a painful secret that could end his baseball career, and his bad reputation is one he never actually earned.

Can they afford to let their hearts lead the way, or will the shadows of the past and uncertainties of the future destroy their chance at happily ever after?

In This Episode We Discuss:

Emmett's undeserved reputation and how sensationalist newspapers destroyed his good name

The demanding grandmother who chose social standing over understanding

Emmett's secret struggle and the heartbreaking reality of how society treated people in his situation

B's strength as a pioneering woman umpire navigating impossible social expectations

Historical baseball details (did you know umpires used to stand behind the pitcher?)

The constant scrutiny both characters face and what it means to live under watchful eyes

That memorable proposal scene!

How "everything tells a story"—and why that matters today

Our Ratings:

Drama Level: Mocha ☕☕

Suspense Level: Minimal

Mystery Level: Espresso ☕

Inspirational Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕

Romance Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕

Overall: 2.5 to 3 lattes (Our favorite in the series!)

Links & Resources:

Listen to this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/172

Abbey Downey's website: https://abbeydowney.com/

Next Week: We'll be discussing An Uncharted Dream, the third and final book in the Adventurous Hearts series!

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