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Spring Training #1

Catching Zia

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Welcome to the Spring Training series by best-selling author Becca Jameson. Spring Training follows the lives of several major league baseball players as they deal with the fame and reality of life and love. This first book in the series, Catching Zia, features the second baseman and his desire to meet a woman who isn’t after him for his money or his celebrity status.

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2017

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163 people want to read

About the author

Becca Jameson

273 books1,002 followers
Becca Jameson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 100 books. She is most well-known for her Wolf Masters series and her Fight Club series. She currently lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and Goldendoodle. Two grown kids pop in every once in a while too! She is loving this journey and has dabbled in a variety of genres, including paranormal, sports romance, military, and BDSM.

A total night owl, Becca writes late at night, sequestering herself in her office with a glass of red wine and a bar of dark chocolate, her fingers flying across the keyboard as her characters weave their own stories.

During the day--which never starts before ten in the morning!--she can be found jogging, running errands, or reading in her favorite hammock chair!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila'S Book Corner.
1,075 reviews78 followers
May 21, 2017
Catching Zia, the first book in the Spring Training Series, was my first book by Becca Jameson and I really loved it!! It definitely won't be my last!

Zia is a struggling artist, working as a nanny, relying on herself and her strength to put herself through school and rise above her upbringing. Her mother's constant compulsive lying and belittling of her has left Zia a bit distrustful and somewhat timid. She doesn't realize or value enough her own gifts.

"You both know how I feel about lying. One strike. That's it."
Baseball players usually get three strikes," Lily teased.
Zia rolled her eyes. "Not this one."

Brett is an awesome 'book boyfriend' (except when he isn't!!) He is humble and sweet, (but a great alpha dirty talker in the bedroom!) He is looking for a true human connection without his celebrity getting in the way. Brett loves that Zia doesn't know WHO he is, but keeps too many secrets from her and for too long!

"That was nothing. One date. No biggie."
"You're sure?"
"Positive." Positively lying...He was still in knots over her, and knew she was affecting his game. No woman had ever gotten in his head and affected his game. Hell, no woman had ever gotten in his head period."

I loved the writing and was drawn into the story right from the start. Lots of heart with a touch of humor. At times I may have wanted to slap a little sense into Brett, but in the end I was left swooning for my new favorite second baseman!

"I needed a nanny. She needed a job. You needed a lobotomy. We cut you out of the equation and struck a deal."
5 Stars
-Diane-
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
February 9, 2018
Cover to cover a fantastic story and how about the cover on this book??!!! It's been far too long since I have seen such a healthy looking cover and I don't even like blondes. If you're like me, this book will change your mind in a hurry.
Zia spends a lot of her time in the park sketching, it's comfortable and relaxed for her. She's in her zone in the park. That's where she meets Brett. Brett's a pro ball player and tired of being looked at as a bank account by the women he does date, which aren't many. He's been watching Zia and wants to meet her, so he fakes a little run into her. She doesn't know who he is, this is the best thing ever for him. He wants a woman to want him for him. He likes to watch her sketch and asks her to speak to his sister who is expecting because she wants a wall mural painted. She hesitates, but agrees.
He makes his sister promise not to tell her who he is. He swears he'll tell her in his own time
Zia grew up with the worst mother on the planet. The woman is just a flipping sleeze and when we finally meet this hag I wanted to drop kick her clean out of the book. Zia grew up with lies and hates liars. Being lied to is a hard line for her. So as it always happens, she finds out and disappears.
Brett is heading off to spring training in Jupiter and he has to leave town, his head isn't in the game and when his sister needs a nanny for her new baby she agrees but only because the sister is angry with Brett too, and promises he won't be around.
Since her old nanny position is over and she really needs the job she agrees and loves the job. It frees up his sister also. When Brett comes home to surprise her and see his new niece and sees Zia there he blows a nut. And ferks things up in a serious way leaving Zia fleeing and him in knots. His words were rough.
So Brett, in all his glory gets the girl back sort of, and although she has major trust issues, rightfully so, something happens and she overhears Brett talking to another woman who came banging on his door much to early in the morning first night they spend together.
Zia decides to take got to Jupiter to surprise him and tell him how she really feels about him after realizing some things. She has the car, her bag and walking around the corner sees Brett hugging another woman and the appear to be engaged in an intimate conversation. Zia flees. Tosses his car keys on his seat. He knows she's coming. Her bag is there. Zia has disappeared. By the time he figures out what happened he's furious with Leslie, who is a friend you can read about in the book, it's a must read and heads back south hoping to catch her. When he ends up at his sisters house all the women are there. I was pretty ticked at Brett too. Strike two for Brett!! Nice works buddy!
So as the rest of this little vignette unfolds, what happens between Zia and Brett.
This is a great story and great start to a series. I look forward to future books. The characters were great, the story itself was perfect and Brett and Zia were just so great together. I don't say that about many couples. These two I loved.

**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Profile Image for belle ☆ミ (thisbellereadstoo).
2,616 reviews174 followers
February 6, 2018
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Right off the bat, loved both Zia and Brett. LOVED THEM SO MUCH. Their first meeting was cute yet awkward. I enjoyed their story and the involvement with the supporting characters. Catching Zia is my introduction into Becca Jameson’s writing and I’m sure it isn’t my last.

Zia is gorgeous but she has her insecurities. Yet beneath her insecurities, she’s actually a very feisty lady. Brett first approached her after seeing her drawing various times on a park bench. He’s enamoured and attracted to this beauty who doesn’t know his existence. Brett sparks the fun and naughty in Zia. He’s a sweetheart, and very loyal.

I occasionally reach out for sports books because they offer a different story every time. Catching Zia was interesting and I highly recommend if you're looking for something cute yet steamy.

I liked seeing Brett bring out the side of Zia that we wouldn’t have seen without him. They have great chemistry, the tension is palpable. The sexy scenes are steamy as heck. Can’t help but adore and support the two of them.



I occasionally reach for sports novels because I don't read them often enough and they offer a different story every time. Catching Zia was interesting so if you're looking for something steamy/cute, this is a book you should consider!!
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,492 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2018
Title: Catching Zia
Author: Becca Jameson
Publisher: Becca Jameson Publishing
Series: Spring Training Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Catching Zia" by Becca Jameson

My Thoughts....

This was indeed a good love story featuring Brett and Zia. Now I will say that these two had issues that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. Zia definitely had the strength of endurance especially having such a horrible mother and for Brett well all I am left to say is wow what a guy. However, I did find some of their reasoning was a bit off for me. It seems like they did not want to share things when they should have. Will they ever learn that communication with each other was so very important for them? How will a second chance enter into this story and why did Zia detest compulsive liars? Well, you will just have to pick up "Catching Zia" to see what this story is all about. The storyline was a good one with supporting characters [Monica, Carmen, Lily & Leslie] to name a few that really brought in the drama adding depth to this read. Will this artist and baseball player be able to find their HEA after all is said and done?


Be ready for not only a good read with twists but a 'hot steamy sex' that this author brings out so well in 'Catching Zia." This is a wonderful beginning of the 'Spring Training Book Series' that will only leave you wanting more!




Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews134 followers
Want to read
February 28, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/28/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
She has no idea who he is…
Zia’s main passion in life is art. And she’d gladly spend days on end sketching the hunky man who stops to admire her work while jogging through the park one sunny afternoon.
He unwisely keeps her in the dark…
Brett has been ogling Zia for days. The sketch in her lap provides the perfect opening. When it’s immediately obvious she has no idea he’s a major league baseball player, he relishes the opportunity to take a gorgeous woman out on a normal date.
Will she give him a second chance? What about a third?
What Brett doesn’t know is that Zia grew up with a compulsive liar, and his omission is more than she can tolerate. Second chances are rare in this life, and somehow Brett manages to squander that one also. He’s got an uphill battle if he wants to fight for this strong-willed woman.
Profile Image for Anna.
542 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2019
Heroine hears/finds out something she doesn't like. Instead of hearing the H out she runs away and avoids the H. Rinse and repeat. Maybe it was me but I found this repetitive lack of communication annoying. And the H excused it because the h had triggers. No, she was insecure and emotionally stunted.
Profile Image for Riet De Bruin-Strijker.
212 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2017
I loved this book, Catching Zia. The battle and love between Brett and Zia has been passionately written and it makes you ponder and wonder about the past that always plays a part in your life. Brett is anxious about his experiences with women who want him for his fame and money and Zia has a past with a lying mother, who almost destroyed her self-esteem. I am going to enjoy the next books in this series as I really am an admiring fan of Becca Jameson.
I think Catching Zia is a wonderful introduction to the Spring Training series by best-selling author Becca Jameson. Spring Training follows the lives of several major league baseball players as they deal with the fame and reality of life and love. This first book in the series, Catching Zia, features the second baseman and his desire to meet a woman who isn’t after him for his money or his celebrity status. Zia’s main passion in life is art. And she’d gladly spend days on end sketching the hunky man who stops to admire her work while jogging through the park one sunny afternoon. Brett has been ogling Zia for days. The sketch in her lap provides the perfect opening. When it’s immediately obvious she has no idea he’s a major league baseball player, he relishes the opportunity to take a gorgeous woman out on a normal date. But what Brett doesn’t know is that Zia grew up with a compulsive liar, and his omission is more than she can tolerate. Second chances are rare in this life, and somehow Brett manages to squander that one also. He’s got an uphill battle if he wants to fight for this strong-willed woman.
Profile Image for Sharon Redfern.
714 reviews25 followers
January 29, 2018
Pro baseball player Brett has noticed Zia sitting in the park and drawing and finally makes his move and introduces himself. Zia has no idea who Brett is and he likes that so he doesn't clue her in. Unfortunately for him, Zia has grown up with a mother who is a habitual liar and she has no tolerance for lying or evasions. Zia can't understand why a hunky guy like Brett would be interested in her and she is waiting for something to go wrong. When Brett's true occupation comes out, Zia drops him and cuts him off completely. Seeing as she is working for his sister, things are awkward.
This was an interesting couple. I thought Zia overreacted to Brett's omission, but given her insecurities, it was somewhat understandable. Brett seemed to be basically a good guy who finds himself caught in a tough situation. When it happens again, both of them handle it badly leading to more conflict. I loved them as a couple but they both need to learn to communicate better. The story has plenty of spice with great chemistry between Zia and Brett.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,521 reviews
February 12, 2018
Zia has grown up with a liar her entire life ... her mother. Zia has distanced herself from her and will no longer put up with liars. One day while sketching in the park, a hunky guys admires her drawing and asks her if she's paint a mural on his baby niece's bedroom wall. When Zia doesn't recognize Brett as the second baseman for the Maimi baseball team, he wants to have 1 date where he's not going to be sized up for his wealth or celebrity status. But when Zia finds out he has lied (by omission) to her, she runs because she wants nothing to do with a guy who lies.

I liked how Brett was a truly nice guy who just wanted a regular relationship ... he just seemed so down to earth for a sports star. In my opinion Zia judged him too quickly and didn't even give him a chance to explain. The chemistry between them was hot and Ms. Jameson sure knows how to write intimate scenes ... OK, HOT sex scenes ... WOW! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received an ARC courtesy of Becca Jameson Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
March 31, 2018
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A great sports romance. 💖⚾️💖

Zia hasn't had a very easy life. She was saddled with a mother who grew increasingly jealous of her own daughter's youth and looks so she convinced Zia that she was dull and not attractive and that no one would want her. She did such a good job that it took years of counseling for her to even begin to think of herself as even being cute. Zia didn't even think she had any talent and yet her drawings and paintings are amazing. She's been a nanny to survive and enjoys her job but knows that it's time to make a change since the girls are now old enough to go on without her now. This is when she meets Brett. Brett is everything she isn't, a major league baseball player (which he doesn't tell her since she doesn't recognize him.) with a side business as an accountant and a family that actually loves him and encourages him. 💖⚾️🎨💖

It's a very well-written story but it will make you laugh and cry as Brett attempts to convince Zia that he really does care for her. 💞😍💞
981 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2018
a sketching in the park where he is jogging. He’s immediately attracted to her, especially because she clearly doesn’t know who he is and he likes getting to know a woman without his fame and money being a distraction. Within about one evening, sweet, shy, wary Zia is falling into bed and some heavy sex with him.

They become a couple; she gets hurt as we knew would happen when she finds out who he is; Then they get back together and she still has problems trusting him. He is sweet and keeps persuading her to stay with him and they they have some more erotic sex. He seems like a very sweet, sexy guy. If you can buy that such a guy would fall for a woman just because she’s different from the groupies hanging around the ballpark within a few days together, then you will enjoy this start of a new sports romance series.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Fleur.
3,760 reviews31 followers
June 27, 2017
I just loved how there were highs and lows through out the book, you cannot help but love Zia and Brett. The way the characters are so well developed you can't help but fall in love with them and hope it all works out well despite the hurdles they have. Zia is so appealing due to her down to earth way, as well as Brett for the career he has and how he feels. I also loved Monica and really hope to read more about her as well as the other team mates/partners you are briefly introduced to. There are some great twists that you don't see coming that keep you addicted to reading. This is definitely the beginning of a great HEA sport series and can't wait to read more!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,159 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2024
“Catching Zia”, first in the 'Spring Training' series by Becca Jameson, is a lazy piece of fluff from an author who is capable of much better.
The Zia in question is a young woman with a despicable mother and a kidnapping in her past.
She's become more and more reclusive – until she meets Brett, a successful baseball player, and they feel an immediate attraction.
Because she hasn't a clue about him he jumps at the chance to have a normal relationship – a big mistake!
When she appears in the newspapers as his new 'girlfriend' she feels betrayed and legs it.
What follows is more or less complete nonsense but, strangely, her original problems never re-surface.
It's readable enough but could be so much better.
2 stars.
2,077 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2017
I love an alpha hero who still gets nervous & flustered, makes mistakes & second guesses himself. It's a good thing that I got all of that from Brett in this story. It was really enjoyable & I loved the interaction between Brett & Zia. First book in a series & it does introduce other characters that will no doubt continue into other stories but thankfully doesn't overload you with too much unnecessary details. Not being American, I didn't really understand the baseball side (not that there was a whole lot), but can still appreciate men running around with the friends in tight shorts throwing a ball around.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
February 9, 2018
Catching Zia by Becca Jameson is the First book in the "Spring Training" series. This is the story of Brett and Zia. Brett is a well known baseball player who is tired of being eyed by women for why he is famous and his bank account. When he sees Zia in the park painting he is attracted to her and works to 'accidentally' run into her. Brett doesn't let her know just who he is and is enjoying just being a regular person. Zia is all about the truth after the way she grew up and doesn't like lies...of any kind.
Both have a lot to work through and get past but overall a very enjoyable story!
Profile Image for Taz.
1,577 reviews56 followers
February 15, 2018
Zia meets a hot accountant at the park and he wants her to make a mural for his sister. Brett loves the fact that Zia is a regular person is unaware of his MLB player status. He likes dating a normal person and going on normal dates.

Brett and Zia were a cute couple that had to learn about communication to make a successful relationship. I am a sucker for stories where the girl wants the guy for himself, not for what he can give her in fame and fortune.

I can't wait for the next in this series.
Profile Image for SarahSmith.
453 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2019
I have loved everything from Becca Jameson that I have read so far, and she has a massive collection. This was a great start to this series and I loved seeing how Brett and Zia got through their issues together of which there were many. Great series!
Profile Image for Tina Louise.
Author 4 books6 followers
July 10, 2018
This was a very engaging read. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I loved the easy camaraderie between Zia and Brett and their fiery passion was off the charts.

Great read Becca!
285 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2018
Wow

I am so in love with your books. This is the 2nd book I have read and could not put it down. I wish I started with this book 1st but oh well. Fantastic
31 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2019
Great story

This book had me from the first chapter.Loved the characters and story line.can't wait to read more if these books
Profile Image for Sarah.
564 reviews
March 23, 2019
Quick, cute read. The arc of the storyline is a little odd but still enjoyable. Not too much baseball talk if that isn’t your thing.
Profile Image for Adele.
272 reviews163 followers
June 4, 2019
Very little characterisation exists, the conflict was not depicted well and came across cyclic, and it all felt very surface level.
2,000 reviews39 followers
March 16, 2017
Catching Zia is the first book in Becca Jameson's Spring Training baseball series. It's a great kickoff to the new season for baseball fans but if you don't know a hit to run from a triple play, don't worry about it, this story's a lot more romance than sports. More sweet than sexy, you'll find yourself pulling for Brett and Zia as they make their way through the communication pitfalls of a new relationship.
A great story, well written.
970 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2017
Brett kept his occupation quiet when getting to know Zia. Due to Zia's upbringing with a compulsive liar she's distraught when she finds out. They eventually make up. After a miscommunication Zia bails again. They make up. It was alright not omg I must read this again. I'm sure I will read the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Allena.
1,469 reviews
February 4, 2017
Catching Zia
Becca Jameson


I usually don't enjoy sports themed books unless it’s MMA. This book was great no groupies, highly charged interaction between H/h and quick resolutions to the conflicts that arose.

Zia a struggling artist and nanny grew up with a pathological liar. She watched her mother lie and manipulate men her entire life.

Brett notices Zia while running in the park and “mans up” and approaches her. He is happy that she has no clue who he is and doesn't see dollar signs when she looks at him.

Zia’s childhood shaped her, Brett’s occupation has him leary of women. Can these two make a go of it?

They are explosive together but his lie by omission has her her saying strike one and cutting off contact. They reconnect and are again great with each other. A second misunderstanding has Zia running again and thinking strike two. Will they get to strike three are will Zia finally stop running and letting her childhood make her decisions for her? Will Brett learn to open his mouth and let her know what is going on when there is potential for a misunderstanding?

Read Catching Zia and find out. Loved the H but the h had me frustrated at times. Sensual dominant male, good storyline, and secondary characters that enhanced rather than took away from the story. Good flow, low angst and didn't get mired down in the sports aspect. Well worth the read.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
February 12, 2017
A very sexy story with a very sexy man. Zia for all the therapy still has huge insecurities and it limits her world. Brett sure enjoys his career but not necessarily the other off field stuff with groupies and media. I think Zia's mother is a piece of work and she can be expected to have hurt Zia but lots of nice people have shown Zia respect and love so I took a star off for Zia's behavior the second incident. Simply ridiculous. The cover photo is exactly how I picture Brett. Damn.
162 reviews
January 25, 2017
Ms Jameson has done it again bringing us an awesome start of a new series, Spring Training.
I finished the book in one sitting as it was hard to put them. The first chapter totally captured me and I
love Brett and Zia.
Brett is a second baseman with a major baseball league and Zia is an artist who loves to spend her time
drawing in the park aside from her nanny job. Brett just wanted to have a normal date with someone who is
not money hungry. Zia detests liars especially when she grew up with a mother who loves to lie and string along men
all her life. Brett finally approached Zia at the park and from then on started courting her but leaving out the fact that he
is major league baseball player. All is well until Zia was informed who Brett really was and became upset. Will Zia give Brett a
second chance or is their relationship over? If you want to find out what happens, just one click and you will know. I can't wait for the
next installment.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,022 reviews58 followers
January 24, 2017
I first fell in love with Becca Jameson's writing when I read her Fight Club Series, from then I progressed to the Underground series which just cemented her as one of my favourite authors. When I heard that she was writing a Baseball series it was a no brainer to one click this book. The introduction to this new series was a five star rating story. This is Brett and Zia's story, a Major League Baseball player who falls for a struggling artist. However their story doesn't go so easy. This book has you hooked from their first meeting, it is full of twists and turns that you don't expect that will keep you guessing right up to the end. Not to forget Becca is famous for her strong dominant male characters which make you fall head over heels for them and have you cheering from the sidelines to get the girl. Ultimately this book is one hell of a Home Run.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,689 reviews36 followers
January 7, 2017
Loved Brett & Zia's story!! Their initial meeting is so awkward-cute because they're both nervous. I admire Zia's strength, and Brett's character. I really enjoyed their story, and the supporting characters were interesting & provided depth as well. The only drawback for me were Zia's & Brett's reasoning in a couple instances. It just seemed like they should have learned from previous instances & communicated w/ each other a little more... The inner dialogues about why each of them weren't bringing up what they weren't bringing up, annoyed me a bit.

But I enjoyed the story a LOT despite that annoyance, and as always w/ Becca Jameson's stories, the steamy goodness factor is volcanic. So. *grin* I'm looking forward to book 2!!! : )
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
February 3, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book and my opinions are honest!

As long as it is a Becca Jameson book, you know you can't go wrong in buying the book.
This is book 1 of a new series.
Brett saw Zia at the park drawing.
His pick up line was: "Would you like to paint a mural for my sister's baby?" LOL
I couldn't believe it.
Zia, of course, thought it was an actual job offer.
I think you guys can guess what happened next. I don't want to spoil it.
Great HEA ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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