SYNOPSIS
At an auction, single mother, Zahira, puts down money to spend a night with bachelor and former cricket legend, Vikram. It was for a good cause! One-night turns into another, which turns into another, and the next thing Vikram knows, Zahira approaches him with a sex contract (she is a lawyer after all).
What could happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
Thank you to the author for an ARC! All opinions are my own.
Published: September 25, 2026
Caught is the fourth book in an interconnected romance series. They’re interconnected, so you don’t have to read the other books, but this is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I would say reading the others enhances the reading experience. I also just want to go back and read the ones I’ve missed.
This is the third Anna P. book I’ve thankfully received an arc for and that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and it’s my favorite so far, which really isn’t saying much because Anna P.’s books never disappoint me, but still!
Zahira and Vikram just can’t get enough of each other, which is how a one night turned into more than one night. When Zahira brought out the sex contract, I was just as shocked at Vikram, and I really enjoyed how the story took off from there.
The characters in this story are layered and complex, acting in ways that are true to who the character is, even when it’s a little frustrating. After what seemed like a bad and invalidating marriage, and as a lawyer and a single mom who is having custody issues with her unthoughtful and not compassionate ex-husband, Zahira is straightforward, direct, and craves control. Vikram, though younger and with his own set of insecurities, fears, and struggles with control, seems to be more willing to let things flow.
This is a thick book, but a lot happens that is necessary to read in order to fully understand these characters and to receive the payout of the characters’ arcs. We also see different sides of the side characters in this one, who lead different books throughout the series, and I always love those Easter eggs.
Zahira’s issues with her ex reawaken her fears in relationships and with control. We learn about her childhood, her current relationship with her brother, and her friendships and we see how she works, which all aid in getting to know her better. She’s had so many responsibilities in her life, if she doesn’t take control, who will?
With Vikram, we learn about the importance of cricket in his life, but also the things he really values, like his health and family. We see more sides of his relationship with his family and his friends, and we learn more about the type of person he is. He’s patient and funny, but people mistake his easygoing nature for someone they shouldn’t take seriously, which is one of his insecurities.
Zahira’s daughter, Rahael, who is ten years old, was in the story the perfect amount for me. She felt like her own character, vs. a plot device, and acted like a kid to me. It’s really Rahael’s world and we’re all living in it! Anyone in the story who thought otherwise was mistaken.
If I had to describe Zahira and Vikram’s relationship in one word, I would say it’s intimate. Their relationship is steamy and full of sexual chemistry and banter, but there were also intimate moments that had nothing to do with sex where they just existed together and confided in each other. I loved reading their story and waiting for the moment where they both truly let go!
Read for:
📃 Sex contract
📃 Secret relationship
📃 Fast burn (spicyyy)
📃 Single mom x Cat dad
📃 Age gap (she’s older)
📃 Soft grump FMC x Chaotic Sunshine MMC
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is one of my favorites of the year and I just feel like it was made for me. There’s romance, spice, drama, fully fleshed out characters, and some gems in here about life. I really can’t ask for anything more.
I recommend this for anyone who loves sports romances where one of them is a coach, enjoys spicy reads and fwb situations in books, and is looking for stories that feel complete and have layered characters.
What do you think?