Q&A: Tessa Bailey, Author of ‘Catch Her If You Can’

We chat with Tessa Bailey about inspiration, writing, and all things about her latest romance release, Catch Her If You Can. After getting temporary custody of her sister’s twin children, burlesque club owner Eve is struggling to make ends meet, especially after one of the twins develops asthma. But her long-time friend and crush, new professional baseball catcher Madden, has the perfect solution: marry him and get access to his healthcare plan. Even though Eve worries that her family’s poor reputation will damage Madden’s image, Eve eventually accepts Madden’s proposal, so long as their marriage is temporary and a secret. 

Hi Tessa, thank you for joining us again! What have you been up to since we last spoke for Fangirl Down?

A lot! I wrote more sports books, in addition to a time travel romance (coming out late 2026). I travelled to Italy. I procrastinated. Cancelled plans. Logged 400 hours of true crime podcasts. Perfected my homemade taco shells. Got obsessed with word puzzles.

If you could describe Catch Her If You Can in only five words, what would they be?

Reputation, pining, hope, exhibitionism, sacrifice.  

What was the inspiration for Eve and Madden’s story?

They wrote themselves into the previous series book and I found their intense, yearning dynamic really compelling. I couldn’t look away! I knew there was a story there and I always love secondary characters with loose threads coming in to surprise me.

What sets Catch Her If You Can apart from other marriage of convenience stories?

Madden and Eve are in love. They are very aware of their mutual attraction and feelings. Neither of them are in denial at any point. There is even great communication between them! But they legitimately have something keeping them apart and they have to solve it together.

Did you have a favourite scene or chapter in Catch Her If You Can that you really enjoyed writing?

For some reason, I am such a junkie for one character rushing to be by their love interest’s bedside in the hospital. I would write it into every book, if I could!

Are you a fan of baseball? Did you have to do any baseball research while writing about Madden’s career?

My father was an enormous Yankees fan when I was growing up and the rules are just something deeply ingrained in my brain, so there wasn’t a lot of research required. I like watching baseball when there are high stakes involved, like the World Series. Or live in a stadium.

What’s one thing that you want readers to take away from Eve and Madden’s story?

You have to lean on people sometimes. Even when you’re an independent badass who has been fighting to stay afloat your whole life. Let someone help you!

Will there be any more books in the Big Shots series? (Please say Elton or Mailer!)

I would never say never, but I’m going to move on from the Big Shots world for now. I’m just being pulled in another direction and I have to feed the muse or it gets cranky! 

What’s next for you? Can you tease any information about one of your future or upcoming releases?

In October 2026, I’m releasing something that is a total departure for me. A time travel romance with high stakes called Broken Rival. It’s going to surprise people!

Last, what are some 2026 book releases that you’re looking forward to?

I am excited for the next Abby Jimenez and B.K. Borison books. They’re auto-buys for me.

Will you be picking up Catch Her If You Can? Tell us in the comments below!