Reviews - Not Catching Love

449 reviews for:

Not Catching Love

Saxon James

4.13 AVERAGE

julie_kristine's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

hsira's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I was very hesitant about this book not only because of the caregiver/patient trope but I have mixed feelings about the medical anxiety. The author handled both characters exceedingly well. She was not overly precious with Xander and let him be annoying and less than perfect. While Derek is a bit too good, are privy to his thoughts about not wanting to set himself up for a toxic relationship and worrying that he can't do that with Xander. This book is one of the best I have read about a character with serious mental health issues. As a sidenote, the spicy scenes were also top-notch.

turbocat's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sk_m's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Serious bit first – I am blown away by how well Saxon James handled Xander’s mental health issues. There was no magic cure, no easy way out or through – this took solid work, determination and a whole lot of love from the people who cared about him.

Now, onward into the last adventure with the Bertha Boys, and Saxon saved the best until last. Derek may well be one of my top ten favourites of her characters – it was how open he was, how caring, how understanding – he was absolutely everything that our Xander needed. And then some.

I literally steamed through this read with only a couple of bathroom breaks and I don’t regret a thing. Well, other than this was the last Bertha story because oh my goodness, I am going to miss these guys. I spent pretty much the entirety of the last few chapters reading through tears because it was all just so absolutely right. Like – Derek completely understood how Xander felt about Seven and Molly and wasn’t needlessly jealous; how much all of the boys love each other; Aggie – oh my goodness, Aggie – we all need an Aggie in our lives.

The volunteering at the retirement home touched me so deeply, especially since Xander didn’t water himself down even the slightest and yet still showed so much care for these people. I just – I could ramble for a very long time about all of the different things I loved about this story, but suffice it to say I began February with an excellent book, a snuffly nose from the quiet sobbing and a deep desire to see these books made into a series!!

jenmason17's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

becreally's review against another edition

4.5

fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

rachfisk's review against another edition

3.75

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

velvetwrappedsmut's review against another edition

4.75

emotional inspiring slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

1bookobsessionconfessions's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The amount of love and affection I have for Xander and his lovely, quirky found family both in this book and series is immeasurable.
I’ve been looking forward to Xander’s chance at true love, despite knowing it meant it would be the bittersweet end to this phenomenal series- 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙰𝙻 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴. (I HIGHLY recommend reading the books in order.)
The realistic, compassionate and caring way Xander is portrayed is immensely inspiring and emotionally gritty at times. He has multiple mental health issues, I happen to share many of them. It made this story more *everything* for me and I respect the way it is portrayed so very much.
Xander and Derek know each other from a clinical/mental health environment, they have a strong attraction and they have a connection that is so emotionally strong. However, it’s forbidden because Derek treats Xander and Derek takes that very seriously. I respect his boundaries, I also love forbidden romance, so it’s win/win for me.
Hence, we go through angst, longing and some really important lengthy time of character growth that delighted me so much. (Off page mostly, it did not drag the story out at all.) It was so satisfying to have such a full, mature romance that took time and work.
It’s such a sweet, swoony and beautiful story that has sass and steam to spare!
I’m in love and I’m so immensely happy with how this story played out. Xander is such a special character, he is so complex, portrayed realistically (in my opinion) and he owns my heart.
I love the character growth, I love that hard emotional issues were tackled. It’s such a meaningful, engaging, emotional and absolutely beautiful story!!
The secondary characters that have their own books previously in the series are fantastic usual. This found/chosen family is my absolute favorite!
It’s such a phenomenal book and series so much. I highly recommend reading all of the series if MM/LGBTQ+ romance is your jam. This is top tier writing, characters and amazing romance!!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are entirely mine. Thank you so much for the arc!*

bookish_beezy's review against another edition

4.25

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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