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A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
Not Catching Love by Saxon James
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ARC Review
Xander deals with a variety of mental health struggles all stemming from the neglect in his past. He has trouble forming relationships but has latched onto Derek, the nurse at the local pharmacy. Derek has made his life about Xander, making sure to be there when he needs it. But when their feelings soon grow past a platonic nurse/patient dynamic, they both have to make some tough choices in order to make sure their relationship is not only ethical, but successful long-term.
What I really liked was this was the exact journey both these characters needed to take. Xander has slowly been spiraling as the series has gone on and his friends find their partners, and it hits a breaking point for him. The first part was a bit frustrating, but it also makes sense why. He hasn't had great experiences with therapy in the past and is scared that he'll lose his sense of self. He cares deeply for those in his close circle but struggles to create healthy attachments. Xander had to actively choose to work on himself and make other people's happiness a priority by facing some harsh realities, but he's finally able to get to that point.
This was way more Xander's story than Derek's, but we still saw the conflict he had in drawing the line between caring for someone romantically and being a caregiver. He was absolutely right to try to play by the rules and make sure his career he loves was safe, but it wasn't easy when the person he was falling for was suffering. He had to make difficult choices that ultimately helped make their relationship work. He cares immensely for Xander and was willing to do whatever it takes to make it work, but I'm also glad he had a chance to step back and realize some of his dreams in the process.
The emotions didn't really hit for me, but I really liked watching them figure out their relationship. I do wish we got a little more of the found family, but with Xander needing to really focus on himself it makes sense why that wasn't really prominent. There were a lot of sweet Seven moments though, he and Derek bonding made my heart happy. The ending was so cozy and perfect, it made the long journey towards their happy ending worth it. Xander and Derek have been teased since the very beginning and it was the perfect way to close out the series. Some of my favorite books from Saxon James are in this series, and I'm so sad this is the end!
Read if you like:
• slow burn
• mental health rep
• forbidden romance lite
•••••••••••••••••••••
Xander deals with a variety of mental health struggles all stemming from the neglect in his past. He has trouble forming relationships but has latched onto Derek, the nurse at the local pharmacy. Derek has made his life about Xander, making sure to be there when he needs it. But when their feelings soon grow past a platonic nurse/patient dynamic, they both have to make some tough choices in order to make sure their relationship is not only ethical, but successful long-term.
What I really liked was this was the exact journey both these characters needed to take. Xander has slowly been spiraling as the series has gone on and his friends find their partners, and it hits a breaking point for him. The first part was a bit frustrating, but it also makes sense why. He hasn't had great experiences with therapy in the past and is scared that he'll lose his sense of self. He cares deeply for those in his close circle but struggles to create healthy attachments. Xander had to actively choose to work on himself and make other people's happiness a priority by facing some harsh realities, but he's finally able to get to that point.
This was way more Xander's story than Derek's, but we still saw the conflict he had in drawing the line between caring for someone romantically and being a caregiver. He was absolutely right to try to play by the rules and make sure his career he loves was safe, but it wasn't easy when the person he was falling for was suffering. He had to make difficult choices that ultimately helped make their relationship work. He cares immensely for Xander and was willing to do whatever it takes to make it work, but I'm also glad he had a chance to step back and realize some of his dreams in the process.
The emotions didn't really hit for me, but I really liked watching them figure out their relationship. I do wish we got a little more of the found family, but with Xander needing to really focus on himself it makes sense why that wasn't really prominent. There were a lot of sweet Seven moments though, he and Derek bonding made my heart happy. The ending was so cozy and perfect, it made the long journey towards their happy ending worth it. Xander and Derek have been teased since the very beginning and it was the perfect way to close out the series. Some of my favorite books from Saxon James are in this series, and I'm so sad this is the end!
Read if you like:
• slow burn
• mental health rep
• forbidden romance lite
•••••••••••••••••••••