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theamyleblanc 's review for:
Catch and Keep
by Erin Hahn
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I enjoyed this story but of the three books in the series, this is my least favorite. Don't get me wrong: it is well-written, light on the drama, and steamy without that aspect taking over the plot.
The good stuff:
The pacing is perfect. All the characters are interesting and unique. Maren and Joe's narrative voices worked well together. The story is as much about other relationship types -- friendship, parental relationship, and sibling relationship -- as much as it is about a romantic relationship. It was lovely to see Maren grow and learn what she wanted her life to look like. I also really appreciated the author tackling the double-standards that sexism creates through Maren's interactions with her brother Liam.
The meh stuff:
Romances tend to be predictable in broad strokes and surprising once specific characters travel that path. In this case, Maren and Joe felt predictable. The stakes are relatively low so every move could be seen from a ways off. Parts of the narrative (particularly Joe's) got repetitive and slightly annoying.
The disappointing stuff:
Major caveat! This is likely unique to me or a small section of readership. It was great that the author chose to include an autistic child. I appreciate the research that probably went into portraying Lucy in an authentic way and I think she succeeded. However, the way the adults sometimes talked about her rubbed me the wrong way. Early on, Joe says that caring for Lucy is harder than fighting terrorists in the Middle East. There were other lines by other characters that were gross, too.
Additionally, autism is highly hereditary and given that Lucy's diagnosis is such a large part of the plot, it seemed weird that the hereditary component was never mentioned. It paints Lucy as more of a plot device than a character (though she is a beautifully realized character). It felt like this needed a sensitivity read by an autistic adult.
I'd recommend this along with the rest of the series but I'd probably give fair warning to my neurodivergent friends.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Griffin, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The good stuff:
The pacing is perfect. All the characters are interesting and unique. Maren and Joe's narrative voices worked well together. The story is as much about other relationship types -- friendship, parental relationship, and sibling relationship -- as much as it is about a romantic relationship. It was lovely to see Maren grow and learn what she wanted her life to look like. I also really appreciated the author tackling the double-standards that sexism creates through Maren's interactions with her brother Liam.
The meh stuff:
Romances tend to be predictable in broad strokes and surprising once specific characters travel that path. In this case, Maren and Joe felt predictable. The stakes are relatively low so every move could be seen from a ways off. Parts of the narrative (particularly Joe's) got repetitive and slightly annoying.
The disappointing stuff:
Major caveat! This is likely unique to me or a small section of readership. It was great that the author chose to include an autistic child. I appreciate the research that probably went into portraying Lucy in an authentic way and I think she succeeded. However, the way the adults sometimes talked about her rubbed me the wrong way. Early on, Joe says that caring for Lucy is harder than fighting terrorists in the Middle East. There were other lines by other characters that were gross, too.
Additionally, autism is highly hereditary and given that Lucy's diagnosis is such a large part of the plot, it seemed weird that the hereditary component was never mentioned. It paints Lucy as more of a plot device than a character (though she is a beautifully realized character). It felt like this needed a sensitivity read by an autistic adult.
I'd recommend this along with the rest of the series but I'd probably give fair warning to my neurodivergent friends.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Griffin, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.