A review by jennireadsmaybe
The Catch by Amy Lea

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
While You We're Sleeping meets The Proposal in the best way in The Catch. Amy Lea is truly a forced to be reckoned with when it comes to having influencers in her books. Normally, I shy away from books with influencers because they feel very contrived, but each book in this series had me wishing the fmcs were real people I could follow. When Mel ends up stuck in an abandoned BnB with Evan and his cousin, she thinks her only chance at breathing life back into her socials is ruined. Evan is grumpy, judgmental, and hates her. Yet, after a boating trip goes awry she finds herself to be the only person there to make sure he's taken care of in the hospital. So what if telling hospital staff that she's his fiancĂ©e leaves the two stuck in a fake engagement arrangement? 

Character wise Mel is very much a mirror ball girl. She is doing whatever it takes to keep herself relevant in a social world that is leaving behind her private nature while also worrying for her brother after the previous death of their father. She is a caretaker by nature; though, many don't look past her socialite seeming exterior. Obviously, I loved her. 

Don't even get me started on the Mel x Evan slow burn romance!! I was obsessed from their meet cute. I love opposites attract especially in a small town setting. It's always so much fun, and Amy Lea definitely served up a tension filled, hot romance between the two. I also love that she made it clear that Evan liked Mel for who she was with her love for fashion and beauty. He liked seeing her dressed up! And obviously his feigned hatred for Mel was deliciously revealed to be a lie. Chef's kiss imho!!! 

I love how Amy Lea demonstrated the different ways that grief can affect people. Grief isn't a clear cut, one size fits all scenario. This showed not only in Mel and her brother but Evan and his family. It made it all the more authentic when reading. 

Another series I'm sad to say goodbye to :( But I know that big things are in store for Amy Lea and I can't wait to see them. 

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