Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Catch by Amy Lea Narrator: Kelsey Navarro Foster
Series: The Influencer #3
Published by Berkley, Penguin Audio on February 13, 2024
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 415
Length: 11 hours, 5 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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n a last-ditch effort to rescue her brand from the brink of irrelevance, Boston fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. The only thing scarier than nature itself? The burly and bearded bed-and-breakfast owner and fisherman, Evan Whaler—who single-handedly disproves the theory that Canadians are “nice.”
After a boating accident lands Evan unconscious in the hospital, Mel is mistaken for his fiancée by his welcoming yet quirky family, who are embroiled in a long-standing feud over the B&B. In a bold attempt to mend family fences, Mel agrees to fake their engagement for one week in exchange for Evan’s help with her social media content.
Amid long hikes and campfire chats, reeling in their budding feelings for each other proves more difficult by the day. But is Mel willing to sacrifice her picture-perfect life in the city for a chance at a true, unfiltered love in the wild?
I liked the characters in The Catch, eventually. At first, they felt like caricatures which were ridiculous, rather than real people, playing roles instead of feeling like banter. As they connected more as people, and talked to each other, it felt less like a performance and more like real life.
It also seemed like even though they stressed they didn’t have money, both Evan and Melanie were able to take plenty of time off and spend money on things. Melanie passed on a paying job, using her own money for airfares and hotel, when she is out of money. It did not make sense to me.
There was also a bit of the “if only they talked about their concerns they could have avoided any difficulties.” Communication is key in a relationship and they weren’t always willing to do it, which does make sense for emotional reasons. Both characters seemed set on ideas initially which were not realistic long-term. I could have done with less of that part.
Evan’s family was also not exactly realistic, again who can decide on a moments notice to just leave their jobs for a couple weeks. But I enjoyed them and how they gave Melanie the family she always wanted. In the end, the choices the couple made and their lifestyle made sense and was charming.
Narration:
Thought the characters were well performed, with both male and female voices being appropriate. There was a little of the over-the-top quirky vibes which I sometimes get in cozy mysteries though. I listened comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I think this one would drive me crazy for all the reasons you mentioned. I think I’ll take a pass on this one.
Sometimes quirky is a step too far into ridiculous.
That cover is adorableeee!
Hmmmm… This one sounds like you have to overcome too many small issues to get to the good parts.
Well I’m really sensitive to the quirky in a book. I like it because original and individual but if it’s not too realistic it goes too far. It works much better for me in scifi than in contemporary romance, as it is not normally as realistic.