PLOT: 4/5 CHARACTERS: 4/5 ENTERTAINMENT: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5
The best-selling author behind the smash hits “Set on You” and “Exes and O’s returns triumphantly with the latest installment of her captivating influencer series, “The Catch.” Even if you haven’t dived into the first two books, worry not! For this one can be read as a standalone read too.
In a world where influencers are highly popular, it’s no wonder tales featuring them as central figures continue to captivate readers far and wide, and this book offers yet another deep dive into the world of glitz, glamour, and intrigue.
The plot of The Catch by Amy Lea (without spoilers)
Melanie Karlsen, a one-time famous fashion influencer, is struggling to remain relevant and visible in the ever-growing and competitive field of social media influencing. In order to save her brand from becoming irrelevant, she signs on to promote a resort on the east coast of Canada with all-inclusive perks and activities.
She reaches Canada only to get a call saying that the resort has mixed up the dates and to come a week later. Mel can’t afford another flight change so instead she decides to stay put a week at a cheaper hotel nearby only to realize that everything is booked. Now, the only option for her is the run-down Bed and Breakfast, whose owner, cum fisherman Evan Whaler, refuses to even acknowledge her presence.
Reluctantly, Evan agrees, but one day while on a whale-spotting adventure, Evan meets with an accident and lands up in the hospital where Mel announces that she is his fiancée so as not to leave him alone.
To their surprise, Evan’s whole bickering family comes together to be around Evan. Evan and Mel decide to continue pretending if it ensures that his family can bury the hatchet over the B&B. They also decide to make the B&B fully functional once again. Mel would get her social media content with Evan’s help, and Evan could get his B&B up and running.
As they explore the nature around them, going hiking, having campfires, etc., their animosity diminishes and attraction increases. But would Mel, who has always lived her life in the city where all the events and ample opportunities are available, leave that life for a life in this coastal town amidst the wild?
My review
The small-town vibe stole the show for me while reading “The Catch”. Set in a remote coastal town in Nova Scotia, it was a refreshing change, especially how social media is used to highlight the beauty of this unfiltered lifestyle where there is no pretense, no filters, no fairness—only nature at its best, making Mel learn to live and embrace her insecurities.
I enjoyed reading about various festivals celebrated, namely the lobster festival, and how it brings the entire town together into one big giant family. Another highlight is the grumpy versus sunshine dynamic, where Mel steps into Evan’s territory and disrupts his lifestyle. Evan’s broodiness at first and his transformation in the end were such a pleasure to read.
The fake dating and forced proximity work well here as both get something in return, balancing the story quite well. There are many funny moments throughout the book, especially when it comes to Mel’s encounters with nature, and particularly with insects—be it the resident spider, centipede, or poison ivy (IYKYK).
I especially enjoyed Mel’s character development, her reasons for her insecurities, and how she overcomes those to find a balance for herself. The side characters, especially Evan’s cousin and his maternal grandma, added some great moments too.
While reading this book, I noticed quite a few similarities to “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey, so if you enjoyed that one, you would surely enjoy this too.
Fans of grumpy versus sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance, influencer FMC (female main character), and fake relationship tropes, check out this funny and heartwarming read.
Can’t wait to read it? You can buy “The Catch” using the below link.
