The Catch by Jenna Miles

 

Contributor post by Kaylee Hunt

The Catch by Jenna Miles

Synopsis:

Julia Dunphy’s husband just left her for the second time, her thirteen-year-old won’t stop swearing in public, and to top it all off, her four-year-old just asked to buy condoms. Needless to say, this isn’t how she expected her life to pan out.

Then, Julia’s new work in an aquarium shop washes up old memories of a whale-watching business she once imagined — and of William Quinn, the man she imagined it with. William walked into her life with striking blue eyes and constant surprises. Before she knew it, she was head-over-heels in love. However, the realities of life eventually pulled them apart. When Julia and William’s paths cross again, despite their baggage, an undeniable spark remains.

When she learns that William has made a success of their ideas, she wonders if it’s too late to finally make a success of their relationship. But Julia has already blown her first two chances at happiness with William, so a third one seems like wishful thinking. Is another chance with him possible, after all?

Rating: 3.5 Stars

TW: depression, drug abuse, sickness

My Thoughts: 

I first want to preface that every reader is different, so a rating should not completely define the success of a book. With that being said, I did enjoy this book. It had humor, I liked the immediate connection between Julia and William, and I thought their story was very unique.

Julia is very blunt, she knows what she wants and she goes for it. William is perfect at almost everything, but does not think highly of himself. He is shy and not as outspoken as Julia. However, they make a cute pair. 

We jump back and forth between 2012, where Julia finds herself abandoned by her husband for the second time, and 1993, where Julia and William first meet. The story progresses, jumping from past to present. Jenna Miles shares a unique story of not only a second chance, but maybe a third? 

There were a few twists I did not expect coming (that I obviously can’t share, or I’d spoil it for you). These twists were creative. Usually I can see twists like these from the beginning, but Miles created a well-thought out plot that single-handedly distracted me from the “obvious,” which doesn’t happen often.

As mentioned, there are depictions of drug abuse, sickness, and depression. These are heavy topics Jenna Miles used to help develop their characters. While they are sad, they were used to share the story between Julia and William, and she did it well. 

Why I gave this book a 3.5 stars: As mentioned above, every reader is different. Not only do we take that into account, but we take the time the book was read into account. I really started reading The Catch during a very busy season for work. I also realized I’m a mood reader and really wanted fantasy instead of just romance. However, I did finish reading this book through audiobook. I found that finishing this book was easier, especially since the chapters were long, much longer than I’m used to. 

I feel as if this book is a literary fiction book, which I have not read often. This book is very character-driven. Sometimes it’s hard for me to get into these types of books, where the characters are the main focus instead of the plot. However, I did enjoy this book and watching the character development. 

With that all being said, I recommend this book. Not because of the rating, but because I want you to make a decision for yourself. 

Thank you to Jenna Miles, who sent me a copy of The Catch for an honest review. I hope to one day read it again and see if my opinions change over time. And that’s simply what these are: opinions. It takes so much effort to create a whole world, a whole scenario from beginning to end and publish it. Thank you for your story and I hope to read more from you. by Jenna Miles

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Contributor:

Hi! I'm Kaylee, a twenty-something-year-old book and word lover! When I'm not working as a B&N bookseller, you'll find me with a good book and lots of coffee. In my free time, I also love to write and hope to one day publish something. Until then, I'll happily immerse myself into a new world created by others. You can find me on Instagram @kayhwrites and my blog kayhwrites.com.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Body Washes Ashore by Bradley Pay

A Body Washes Ashore is the heart-racing sequel to The Killings Begin and Death in a Dark Alley that you've been waiting for! Bradley Pay's signature blend of contemporary romance and psychological suspense will sweep you off your feet and into the thick of mortal danger.

Blurb:

Tracey's new group of friends seems perfect. For as long as he could remember he felt lik ean outsider, struggling to make connections, and living as an unknown serial killer certainly didn't help. Now he has discovered a circle of friends that begins to fill his need for close relationships. He's one step closer to living a "normal" life despite the cold-case investigators on his tail.

Remy Marin, one of Tracey's new friends, also bears scars on her damaged heart. She has vowed to only sleep with married men to protect herself from heartbreak. However, the stakes rise when she breaks her biggest rule and takes things too far. Now, she must deal with the consequences of her affair, whatever the cost.

My Thoughts:

A continuation of the Spectrum Series and a wonderful adventure. I love all the original characters.

Beginning with Jane’s dissertation proposal, I love the exploration of cheating and the potential of collateral damage as a theme throughout the book. Are the characters good or bad? Or are they just experiencing the collateral effects of the people and relationships around them?

As with the previous books, the settings are rich with the beauty and details of the various locations. The scents, flavors and scenery are visceral! Midway through my reading, I joined a friend for dinner who had just returned from a river cruise. As she described her travels, I realized that I was currently reading about the same route, and I longed to join the adventure.

And the ending!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! The authors have done it again. I highly recommend this book!

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Death in a Dark Alley by Bradley Pay

 

Synopsis:

Tracey Lauch may be a murderer, but he is still a man. Although his childhood abandonment trauma began decades ago, now his compulsion to strangle women who resemble his mother has begun to evolve. Outrunning his past, embracing love in the present, and creating a future free of investigation proves increasingly complicated.

Isabelle’s life in Brazil is burdened with mistakes and abandonment, too – but not in the same way. She falls in love with all the wrong men at all the wrong times, and her best friend Frank shows his true colors when, over and over again, he is not there for her when she needs him most. Aside from the stark difference that Isabelle is not a murderer, she and Tracey both desire love, a life partner, and the warmth of a family. 

But what does Isabelle’s story have to do with Tracey? How can an innocent trip to Strasbourg, France, become a heart-stopping event that changes their lives forever?

Trigger Warnings: violence, sexual content

Thoughts:

This is book two in the Spectrum Series, book one being The Killings Begin. In this book, we are taken through the past history of some of the characters we met in book one. We find out how Lydia and Mari met. We meet Frank and learn about his history, his troubled past, his relationships. We meet Isabella and how she had a friendship with Frank. We also find out the struggles of Isabella and what she does to survive when she strikes off on her own. Frank takes Isabella on a trip to meet his Uncle Victor; Isabella and Victor have their own story. And we meet a whole host of other characters.

 We get just a bit more of the relationship between Tracey Lauch and Charlotte, and some of their travel adventures. Tracey is a wildly captivating man, but he has a darkness to him. Personally, I want more of Tracey’s story, what makes him tick, the reason he does what he does, the meaning behind his triggers. What makes Charlotte so special to Tracey?

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was filled with drama, romance and intrigue. It is amazing how these books in the Spectrum series can stand on their own. Can't wait for the next one.

Death in a Dark Alley is Book Two in Bradley Pay's Spectrum Series and is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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The Killings Begin by Bradley Pay

  Please enjoy this debut contributor post by Lissa, and be sure to check out their instagram page  to follow this amazing aspiring author and reviewer!

Immerse yourself in a complex romance and suspenseful serial-killer psychology that break all expectations. The Spectrum Series is one of the most creative takes on storytelling in the last century, weaving toegether innovative plots and completely unforgettable characters!

Blurb:

When Gia escapes her arranged marriage, she enteres into a contract with three complicated men in Madrid. She'll pretend to be their "no strings" wife, whether they want to display her in public or lead her to the bedroom. They are bound to secrecy, and no one is allowed to fall in love.

Tracey is destine to tear Gia's life to shreds. As he tries to cope with his abandonment trauma, he loses control. Now a serieal killer, he flees to Europe, hoping a change of venue will quell his murderous desires. Can he heal his past, or will his anger and pain enslave him forever?

Thoughts:

The Killings Begin is a dual plotline novel. One plotline follows Gia as she flees an arranged marriage and enters into an unconventional relationship with three men in Madrid, Spain. The other follows Tracey, a respected judge in Raleigh, as he struggles to keep his serial killer lifestyle separate from his “normal” lifestyle. Gia and Tracey’s worlds collide when they meet on a Spectrum cruise. What happens on that cruise will forever shape Gia and Tracey’s life.

I liked Gia. She had a great outlook on life, and she cherished her friendships. My only issue is that she didn’t end her contract with Sal sooner. I understood why she didn’t do it (loving an addict is hard), but in the end, she was forced to. I also loved how supportive she was of her friends. Overall, she was a lovely person. 

I thought Tracey was a fascinating character and wished the authors dedicated more book time to him. I was fascinated by how he turned into a serial killer and his reasons. That scene with his mother explained everything. He was remorseful and horrified at what he was doing, and escaping to Europe was supposed to be a reset for him. I knew that it wouldn’t be and was eager to see when he would get triggered into killing. What I wasn’t expecting was who it was.

The thriller angle of the book was well written. The authors did a good job keeping me guessing at what was going to happen next with both Gia and Tracey.

The Killings Begin is available on Amazon and Book Shop.

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

Read More