Some people might call it sick. Other people will just say I’m troubled. I’m neither. I’m as untouched and sheltered as they come. I’ve never had a bad thing happen to me. Always lived in a bubble.
But when I see Marsten looking at me, I feel something. A shiver. Everywhere I turn, I know he’s there.
Always watching.
I know he can see. He’s so close he can smell. If he wanted to, I know he can touch.
Now I just wait. For the final moment. When he’ll…
Taste.
Read on A morally black hero who will treat the world like sh!t except for the one woman who captures his heart. For her he'll do anything and everything. She will be the only thing that matters to him.
⭐⭐⭐: Great plot. A lot of words misplaced that made me pause, and continuity & repetitive information. This got three stars because I loved Alora and Jace’s building relationship and the author was really great at crafting the perfect imagery through words.
Introduction: This is my book review of Catch & Never Release by Kelani Knox. This is my first time reading a book by Knox.
Summary: The story starts with Jace cleaning up a hired hit contract when he receives a new job from The Broker. We’re immediately thrown into Jace’s profession. The Broker asks for Jace to hunt and report information. Once Jace sees Alora’s photo, he’s drawn in completely - “She’s got the kind of face that makes you want to know her story.” As Jace digs deeper into Alora’s life and past, he’s only more intrigued with her military-like precision and borderline OCD paranoia- “Someone who knows that having an escape route isn’t paranoia-it’s survival.” As he finds out more about her father, he realizes that this contract is a lot trickier than he expected, especially with his growing fascination and feelings for Alora.
Character Analysis: Alora - She is traumatized, paranoid, OCD, and yearns for genuine people connection. Alora is a survivor that intends to stay that way with practiced mannerisms, careful grace, and calculated understanding - “Everything in my life is measured now. Everything except these nights when the past bleeds into the present.”
Jace - Ex-military, traumatized, morally grey when it comes to morals and the work he’ll accept, he’s careful to not let anyone in and is able to blend in at the best of times. He’s older than Alora so he’s had time to hone in his tactical skills which he uses effortlessly throughout the book - “He’s dangerous-everything about him screams it. From the calculated way he positions himself to the latent power in his movements.”
Conflict: The conflict in this story is that Alora is being hunted by The Broker through Jace who has decided to go against The Broker because he has fallen for Alora. Alora may be the lone survivor of her father’s tr@fficking business and she’s developed the skills to slowly dismantle his life’s work.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️💋: Few open door sex scenes but the intimacy between characters helped build up that tension and their romance was believable.
Conclusion: Catch & Never Release by Kelani Knox is a story of two broken people with similar backgrounds who find each other by sheer happenstance in the most complex way.
Warning to the Readers: Triggers: Child trauma (through flashbacks and memories); violence, & blood.
Recommendation: I do recommend Catch & Never Release by Kelani Knox.
I just finished Catch & Never Release, and it was definitely an intense read. I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars. It's a dark romance with some serious stalker vibes, so if that's your thing, you'll probably enjoy this one.
The story revolves around Jace and Alora. Jace is obsessed with Alora. She's lived a sheltered life, protected from the harsh realities of the world, and Jace is drawn to her innocence and vulnerability. He's also a pretty dangerous guy with a "blackened heart," and he's determined to make Alora his.
The book definitely delivers on the stalker aspect. Jace is constantly watching Alora, learning everything about her, and basically planning how to make her his. It's definitely a red-flag situation, but that's part of what makes it so compelling (if you're into that kind of thing). The book description is upfront about these themes, so you know what you're getting into.
I liked how the author portrayed Jace's obsession. It wasn't just random stalking; he was actively trying to figure out how to connect with Alora and make her want him. He asks questions, does his research, and plans his moves carefully. This is what made it more interesting than just a simple "obsessed guy stalks girl" story.
Alora, on the other hand, has lived a very sheltered life. She's built up walls around herself, keeping everyone at a distance. It's interesting to see how Jace slowly breaks down those walls and shows her a world she never knew existed. They definitely have a "yin and yang" dynamic, as some other reviews mentioned.
The story has a lot of twists and turns, which kept me engaged. There's also a significant plot point involving Alora's father that I found disturbing but also crucial to the story. I was definitely glad that Jace was there for her.
The pacing is quick, and the writing style is engaging. I started reading it late at night and was bummed that I couldn't finish it in one sitting.
The chemistry between Jace and Alora is undeniable. Their attraction is palpable, and the book has some steamy scenes.
If you're sensitive to stalker behavior or morally gray characters, this book could be triggering. But if you're a fan of dark romance and know what to expect, I think you'll find Catch & Never Release to be a captivating and intense read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She was supposed to be just a contract , … until everything changed. The attraction was fierce, however he saw himself in her, and started wondering , why “The Broker” wanted her !? What he found out gave him the chill … now “The Broker” became his target. But he has to plan carefully… Alora learned the hard way not to trust anyone, absolutely no one, with Jace , she slowly letting her guard down… still with caution. Eventually things progressed… then she found out… Side note: Unfortunately, this is not just friction, those monsters truly exist.. I believe someone who can hurt a child is the worse kind of evil . That being said, I watched The Sound Of Freedom based on a true story and I cried. Alora and Jace are a powerhouse together!! I hope they catch as many monsters as they can & create beautiful powerful little Reyes !
This book is DEFINITELY a Lifetime Movie in the making. It has real life stories, very distinct details and the drama to boot.
Jace and Alora are not just sole mates. Their chemistry brings a fire that will not only singe your eyebrows but will light a fire that burns really bright.
This book shines a light on a REAL problem that we all need to face. And come together and fight for those who has no voice. This book is totally worth reading and sharing.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
Jace has an obsession when it comes to Alora. She is a young woman that lives within a bubble where nothing can harm her. Jace is drawn to her although he is a deadly man with a blackened heart and when it comes to Alora, nothing will take her from him. This sizzling story is filled with heated twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kelani never misses when it comes to her penmanship. I enjoyed this new release it gave all the stalker vibes you needed to blush just a little 😂 I liked how Jace asked questions and did his own research. For her father to do that was sickening. So glad Jace found her . Loved the book looking forward to more by this author .
Oh my gosh, I don’t know where to begin. I wasn’t able to put this book down start to finish. One of best books i’ve read in quite some time? I like the subject matter made it actually feel a little real. The story made me focus on praying a little more for those in that situation. Five stars was not enough.
Alora lived in a protective bubble her whole life that is until Jac3 comes alone and bursts that bubble showing her the depths of the world she never thought possible. Well written steamy desires stalker, and more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good stalker read, Alora and Jace have many twists and turns in their story. The stalker has prey in his sights and is unable to control his total feelings about Alora beyond the fact that she belongs to him.
Yep, LOL. I read more than a 100 books each year and very few raises my brows while making me at least smile before the next sentence. A good read. Be warned the subject is a serious one, but written in a lighter language.
Great read! 👍🏾👍🏾 Had me missing my sleep schedule, but what a ride! Excellent writing! 🥂🫡. Everything you need in a romantic drama filled novel spiced with danger and redemption! 💐
The story wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t the best. The characters were cute together. I didn’t like the way she kept calling that man ‘daddy’ after what he did to her. Other than that meh.