I received a free copy of the book via BookSirens, and the following review is entirely my own voluntary, and honest opinion.
I had no idea what to expect when I grabbed “Caught Out” by Ann Butler, but I ended up completely hooked. This is a light, yet surprisingly deep romance that touches not only on love, but also on identity, family expectations, and staying true to yourself – sometimes heartwarming, sometimes painful.
At the heart of the novel is Amara Allen, a socially awkward, introverted young woman. Although the book never explicitly states it, it became clear to me through her behavior that she is likely neurodivergent. That kind of subtle portrayal made her character especially meaningful to me – the author never over-explains, but instead builds Amara through small, deliberate cues that make her feel real and authentic.
Amara comes from a family used to the spotlight: her mother is a famous supermodel turned PR mogul, and her sister is a media darling. In such a world, wanting to stay invisible isn't just understandable – it’s painfully relatable. The constant trolling from the press and social media only heightens her sense of isolation. Social events are exhausting for her, and making new connections seems almost impossible.
The book’s male lead, Nicholas, is a driven and ambitious businessman who’s initially not thrilled to be set up with Amara by her mother, Trinity, who's secretly pulling the strings. I had my doubts about Nicholas at first – he can be quick to judge and hot-tempered – but as the story unfolds, he learns to be patient with Amara and begins to understand how she communicates, and how he can meet her halfway. Watching that growth was genuinely touching, and the author does a wonderful job giving both characters a well-paced, meaningful arc.
One of the strongest supporting characters is Trinity, Amara’s mother. She has a strong Miranda Priestley vibe – a commanding presence that fills every scene she's in. At times, she felt overwhelming, but seeing several chapters from her perspective added depth to her character and helped explain her motivations. That layered storytelling is one of the novel’s strengths.
The alternating perspective added a lot to the experience. Ann Butler skillfully weaves the characters’ inner thoughts with external events, making sure we always understand what drives them at any given moment – and that emotional insight keeps the tension alive throughout. The story has it all: romance, desire, blackmail, fame, and family drama. Yet it never feels overloaded – the pace is steady and engaging, and I couldn’t put it down.
I especially appreciated having a neurodivergent main character in a romance – something still rare in the genre – and seeing her portrayed with such nuance and care. I deeply connected with Amara, who just wants to be left in peace while the world keeps dragging her into the spotlight, ready to dissect and criticize her every move.
Overall, “Caught Out” is an easy, satisfying contemporary romance that goes well beyond typical rom-com tropes. The characters feel alive – flawed, growing, and deeply human – and I already know I’d love to read more from Ann Butler in the future.