The Catch

River's Sigh B&B #8

by Ev Bishop

Is finding "home" simply finding love? Aisha Bailey has been deeply afraid of change ever since she was a pregnant teenager mourning the loss of her mother. This newly recognized truth clashes with how she’s always seen fiercely independent, spontaneous and willing to take risks, an entrepreneur bent on doing something important and creating a financially secure, permanent home for her and her daughter. If she’s none of those things, who is she? If she’s happy living and working at River’s Sigh B & B for the long haul, does that make her weak? But if she only pushes herself to change in order to avoid seeming weak, isn’t that worse? Her whole future is up in the air and it’s driving her crazy. Then she meets Jase, the big, gentle, crazy-sexy new groundkeeper. Suddenly, her regular routines and homebody life are even more satisfying and pleasurable than usual, and she catches herself dreaming of a life partner and more children. It’s . . . terrifying. Talk about things with the power to hurt you—and to derail your plan to make plans! Plus, she has enough people to worry about, thank you very much. Drifter Jase Scott is homeless and always has been. It was a constant source of pain as a kid and doesn’t hurt less with age. Thankfully, he has construction skills and knows how to work hard. He’s not broke and he can take care of himself and his responsibilities. When he and his foster brother Colton hire on for a couple months’ labor at River’s Sigh B & B, Colton is bored, but Jase finds himself in the kind of home, amidst the type of family, he’s always longed for. And best of all, there’s Aisha, a woman like no-one he’s ever known. He’s not deluded. Guys like him don’t end up at places like River’s Sigh B & B permanently, no matter how hard they work. And someone like Aisha could never truly belong with the likes of him—something she’ll be the first to say if she ever finds out the secret he’s keeping. Choosing to love is choosing to embrace change and risk pain. That's always the catch, isn't it? Fans of heartwarming small-town contemporary romance, second chances, friends to lovers, mother and daughter stories, coming of age stories, and furry dog friends will fall in love with River’s Sigh B & B and never want to leave! “Book” your getaway with USA Today bestselling author Ev Bishop’s other books RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES Wedding Bands Hooked Spoons Hook, Line & Sinker Silver Bells Reeling One to Keep The Catch STANDALONES Bigger Things A Sharla Brown Christmas WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN The Present Drummer Boy

Genres: Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2020

About the author

Ev Bishop is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author, who believes in the power of fiction to transform lives, knowing we both lose ourselves—and find ourselves!—in good stories.

Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”

In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.

When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.

She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.

For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

She looks forward to hearing from you!

Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:

RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch

SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson

STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas

WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books just make you melt and Ev Bishop’s THE CATCH is one of those books. Two people with a lot of pain in the lives will find themselves again and learn to move forward, not look back, providing they are willing to take one more chance on change for a chance at real love!

A rocky start between Aisha and Jace may open the door to romance if they dare to understand the value each brings to those around them and Ev Bishop has pulled out all of the romantic stops in this truly sigh-worthy tale of a chance at love. A young, single mother just getting her feet under herself at River’s Sigh, a drifter who hides a poet’s soul and dreams for the future deep within his hulking frame couldn’t seem to be more different…on the outside…but it’s what’s inside that draws them together. Will it be enough to build a much-needed future?

Prepare to get the warm fuzzies as Ev Bishop once again makes even the improbable possible! Page after page of heart comes through each word and I loved it! What a perfect ending to a series that romance lovers shouldn’t’ miss!

I received a complimentary copy from Ev Bishop! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: River's Sigh B&B - Book 8
Publisher: Winding Path Books (January 9, 2020)
Publication Date: January 9, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 354 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book 10 stars.

Reading The Catch was a bit bittersweet. It's the final book in the River's Sigh B & B series and we've come full circle now with Aisha's story. I've wanted her to get her own HEA ever since reading Wedding Bands, the first book in the series.

If you haven't read any of the other books in this series don't worry; The Catch does fine as a stand-alone story. But if you start with this one, I'm betting that you will be eager to read the other books in this series. (There is a boxed set of the first books available; currently a steal at only 99 cents.)

I am a huge fan of Ev's writing (it's a little hard for me to believe that it's only been 4 years since I read the first book, Bigger Things). The whole River's Sigh series has been a wonderful experience. Anyone who follows my reviews (thank you if you do) knows that I mostly read M/M romances these days. But I still have a few favorite M/F authors that I will always read and Ev is one of them.

Since Amazon banned me from leaving reviews, I no longer have to be careful about saying anything personal when I review a book. So full disclosure: I finally got to meet Ev back in September 2019 and we had a lovely, long dinner chatting away almost like we'd known each other a long time. She is just as lovely in person as her writing would make you think and I am happy to consider her a friend.

OK, back to The Catch. Aisha was deeply hurt by the father of her daughter. Jase was similarly hurt by the mother of his daughter. (Read the blurb; it really is quite wonderful as blurbs go, and recaps the book much better than I can.) I'm not sure if I can describe why this book affected me so much. Here are the five things (in no particular order) that I thought to myself that might be why.

1. I was ready for a break from MM stories
2. I needed something to make me sob and sob and sob
3. It's the end of an era (I will mis River's Sigh so hard)
4. It's Aisha's story and I've really be wanting her to get her own HEA.
5. Ev's amazing writing

All of those items are probably factors, especially number five. 😊 I was hooked right from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. Ev's writing is so wonderfully descriptive that every book of hers that I read makes me feel like I'm in the story, that River's Sigh is some place I've been and want to go back to over and over again.

I seriously haven't sobbed so hard reading a book in a long time but I consider that a good thing. Books that affect me like The Catch did are my favorite kind of book. The tears were both sad and happy. Jase is such a wonderful character and he is perfect for Aisha. His childhood was not great but in spite of that he's gone on to become a wonderful and caring person.

This review is already too long and my words aren't doing justice to this beautiful love story so I'm just going to say that if you read M/F romances that don't have a lot of bad words or explicit sexy time, I think you will enjoy The Catch.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel The Catch River’s Sigh B & B, Book 8 by Ev Bishop and this review was given freely.
A heartwarming friends to more romance featuring wrong first impressions and the struggle to find fulfillment in both work and love. Tired of his nomadic life and regretting not knowing his 10 year old daughter Emily, quiet gentle giant Jase Scott and his party loving foster brother Colton head to the north east to River Sleigh Inn, Greenridge where they meet the dissatisfied single mom Aisha who is weighing the benefits of leaving the haven of minnow cabin to open a second chance shop to secure a better future for her 4 year old daughter.
Contains the cute and precocious four year old Mo;two darling abandoned puppies; a sweet romance where the couple struggle with trust because of their messy pasts; dark undertones in the form of low self esteem,drug use and underage parents; and the eclectic protective large River Sleigh Inn's family.

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This!!! The best book in this series! The lump in my throat forming a lot in the second part of "The Catch" exploded into a stream of unshed tears a few times, so emotional those heart touching moments were. It was soooo amazing, brilliant even! A lot of funny moments, that makes you giggle, too!
We were watching Aisha growing up throughout whole series but this book was hers, and Jase's. And, so the other main characters showed up a lot as new ones too which was so much delight to read and get to know more of them.
Acceptance of who you are, where you come from. Reclaiming your life. Second chance romance. Family, not only by blood. Friendship bonds. Art and creativeness in so many ways. That must sum it up about this book, right? Just there's a lot more to it. And I'm so happy to know it now that there will be a spinoff series of Second Chance Shop! Yay!
I highly recommend this series for everyone who loves romance.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since moving to River's Sigh B & B, Aisha Bailey has had to deal with a lot - her adoptive father falling in love with her biological mother and marrying her, her daughter growing up without her father, and now a new groundskeeper who seems to want more from her than she bargained for. She has decisions to make about her future, and she's afraid that future isn't going to be at River's Sigh B & B.

It was heart-wrenching watching Aisha and Jace journey through a friendship where everything was on the line and secrets were deeper than either expected. They were such an adorable pair, and having his brother Colton thrown into the mix made everything a little more muddled. I love these River's Sigh B & B stories so much, and I'm always excited when they are released. It always feels like coming home. I can't wait to see what this author does for the next story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final chapter of River’s Sigh B & B, we get to discover how life has played out for the many familiar characters Ms Bishop has created. Sitting down with one of her books is much like sitting down with long time friends...friends who laugh, cry, support and challenge each other. This particular instalment focuses on Aisha, the person she has become as she wrestles with her past, the choices she has and the decisions she makes for her future.
Realistic dialogue and banter are real strengths in Ev Bishop’s tool kit. Kudos to her for creating characters we can relate to and for setting them in a world that we can escape to whenever we pick up one of her books. It’s sad to say farewell to these characters, but I’m personally hoping we will get the occasional update on them in a new series!

[Margaret Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ev Bishop hits it out of the park with The Catch. The final chapter in River’s Sigh ties up the series with a bow on top. Aisha, who we met in book one as a scared, pregnant teenager, finally gets her chance at love. This beauty from ashes tale is sweet, funny, occasionally tearful and unabashedly romantic. The poetically timeless story reaffirms that if one is courageous enough, all that has been lost or taken, can be reclaimed and made into a treasure of beauty beyond compare. This is a must read for everyone who loves true romance. The book does stand alone, but I seriously urge new readers to buy and delight in the entire series. (I received a free ARC copy of this book.)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this whole series so far and I feel like we have watched Aisha grow up over the past few books. So having this book about her was so perfect. We get to know her better and how her relationship is with her own daughter and with her biological mother. We meet Jase in this book and you just want to wrap him up in a big hug because he is just so insecure and has been through so much. Their love story is set at Rivers Sigh B&B where if it were real I would love to stay there! They go through a lot each dealing with their own issues and insecurities as well as each other’s. Great book gives ya all the feels!

[fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this the last in the series

I have so enjoyed getting to know everyone at the River's Sigh B & B. In fact I am going to miss them all as they felt like friends . I was captivated by this whole series and would love to visit this b&b.
The true measure of a talented author. I will continue to follow this authors writing as I like their writing style. Please give these a try.

[Gerry Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry to see the River Sigh series end.

I've enjoyed each pairing in this series, especially So she and Jase. She was such a unique character I couldn't image who would capture her heart. Jase was perfect!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Aisha’s story, together with Jase. Jase has been dealt some hard blows in life, let he perseveres honorably, working hard. For such a big guy he is so sweet and tender. Gotta love Jase.

[Deborah Dormer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and lovely conclusion to the River's Sigh series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Looking forward to the next one!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Aisha and Jase’s story because of the opportunity to revisit favorite characters from this series, to relish the delightful relationship Aisha has with her four year old daughter Mo, and for the heartfelt connection that slowly grows in fits and starts between Aisha and Jase. Aisha’s dreams of her starting her own business seem far out of reach which leaving her questioning leaving her home. I liked her brilliant and precocious daughter Mo who views the world through a delightful lens of optimism and wonder. Jase is a quiet and introspective loner who grew up in the foster system and constantly questions his self worth but his excellent work ethic and gentle nature are endearing. I enjoyed this coming of age storyline, had great empathy for these young characters and I’m looking forward to a new series by this talented writer.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 4:30 am when I finished reading The Catch! I could not put it down. I am sad that the River's Sigh B & B series is ending, but delighted to learn there will be a spin off series. Aisha and Jase's story dragged me right back to River's Sigh. (I still think I would like to move there.) Jase is a former foster kid who has been a drifter. Aisha still has issues she works on - especially as relates to Sam, her mother. The characters are so well defined they feel like friends. It was awesome to be on this journey with Aisha and Sam; to see how they grow into their full potential. Ms. Bishop has presented a wonderful wrap up to this series. You do not want to miss it!

[Silverluna · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)