In a series of heartbreaking stories about ex-cons who get out of prison only to face a formidable challenge when trying to reintegrate into society, I think that ‘Catch and Release’ is the most heart-wrenching and touching one so far. Dakota was accused of a crime he did not commit, dropped by his high-society parents when they found out he was gay, abused in prison, and now that he’s out after twelve grueling years, the victim’s family wants him dead. When Dakota befriends Sage (from books one and two), a shimmer of hope appears on the horizon, but what – and whom - he needs is former prosecutor Jayden to look into his case. As the story develops and the facts emerge, it becomes clear that Jayden can mean so much more to Dakota than the legal help he needs – if only both men can see and accept the fact that they belong together.

Dakota has been dealt a horrible fate, and his determination to rise above that and make something of himself is admirable. Getting used to life outside prison is not only tough because he was very young when he was convicted, but he also faces a life without family support and in very different circumstances than the “high society” background he grew up in. To make things worse, the victim’s family is after him, terrorizing and beating him up at every turn. And while I hated that Dakota just took it, I could see how his nonexistent self-esteem made him think he “deserved” everything that happened to him. It takes him a long time to learn to trust again and to come out of his shell, but when he does, it was absolutely fantastic to watch.

Jayden used to be a criminal prosecutor, but having his life threatened and being overlooked for promotion made him leave and do real estate law. It’s not something that can keep him interested forever, so when his friend, ex-cop Adam who is Sage’s lover, asks him for help with Dakota, Jayden is curious. The more he digs into the facts, the more interested he becomes – but not just in the case. Dakota fascinates him on a deeply personal level. Jayden isn’t looking for a lover though, so the romance is not immediate or easy. And anyway, Jayden wants to do right by the man he is beginning to fall for, so the case comes first.

If you’re looking for a fantastic slow-burn romance with lots of obstacles and issues to overcome for both main characters, if fighting for what’s right and seeing innocent men get justice is your thing, and if you’re looking for a story about pain and loss, the need to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, friendship that turns into love, and the unstoppable human spirit, the you will probably like this novel as much as I do. I think it’s a fabulous addition to a remarkable series.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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