Genre

Mystery, Romance, Thriller

Audience

New Adults, Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2018

Themes

Relationships, Communication, Marriage, Abortion, Honesty, Trust

Reviewed by

M.S. Ocampo

What if you woke up one day and didn’t recognize the person you were sleeping next to? It sounds like the start of a bad joke, but that’s exactly what happens to Caitlyn in Anyone But Him, a story that feels more mystery-thriller than comedy. Caitlyn finds herself married to Jarret, a guy who had a bad reputation in her high school days. This totally freaks her out because in her eighteen-year-old mind, she wanted to marry Jarret’s brother.

There are two mysteries that Caitlyn must solve: How did she end up married to Jarret? And how did she lose her memory? One of the answers ties into her job as an investigative reporter. Caitlyn’s investigation of an abortion clinic becomes a potential lead to solving her own mystery.

The romance between Caitlyn and Jarret is refreshingly realistic. It’s not a picture-perfect marriage, given how jealous Jarret gets and their lack of communication. However, once Caitlyn starts regaining her memories, the truth of the relationship is revealed. Their love developed over time. Best of all, Jarret became a changed man through his relationship with her.

I’ll admit that I found the “culprit reveal” a little out of nowhere, but I love the legitimate suspense and the overall mystery.

Fans of “Lifetime” romantic suspense movies will find this book to be a major upgrade because the main love interest isn’t the bad guy, even though readers might think so initially. Catholics and non-Catholics alike will enjoy the realism of the marriage that Caitlyn and Jarret have and how the two of them renew their love for each other. Abortion and the shady ways clinics skirt the law are brought up, but in a way that works with the plot and doesn’t feel “ripped from the headlines.”

Christmas Spirits by Karina Fabian

A dragon PI and a Faerie nun try to save a businessman from the Ghosts of Christmas.

See No Evil; A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria

In Post-WWII England, nearly everyone has something to hide—even kill for. Father Gabriel starts uncovering the truth, bringing souls the chance for redemption.

The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon by Corinna Turner

A wolf, a lamb, an air balloon—what could go wrong?

The Tale of Patrick Peyton

How a humble, Irish immigrant brought Mary to Hollywood and then the World.

A Truly Clawful Christmas By Corinna Turner

Father Benedict must learn to embrace the adrenaline rush if he’s going to survive being a rural priest living alongside dinosaurs.

PANIC! (unSPARKed #3) by Corinna Turner

It’s a three hour drive unSPARKed, and for city-folk, anything might cause PANIC!

A Hero for the People by Arthur Powers

Stories from the front lines of the Church’s mission to protect Brazilians farmers from theft and greed.

The Mission of Joan Of Arc by Philip Kosloski, Alexandre Nascimento, and Jesse Hansen

Voyage Comics’ dynamic interpretation of the Life of Joan of Arc is based on the play written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

From the Shadows by Jacqueline Brown

In a broken world, Bria tries to unite a family even as she struggles to keep hope alive.

McCracken and the Lost Lady by Mark Adderley

McCracken gives us the grounded swashbuckling Catholic hero that our inner child has always wanted.

Hidden: Don’t Fear the Unseen by Verity Lucia

Clare Thomson wasn’t sure she believed in angels and demons – until she could see them.

House of War by Carlos Carrasco

With the government on the verge of outlawing Christianity, a group of Catholics launch a new Crusade.

The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt

A deep, honest story of emotional struggle, temptation, and sacrifice.

Hold Fast By Spencer K.M. Brown

Will a small rowboat on Lake Superior awaken the stalled lives of a father and son?

The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell

This is NOT another DaVinci Code, but it is so cleverly disguised as one it makes the perfect gift for your anti-Catholic friends and family.

Three Last Things or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin by Corinna Turner

The last day of a convicted murderer’s life: Can he save his soul in time?

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy

Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?

A Truly Raptor-ous Welcome by Corinna Turner

There’s no such thing as a normal day on a dino-farm. But can Darryl and Harry’s new city-slicker stepmom make it through the first day without fainting?

The Academy Saga: Book 1 By C.J. Daly  

A thrilling, yet clean, high school romance.

Aurora and God by G.M.J.

After her boyfriend’s death, can Aurora forgive God?