Catfished: A Rylie Cooper Mystery, Book One (1)

Looking for a book that glamorizes sexual harassment? Then this is the book for you. Less than 11% in, a married character, Antonio, continues to grossly and shamelessly hit on the protagonist, Rylie, who is also his new subordinate and coworker. He is reminded by another coworker of the sexual harassment training they have and to watch what he says, to which Antonio replies that you “can’t tame an Italian stallion” and laughing about it while Rylie acts charmed and pleased and swoons over him.

Then, they’re at a bar a couple chapters later and Rylie narrates how uncomfortable he makes her and how he grabs her arm when she’s trying to leave to hold her there, and is so upset that Luke thinks she likes him and couldn’t tell how uncomfortable Antonio makes her. Yet, a few pages ahead, she excuses his behavior because he’s cute. Literally, chapter 3: “it was a good thing he was cute — and technically my superior — because otherwise I’d have kneed him in his happy place.” Oh, okay, so sexual harassment is okay when the guy is cute? Good to know. She goes on how her “head screamed objections, but the smell of his cologne was as intoxicating as his voice and his smile.”

After Rylie calls him out for being married and he brushes it off and makes excuses, Rylie continues to fawn and gush over him the whole novel. Literally, she goes from one chapter talking how he makes her so uncomfortable and how was Luke not able to see that, to the very next chapter where she describes her chest tightening with jealousy because he’s talking/flirting with another coworker. This troubling behavior and thinking continues on, as Rylie spends the whole book describing how inappropriate he is but also narration how he’s hotter than bacon off the griddle and she would love to take a bite. Her and her mother even lament him being married at the end of the book.

Yes, sure, in the time of #MeToo and #TimesUp, let’s write a character who continually sexually harasses his coworkers and makes them feel uncomfortable, but let’s romanticize it and make him such an irresistible stud that everyone just laughs off and brushes off his sexual harassment.

Rylie herself is also just an obnoxious, unlikable character. She’s is a week out of a breakup (a relationship she was in for five years), but she’s already swooning over practically every guy in the novel and crying of Luke, her first love, and acting like a sixteen year old girl because how dare he talk to someone of the opposite sex?! Doesn’t he know that she’s the only girl he’s allowed to glance in the general direction of?! Not to mention how horrible she just is in general — like after inviting Shayla to dinner with her parents, Shayla tells Rylie she’s happy they’re friends. Rylie’s narration about that? “I hadn’t had a friend — a girl friend — in a really long time, and I could definitely do worse than Shayla.” Really!? This girl who has been nothing but kind and sweet to you and thanks you for your friendship, you dismiss off with “I guess I could do worse.”

There was nothing remotely likable about this girl. It’s obvious the author was trying to go for a Heather Wells vibe (Meg Cabot’s murder solving heroine), but missed the part where Heather was funny and charming and, you know, actually a good person.

The writing is also nothing special. You can read this book in two hours. The mystery is barely there or fleshed out. I very obviously will not read any more books in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I will start out by saying I don’t read, I have never enjoyed it or had the time to sit down and do it. I picked up this book and started in head first. I had the hardest time putting it down, but when you have a busy 3 year old, sometimes you have to take a break. I spent every spare minute reading it! There were so many times I Laughed out Loud! Very well written great story that makes you keep wanting to read on. I finished the first book in 4 days, that is huge for me since I don’t normally read lol! Now I am sitting here wondering what I will do until the next book of the Riley Cooper series comes out! You will not be disappointed in reading this wonderfully written murder mystery with just a hint of Romance. I can’t wait to see what is ahead in book 2 and every book after that! I can’t say enough good things about this story. I will be completely honest I was sad when I read the last sentence and didn’t realize till I looked at the next page that it was over! Come on Stella Bixby send another one out, I can’t wait to see what happens next!! :)

Loved the story & intriguing mystery, didn't want to put it down! Sure looking forward to the next one & more adventures!

This book is a fun read! It is nice when an author is enjoying writing and you can feel that in this story. The mystery pulls you in but there are plenty of laughs as well. And of course, we all want to know what happens in Rylee's love life! Can't wait to read the next one!

A nice, easy read. Twists and turns to keep you turning pages. Can't wait to read the next book.

i absolutely loved this book! Usually it takes me long to get through books because they drag on or have a slow start but this book drew me in from the start. I never wanted to put the book down with all of the suspense and wonder. This book was truly amazing and I can’t wait for the second one!!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. When I thought I had it figured out....nope.... Definitely a GOOD READ!!!!!

Funny, engaging, well written and a joy to read. I was laughing out loud and intrigued with each new twist.

Fun read! Can't wait to read the next one on the series.

A good read. Finished book in one day. And already on book #4 within 3 days of starting first one.