This is a good book. The two main characters are Imogen and Easton. They meet at a retreat for honeymooners. Imogen went on her honeymoon even though she didn’t marry her groom. Easton works at the retreat helping visitors learn how to fly fish. Imogen had signed up with her groom to learn how to fish. There is an instant connection. They start dating. They fall in love.

Easton Reeves has sworn off romance ever since he was abandoned at the altar by his high school love. Juggling roles as a sheriff, search and rescue worker, and fly fishing instructor, he aspires to run a tackle store and lead fly fishing trips full time. Everything changes when he meets Imogen Kaplan while providing a fly fishing lesson. Intended to be on her honeymoon, Imogen called off her wedding a month prior. However, having already booked the "Honeymoon Package," she decides to experience it solo. When their paths cross, Easton immediately feels she's going to be a handful. As Imogen realizes she's the only single person among couples, she strikes a deal with Easton: he pretends to be her spouse during the events, and in exchange, she'll be his plus-one at his ex-fiancée's wedding. Both Imogen and Easton, entertaining characters with trust issues, enjoy challenging each other. Though neither seeks love or commitment, destiny might have other ideas. Their evolving relationship and playful banter are a delight to witness.

I enjoyed this light-hearted read, especially the lively exchanges between Imogen and Easton. Easton, with his endearing grumpiness, was a treat. We learn about Imogen's background in fragments, which sometimes made it hard to connect with her. The story's pacing seemed uneven at times. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read overall. I particularly liked Easton's close-knit group of friends and their unwavering support for one another.

Imogen and Easton instantly dislike each other, but they both are very sarcastic and snarky to each other, to such an amount that I found it quite uncomfortable to hear them being so unfriendly. Why not make the best of the situation and leave your personal issues at home? He needs to do his job and be hospitable and she payed for a nice holiday, so just enjoy! Also, I get that this was a couples retreat, so waiters expect couples at the restaurant, but it was impossible to order food for one. The waiter just didn’t understand the empty seat at the table. It was only possible to order two entire menus, for example. I think you need to read this book in the sun, on the beach, while enjoying your holiday cocktail and then you probably laugh out loud!
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and I am grateful for this opportunity.

Thank you to Netgalley for this book.
I really enjoyed this small town romance. Our main character Imogen has called off her wedding a month before the date and decides to go on her honeymoon by herself until she finds out she booked the trip during a newlyweds weekend. Her first day there she meets the local fisherman that ends up taking her fly fishing. As soon as they get there after Imogen hastened on her clothes, they get to the lake and the fisherman gets a lew stuck in his ear. Imogen and him decide to help each other out, he is Imogen's husband and Imogen is his plus one at the wedding of his ex fiance that left him at the later. They start to fall in love with each other and Imogen and him have a huge fight when he goes to his ex on her wedding day after she calls. He realizes his mistake and follows Imogen back to her home and surprises her with a trip to Italy. A month after they return to where they fell in love, him and Imogen start a business with her making ceramics with nature in them, and him giving fishing expeditions. It was such a sweet book and I hope there is another book after this one. You truly fall in love with the characters.

Catch and Release Groom is the last (I think) book in the Hitched series but each can easily be read as a standalone, especially this one since the characters from the previous books only come in about 3 times and do not add that much to the story. I liked Easton and Imogen, I thought they were good characters with baggage and I do wish they had talked to each other more. It was more of an insta-love story than a slow burn or anything. I am not upset about that but I do think a little slower may have been more believable. I do like this series and this author, and would definitely read more.

Although this is the third in the Getting Hitched series of Cindi Madsen, it took me some time to reconnect to the characters of the previous books. In my defense: I read Just one of the groomsmen (part 1) over 4 years ago.

But Easton is one of the poker friends of Shep, Ford,Tucker and Addie. After being left at the altar a few years ago, he has been happily ever after as a bachelor. But now that all of his friends are hitched (Always a Brides­maid), he sometimes feels a little left out. Imogen has just left her soon-to-be husband, because she felt trapped. Always being belittled and talked down, she had no confidence whatsoever.

So, the bravest thing she has ever done is walking away from her impending marriage. And now she is determined to enjoy her honeymoon vacation. Which is harder than it seems, since everyone is so annoyingly comply. When Imogen and Easton strike up the deal to pretend to be a couple, you already know the ending of course.

But the road to it is just so much fun. Cindi’s characters are fun and witty, so the story flows like a rapid river. Relaxing, funny and awesome. In all four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This is such a wonderful author! I’ve really enjoyed this series so far, and this one was just as great! It was such a well done slow burn as both the MC’s weren’t looking for love at all! Imogen had just called off her wedding & Easton is avoiding his high school sweethearts wedding! These two had quite the build up, which was great! This book had some steam to it as well! I was happy to see previous character again too! All in all a fun quick read!

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story. Great banter and characters. It was nice to get back into this series, and see old characters (though our time with the old crew is pretty minimal). Overall, very good. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

I loved reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me. I love this author snd her writing style.
Thanks to netgally for this arc.

Cindi Madsen's Getting Hitched series is one of my favorite series of the past few years, so I was excited when she announced book three, Catch and Release Groom!

It is Imogen and Easton's story, and they were perfection together. They had great banter and off-the-charts chemistry, but underneath all that they quickly formed a strong and real connection, too. I liked that the humor and heat were balanced with real insecurities and concerns on making a relationship work. It made Imogen and Easton relatable characters.

I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it- and the series as a whole-enough!

Imogen (I never have been 100% sure how to pronounce this spelling) called off her wedding right before the nuptials. On the one hand, good for her for not doing something that wasn’t right for her. On the other hand, she waited until NOW? This did not predispose me to like our heroine.

Jump forward to the tried and true trope of honeymoon for one because rebound love works in the romance novels. Imogen (gen with a short I? Jeen? Jun?) is off to honeymoon with nature, and she gets an early morning wake up call to go fishing. Now, I don’t know how in love she wasn’t, but fishing would never ever be part of my honeymoon. And if I cancelled that sucker, I would have darn sure remembered to cancel that fishing booking. But she didn’t. And she met Easton, the rebound love of her life. From there, Easton and Imogen capers happen.

This book reminded me of Jennifer Crusie’s first book, “Manhunting.” While that book is preferred since it is written by the masterful, delightful, writing skills of Crusie, this one does have amusing scenes and characters that grow on you as you read. Yes, it took me a while with Imogen, I admit. I didn’t feel sympathy since she called it off RIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING ( think of the money…the non-refundable food…the handwritten invitations). Easton was kind of mopey. But after I read, they grew on me. Still, as you can possibly tell, this is not my favorite book by the author.

"Ugh - the entire reason she'd forged ahead with this trip was to escape the fallout from calling off not only her wedding, but also a long-term relationship that'd defined her teen-to-adult years. Not to stroll down memory lane and experience conflicting sensations over not making that walk down the aisle."

Imogen is the best kind of FMC. And her love story, one ending and one beginning, is a fabulous romance read for romance lovers.

And honestly, isn't a little camp vacay what all of us need?

Book Review: Catch and Release Groom by Cindi Madsen

Rating:
Violence: 1/5
Sexual Content: 3/5
Profanity: 2/5
Alcohol Use: 4/5

Catch and Release Groom by Cindi Madsen is a lighthearted and entertaining contemporary romance novel that will leave readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Packed with humor, swoon-worthy moments, and a delightful cast of characters, this book takes readers on a journey of love, self-discovery, and unexpected surprises.

When it comes to violence, Catch and Release Groom maintains a low level of intensity. The story focuses on the romantic relationship between the main characters and their personal growth rather than physical conflict. Any instances of violence are mild and not overly graphic, making it suitable for readers who prefer books with minimal violence.

In terms of sexual content, this novel falls into the moderately steamy category. Cindi Madsen crafts a sensual and passionate romance between the main characters, exploring their physical and emotional connection. While explicit sexual scenes are present, they are handled with care and sensibility, providing a balance between romance and sensuality. Readers who enjoy a moderate level of sexual content in their romance novels will appreciate this aspect.

Profanity in Catch and Release Groom is present to a moderate degree. The author includes occasional instances of mild profanity that add to the authenticity of the characters' dialogue. While it may not be excessive, readers who prefer books with minimal profanity may want to take note.

Alcohol use is relatively prevalent throughout the story. The characters partake in social drinking and occasional bar scenes. While excessive or problematic drinking is not glorified, alcohol is a recurring element.

Overall, Catch and Release Groom by Cindi Madsen is a fun and heartwarming contemporary romance novel that offers an enjoyable escape into a world of love and laughter. With its low levels of violence, moderately steamy sexual content, and moderate profanity the book caters to readers who appreciate a light-hearted and engaging romance with just the right amount of spice.

Imogen Kaplan may be a runaway bride, but she’s determined to take her “honeymoon” at a luxury wilderness resort, even if she is surrounded by annoyingly mushy couples. No husband. No happily-ever-after. Just trees, bugs, and one very grouchy, mouth-wateringly fit, and—let’s just admit it—unfairly gorgeous guide who’s shown up to take her fishing at Nope O’Clock in the morning…
Easton Reeves is pretty sure that Hell looks a lot like Honeymoon Week. It’s over-the-top romantic crap as far as the eye can see—everything a guy who’s been dumped at the altar wants to avoid. And now he’s supposed to teach this cute, smart-mouthed little city pixie how to fly fish? I’ll be lucky to escape without a hook in my ear.
Now it’s like fate keeps throwing them—the two people least interested in romance—together at a resort that’s all about the love. Sparks are not supposed to happen, let alone the temptation to kiss each other senseless. But it’s one thing to get hooked on sizzling chemistry…and quite another to turn a sexy little fling into real life.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the sass and banter between Imogen and Easton. I think Easton was adorable in all his grumpy glory. We get Imgone’s story in bits and pieces and that made it a little difficult to relate to her. The whole pacing of the plot felt a little off in places. Overall though a fun read. I enjoyed the band of friends Easton has and how they have each other’s back.

Imogen meets Easton on the trip that should have been her honeymoon. She is a runaway bride and he was ditched at the altar once before so do they have a chance at being more than a fling? Great read, I liked how it was told from both points of view.

I have read and enjoyed the other books in this series, but I found this one to jump around and it didn’t hold my attention like the others. I liked the characters and connected to both Imogen and Easton, but found myself having to go back several pages to try and follow what was going on in the plot.

This story was a lot of fun. Imogen cancels her wedding a month before the big day but decides to go on the honeymoon by herself. She meets Easton during a flyfishing lesson. He’s grumpy and she enjoys pushing his buttons. When it’s clear that she won’t be able to enjoy the couple-centered activities as a singleton, she asks Easton—the only other unattached man around—to be her second. He agrees to if she’ll attend his ex-fiancé’s wedding as his plus one.

I liked Imogen, though I do wish she wasn’t written as a klutz. She was in her head a lot, which would have been fine if she’d resolved some of the guilt and judgments she was struggling with. Instead, I was left feeling like I still didn’t understand or know her halfway through the book. Easton, too, was really closed off to begin with and difficult to like or know. In both Easton’s and Imogen’s cases, I wish we’d be given more depth in regard to their pasts, or at the very least, given the details we were given earlier in the story. The pair had off the charts chemistry and once they gave in to their attraction, it brought out the best in both characters. I liked that very much. The ending was a bit rushed in that the grand gesture was just sort of skimmed over.

This was a fun, quick story with lots of chemistry, laughs and adventure.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, LLC/Entangled: Amara and Cindi Madsen. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.***

Imogen goes on the honeymoon she planned alone after ending the relationship a month prior to the wedding. Easton was left at the alter (literally) and swears he'll never marry. Now his ex is returning home to get married and he's invited. The week before the event he takes vacation and helps out at a local resort offering fly fishing excursions.

Unbeknownst to him it's honeymoon week at the resort and when his first client attends alone and knocks his socks off, he's surprised to find she's without a groom. They mix like oil and water but sparks fly and the shenanigans commence.

You're going to laugh and cry along with this couple who make a pact to help each other get through her couples week and attend the wedding of his ex. A lot can happen in a week and Easton and Imogen will never be the same!

Although I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Catch and Release Groom by Cindi Madsen is such a wonderful read. The book got a little heart fluttering sweet romance, hot steamy love making scenes, a little bit of angst and suspense, tears from heart broken, a great supporting characters and a beautiful epilogue.

Imogen determined to take her honeymoon although without a husband. With Easton Reeves as her gorgeous fishing guide, the spark are unable to resist between them.

This book got everything I'll ever wanted, the sweetness in romance, the hot steamy scenes and the heart wrenching sad moment which make me wet my pillow from all the tears. I'll definitely be reading more from Cindi Madsen and I'm looking forward to read the next story.

Thoroughly enjoyed this rom com of enemies to lovers. Imogen is a runaway bride but still wants to take her honeymoon by herself to a wilderness resort where she meets Easton. Easton was left at the alter a few years ago and works at the resort as a fishing guide. They do not hit it off at first but sparks do fly eventually. Imogen does agree to become his plus one at his former fiance's wedding. They do share a sizzling chemistry, is it a fling or can it be forever.

Loved these characters, their banter will have you laughing out loud. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.