A rom com with a....bait shop? Maren heads to Wisconsin to decompress at the bait shop and apartment she's inherited. Joe is a single dad who has also been burned romantically. These two become friends first and then their affection grows to love. This has a charming setting, the characters are good. and if it's trope-y, well, it's all about the journey. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This made me smile.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

What can I say about this book that I haven't set a million times about all of Erin Hahn's books? This book has developed characters, it's a friends to lovers plotline that is so enjoyable, it has complications without being cringey or giving extreme secondhand anxiety. This book is a standalone in the same universe as Erin's other adult novels, following Maren as she goes back to a place that she loves as a child, reconnecting with an old crush who is trying to make it on his own as a single dad with two kids, and trying to figure out who she is at 33 & leaving the life she knew. This is a romance in that there is a HEA/HFN ending, but it is so much more than just the romantic scenes. This book has adults learning to heal their childhood wounds to be better parents. It has found family and nature. It has a dog named Rogers - and who doesn't love a dog?!

I loved this book, and I fully intend to re-read the series of books again as we get more into the fall weather, as this book was a great hug. 5/5

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of “Catch and Keep.” I loved the story of Maren and Joe - it was sweet and swoony and romantic. You could feel the characters falling in love in every one of their interactions. And I adored both of Joe’s children - Anders and Lucy were just the sweetest and deserved their HEA with Maren and their Dad too. 5 stars for sure!

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn is a heartfelt contemporary romance that explores the complexities of first love and the challenges of self-acceptance. The story follows two characters who navigate their dreams, fears, and budding relationship amidst the pressures of high school life. Hahn’s engaging writing style captures the intensity of young love and the importance of staying true to oneself. With relatable characters and a sweet, uplifting narrative, this book is perfect for fans of contemporary YA romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It struck a good balance between the main female character's personal journey and her romantic relationship, which was unexpected due to family connections. The male lead complemented the female lead well and their dynamic was enjoyable to follow. The progression of their romance felt a bit rushed, and I would have preferred a slower buildup from friendship to romance. I appreciated the balanced portrayal of the characters, although the brother's lack of understanding became repetitive and frustrating. Overall, I believe this book would appeal to readers looking for a quick, steamy read featuring a strong female lead and an outdoorsy setting.

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn spans a timeline of several seasons, but the autumn countryside vibes of this book are impeccable. Cozy, comforting and nicely spiced through and through.

The main character, Maren, returns to the lakeside resort town of her childhood summers to fix up an inherited fishing shop after her relationship with her fiancé implodes. She is a former pageant queen and YouTube fishing personality, and is currently on leave of absence from the civil service. She falls for her older brother’s best friend, Josh, who is a single Dad struggling with an ex who doesn’t put the kids first. Josh is a retired Marine, who now works at his family’s fishing resort, and is devastatingly hot when he performs Bon Jovi at karaoke.

I really enjoyed this one. It was my first read by this author, but will definitely read some more. Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy.

This was my first Erin Hahn read and I'm not sure how I didn't get to her sooner. She has such a beautiful way of interweaving early 30 somethings into life in all prospects whether it be career, love life, and the feeling of being behind. The conflict with the main character and her eldest brother truly had me in a tizzy and the love interests ex wife made me want to punch a wall, when it comes to single dad stories this one really took the cake for me because I feel like Maren and Joe truly understood each other in a way that needed to be as natural as possible while staying realistic, the fact that they could be openly communicative all the way through made this madly intimate to me on so many levels that I wish more romances engaged in. I could not get enough of this read.

Erin Hahn cannot write a bad book, I have become convinced. I will admit, I was a little bit wary when I saw the subject matter of this one. Fishing? Eek, that is not my thing at all. I really should never question a book by this woman. I loved it, and heck, I may even want to give fishing a whirl now!

I have really enjoyed this “series” that follows three best friends and their love stories. The first two were about Shelby and Lorelai, who were both in the public eye in some respect. This book is a little more homey, with Maren who is all about fishing and her dog, Rogers. While she did have an up-and-coming YouTube fishing channel back in her younger years, she has moved firmly out of the spotlight by the time this story rolls around. It was nice getting to see a very down-to-earth, ‘normal’ girl getting to have a chance at love and happiness in this book.

Maren and Joe were such a great couple to get to fall in love with. Maren is sweet, spunky, and vulnerable. Joe is sweet, a great dad, and learning to open up to love again. They are a match made in cozy heaven. I loved the fall vibes of this one, as well as the setting. I have never been to Wisconsin, but I would love to visit now! I could absolutely see the setting in every description, and it was beautiful.

I loved getting to meet Joe’s kids, and seeing the relationship blossom between them and Maren was almost as wonderful as the romance that blooms between Maren and Joe himself. I loved that aspect of this story. It is not always just about falling in love with the guy, it is all that comes with him, including his family.

As for the conflict in the book, I liked one but not the other. Seeing Joe’s relationship with his ex was a great source of conflict, as well as Maren being afraid of her brother finding out about her feelings for his best friend. Both of these were perfection. I wasn’t a huge fan of the stalker-fan conflict. I just felt like it was a tiny bit forced, and I think the book could have stood without it just fine. That is my only complaint though.

Loved this book, loved the characters, loved the setting, loved the vibes. Pick this up, you won’t be sorry. And maybe it will make you want to try fishing 🎣😉

My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

I gave Catch and Keep 4.5 Stars!

I am surprised by how much I liked this book. The back drop for the story is NOT my usual - I hate the outdoors, I wouldn’t be caught dead going fishing, and I am the opposite of interested in fish/nature. But I really liked the story itself, in spite of the setting and backdrop. It was a great brother’s best friend trope book and the spice was very well written! I have mixed feelings about the characters, mostly Maren who I can’t really relate to at all, but I loved the Cole family, they are insanely sweet and I love the dynamic between Joe and his kids. I also loved the ASD representation and actually would have liked to see more of it. And in spite of not being a huge Maren fan, I did like her and Joe’s relationship and the ways they supported and showed up for one another. There were a bit too many subplots and Maren’s background made zero sense to me but overall, a cute romance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Contemporary Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2024

Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genres: Friends To Lovers Romance | Steamy Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶🌶🌶 (Hot Spicy)
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Northern Wisconsin (US)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This is a good cozy romance! After Maren's boyfriend proposes to her in front of their friends and family, she throws up on his shoe and runs off to Northern Wisconsin where she has inherited a run down bait shop and apartment. She grew up as a YouTube fishing pro on the area lakes. When she runs into her brother's childhood best friend, Joe, it's love at first sight whether either wants to admit it or not. Joe has two children who have issues after their mother abandoned them. Their families have known each other forever and his kids love her but what path will she choose? She can go after her dream job or follow her heart to the love of her life. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I loved it.

💥 Pub Date: 10/15/2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

• fall romance 🍁🍂
• beautiful nature setting
• slow burn

An outdoorsy female main character! That's a breath of fresh air. I don't usually like kids in my romance books, but the ones in this book were sweet and not too annoying. 🤣 I liked the real challenges that our main characters faced and how they worked through them.

🗣 Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book via gifted eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.

This book was so darn adorable!!!! I loved it!!! A single dad- older brother’s best friend combo! I was all for it. I loved them, I seriously wanted to continue reading this book I wish I had more of these two. I adored his kids, the way he was patient with them, how he loved their differences, and how Maren also just gets it from the start. The way this romance FLOWED, how the steamy scenes were giving all the STEAM, how their love started to literally blossom, there are other cute things that go on but I just loved these two. The end??????? UGHHHHHHHHH I cried for the happiness of these characters like if they were my own real friends, lol I was so happy for them…. This author does to me all THE TIME!!!!!!!

CATCH AND KEEP by Erin Hahn is part of a loosely connected series of romance books. I’ve read them all and they’re all delightful with likable characters and a pinch of sexiness.

One of the best things about this book was how Maren fell in love not just with Joe, but also his adorable children.

If there is one thing I can count on with this author, it’s her ability to write a touching and beautiful book with characters that feel like friends. And with each book this author writes, I fall more in love with her writing and the worlds she creates.

This book captured my heart the moment I read the first chapter. Her words provide a vivid picture in my mind to where I felt the warm sun on my skin as Maren sat on the dock looking over the beautiful lake. I could smell the trees lining the resort and I could see every scene play out as if it was a movie.

Not only was this such a vivid story to read, but I felt every emotion that was projected from the pages. Karen and Cole have a classic love story feel but it didn’t feel like a fairytale. It felt like a natural progression between two real people and that is what makes this story feel special. The realistic writing of this love story grabs you by the heart and shows you that sometimes the quiet kinds of love, the ones that grow every day, are better than the ones filled with over the top grand gestures.

Loved this book from start to finish and I’m so thankful to NetGalley and St Martins Griffin for the ARC

4.5/5

small town, single dad romance strikes again !!

guys this was such a fun surprise!! if you really enjoyed wild eyes by elsie silver you should totally pick this up, the main character is not a singer but for some reason the vibes felt the same and i was loving it. i didn't even mean to get so attached to this book but i started it this morning and could not put it down. all the elements of the little town were so cute, anders and lucy were adorable, and the romance was so pure. i will say that the part of the story that involves her creepy fan was kinda annoying just because there wasn't really much conclusion. like that aspect could've been left out and the story would be just as enjoyable.

ignoring that random side plot, this romance is so, so good!! i just love the way that joe and maren fell in love. they made a cute little family and it was just so sweet to see. seeing maren find her happiness was so enjoyable and her relationships with the kids... SHUT UP. the kids were the best inclusion into this book. the four of them just fit as a little family and this is by far one of my favorite single parent romances. this is random but since they called josiah joe i could only picture him as joe burrow, pre dyed hair, and that made my experience wonderful. ugh this was just so sweet and i am so happy i found this!!

because i enjoyed this so much i will be looking for lorelei and shelby's books. i feel like i got the tail end of the friendship and i need more. the setting also made this such a good fall romance so be looking to pick it up when it comes out on the 15th. i will be thinking about lucy and maren for the rest of the year now...

*thank you NetGalley for the ARC*

This was a super cute read, I really love the vibes of every Erin Hahn book and this was no exception.

The characters were great, the setting was vivid, and the emotional range was perfect. If you're looking for cozy, autumnal vibes, this is the perfect book for you!

*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

While every Erin Hahn book is an absolute delight, filled with both heart and humor, there’s something truly special about Catch and Keep. And it’s not just because the relationship between Joe and Maren is so authentic in its portrayal of two functional adults falling in love. Nor is it because there’s no contrived drama or third-act breakup just for the sake of a third-act breakup (this is this is definitely appreciated). This book is beautiful because amid a delicious second-change romance is a story of love and acceptance for an entire family. Hahn shows a deft hand in portraying Joe’s children, not as plot devices but as fully developed characters in their own right, worthy of and receiving the attention they deserve as just as critical to the story as the adults. With great care and respect, Hahn reveals both the difficulties and joy in raising an autistic child, and the emotional gravity of the children falling in love with Maren is just as impactful, if not more than the romance itself. In the meantime, the adult friendships shown in this book are just as authentic and delightful as always in the Hahn universe. This is a gorgeous book that will make you swoon and sob, and ultimately reinforce the truth that people are mostly good and aspire to care for the ones they love.

I have really enjoyed this series of standalone romances and this one is no exception. Set in lakeside in Wisconsin, Joe is a single dad raising 2 adorable kids and working at his family's cabins. Maren is back in town after losing her job promotion and breaking up with her fiance.

She finds herself renovating a property she inherited and Joe and his family offered her to stay at one of the cabins during the renovation.

I really liked how Maren and Joe integrated onto each other's life and how she took to helping out with the kids. Their attraction is through the roof and enjoyed how natural that felt.

I always enjoy when characters from the other books play a part in this story.

Thank you @smpromance @netgalley for a copy of this book.

This was the warm balm my soul needed to be soothed. While Maren and Jo handled some heavy subjects, it was woven in so seamlessly with both the heart-warming and humorous moments. I feel like of all the girls, Maren is the easiest to relate to. She had a taste of fame, sure, but not to the extent of her best friends and I think that gave her more of a head on the ground, relatable aspect. (Though don't get me wrong, for celebs, Lorelai & Shelby are extremely relatable!) Joe is the perfect guy because he knows he is imperfect. He knows he made some mistakes early in his marriage, though he wasn't alone in that, but has showed up full force since then. So much so that he's making excuses for someone who ran out of them a long time ago.

I enjoy a good, older brother's best friend romance story, but Liam really pissed me off. It actually felt a little too over the top, though I do appreciate how Joe stepped in to help the misbehavior get handled. More friends should say that when their friend is verbally abusing their little sibling to appear cool, or act like it was a joke, especially as adults, it shouldn't have reached that age. But that was really the only thing that I didn't like. I love how Maren had to handle social media stuff from a decade before, and how she handled it.

The relationship, though, is really the most beautiful part of the whole book. Not just Maren and Joe's relationship, but the way they studied each other in their natural living environment. Joe observed Maren and worked to fit in with what she was doing and Maren went above and beyond studying Joe, his kids, and their family dynamic in order to as seamlessly possible with two young children, one being autistic, fit with them and meet them where they needed help. Joe's shock at watching Maren handle Lucy during winter vacation was such a beautiful, real moment.

I know Erin has had one hell of a year, and per her last update she doesn't have anything in the wings at the moment, but when she's ready, I absolutely cannot wait to devour what she comes out with next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.