The story of Maren and Josiah was so sweet and lovely. Maren returns to her family’s vacation destination after her life goes off track. She’s inherited a bait shop and apartment from an old friend and she sets to renovating it and her newly single self. Josiah has returned home to run the family campground. He’s a single dad and Maren’s brother’s best friend. I appreciated the slow-ish burn timeline of this book.
Maren and Josiah’s connection felt real and tender. The single dad, brother’s best friend tropes were done really well. The communication between the two characters was open and honest. The family, friends and side stories happening around the MCs were perfect for creating the backstory, filling in the gaps and moving the story along. Difficult subject matters like divorce and neurodivergence were handled with care.
Would recommend!

Catch and Keep is a dual POV brothers best friend romance. Maren has just walked away from a proposal and her job to return to Wisconsin where all that waits for her is a falling down bait shop she inherited. Her family, especially her older brother, think she’s making a mistake, but she finds an ally in her brother’s best friend, single dad Joe.

I couldn’t put this book down! I loved Maren and Joe, I really liked how their relationship developed so effortlessly, that they just fit together. I loved Maren’s interactions with Joe’s kids, and the cast of side characters. I’ve added Erin Hahn’s other adult romances to my TBR already!

Read dates: 09/03/2024 - 09/04/2024
Goodreads review: 09/04/2024
Instagram review: 09/05/2024
Blog review: 10/15/2024

This books is everything a romcom should be!

We have:
-single dad
-childhood friends-to-lovers
-brother's best friend
-found family
-sweet dog companion

When Maren rejects her boyfriend's proposal (in an unfortunate, but hilarious, puking incident), she needs to get away for a while. She ends up returning to a lakeside town in Northern Wisconsin, where she grew up, to repair a waterfront bait shop / apartment that was left to her. Josiah Cole helps his parents run the local resort, while raising his two kids alone. Problem is, Joe is Maren's brother Liam's best friend, and Liam has explicitly told Maren to keep her distance. As Maren and Joe spend more time together, sparks begin to fly, and Liam's warning is left behind.

This book was cozy, sweet, and heartwarming. Joe's kids are literally the SWEETEST kids I've ever read about, I can see how Maren fell in love with them. Our FMC, Maren, has a heart of gold, too. I loved the maturity these characters displayed, which I think was really important, as they are both in their thirties. They are mature, they communicate with each other (no miscommunication trope here!), and work through things as a team. I loved how Maren began integrating into Joe's life, first as a friend, which helped build their relationship.

There are some cameos from characters in other books by this author, though it isn't part of a series. Just something to take note of, you may enjoy this even more if you have read her other books: Built to Last, and Friends Don't Fall in Love.

I absolutely adored this, and didn't want it to end. I highly recommend picking up Catch and Keep when it releases October 15, 2024.

Thank you St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded down. This book was good, but I have to say I preferred Erin Hahn’s YA reads that I’ve finished. It still has the same wit and the attitude of “you better look at the hard things right in the eyes and deal with them,” which I loved, but as a personal preference, I don’t like books with adult language or sex scenes.

I did really love the singles dad trope after not having read it in forever- super cute! I definitely enjoyed all of the characters from the MC’s, to their parents, to their friends. Everyone felt very real which makes the escapism of reading that much better.

All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who’s looking for something almost hallmarky. Quick and easy to get through, fun, and sweet.

I really enjoyed this small-town, friends-to-lovers, brother's best friend romance. Maren and Josiah were both well-developed characters with surprising depth to both their individual stories and their interactions, which helped their love story feel both authentic and rewarding. I loved the unique perspective of Maren's profession/passion — I've not yet read a romance book about a female fisherman!

I have not read the first two in this interconnected series but was still able to follow and enjoy the story!

I really enjoyed reading Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn. The main character in the book, Maren, finds herself unsatisfied with her job, home, and relationship. She goes back to the small, lakefront town where she spent her fondest memories as a child, and sees the opportunity to start over. Throughout the book, we watch her struggle with choosing between her old life and the new opportunities being offered.
I would highly recommend this book to friends and older students. It was such an enjoyable read!
A big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4.5 stars

I've been hooked on Erin Hahn since Built to Last, and I've been loving the reappearing characters of Maren, Lorelai and Shelby! They have such a fantastic friendship and their significant others are swoony. Catch and Keep follows Maren, whom I've been intrigued with since she was introduced in Hahn's previous novels. She is a lover of the outdoors, a master fisherwoman, and of course stunningly beautiful. I love that this book focuses on family - how Maren and Joe grew up in closeknit families and got to know each other growing up. Yet, they had a significant age difference back then and didn't really consider each other much more than annoying sidekicks to Liam (Maren's brother and Joe's best friend). Now that they are in close proximity with Maren staying in a cabin on Joe's family property for the summer, they spend a lot of time together and soon become inseparable. Joe's young children Anders and Lucy easily fall in love with Maren alongside their dad. The kids are too sweet and the book shines a spotlight on the difficulties in raising a child with autism. This story was layered, sultry and a lot of fun. I can't wait for the next book from Erin Hahn!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I've read and enjoyed all of Erin Hahn's books, YA and adult, and have really liked her adult novels, all linked by a group of three best friends. The third one follows Maren, who turns down a marriage proposal and escapes to her safe and happy place, a lake in Wisconsin. There she finds Josiah, or Joe, best friend of one of her older brothers and owner of the family lake-side resort where they grew up spending time together, This makes for a great setting, Midwestern and small town. Unlike the protagonists of the previous two novels, Maren and Joe lead decidedly normal lives: Maren is figuring out next steps after working as a park ranger and dealing with her family, while Joe is a veteran coming off of a surprise divorce, raising two young children on his own, and running the family business. Their day to day is normal and relatable, from sometimes-difficult breakfasts before school to fishing over the weekend to a simple family dinner. Joe's family life is really well done, especially the depiction of Lucy, his autistic daughter; Anders, his older son who is dealing with his mother leaving; and Joe and Maren figuring out the dynamics with her involved.

Still, this was unfortunately my least favorite of Hahn's work. I found it never pulled me in, and it felt like Hahn's writing was missing some kind of spark I find throughout her other work. While I liked the ideas and tropes she explored with Maren and Joe -- including childhood friends and a single dad -- I just never quite came to be invested in them. I was also frustrated by the ongoing emphasis on Joe knowing Maren as a kid and Maren's brothers still seeing her as such a kid. She's 33! This aspect could have been peppered in just a few times and instead felt so overdone. It's still charming and a perfectly fine read, and I'll continue looking out for anything new by Hahn.

This book definitely hit me differently as someone who lives in Northern Wisconsin and grew up fishing. Although it had a little bit of a slow start, and I wasn’t sure where the book was going at the beginning it turned into a really good book! It is a very wholesome romance that shows that not everyone is perfect.

Both main characters Maren and Joe were strong characters. Maren, the strong and independent women just trying to figure out where she fits in. Joe the single dad cinnamon roll male main character who is just trying not to fall for his best friend’s little sister.

However, Maren’s brother was a piece of work and a horrible human being for most of the book. Despite the obstacles Maren and Joe faced their relationship developed so naturally and organically.

Such a great summer read that is heartwarming and cozy!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book.

Releases October 15th.

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #romancebooks #newrelease #ARC #ARCReview #ErinHahn #sinngledad #brother’sbest-friend #forbiddenRomance #outdoorsyheroine #slowburn

This book was cute and cozy, sweet without being over the top. I loved the setting, and even though I'm not super outdoorsy, this book made me want to get out in nature. The perfect book for fall!

Maren has run away (literally) from a public proposal - after puking on his shoes. She runs back to northern Wisconsin, her happy place where she spent time fishing. Her brother's best friend still lives there, and their chemistry is off the charts. But they both bring some baggage to the boat - can they keep it afloat? (sorry for the bad boat puns!)
I love Erin’s writing, and I have been so excited to read Maren’s story, completing her adult romance trilogy for three best girl friends. Each book can absolutely be read as a standalone, but if you've read Built to Last and Friends Don't Fall in Love, you'll see the mentions in this one of Shelby and Lorelai’s stories. And even a small cameo from the main character of You'd Be Mine, Erin's YA debut!
If you haven't read Erin's work before, you are missing out! You can expect intelligent characters (strong-minded females, handsome and rugged men) and swoon-worthy romance, with just enough spicy scenes, in realistic situations. I fell in love with the characters in this book, especially Lucy, and her interactions with Maren. The book made me CRY - both tears of joy for the love and tears of sorrow for the pain in this beautiful book. Since it doesn't publish until October, there is plenty of time to read Erin’s previous releases - all have been five-star reads for me. I can't recommend them, and this one, enough. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for early access to this one - you'll want to "catch and keep" it soon!

I really enjoyed this cozy romance overall. My only critique is that Maren’s brother was a bit too over the top with the over protectiveness.

What a heartwarming story!!

Joe and Maren are lovable. Maren is a great FMC and her love for fishing was something unexpected & I loved it. I really enjoyed learning about the relationship she had with an old man growing up and how that both made impacts on each others lives. Joe is such a sweet characters and I LOVED his children. I love a good slow burn and this was it! The chemistry was there and I just really adored their relationship.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book!

When I read the dedication of the book, I had never felt more intimidated and out of place before. I am not an outdoorsy person. I like sitting in my cold, air conditioned house. But: this book completely blew me away!
Maren finds herself at the same resort she used to go to every year when she was a child after her boyfriend proposed to her in a very public way and she turned him down. Maren had inherited a little bait shop and an apartment and her plan was, to fix it up and sell it. The resort is now owners by Joe, Maren’s older brother Liam’s best friend. Joe was never more to her than an older brother figure, but they both have grown up. Joe is now a single dad of two and Maren is desperately trying to find herself again.
The two of them would have never thought that they would find each other in the process.

I laughed and I cried. This is the perfect fall read!

“You’re the catch, Maren.”

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn is a heartwarming romance about taking risks for love.

Read this if you love:⁣
🏡 Small-town romance with that perfect cozy vibe
👨‍👧‍👦 Single dad balancing love and family
👥 Brother’s best friend drama and irresistible tension
💞 Friends to lovers with undeniable chemistry
📚 Relatable characters in their 30s navigating life and love
🧩 Thoughtful autism representation that adds depth

4.5 ⭐ | 2 🌶️

I loved this book. It features many of my favorite tropes, and it was such a heartwarming read. Maren goes to Wisconsin to rediscover herself, remodeling the bait shop/apartment she inherited from Fort, a local fisherman and friend. She’s always loved fishing and the outdoors, and being back doing the things she loves was exactly the fresh start she needed. Joe’s family even offers her a job as one of the tour guides, which she enjoys, though she never expected to fall for her brother’s best friend, Joe. As they grew closer, she witnessed his struggles as a single dad and fell in love with his kids, Anders and Lucy. Lucy, who has autism, shared a special bond with Maren, and it was touching to see Maren learn how to support her and understand her needs.

Joe had been a Marine, but his wife wasn’t happy with him being away, so he moved back to his small town, only for her to leave him because she didn’t love that life. Not only did she divorce him, but she also left their kids. Joe did an outstanding job as a single dad, learning how to support Lucy and raising them on his own for three years. His dedication to his kids was admirable, and when Maren entered the picture, she changed his world. He realized they were perfect for each other—their love was easy, uncomplicated, which scared them both at first.

Maren’s brother, Liam, was the worst. I didn’t like how he treated her—calling her immature, jobless, and insisting she needed to get her life together as if she wasn’t already trying to. He didn’t understand her need to find herself, treating her like a child and even telling her not to get involved with Joe because she "wasn’t ready for it." His low opinion of her made it seem like he was her enemy rather than her brother.

As Maren and Joe spent more time together, their attraction grew. Joe loved how she treated his kids with kindness, and they adored her and her dog, Rogers. Their romance was sweet and mature, and I didn’t expect the spice, but I didn’t mind it! The spicy scenes were well done and fit naturally into their relationship.

This book shows that it’s okay to be thirty-three and not have everything figured out. Maren returned to the things she loves, including her passion for YouTube videos, which she had set aside. I liked how the book addressed the pressures that creators face when exposing their lives to the public, and seeing Maren stand up for herself was empowering. She was strong, kind, sweet, and empathetic—nothing like what her brother accused her of being. Joe and Maren were perfect for each other, and she fit seamlessly into his family’s life. The autism representation was done respectfully, and it was frustrating to see Joe’s ex-wife refusing to accept Lucy’s diagnosis.

Anders, Joe’s son, was such a sweetheart. He took care of his sister and added a touching layer to the story. This book was beautifully done, with a strong focus on family, rediscovery, and finding love when you least expect it. Catch and Keep releases on October 15, 2024, and if you enjoy these tropes and the plot, I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list.

Thank you, Net Galley & St. Martins Press for the ARC.

This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it! It was such a heartwarming friends to lovers book with a slow burn. All the characters are wonderful, but fell in love with Joe, his kiddos, and Maren and how their relationship transformed — esp the bond between Maren and the kids (grabbed my heart and didn’t let go).

This is the perfect book as we approach Fall — it gives all the vibes. I will definitely continue to read this author!

This was a sweet rom com. Being from Northern Wisconsin, I loved the setting of this novel. The characters were well written and relatable. Just so sweet!

4.75 stars

brothers best friend, childhood family friends, single dad. Displays of preschooler with autism & sensory sensitivity.

Mare “musky maren” has loved vacationing at the cole family resort her entire life. she spent her school years being a the perfect pageant princess for her mom but the summers were for her and her dear old friend fost, his boat and fishing.

Maren is 33 and her bf of a year proposes for all the wrong reasons which makes her flee to the only place she’s at peace: the northwoods when she runs into the resort owners son, all grown with 2 kids and extremely attractive.

Over the months maren stays to renovate the shack left to her she somehow slips into their family without trying and can’t unwrap herself even if she wanted to.

the only issues i had with this was scenes immediately bringing me back to other books i’ve read recently which is why i marked it down .25

overall it was such a fun read!!

Reading *Catch and Keep* felt like curling up with a cozy blanket—warm, comforting, and just what I needed. Maren Laughlin’s story hit home for me in a way that few romances do. Watching her take control of her life, turning down a marriage proposal and walking away from a stable job, was incredibly relatable. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is choose your own path, even when it’s uncertain.

The dynamic between Maren and Josiah Cole was what really drew me in. Their connection didn’t feel rushed or forced—it was this easy, natural progression that made me root for them. I loved how their relationship wasn’t about grand gestures but about the small moments that slowly built into something real. It reminded me that love doesn’t always have to be complicated; sometimes, it’s about finding someone who makes everything feel simple and right.

I love love loved this book!! Cute little rom coms will always have my heart!! I caught this book and so happy I kept it!!