Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I have been struggling with romance lately and this one just didn't work for me.

I couldn't feel the connection between the characters and I didn't care much for the plot. I was just bored and didn't want to keep reading.

I hope others love this one.

🌟 Just finished this heartwarming read, and I can’t stop smiling! 💖 Maren and Joe’s romance took me on a beautiful journey through the ups and downs of love, and it felt so genuine! Their relationship really showcased the reality of adult dating—complete with hurdles that anyone can relate to. And can we talk about Maren connecting with Joe's kids? Lucy and Anders added such a sweet layer to the story, making it all the more special.

But, like life, not everything was perfect… I found myself a bit emotional navigating the struggles of their mother, which added a realness to the story that you just can’t ignore. 🌈 This book isn’t just a romance; it’s truly about building connections and creating a family, even amidst the chaos. Huge shoutout to Erin Hahn, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy! 📚✨ Have you read anything lately that touched your heart? Let’s chat in the comments! ❤️👇 #BookLove #RomanceReads

I loved this sweet romance between Maren and Joe. The pace of their relationship felt very mature and the hurdles they faced felt real for adults navigating new love. I also really enjoyed the storyline of Maren connecting with Joe's children. Both Lucy and Anders found their own relationships with her and it was interesting to see how their bond formed. I did struggle a bit with their mother's storyline struggling to parent her kids. It was sad and a little upsetting but I guess that is true to life. This is a great romance but also just a wonderful story about building a family. Thanks to Erin Hahn, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a cute and heart warming book. This is a hallmark movie but in book form. Like seriously hallmark movie!!

Maren is the little sister of his best friend. She used to annoy him and be obsessed with fishing. But now she is gorgeous, all grown up and starting over after breaking up with her boyfriend.

Joe is Maren’s brother’s best friend. She grew up watching him hang out with her brothers and never thought twice about him when she went to college and started her life.

But now Maren is back in town and Joe is struggling to keep it together after his divorce. He has two beautiful kids to raise on his own and a resort to run, but he needs help. Joe and Maren easily fall into a rhythm when she starts helping around the house and resort. Now his bestie friend’s little sister doesn’t seem so little and annoying anymore.

This book is well written. There are a couple typos that need to be fixed but other than that it is great. It’s not too long or too short. I am so glad that the author portrays an autistic child so appropriately and correct in this book. Many authors usually portray them in a negative light and this book doesn’t do that. I appreciate that a lot. The slow burn isn’t too slow and the book isn’t solely smut so that’s nice. I highly enjoyed this book and all the characters.

Mare and Joe’s story was cozy and sweet. The setting is quaint and comforting. Their interactions are largely believable. Their conflict is genuine (though the stalker and the rude brother are a bit overblown). Children in romance stories are often terribly written and unbelievable, but Anders and Lucy were perfect. They seemed like real kids who were present in the story without being overbearing. The autism representation in Lucy was spot on from my own personal experience as a mother of an autistic daughter. It warmed my heart to read the awareness and love surrounding this precious girl. The struggles and the joy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC to review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. There are three friends: Shelby Springfield, Lorelai Jones, and Maren Laughlin. Erin Hahn has previously released books on Shelby and Lorelai, and this is the last book about Maren's love story. Once again, I didn't want to put down a book Erin had written. I finished it in a day. She does a great job with having more than one point of view. We get both Maren's point of view and Josiah (Joe) Cole's. I would have to go back and look at the other two books, but I felt like we got more of Joe's point of view throughout the book compared to the men in the other two books, but I enjoyed that.

Maren's boyfriend of a year proposes to her very publicly, and she turns him down and runs away to Wisconsin to the resort that her family went to every summer, where her old friend Fost has left her his bait shop and the apartment that goes with it. She decides to fix it while figuring out what to do with her life. While working on that, she runs into Josiah Cole, her oldest brother's best friend. He's divorced with two children. He does so much for everyone else, and she decides she wants to help him. His youngest is autistic, and she sees a place where she can fit into their family. She fits in so well that he takes notice of her, and she takes notice of him. Liam is very opposed, and Maren also knows that Joe has to think about not only himself but also his two children, and his ex is in the background.

Of course, Shelby, Lorelai, and their men make appearances in the book, so we get to see how all the stories tie together.

Can they find a way to express their feelings and turn this friendship into something more? Will her brother finally approve of their wanting to be in a relationship? Will his children accept her into their life as more than just a friend?

"Obviously, matching your manicure with your lures isn't a requirement to be a successful fisher-person, but we think it adds a little something extra."

I've been one to rail against single dad romances and brother's-best-friend romances lately, but this one was pretty darn cute. I loved how it actually felt like a real small town, not just a Hallmark town, with clear effects of tourist seasons in how things worked. The supporting cast from Hahn's previous books showed up in just the right dose, enough to give Hahn's readers a sense of satisfaction but not overwhelming to those who have not read the previous two books in the trilogy. The autism rep in Lucy was SO well done - her meltdowns were very realistic and weren't glossed over into the "quirky" autism rampant in romance novels lately. I also like that Joe never was parental to Maren when they were kids, they were more like ships passing in the night, which made the story a lot stronger.

And of course, the romance itself. The chemistry was palpable, the slow burn was stellar, and it was perfectly cozy and heartwarming in the best ways.

Should the Bryce subplot be stronger? Yes. Were there times were Maren seemed a little TOO perfect as the ultimate girly girl and tomboy with the former YouTube and pageant fame? Yes. Did it fall into some of the pitfalls of brother's-best-friend? Absolutely. But overall this was an enjoyable read that was perfect for a summer evening.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Super cute story! I love the fall atmosphere in this book. It reminds me of my small town on the lake. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves a cute romance.

I love a good single mom romance and erin hahn killed this one. it was beautiful and adorable and I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the arc.

I loved this story about Maren Laughlin, former park ranger, and an expert fisherwoman, and Josiah "Joe" Cole, divorced father of two, former Marine and current resort owner in Northern Wisconsin. Maren needs a break from her job as a park ranger and from her boyfriend (who she just vomited on during his proposal of marriage), so she runs away to an old bait shop that was left to her by her childhood fishing mentor. This bait shop runs along the resort owned by Joe, an old childhood friend, who also happens to be the best friend of Maren's oldest brother.

Maren and Joe reconnect over refurbishing Maren's bait shop and Joe's two children. It was very sweet reading how caring Maren was toward both Anders and Lucy, who instantly thrived when they were with her. And, there was such a lovely connection between Maren and Joe that was obvious pretty early in the book. I truly loved this story, and I have to read the first two books of this series because I love Erin Hahn's narrative.

A super charming finish to Erin Hahn's three-book series of romances, each one focused on the love story of one woman in a trio of friends. Independent, outdoorsy, emotionally closed-off woman goes back to her childhood happy place after romantic and professional disappointments, reconnects with her older brother's best friend going through his own life reevaluation and healing journey, and the sparks FLY. Beautiful story about found family and letting yourself accept help, combined with a deeply healing romance. Spectacular way to close out the series, can't wait to read more from this author!

This was the first book that I've read by Erin Hahn, and I will definitely be reading more. I loved this book, I loved the quiet support that Joe & Karen gave each other- it really highlighted that you can be loud whilst being quiet-- if that makes sense. I loved Lucy, the representation of autism and parenting a child with autism. It was well written, and I flew through the book; staying up way past my bedtime to finish it. A lot of romances have outlandish plots, but the relationship between Karen & Joe felt very mature and believable. It was a really great read.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a great summer read!! Probably one of my favorites! Especially with that break up in the beginning lol Great writing style. I loved the characters and they had such great chemistry.

There’s not better start to a book than a breakup up with vomit involved. I loved the combination of themes here from finding yourself, figuring out your career path, dealing with family members, and family in love for the boy next door. Erin did a fabulous job dealing with hard topics like divorce and autism. Couldn’t reccomend this book enough.

In Erin Hahn’s cozy, swoony romance, Maren Laughlin has been fishing her whole life, but she’s finally ready to be caught.

At thirty-three, Maren Laughlin’s just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal, walked away from her decade-long position as a park ranger, and returned to her childhood playground in Northern Wisconsin to accept her inheritance: a decrepit waterfront bait shop. After a lifetime of letting things happen to her, she’s ready to start making her own moves, even if everyone else thinks she’s making the wrong ones. Well, not everyone—at least the local heartstopper and resort owner is on her side.

Josiah Cole has made some missteps in his life, but he’s proud of what he has: two awesome kids and the keys to the kind of getaway spot that has families coming back every summer– their up north home away from home. After his marriage dissolved, leaving him a single dad, he feels he’s the last person to judge Maren for her recent transformation (even if his best friend, her brother, wants him to feel otherwise). Besides, he genuinely likes having her around. She’s a breath of fresh air, his kids adore her (not to mention her dog, Rogers), and it doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful.

Things between Maren and Joe are easy. So easy, they’re fully immersed in the middle before they even decide to begin. It’s not a question of should they, but rather can they make it last?

Catch & Keep by Erin Hahn is a definite keeper (yep, like what did there?!) Such a wonderful story about friends to lovers romance with a little family drama and finding your own true happiness along the way.
Erin Hahn is a fantastic story teller & her character development is top notch. This is the first book of Erin's that I've read & it definitely will not be the last. From my understanding, her books are all stand alone, but a few of the characters are connected through friendships among her books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book on #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, but please snatch this book when it gets released Oct 2024 & read it cause it's well written with a great balance of passion, drama, & romance that'll make you swoon

If you love small town romance and single dad tropes, you will absolutely fall in love with this book. I have read a couple other of Erin's books, but this has to be the most special one I have read yet. The story follows Maren who just ended things with her boyfriend after a rocky proposal and him receiving the job she wanted. She heads back to northern Wisconsin to fix up a bait shop that she inherited. She meets Josiah who is a childhood friend and the two fall in love all while taking care of his two kids. I loved Maren and Josiah so much. Josiah's daughter also has autism and it was wonderful to see that representation done so well in this book. There were some crossovers with the two previous books in this series with characters paying a visit or two. Overall this is a wonderful book and I highly recommend you read it! Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I think I knew I would love this book when in the first chapter the main character says, "Hallmark is a lying b-tch!"

Maren is taking a break from work after turning down her boyfriend's proposal (this is the same boyfriend who stole her job!). She goes up north to Northwoods, where she and her family spent every summer. She has inherited the bait shop and attached apartment from Fost, an older gentleman who taught her to fish and was friends with the family.
Joe "Josiah" is her brother Liam's best friend. He is a bit older, divorced and has full custody of his 2 children, Anders and Lucy. Lucy is a preschooler who has been diagnosed with autism. Joe and his family own the resort in Northwoods.

After my last intense read, I wanted something light! This was a really good story, and only semi light! I really liked the character of Maren. She had a lot to figure out: future job, family drama, where she wanted to stay. I feel the author did a really wonderful job showing how encouraging and kind she is, while also working through the anxiety and confusion of what she should do next.

Joe is, well pretty my awesome! He's a great dad, puts the kids first, takes care of his family, and he is trying not to be attracted to Maren because she is his best friends sister! I especially liked the scenes between he and his children. They were so sweet and heartbreaking at times.

I want to give a shout out to the author for handling the writing of an autistic child with sensitivity and well researched knowledge. I am often fearful reading about characters with autism. There seem to be catch phrases and generalities about how the autism represents in all people. I loved this quote the author uses when Joe is thinking about his daughter:
"Just like the rest of the human population, people with autism are unique in how they manifest their sensory habits."

The story is well written, I connected to the characters, and wanted to see how it ended!

My only 2 struggles:
1. The sex. There isn't a lot, then there is. It is very spicy, and maybe too much detail? My preference is closed door, leave it to the imagination. I did not detract any stars for this because although this is my preference, others will like this! And the story was solid.

2. The ending seemed a little too sweet and a bit contrived.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a well developed romance with characters who are a little more mature.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Griffin for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Coziest summer read ever! Devoured in 3 hours and loved every second of it. May the odds be ever in your favor when you dive in!

4.25 ⭐️

A romance for the single dad, brother’s best friend lovers.

After a disaster of a proposal, Maren packs up and flees to the only place she feels at home — back to small town Wisconsin and her inherited piece of land (a decrepit old bait shop and apartment). While trying to fix it up and clear her head, she runs into her older brother’s forever best friend, Joe. Joe who’s recently divorced and drowning in fatherly duties.

Maren and Joe fall so easily and helplessly into one another despite all opsticals — a brother who would NOT approve, an autistic daughter, neglectful ex, and a past that keeps coming back to haunt them.

This book was so perfectly sweet. And honestly it felt so much more real than most of the romances I’ve read. Their love was real and happened organically without all the grand gestures, fights, third act breakups, etc. Maren steps so seamlessly into Joe’s life and while she is more than capable of taking care of herself, she finds she wants to take care of him and his kids more.

More things I loved:
He’s an ex-marine
Perfect late summer/early fall vibes
Slow burn
ON THE BAR 🤭
“Be your own boat daddy”
Hilarious best friend text thread
No miscommunication
He asks her to stay
Autistic representation
& so much more!

But side note, f*ck Liam.

Please pick this one up come 10/15!
And a big thank you so NetGalley and St. Martin’s for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.