overall, i thoroughly enjoyed this read. there was one detail that i dropped my rating to 4 stars because i had a hard time getting past. the age gap was impossible for me to feel comfortable with since they made several references to how he knew her since she was in diapers…. aside from that, i thought this single dad trope was sweet. i loved the autism representation as well as how she managed encouraging and normalizing self expression in young kids.

if you are into the lake life + love fishing, this is a must read!!!!

4.75 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s for my ARC!

I really loved this romance! I didn’t realize it was loosely related to two of Erin’s prior books (I’ve only read one but will be returning for the second) and it was such a fun surprised to dip back into a world with a few familiar faces.

The spice was 🌶️, the romance was swoony, and the MMC’s children were precious and such a heartwarming addition to this story. The setting was picturesque and I loved that the FMC wasn’t your typical FMC — she’s a killer fisherman! (Fisherwoman?)

This was a delight and I loved the ride.

It was such a good story! I devoured it in no time. Definitely worth the read. If you're looking for a pallette cleanser from dark romance this is a great book for that!

his was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it!

The banter between the two lead characters was funny and cute! 🥰

I really liked how the author touched on topics with neurodiversity, divorce, and the feelings children have.

Josiah and Maren had great potential for more than friendship and when they realized it- 🤯 💗!!

Great read !!

4.5⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins press for providing me with an arc of Catch and Keep!

I truly don’t do this often (anymore), but this book kept me up until 4am it was so cozy and sweet and I did not want to stop reading about these characters. I absolutely loved this book.

This book takes place in the Wisconsin Northwoods where our main characters, Maren and Joe, grew up. As someone who spend many summers in the Wisconsin Northwoods fishing and being outside, this book was very nostalgic for me.

The main characters were really well written. I loved both Maren and Joe, and I absolutely fell in love with Joe’s’ kids, Lucy and Anders. None of the story felt forced or awkward and it had me smiling and giggling while I was reading. I may have shed a tear or two as well. I really hated Maren’s brother, Liam, even after he apologized but I loved seeing the way Joe helped Maren through the issues with her and Liam.

This was such a sweet, feel good story I highly recommend getting a copy when it’s released!

The slow burn as the relationship with the other couples was so cute! The banter here was EmHen style!

“Catch and Keep” by Erin Hahn is the literary equivalent of a cozy cabin retreat—it’s warm, inviting, and you never want to leave. Maren Laughlin’s story of trading park ranger badges for bait shop woes is as refreshing as the Northern Wisconsin air. Her journey from a life of ‘shoulds’ to a life of ‘coulds’ is a testament to the brave souls who dare to reel in their own happiness.

Then there’s Josiah Cole, the local heartthrob with a resort and two kids, who proves that sometimes the best catch is the one you weren’t fishing for. Their romance? It’s like finding an extra marshmallow at the bottom of your hot cocoa—unexpected and oh-so-sweet.

Erin Hahn has a knack for crafting characters that feel like old friends and romances that feel like first loves. “Catch and Keep” is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones you snag on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a fishing pole in one hand and a heart full of hope. It’s a quick-witted, heartwarming read that’s perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re just a fish out of water or if they’re simply waiting for the right moment to swim upstream.

Loved this book! The slow burn romance, the character development was enjoyable. I had an issue with the MFC sitting on a dock in winter. As a lifelong Minnesotan, you take your docks out of the water before it freezes.
The kids were everything in this book. Can’t wait for the release!

this book was interesting and made me feel a lot of things. I really liked the perspective of Joe, and how he had to deal with an awful ex-wife who doesn’t really understand her children. I think the book was very fast paced for the length of time that was actually shown. I also enjoyed the way the relationship went. It was 0-100% real fast! I also didn’t understand the way her relationships with men went. I was so confused about the stalker dude, and that the fiancée didn’t even fight for her. I felt like it should have been one or the other, but not both. It was good, but that was my one issue with it! Either way, it was a good book, and I want to read the authors other series!

Love this author and love anything she writes. I just enjoyed everything about this story and I immediately started to read it again because I liked it so much. Just read this book please.

What can I say, I'm a sucker for single dad and brother's best friend tropes and this book happens to have both. That makes it an insta want to read and boy did it live up to most of my expectations.

This book was so sweet and the story was so wholesome. Joe is a single dad with two kids, with his youngest being autistic. However, Maren does so well with both of them and falls in love with both of his children and when the kids' mother does not treat her kids right, Maren steps in and proves how the kids should be treated.

Also, the friendship between Maren and her friends, and blossoming friendship between Joe and the fiance/husband of Maren's friends was so amazing and hilarious. I wanted more!

Maren's brother was a big annoyance throughout the whole entire book, except for maybe the last 5%. I understand that most brother's best friend tropes include a brother that is not accepting of the relationship, however this took it to a whole new level with the brother just being verbally abusive to his sister the entire book. This is the reason why I deducted 1 star. I feel like they went really hard on this every time Liam was in the book. HOWEVER!!!! The way that Joe spoke up for Maren every time Liam acted up was super sweet and I loved every second of that.

I also did enjoy that the main FMC is ACTUALLY not like all the other girls. She has a major love for fishing and the outdoors and I've never read a book with an FMC like that. It was really refreshing to see a character like this as an FMC in a romance.

BREATH OF FRESH AIR!! 4.5 🌟

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first time reading a book by Erin Hahn, and I have to say, I'm now looking forward to reading more of her work.

The story is set in a Wisconsin resort, surrounded by woods and a lake. It was a light, sweet read that captivated me from the very beginning. I felt as if I was sitting on the dock, gazing at the glistening water and breathing the fresh air while reading the book.

The plot revolves around Maren, who returns to her hometown after a breakup. She's determined to renovate her childhood idol's apartment and bait shop into something amazing. Along the way, she finds herself falling for her older brother's best friend, who is a divorced single dad - someone she initially considers off-limits.

Throughout the book, Maren undergoes a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding what truly brings her happiness in life.

I particularly loved Joe Cole, his adorable children, and his parents. And let's not forget about Rogers, the dog - what a good boy!

On the other hand, I wasn't a fan of Joe's ex-wife, and it was disheartening to see him blame himself for her behavior. I'm glad that Maren was able to help him see the truth. In my opinion, Maren is a much better mother figure to Joe's kids than Kiley could ever be.

Overall, it was a captivating book that kept me eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next.

Immersed in the breathtaking Northwoods of Wisconsin, this book serves as a refreshing escape. The picturesque backdrop had me yearning to grab a fishing pole and unwind under a canopy of pine trees, evoking a desire to embrace the serene setting.

Within the narrative, Maren, the sister of the best friend, and Joe, her brother's close companion, discover a potential beyond their familiar roles. The blossoming love story, wonderfully depicted by Erin, unfolds with charm and warmth, promising delightful surprises.

Among the highlights, Joe's endearing children steal the spotlight. Anders, the eldest, radiates a gentle spirit that illuminates the pages, while sweet Lucy beautifully portrays autism with authenticity and care. Their presence enriches the narrative, captivating readers much like they captivate Maren.

Whether you're drawn to fishing or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this enchanting tale crafted by Erin offers a tranquil and heartwarming retreat. Allow yourself to be swept away in this idyllic world she has so exquisitely created.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed this heartwarming love story. It really captures what it’s like to persevere moving forward in life. It was such a wonderful read.

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this older brother's best friend to lovers story! Likeable characters - except Liam and Kiley! lol
I especially enjoyed Maren's connection with Joe's kids develop. A little spicier than what I personally prefer, but that's a me issue, not a writing issue.

My one critique - Maren is known as "Musky Maren" because she is known for catching muskellunge fish. However, as a high school teacher, teens use the word musky to indicate body odor.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Catch and Keep follows Maren who goes back to her childhood summer getaway home after turning down a proposal from her boyfriend. She has inherited a run down old bait shop and decides to stay and fix it up, and immediately runs into her childhood friend Joe. He’s now a divorced dad of two and easily becomes friends with Maren, working and spending time together. I didn’t expect to love this book so much, but dang it, I really did. This is a story I won’t soon forget, full of love, heart, laughter, spice, and a little drama just to keep you on your toes. I’m obsessed.

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for access to this E-ARC! So cute!! Loved the characters & the setting. Also enjoyed just the whole vibes of this book. Excited for more from this author.

Hahn has crafted the perfect summer come down. Tucked away in northern Wisconsin we meet Maren, or Mare, and her older brother’s long time best friend Joe during a warm September. Maren has escaped to her childhood safe haven to process the fallout of turning down her now ex-boyfriend's proposal. Little did she know she was moving in right next door to now single dad Joe and his ready-made family. At the behest of her brother Liam, Mare is determined to not interfere with Joe’s family and life. She has enough of her own problems to deal with: a run down bait shop left to her by a childhood mentor, looking for a new job, figuring out how to start over. Of course, sometimes even the best laid plans don’t go according to plan.

Hahn has crafted characters that feel whole and their interactions are engaging. The inclusion of diversity brings a welcome air of reality to this contemporary romance. The dialogue is authentic and the pacing is smooth. Joe and Maren’s dual narratives add depth and understanding to the characters' inner thoughts.

This is the perfect book to curl up with on a fall day and get immersed in the world of “Catch and Keep”.

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.

This was a super sweet slow burn. I love the single dad trope, it's one of my favorites. When kids are written WELL into a good romance, it's going to be a winner for me. This was that. I loved Josiah and Maren, their budding (slow!) relationship, and the kids! Beautiful. Highly recommend this, especially to people who like family stories! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

It was a very good book! I enjoyed the characters and the story was different than what I have read before! Would recommend!