erin hahn is one of my absolute FAVORITE authors. while this isn’t my favorite she’s done, it’s still GREAT!

the setting is cute; as someone who lives in wi, reading about a resort there was super fun.

i liked maren as a character. i didn’t remember her really from the other books, but she was VAGUELY there in the back of my mind. her and joe’s relationship i think was executed perfectly. i REALLY liked how it felt like they just slipped into it, and maren was wonderful with his kids.

there wasn’t anything like glaringly wrong or that i disliked, i just don’t think this one hit as hard as her others for me. i remember LOVING lorelai’s book, and while i liked his one A LOT, i didn’t feel that love.

#netgalley

This was a delightful, sweet romance. I enjoyed Maren and Joe - they had solid chemistry and were both supportive of each other. Their family dynamics added good depth to the story. Heartwarming and fun.

Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for another great Erin Hahn story!

📖 The Details:
Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn

⏱️ Quick Summary:
After Maren breaks up with her boyfriend (during his very public proposal in which she pukes all over him), she heads back to her favorite place - the lake in Northern Wisconsin she loved during her childhood and teenage fishing star, Musky Maren. She planned to come back, fix up her old mentor's apartment to sell, and be on her way to the next thing. But she starts hanging out with old friend and single dad Josiah (Joe) Cole and his kids.

💁‍♀️ My Take:
I love a good light and sweet Erin Hahn read. I fell in love with her story, style, and characters when I first read You'd Be Mine, and I haven't hesitated to pick up one of her books since then. This one is no different. I really liked Maren - she's strong but flawed, confident, sweet, and witty! I love some good banter with the main characters - Maren and Joe are the best. I also loved ALL the cameos from past books (shoutout Lorelei and Shelby)! There are also some deeper themes with family, relationships, job/future, etc. Would definitely recommend.

Are you looking for a heartfelt journey of love and discovery? In her latest novel, “Catch and Keep” by Erin Hahn contains a captivating friends-to-lovers romance that weaves together warmth, vulnerability, and the magic of first love. Set against the backdrop of a small lakeside town, this book invites readers to dive into the depths of emotions, relationships, and self-discovery.

Meet Maren Laughlin. She’s a spirited protagonist who has spent her life fishing, both literally and metaphorically. She's adept at casting lines into the water, seeking elusive catches, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she's been hesitant to take the bait. Her flannel-clad college sweetheart, Owen, has always been there, a steadfast presence in her life. Yet, their friendship has remained platonic, the line between companionship and something more blurred but never crossed.

As the story unfolds, we witness Maren's internal struggle. She grapples with the fear of losing Owen if they venture beyond friendship. Erin Hahn masterfully portrays Maren's vulnerability: the way her heart races when Owen smiles, the way she notices the flecks of gold in his eyes, and the way she yearns for more. The tension between them is palpable, simmering beneath the surface like a hidden catch waiting to be reeled in.

Jen Devon, author of Right Where We Left Us, aptly describes this novel as "magically both hot and wholesome." And indeed, it is. The chemistry between Maren and Owen sizzles, yet their connection goes beyond physical attraction. Their banter, shared secrets, and stolen glances create a tapestry of intimacy that readers will root for.

The lakeside setting adds to the book's charm. Erin Hahn's vivid descriptions transport us to the water's edge with the gentle lapping of waves, the scent of pine, and the warmth of sun-kissed skin. It's a place where secrets are whispered among reeds, and hearts find solace in the rhythm of the lake.

Not just about romance, “Catch and Keep” is about self-discovery. Maren's journey involves unraveling her own fears, understanding what she truly wants, and learning that sometimes love requires courage. As she grapples with her feelings, readers will find themselves reflecting on their own missed chances and the moments when they hesitated to leap into the unknown.

Hahn's prose is lyrical, evoking emotions that linger long after the final page. She captures the essence of autumn from the crunch of leaves underfoot, the taste of apple cider, and the promise of change. Woven throughout is a soundtrack of grunge music, which adds depth to the narrative. It's as if the book itself hums with melodies of longing and hope.

In this cozy, swoon-worthy romance, Hahn invites us to believe in second chances and the power of vulnerability. As Maren and Owen navigate their feelings, we're reminded that sometimes the greatest catches are the ones we've been overlooking all along.

This book is a keeper, one to be savoured, shared, and cherished. Cast your line and immerse yourself in this heartfelt tale. You won't want to let go, and I cannot wait to read what Hahn pens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review.
Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn was a true joy to read and I was sad when it was finished. I loved all the characters in this story but I especially love Joe and Maren they were great together. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

I've not enjoyed Erin Hahn's prior adult romances as much as I love her YAs, but seems like third time's the charm! I enjoyed Maren and Joe's relationship a lot, and how it was built on fitting into each other's lives first and foremost. It felt very natural and like they were already a family straight from the start, especially with how Maren interacted with Joe's kids. I think this is more in line with how her YA book relationships go - less strict romance book formula like the other two followed - and that's why I enjoyed it so much.

I did feel the Maren-related external subplots were more of an afterthought (Bryce being a creep and especially Maren considering a move to the Grand Canyon), but the main interpersonal relationships - between Maren and Joe, between them and Maren's brother, between Maren and Joe's kids - were so strong that it didn't feel like the book was lacking anything.

Loved this book! A sweet contemporary romance with pops of humor. I enjoyed the author's writing style - descriptive without being flowery, believable characters, and realistic situations. It is a slower burn with a perfect amount of spice. I will be looking for more books from this new to me author.

After puking all over her boyfriend during a very public proposal, Maren hits the road and heads to Northern Wisconsin to her childhood lake vacation spot. At the lake she’s inherited bait shop that’s almost inhabitable. In the early stages of renovating the bait shop she runs into Joe, her brothers best friend, who now runs the lake resort. Maren ends up leading fishing tours for the resort in falling into a life she once envisioned for herself. Things heat up between Joe and Maren, but things are complicated. Joe has two kids and baggage from a bad divorce and Maren has her career with the Park Services calling her back to “real life” whatever that means.

This was an incredibly captivating read. I instantly felt sucked in by the prose. And the story was well crafted, the romance had just the right amount of spice (got a little graphic for the closed door romance folks) and sweetness. Joe is the sexy, sweet, and protective man we all dream of in a book boyfriend. My only complaint is the flashbacks. If this wasn’t an ARC the first flashback might have made me instantly DNF - the second chapter would be a much better starting point in my opinion. And for the majority of the flashbacks I just didn’t feel like they further the plot. All and all though a fantastic captivating read. I recommend this to anyone who likes sweet men and just a little bit of spice in their romance reads! 4.5 stars rounded up!

Thank you net galley and the publisher for the ARC!

I love Erin Hahn! Her books keep my heart singing and growing with love. The characters are rich and the story is a perfect romcom. Catch and Keep had me sucked in by the second chapter. I finished it in 1 day as I couldn't put it down. This is such a heartwarming story filled with diverse and wonderful characters.

I haven't read Erin Hahn before picking up this book from NetGalley and I'm so glad that they were able to introduce me to this author! The only way this book could have been more perfect was if I was able to read it while sitting by the lake. I love a big brother's best friend romance and adding single dad to the mix just made it all the better! Also he's a veteran and runs his family business? This man could not be more perfect. Maren and Joe made the perfect couple and I could feel their connection from the beginning!
I love that this book talked about many topics that other books maybe shy away from. The controversy of sharing your life publicly online like Maren does through her YouTube personality as a young adult and the sexual harassment that can result. Joe's daughter having autism and how her mother cannot handle the diagnosis.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to go back and read more of Erin Hahn's novels.

I really loved this! Erin Hahn has a brand and I am here for it. This was such a sweet romance between two wonderful characters who support each other in all the best ways, and I was especially touched by Maren's relationship with Joe's kids.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

I loved the first two books in this series so much that I wasn't sure this book could live up to my expectations, but it actually exceeded them! I already knew I'd love Maren, but didn't know Joe and his kids would be so amazing. Also, as a single mom of an autistic kiddo, I have to say Erin Hahn did an amazing job of portraying the reality and awesomeness of that life, for a parent and a sibling. I will continue recommending this series to all the readers I know!

I was thrilled to head back to the land of Hahn's imagination, this time to hear Maren's story! Hahn is a remarkable rom-com writer. I so enjoyed the Michigan lake setting as a Midwesterner myself. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was so sweet. I felt like I was transported to the Northwoods while reading. I loved Maren and Joe and the kids were great.

A huge thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an advanced copy of Erin Hahn's upcoming October 2024 book - Catch and Keep!!

I've LOVED Erin's precious 2 adult romance books - Built to Last and Friends Don't Fall in Love so of course the day I got Catch and Keep I dropped the other book I was reading to read a VERY anticipated book!

Luckily it was pedicure day so I had some uninterrupted reading time to start Catch and Keep and then binged it that evening. I loved this book and it made me so happy reading it!

Maren was such a wonderful character! Josiah was exactly what she needed and brother's best friend is my new favorite trope! Especially for characters in their 30s and when one is a single dad.I loved getting to see more of Lorelai and Shelby from the prior books and their friendship with Maren (plus their wonderful men) and the amazing Wisconsin lake setting.

I can't wait for people to read this book! If you haven't read Erin's first two adult books you have time to read them prior to Catch and Keep coming out October 15th! Definitely put this on your fall reading list!

Maren broke off with her bf, left her job and returned home. Josiah, a single dad, was happy to help her. Can their love survive?

I like Maren and Josiah. They are great together. I love the mention of other characters from the earlier books. A sweet and charming romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Catch and Keep was a sit and don’t get up until you finish type of book. Erin Hahn writes likeable characters and has a writing style that simply just has you wanting to finish the book in one sitting.

I loved how Hahn depicts Joe’s family, his kids are adorable and gives a glimpse of having a child with ASD and that they are more than ASD. Maren simply fits into the family and is the puzzle piece that was missing.

After reading her earlier two books about this group of friends (Built to Last and Friends Don’t Fall in Love), I had high expectations for Catch and Keep, and Erin Hahn more than delivered. Well-written, with a narrative that flows easily, two charming leads – Maren Laughlin and Josiah Cole – and set at a northern Wisconsin resort, this story was truly a pleasure to read!

Maren and Joe have known each other since they were children. Maren’s brother, Liam, is Joe’s best friend and Maren’s family used to spend part of each summer at the resort owned by Joe’s family. The resort is also where Maren fell in love with fishing and the outdoors. It’s where she has always felt the most at home.

4.5, rounded up to 5
Joe and Maren reconnect when Maren returns to the area to claim a bait shack/apartment that she inherited from an old fishing mentor of hers. She left Michigan after declining a proposal from her boyfriend, Shane, that he made in front of Maren’s family-- after she had privately let him know she didn’t think they were ready for that step. It proved to the last straw for Maren, since it followed closely on the heels of Shane applying for and getting the promotion that Maren had wanted without telling her.

Joe is back in Wisconsin managing the family resort, after serving 10 years in the Marines in various countries. Divorced for a few years, he has his hands full with running the resort and taking care of his two kids, Anders and Lucy, for whom he has full custody.

Joe and Maren move beyond their childhood roles and realize their attraction for each other. However, each has good reasons for not getting involved, including Joe’s family responsibilities and Maren’s recent break-up and plans to stay temporarily in Wisconsin. It’s a funny and touching journey as they figure how they fit in each other’s lives. Two big thumbs up for Catch and Keep. Although the third in the series, this can be read as a stand-alone. The first two books are just as enjoyable and definitely worth the time.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC.

i absolutely devoured this book! maren and joe have my heart, and now i really miss the midwest 💛

highlights:
- gorgeous lakeside setting
- the cutest kids, like, ever
- adorable dog sidekick that also thinks the kids are the cutest
- brothers best friend 👀
- swoon-worthy scenes
- no third act breakup!!!