✨ARC review✨
3.5
This was such a cute brother’s best friend, single dad romance!

While Maren and Joe knew each other growing up, it’s not until she returns to the small fishing resort town she spent summers at after a disastrous proposal that they have a connection all their own.

I loved the genuine connection and support that Joe and Maren developed. Thinking she’d only be in town for a little while, Mare just couldn’t resist the single dad and his adorable kids. Anders and Lucy were so sweet and I loved that Maren took the time to know each of them and see just what they needed.
Maren herself was at a crossroads in her life, not tied down to one place, but despite the warnings from her brother to not complicate the family, Joe and Maren were exactly what each other needed.

Joe was such a good dad to his kids. With a complicated relationship with their mom, he and the kids got so much of what they’d been missing with Maren.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the way this one played out as they stood their ground and believed in the future they could have together.

Available now!
🐟single dad
🎣brother’s best friend
🐟ASD rep
🎣fishing town

In the past, I’ve expressed how much I love this author’s YA romance books. While I enjoy her adult contemporary romance, I haven’t connected to the story and characters in the same way as I do with her YA…until now. This book is phenomenal! I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry, the use of the kids and dog without letting the storyline wander off, the building up of each character – chef’s kiss!

Maren and Josiah try to ignore their pull. He is her brother’s best friend, a single dad blindsided by his divorce and his wife’s abandonment of the kids, and someone living where he plans to stay. She just broke up with her almost fiancé, left her job where she was passed up for a promotion, and doesn’t plan on sticking around after she fixes up and sells the bait shop she inherited. Yet the longer she is in town, where she spent her summers growing up, the more she wonders if she wants to leave. It’s not long before Maren is seamlessly fitting into Joe’s family and life.

Maren’s oldest brother is used to taking care of everyone, even his best friend. He doesn’t realize how much he is hurting his sister when he warns her away from Josiah. As the story progresses, it becomes clear he treats Maren as a child still even though she’s in her 30s. He talks down to her and diminishes her accomplishments. Once Joe’s eyes are opened to this dynamic he cannot help but show his true emotions in front of everyone. As much as he wants to stand up for Maren, Joe understands she needs to stand up for herself.

I absolutely loved this story. I won’t say I read it in one sitting because I had laundry to do, but I read it in one day.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
🌶️🌶️ (1.5/5)

This book was like jumping in cool water on a blazing hot, summer day: refreshing. I absolutely loved this one! This was my first Erin Hahn read and I absolutely fell in love with the way she writes.

I loved Maren as the FMC. I’ve never read a book about fishing and I’m glad it was this one. Hats off to Erin Hahn for creating a FMC who works in a male dominated field. And Joe, wow. What an amazing dad and all around great guy. The two complimented each other so well.

Would’ve liked to have more moments with Maren’s other brothers.. could’ve sworn she said she had three but we really only get snippets of Liam, her oldest one. I’m not sure I really liked him but whatever, this book isn’t about him.

I will absolutely be reading more from this author.

CATCH AND KEEP - Erin Hahn

GREAT CHARACTERS! - 5 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Maren Laughlin has turned down a marriage proposal and returned to her childhood home in Wisconsin to accept an inheritance: a decrepit bait shop. She’s ready to start making her own moves, although her family thinks she’s making the wrong ones. Josiah Cole has made some mistakes in his life, but he’s happy with his job as manager of his family's lodge, plus his two awesome (but challenging) kids. He loves having Maren around. She’s a breath of fresh air, his kids adore her, 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.

Writing - 4.5 stars - I was totally caught up in this romance from the very first page. It's easy to read, with characters that I could relate to. The descriptions were so clear that I could picture the settings and the people very well. This is a new-to-me author that I will definitely revisit.

Characters - 5 stars - Maren is a strong, capable woman (I loved how she related to Lucy, the autistic child), but sometimes the people around her treat her like the child she used to be rather than a grown woman. But she doesn't hold a grudge about it and doesn't spend too much time worrying about it, simply making decisions on her own and moving forward. She's attracted to Joe, and she's taking steps to let him know. Joe, for his part, is a great (but overwhelmed) dad, and I loved watching him care for his kids.

Title - 4.5 stars - The fishing reference is expected because of Maren's love for fishing and her job of running charters. And the fact that they "keep" rather than "release" tells us that the romance will be successful.

Cover - 4 stars - I'm not a huge fan of the cartoon-y covers that are the latest trend, but this one makes sense, and the colors are bright and draw the eye. Very nice.

Overall - 5 stars - This is everything that I want a romance to be. The characters are personable and approachable--definitely people that I'd love to hang around with. The interactions between the main characters, but also expanding to include Joe's parents, Joe's kids, and her celebrity friends, add humor and caring to the relationships. The setting is beautiful, the potential difficulties make sense, and the HEA was inevitable and very satisfying. This is a new-to-me author, and I will definitely look for more from her.

Unfortunately, Ms. Hahn has been unable to capture the same fiery chemistry from book 1. This is one series or romances that has not excited me passed the first one.

I adored this book and the found family trope. The romance was spicy. The characters were likable. The representation of a neuro divergent child was wonderful and the landscape of the north woods of Wisconsin was captured beautifully. That’s where I spend my summers and this book felt like a big welcome back hug. Would 10/10 recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

good romance and loved how they found love and each other. They survived their trials and found their way back to each other. another great romance.

Overall enjoyed this one! I’m a pretty big fan of Erin Hahn’s books, so I was excited to read this one! I’m not a huge fan of the romanization of the military though

I really enjoyed this fun, brother's best friend, single dad romance. Erin Hahn has quickly become one of my favorite authors. This one had it all--great characters, great writing, solid conflict and all the feels. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I absolutely loved the connection between Joe and Maren. The author does a great job of making you feel like these characters could be friends or family. She also does such a great job describing the setting that it almost feels like it's a character in the story. I highly recommend this heartwarming romance. Huge thanks to St. Martin Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this story.

Maren returns to her childhood roots after her ex steals a promotion from her and proposes in shocking fashion. While living at the resort her family used to vacation at, Maren grows close to her older brother’s best friend and his two kids.

Catch & Keep is book 3 in this universe. It can be read as a standalone.

I loved this one! I really enjoyed Lorelai & Craig’s story in book 2, but this one really kicked it up a notch. Maren and Joe’s love story was perfect for them, and the way that Joe’s kids Lucy and Anders fit in with it was so beautiful.

The lake resort setting was great. It felt like its own little world and the world building of it worked well. Maren being an ace fisherman was a fun set up that was really unique.

I thought the commentary on having a public persona was really interesting too. I was so glad to see Maren finally stand up for herself and set the record straight on how not okay the behavior of some of her “fans” was.

This wasn't a second-chance romance or a friends-to-lovers trope... it was more like childhood crush gets reintroduced to best friend's sister...
Maren walks away from her boyfriend's proposal and returns to her childhood stomping grounds to inherit a decrepit bait shack. Her love of fishing is what brought her to a job as a park ranger but through the years, she has lost her spark. Maren’s journey of personal reinvention felt bold and empowering, and I admired her for taking control of her future.

Everyone thinks Maren is making a huge mistake, except for Josiah, Maren's brother's best friend. The romance between Maren and Josiah was natural and heartfelt, with their easy connection standing out from typical love stories as it involved their shared childhood memories and Josiah's daughter whose mom is not in the picture.

This book was about embracing change, taking risks, and finding the right people to support you.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Griffin for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion

*Catch and Keep* by Erin Hahn is a delightful small-town romance that brings together heart and charm. Maren returns to her hometown after a broken engagement and reconnects with Joe, her brother’s childhood friend and now a single dad. Their slow-burn romance is filled with sweet moments, and when the chemistry finally kicks in, it’s worth the wait.

The book isn’t just about romance though—it’s about finding yourself and navigating the complexities of family life. The lakeside setting adds a cozy, inviting feel that makes the story even more enjoyable.

Overall, *Catch and Keep* is a heartfelt, enjoyable read that blends relatable characters with a touching, slow-burn love story. A solid four stars!

Thanks for the advanced review copy.

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn is a heartwarming, emotional, older brother’s best friend, single dad, friends-to-lovers romance. Maren Laughlin had her life turned upside down. Her boyfriend received the promotion she wanted and he decided on a very public proposal; her worst nightmare. She quickly escapes to the one place that brings her peace and a chance to be alone: Northern Wisconsin; where she spent summer with her family. It is there she runs into Josiah Cole, her brother’s best friend and single dad whose life has also had its bumps. Joe finished his military career and is running the resort his parents have owned as well as being the full time parent to his two children, the younger being autistic. Joe and Maren together fit like puzzle pieces. She’s the outdoors fishing expert and he’s part-time bartender and maintenance guy and together they make the family resort a place to relax and enjoy. As the two work overcoming their pasts and figure out how to handle the new chapters in their life, they must figure out if a future together is in the cards.

Joe’s adorable children added so many additional layers to the story, making me fall in love with them just as much as Maren found herself falling for them too. I also enjoyed the support and banter between Maren and her friends during the few text messages where they discuss their life and relationships. Though this book is not listed as a series this book takes place after Maren’s best friends’ stories: Built to Last and Friends Don’t Fall in Love. To avoid spoilers I would recommend reading those rom coms first.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress

Catch & Keep is one of the most perfect romantic comedies I’ve read this year. I loved the two books that preceded this one, with Shelby and Lorelei’s stories, and this one wraps everything up so beautifully. You don’t have to read the other books first, because the backstory is completely explained and doesn’t make you feel lost or like you missed something , but why wouldn’t you want to read those first? Maren and Joe have such fantastic, spicy chemistry and they are so mature, real, and relatable, I want to be a part of their family or friend group. I loved being able to see what the other couples are up to as well. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Maren and how seamlessly she fit in with Joe and the kids. Maren has known Joe all her life since he’s her older brother’s best friend but this is the first time she’s getting to know this Joe- the single dad, business owner and former marine. The bond Maren forms with each of Joe’s kids is truly special and unique because she took the time to know them and didn’t try to impose herself on them making Joe fall for her even harder. I like how they just seemed to start in the middle and it was like they had always been together even though they hadn’t.


I’ve read Maren’s best friend Shelby’s book ( Built to Last) but I need to go back and read Lorelei’s book (Friends Don’t Fall in Love) because these three are great friends and super supportive of each other especially when one is having a crisis moment.


Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

This book really felt like a Hallmark Movie and I kinda hope they make it into one one day. It was super cute! I related to Maren's character so much, and I think there should be more single dad's in books! I also love that Erin Hahn included disabilities and really focused on making that character lovable and it just added more to their depth. I loved this and found myself wanting to read more and more. I also loved the setting and really felt like I was back in Wisconsin, with its thousand lakes. I will definately be looking for more Erin Hahn novels!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Maren and Joe. They have known each other for all their lives. Joe is Maren’s brother best friend. Mare turns down her boyfriend’s surprise proposal. She leaves everything to go back to the fishing town which feels like home. One of the first people she runs into is Joe and his kids. Maren had inherited a bait shop and an apartment. It was a mess but she was fixing it up. Joe and his family run a resort. His parents ask Maren while she is here to be a fishing guide for the resort, she says yes. Maren and Joe start dating and fall in love.

I didn’t think this series could get any better but this story (Book 3) is the cherry on top of a perfect series. Maren and Jo are epic. I loved them. I loved that their past wasn’t this creepy twisted thing but a beautiful, beautiful way to explain their interwoven family-friends dynamic and how her YouTube channel wasn’t something he lusted after, but used to remind him of home. The glimpses of characters from books 1+2 was cute but explained enough that this could be read as a total standalone novel.

It’s 300-ish pages and I could not get enough of the audiobook. Buy now, library request, do all the things and read this book.

3.75 ⭐️

the romance in this book was so sweet and soft. i love how attentive and in tune maren and joe were with each other. i could feel their pure love and true care. the trust and chemistry came easy for them.

my favorite part of the book was joe’s children. it truly warmed my heart to read how he felt about anders and lucy. the way maren became a comfort and safe space for them almost immediately tugged at all my heart strings. (kiley on the other hand is forever on my shit list.)
i loved the autism representation in this book. i can’t stress enough how important it is to have these stories.

i am a sucker for a midwest setting! i loved this town and the whole outdoorsy vibe— it made me feel right at home.

liam’s character kind of tainted my reading experience. i just can’t get over how mean he was to maren. he belittled her all the time and had no respect for her. the way he was nice to everyone except her just makes me angry. he might be the worst fictional brother ever. reading him almost hurt my own feelings. i can’t get past it.

overall, there were a lot of things i loved about this story. the pros def outweigh the cons!

I absolutely adored this book. I laughed, I swooned, I cried. Ugh, so good.

And that's coming from someone that doesn't like single parent tropes because I would rather not have kids in my books but THESE KIDS???? These kids are perfect.

All the stars. I loved it. Maren and Joe are everything. I need more 30-40 something year old main characters, because the maturity is just top notch.

I received this as an e-arc from NetGalley and bought the audio version on my own. Audio was SUPERB. So good.