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.

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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!!

This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it! It was a quick yet slow burn read and such a cute friends to lovers book. I really liked all the characters, but fell in love with Joe, his children Lucy and Anders, and Maren and how their relationship progressed. The bond between Maren and Joe's children just made my heart melt. My family and I love to fish and with Autumn around the corner, this is the perfect book to set the mood for fall. I will defiantly read another book by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Erin Hahn for my advanced copy!

Erin Hahn's Catch and Keep, and her ability to write a romance that pulls at the heartstrings means loving a character whose passion couldn't be further away from mine if she tried. The book is the final one in a series about three friends finding love with someone from their past. The books are perhaps more enjoyable as read as part of the series, but can be read as standalones without losing anything important. With Maren and Joe in this book, Hahn perhaps saves the biggest challenges for romance for last. Maren is escaping her ex-boyfriend after he proposes (after going behind her back for a job she wanted) to the resort area she and her family spent summers visiting. Her older brother Liam is treating her like she's still a teenager, which makes things even more complicated when she reconnects with Josiah "Joe" Cole, Liam's best friend, and sparks immediately fly. Joe has his own challenges too - an ex-wife who's given him full custody of their two kids because she doesn't want to deal with them, especially Lucy, and a complex that because he spent time in the military he should allow his ex to do whatever she pleases. Lucy, his daughter, is autistic, which means an extra level of attention to make sure she's not overstimulated or limited in her exposure to things that make her uncomfortable. While it's definitely a challenge with two children for the two to find time to themselves to explore their growing relationship, Liam might be more of a challenge than both. Plus Maren's dealing with a borderline stalker from her days releasing fishing videos online and trying to figure out what she wants to do, since working for her ex is not an option. I love the romance in Hahn's books as always, but I'm also really impressed with the family dynamics in this one. She does a great job of not just exploring a single dad trying to be in a relationship, but how challenging it can be when a child takes more time and attention than most. She also does a great job of exploring a sibling that doesn't see their own sister as a grown-up and how detrimental that can be to a relationship. I spent most of the book intensely disliking Liam, btw. I'm sad to see this series end, but I'm interested to see what Hahn thinks up next! A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I found Erin Hahn a while back through Netgalley and was able to snag an ARC of Built to Last. I absolutely loved it and couldn’t wait to get the side characters’ love stories. So, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of Catch and Keep, and I am so glad that I did.

I feel like this one hit a lot of boxes for me that I am not used to seeing in romance books. For one, having the FMC be a gorgeous outdoorsy tomboy was brilliant. I know nothing about fishing but I cared about it in the book because she cared about it. The ex-Marines single dad who is actually super soft and not full of red flags, with an ex wife who bailed on them. My favorite, however, was the ASD representation in the daughter. I definitely do not see that very often, and I definitely am not used to seeing that treated with so much care.

I loved seeing the relationship between the two MCs grow, despite how hard the older brother tried to discourage it. I mean, he really sucked… I would not have forgiven him for everything he said, but I am glad that eventually the FMC was able to stand up for herself. I think the two MCs just work so well together, and the FMC paid attention from the very start to the little details that the family needed and how to help out, which was so great.

I cannot wait to read more of Erin Hahn’s works, I know I won’t be disappointed!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I have not read the books prior to this one. I felt like i had no issues understanding the storyline or what was going on without having read those. But i will be adding them to my TBR.
All i can say is Hello Northwoods of Wisconsin!! It didnt even matter what this book was about after it was basically set in my favorite backdrop. As a WI Gal, i couldnt help but love how she captured the beauty and magic of our northwoods. It really is that wonderful here!
The story was adorable and a cozy happy read. I realy enjoyed it.

Catch and Keep is a delightful surprise that effortlessly balances warmth, humor, and emotional depth. Erin Hahn’s storytelling brings together the perfect blend of found family, second chances, and slow-burn romance. As a first-time reader of Hahn, I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this story, but it quickly won me over.

Maren is a relatable and refreshing protagonist, embracing a new chapter in her life with determination. Her connection with Joe’s kids (one of whom is autistic) is beautifully written, adding layers of heart to their evolving relationship. I also appreciated Maren’s love for fishing and how it tied into her past—a small but meaningful detail that gave the story a comforting, nostalgic feel.

Joe is the perfect match for Maren—emotionally mature, devoted to his kids, and someone who understands the beauty of letting love unfold naturally. The found family dynamic with Joe’s kids and Maren’s dog, Rogers, adds a charming touch that made me smile throughout the book.

However, I did feel like the Bryce and stalker storyline was a bit out of touch with the rest of the book. It felt unnecessary and slightly jarring compared to the otherwise lighthearted and heartfelt tone.

Despite that minor critique, Catch and Keep is a romance that feels effortless yet grounded, leaving you rooting for Maren and Joe to find their happiness. If you’re a fan of small-town settings, single-dad romances, and a bit of fishing on the side, this is a perfect pick!

First off, any story with a dog already has me sold!


This book is so heartwarming and the representation of autism was perfected as well. I would definitely recommend reading if you love a single dad, brothers best friend book

This book was just what I needed to read. Romance with some hard issues but also lots of laughs.
We are finally getting Maren’s story and I was here for it. I have never been to Wisconsin but really am moving it up my list after reading this. Maren and Joe have known each other forever. Maren grew up visiting Joe’s family resort her entire life. Joe is her oldest brother’s best friend. Joe, divorced single dad of two, now owns and runs the family resort.
Watching their love story unfold was so heartwarming. The way these two fit into each other’s lives was just so good.
Getting glimpses at Shelby and Lorelei was an added benefit. I adore these ladies friendship and then reading along as Cameron and Huck bring Joe into the fold, yes please.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of response from St. Martin's Press for the racist, Islamophobic, and queerphobic comments made by one of their employees I cannot review this title.I tried holding off on sending this "review" to give SMP time to do the right thing in response to this boycott, but I can't have this continuing to hurt my feedback ratio when it's out of my control.