I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Of the 3 books in this series of best friends Shelby, Lorelai, and Maren, I really enjoyed Catch and Keep as much as Shelby's book - more so than Lorelai's book. What a fresh take on contemporary romance.

Maren grew up going to the fishing resort in Wisconsin, and her brother Liam's friend Josiah Cole's family own the resort. Maren takes a leave of absence from her park ranger job after losing a promotion to her soon to be ex-boyfriend Shane, who applied behind her back. He then proposes to her, and she responds by throwing up on him.

Maren used to have a YouTube channel that became popular called musky Maren- musky being a kind of fish. She'd go fishing and show how she catches her fish. Unfortunately, that also came with some creepy male fans. Maren was left a fishing cabin and bait shop by the man who taught her how to fish. She decides to fix it up to sell. Joe's parents offer for her to stay in one of their finished cabins because the cabin needs a lot of work. Maren and Joe hit it off again as friends or something more.

Joe's 2 kids from his 1st marriage are his responsibility, but Maren steps up to help. Anders is 8, and Lucy is 4. Lucy is autistic and it's a lot for a single dad to handle on his own, as his ex Kiley left when they got the diagnosis. I absolutely hated Kiley. She didn't even make an effort to understand her daughter and autism. At one point, she accused Joe of pandering to a 4 year old. Some people should not have kids. She also had a problem with her 8 year old son favoring more feminine colors and wearing nail polish. Kiley comes off as a Maga moron. In contrast, Maren really falls for Joe's kids and for Joe.

The romance is steamy once they get there, about halfway through the book. The pacing was good, and the 3rd act doesn't have a breakup, although the conflict comes from her brother finding out about their secret relationship. Only secret because of the kids and seeing where things go, as Maren tries to figure out the next step in her career. The drama with the creepy guy is a decent subplot. Joe is a great book boyfriend. And we get to see the other 2 couples from the previous books. This book can be read as a standalone. 4/5 ☆ out October 15, 2024.

This was my second favorite Erin Hahn book! I really enjoyed the premise and second chance romance. The writing was easy to follow and I needed this kind of contemporary in my life.

This was a really heartwarming story. I loved the underlying message that it's never too late to make a change/follow your happy. The brother’s best friend, single dad, and friends to lovers tropes were done well and I was rooting for Maren and Joe to find their happiness.

It took me a bit to get invested in the story and readers might not get the best first impression of Maren. As the details of her past are revealed though, her decisions and actions make more sense and I loved seeing her grow and come into her own. Joe’s kids, Anders and Lucy, were adorable and I really appreciated that Erin Hahn didn’t shy away from the tougher parenting moments. It was Rogers though that stole the show ;)

I liked that the majority of the drama was external to Maren and Joe and I would consider this a romance without a third act break up (or maybe third act drama lite). There are some heartbreaking coparenting/ex issues, as well as uncomfortable moments with a previous admirer though, so please check CW’s. It’s been wonderful to see this friend group/found family grow, fall in love, and get their happily ever afters. The epilogue left my heart so happy and full.

CW: panic attacks, anxiety, manipulative ex, gaslighting, grief, death of loved one (past), autism spectrum disorder, stalker, an admirer has inappropriate/uncomfortable conversations with the FMC, strained/dysfunctional relationship with ex & co-parent

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

Catch and Keep is author Erin Hahn's latest interconnected standalone, this time following Shelby and Lorelai's best friend, Maren, and her brother's best friend, Josiah "Joe." Told in dual points of view, this book was chock full of compelling language that had me completely drawn in from the start. To put it simply, I was hooked from the very first sentence.

CW: Stalkers, PTSD, Panic Attacks

Ooooh Erin Hahn, you have done it again.
I absolutely loved this book, I loathed having to put it down.
Joe and Maren were so sweet, but for me Maren's relationship with Lucy really stole the show. The strong female friendship in this series is impeccable.
I cannot wait to read more books from you in the future.🥰

Maren is 34 years old, a park ranger, she just puked on her ex's shoes after a marriage proposal, and now she's essentially "running away" from it all to the place that brings her comfort. She's headed to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, her favorite place in the world, to accept an inheritance from an old fishing buddy and try to get her life on track.

Josiah Cole, aka Jo, is the best friend of Maren's older brother Liam. He's an ex-Marine, a resort owner/manager and a single dad of 2. His son, Anders, has an eccentric spark and a sweet spirit, and the boy loves to fish. His daughter Lucy is autistic, and the way it was portrayed in this book was exceptional. Joe is such an amazing dad that accepts his children the way any parent should and his love is truly unconditional.

The relationship between the two MC's, who are both in their 30's, was portrayed in a way that was extremely realistic. There was no over the top, unbelievable romance or third act breakup, which was a nice change of pace from so many other romance novels. Everything was real and I could feel the relationships beaming off the pages between not only the MC's, but also the side characters. I'm not the biggest fan of children playing big parts in books, but this is one where it was perfection and they actually added to the storyline. All of the character development was beautiful, the love was believable, and I enjoyed everything about this book.

Catch and Keep is the perfect romance novel for all the lake loving girls out there, and I really wish that I would've taken this book out on the boat to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the story, Maren's fishing background, and how everything was centered around a cozy lake front resort. I'm no fishing expert, nor do I even bait my own hook, but I feel like I could catch a musky with Maren now.

I didn't even realize that this was book 3 in a standalone series, so now I must go back and read the first two. I'm so happy to have found a great new to me author!
Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Catch & Keep is a very cute, low-stakes second chance romance. The characters were loveable and quite relatable, with decent autism representation. Never once was I worried or scared that the FMC and MMC wouldn't be together. The lack of a third act breakup was a refreshing change from the typical script of books in this particular genre.

It's a super quick read and super enjoyable!

Single dad romance set in a picturesque holiday spot? I'm in from the start! Thankfully Erin Hahn's Catch and Keep lived up to my expectations. I liked the characters, rooted for them, and believed their romance. I loved and loved-to-hate the side characters (you'll know who I hated when you read it!) as befit each. The steam was great and overall I just really enjoyed this romcom.

God I just loved everything about this. This is the kind of swoony, fresh, heartfelt romance I love to read. You've got a setting that is practically a character in and of itself, you've got the amazing Cole family and the adorable Anders and Lucy, lovable Rogers (I always want a cute animal sidekick), appearances from Shelby & Cameron and Lorelai & Craig, and of course, Maren and Joe. Watching them come together was such a pleasure and I just felt constantly warm and content. And seeing them get to be a family was my absolute favorite part. (Maren absolutely decimating her creepy stalker guy was a very close second.)

(I might still punch Liam in the face though, because I do not forgive him for that shit. And with Kiley it is absolutely on sight.)

Truly though, what a way to round out this interconnected-standalone-trilogy. I know Hahn has said she's done with adult romance for now, but I really do hope she goes back some day because her adult romances just hit different. 10/10, would definitely recommend

I loved everything about his book. The characters were relatable and loveable, the passion was authentic and touching. The story was an incredible journey of rebuilding your life from the ashes and finding yourself. Maren needed to return to the place she loved so much to discover where she was always meant to be. Erin Hahn is an incredible writer and I look forward to reading the books of the other characters in this book in the future. I'm posting my full review on her release date in October on @mimigunnbooks.

I really enjoyed Maren and Joe’s story! The prologue was such a great set up for the rest of the story. This book was a perfect mix of serious, romantic and fun. While Maren and Joe are the stars of the show, Anders and Lucy were such important characters and I loved them. I also enjoyed the representation in this book. I came out of it feeling like I learned something.

I still dislike Liam but what can you do. I also appreciate there was no third act break up in this. The plot moved so smoothly and I enjoyed every page. I’ve read Shelby’s and Lorelai’s books and it was great to see the group back together again. Each story, while intertwined, stands completely on its own.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a good book!

"So Hallmark got it wrong, clearly, because nowhere in their many, many iterations of romance does the put together best friend unravel in the midst of a very public proposal from her boyfriend of a year after he steals her work promotion out from under her."

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Erin Hahn can do no wrong in this reviewer's eyes.

Her spirit and spunk shine brightly through her characters' voices. Hahn doesn't need to write lyrical prose or use fancy language to craft a story. On the contrary, her words and thoughts are written plainly enough to seem as if I'm reading the thoughts of a friend or neighbor. They're the words of someone whose language you speak and someone whose experiences are your own. If you haven't read an Erin Hahn book, you're missing out on some exceptional romance novels.

Erin - if you ever read this, I'd love to be your friend. I can offer lots of laughs, self-deprecating memes and reels, and sarcasm. Call me.

"It's as easy as breathing, being with Joe."

There are a few things you'll be guaranteed when cracking an Erin Hahn cover:

Romance

Epic Music References

Found Family

Bad Ass Women

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

"Catch and Keep" is third in a same world-stand alone series about three best friends. There's no need to have read the previous two books "Built to Last" and "Friends Don't Fall In Love", but it also wouldn't hurt to know that they are exceptional. I've reviewed them both for the LitBuzz so you can find my glowing reviews on the site. I specifically recommend the audio for Friends so that you can hear Huck's sexy song to Lorelai. It's WORTH IT.

SHANE PROPOSED. I VOMITED. PEACED OUT TO WISCONSIN. TALK TO YOU SOON.

Maren, after being proposed to in a very public and unwanted manner, hurls her guts up and runs away. Girl, I can sympathize. Fight or flight is real, and flight is my jam. Maren escapes up to her fishing cabin in the Northwoods to collect herself, get some perspective, and get back to basics. She gets more than she bargained for, though, in all the best ways.

Final Thoughts

Like I said, Erin Hahn can do no wrong in my eyes. I will buy anything she chooses to release, brag about it, and cajole you into reading it until you, too, are a diehard fan. Her books are easy to get lost in, but even easier to feel seen in. Come for the romance, stay for the strong women, the men who love them, and the excellent music. Welcome to the Erin Hahn Fan Club.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC!!

This small town romance has a lot of the tropes rom com readers will love: war hero turned single dad, older brother’s best friend, found family, cute kids, and a different type of FMC. There is also amazing autism rep done really well in 4 yr old Lucy. The relationship between Maren and the children was probably my favorite part though, particularly matched against the treatment from their birth mother. Joe is sweet and kind and funny and protective.

Maren is a pageant queen turned outdoorsy state park worker who excels at fishing. She grew up at the rural lake resort owned by Joe’s family. When he boyfriend tries to publicly propose, she realizes she borderline can’t stand him and flees to the resort in her heart. She has been left a rundown bait shop and apartment by Fost, the kind old man who taught her to fish as a little girl. While she rebuilds her life and her heart, she and Joe embark on an unexpected friendship turned romance. But Maren also has to grapple with how her older brother Liam warns her to not get involved with his best friend, Joe. Joe is a former marine who now runs the day to day of the resort while raising his sweet and quirky children, Anders and Lucy, after his ex-wife left in the wake of Lucy’s ASD diagnosis. It’s sweet to watch Joe and Maren fall in love, even if the spice feels a little rushed to me. I did enjoy the spice though. It was sweet and refreshing not to read any of the usual spicy talk between them. This was an easy, one sitting read that was exactly the warm and fuzzy story I needed.

I didn’t think that I would like a fishing romance and yet I found myself enjoying this book. Although it's a typical romance with your best friend’s brother it has some added elements that’s not always associated with this trope.

The beginning of this story was slow, however the depth and heart really shows in the middle of this book. The characters’ development was realistic and admirable. They don’t have the traditional love story, but it's beautiful.

I normally get annoyed with kids being in books, they’re either too exaggerated or annoying. Thankfully, Josiah’s kids were enjoyable and I love how much they adored Maren.

Overall, it was a great read and perfect for those who love fall Hallmark movies.

Thank You To NetGalley, Erin Hahn, and St. Martin's Press/Griffin for the eArc of this book. All opinions are my own.

The story of Maren and Josiah was so sweet and lovely. Maren returns to her family’s vacation destination after her life goes off track. She’s inherited a bait shop and apartment from an old friend and she sets to renovating it and her newly single self. Josiah has returned home to run the family campground. He’s a single dad and Maren’s brother’s best friend. I appreciated the slow-ish burn timeline of this book.
Maren and Josiah’s connection felt real and tender. The single dad, brother’s best friend tropes were done really well. The communication between the two characters was open and honest. The family, friends and side stories happening around the MCs were perfect for creating the backstory, filling in the gaps and moving the story along. Difficult subject matters like divorce and neurodivergence were handled with care.
Would recommend!

Catch and Keep is a dual POV brothers best friend romance. Maren has just walked away from a proposal and her job to return to Wisconsin where all that waits for her is a falling down bait shop she inherited. Her family, especially her older brother, think she’s making a mistake, but she finds an ally in her brother’s best friend, single dad Joe.

I couldn’t put this book down! I loved Maren and Joe, I really liked how their relationship developed so effortlessly, that they just fit together. I loved Maren’s interactions with Joe’s kids, and the cast of side characters. I’ve added Erin Hahn’s other adult romances to my TBR already!

Read dates: 09/03/2024 - 09/04/2024
Goodreads review: 09/04/2024
Instagram review: 09/05/2024
Blog review: 10/15/2024

This books is everything a romcom should be!

We have:
-single dad
-childhood friends-to-lovers
-brother's best friend
-found family
-sweet dog companion

When Maren rejects her boyfriend's proposal (in an unfortunate, but hilarious, puking incident), she needs to get away for a while. She ends up returning to a lakeside town in Northern Wisconsin, where she grew up, to repair a waterfront bait shop / apartment that was left to her. Josiah Cole helps his parents run the local resort, while raising his two kids alone. Problem is, Joe is Maren's brother Liam's best friend, and Liam has explicitly told Maren to keep her distance. As Maren and Joe spend more time together, sparks begin to fly, and Liam's warning is left behind.

This book was cozy, sweet, and heartwarming. Joe's kids are literally the SWEETEST kids I've ever read about, I can see how Maren fell in love with them. Our FMC, Maren, has a heart of gold, too. I loved the maturity these characters displayed, which I think was really important, as they are both in their thirties. They are mature, they communicate with each other (no miscommunication trope here!), and work through things as a team. I loved how Maren began integrating into Joe's life, first as a friend, which helped build their relationship.

There are some cameos from characters in other books by this author, though it isn't part of a series. Just something to take note of, you may enjoy this even more if you have read her other books: Built to Last, and Friends Don't Fall in Love.

I absolutely adored this, and didn't want it to end. I highly recommend picking up Catch and Keep when it releases October 15, 2024.

Thank you St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded down. This book was good, but I have to say I preferred Erin Hahn’s YA reads that I’ve finished. It still has the same wit and the attitude of “you better look at the hard things right in the eyes and deal with them,” which I loved, but as a personal preference, I don’t like books with adult language or sex scenes.

I did really love the singles dad trope after not having read it in forever- super cute! I definitely enjoyed all of the characters from the MC’s, to their parents, to their friends. Everyone felt very real which makes the escapism of reading that much better.

All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who’s looking for something almost hallmarky. Quick and easy to get through, fun, and sweet.

I really enjoyed this small-town, friends-to-lovers, brother's best friend romance. Maren and Josiah were both well-developed characters with surprising depth to both their individual stories and their interactions, which helped their love story feel both authentic and rewarding. I loved the unique perspective of Maren's profession/passion — I've not yet read a romance book about a female fisherman!

I have not read the first two in this interconnected series but was still able to follow and enjoy the story!