I found this book to be entertaining and give it 3.75 stars. It starts off with the main character, Maren Laughlin, being proposed to by her boyfriend who has just secretly applied for and won the promotion of park ranger that Maren had tried to get. The secrecy of going for the same job, along with the very public proposal, was too much for Maren and she hightails it out of the state after vomiting on her boyfriend during his proposal. She goes to a cabin in Wisconsin that has been left to her and proceeds to put it together. Maren had grown up spending many summers with the cabin owner and had learned many fishing skills from him. She proceeds to fix up the cabin, give guided fishing tours and along the way care very much for her older brother's best friend who is living in the same town with two young children. One of these children is autistic and the author does a very good job at explaining with great accuracy the gentleness and patience required of the dad, Joe. Maren is able to fit right in and the kids develop a deep bond with her. I won't spoil the story, but it is a romance. It can be a bit steamier than what I prefer, but the story is good. The older brother, Liam, can be very annoying in his treatment of Maren, thus I knocked off 0.25 stars. But the portrayal of the kids, the divorced dad and the family coming together definitely made it worthwhile.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press. It is an enjoyable and fairly quick romance read.

This was a cozy slow burn featuring the brother’s best friend trope (done right), and single dad trope. What I loved about this romance was that both the characters were in their 30s. It was so refreshing to have this age group included in a romance, as I’m so used to most characters being in their 20s.

The FMC, Maren, had left the tiny little fishing resort town she grew up in to pursue life as a Park Ranger. When her boyfriend got a promotion job over her, unbeknownst to her that he even applied, she takes off on a sabbatical home to catch a break and think things over. She decided to work on renovating an old friend’s bait shop and apartment he left for her in his will.

Maren reunites with the MMC, Joe, her brother’s best friend, who now manages the resort. Joe and Maren were never close growing up, so this was a sweet story full of tension and relationship building. Maren, Joe and his two children worked to get to know each other through renovations, fishing, the resort and pizza dinners. Maren even got back to her roots taking side gigs as a fishing guide at the resort, and Joe found some relief to befriend a woman who his kids adore.

My only complaint about the book was the inclusion of B. Callahan (he wasn’t really necessary for the story or the plot line). Callahan is a local, yet creepy, fan of Maren’s from when she had a fishing YouTube channel. His entire character really was just added garble in the story and didn’t add a layer of suspense, as I initially thought his character would.

Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the copy to read and review.

Really enjoyed this one. Having read the previous 2 books in the series, I was really looking forward to exploring Maren’s story. Loved all the characters we got to know in this story. Can’t wait to read more from this author!

I don't know if I could love Maren and Joe more. This book was so incredibly charming while still feeling raw and honest. Maren is a park ranger, formerly a well-known fishing enthusiast with a YouTube channel. At a crossroads, she heads to Wisconsin to tie up loose ends at the cabin/bait shop she inherited from a family friend/elderly fishing buddy. From there, she reconnects with Joe, her brother's childhood best friend. Joe is a veteran, a single father of two and just doing his best to keep it all together as he tries to take over his family's resort business. Hahn's characters area beyond real; they are the first ones to point out their own flaws and issues and it just so happens that Maren and Joe perfectly fill the missing holes in one another's life. As someone who grew up fishing, I truly appreciated the Wisconsin setting and the details about lakes, fishing tourism, seasonal resorts and just the outdoor elements in general. These characters aren't afraid of getting dirty in all areas of life; there's great representation of autism (Joe's daughter is on the spectrum) and retired military. I didn't realize this book was the third in a three-book series and now I'm ready to go back and read the other two.

A fun, feel good book with a little spice to keep it interesting. I liked the obstacles they faced as a couple, but I loved that the problems weren’t unrealistic like so many other books.

Catch & Keep is a solid, delightful, perfect brother's best friend/ friends to lovers/ single dad romance. No unnecessary drama, no third act break ups, just two people trying their best to do this relationship right.

I could gush about Joe and Maren, their chemistry, their open and honest conversations. But what I really want to gush about is Maren's relationship with Joe's kids. It's beautiful, heartfelt, and hilarious at times. When Joe tries to do it all himself as a single dad, Maren sees a need and steps in to help, not as a way to elicit feelings from Joe, but because she genuinely cares about those kiddos.

Joe and Maren make an incredible team from the moment they see each other for the first time in a decade on that beach in front of the bait shop. And a little meddling from moms and best friends never hurt anyone.

Catch & Keep is out October 15! You'll want this one for a cozy, fall read (and then again for the beach next summer 🤷🏼‍♀️).

This book is quite literally, a breath of fresh air. Set against the beautiful setting of the Northwoods in Wisconsin. This book had me wanting to grab a fishing pole and settle back beneath a canopy of pine trees. I don’t even fish but I may just throw a line or two into a lake soon!

This is book 3 of a series involving 3 friends: Shelby, Loralei and Maren. This is Maren's story. I had not read the previous two books but picked up Loralei's audiobook and the narrator made it impossible for me to continue it. I will probably go back to those stories and read the physical books because Catch and Keep is written in such a smart yet emotional way that it makes me want to read more by Erin Hahn. When a narrator isn't the right fit for a listener it can take a person out the story fast.
That said, I loved Joe and Maren's story. There was depth of feeling, a past that they both had to resolve emotionally and the trope of the brother's best friend catching feelings for the little sister. There are some side characters in the form of two little kids that melt my heart.
Even better is the found family feeling.
There is a lot of history, a lot of chemistry and a whole lot of spice.
But the emotional threads weaved throughout the story is the reason that I got all the feels.
Excellent book that I will look forward to seeing how the audiobook version sounds like.
Thank you for the advance copy to the author Erin Hahn, NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Griffin

I absolutely adored this book! It was such a cute feel good cozy romance read! I really like the single dad trope, but this book took it to another level. Joe has two kids, one of which is autistic. How he takes care of her when she get upset sealed my love for him as our MMC. This book represented how women are treated in the public eye, as well as how some parents give up or ignore when their child is different from others. The romance was slow burn, which I personally love, and the spice was perfect. Not too much, not too little. I also love how there is a dog that plays a big part in the story. I love the fishing aspect, as I seem to connect with Maren when it comes to being a more outdoorsy person.
All in all this book stole my heart, and I believe it is one of my favorite romance reads of the year.

This was such a cute read. The perfect beach read. Maren and Joes story was so well done, I read this in one sitting.

this was such a cute book. the lake vibes make it perfect to read during the summertime. i absolutely loved the banter between Maren and Joe. the last few chapters of this book was what really got me. i loved seeing Maren interact with Joe’s two kids, who are absolutely adorable by the way.

thank you netgally for this arc!

In the series that follows each friend find their happily ever after, the story of Maren and Joe was my favorite. Maren returns home to northern Wisconsin after her boyfriend stole a promotion from under her and publicly proposed to her. Fleeing all of that, Maren reconnects with her brother’s friend and his family, while slowly falling in love. This story was generally sweeter and more about both Maren and Joe needing to give into their feelings after their individual pasts. Joe’s kids added a sweet touch to the story and including an autistic child meant this wasn’t a cookie cutter story.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the arc.

Lovely and tender. My favorite of this trio of adult contemporary romances by the author. Setting was beautiful and the descriptions drew me in and kept me in Northwoods after the last page. I do prefer Erin Hahn’s YA books - they feel more authentic, while this was a little trope-y. Brother’s best friend and single dad romance, and I thought the kids were the most well-developed characters. I also appreciated how the daughter’s neurodivergence was described and incorporated into the storyline.

Certain challenges were solved a bit too swiftly and easily, but it was a cute, quick read that I’d recommend as a beach (or perhaps lake) read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Absolutely LOVED this book. I read it in just a few hours. We've met Maren in previous books but this can be read as a standalone. (although you should read the others anyway!) She's such a strong character. The chemistry between her and Joe jumps off the page. I loved how the kids were portrayed. I loved how Maren stood up to Joe's ex. I loved loved loved how Joe stood up to his best friend/Maren's brother, who was a such a jerk to Maren for most of the story. I loved how she stood up to her obsessive fan. All the side characters were fantastic. And no third act breakup! What a relief! I wish more authors would choose that route. This is an October release which is kind of a shame as it's a perfect beach read.

The cover says it all. I just found this story adorable and straight from the heart. I loved that even when people told them to stay away from each other, they didn't. I loved that they were silly and romantic when it came to connecting, and I loved that Maren loved Josiah children.
I loved that Maren knew what she didn't want and stuck to it and she stuck to her plan until she knew what she wanted to do. I loved the dog Roger, who doesn't love a dog that just is silly and fun. I loved that Josiah stuck by Maren when someone from her past try to harsh her, I wish that happen in real life.
I loved that the families knew each other and try to help Maren and Josiah get together. I loved that Maren is portrayed as someone who knows her stuff and that everyone listens to her. I loved Maren friend's that help her out and encourage her to get involved with Josiah. What nice friends.
I loved that there are serious moments and moments that made me laugh out loud, but I really like that there wasn't any scary moments or tragic parts, it made it easy to fall in love with the story. I did like the love making parts and goofy part of the relationship, it was plain fun, and what a great romance novel.

I want to thank St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an advance copy of this romantic story that made me happy.

This was a fun Romance! I loved the setting, out in nature, and the characters in the story. I liked that Maren was a strong and independent woman, while also being caring and nurturing. I liked that Maren and Joe supported each other and stood up for each other.
I would definitely read this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. Due out in October.

I have really enjoyed every book in these interconnected stand alone novels featuring the three friends who love each other like sisters. In the other two we got to know a former child/teen star turned homemaker over star, a country music star, and now we get to know Maren-a former YouTuber known for her fishing prowess. Seriously, how unexpected is that? A woman who is known for her superior fishing skills?! Awesome. Love it. And even more than that, I love that her love interest is someone she's known forever, has crushed on forever, and is divorced and available. I even love how she ends up there--not the terrible former boyfriend part, but the part that sends her running home to her favorite place...the place that her dreams were really made of. So we have Maren, this super smart, super pretty, and super wonderful woman and we have Joe--her brother's best friend, divorced father to two awesome kids, and also wonderful human being. What a pair!

I loved their story because it was filled with so much kindness. She needs the kindness of him and his family to help her find her footing after leaving a great job and a less than great boyfriend. He needs her kindness to help him with the chaos of single parent life. They both instinctually know how to help each other and care for each other and love each other. Because they've known each other for so long, they're getting to know each other as adults and while there are definitely obstacles to them reaching their HEA, there are more good moments than bad. (I'll just say, thank god Joe finally said something to her brother because that guy was THE WORST for a good portion of the book).

Loved the romance and their story, loved the autism representation, loved the cameos by her friends, and really, just loved the whole thing. Sign me up for the next Erin Hahn book, I'm ready!

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

"Catch and Keep" by Erin Hahn is a delightful gem of a romance novel that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. There’s so much to love about this book!!!

What I Loved:

- Cozy, Comforting, Lovely Romance: Joe and Maren’s love story is wonderfully cozy and heartwarming. The way their relationship unfolds over the holidays feels natural and comforting, making it a perfect read for any season.

- Healthy and Realistic Romance Timeline: I truly appreciated the realistic pace at which Joe and Maren’s relationship developed. They took their time getting to know each other, which made their bond feel genuine and strong. It’s refreshing to see a romance where characters actually communicate and grow together.

- Inclusive Story: The representation in this book is fantastic. Lucy and Maren’s friendship is beautifully depicted, and Erin Hahn’s portrayal of autism is both accurate and respectful. It’s heartening to see such inclusivity in contemporary romance.

- Strong Communication: One of my favorite aspects of the book is the mature and open communication between Joe and Maren. There’s no unnecessary third-act breakup, just two people navigating their feelings and supporting each other through challenges. This was incredibly satisfying and refreshing.

- Character Dynamics: While Bryce, Liam, and Kiley definitely earned a spot on my "not-so-favorite" list, I loved how Joe defended Maren and how Maren stood by Joe. Their mutual support was a highlight of the book and added depth to their characters.

Minor Critiques:

- Slow Beginning: The story does start off a bit slow, but once it picks up, it’s hard to put down. The initial pacing might be a hurdle for some readers, but it’s worth pushing through.

- Unresolved Subplot: I was left wondering what happened to Bryce Callahan. His storyline felt a bit unresolved, which left me with lingering questions by the end of the book.

Overall, "Catch and Keep" is a beautifully written romance that excels in creating a cozy, inclusive, and realistic love story. Erin Hahn has crafted a tale that’s not only charming but also meaningful, with characters that feel real and relatable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming read!

Happy reading! 📚❤️

This was my first Erin Hahn read and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I did not realize it was part of a series, which usually wasn't a huge deal while I was reading but there were some times where I was wishing I knew a little bit more of the friendship back story. If possible, I would include the series in parentheses so readers know it is book "x" within the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the book and really loved the characters, especially Maren's bond with Anders and Lucy. I thought that all the supporting characters and their stories were really well developed and added to Maren and Joe's story. The only exception to this was Bryce. His story intro seemed very rushed in the beginning and then was forgotten about for a portion of the book and then felt rushed again at the end. I would've loved to see that developed out a bit more or taken out completely.

Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for the opportunity for early access to this book! This will be a perfect fall read once it is released in the fall. Super cozy, feel good, and heartwarming read.

"Catch and Keep" by Erin Hahn is a delightful romance that blends heartfelt emotion with charming characters. The story centers around two protagonists whose paths cross in unexpected ways, leading to a captivating journey of love, self-discovery, and second chances. Hahn's writing is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the nuanced world she has created.

The characters in "Catch and Keep" are well-developed and relatable, each with their own strengths, vulnerabilities, and growth arcs. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their romantic journey believable and compelling. Hahn's dialogue is sharp and witty, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

The novel shines in its exploration of themes such as forgiveness, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships. Hahn skillfully balances light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

However, while the plot is engaging and the characters endearing, some readers might find certain storylines a bit predictable. A few subplots could have been explored in more depth, adding further richness to the narrative.

Overall, "Catch and Keep" is a heartwarming and charming read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. Erin Hahn has crafted a lovely story that stays with you long after the final page. It's a perfect book to curl up with and lose yourself in the magic of love and second chances.