Catch and Keep

A Novel

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Pub Date Oct 15 2024 | Archive Date Oct 29 2024
St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin

Description

"A friends-to-lovers romance that’s magically both hot and wholesome. Cozy, sexy, and so very satisfying… this one’s a keeper." — Jen Devon, author of Right Where We Left Us

In Erin Hahn's latest cozy, swoony romance, Maren Laughlin has been fishing her whole life, but she’s finally ready to be caught.


At thirty-three, Maren Laughlin's just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal, walked away from her decade-long position as a park ranger, and returned to her childhood playground in Northern Wisconsin to accept her inheritance: a decrepit waterfront bait shop. After a lifetime of letting things happen to her, she’s ready to start making her own moves, even if everyone else thinks she’s making the wrong ones. Well, not everyone—at least the local heartstopper and resort owner is on her side.

Josiah Cole has made some missteps in his life, but he’s proud of what he has: two awesome kids and the keys to the kind of getaway spot that has families coming back every summer– their up north home away from home. After his marriage dissolved, leaving him a single dad, he feels he’s the last person to judge Maren for her recent transformation (even if his best friend, her brother, wants him to feel otherwise). Besides, he genuinely likes having her around. She’s a breath of fresh air, his kids adore her (not to mention her dog, Rogers), 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. It’s not a question of should they, but rather can they make it last? Are things too easy, or is this just how real love works? In Erin Hahn’s heartwarmingly sexy Catch and Keep, Maren and Joe have to be brave enough to find out.

"A friends-to-lovers romance that’s magically both hot and wholesome. Cozy, sexy, and so very satisfying… this one’s a keeper." — Jen Devon, author of Right Where We Left Us

In Erin Hahn's latest...


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ISBN 9781250827135
PRICE $18.00 (USD)
PAGES 320

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Average rating from 238 members


Featured Reviews

This book was so cute! The romance and the banter was just perfect. The main character’s were so enjoyable to read about.

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This was my first Erin Hahn book and I’m so freaking glad i read it. It was just, it was so good. It was a nice slow burn with friendship and togetherness.

Maren and Josiah honestly just fit together. And they didn’t even realize they both needed what the other offered until they were deep into a friendship and opened their eyes to the potential they could have.

I loved how Maren learned what she needed to by watching and implementing the things Josiah did for Lucy and what she needed in her day to day life.

The way she wrote about the divorce and the kids feelings, it was top notch.

This book was such a joy to read. I laughed out loud at the banter. I swooned at Josiah and Bon Jovi. I melted with love at Maren at Christmas.

I will recommending this book to all my friends.


*i received an early copy from net galley for an honest review*

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4.25 stars out of 5.

I really enjoyed reading this book and it really gave lake life/ small town romance vibes. It immediately hooked me and I didn't want to put it down. I didn't know it was part of a series but it read like a standalone to me. I loved both Joe and Maren and could really feel the chemistry between them from start to finish. Lucy and Anders were also great characters and really added to the story. I am going to have to read the other two books staring Maren's best friends, Shelby and Lorelai now. I definitely recommend this book!

In Catch and Keep, we meet Maren who just dumped her boyfriend after he proposed to her in front of their friends and families. She escapes to Northern Wisconsin where she inherited an apartment and a bait shop. Both of which are in bad shape. She plans to renovate them, sell them, then move on and decide what she wants to do with her life. She runs into her older brothers best friend Joe, who runs a resort on the lake. Joe is recently divorced and has 2 children he cares for full time. Sparks begin to fly between Maren and Joe but will they last?

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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What a delightful read - I loved Maren and Joe’s story and this was actually my most anticipated and favorite story of the series. The lake scenery was absolutely dreamy. My only gripe is that the Bryce story felt incomplete.

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Romance readers - add this to your list because it was adorable.
Maren and Joe were the cutest. Lake life. Fishing. Small town vibes. Bother's best friend trope. Autism representation. I really enjoyed this book - it was just so sweet.

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I’ll read anything Erin Hahn writes at this point. It’s all incredible.

This universe is full of such great characters and Maren and Joe only add to that. Their story was so tender and easy it was perfect.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love a single parent romance where the love interest forms a bond with the kids before anything else. Maren being so patient and willing to learn while taking every one of Lucy’s autistic quirks in stride was incredible. Joe wanted to cry about it and so did I. Not to mention how amazing of a kid Anders is.

The cameos from the other two couples were so good. I love Lorelai and Craig SO much I want to read their book again already. Also the FaceTime meeting of the men?????? I love them all.

I’ll be thinking about this book for a while to come, I already know it.

ARC from NetGalley and St. Martins Press

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Sometimes when life is falling apart, you need to escape to the lake. And after turning down an engagement in an epic way, taking a leave of absence from her unfulfilling life is just what Maren needs. When her path crosses with Joe, her brother’s best friend from growing up, things take a turn for the better and watching their relationship blossom in a new way is a real treat. The down to earth nature of the characters is a breath of fresh air. In a world full of expectations and obligations that come at the expense of happiness, Catch and Keep is a beautifully written, feel good read that is a pleasant reminder to live your life unapologetically.

Review is on Goodreads and will be on Instagram 4/6!

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I’ve been a fan of Erin Hahn for a while now, and I knew this book was for me when I read the dedication. As a fellow lake girl from Northern Wisconsin, this book brought me back to a happier, more care free time when I was younger and hanging out with my family at the lake.

I really enjoyed the plot of this novel. It’s similar to other tropes, but different. How often does a girl run away from a proposal because the guy got the promotion she wanted. The only cheating here was Shane going behind Maren’s back to steal her dream job. Maren leaves and heads to Northern Wisconsin to start a new life with her dog…and runs into the boy she once knew as her big brother’s best friend. Except now they are all grown up.

This book is filled with characters you will love instantly. Maren is such a strong female (although, maybe her stomach isn’t the strongest). She loves fishing and is determined to fix up the cabin/store that was left to her by a friend. I admired how Maren was able to have a civil conversation with Shane after the proposal and stick to her guns about wanting a different future after the betrayal.

There is a bit of a slow burn with this one, but it is spicy when the spark catches. The chemistry with these two is enough to make me blush. I loved every moment.

While this book contains characters we’ve seen before, you can definitely read it as a standalone.

So what are you waiting for?! When this one hits the shelves, you need to have it in your cart.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Finally! I had been (not so patiently) waiting for Maren’s book and was so excited when I received an ARC. Let me be the first to tell you, the wait was well worth it!


Catch and Keep follows Maren (who we met in Built to Last and Friends Don’t Fall in Love) whose life has turned upside down. Her boyfriend received the promotion she wanted and he brings to life her worst nightmare: a very public proposal. She quickly escapes it all for a life of solitude in the place that brings her peace: Wisconsin. There, she runs into Josiah Cole, her brother’s best friend and single dad whose life has also had its bumps. As the two work through their pasts and learn to navigate their new chapters in life, they must figure out if a future together is in the cards.


Catch and Keep was everything I wanted in a book and then some. Shelby and Lorelai’s books in this “series” (of interconnected stand alones) are well worth the read but quiet, outdoorsy Maren’s story was so, so beautiful. There’s just something about Erin’s writing that draws me in and keeps me there. I loved the cameos of characters from her previous books, but what I loved even more were Josiah, Lucy, and Anders. Their little family felt so real, and I fell in love with them alongside Maren.


If you love slow burn, friends to lovers, older brother’s best friend, and single dad books, this is the one for you! Preorder or request from your library this October.


Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC!

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Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was a breath of fresh air! Throughout the book, there was the theme of acceptance and unconditional love between all the characters, not just Maren and Joe. But speaking of, I loved Maren and Joe. Their relationship was very mature and solid, and they communicated with each other so well. Their relationship was fast, but they remind me of the saying "when you know, you know."

I also loved Shelby and Lorelai! I love their girl group and related to their teasing texts.

Overall, a cute and easy read. Going back to read Shelby's and Lorelai's stories!

Tropes:
Small Town Romance
Older brother's best friend
Friends to lovers

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Oh my goodness, this was everything I wanted in a lake/fishing-themed romance. Maren was completely likeable, obviously Joe was super swoon-worthy, and his kids were amazing! The tension was out of this world, and their love story was epic. I loved how they understood each other and accepted each other and their quirks. It wasn’t an all-out spice fest, but those steamy scenes were great. I loved absolutely everything about this and am going to see if I can go preorder the paperback right now. I very rarely re-read books but this will definitely be one of them!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback

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I absolutely devoured this book in one day. I am obsessed with Maren, Joe, and the kids. Erin Hahn is an auto-read author for me and I wish she got the hype she deserves!!

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Loved this romcom about a single dad and his best friend’s younger sister. Outdoorsy, cozy, sexy, fun.

Absolutely love the friendships and family connections in this book. Joe being a single dad to two amazing kids who both adore Maren made it even better.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Catch and Keep to come out October 15, 2024.

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This was such a good book. I loved the setting of Northern Wisconsin. The whole story felt super cozy. Maren and Joe made a good couple. They have known each other since childhood with Joe being Maren’s older brother’s best friend. I loved the relationship that Maren had with Joe’s kids. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you so much for the ARC NetGalley!

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Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC of this book. All opinions in my review are my own.

I loved this one. I'll admit I was hesitant about a book that included fishing as the main topic but it was so sweet. The writing reminded me a little bit of Abby Jimenez, who I love.

Maren is a former YouTube fishing personality who has just run away from a public proposal she didn't want. She heads to her childhood vacation spot where she learned to fish and decides to fix up the bait shop and apartment that was left to her by her mentor. While there, she gets close to her brother's best friend who owns the resort nearby. Joe, is a single dad of two kids, one of which is autistic. The relationship that develops between them seems natural and is well developed and the characters were both just so likeable and real. I really enjoyed this one and will be looking for others by this author. Thanks for the opportunity to review it.

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I got this advanced copy and this is the perfect friends to lovers romance! I love the setting in Wisconsin, the lake life and resort in the off season. It was sweet, but also surprising in the depth of emotions it elicited from me. The single dad thing doesn’t usually work for me, but I think it balanced Joe’s issues with the budding romance with Maren. Additionally, I think it was paced really well. It didn’t feel sudden, and it didn’t feel like we were spending every single second with the MCs, which can get tedious.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!!!

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