“Catch and Keep” by Erin Hahn – A Review
⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5
Year Published: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 320
Quick Summary
Catch and Keep introduces us to Maren Laughlin, a 33-year-old who’s just turned down a marriage proposal, left her decade-long park ranger job, and returned to her childhood haven in Northern Wisconsin. There, she inherits a rundown bait shop and crosses paths with Josiah "Joe" Cole, her brother's best friend and a single dad managing his family's resort. As Maren and Joe reconnect, their shared history and undeniable chemistry set the stage for a heartwarming romance.
What I Loved
Josiah and His Kids: Joe's character, along with his children, especially his autistic daughter Lucy, adds depth and warmth to the story. Their interactions with Maren are genuine and touching.
No Third-Act Breakup: It's refreshing to read a romance where the characters communicate effectively, avoiding the clichéd third-act breakup.
What Didn't Quite Work for Me
Telling vs. Showing: The narrative often tells us about Maren and Joe's growing closeness rather than showing it through detailed scenes, making their deepening relationship feel less authentic.
Pacing Issues: The story covers several months, but much of this time passes off-page, leading to a lack of development in Maren and Joe's relationship. A longer format could have allowed for more fleshed-out interactions.
Side Plot Distractions: Some subplots, like the unnecessary stalker storyline, felt underdeveloped and didn't add much to the main narrative.
Who Should Read This?
If you're into small-town romances with single-parent dynamics and friends-to-lovers tropes, this book might be up your alley. It's a light read, perfect for a cozy weekend.
Final Thoughts
Catch and Keep offers a charming setting and lovable characters but falls short in fully developing the central romance. While Joe and his kids are endearing, the lack of on-page relationship building between him and Maren left me wanting more. It's an enjoyable read but could have benefited from deeper character interactions and a more focused plot.
