Isn't It Romantic?

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Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on October 15, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

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.

You cannot see me smiling through my happy tears, but that's the state this book left me in. Once again, Hahn has crafted a beautiful story which hit all the right emotional notes for me.

I know I sound like a broken record, but there is just something about people who share a great deal of history falling in love. Joe and Maren may not have been close in the past, but they grew up together. Joe was raised in the Northwoods while Maren's family vacationed there since she was in diapers. Joe had been, and was still, best friends with Maren's brother, so they were always in each others orbits. But now they were older and seeing each other in a different way. LOVE THAT!

It was wonderful the way they just clicked with such ease. Both were coming out of broken relationships and found comfort in being able to connect to someone. Joe was still adjusting to life as a single dad, and it was lovely the way Maren fit right into his life with his children. She quickly formed a bond with these two sweethearts and provided a source of support for Joe.

My heart was overloaded by the way Maren and the children connected with each other. She was wonderful with them, and I think it meant even more to me given the circumstances with their mother. I won't talk too much about her, but I was happy they had Maren in their lives.

Something really special about this story was the setting. I swear with every book Erin Hahn writes, she is able to sell this city girl on the outdoor life. The lake, the fishing, the boats -- I loved it all, and I adored how it revitalized Maren.

There was no doubt how tied to the Northwoods Maren was. It was part of her being, and I really liked how she was drawn back after a rather terrible experience. I like that she reclaimed this piece of her life because it was such a big part of who she was.

Aside from the romance and Maren's personal journey, there were so many smaller parts of this story I adored. The sweet flashbacks, the cameos from Hahn's other couples, the family focus, Fost -- there were just so many things that made me happy.

Overall, Hahn did an amazing job transporting me lakeside where I had the pleasure of seeing this beautiful romance unfold. I cannot wait for Hahn to take me to another lovely place again soon.

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Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews
Published by Amazon Original Stories on October 29, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews comes a charming holiday romance about a newly single thirtysomething whose unauthorized vacation rental turns into a hilarious game of hide-and-seek when the new owner unexpectedly shows up.

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.

I always enjoy a book from Mary Kay Andrews, but it's her holiday stories I really look forward to.

Tilly was trying to pick up the pieces following her divorce. This would be her first holiday season on her own, and she found herself evicted and between homes. Her brilliant idea - hideaway in one of the rental properties she managed. The only problem was that this house, that was supposed to be empty, was now occupied.

The beginning of this story was filled with hijinks as Tilly attempted to keep herself concealed from George, but then something happened that forced her out of hiding. That's where the story goes from pure fun to both fun and heartwarming. I loved the interactions between George and Tilly, and I really liked them together. I crossed my fingers and hoped the universe would cut Tilly a break in the form of something special with George.

Highlights for me:
- Smoosh the dog
- George's memories
- Tilly and George's link

Overall, this was another wonderful holiday short from Andrews. It had the humor I expect from MKA, but also the warm, cozy vibes to celebrate the season.

*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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