Take a vacation, they said. Get away from Silicon Valley’s back-stabbing and power-grabbing. Recharge the innovative batteries. Unwind, then come back stronger than ever. Instead, I got lost at sea and fell in love with an anti-social lobsterman. There’s one small issue: Owen Bartlett doesn’t know who I am. Who I really am. ***I don’t like people. I avoid small talk and socializing, and I kick my … like people.
I avoid small talk and socializing, and I kick my companions out of bed before the sun rises.
No strings, no promises, no problems.
Until Cole McClish’s boat drifts into Talbott’s Cove, and I bend all my rules for the sexy sailor.
I don’t know Cole’s story or what he’s running from, but one thing is certain:
I’m not letting him run away from me.
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At its heart, this book is a love story. It is the story of two people, who, despite coming from completely opposing walks of life- different coasts, financial strata, educational levels and beyond, and in spite of vastly different personality traits, interests and views about life in general, have found each other. And in spite of all the outside noise, and through all the internal debates, they manage to fall in love with not only each other’s physical selves, but with all of the baggage and doubt and fear that each retains. Two souls once adrift, manage to navigate rocky seas, weather the storm and find safe harbor, together.
However, as with any Kate Canterbary book, the story is teeming with layers upon layers of meaning. Her signature elements are all present. Depth and breadth. Wit and sarcasm. History, art, geography and science.
And in its soul, this particular book, is something more. For this book is Ms. Canterbary’s first foray into the world of Male/Male. And I was almost hesitant to include that piece of information in my review. Because I fear that there are readers who will see that, and close their minds (and their Kindles) once they realize that this is a non-traditional love story. And I wish with all my heart that they wouldn’t. Because everything about this story is exquisite.
Owen Bartlett is an able seaman, an old salt. Born and raised in Talbott’s Cove, he spends his days lobstering and fishing and his nights reading, in quiet solitude on his porch. But there is so much more to this man than his love of the sea and his preference for silence.
Cole McClish is a landlubber. A tech mogul, with a history of angry outbursts, and a dim view of the fast-paced, silicon world he hails from. When he finds himself lost at sea, both literally and figuratively, Owen Bartlett comes to his rescue, in more ways than one.
Together the two explore what it means to adjust priorities, to reevaluate life choices, to rediscover passion and to be brave enough to fight for what, and who, they love. And Kate Canterbary weaves her magic through it all, spilling her inky spells onto pages filled with truth, and importance and feeling.
“Fresh Catch” is my first MM romance novel. I always thought I wouldn’t be interested not because I’m a homophobe, just that I felt I should be able to identify with the characters to go through a love story. I decided to take the plunge because it was Kate Canterbary. I discovered this author last December, and since then, I’m in awe with her stories. She had never disappointed me, and this is another example.
I couldn’t have been wronger when I thought I couldn’t relate to a gay couple. Love is just the same between two people, no matter they are from the opposite sex or not.
I relished the building of their feelings toward each other, their fears, their emotions. I think Kate Canterbary’s writing can make me like anything. I loved her Walsh series because it featured strong women in a city and smart male characters, but not the usual alpha-male of romance novels. As a European, I’m not usually into US small-town stories that I don’t know. Again, this author introduced me to this little Maine village without any problem, and I felt I was living there while I was reading.
As for each of her books, I wish I could meet these characters in real life.
If you’re looking for a book that has all the feels, look no further than Fresh Catch! Cole & Owen are the perfect match.
Owen Bartlett might want everyone to believe that he’s a broody and a tad bit salty man, but deep down he’s really just a teddy bear of a man. Always ending with his heart broken from relationships that don’t last.
Cole McClish is a tech god. But when he’s ousted as CEO of the company he created he goes on a summer vacation to unplug. After wandering into Owen’s cove, his summer made a turn he never saw coming.
These two men are amazing and perfect together. I’ve been looking forward to this book since Kate announced they’d be getting a full story (a short story featuring these two were included in an anthology that is no longer available). Kate worked her writer lady charm and wove her brilliance into these two just as I’ve come to love from all her other books. I **LOVED** the nod to Erin & Nick from The Spire and loved hearing about all the other weddings Owen had officiate.
If you’ve never read a M/M book, do yourself a favor and try this one!
I’ve been thinking about this book for a couple days now. Every time I think I have my feelings resolved I think of some other thing and I rethink it.
Owen Bartlett is a lobsterman. He lives a solitary life in Talbott’s Cove, Maine. Cole McClish, a Silicon Valley tech-guru, lives in California – he craves solitude. This is an M/M romance. It’s a slow, fiery crash into the water. Owen and Cole connected on the most basic level and it was thrilling to watch that unfold. I loved watching the other characters create the other aspects of Owen and Cole’s we didn’t get to see. What I ADORED about this book is that these two characters were content in their former lives. Cole and Owen NEVER expected each other.
Kate Canterbary writes smart, witty dialogue (We’ve seen it in the Walshes and Coastal Elite). This book is ANOTHER SHINING EXAMPLE of Kate’s power to envelope you into a story so much so that you don’t want to let go. A top 2018 read.
I’ve not read many M/M books but this is top of my favourites list. In fact it’s top of my list of ANY contemporary romance books. The story really focuses on the couple and their relationship, and it blew me away with the intensity of emotion held within its pages.
“If there was one think I’d learned since Cole drifted into my life it was that we mattered more than I.”
Two men who have insane chemistry but have been so hurt in the past that, for a long time, neither feels brave enough to make the first move. In many ways this was a slow burn but the heat and passion simmering just below the surface made it feel like a much raunchier read.
“I’d never experienced sex like this before……It was the feeling of it all. The emotion behind every thrust, the intention in every kiss, the promise in every breathe we shared.”
It was a book I didn’t want to put down. No scratch that it was a book I couldn’t put down. My mind, heart and soul were so caught up in it that my hands refused to close the book until I had read and savoured every word, and then re-read some again just for the sheer pleasure.
It’s a Kate Canterbary book, so I fully expected to cry. However I did not expect the first time to be over a dog that wasn’t even IN the book. Especially not when I’m a cat person through and through. I also cried for Cole and Owen and their fragile hearts. Sometimes Ms Canterbary makes us wait in agony for a resolution. Sam and Tiel nearly killed me when he went off to spend time in the woods. We don’t have such a tough time in this book, but that isn’t to say this story is anything less than amazing, and it will certainly stomp on your emotions. I think it’s just that the world would have stopped spinning if Owen and Cole spent too long apart.
I always wanted him wrapped around me, and I knew talk of my other life wouldn’t give me that. I knew it would come between us because it came between me and everything.
Through out the book, Owen seems the stronger and more dominant character. I guess you don’t get to the top of the tech world by being a pushover though, and Cole certainly showed his mettle when needed.
“His walls might be tall but I wasn’t afraid of the climb.”
I channelled a little Annette and totally fell in love with these guys. You just can’t help it.
I also, despite her only appearing via text messages, adore Neera. I’m sure she has a story to tell and would love to read it.
“Cole: You knew? All this time, you knew where I was and you didn’t come and find me?
Neera: You didn’t want me to find you.
Neera: I believe you were busy finding yourself”
As so often with books of this calibre, I just don’t have words enough to express how fantastic they are. I’m more of a maths person anyway so I’ll use data instead. I’ve created a favourite reads shelf, out of the 48 books I’ve read this year, this is only the third book to get put on that shelf. So that puts it in my top 6%.
I have read a few M/M books and they didn’t keep my attention but this one omg was just the bomb!!! It was a book about two men who didn’t realize they really needed someone.
Cole sets sail to get away from his busy life and decide what going to happen to his business, only to have his boat break down. When Owen sees the boat he’s not a happy camper because it could mess up the Cove. What both men don’t know is that they need each other.
Kate Canterbury has a way of writing a story that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you interested till the end. She’s back with her funny texts that make you laugh. This is a great love story, funny and Hot!!!
I miss the Walsh’s but Kate does not disappoint with the amazing story.
Every single time I sit down to write a review for one of Kate Canterbary’s stories, my mind goes blank. The words are there, but the ability to adequately put them into sentences leaves me. Does this seem a little dramatic? Maybe. I just don’t know how else to describe my strong feelings regarding why EVERYONE should read EVERYTHING she has ever written.
Fresh Catch is one of those stories. Book number ten for Ms. Canterbary, this complete M/M standalone takes you away from the world of Boston and architects and into Talbott’s Cove. The writing, once again, pulls us into the setting as if we are sitting on the docks, watching the story unfold.
Cole McClish, of Silicon Valley fame and fortune, literally crashes into this Maine town and into the life of the lonely, grumpy, lobster boat captain Owen Bartlett. This adventure starts as an escape for Cole, and a gesture of goodwill from Owen. Cole needs to hide, Owen could use some company and a deckhand. As the summer days come and go, we watch these two roommates grow into so much more than either one of them thought they wanted or needed.
I love so many things about this story. I love how grumpy and growly Owen can be, especially when he’s avoiding his feelings. I love how awkward Cole is, despite being a tech genius who stays in the limelight. As their relationship evolved, I couldn’t help but get warm and fuzzy feelings because they were just so freakin cute. Little Prince- I swooned so hard every single time that was said. When the time came for more than cute (and by more than cute, I mean raw and gritty sexy times that will make you cross and uncross your legs a few times), the chemistry was explosive. I love how Cole tried to bring Owen into the digital age, but even more that Owen would be happy sitting on the porch reading a physical book. I love Talbott’s Cove and the people we meet there.
This story isn’t super angsty or dramatic, it just makes you feel good. If you are a Kate Canterbary fan, you are going to love this new world she has created. If you are a M/M fan, you won’t be able to tell that this is her first in the genre- her attention to detail is phenomenal. If you have never read M/M, I believe this is a fantastic starting point. If you have never read Kate Canterbary, welcome and be prepared to binge.
I read the anthology version of this book awhile ago and loved it, but this was so freaking amazing. I didn’t think that I could fall more in love with Cole and Owen then I had before, but Kate has done it again. I hated ever moment that I had to put this book down to “adult” but found myself captivated and the characters never very far from my mind.
When Cole comes crashing into Owen’s life things turn upside-down and right-side up in the most perfect way. These two have this amazing chemistry and this book is full of angst and Kate’s signature wit that makes this book so, so, so good. Cole and Owen push each other to be better versions of themselves just like love should. Oh and you will most definitely fall completely in love with the people in the town, especially the bookstore owner.
Find out who these two fall in love and how Cole’s secret will affect their happily ever after.
The reason I read romance is because I love a good story, and I really love a good love story. At the very foundation, this book is a beautiful love story, but in reality it is so much MORE. To be honest, out of the thousands of books I’ve read I can only think of 3 other m/m books I have read. While they were good, it’s just not a genre that I seek out, but will gladly read if it’s a good story. As far as good stories go, my favorite author of a good story is Kate Canterbary. So I was quite excited and intrigued to see that Kate was writing such a book. As you would expect from her, it is AMAZING. Even if you don’t read this genre, you need to read this book.
This book has all the feels. You get sweetness, sexiness, angst, tension, and so many more emotions. The character development is complex and compelling. The storyline is different and intriguing. The chemistry between the characters is sizzling. The story has an energy and a build up that most books lack. The love is palpable and beautiful. The sex is scorching. On top of all that, there are interesting facts and like her other books, you walk away feeling smarter.
The essence of this book is love, acceptance and belonging. There is a quote in the book that I feel not only describes the journey of these characters but also how we all want to be loved, “I’d rather take my time to understand someone piece by piece. I don’t want to condense anyone down to a blurb or caption. I want to hold and treasure every piece, and I want someone to do the same to me.” This book does a beautiful job of giving us pieces of Cole and Owen, and I treasure every piece of them and their journey.
If you haven’t read this author, you need to. She needs to become one of your automatic-one-click, buy-everything-she-writes authors. Her writing is always beautiful, her stories are thought provoking and unique, and her knowledge and research on topics will leave you smarter (and definitely more equipped for trivia nights). There is always a depth to her stories that you rarely find in the romance genre. When you finish one of her books you feel full, your heart is full of love, your mind is full of intelligent writing, and your soul is full of a beautiful story. I wish I could give this book more than five stars. I’d give it five million stars. You definitely need to read this book.
Kate Canterbary took on a new genre and boy did she not disappoint.
Here you have Cole McClish, millionaire tech guru (hot nerd alert) stranded on his boat when surly Owen Bartlett rescues him. Their “meet cute” was pretty funny.
Owen and Cole weren’t prepared for their attraction but boy when the sparks flew, they seriously flew. Owen, trying to hold his heart at bay because that is what he is use to and Cole, trying to figure out if he wants to go back to Silicone Valley or stay with his “lobster boat man”.
Kate Canterbary delivers, sweet, sexy and a very hot read for her first attempt at M/M. Although truthfully, she wrote this as a short novella for an anthology and decided to give Cole and Owen a full length story that her readers/fans can enjoy.
Kudos to Ms. Canterbary on delving into M/M, you made the genre proud.
Owen Bartlett’s story was a long time coming after Erin and Nick’s story in The Spire. For that reason I just about died the minute I finished this novel as Cole and Owen were everything I could have ever wanted and were even better than I could’ve imagined. Oh how I dreamed about the Lobster Boat captain and the man that would eventually capture his heart. I absolutely loved this novel as it had the standard wit and sarcasm of a Kate Canterbary novel along with the sweet love and passion we have come to expect from her books. I adored Cole and Owen and never wanted their story to end!
When Silicone Valley’s resident tech genius, Cole McClish, decides to take a mental health vacation and escape his life to clear his mind who would’ve expected him to crash in surly Lobsterman Owen Bartlett’s town. But what happens when a Summer spent in paradise running away from the world catches up to Cole? Will they pass each other like two ships in the night or will their passionate interlude become a permanent vacation?
Honestly reading a novel from this author is always glorious as I can always without a doubt expect the laughs, passion, unrepentant honesty and amazing story that will blow my mind. We all know she can write obviously (as the Walsh series is the best series ever written #becausePatrick) but I can never quite remember the immeasurable talent she has until I ambsmack dab right in the middle of her latest creative foray. I absolutely LOVED this novel because Kate was able to capture a true and pure love story between two people who found each other when they needed to be grounded in nothing but love and happiness. I loved the perfect dynamic she created in both men.
At first glance Owen is a burly rugged bear of a man who has a growly and stoic countenance. But with a deeper glance, we find that he has a sensitive soul inside with the wants and desires of someone who wants to be loved and cherished. Likewise, Cole is uber confident and arrogant in the business world but was floundering in his ability to find his niche in the world where he could find clarity as to who he was as a person, personally and professionally, and what he ultimately wants from his life.
I’ve said it countless times but Kate Canterbary is one of the best writers I have ever had the privilege of reading (and fangirling.) She makes “intelligent writing” a real thing and honestly she is just #goals and years beyond her peers. Her writing is a gift and we are better off from it. Bravo again Kate because as always you did your thing. Bravo! 5 (million) stars! ~Ratula
Salt, Sea, and Love!
Fresh Catch is thoughtful, clever, entertaining, passionate, sexy, and endearing; an astoundingly relatable and absolutely marvelous love story! As usual, Kate Canterbary’s attention to detail and distinct characters radiated from the pages and into my heart. As a reader, I love her ability to make me invest in these individuals and their stories. A great book should evoke emotion and connection. Fresh Catch does this in spades!
Owen is a hard working, loyal man. He loves his solitude, his routine, and his tradition. He can be a bit snarly and rough around the edges. Cole is brainy, brilliant even. However, his singular mindedness tends to cause friction with his business. He is always in his head and his own way. Both of these men could be hard to tolerate and yet they aren’t. In the capable hands of Mrs. Canterbary, they are flawed and vulnerable and human.
The banter and heat generated by Owen and Cole sizzles, crackles, and blazes to life. Their love story is one of self discovery, friendship, trust, and hope. As Owen and Cole open themselves to the possibility of love, so too does the reader. Love is unambiguously LOVE!
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 Stars *
Kate Canterbary continues to prove her versatility as an author with her latest delicious offering, Fresh Catch, her first foray into M/M romance. As a huge fan of this genre, I can honestly say that she has written a must-read story that is both sexy and romantic while keeping it tasteful and sophisticated. Rest assured, if you are new to M/M or unsure if it will be for you, this is the perfect way to pop your cherry!
The characters in Fresh Catch are simple yet complex. Owen, with his salty solitary ways, is the ultimate loner—a quiet existence as a lobsterman is all he thinks he needs to be happy. Cole, with his brilliant mind and boyish charm is lost, both personally and professionally. When Cole literally bursts into Owen’s world, life will never be the same for either men. The immediate connection the two have can be felt jumping off of the page and readers will be completely engrossed in their burgeoning love story. Canterbary is known for her witty banter and in Fresh Catch, the back and forth between these two dynamic men provides for some very funny scenes. What I loved most about the characters is that they were so incredibly genuine! There were so many different layers to Cole and Owen and Canterbary did a phenomenal job of peeling back each and every one of them. She is always so adept at capturing the true essences of her characters and conveying them to readers. I felt like I really “knew” these two men, inside and out and that kept me rooting for them right from the start.
Fresh Catch was a true joy to read. It’s funny, sexy, romantic and emotional. You’ll adore not only the characters but the beautifully descriptive Maine setting that will have you ready to book your next vacation to this quaint New England area. The love story is one that will leave you feeling content and blessed for having read it. Canterbary has proven yet again that, no matter the genre, she is one of the best authors out there. Fresh Catch is an absolute must-read!!!
Owen and Cole meet when Owen rescues Cole as he’s having boat trouble. The surly lobster fisherman is smitten with the demoted CEO from the start but neither is sure of the other’s sexuality. Cole seeks solace in Owen’s home for the summer and they spend time getting to know each other and just hanging out. Soon they both catch feelings but the innuendo and subtle glances turn into a hot as hell tandem jacking!
Although this was a book about two men who fall for each other while sailing the sea. There is a shed load of chemistry that doesn’t go unanswered.
The narrators were two new ones for me and although I enjoyed the audio I wonder if it was recorded a little slow. This is a personal preference thing and once I sped it up a smidge I was all set. It definitely didn’t detract from the great story.
I’m looking forward to book 2 which I also clicked blindly to purchase. Who knows what I’ll get next but I’m always assured a great book from Kate.
Fresh Catch is a sweet and fast paced romance story.
For me the story was a little bit too fast and there was a little bit too much “insta-love” for me. It was hot and sexy but I was just missing more scenes where you could feel Cole and Owen fall in love and get to know each other.
All in all though, I enjoyed reading Fresh Catch. It’s a sweet and sexy love story.
Fresh Catch is the start of the Talbott’s Cove series, contemporary romance series by Kate Canterbary. I enjoyed this book and the town Kate created, so much so that I’m willing to try out the next novel in the series which is MF and not MM.
Owen and Cole are two men from opposite spectrums of existence. Owen is a lobsterman and Cole is a billionaire tech genius, but the connection between these two men is undeniable. They soothe the hurt parts of each other’s soul and the way they fit together is undeniable. The romance is quiet with a bit of drama, but nothing that isn’t quickly fixable. What I really liked about this story was how tender the two men are with each other despite their cynicism and gruffness. Plus the sex scenes were HOT.
Noah Michael Levin and Chris Chappell did a dual narration of the audiobook which I enjoyed immensely. I really liked their performances and had no trouble following along in the story.
I loved everything about this book. I loved Cole and Owen’s journey to their HEA. Owen went from thinking he was happy with his solitary existence and Cole needed to take a step back and see what was more important in life. Owen was such a grumpy and growly bear. Cole was a brilliant klutz. They were the perfect fit for each other. Such a beautiful love story.
5/4/2020 update
Finally listened to the audiobook. Wish I had done it sooner. Both narrators were perfect for their parts.
A catchy read!
He got lost at sea and fell in love with an anti-social lobsterman…
There’s one small issue…
The lobsterman doesn’t know who he is…
I’m so upset that I devoured this book so quickly. Like seriously! I wish I could go back in time and read for the first time again and savour it slowly…very very slowly.
I loved the romance and these two characters and the fact it was just them together – discovering each other and falling for each other.
Full of secrets, laughter, heat, changes and romance.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Little prince
I somehow found myself thoroughly enjoying this book. I loved how grumpy Owen was but really he just wanted someone to love and care for who’d love him in return. It was a joy to watch Cole grow as a character and learn from his mistakes. These two falling in love was beautiful.
I love this series. I had read Book 2 prior to this, so it was wonderful to fill in the blanks re: Owen and Cole’s relationship and the intimate scenes are seriously steamy. Adorable couple.