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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There are very few authors whose writing will regularly blow me away – as in I will sometimes stop reading and think to myself, “Oh my God, this is incredible!” Kate Canterbary is one of those authors. Her writing is amazing and her characters immensely real and relatable. I’ve long been a fan of her other work and was excited to hear that she was taking a short story that had been part of a charity anthology and expanding it to be a full-sized novel.
For those who are lovers of her Walsh series but might feel reluctant to venture into the M/M world, I encourage you to give Fresh Catch a shot because when it comes down to it, love is love is love. And that’s what you get here. An incredible (and insanely hot) opposites attract story of two people getting to know each other and ultimately falling in love. What’s not to love about that???
As always, I’m eagerly awaiting Ms. Canterbary’s next release(s)!
Audible. Tech billionaire lands in sleepy small town and falls in love with local lobsterman. (I’m not sure why some reviewers were surprised that this was M/M romance ~ the blurb clearly states the main characters names are Cole & Owen and uses all masculine pronouns.)
I appreciated that we get to see their relationship develop over several months. There’s a little angst, but it’s not overwhelming.
I was a little disappointed in Chris Chappell’s (Cole) narration. While he has a pleasant voice, his delivery/pitch/cadence/etc was nearly identical for both characters. Cole’s assistant was the only character to get a consistently unique voice. Noah Michael Levine (Owen) has a deep & gravely yet still enjoyable voice. He definitely brought Owen to life while still creating a unique sound for Cole.
Currently part of Audible Escape. You can also borrow for free via KU & add the audio for $1.99. ebook is $4.99 & add audio for $1.99. In other words, it’s much less expensive any of those ways than spending a credit ~ but it’s still worth one nonetheless.
Sexy hot dual narration
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
These two men were some hot and so attracted to the other but at the same time in guard. To protect themselves from any possible heartbreak. They both had something meaningful to share with the other while at the same time unsure if themselves. The best part was the night time trek to the bath room. Now that turned in to a very very hot trip for water and the facilities.
NML is always awesome. He brings to life the two very masculine characters. Air would have been perfectly happy for him to do the entire narration. That would have given a clearer consistency of the story.
CC was new to me and gave me a different view of the two characters. He too could have pulled of a single narrator doing the dual narration. The audio was clean, clear, and visual.
This was a heart warming romance about two men who had thought they cut themselves off from any long lasting relationship finding love with each other. Owen, the salty lobsterman and Cole, the awkward high tech wizard with both adorable and real. I highly recommend this book and audible.
Fresh Catch is the story of Owen and Cole. This is my first trip to Talbott’s Cove and the world Kate Canterbary has created, but I promise you I’m returning soon. I didn’t want this story to end!
God, I love those strong men who find love. I love it even more when they find it with each other. Cole and Owen were not a likely couple, but omg! They are just so fantastic.
Cole with his brilliant mind that has him constantly talking or thinking or working.
Owen with his love for the land in which he lives, the respect for nature, the belief that you don’t need more than what’s around you.
These two come together in one of the hottest scenes I’ve read.
What better way to find out the guy you’re sharing a house with likes men too?!!
Talbott’s Cove is it’s own person in this book. The town brings these characters to life in little ways. The town and its people is what shapes Owen and his life. They help Cole reclaim himself. The people are fun and quirky. The town is quaint. The love is deep.
Read this one sooner rather than later.
Sooo i loved this MM from this author. it was so good! Hot too. Loved reading about Owen and Cole.
Getting lost is the best thing that ever happened to him…well, both of them. Nothing beats a gruff, curmudgeon of a lobster fisherman and a tech savvy wunderkind on the road to romance. Worlds apart and yet not.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fresh Catch. The feels, the real, and the romance.
Opposites do indeed attract
This book was recommended through a book club and I was excited to dive in as this author is new to me. I enjoy the opposites trope; that combined with bring MM I had high hopes for this book and it did not disappoint! Cole McClish is an wealthy, internet business man who is in a bit of professional cross roads and he finds his way into the small seaside cove of Owen Bartlett a moody, broody lobster fisherman who lives a solitary life in Talbott Cove. One ill fated sailing trip and Cole turns Owen’s world on its ear. Kate’s smart, sexy writing and detailed descriptions have you feeling the warm sun on your back and the smell of sea and salt water in the air.
5 out of 5 stars!!
This book was an emotional roller coaster for me – but in a way that I didn’t want to get off the ride! Cole and Owen are both a little broken and both need just the right push to get them where they want to be. Luckily, they provided that push for each other.
Cole has given up all hope of any kind of real relationship – to the point of even giving up hook-ups – because he thinks everyone just wants him for his money and power.
Owen hasn’t had any luck with guys falling for him – he’s fallen for plenty, but the love never comes back to him. At one point in the story, he’s describing how he thinks it could be to fall for Cole, but he holds back because he knows it won’t ever last:
I’d laugh. Smile. Maybe even blush. I’d bend to Cole’s light like a tulip to the sun, and for a few blessed moments, everything would be perfect.
I was so sad when this book was over because I just wanted more and more of Cole & Owen. They really stole my heart and I’m thinking about letting them keep it because they mean so much!
**** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
I fell a wee bit in love with Kate Canterbary when I picked up Underneath It All earlier this year. I’ve wanted to read more from her since finishing that book, but for one reason or another, I’d not made time to do that. I’ve seen Fresh Catch all over bookstagram and other social media, and it’d been awhile since I read a M/M book, so I decided to jump right in. I’m so, so glad I did. It was the perfect summery read.
I have a bit of a thing for books featuring grumpy heroes, and I also enjoy “fish out of water” type books. (Pun intended here, given the title.) Owen and Cole ticked all my bookish boxes — which isn’t nearly as dirty as it might sound — and I fell for them pretty hard. It was delightful to watch these two, who were total opposites, get to know each other and fall for each other. There was a delicious slow burn I couldn’t get quite enough of and that, combined with the low angst and hot sexy times, made Fresh Catch a delightful read.
I have to also mention the setting of Talbott’s Cove. It was magical and Kate described it so well it virtually became a character in and of itself. What I wouldn’t give to get away to little town just like this off the coast of Maine. There were many interesting characters in the town and I can’t wait to continue on with this series to get their stories. Next up is Hard Pressed, in which the sweet, if slightly misguided bookstore owner Annette pairs up with the town sheriff and (hopefully) gets her own HEA. I felt kinda bad for her in this book because she had such a big crush on Owen and was a little heartbroken to learn he was, in fact, gay. She deserves a happy ending.
Fresh Catch was delightful. From the characters to the setting to the story, I loved all of it. I also really enjoyed one passage in particular, in which Owen unloads his thoughts on social media. It was absolutely brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that I posted the passage on my own social media and it got a lot of attention. Total perfection, and just one of the things that make Kate’s books so special. I’m a fan.
FAVORITE QUOTES
It was a damn good thing he was hotter than the sun itself because there’d be no surviving his chaos otherwise.
“Social media is inherently dehumanizing. Most platforms peel back the artifice of human communication and reduce people down to basic instincts. There’s a reason the internet is filled with porn.”
“People on Twitter are like cats. They knock shit over because why the fuck not?”
“What the fuck are you doing to me? What the running fuck is happening right now? This is what a supernova feels like. Or breaking the sound barrier. Or cold fusion. Maybe dark matter. I don’t know much about that but—”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time on this planet, it’s that I can’t wait for people to be perfect. I can’t reject them because they don’t know the best way to open a discussion on my queer life. I can want more and demand more, but I’m not going to refuse them when they’re trying.”
Summer love was never meant for me. It wasn’t mine to keep. I built sandcastle dreams and the tides washed them away every time.
Fresh Catch is one of those stories that is unexpected. This is the first MM book I’ve ever read. I knew that I had to read it. Anything Kate writes attaches itself to my heart.
Owen and Cole’s relationship happens by chance. Almost like their love story was destined to happen. It isn’t easy at first, as the two try to figure each other out. But neither of them can deny that connection that they have. They have that passion and that yearning for something more. Cole may have run from something, but he landed into the arms of the man that was meant for him.
Even though I didn’t emotionally connect with the characters. I felt that the story was strong on its own. Owen’s growly character matches Cole’s over talkative nature. It tugged at my heartstrings, and I was happy for them. I think I’ve said this before, but I believe Kate has a fantastic talent. I’ve loved every story that she’s created.
Overall, I give this Five Boundless Stars.
Caught – hook, line and sinker
Like so many readers out there, I have an incredibly long TBR and a whole heap of one-click authors … and I tell myself that I won’t add any more … and I yet again I broke that promise … but OMG I am so glad I did. Kate Canterbary is an author so many of my book buddies – and other authors I love – have raved about and I kept saying I would get around to reading her books. An opportunity came up to read her most recent release, Fresh Catch, and so I thought why not?!? And I’m so very very glad I did.
When I discovered this was an mm romance I was thrilled – since this is one of my all time favourite tropes. And the story of Silicon Valley billionaire Cole and lobster farmer Owen is nothing short of fabulous. Despite their differences, at the heart of this story is two guys who are desperate for love and yet neither feel deserving. Kate weaves a story that not only highlights some important social issues …
“Eventually, there’d be a time when we led with curiosity rather than assumptions about sexual identity, race, faith, ability…all of it.”
but also brings to life to absolutely gorgeous characters in Cole and Owen – two men who you feel like good friends by the time you are done with the story. Their quirks are loveable, their personalities authentic and the the love that blossoms is one that is such a joy to watch. Add to this a small town with characters you won’t to know more about (and thankfully we will get to know more about Annette and Jackson at the end of the month!!) and Fresh Catch is one story that I’m sure to read again. I also have to mention the chapter titles and definitions because these totally helped to make the story … plus who knew so many boating terms could have such great innuendo.
Well it’s safe to say I’ve found myself another one click author – and I’m off to binge read ALL the books because I just cannot get enough of Kate Canterbary!!!
nicandbooks rating
Amazon/Goodreads rating
Lord help me, but I love a grumpy lobsterman. Who knew?
Owen and Cole, two lonely men, who couldn’t be more different in their occupations and temperaments. Recipe for disaster, right? Oh, so wrong. They are perfect together, and I loved seeing these two strong men fall apart in each other’s arms. Everything about this book is perfect. Smart, sexy, swoony.
Cole & Owen……holy smokes!! The chemistry between these two men, from the moment Owen stepped onto Cole’s boat was quite evident…..even if it took them a little bit to admit it to one another. Definitely plenty of hot and steamy moments between them and I loved every minute of it. Just a beautiful love story that I wanted more of!
Fresh Catch, like all books by this author, is not just a love story. It is an exploration of the minds and lives of two fascinating people. It is a love letter to Maine and coastal living. It is a treatise on ocean conservation. And yes, above all, it is the story of two men from apparently opposite worlds who discover that they are soulmates. Cole and Owen are men who have built successful careers but who are profoundly lonely. Owen has made his peace with his lonely life and believes it is all he will have, and Cole is on a maritime walkabout hoping to find peace. Their coming together is both quiet and explosive, poetic and filthy. This book is deep, hilarious, informative, sexy, and moving all at once.
This author is fabulous. I devour all her books!
An unlikely sailing snafu on loquacious California tech royalty Cole’s part paves the way for him and his Growly Maine lobster fisherman host, Owen to be roommates for the Summer… Tons of sexual tension and an intense night of (super hot) mutual masturbation leads the way for the roommates to summer lovers storyline then, you guessed it, months of time spent together mornings, noons, and nights (sharing the same bed) and opening up to each other eventually leads to a HEA for the unlikely couple.
Kate has a way of making you fall in love with her characters and not just her mains either! By the endow Fresh Catch, I was dying to know the back story and what the future holds for quite a few folks… There’s the Inn Keepers, Cole’s snappy assistant Neera back in Cali, our favorite neighborhood bartender JJ, and bookstore owner Annette. While they don’t necessarily seem to be integral to Cole and Owen’s story, they’re all a part of the story landscape so I cant help but hope KC has a future plan for them. Oh and lets not forget how fantastic the quick cameo of Nick and Erin’s wedding(s) were and how reading about it from Owen’s POV made me absolutely squeal in delight! {While not technically a Walsh series book, I just cant help but love how KC tied the characters together!}
Long story short, KC crammed a lot into her first M/M novel and I hope there are more in the future because it was fantastic! Theres tech and corporate politics, a small town on the Maine coast, super hot sexual tension, attraction between unlikely leads, hilarious townsfolk, and did I mention the super hot sex stuff? Yea, she’s real good at that! Can’t recommend this one enough, I absolutely loved it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was in the middle of another book when I received my emailed ARC. This other book was borrowed from the library and I was running out of time to finish it but I just couldn’t wait any longer to read Kate’s latest. I absolutely LOVE Kate Canterbary’s work……..all of it!! Her writing is amazing, funny, emotional, sexy, etc.
I haven’t read too many M/M books but again it doesn’t matter what she writes, it’s definitely worth the read!! Cole and Owen are from different worlds. They collide one night and there was no turning back.
Owen seems so tough. He’s got such a hard exterior but underneath it all is a very sweet man. He’s nice enough to take Cole in. Cole seems almost ditzy at first. He’s been through a lot and he’s trying to take a very need break from his real life. When he arrives in Talbots Cove he’s obviously having a hard time and as much as Owen may not want to help he just doesn’t have the heart to turn this wonderful piece of eye candy away.
Their whirlwind romance is amazing, everything they both want until it comes to a crashing halt. Can Owen overlook everything? Will Cole fight for his man?
Such a sweet and sexy story!!
Fresh Catch …Cole & Owen .
When you the reader realize that one of your favorite authors has written another book you become excited well at least I do! Fresh Catch is slightly off the beaten path from Kate’s other’s books Yes you have well written characters a beautifully woven storyline , the build up the spark …it is all there for you to get lost in. What we see as a deviation is the same sex storyline , two strong , independent smart men that yes can stand alone and get your attention but together they are a vortex to pull you in to their world.
Cole is a brilliant man that has lived in the spot light for his designs and creations. . He wants no he needs a break, sabbatical a reprieve . Take your boat and sail regroup that what his team suggests.
Owen he is the strong silent type a big brooding man. He has made his world the fishing industry and has resolved that he will probably never find anyone to share that with.
When these two strong brooding men meet their are so many uncertainties but they soon realize that they are better together as one than standing individual on their own .
I absolutely loved their journey!!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Kate Canterbary has delivered another great book with characters you can’t help but love, a storyline that draws you and just a great love story. I loved Owen and Cole’s chemistry and how it was really a case of opposites attracting. I hated that it had to end and hope we get another trip to Talbott’s Cove.