Her Maine Catch

by Sophie-Leigh Robbins

Falling for the local hot and grumpy bait shop owner wasn’t part of my revenge plan when I decided to one-up my ex…

Aspen
My sky-high expectations for our annual family vacation in Maine evaporate faster than the spray of a jetski when I find out my cousin’s new boyfriend is the same guy who publicly broke my heart last Christmas. How am I supposed to enjoy my vacation with him staying in our lake-side cabin as if he’s a wonderful addition to our family?

So much for my No Men, No Drama summer plans.

Determined to get even, I beg the local bait shop owner to let me sign up for fishing lessons, despite them being reserved exclusively for retirees. I’d rather spend my vacation with a bunch of bait-crazed seniors than lake-side with my stupid ex and his stupid remarks about my lack of fishing and boating skills.

But the better I get at reeling in fish, the more trouble I find myself in.

Because falling for the hot and grumpy bait shop owner wasn’t part of my revenge plan…

Her Maine Catch is a fun sweet romcom full of humor and heart that is meant to be read in two hours or less. It has no cliffhangers, a guaranteed HEA, and all the sizzle, but no explicit content. This book is part of When in Maine, a sweet romcom series set in a small coastal town in Maine. If you love short and sweet beach reads, then When in Maine is perfect for you!

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Summer, Summer Reads

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Sophie-Leigh Robbins writes fun, feel-good romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon.

Reviews

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Aspen & Maddox’s points of view

– there is one not nice word

Review:

This was a really quick, instalove-esque romcom that I enjoyed! I loved getting to see Aspen’s family dynamics & that the family’s bond was so strong. I didn’t like her ex & really enjoyed whenever anyone stood up to him. I loved getting to know Maddox & see his relationship with his brother. I’m very interested in reading his brother’s story later on in the series! And I loved the older folk Maddox helped teach how to fish. They were endearing and a little prone to wanting to matchmake the two of them. XD

Summary:

Aspen is thrilled to get a chance to unplug from her life and have a chance to just relax with her family on their vacation. But when she gets there, Aspen discovers that this vacation won’t be like the others. Namely because her cousin has brought her boyfriend on this family vacation. And the boyfriend is none other than Aspen’s ex who publicly dumped her months prior. In order to get some space from him & to hopefully one up him later that summer, Aspen begs the local bait shop owner to let her join the retirees only fishing lessons. She never expected to fall for him along the way…

Maddox isn’t interested in a summer fling, but can’t seem to keep Aspen out of his head. It must just be because of his indignation over how her ex is treating her…

[Savvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but fun

This was a cute, fast read. I've never been to Maine but this book put me there. I took one star because it would have been phenomenal as a longer book as there was plenty of substance for twice the length and the emotions came fast but it left me with all the fuzzy feels! I loved Aspen and Maddox and her family's protection/defense of her.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5💗

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heerlijk boek! Leest lekker weg! Korte hoofdstukken is erg prettig, daardoor denk je ‘ nog 1 hoofdstuk’ en voor je het weet is hij uit 😅🥰. Ik Kan niet wachten om de rest te lezen!

[Bookstagram_byilse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik kreeg een berichtje van @sophieleighrobbinsauthor met de vraag of ik haar feelgoodnovelle ook wilde lezen. Ik bel dol op feelgood en op novelles dus dat wilde ik zeker en het verhaal heeft me niet teleurgesteld. Bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar!

Het verhaal wordt vanuit de perspectieven van Aspen en Maddox verteld. Aspen is samen met haar familie op de jaarlijkse gezinsvakantie in Maine, in het idyllische Fog Harbor. Wanneer ze zich wil settelen in de slaapkamer, geeft haar nichtje Lexie aan of ze bij oma op de kamer kan slapen, omdat haar vriend ook komt.

Wanneer Aspen buiten is, ziet ze hem staan: Devon Jonesy, de man die met kerst haar hart brak. Lexie stelt hem voor als haar vriend, dit meent ze niet. Ze vertelt het verhaal aan Lexie, maar geeft aan dat ze het zelf moet weten.

Om zoveel mogelijk weg van Devon te zijn, krijgt ze een idee: ze gaat zich inschrijven voor vislessen bij de hengelsportwinkel. De eigenaar van de winkel en diegene die de lessen geeft, is Maddox. Een hele knappe vent met een mooie frons in zijn gezicht. Bij de eerste ontmoeting is ze al gecharmeerd van hem, en hij van haar zo te zien.

Zal Aspen alsnog een leuke familievakantie hebben, of slaat onverwacht een klein vonkje over?

Deze novelle maakt deel uit van ‘Zomer in Maine’ een feelgoodserie. Verliefd op de vijand is het volgende deel en gaat over Benson, de broer van Maddox. Ik heb van begin tot het genoten van dit heerlijke verhaal over liefde, romantiek, vakantie en gezelligheid. De setting voelt meteen gezellig en sfeervol en is perfect voor dit korte verhaal. De confrontatie met Devon zorgt voor een leuke spanning binnen de familievakantie. De mogelijke vonk tussen Aspen en Maddox maakt nieuwsgierig en nodigt uit om verder te lezen. Deze auteur schrijft normaal in het Engels maar ben blij dat deze vertaald is naar het Nederlands en kan niet wachten op het vervolg.

[Jodi Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Maine Catch is the first release in Sophie-Leigh Robbins and Ash Keller’s new novella series When in Maine. I was so excited to read this novella, and it delivered on all the swoons and laughs you expect from Sophie-Leigh’s books.
Her Maine Catch follows Aspen as she attends her annual family vacation in Maine. She is hoping for a relaxing vacation but all her plans evaporate when her cousin shows up with her new boyfriend—who is actually Aspen’s ex-boyfriend. In order to avoid spending time with her ex, Aspen signs up for fishing lessons and finds herself intrigued by her fishing instructor—a tall, grumpy, flannel wearing, hot as molten lava man. The story that follows is full of laughter, family, love and hope.
I adored Aspen and Maddox together. Their connection and friendship was so cute. The side characters were unique and added so much humor to the story while moving the story along. This story was a delight to read.
Read if you love:
-novellas
-vacation romance
-grumpy, flannel wearing, hottie MMC
-fabulous FMC who is over 30
-family vacations
-he teaches her something
-teasing retirees
-romantic night hikes
-swoony kisses
I loved this sweet novella. It was the perfect quick read for a summer night. I especially loved all the references to the cooler summer weather—I wish I could escape to some cooler weather. I’m so excited to read Her Maine Attraction by Ash Keller, which is the next book in the series.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! The story begins with Aspen arriving to her family's annual Maine vacation to realize not only has her cousin shown up with a new boyfriend--- but one that also happens to be her ex. Talk about awkward! When she decides to prove him wrong by learning to fish, she meets the owner of the local bait shop and fishing instructor- Maddox and sparks immediately fly between them. I really enjoyed the easy chemistry between them. It was really sweet and the senior fishing classes really added a lot of fun and humor to their story. This one definitely had an instalove vibe to it, which I don't personally mind at all--- and with such a short read (less than 100 pages), it worked wonderfully for their story. While I certainly would have enjoyed more time with them too, it didn't feel like anything was missing. It was the perfect short and sweet read for these busy summer days. I didn't know a fishing competition could bring so much competition and drama, but I definitely enjoyed every second of it. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in this fun series.

Her Maine Catch is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ✨

Her Maine Catch
Sophie Leigh Robbins
Pub Date: August 8, 2024 - Today!

Aspen is determined to enjoy her summer family vacation as much as possible. I mean she deserves it after the awful year she just had. Last Christmas her boyfriend at the time publicly broke up with her and she didn’t even see it coming! When she arrives at the Lake house she finds out her cousin brought her new boyfriend along… who happens to be none other than her ex-boyfriend. Aspen can’t believe her luck. She can’t stay in the house watching those two all the time so what better thing to do but sign up for fishing lessons? And that’s where she meets Maddox.

This was such a cute fast paced novella. Getting to know Aspen and Maddox was fun. The protective side that Maddox shows when it comes to Aspen and her ex might have been my favorite part!

I really enjoyed getting to know the town of Fog Harbor. Sophie does a great job setting the stage for this series. I’m excited to see what comes next.

Read if you like:
🦞Grumpy MMC
🦞Insta-love
🦞Novella Length

Thank you so much Sophie for the #gifted copy!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Maine Catch by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is the first book in the When In Maine series, but it can be read as a standalone. This book is told from a dual POV. You follow Aspen & Maddox. The book starts with Aspen arriving in Maine for her annual family vacation with the motto "No Men, No Drama". The motto doesn't last long after meeting her cousins new boyfriend, Devon, who turns out to be Aspen's horrible ex who publicly broke her heart last Christmas. After his snarky remarks about her lack of fishing and boating skills, Aspen talks the local baitshop owner, Maddox, into letting her sign up for the local fishing lessons that are exclusively reserved for retirees. Maddox is the grumpy bait shop owner with a heart of gold. He can't help himself in helping Aspen after she comes all flustered into his shop. Her wonders if she is a crazy woman but ultimately lets her take the lessons. I absolutely devoured this book and loved every minute of it. I can not wait for the three other books in the series!

🎣 Grumpy MMC With a Heart of Gold
🐠 The Seniors 🤣
🎣 Hilarious Family Dynamics
🐠 Who did this to you?
🎣 Small Coastal Town
🐠 Sweet Romcom Novella

She wipes a tear away with the palm of her hand, and I’m suddenly overcome by an overwhelming desire to punch whoever caused her to cry like this in the face.

“Morning, everyone. The van is all packed and ready to go. Why don’t you all hop in? It’s only a ten-minute drive.” “Hop in? We’re not thirty anymore, Maddox. It’ll take us at least another ten minutes to get in and out of the van,” Harold quips with a chuckle. Maddox shakes his head. “Fine, crawl into the van. I don’t care. As long as we’re on the road in five minutes or less. The fish don’t wait for anyone, guys.” “That’s what you keep saying, but where would they go if we’re five minutes late? Swim to another continent?” Stanley asks.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Sophie-Leigh Robbins for my complimentary eARC of Her Maine Catch. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You know what makes me happy? When a book fulfills all the promises made up front by the author!
And Her Maine Catch did all that, and more.
Sweet RomCom
Quick Read
HEA
Humor
No Cliffhangers

To my utter delight, it also has
revenge
a delightful grandmother
great fishing buddy sidekicks.
Aspen and Maddox are a great couple and have the perfect zing that makes you cheer for them from their meet cute. Also being able to get back at her ex, Devon, makes the story that much more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the sweet romances in this series.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding a book that you can read in an afternoon. This one by Sophie Leigh Robbins is just that. I loved that the story was complete. And there are 3 other books in this series!

I loved Aspen. She's just hoping to enjoy her Maine vacation with her family. Unfortunately, her awful ex is now dating her cousin. And he's so mean to her all the time. I hated him. Aspen decides to take fishing lessons to escape him and his rudeness. And that's how she meets Maddox.

Maddox is completely opposite her awful ex. He is kind, generous, and the kind of guy everyone wants to have around. I really loved how he helped the senior citizens in his area.

This novella is so great! I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Liz Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, so I decided to read something shorter to help kickstart my reading for the week. I recently downloaded this one during a SYKD event, and while I had been waiting for the summer to read it, it was a cute read to help get me out of a slump.

Aspen and Maddox are just two people fishing and falling in love. I particularly liked the added dynamic of Aspen’s ex being there on her annual family vacation, simply because it adds resistance in a different way than similar novellas. Other than the fairly predictable dialogue, this is a fun summer read and it makes me want to go fishing.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen is in Maine on her annual family vacation. She’s excited until her cousin’s new boyfriend turns out to be Aspen’s ex-boyfriend who publicly humiliated her when they broke up. Now Aspen is spending her vacation sharing a room with her grandmother avoiding most of the family activities because a certain someone is an absolute jerk. A fishing competition is brought to light and Aspen is determined to win it and show her ex up. When she stormed the local bait shop to enlist help Aspen was not expecting to encounter a hot, grumpy shop owner. Maddox can’t help but find a soft spot for Aspen and the two set off on a fishy adventure.

This novella is the perfect amount of sweet, sassy, and one super jerk of an ex. You will be rooting for Aspen and Maddox to the very end while laughing.

[Mim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet happy read

This book delivers on exactly what it promises. Aspen and Maddox have a sweet relationship starting from a dynamic place. He quickly shows he’s a cinnamon roll with a grouchy exterior.

It is a short, sweet read so the pacing of the relationship is a bit rapid, but it packs all it needs to in there. The family dynamics are great, but most of all Grandma is awesome.

If you are looking for a sweet, cozy low drama read (well, as low drama as her ex dating her cousin can be), this is a great choice.

[Rosemary Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ I don’t care about losing because I already won. I met Aspen and I have big feelings for her. The ones that make you weak in the knees and prevent you from eating anything because you’re to in love.”
-Maddox

I completely love Sophie’s books. They are the perfect feel good romances that have you smiling in the end. Her books have you feeling all warm and happy inside. This novella wasn’t any different.
If you want a quick cozy read with a lake view this one is for you. I love the grumpy and sunshine trope and this novella had
It! Thank you so much Sophie for the gifted copy!!

[Heather.loves.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Maine Catch by: Sophie-Leah Robbins

Confession - I grew up fishing with my dad off the coast of Florida, and never found love there and truthfully not too many fish either 🤣 I am not good at sitting still.

📖Aspen takes fishing lessons to hide from her ex-boyfriend on a family retreat.

Maddox owns the local bait shop and offers fishing lessons to senior citizens. He agrees to let Aspen join the class.

There are lots of cute scenes with senior citizens. Maddox is a kind MMC.

If you're looking for a super quick read with summer sunshine, this is the book for you.

[September Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mini Review

Her Main Catch by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is the first novella in the When In Maine Series and it’s truly adorable and so much fun. I loved the setting in this one. It is always fun to read about a different place and I think this is the first book I have read set in Maine. Aspen is so excited for her annual summer vacation with her family only to find her ex is there as her cousin's new boyfriend. I loved Aspen and her family dynamic. She had a fun grandma. Everyone needs a fun grandma like Aspen’s grandma. Aspen’s solution to surviving the summer with her ex involves a handsome Bait & Tackle shop owner named Maddox. Meet grumpy Maddox with a heart of gold or a soft spot for Aspen. We have a bit of a whirlwind romance with these two and I love it. If you love grumpy/sunshine, small towns, fun family dynamics, summer nights in Maine, and a lot of fun quirky characters then this is the book for you. And it is still available to pre-order. So run and go grab a copy.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen's large family vacations in Fog Harbor Maine every year. This year, her cousin Lexie brings her boyfriend. Unfortunately, Devon is the man who broke up with Aspen last Christmas on a podcast. When things become uncomfortable hanging around Lexie and Devon, Aspen takes fishing lessons from the local bait shop owner and catches more than a few fish. A cute, fast read.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Quick Read

Aspen loves going to the family vacation in Maine. Her horrible ex being there is a definite thorn in her side. The redeeming factor for this vacation is fishing lessons with the hunky instructor. The family dynamics are fun, especially grandma. The ending is especially sweet and heartwarming.

[Piper Brintnall · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a so-so read. While I know you cannot deeply develop characters, chemistry, or plot in a novella, you can at least try. There wasn’t a lot of spark between Maddox and Aspen. The character of Devon was a clunky plot point and didn’t add much.

Luckily this is a quick read, so if you do pick it up you won’t be reading for long.

[Wendy Droke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick read, fun romcom story with a guaranteed HEA. I liked the premise and resolution of this story, and would have loved a little more detail but it's a neat quick read as it is!
I read an ARC, these are my own opinions.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Maine Catch by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is the first book in the When In Maine series. Although novella length, it is the complete story of Maddox and Aspen. He owns a bait and fishing shop in Maine near where she is enjoying her annual vacation with her extended family. She needs to win a fishing competition and enlists Maddox help to teach her. The story was full of interesting characters and a beautiful location. I'm looking forward to more.

[Happy Reading Watching]

Cute Read 📚

If you enjoy...

◇Short Reads
◇Sweet Romances
◇Fast Paced Stories
◇Summer Reads

I recommend looking into this one. ♡
Looking forward to reading more books in this series.

[Kirsty Gudmundsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌤Grumpy X Sunshine
🏡Small Coastal Town
👫HEA
🩷Rom-com Novella
🌶Closed Door Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A sweet rom-com novella set in a small coastal town in Maine. Read as part of my "Read Across The USA Challenge."

[Kellie Rainey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instalove short story. Premise was cute enough, but utterly too rushed to satisfy. They fished together like 3 times and decided to call it a life. The ex reads like an 80s movie bully and it just didn't work for me, personally.

[noteriasu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast paced insta love.... started reading because I'm on the road for 6hours... I have have 5hours of travel left and I'm decidedly still unamused. It was ok ig, kinda shallow character wise but oh well 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A happy story with a happy family vibe. Aspen and her family gather every year for a reunion. They always have a great time. Her cousin unknowingly brings her new boyfriend who is the same one that dumped Aspen last Christmas. Happy endings.

[Nanda Verwaal · Rating 4 out of 5]

De vangst van mijn leven – Sophie-Leigh Robbins

Aspen is op familievakantie in Maine.
Bij aankomst ontdekt ze dat de nieuwe vriend van haar nicht… haar ex is.
Aspen weet even niet wat ze daarmee aan moet.

Om hem zoveel mogelijk te ontwijken, neemt ze vislessen.
Zo komt ze terecht in een hengelsportwinkel, waar de knappe Maddox werkt.

Toen Sophie vroeg of ik haar novelle wilde lezen, hoefde ik niet na te denken. Natuurlijk!
Dit is haar Nederlandse debuut, na al meerdere boeken in het Engels.

Een heerlijke novelle om bij weg te dromen.
Vol humor en romantiek, met fijne korte hoofdstukken.
Heerlijk voor een rustige zondagmiddag.

Ik ben superbenieuwd naar de rest van de Zomer in Maine serie!
Vanaf 16 februari te lezen.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Don’t let this novella size fool you-this story is a full read💕! I loved Aspen & Maddox together. Love the town of Fog Harbor and the home Aspen & Maddox found in each other.

[Michelle Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I wanted. A quick, fluffy read! I really enjoyed Aspen and Maddox's story. I'm looking forward to reading the others.