Baited

Bering Sea Crabbers #1

by Jessica Buss

When you’re crab fishing in the Bering Sea, one misstep can have devastating, even deadly, consequences.
Henrik, a grumpy crab fisherman living on Kodiak Island, has never been swayed by anything—not until Carina, a curvy, sweet-tempered marine biologist, catches his eye. He’s drawn to her by an unquestionable attraction that he can’t shake.
A former resident of the island, Carina returns home because the rapidly declining population of crabs in the Bering Sea troubles her. And although years have gone by, she’s still incredibly attracted to the brooding object of her teenage fantasies. And now he’s the captain of a crabber, and determined to protect the crabs too.
But getting to know him means she must face the childhood trauma that made her fearful of her first true love—the ocean. Will she be able to conquer the anxiety she’s held for so long? Can she once again entrust someone she loves to the sea?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

About the author

Jessica Buss was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two sons. Although she has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology, she stepped away from that field to be a stay-at-home mom. Now that her kids are growing up and she’s getting more time to herself, she’s giving this writing thing a chance.


https://www.jessicabuss.com

https://linktr.ee/jessicabussauthor?u...

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baited is book one in the Bering Sea Crabbers series by Jessica Buss. This is my very first book of Jessica’s. I was intrigued by the fact that the hero is an Alaskan crabber. Which is so unique. I also loved the cover. It really grabbed my eye!!

Carina Dahl is twenty nine years old. She is a marine research scientist. With a huge decline in the crab population in the Bering Sea, Carina has returned home to Kodiak Harbor and accepted a position at a research center there. Her family lives in Kodiak Harbor and she was raised there before leaving for college. It feels so good to be home again.

Henrik Berg is thirty two years old and he is a third generation crab fisherman. He has taken over as Captain of his family’s crabbing boat, The FV Brina. Henrik loves his family and his best friend, Eirik. But is otherwise known as a stand-offish grump. He pretty much wears a permanent scowl which keeps people away. That’s the way he likes it.



Crabbing on the Bering Sea is not for the faint of heart and the author paints a vivid picture of what life is like for Henrik and his crew onboard the FV Brina. Their season is right in the middle of the frigid winter and they battle storm after storm with high winds and ice. But Henrik and his crew work like a well oiled machine. Henrik takes his job as Captain very seriously and keeps his crew safe. He also can’t forget the mesmerizing woman he saw in the distance staring at his boat as they left for their crabbing season. She haunts his dreams during the months away at sea.



This book starts out with Henrik and his crew as we see the struggles they face every single day. He really was a natural fisherman. Carina, on the other hand, struggles with the memory of someone from her childhood that was lost at sea. She and Henrik had a fun and sweet first meeting. There was an immediate pull between them, one neither of them could deny. But as their connection deepens, so does her fear for the man she’s falling for. For the dangers he faces when he is working.

I do want to add here that the conflict that the couple faces involves a massive miss - or lack of communication. I was so disappointed in the hero for reacting the way he did when it happened. This is a trope that I am not fond of so it may have bothered me more than some.

This was a very sweet story of two people who were naturally drawn together and found that missing piece of themselves in each other that they really never thought they’d have. I enjoyed getting to know them and Henrik’s brothers, sister, and best friend. It was wonderful to see Carina finally find her place, and people that she fit with, that she felt comfortable with. It didn’t seem she’d ever really had that before. The ending was very sweet. The next book, Caught, will be Eirik’s book!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this book blew my mind. It is a stellar read with amazing characters. I love the vibes that the storyline gives. I mean who knew that I would love reading a story about fishermen out on the great Bering Sea. I couldn't put this down. I loved the details in this book and felt like I could connect with the characters with how they felt, what was going on, that experience, the whole run of the mill of everything going on in this. An absolutely captivating page turner. I highly recommend reading this you don't want to miss out on this one it's that good and a definite reread for me.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #1 in the Bering Sea Crabbers series. Crab fishermen!!! Yum!! Carina and Henrik noticed each other from a distance. Each drawn to one another. Can Carina leave the past behind and move on? Will Henrik's grumpiness spill into their life?

Love that global warming has been added in with this book. What we do today does affects our world tomorrow. Interesting learning about crabbing! I do not think I ever read a book that had the hero being a Crab fisherman.

🦀I can’t wait for the next book in this series. 🦀
CAWFILE: 9.71
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baited and Obsessed: Jessica Buss Nails It Again

Omg! This story was amazing. I can’t wait to read more about these crabber men. I love learning new things, and this time Jessica brings us these blue-collar men—and I’m sold! Henrik and Carina are so perfect together. I love how grumpy he is, and how he shows his sweet, romantic, and swoon-worthy side for and with Carina. The family dynamic and his friendship with Eirik are just perfect. Carina is pretty amazing too. Her Marine Biology studies reminded me of my own love for science. I love how she crushes on Henrik and how she faces her biggest fears. I truly loved everything about this book. Henrik is definitely a permanent addition to my book boyfriend list. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised by how much I truly loved this book. This is a new-to-me author and this book was suggested in a couple of newsletters from other authors. The world of crabbers on the Bering Sea is so outside of any of my experiences that I was intrigued. This book is a great romance with all the feels. But more than that, it sparked a lot of interest for me and I fell down all kinds of Internet rabbit holes to learn more about what is happening to the crabs and the climate. I love when books aren't predictable and formulaic and this one was just perfect for me.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and this is Henrik and Carina’s story.
Henrik is a grumpy captain of a crabber, while Carina is a marine biologist who is a former resident of the Island, and she is concerned by the declining number of crabs in the area. Being back on the Island, will Carina be able to face past trauma and anxiety about the ocean?
This is a well written easy to read story, with friendships, action, intrigue, anxiety, humor, witty banter, trauma, secrets, opposites attract, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, haunting, and twisted, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baited is the first book in the Bering Sea Crabbers series. To my surprise, I really like this book. Henrik is a grumpy crabber captain, and Carina is a marine researcher and former Island inhabitant who is concerned about the dwindling amount of crabs in the area. I like how she confronts her worst anxieties and develops a crush on Henrik. This was an enjoyable book with friendships, banter, trauma, secrets, romance, and love. I can't wait for this series' next book!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Baited (Bering Sea Crabbers #1) by Jessica Buss

I was excited when I heard that Jessica Buss had a new series releasing and if Baited is anything to go by, then she has a winning series on her hands.

When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to dive into crab fisherman Henrik and marine biologist Carina’s story.

Set on Kodiak Island the writing was descriptive and I found myself transported to the island and the Bering Sea.

I enjoyed the push and pull dynamic of their relationship as it developed and found both easy to like and relate to.

The attraction and chemistry sizzled . I was drawn into the story and admired Carina for facing her past.

Can Carina get over the trauma of the past and in doing so find her happily ever after with Henrik?
 
This book is everything I look for in a romance and I am excited to see what Ms. Buss has in store for this series.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw this, I was intrigued by it being a crabbing thing. I don't know much about it, other than it's a dangerous job and I hoped the book would make it so that I could learn more about it. Luckily that happened and I learned there is no way in hell I could do that job and have great admiration for the people that do, do it. Might have more if I liked crap, though. lol

The romance in this one was cute. I liked how Carina and Henrik were all in from the start, yet took things slow to do it right. When things would come up they would talk through them, like with Carina's uncle and how that affected her, especially with Henrik's job. I hated the big conflict that came towards the end, it really was a miscommunication on both ends. Luckily, once Henrik got home, he didn't wait too long and went to see Carina and they talked through things. It was nice to see them happy at the end.

[Denise R · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm in the minority according to the other reviews and that makes me sad. This is a new author to me, and I was so happy when I came across this book.

Deadliest Catch is one of my favorite shows, and I've never read a book about crabbing, so I was excited to start this one. In my opinion, there were a lot of words, and after awhile, I just lost interest.

I loved the first few chapters when Henrick was on the boat, and I even enjoyed the first few chapters of Carina.

But then each chapter was just filled with so many words, that I unfortunately couldn't continue reading.

This is probably a me problem, so please give this book a chance.

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baited is a romance unlike anything I've read before.
Henrik is a Crab Fisherman, and Carina is a Marine Biologist.
These two have an amazing connection, and chemistry.
I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down.

[Janae Peterson Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely captivating! A story about crabbing is so unique—it’s not something I’d ever thought much about, which made it all the more fascinating. I was so intrigued, I had to pause and watch a YouTube video just to see it in action! Henrik, the gruff captain of an Alaskan crab fishing boat, is instantly hooked the moment he meets Carina, a passionate marine biologist. With compelling characters and sizzling chemistry, this is a must-read. I also loved how Jessica wove so much of her home state of Alaska into the story—it added such authenticity and depth.

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baited is the first book in this new series. I didn’t know much about the topic of crab fishermen but I’m finding it fascinating. Their lives sound very hectic. But boy am I glad they do it for the yummy King crab. Carina and Henrik make an excellent couple. And boy oh boy are their sexy times smoking hot.
Jessica Buss has another great series coming and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶 3 💧
I absolutely love how Jessica writes! She has a way of telling the story as if it were a real-life event. Except better! It's as if the story is your own story because she makes you feel the emotion of every situation, and it feels like you are behind the scenes. Baited was an excellent story of real life, true emotion to a situation/s that has left me waiting for the next book!

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as this author announced this new series I couldn't wait for it! I was so excited for this series right away and I started looking forward to this first book immediately. I jumped into the Bering Sea Crabbers world as soon as I could. I loved Baited so very much! 

Henrik and Carina's journey drew me right in and didn't let go! Colliding with another soul can change everything for the heart which Carina and Henrik both know when it comes to one another. Henrik is a crab fisherman and Carina is marine biologist. As they take on the Bering Sea, all things crabs, and life, could it lead Carina and Henrik on a path to love?

Carina and Henrik had me fully invested in their story from the very beginning! Going into this first book I didn't know what all to expect which I thoroughly enjoyed. I couldn't wait to see how Henrik and Carina would deal with everything Bering Sea and crabs, their jobs, everything thrown their way, personal stuff, and everything they ignited within each other's hearts.

I admired the dedication and care that both Henrik and Carina put into both of their jobs and what it brought to the story. The chemistry between these two was undeniable, blushworthy, and oh so wonderful! I loved the ways in which Carina and Henrik got each other. I was glued to these two and their story as I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold for them. Henrik and Carina had me falling and feeling so dang much!

From the intensity of the Bering sea and how fascinating both of their jobs were to the realness that poured from both Carina and Henrik, I didn't want to turn away from these two and their story!

From the Bering Sea to Kodiak Island, I could picture it all so vividly in my mind throughout reading which I absolutely adored. I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story and it has me even more excited for more of this series!

With Baited, Ms.Buss has created an absolutely refreshing and addictive read that brought depth, all things crab fisherman x marine biologist, steam, vivid settings, heart, and so many feels! She always has me wishing that I could travel to the places in her books. This is definitely my new favorite from this author! I can't wait to dive back into the Bering Sea Crabbers world with the second installment, Caught! 🦀💕




*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions / the author*

[Janet Taggart Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Bering Sea Crabbers Series is fantastic! I loved the Steel Series a lot but there is something so real and earthy about this book that it just blew me away! The description of Alaska and especially of the crab fishing lifestyle kept my nose deep in the book, barely coming up for air. It was fascinating on its own, just learning about how they actually put out the pots to catch the crabs, face the unpredictable weather in the Bering Sea, and also do so much just to protect and preserve the species. I could visualize it all so well in the descriptive writing!

The love story of Carina Dahl and Henrik Berg is one of the sweetest I've read in a long while. Henrik is a Crab Fisherman and Carina a Marine Biologist. He is the perfect gentleman, the perfect boyfriend. We all want to have a Henrik. And Carina is just tailor made for him. It is an instant connection for them both, although Carina has secretly harbored a crush on him since high school. Around Carina, Henrik's grumpiness dissolves.

They seem like nothing could spoil their relationship until it is tested big time while they are apart. Their love must withstand the doubt and mistrust to survive. I absolutely loved this book and am so excited to read more about them and the others in this new series!

[N.D. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading her Chicago Steele series, I knew that I had to dive into Jessica Buss' new series. Why? First of all because I can't remember if I've ever read a book about fishermen or the Bering Sea and right away I was captivated.

Henrik is a big grump and given his job and the uncertainty of it all, you kind of get it. But he's not a grump without a reason, he's quiet and short and it just comes across as grumpy. Luckily Carina sees right through it, and not just because she had a big ol' crush on him back in the day. He intrigues her and the moment they meet (again) it's such a sweet love story.

Don't get me wrong, there's more than enough steam to propel the Brina across the vast sea! But Henrik is so sweet and romantic with her and I am here for it. He's gruff but holy hotness is he a secret romantic! This was an unexpected treat that I really enjoyed. There was a lot of crab fishermen talk at the beginning but it was helpful given the context of the story so don't let it deter you!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baited is the beginning of a new series by Ms. Buss. It’s well written with wonderful characters. Ms. Buss gives us a very in depth storyline, in that we get to know the characters well enough to sense their emotions and feel them right along with them, while at the same time giving us a romantic tale that will keep you reading page after page. The story takes place on Kodiak Isle in the Bering Sea. Our hero is a crab fisherman, a new one for this reader that’s for sure. He’s moody most days yet he has a soft, romantic side when it comes to our heroine, Carina. She is a marine biologist and well the two of them together is something special right from the start. But can their newly found romance sustain days apart and their unique lifestyles?

This is an exceptional read. The start has a lot of what this reader calls backstory info, in that it helps explain lifestyles, in this case that of a crabber. But trust me it’s well worth it, so just hang on as the banter, push and pull, romance and steam in on the way. I recommend it.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

We thoroughly enjoyed Carina and Henrik's story in this new series. It was refreshing and unique, set in a small town with vivid descriptions that made you feel like you were there.

The chemistry between the couple was passionate and beautiful, with a shared love for the sea. Henrik's gentlemanly approach added to the slow-burning romance as he got to know Carina.

The characters were well-developed, with strong friendships and loving family dynamics. The story had a good mix of action, humor, intrigue, and romance, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The author did a great job of portraying the importance and dangers of Henrik's livelihood at sea. Carina's trauma was tied to this lifestyle, adding depth to their relationship.

We can't wait for the next installment in the series. Will we see Mia and Eirik's story dynamic leave us curious about what's to come? Only time will tell

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baited is crab fisherman Henrik and marine biologist Catrina’s captivating and entertaining story. It’s book one in the new Bering Sea Crabbers and I really didn’t know fisherman could be so hot….
I was transported to the island of Kodiak and I found myself holding my breath as I joined Hendrik and his crew battling the Bering Sea to get the year’s quota of crabs.
The chemistry was sizzling, the banter was witty but it was watching Carina deal with her past as she looked to a future that took this book to another level. I fell hard and fast for Hendrik, I adored Carina and I think I have found my next book boyfriend.
A great start to the series that left me wanting more from the men of the Bering Sea.

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, the biggest surprise story of the year so far! Author Jessica Buss has taken a story line/trope that is most definitely not something you would think of when you think of "romance" and turned it into a slow-burn, second chance at love.
Carina and Henrik's lives are influenced by family and proximity to the Bering Sea. Henrik has crabbing in his blood. Carina has salt water in her veins. Carina has loved Henrik from afar since her days at school. Whereas Henrik's first love is the sea.
When these two ships finally cross paths, they set off some major waves of attraction.
Be prepared for a slow burn but when these two finally crash on the shore, it's epic!
Review by C. Seymour/Blogger

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting story. Carina had loved Henrik for years, left, and then came back home. Their connection was almost instant. She was such a strong individual, accepting what came her way, although she did have her fears about the crabbing season. Henrik was grumpy and bull-headed, but Carina brought out the light side of him. He was very loyal to his team and their safety, and became very protective of Carina. A misunderstanding at the wrong moment almost ended everything. Definitely a different vocation, and I enjoyed the details in what crabbing entails.

I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Carol Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, the biggest surprise story of the year so far! Author Jessica Buss has taken a story line/trope that is most definitely not something you would think of when you think of "romance" and turned it into a slow-burn, second chance at love.
Carina and Henrik lives are influenced by family and proximity to the Bering Sea. Henrik has crabbing in his blood. Carina has salt water in her veins. Carina has loved Henrik from afar since her days at school. Whereas Henrik's first love is the sea.
When these two ships finally cross paths, they set off some major waves of attraction.
Be prepared for a slow burn but when these two finally crash on the shore, it's epic!

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book and the beginning of this series. I love blue collar heroes and this was my first book where the MMC worked as a fisherman/crabber. It was very interesting and such a different occupation for a romance hero. Alaska and the Bering Sea are both so cold and at times wild and I was hooked. Henrik works hard at his job and Catrina who is a marine biologist is truly his perfect match and their banter was top notch. I was so proud of Catrina to do what she had to, to heal from her past. I was hooked and can't wait to go back to this crew.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times Henrik can come across as brusque but that is only side of who he is. Crab fishing is a part the life he thought he was content until Carina comes back into his life.

The primary reason that Carina has returned home if for her career. When she reunites with Henrik the sparks fly and now she finds herself not only facing the feelings she has always had for him but her history as well.

Henrik is the perfect mix of sensitive and swoony while Carina is stronger than even she knows. Together they are magic, and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Lorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb! Jessica has quickly become a “one-click” author for me. I appreciate how Jessica weaves her home state of Alaska and the lives of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea into Henrick and Carina’s storyline. I loved the descriptive places around the story’s town of Kodiak: the beach, the mountains, and the Brina. Their story is beautifully written and captures the heart and soul of these two exceptionally well-written characters. It’s romantic and emotional, with just the right amount of steamy spice. All the feels and all the stars!

[Estell Nordberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this story. The author captures the harsh beauty of the Bering Sea so vividly that I felt the icy spray and the tension of every wave. Henrik is the kind of hero you can’t help but root for, tough, protective, and quietly tender beneath his gruff exterior. Carina is equally compelling; her return home and her mission to save the crab population add real heart and purpose to the romance. Watching her confront her long-held fear of the ocean while falling for Henrik again was both inspiring and emotional.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! It's Henrik & Carina's story & it was awesome!! She gets to go back home & take a job there. She's always had a crush on him & when he sees her again, he can't place her, but the attraction was instant!! I loved this storyline & the spice. No OW drama, some miscommunication that almost ends in disaster & I loved the close-knit community & families. Highly recommend this book & author!!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Henrik is a grumpy, hot, alpha crab fisherman like the previous men in his family. Carina has had a crush on him for years. Now, working as a Marine Biologist in Kodiak she hopes that coming home will change more than her career. I loved this story and the detail that Jessica Buss goes into, in the lives of those on both sides of the dock. I can't wait for Mia's story.