Baby, It's Cod Outside

Silver Shoals #2

by Kat Cassidy

With his CEO father away, Benjamin Whitaker III is left running the family empire. And, you know, trying not to implode from anxiety while he’s at it.

Local investigative reporter Jackson James smells something fishy going on at Whitaker Seafood, and it’s definitely not just the mackerel.

One’s trying to keep things clean and tidy. The other’s digging up some serious dirt.

This year, Silver Shoals isn’t dreaming of a white Christmas. Just a low stress week, a front page headline, and a way out of this very merry fish-mess.

Baby, It’s Cod Outside is a low heat, opposites attract, hurt/comfort, small town MM holiday romance. It can be read as a standalone.

CW: anxiety rep, on page panic attacks, loss from cancer (family member, past)

Genres: Christmas, Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Holiday, Queer

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Kat Cassidy is a romance novelist. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her husband, her kids, and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.

Reviews

[Aimee Nicole Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much if not more than the first in the series. Kat is an artist and it shows in her writing. I love the way she describes settings and people. She really makes you feel part of the scenes. Kat also knows how to pack big personality into a smaller story, and that’s a gift I admire. The plot is well thought out and the pacing is pitch perfect. The characters are relatable and lovable. Just a lovely experience.

[Frida · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️but gladly rounding up

Baby It’s Cod Outside by Kat Cassidy is exactly what it promises on the tin: a splash of mystery, a sprinkle of small-town charm, and enough cozy fluff to wrap yourself in like a heated blanket shaped suspiciously like a fish.

Ben Whitaker III is dealing with the small matter of an environmental catastrophe—one conveniently signed under his name when he absolutely did not sign off on it. Enter Jackson James, the Silver Shoals Gazette journalist with quick instincts but soft edges.

Together, they unravel a “mystery”, and yes, it is absolutely the kind where you sip cocoa while watching them bumble through clues rather than sit on the edge of your seat chewing your nails. This one was mystery lite, in the most adorable, low-stakes way.

What really works here is the emotional, organic blooming connection between Ben and Jackson. It’s flirty, it’s sweet, and even though the spice meter barely flickers (we’re talking gentle eyebrow raise with a hint of tease), the chemistry is undeniable.

The entire vibe is small-town holiday snack. Not a full-blown dessert with extra syrup (even though that’s what has been served here😅)… more like a perfectly sweet, bite-sized treat that hits the spot and leaves you smiling.

But, and here’s where the 3.5 stars settle in, this novella needed more space to breathe. The plot resolution felt rushed, the relationship hits “insta-lovey” speeds, and a few emotional beats—like expectations, panic attacks, and family pressure—deserved more lingering, more nuance, more… simmering.

It’s cute. It’s fun. It works. But it could’ve worked even better with just a little more page real estate.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute addition to the Silver Shoals universe!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- holiday romcom
- opposites attract
- hurt x comfort

[TeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This story was so sweet and fun, but also the ✨️DRAMA✨️. It was a touch more intense than book one in this series, but it's definitely still in the fluffy read kind of territory. Jackson and Benjamin were such amazing characters. AND we got a couple of little glimpses of Adam and Eli in this story as well. Love to see them thriving. I will say that I enjoyed Deck The Hulls just a *bit* more than this one, BUT I did still love this one. Kat Cassidy is a must read. If you want a sweet holiday read that has low angst drama and is queer then this is perfect.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby it's Cod Outside
Silver Shoals Book 2
Kat Cassidy

Jackson & Benjamin

Low Heat
Opposites Attract
Hurt Comfort
Small Town
Anxiety Rep
Holiday Romance

This was a sweet quirky holiday romance

This starts out with Benjamin being accused of things he has no hand in, and when Jackson, a local reporter accuses him as well, Jackson realizes he is not involved and decides to help Benjamin out.

With a shared mission these two slowly develop a sweet relationship.

From all of this these two find their person. Beautifully working well together, but also understanding and accepting each other.

This was a sweet holiday romance.

The plot keeps you going.

There is drama, intrigue, mystery and a sweet relationship.

Lovely book

So thankful for the arc

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fucking LOVED this! The mental health rep, the banter, the just aching goodness between both Ben and Jackson? Perfection! Their romance is just so sweet and I adored this so so much!

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh esta historia fue corta pero entretenida y digamos que me hizo llorar porque solo quería darle un abrazo a Ben con todas mis fuerzas. Como el libro anterior, este libro tiene temas de suspenso que me atraparon desde el primer momento (y que sorpresa me lleve con eso), Jackson fue un personaje encantador e inteligente, estos dos hicieron una buena pareja, se encontraron cuando tenían que encontrarse y eso fue lo mejo de toda esta historia.

*****

Oh, this story was short but entertaining, and let's just say it made me cry because I wanted to give Ben a big hug with all my strength. Like the previous book, this book has suspenseful themes that hooked me from the very beginning (and what a surprise that was!). Jackson was a lovely and intelligent character, and these two made a good couple. They found each other when they were meant to, and that was the best part of the whole story.

📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby, It's Cod Outside is the second book in Kat Cassidy's Silver Shoals series set in the fictional Massachusetts town by the same name, and it can be read independently of the series starter, Deck the Hulls. This is an opposites-attract, small-town romance, with Benjamin Whitaker III and Jackson James as the main characters. While his father is away, Ben is put in charge of the family business, Whitaker Seafood. He's constantly anxious, desperate to make sure everything and everyone is functioning as they should. But an investigative journalist has been sniffing around, suspecting that something is afoot within the walls of Whitaker Seafood. Jackson is good at his job, but will digging deeper lead to the truth or could it cause more problems to land on the already stress-laden shoulders of the man he's falling for?

I quite enjoyed the first book in the series, Deck the Hulls, but this second novella definitely had more of a kick to it, thanks in large part to the heightened mystery and suspense aspects. Ben and Jackson working together to figure out what the heck is going on with Whitaker Seafood certainly had its humorous moment, which I think is like when you add that extra bit of something to make for an even better reading experience. This was an entertaining read, and Ben and Jackson made sense together, so it wasn't all that difficult to want them to overcome whatever they were up against. I don't know if we'll be visiting Silver Shoals once again, but I really hope that we do! I'm giving Baby, It's Cod Outside four stars.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5

Baby, It's Cod Outside is a wonderful mm holiday rom com novella that will give you the warm and fuzzies. Jackson, a small town reporter, and Ben, the heir to the town big fishing company, fall for each other fast as they work to find out who at the company is trying to sabotage Ben. Jackson's support for Ben during his panic attacks will melt your heart. While yes the time line for them is short I didn't doubt the feelings they had for each other. A great addition to the Silver Shoals series.

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to Silver Sholes, but this time we follow Ben as he tries to please everyone at the company his father built (whilst trying to get to the bottom of a small matter of fraud and ecological vandalism) and Jackson, whose chasing that next big scoop.

It's a fun plot with a serious thread through it, some gentle romance, and an almost Christmas setting! 🎄

I enjoyed it very much.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas novella, the second in the Silver Shoals world. Journalist x Fishing empire heir who just wants to do what’s right. Small town, opposites attract, and a grumpy for everyone except him cat.

*****
I received an ARC of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so deeply romantic I want to die!

Baby, It’s Cod Outside has all the charm & humour of Deck the Hulls, but there was something extra special about this one that had me kicking my feet and swooning the entire time.

I love Silver Shoals.

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read the more I loved it. And the epilogue got me grinning!!

[Anxietea · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ben, the heir to a small-town seafood empire, starts to suspect that something fishy is going on at his factory, he asks investigative journalist Jackson to help him get to the bottom of it.

This was a perfect holiday novella, and I loved every second of it—especially Jackson and Ben’s dynamic. As someone who also experiences anxiety and panic attacks, the way Jackson takes care of Ben completely melted my heart. I absolutely recommend checking this one out!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly delightful story set around Christmas time in the town of Silver Shoals, a small fishing town with a large fish processing plant run by the Whitaker family. Ben Whitaker III is in charge this week while his dad is out of town. He is very conscientious, trying his best to live up to his dad’s expectations, but a bit out of his depth at times. A reporter named Jackson James shows up to do an interview, subtly trying to dig for information tied to a tip he was given about some problems in the cove near the plant. During the interview, Jackson is definitely drawn to the young man, flirting while seeking information. Ben is interested, also, but is more mindful of the position he is holding at the moment. When an event has Ben questioning a waste disposal truck he sees leaving the plant, one he isn’t familiar with, he starts some investigating of his own, and is quickly out of his depth. It appears someone is sabotaging him at the plant, so he turns to Jackson, the only person he knows who might be able to help, and to keep it from getting to his dad. Jackson agrees to help, and the rest of the book is solving the mystery of who is trying to discredit Ben.

On the surface, the problem isn’t particularly delightful, what made the book for me is Jackson and his interactions with Ben. Jackson seems to have an unending repertoire of comments and help under the guise of humor, using it to bring Ben back from the edge when he is ready to panic, using humor to get his points across rather than criticism or pressure. Ben tends to take the “worst case scenario” stand, whereas Jackson can encourage and guide him with remarks that made me smile, giggle, and outright laugh at times, building Ben up while encouraging him to trust himself as they try to unravel who the culprit may be. Jackson is perfect for Ben, just the person who Ben needs to keep him focused as they investigate, and a little steam doesn’t hurt. The story progresses quickly, with main supporting characters as suspects, and the unplanned reveal and confession is perfectly timed. Jackson gets his man, problem is solved, and the epilogue chronicles the years ahead in story headlines that tie up loose ends. I found the whole book to be vastly entertaining, and would definitely recommend this book, as well as Deck the Hulls from the same author, also set in Silver Shoals. Both are low angst, low heat, enjoyable reads.

I received an advance review copy for free and this is my voluntary review.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's supposed to smell fishy, but love masks the smell.

This is my initial reading of the works of Kat Cassidy, and I found it to be quite compelling. The narrative was effectively conveyed, combining a genuine love story with the intriguing mystery of a forged document that precipitated an environmental calamity, making it a true page-turner.

Benjamin Whitaker III assumes responsibility in the absence of his CEO father, managing the family-operated enterprise. He encounters condescension from seasoned longstanding leaders within the organization and perceives their treatment as constraining, especially when he questions their actions.

Additionally, there is a report of dead fish and contamination at a popular cove. A developing mystery involves Jackson James, the lead reporter from the local newspaper, who assists in investigating the issue. Ben and Jackson sense a chemistry when in each other's company. Jackson, having become aware of the contamination, seeks to uncover the true cause of the pollution. The discovery of how this occurred, along with the increasing attraction between the two men, constitutes a highly engaging narrative. This story does not contain explicit content but rather focuses on a trust that gradually evolves into mutual confidence.

Kat Cassidy's storytelling adeptly suits this genre, where the relationship between these two men begins with a shared mission and develops into a shared life. The approach she employs in the epilogue to narrate the subsequent developments aligns well with the professions of the characters.

I intend to explore more of Kat Cassidy's work.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby, It’s Cod Outside is the second novella in the queer holiday romance series Silver Shoals and is a spin-off sequel to Deck the Hulls. With his CEO father away, it’s Benjamin Whitaker III’s first week as the head of his family’s fishing empire. When investigative journalist Jackson James comes to him with some pointed questions about the business, Ben realizes that their seafood empire may not be as squeaky clean as he has been led to believe. With their growing attraction, they decide to work together to untangle the business dealings before Ben’s father returns or Ben takes the fall.

This was a cute and quick read that is set during the Holidays but not necessarily a holiday romance. This is a far more traditional story and set-up than Deck the Hulls (Adam and Eli have cameos here), so I did find it just a bit less compelling. The investigating and talk of white collar crime had a larger focus than I was expecting while I would have liked more on the romance front. That first kiss though? Perfection. It was just the right moment and setting, and I could not help but smile. I loved the epilogue too and how it closed out the story.

I genuinely liked Ben. He is a privileged but insecure young man, self aware enough to be fearful of being a nepo baby. I liked his earnestness and innocence, but he really did need to grow more of a spine. Meanwhile, Jackson is a bit of a contradiction—a big city journalist whose ambition led to downfall and is in a small town writing puff pieces to guard himself. I also liked his self-awareness and confidence. The romance was certainly quick but understandable since this is a novella that is structured and set over 7 days.

Baby, It’s Cod Outside is a feel-good holiday MM romantic comedy with a side of fishy business.

*Thank you GRR Tours for the eARC!

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Cheer Meter: 1/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')

3rd person, present tense, dual PoV
Benjamin Whitaker III (26), Production Manager at the Whitaker Seafood plant
Jackson James, reporter at the Silver Shoals Gazette

First, I have to say I love this adorable cover!

Second, I loved just about everything about this story, it felt almost tailored to my likes as a reader. I remember reading and really enjoying Deck the Hulls last year. This years it's Ben's (Eli's ex) turn to to find love. While both books take place in the same world with some character crossover/cameos, they absolutely stand alone.

I'm an absolute sucker for a story in which the MCs join forces to accomplish a task or solve a problem. In this case Ben uncovers concerning information regarding the waste disposal contract of his family's fish processing plant and after Jackson, an investigative reporter, starts asking questions he decides to enlist his help to get to the bottom of things.

I though the way Ben reached out to Jackson for his help was hilarious. These two were so sweet together. I especially loved how soft and tender Jackson was with Ben, who I just wanted to wrap in a blanket for all the pressure he felt in trying to live up to expectations. The mystery was engaging enough to keep me interested, but not so convoluted that I needed to set up my own murder board to track events.

I also love it when pets, cats especially, hate everyone but the love interest, it makes me melt.

The epilogue was so cute and I loved how it was done.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben is in charge of his family’s fish processing plant while his Dad is away, and he’s having a crisis of confidence. He discovers papers that seem off in terms of how much waste they’re producing and decides to dig deeper.

He finds that someone forged his signature to hire a waste management company and follows the truck, finding they don’t go to the dumping site.

Jackson is a reporter who’s heard that dead fish and oil are showing up in the bay, and he decides to investigate. At first Ben gives him the party line, but that’s before his discovery.

Ben comes to Jackson and they undertake an investigation together. They watch a truck dumping waste into the water, and they decide to go after whoever forged Ben’s signature.

While working together they both feel the pull towards each other. They start seeing each other, and Ben begins to feel more confident when he sees himself as Jackson sees him.

There’s a party for all the plant employees, and it’s there Jackson notices a man who definitely shows his feelings about Ben.

In a scuffle Ben intervenes when Jackson is about to be attacked with his recording of the confession about the signature, and he’s injured, but will be OK.

The culprit is caught, blowing the waste dumping wide open across the country. Ben and Jackson make a good team and a good couple, nothing fishy about it.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with appreciation.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Baby, It's Cod Outside was A M A Z I N G!!! I'm going to have to read Kat Cassidy's entire backlist because this darling read was fantastic! This was magnificent and fun, energetic and engaging, and I LOOOVED the narrative style and tone!

I could not get enough of Ben and Jackson! They were both gorgeous, charismatic and bright, with the kind of solid characterization that had me f e e l i n g Ben's anxiety, and l e a n i n g into Jackson's steadfast comfort like he was real!

Ben was such a precious, anxious bébé, and I wanted to bubble wrap him in sunshine and snuggles! He was miles of awkward and adorable, and though he was trying his best to do/say all the right things, he just kept putting his foot in his mouth! Suffice it to say, I was very veeery fond of him!

Jackson, besides being a stunning babe who had the sense to find Ben captivating from the start, was impressively super sleuthy, and really OWNED his investigative journalism energy!

Together, in the most exhilarating and endearing way possible, they broke the story, healed some old hurts, and had the most lovely HEA that still makes me smile to this day!

I cannot wait for whatever comes next in the Silver Shoals series, because this was P L E N T Y ADORABLE and I need more of THIS VIBE in my life right now!!

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Silver Shoals series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. The book itself is like sipping a cup of hot chocolate while wrapped up in a blanket next to the fire. Cozy and warm throughout. This is the story of Benjamin Whitaker III and Jackson James. Ben is the son of the CEO and has worked his way up through the company. While his father is away for a week, he is busy preparing for an audit/inspection. It is then that he notices a discrepancy in the paperwork for hazardous waste. Jackson is working for the local paper after leaving the big city. He is used to small town news but stumbles upon a bigger story with the fish plant. Rather than sensationalizing something, he goes to Ben to see if he can confirm what he has found out. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. The two of them had instant chemistry. I really appreciated that Jackson understood Ben's panic attacks and tried to help him through them. He also didn't view it as a weakness. Nor did he try to use it against Ben. All the more reason to cheer him on in his search for his special someone. There is a lot of humor packed into this novella. And there is a mystery to solve. The two team on to solve it and maybe solve their being alone problem as well. I really enjoyed this book.

[Magda | AnotherOneReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe for some, it's too early for a holiday story, but you definitely need to pick this one up. Because the story of Ben and Jackson is not just a light, Christmas romance. We have here a beautifully presented, developing relationship between our main characters, set against the backdrop of problems in the family business, a journalistic investigation that could reveal everything, and a couple of unexpected events. Even though the story described in the book lasts only a few days, thanks to the author's writing style, we really bond with our heroes. I don't know which one of them captured my heart more: the sensitive Ben, who tries to carry the weight of the whole world on his shoulders, or the calm Jackson, who knows exactly what to say to give encouragement and support, even though he himself is grappling with some issues from the past. Ben and Jackson are a perfect match for each other, they don't try to change or conform, but simply let themselves be known exactly as they are. From their very first meeting, you can't help but root for their happy ending. The scene with the piano lesson is probably my favourite (it's hard for me to choose because I marked many moments), and the epilogue is the cherry on top of this wonderful story. Highly recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Baby, It’s Cod Outside by Kat Cassidy is a cozy winter treat and I really loved it. It is the second book in the Silver Shoals series, and those who read Deck the Hulls might remember Ben mentioned as Eli’s ex boyfriend. However, this story is a complete standalone and you definitely don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. These stories have a really lovely tone, all warm and sweet, with a nice dose of humor and playfulness. This story also has a light mystery element, as we learn early on that someone is setting up Ben and the company, so it gives Jackson and Ben a chance to get to know one another as they investigate. This part of the story comes together well and things get exciting at the end, but this is really more on the cozy end, rather than high suspense.

I found this one a lot of fun and just really warm and appealing. If you are looking for a cozy holiday story, with a nice bit of snark and humor, plus a little bit of excitement, definitely check this one out.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful low heat romance from Kat Cassidy set in Silver Shoals.
Benjamin has been left in charge of his father's fish processing factory and, although he's a manager there already, people don't see him as an authority figure. When he stumbles across something, the only person he can think of to help is Jackson, a local reporter who was asking some questions earlier that day.
Jackson moved to Silver Shoals to escape after a bad time at work, and now he has the chance to write this story but, Ben is someone that he cannot ignore and doesn't want to. He offers his sincere help through what is a tough time for Ben, bringing anxiety and panic attacks to the fore. Jackson is really supportive as they work on this mystery together, to try and find out who is sabotaging Ben's father's business.
The two men have a great connection and even with it being over a short amount of time, it still feels like there is something big between them. I especially love how the epilogue shows off their future.
Another great read from the author and I hope we have another next year!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby, It's Cod Outside is the second book in the Silver Shoals series from Kat Cassidy, and I was eager to dive into it after enjoying Deck the Hulls. While I ended up giving Deck the Hulls a three-star rating, I saw plenty of potential for there to be a four-star rating within the series. Thus, I was super happy when Baby, It's Cod Outside ticked my boxes.

Although a short story – in terms of length and duration in which the story occurs – Baby, It's Cod Outside is a story that managed to pack plenty into the pages. I will admit that it was a bit too predictable in places, yet that was part of the charm. It was intended to be a sweet festive read, and it managed to provide exactly that. It had the same sweet feeling as the first book, ensuring I was hooked right away, while providing a bit more depth to allow it to hit a bit harder. From the start, I adored the characters, and I had a huge grin on my face as things played out.

Without a doubt, those who enjoyed the first book are sure to devour this second. My fingers are crossed for a third book following a character that grabbed my attention early in this story…

[Sav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, low heat, low angst holiday romcom. The writing is quick, witty, and still rich in emotional depth without feeling exaggerated.

Jackson and Ben are adorable. Their banter and easy back-and-forth feels natural and fun. Is it realistic for them to fall in love within five days? No, of course not. But we don’t love Christmas romcoms for their realism lol

Also, I want to remind you that this is “low heat.” There’s some flirty jokes and very suggestive statements, but don’t expect any spicy scenes in here.

The central plot was interesting. I love a good mystery, and this one was simple and to the point. I did figure it out almost immediately, but it’s still a fun one to ride out and see how it ends. And the reveal was definitely dramatic.

I haven’t read the first book in this series, but this can definitely be read as a true standalone. And I did immediately add the first one to my TBR because now I wanna know Eli’s story. And do I sense Billy might be getting his story in the next one?

Overall, it’s a fast, fun read that’s great for the holidays!

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy to be back in Silver Shoals!!
Jackson and Ben's story is the absolute sweetest! There isn't just pure sweetness though, there's a lot of emotional nuances as well as a mysterious plot surrounding the company Ben's family owns and operates.

I loved reading this book! I really enjoyed the mystery element that flowed throughout the story, I thought it was well described, full of suspense, and I enjoyed how I was trying to figure out who the culprit was right alongside our two MC's. Ben and Jackson form a truly beautiful relationship, Ben is unsteady and unsure of himself and has the occasional panic attack, and Jackson is right by his side offering support, encouragement, and breathing techniques to help Ben out of his panic attacks. These two have a slower burn but that is fitting for the circumstances they are in.

I also want to add that it was so much fun seeing Eli and Alex again! They were the couple in the first book, so it was cool to see them make a reappearance.

~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions ~~

[Carly Molinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whirlwind holiday rom-com with a side of mystery.

Ben, heir to Whitaker Seafood and a walking ball of anxiety, stumbles upon possible corporate fraud within the company and with the help of local reporter, Jackson, has a week to find answers.

Off the charts chemistry and tension, a riveting who-done-it mystery, and a shocking amount of emotion come together to form the perfect short novel.

I loved both Ben and Jackson. Both were nuanced, layered, relatable, and lovable. With detailed backstories, charming imperfections, and earnest hearts.

Healing, growth, and the terrifying reality of making hard decisions are all highlighted with levity and passion. Paced perfectly, gripping from begging to end- It would make a perfect holiday movie.


What you’ll get:
•Seafood Co. Heir/Reporter
•Anxiety Rep
•Uncovering Fraud
•Hurt/Comfort
•Opposites Attract
•Small New England Fishing town
•Holiday Romance
•Mystery-lite
•3rd Person POV

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby, It’s Cod Outside is such a charming, comforting holiday read. Benjamin and Jackson are complete opposites, one wound tight with anxiety, the other digging for the truth, but the way their lives collide makes for a story that’s equal parts tender and heartfelt.

What really stood out to me was how grounded the characters felt. Benjamin’s anxiety is portrayed with care and authenticity, and Jackson’s determination balances beautifully against Ben’s fragility without ever overshadowing it. Their slow-growing connection has just the right mix of warmth, awkwardness, and gentle support.

The small-town setting is vivid and cozy, the mystery element adds just enough tension, and the emotional beats land perfectly. It’s low heat, but full of feeling and the hurt/comfort moments are some of the best in the book.

A sweet, soothing holiday romance with lovable characters and a beautifully soft heart.

I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

“Baby, It’s Cod Outside” by Kat Cassidy is part of the ‘Silver Shoals’ series and features Ben, who desperately wants to prove himself when his father leaves him in charge of their seafood company, and Jackson, a reporter who is trying to figure out what is so fishy in Silver Shoals.

This adult gay holiday romance novella packs a bit of mystery, mild angst, and a delicious romance into a quick read. One can’t help but feel Ben’s anxiety and frustration along with his intense desire to do well at substituting for his dad, and cheer for the way he blossoms once he and Jackson start to get to know each other. I sympathized with Ben and regretted the shocking betrayal he experienced, and I was pleasantly surprised by events that took place after the party. Despite not having read the previous story in this series, I had no trouble becoming invested in the story, and I finished it with a feel-good uplifting of the spirits.

A copy of this title was provided for review