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Coral Bell Cove #5

At First Catch

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Some mistakes are worth making twice.

Hadley Wright never expected one unforgettable night with a stranger to become the beginning of something she couldn't forget. After slipping away before sunrise, she's convinced she'll never see the quiet, guarded man who made her feel safe on one of the hardest nights of her life again.

Until he walks right back into Coral Bell Cove.

Nolan Pierce has spent his entire life believing it's easier not to need anyone. Buying the town's struggling marina is supposed to be his fresh start—not falling for the woman who comes from the loud, loving family he's never had.
But while Hadley believes love means showing up, Nolan is convinced it means protecting the people he cares about... even if that means shutting them out.

Now they're both about to discover that falling in love is the easy part.
Trusting someone enough to stay might change everything.

At First Catch is a heartfelt, steamy small-town romance featuring a one-night stand, found family, slow-burn chemistry, meddling siblings, marina life, and a hero who falls first, falls hard, and learns that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is let someone stand beside you.

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2026

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About the author

Renee Harless

49 books1,055 followers
Renee Harless is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance - focusing on family and small towns. Her upcoming release, At First Spark, is scheduled for May 20, 2026. Add it to your TBR today!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
874 reviews86 followers
September 24, 2026
4.5🌟 | 2.5🌶️

A second encounter with a one-night stand is already complicated, but doing it in a town where everyone knows everyone makes things even better.

Hadley and Nolan had an undeniable pull from the beginning, and I liked watching their one-night stand slowly turn into something neither of them could ignore. Their flirting, growing comfort, and the way the whole town was invested in them made their relationship so much fun to follow.

Hadley was such a caring, capable heroine, but I especially liked seeing her realize that she was allowed to want things for herself too. Nolan had spent so much of his life feeling like he never truly belonged, so watching him find a sense of home while learning to trust someone enough to stay was really satisfying. Their individual growth added more depth to the romance without taking away from all the cozy small-town charm, found-family moments, and entertaining meddling.

This one also got me in my feelings more than once. There were plenty of fun and lighter moments, but the emotional parts gave their happily ever after more weight. Between the chemistry, lovable community, and the way Hadley and Nolan slowly learned to let each other in, this was a warm, emotional romance that completely pulled me in.

This was exactly the kind of emotional, feel-good small-town romance I happily lost an afternoon to.

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Renee Harless and The Author Agency for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
2,225 reviews45 followers
September 23, 2026
Some mistakes really are worth making twice, and that opening line sets the perfect tone for a story that lingers long after the last page.

I went into At First Catch already fond of Coral Bell Cove and the Wright family’s particular brand of loud, meddling love, but Hadley and Nolan’s book still managed to feel fresh.

Hadley’s one unforgettable night with a stranger who made her feel safe on one of the hardest nights of her life is the kind of setup that could easily turn into pure fantasy.

That quiet, guarded man becomes Nolan Pierce, the new owner of the town’s struggling marina, and watching their paths collide again in the same small town hits with a quiet inevitability that had me cheering for this couple.

Hadley is all heart, she believes love means showing up, and that belief radiates through every interaction.

Nolan, shaped by a lifetime of believing it’s safer not to need anyone, is the opposite. His instinct is to protect by shutting people out, and the tension between those two approaches to love creates the push/pull of the story.

What I liked most was how the romance never races ahead of the emotional work. Falling for each other is the easy part, just as the blurb promises. The harder, more satisfying stretch is learning how to stay, how to trust that the person who once made you feel safe can keep doing it when life gets complicated.

Nolan’s growth from self contained loner to someone willing to let the Wright family’s chaos wrap around had me smiling.

This is warm, and steamy when it needs to be, and full of the found family comfort that makes Coral Bell Cove feel like a place you want to return to.

I closed it smiling, already missing these two and the marina they made their own.

🦋
3,763 reviews76 followers
September 25, 2026
At First Catch : Coral Bell Cove Book 5 ) what to expect 🔥One Unforgettable Night Between Strangers 🏠Small Town 🩷Friends to Lovers 🧑‍🧑‍🧒Found Family 🩷second chances 🔥Slow Burn and all the feels . This series !!! Oh my gosh this entire series . each and every character and couple really does own a piece of my heart . Hayley and Noah could not have been more perfect together. I adored their chemistry, I adored the banter and the how their relationship developed. There were so many moments while reading I found myself smiling, laughing and rooting them on . There were also some that made my heart feel like it was being shattered and had me crying ugly tears . What never wavered at all was how Uttely they captured my heart . Fun , steamy, beautiful, and Uttely addictive. Those are only a few words I can think of off the top of my head. Because guys this book is an absolute must read.
Profile Image for Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour).
1,411 reviews10 followers
October 1, 2026
Never fail, every single time, I am always so swept up by the way Renee Harless writes a love story and this is definitely not an exception! The way she has Nolan and Hadley falling in love is just gorgeous, it feels soft and huge and terrifying and grounding, and it’s adorably sweet the way all of Coral Bell Cove is not only all up in their business about it but obsessed with them as a couple, it’s the perfect humorous touch to an otherwise deeper read and I could not love it more.
Profile Image for Reading is escaping reality .
1,801 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
September 17, 2026
Making mistakes is something life throws at us, making them twice….puts them on the verge of losing what matters the most. The way she stay by his side the whole time even it hurt the most. This was so good, and will leave you will all the small town warm feels.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
7,336 reviews182 followers
September 24, 2026
Hadley and Nolan’s one night turned into something more. It became days, learning, loving, and trust. This was a really great romance and I enjoyed being pulled into their lives while they navigated a life that was new for both of them.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,666 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
Rcvd an ARC from the author.

Such a good book. I binged it in one sitting. Laughing and crying along with the story

We meet Hadley, one of the twins who is always there for everyone and feels a little lost thay no one notices her. While in the bakery helping out, she overheard that Nolan officially bought the marina...he breath is caught. She still think about their one night 6 months ago but also how she left before he woke up. We meet Nolan, new marina owner in town. He sold his construction business and is now rebuilding the marina the hurricanes have destroyed. He has a vision for the place but his mind also replays his night with Hadley. He had a plan but seeing her and her remembering his coffee order had his plan go kaput. As the tourism officer Hadley knows permits but she also knows she gravitate towards Nolan. The town is invested in the marina but also in the possible couple. An almost kiss at her parents leads to them not wanting to fight it anymore. Love makes you do crazy things but when Nolan is taking more than he can chew, instead of keeping Hadley close he shuts her out. Can Nolan and Hadley weather thru this storm or will Nolans fear be the ultimate end?
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,685 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
A heartbreakingly, charming love journey for Nolan who has never had anyone or anything stay long in his life to make it matter and for Hadley learning love sometimes isn’t enough until you lean into the fear that is crippling you.

Grab the tissues and enjoy this witty, funny, lol, heartbreaking and yet heartwarming journey! ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jenna Lundberg.
549 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2026
⚓ He Came to Rebuild a Marina and Found Somewhere to Belong 💙
⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers

There is just something about returning to Coral Bell Cove that feels like coming home, and At First Catch gave me everything I love about an emotional, feel-good small-town romance. 💙 Hadley and Nolan completely pulled me into their story, and I happily lost an afternoon watching these two figure out that falling in love might be the easy part. Letting someone stay is a whole lot harder.

Six months after Hadley shares one unforgettable night with a stranger and slips away before morning, that stranger unexpectedly walks right back into her life. Nolan Pierce has purchased Coral Bell Cove's struggling marina, which means avoiding each other isn't exactly going to be easy. Especially when neither of them has managed to forget that night. 👀

I loved the pull between Hadley and Nolan from the beginning. The flirting, shared coffees, little moments, and growing comfort between them were so much fun, especially with the entire town basically watching and waiting for them to figure things out. 😂 Small-town gossip apparently had these two married before they could even manage an official date!

But underneath all those fun moments was so much heart. Hadley is the person who always shows up. She's capable, caring, and seems to know what everyone needs before they even ask. I loved watching her realize that she was allowed to want things for herself too. She didn't always have to be the one giving everything to everyone else. She deserved someone willing to show up for her.

And Nolan's journey got me right in the feelings. 🥹 Growing up without a true sense of home taught him that relying on people only gives them the opportunity to leave. He wants to protect the people he cares about, but his version of protecting them is often shutting them out and trying to carry everything himself.

Watching Nolan slowly become part of Hadley's loud, loving family and the Coral Bell Cove community was one of my favorite parts. He bought a marina with the dream of rebuilding it into somewhere people would want to come and stay, while unknowingly finding the place where he might finally want to stay too. I loved that parallel so much. ⚓💙

Their relationship wasn't without some painful moments, and this book definitely got some tears out of me. I especially appreciated Hadley knowing when she needed to stand up for herself. Loving Nolan didn't mean accepting being shut out. He had to learn that vulnerability wasn't weakness and that having someone beside him didn't mean he had failed to handle things himself.

Of course, Coral Bell Cove brought plenty of lighter moments too. The Wright family, meddling siblings, found family, Walter and his advice, the marina, and a town that had absolutely no concept of minding its own business made this story feel so warm and alive. 😂❤️

Hadley and Nolan had the chemistry, but it was their emotional growth that really made me fall for them. Hadley needed to learn she could ask for what she wanted. Nolan needed to believe someone could choose him and actually stay. Together, they created something that felt like home.

I'm so sad to say goodbye to Coral Bell Cove and this wonderful group of characters, but Hadley and Nolan gave me such a beautiful reason to return one more time. At First Catch was warm, emotional, funny, romantic, and filled with all the found-family goodness I love.

Nolan came to Coral Bell Cove to rebuild a marina. Somewhere along the way, he found the home he'd been searching for too. 🥹⚓💙

Thank you to Renee Harless and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nicole.
897 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 16, 2026
Six months ago, Hadley spent a night with a man, and snuck out before morning, convinced she’d never see him again. Now he’s back in Coral Bell Cove, having just purchased the crumbling local marina, and despite her best efforts, Hadley finds herself wanting to give him a reason to stick around. What starts as offering advice and information on what the marina could be, quickly becomes shared coffees and meals, with the entire town weighing in on the romance they can see brewing. But Hadley has built her life around giving others what they need, so much so that she’s forgotten to ask for what she wants.

Having grown up in the foster system, Nolan has never had a place to call home. Even when he built his own company, it stopped feeling like his when someone else had too much say. Coming back to Coral Bell Cove means more to him than just a place to land, With a dream to rebuild the marina into something that draws people in, and makes them want to stay, he feels like he could find a home for the first time since he was a child. Having Hadley by his side only makes him more determined to hang on to what’s in front of him, but when the repair costs become overwhelming, he’s so determined to hold everything together that he could end up losing it all.

I received an early copy of this book from @theauthor.agency and it was like a balm to my soul. The attraction between Hadley and Nolan is so obvious from the beginning, but their own vulnerabilities threaten to break them apart before they can even have a chance. Nolan is so used to no one staying that he has made it a habit to be the one to leave first, but he’s so determined to find a place to stay that he doesn’t even realize he’s pushing Hadley (and everyone else) away. I love how the whole town embraces him, and how invested they all are in his and Hadley’s relationship, while still respecting that they need to learn their own lessons about being part of a couple. Nolan needed to learn to be vulnerable, but also allow himself to fall and trust that Hadley would be there to hold him up, and Hadley needed to find the strength to ask for what she needs, not just from Nolan but from life in general. The story was so beautifully written I felt like I was living it right alongside them, and I was not ready for their story to be over.
Profile Image for Katey Olson.
214 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 18, 2026
-Small Town
-One Night Stand
-Friend’s to Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Slow Burn
-He Falls First

This is the epitome of a cozy small town romance. If you want a book with found family vibes, this is the one for you. This book does contain a bit of healing and growth and I loved watching that come about. But let’s also not forget this book absolutely wrecked me. I cried my eyes out. But the characters were amazing, the story line was fun to follow, and who doesn’t like seeing if two people will get their happy ending.

Hadley does not expect for her one night stand to be moving into town. The one night she can’t seem to get out of her head. The man who changed things for her in so many ways. Hadley is such an independent strong woman who just knows what everyone needs before they do. She is always one step ahead and it’s about time someone steps up and takes care of her. But will she let Nolan be that guy?

Nolan is really just trying to find her place in life. He recently sold his business and bought a marina. He bought a place that needs a ton of work and somehow that place just might start to make him want to stick around. He has a past that he can’t escape and some emotional trauma he needs to heal from. Will he be able to see all of this fears aside so she can have his happily ever after ?

I can’t believe book 5 is already here. It’s been so amazing following all 5 of the Wright siblings and their individual love stories ! Thank you so much to the author and agency for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy!
1,079 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
Coral Bell Cove is the ideal place to fall in love, open a new business, and for Nolan Pierce, to purchase a run down, but beloved Marina that meant everything to the entire community. This was the kind of small town Nolan wished he could have grown up in, so maybe his dream had come true. Was Hayley Wright part of his dream? It didn’t really matter because her mere presence anywhere near him left Nolan confused and unable to concentrate. His desk in the musty smelling marina office was piled high with paperwork, but all he thought about was how their one special night seemed to have changed his life! He sold his company, moved to Coral Bell Cove, became a marina owner, and hoped that he hadn’t made the worst decision of his life. Nolan just wanted to fit in somewhere and hoped that with Hadley’s help and encouragement he could bring the Marina and the adjacent hotel back to life so new memories could be made!

Everyone in town was excited about the rebirth of the marina, especially the store owners, marina workers, and Hadley’s huge extended family. Her mother welcomed Nolan with open arms, her siblings and their partners were glad to see her happy, and of course her broody, twin brother Holt, kept his eye on Nolan in case he did something to break Hadley’s heart. Nolan’s biggest ally was Walter Green, an old-timer who loved to give advice, made sure Nolan always had a hot meal, and knew right away that Nolan and Hadley were meant to be together. Small town gossip at its finest had them engaged and married before they had their first official date, which was one of my favorite parts of the book. I could picture the hustle and bustle of the workers at the marina, the cozy diners, the cute shops and the magical sunsets at the end of each special day. I am sorry to see this series come to an end but I will always have my memories of Coral Bell Cove to make me smile!
Profile Image for MN Book Lady.
2,669 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy
September 18, 2026
These two and all they went through to get their happy ending!

Hadley and Nolan had a one-night stand months ago. It seems like he's now moving to her small coastal town, as he's purchased the hurricane-ravaged marina that the town desperately wants restored. They try to avoid the spark between them, but there was only so much denial they could both do before giving in to their feelings. However, Nolan's never had anything long-term, and he's worried about ruining this. So when financial strains start happening with the marina, how will this affect their relationship?

Nolan and Hadley get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

These two! Their flirting before they got together was so cute, and this town and their need to insert themselves into everyone's lives was amazing and concerning all at the same time! I do have to wonder if Hadley wasn't smiling more, or if her brothers didn't like the guy, if they would have given him an overprotective brother's speech, or if silent stares were more their type. I do love that Hadley respected herself enough to walk away when things were strained between them, as I think it helped show Nolan what was truly important to him too.

I received an advance review copy from The Author Agency, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Maz.
1,829 reviews30 followers
October 22, 2026
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️ 🌶️

I will admit I haven't read the other books in the series and it was still enjoyable reading as a standalone. But looking at the characters, I definitely need to read their stories.
This gave sweet and heartwarming Small Town Romance.
Coral Bell Cove is where both Nolan Pierce & Hadley Wright's heart belongs, specially the marina.
Nolan has decided start a fresh and buy the run down marina.
From what I gathered they both had a ONS 6 months ago.
Now he is staying and Hadley can't hide away, as they will work together a lot.
I liked how their relationship casually built up through little coffee dates and through meals. The Wright family show their affection through food and they all adopt him as one of them.
Nolan isn't used to that kind of warmth and live and he struggles a lot between living Hadley and knowing how to maintain a relationship.
It was a huge struggle for him and I loved how patient and caring about the whole situation. But there is only so much a person can stay, when they're constantly being pushed out.
Will they be able to save their love and the Marina? Or will he have to lose one?
This really does give you the warmth of small town. The way they all turn up quietly when he needs someone or an advice.
Was an easy and pleasant story to read.
Profile Image for Alicia Bradley.
167 reviews
Review of advance copy
September 19, 2026
This is not just your average love story it’s so much more. It’s a journey to learning to trust others, learning it’s okay to vulnerable and learning to demand your happiness and that it’s okay to ask for things you need even when you set out to be a people pleaser.

This story offered all the things I really love about a small town romance- from the kind gestures, everyone “knowing” some times before you even realize things, to the small town gossip. This one definitely does not disappoint.

The attraction between Hadley & Nolan is so obvious. And the town definitely notices - fast. Nolan never really felt like he had a place he fit, people in his corner or a place to truly call home. Hadley makes him start to see what those things truly feel like and for this he starts to feel like Coral Bell Cove may be the place he wants to stay. For him Hadley, her incredible family and this town show him exactly what the definition of home really is. While finding his “home” he also helps show Hadley that she’s a people pleaser and that it really is okay for her to want things and it’s okay to go for them!

This is an automatic recommend to every one! It’s heart warming and makes my heart happy!
370 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2026
At First Catch - ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a sweet and comforting small-town romance!

I really enjoyed Hadley and Nolan’s story, especially the fact that they already had history before finding their way back to each other. Hadley is so used to being there for everyone else that she forgets it’s okay to want things for herself, while Nolan has spent most of his life keeping people at a distance. I loved watching them slowly learn to trust each other and let themselves be vulnerable.

I also really liked seeing Nolan find his place in Coral Bell Cove. Between Hadley, her family, and the whole town, he slowly starts to understand what having a home and people in your corner actually feels like. And Hadley’s journey of learning that she doesn’t always have to put everyone else first was such a nice part of the story too.

The small-town atmosphere added so much warmth! The family dynamics, the gossip, everyone being in everyone’s business 😂 and getting to catch up with the Wright family made Coral Bell Cove feel just as cozy as ever.

I really enjoyed the romance, the chemistry between Hadley and Nolan, and the found-family aspect.

Thank you so much to @renee_harless for this ARC!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,148 reviews27 followers
September 21, 2026
“You make this place hard to stay away from.”

Renee…this book was the perfect ending to the Coral Bell Cove Series. I have been waiting so patiently for Nolan and Hadley’s book and it did not disappoint at all. At First Catch is perfect for fans of friends to lovers, opposites attract, and genuine connection between the characters.

After an unforgettable one night stand, Nolan Pierce walks back into Hadley Wright’s life and is staying for good. He buys the towns marina and intends to rebuild it. Working closely with Hadley, he begins rebuilding but can’t help think about her 24/7.

Their relationship is so beautiful. They become close friends and become something more fairly quickly. Their connection is so strong and it feels as if they have known each other for years. One of the most beautiful aspects of this book was how they supported each other. Nolan goes through a lot in this book and constantly feels like he has taken on everything by himself to save his relationships. Hadley constantly reassures him that she’s there for him and doesn’t give up on him when things are difficult.

I truly loved this book so much and can’t wait to read what Renee writes next!
Profile Image for Tasha.
1,922 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
September 22, 2026
At First Catch by Renee Harless delivers a sweet, steamy small-town romance filled with chemistry, emotional depth, and all the feels. Hadley and Nolan had such a great dynamic, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship develop from an unexpected encounter into something much deeper. Nolan’s guarded personality made his journey toward opening his heart especially satisfying, while Hadley’s warmth and loyalty made her an easy heroine to root for. I loved the friends-to-lovers progression, the forced proximity, and the found-family atmosphere of Coral Bell Cove. The story had plenty of romance and tension, but it also explored trust, vulnerability, and learning to let people into your life. The small-town setting added an extra layer of charm, and the supporting characters made the community feel warm and genuine. Overall, At First Catch was an enjoyable small-town romance, with an opposites attract trope, slow burn, found family, and a hero who falls hard.

I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,059 reviews10 followers
October 6, 2026
A second chance with a one night stand, the chemistry between Nolan and Hadley was never in doubt in this charming small town romance but the tension between them and their personal histories turned it into a slow burner.
However, for me I found it a little long. It was an easy read and it flowed okay but because of his upbringing (being in the foster system) Nolan had deep seated issue with people and places always being temporary and him grappling with this got overly repetitive, unnecessarily so, through the middle of the story.
I also had a problem with the timeline. At times the narrative indicated months has passed and them after it was only weeks. This was as example at about 40% of the way in.
“The kiss deepens. Hungrier. Days, weeks, months of tension finally unraveling piece by piece beneath moonlight and salt air.”
Apart from those little things there was plenty of humour, and I did love the way the whole town became invested in their romance.
Overall, it was very emotional but those emotional moments were delivered in Ms. Harless’ quiet descriptive style making it very approachable and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
1,108 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
September 22, 2026
This is book 5 of the Coral Bell Cove series and it’s Hadley’s turn to find her person.
This happens to be the man she had a very passionate night with 6 months before.
Leaving him to wake up on his own the next morning, Nolan has been unable to forget Hadley.
Coming back to the cove and buying the marina has the town talking but when he bumps into Hadley she is shocked to see him.
What starts from that day on, is the town taking him under its wing and showing him that he belongs.
But can he win over the woman that has found a place in his life and is creeping into his heart.
Or will his old habits have him pushing her away before they can really be a couple.
This was a sweet plus also steamy story with a lot of love, a close knit family, it was emotional at times and there was a bit of drama.
I enjoyed the storyline, all the characters from the main cast to the townsfolk plus the catch up with the Wright family throughout this book.
Thank you Renee Harless and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read this story.
Profile Image for Carin van Niekerk.
181 reviews
October 9, 2026
This book reminded me of the small town where I grew up in the way that the whole town was so invested. Invested in what Nolan would do with the Marina, invested in his growing relationship with Hadley and really just invested in him.

Nolan and Hadley spent a night together 6 months ago and now Nolan is settling in town after purchased the Coral Bell Cove’s marina. Both of them realise very quickly that their night together was not just a once off and that avoiding their feelings and obvious connection would not be easy.

Hadley is by nature a carer. She takes care of everyone around her and in the process forgets that she deserves being taken care of as well. I love how she realises that she is allowed to ask for what she wants too.

I absolutely loved how Nolan came to realise that people don’t always leave and that he has a place he belongs.

Nolan and Hadley’s relationship is a bit of a slow burn developing over shared coffee, all the flirting and banter and the entire town weighing in.

I really enjoyed this book; well worth the read.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
7,078 reviews141 followers
September 23, 2026
At First Catch by Renee Harless delivers a sweet, steamy small-town romance filled with chemistry, emotional depth, and all the feels. Hadley and Nolan had such a great dynamic, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship develop from an unexpected encounter into something much deeper. Nolan’s guarded personality made his journey toward opening his heart especially satisfying, while Hadley’s warmth and loyalty made her an easy heroine to root for. I loved the friends-to-lovers progression, the forced proximity, and the found-family atmosphere of Coral Bell Cove. The story had plenty of romance and tension, but it also explored trust, vulnerability, and learning to let people into your life. The small-town setting added an extra layer of charm, and the supporting characters made the community feel warm and genuine. Overall, At First Catch was an enjoyable small-town romance, with an opposites attract trope, slow burn, found family, and a hero who falls hard.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 3 books42 followers
September 23, 2026
Returning to Coral Bell Cove was such a welcomed event because Hadley and Nolan brought all the emotion and growth to the table, and refused to let me get up until they found their HEA.

Nolan's self-protection is understandable, but I was worried that his old habits would have him push Hadley away. Instead, I felt those walls slowly coming down as they took their initial attraction and grew it into so much more. They learned to be vulnerable without being weak and developed a trust that all couples should strive for! Hadley is like a hug personified. I loved her personality and how much she grows in understanding that it's okay to want and do for herself at times. She is exactly the kind of person everyone needs as a friend!

But what really got to me was how much the community feels like family. They create a dynamic in which a couple can truly thrive instead of trying to pull them apart with doubt.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,003 reviews12 followers
September 24, 2026
Nolan & Hadley

Welcome back to Coral Bell Cove! If this is your first book by Renee go read her backlog when you're finished with this series. This series is nothing short of amazing. I really enjoyed Nolan and Hadley's story. First off, the town and her mom meddling was so hilarious. I always love when a book has someone nudging our MCs to one another.

While Nolan and Hadley have their ups and downs throughout this book the theme is clear; loving a person doesn't mean bearing the burden or holding all the weight. The weight is shared. I loved the message that came across each time these two characters interacted. It felt like real conversations were happening and it was realistic as sometimes we have to walk away to ensure we're protected. Especially if someone isn't willing to trust that they'll be standing beside you in the end.

Really beautiful story.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
180 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2026
4.5 stars
A cute he falls first but doesnt know how to stay story about Nolan and Hadley in a small town setting, with a hard fought marina in the middle and a lot of baggage! Heavy theme of not feeling good enough here, if that your thing. The writing is done with such detail. There are such profound moments, as Nolan and Hadley fall in love, but learn about themsrlves and their values as they go. "I dont know how to do this part...the part where i want something enough to be terrified of it". This book observes beauty in the little moments and intimacy in the everyday. There is a little bit of repitition, "you know the hard thing, the most dangerous thing etc" which was mildly annoying but it didn't detract from the overall experience.
I think i have to steal a line from the book for when my kids start dating too. "If you hurt her(or him) ill ruin your life creatively." I loved this.
Profile Image for Cass.
62 reviews
September 29, 2026
Thank you so much for this ARC Renee Harless and the author agency.
I felt the summer romance by reading Nolan and Hadley's love story. Nolan has just bought the marina in town and everyone there is between excited or scared he'll drop the project but he's all in to make this project glow because somehow the town feels, for the first time, like home. Of course, it's not just the town is also Hadley, they had one night together and they can't stop thinking about each other's. So, they're ready to spend time together and to go on dates. This journey is full of chemestry and butterflies but the best part is that they can show their real selves to themselves by building a safe space every time they are together. An Easy reading that will make you fill on the last days of summer.
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“At first catch”
💙Small town.
💙Opposites attract.
💙One night stand.
💙Slow burn.
💙Grumpy+ Sunshine.
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AVAILABLE NOW!
Profile Image for Melanie Walker.
674 reviews23 followers
October 7, 2026
ARC Review: 4⭐️
At First Catch is book 5 in the Coral Bell Cove series featuring Nolan Pierce & Hadley Wright.

Nolan & Hadley spent an unforgettable night together, the next morning she slips away believing shell never see him again but it just so happens that Nolan buys the towns failing marina and is planning to stay in town.

Despite all the reasons they should stay away from one another the chemistry they share over powers them both anytime they’re in the same room and they’re drawn to one another like a moth to a flame.

When they give into the feelings and start to wonder what could be, Nolan gets spooked and pushes Hadley away with his actions. Will he realize his mistake and do whatever it takes to get her back or will it be to little to late?

I really enjoyed Nolan & Hadley together but I knew when things were going well for them at 60ish percent that something more was going to happen. I think Nolan had so much character growth throughout this story and I was so happy when he realized Hadley was the answer to his problems!

Im sad to see this series come to a close but i’m curious to see where we will go next! Thank you Renee for the ARC!
1,695 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
Hadley has always been the one to look out for everyone else in town. If you need something, she's the one to call. Nolan sees this and decides he wants to be the one she calls on, when it's her turn for support. After one night six months ago that neither can shake from their memory, it's only inevitable they will get together again.

Watching their love story blossom was just the sweetest. From the first touch right up until the storm that breaks them apart and then the epilogue, this, my friends, is how a romance needs to be! Both the main characters were likeable but Hadley's extended family were just as fun. I also loved hearing about the older couples from the series.

I'm so sad to leave Coral Bay Cove. I love all the characters here and have been blessed to read each of their happy ever afters. I can't wait to see what the author writes next.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
13.1k reviews102 followers
September 25, 2026
Even though Hadley has always been strong, independent and willing to put others first sometimes you need a respite. When Hadley met Nolan she never expected to see him again let alone that he would be relocating to her hometown to open a business and now that he is here he has her wondering if their night together was a beginning or the end.

Due to his difficult past Nolan has never had anyone to rely on and although he built a successful business it wasn’t giving him the satisfaction he wanted. Purchasing the marina is an opportunity to follow his dream and he can’t deny that one night with Hadley was not enough.

This is a heartwarming story about two people who are used to handling everything on their own. The feeling between them were never in doubt and the romance between them was enchanting and the missteps that were made only made them and their relationship stronger.
Profile Image for ✨Zoraida✨.
374 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2026
ARC Review
Book: At First Catch
Author: Renee Harless
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

At First Catch is book five of the Cora Bell Cove series, and it follows the story of Hadley and Nolan. This was a fantastic read, and I enjoyed it from page one,

Hadley and Nolan had a one-night stand months ago. Now Nolan is in town because he bought the marina that needs to be repaired. They try to ignore the tension and the chemistry between them, but eventually can't deny their feelings for each other.

But when things get tough at the marina, Nolan starts to shut down. However, he has to learn how to trust that he belongs and that he deserves to be with the woman that he loves.

If you enjoy small-town, friends-to-lovers, he falls first, and opposites attract, this book is for you!

Thank you, Renee Harless and The Author Agency for this amazing ARC.
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