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Catch of a Lifetime
Arty Reynolds chased his dream to Broadway, but after his father is injured, he must return to the small fishing community where he grew up, at least until his dad is back on his feet. Jamie Wilson fled his family farm but failed to achieve real independence. Arty is hiring for a trip on the gulf, and it’ll get Jamie one step closer to his goal. Neither man plans to stay in Florida long-term and neither is looking for love, so they’re both blown away by the passion that sparks between them. But on a fishing boat, there’s little privacy to see where their feelings might lead. Passion builds like a storm until they reach land, where they also learn that they share a common dream. The lives they both long for could line up perfectly, as long as they can weather the strain on their new romance.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
57 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 9, 2020
This was a really good story, but it had its heartbreaking moments as well. When parents lose their spouses, especially to death, it’s hard, especially as men, to really communicate to the kids left behind. I don’t mean that bad against men, but women do tend to talk more. For men, I’ve noticed, it comes out in harsher ways. By not talking at all, or by yelling, sometimes it goes too far into abuse. And I hate that. And it does go that way for women too, as well, so it’s not always men. In this case though, it did happen to be the men, and in this, their sons wanted no part of the life they had.
For Arty, he always wanted to go to New York or somewhere and make a name for himself. Not that he needed fame per se, but he wanted to act and live his dream. He just never heard anything from his father as if he was proud of him or if it was a good idea for him to get away. When his father got hurt badly and Arty had to go back home to help him, it seemed to get even worse. His father seemed angry with him, and always grunted or wouldn’t say anything. When Jamie came along looking for work, Arty hired him and they formed a connection. But for Arty, it was hard because when they came home, it seemed like his own father liked Jamie more than him. And Jamie’s father was making things a living nightmare for him. When Arty sent Jamie ahead to New York to start and wait for him, he hoped he’d be there soon. But his father needed him and the more he was there, the more depressed he got because he wasn’t making it in New York the way he wanted and Jamie was. And Jamie’s father was showing up and making things worse. So all the men had to decide. What in life is more important to them? Their hopes and dreams or ruining their lives and those of their families?
Once again, communication, people. Communication. I know sometimes I have a hard time with it as well. I think we all do, but sometimes it goes too far and you can’t let it. You have to communicate with your loved ones. It’s so important. Because of the lack of communication, which includes shutting up and listening, two sons in this story were about to lose their hopes and dreams because their father’s wouldn’t let them go to do what they needed. At least Jamie’s did. Arty’s dad wanted Arty to get away and live his life, but he was too proud to ask for help and too proud to say thank you. That’s another thing that ends up bad. Pride gets in the way even worse. Between that and communication, what could be something easy, turns into something dreadful for all those involved. And it’s heartbreaking. As parents, we should always push our kids to follow their dreams, even if we don’t agree with them or what different things for them. They are allowed to be who they are and do what they want, within reason. I mean don’t encourage your kid to be an axe murderer or something but yeah, kids deserve to dream just like we did at their age. Maybe we didn’t get to live our dreams because of our decisions and responsibilities, but we should want better for our kids. So I really felt for Arty and Jamie in this book. They just wanted to be happy and there was nothing wrong with that at all.
It’s a harsh story at times, but it’s good. And in the end, it’s worth the uphill battle. Because the boys finally learned to stand up for themselves and be who they wanted to be.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
For Arty, he always wanted to go to New York or somewhere and make a name for himself. Not that he needed fame per se, but he wanted to act and live his dream. He just never heard anything from his father as if he was proud of him or if it was a good idea for him to get away. When his father got hurt badly and Arty had to go back home to help him, it seemed to get even worse. His father seemed angry with him, and always grunted or wouldn’t say anything. When Jamie came along looking for work, Arty hired him and they formed a connection. But for Arty, it was hard because when they came home, it seemed like his own father liked Jamie more than him. And Jamie’s father was making things a living nightmare for him. When Arty sent Jamie ahead to New York to start and wait for him, he hoped he’d be there soon. But his father needed him and the more he was there, the more depressed he got because he wasn’t making it in New York the way he wanted and Jamie was. And Jamie’s father was showing up and making things worse. So all the men had to decide. What in life is more important to them? Their hopes and dreams or ruining their lives and those of their families?
Once again, communication, people. Communication. I know sometimes I have a hard time with it as well. I think we all do, but sometimes it goes too far and you can’t let it. You have to communicate with your loved ones. It’s so important. Because of the lack of communication, which includes shutting up and listening, two sons in this story were about to lose their hopes and dreams because their father’s wouldn’t let them go to do what they needed. At least Jamie’s did. Arty’s dad wanted Arty to get away and live his life, but he was too proud to ask for help and too proud to say thank you. That’s another thing that ends up bad. Pride gets in the way even worse. Between that and communication, what could be something easy, turns into something dreadful for all those involved. And it’s heartbreaking. As parents, we should always push our kids to follow their dreams, even if we don’t agree with them or what different things for them. They are allowed to be who they are and do what they want, within reason. I mean don’t encourage your kid to be an axe murderer or something but yeah, kids deserve to dream just like we did at their age. Maybe we didn’t get to live our dreams because of our decisions and responsibilities, but we should want better for our kids. So I really felt for Arty and Jamie in this book. They just wanted to be happy and there was nothing wrong with that at all.
It’s a harsh story at times, but it’s good. And in the end, it’s worth the uphill battle. Because the boys finally learned to stand up for themselves and be who they wanted to be.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
April 24, 2020
: Andrew has done it again – pulled at the heartstrings with a nice romance. The characters are realistic as are the situations. Which makes for a good story, but there are sad moments too. Not only are there the two main characters – Arty and Jamie — but their fathers play a big part as well. Actually, there is a huge lack of communication between the fathers and sons which leads to problems. But when Arty’s father is hurt, the first thing Arty does is go home to help his father. Which is where he meets Jamie. Jamie, on the other hand, wants nothing to do but get away from his dad. Both men dream of New York and acting careers. Arty had one—not a good one, but he had been there until his father in Florida got hurt. Now he’s back in the fishing community where he grew up and trying to pay the bills until his father can get back out on the boat and he can go back to New York. Jamie ended up in Florida where his aunt lives, but he can’t stay there. His father wants him back in Iowa on the farm, but Jamie has Broadway in his sights. Unfortunately, things come to a head when Jamie’s father threatens to come to Florida to haul him back home. Arty can’t leave yet so sends Jamie on ahead to meet up with Arty’s roommate.
What I liked: The characters of Arty and Jamie are very well done. I loved how Arty makes things better for the whole town by challenging the crook who’s been cheating the fishermen. I love how his father takes care of him in the end and “fires” him.And I love how Jamie finds a backbone and figures things out on his own. And I love the ending. It’s perfect.
What I didn’t like: I really didn’t like the father’s at first. They either communicate by grunting or yelling with no in between. But their lack of communication skills makes their transformation even more telling.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended. This is a nice romance with a happy ending that makes you smile.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
What I liked: The characters of Arty and Jamie are very well done. I loved how Arty makes things better for the whole town by challenging the crook who’s been cheating the fishermen. I love how his father takes care of him in the end and “fires” him.And I love how Jamie finds a backbone and figures things out on his own. And I love the ending. It’s perfect.
What I didn’t like: I really didn’t like the father’s at first. They either communicate by grunting or yelling with no in between. But their lack of communication skills makes their transformation even more telling.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended. This is a nice romance with a happy ending that makes you smile.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2020
4 – 4.5 Stars
Catch of a Lifetime is another great, emotional read from Andrew Grey! He brings two men together, both dealing with issues and thrown into situations they never expected and while it’s not necessarily an easy journey, they find love and happiness together. I always love the characters that Andrew Grey creates and Arty and Jamie are perfect examples, they are interesting and sweet and I loved them!
Arty and Jamie are both at a bit of a crossroads in their lives when they meet, both in Florida for a limited amount of time and it seems that it is just fate that they meet when they do. Jamie joins Arty on a fishing trip in the gulf, helping him save his dad’s business. The two have an instant connection and attraction, but with limited privacy they aren’t able to really explore that connection right away. As the two men grow closer and form a bond they are met with new challenges when new opportunities arise.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a very sweet story and also a very emotional one, as these two work through the issues they face with their fathers and their futures. I feel like this story shows how communication can impact relationships and the importance of really communicating and understanding. I really did love the support these two show for each other as this journey comes together, the end was truly beautiful and made me so happy. Another wonderful, touching read from Andrew Grey!
Catch of a Lifetime is another great, emotional read from Andrew Grey! He brings two men together, both dealing with issues and thrown into situations they never expected and while it’s not necessarily an easy journey, they find love and happiness together. I always love the characters that Andrew Grey creates and Arty and Jamie are perfect examples, they are interesting and sweet and I loved them!
Arty and Jamie are both at a bit of a crossroads in their lives when they meet, both in Florida for a limited amount of time and it seems that it is just fate that they meet when they do. Jamie joins Arty on a fishing trip in the gulf, helping him save his dad’s business. The two have an instant connection and attraction, but with limited privacy they aren’t able to really explore that connection right away. As the two men grow closer and form a bond they are met with new challenges when new opportunities arise.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a very sweet story and also a very emotional one, as these two work through the issues they face with their fathers and their futures. I feel like this story shows how communication can impact relationships and the importance of really communicating and understanding. I really did love the support these two show for each other as this journey comes together, the end was truly beautiful and made me so happy. Another wonderful, touching read from Andrew Grey!
April 4, 2021
Tears in my eyes as I finished this story this morning. Arty (Robert Todd) is living in New York, working at a restaurant and trying to keep his acting career moving along when he gets a call from his father's neighbor telling him that his father has broken his leg and Arty needs to come home and run the fishing boat to garner some income and keep the house from being foreclosed. He reluctantly returns to his fathers usual silence and puts together a crew, recruiting a pair of his fathers friends and Jamie as the third crewman to head out fishing grouper. The first trip is a success with tanks full of good sized fish but Jamie's father starts calling and demanding that Jamie return to the family farm and shoulder some load. Neither have warm relationships with their fathers and they help each other stick handle through the days and conversations.
Jamie leaves early for New York to try for a career on the stage but Arty has to remain in Florida and complete 3 more fishing trips while his father recuperates. Arty directs Jamie to his own agent and not surprisingly, Jamie gets work and is off to a great start but missing Arty's direction and Arty is feeling guilty at not being there to help his farm boy friend find his way around New York.
Finally, Arty's father is recuperated and fires his sons demanding that he return to New York and his friend that makes him so happy. An absolutely beautiful story.
Jamie leaves early for New York to try for a career on the stage but Arty has to remain in Florida and complete 3 more fishing trips while his father recuperates. Arty directs Jamie to his own agent and not surprisingly, Jamie gets work and is off to a great start but missing Arty's direction and Arty is feeling guilty at not being there to help his farm boy friend find his way around New York.
Finally, Arty's father is recuperated and fires his sons demanding that he return to New York and his friend that makes him so happy. An absolutely beautiful story.
May 17, 2020
4.5 stars
I've been reading most of Andrew Grey's books for a while now, and he's one of my favorite authors. This book didn't disappoint.
I know jack-shit about fishing, and I have a deep ocean phobia to boot, and I know even less about Broadway and theater. But this story was so much more than both those topics.
It was all about a budding romance between two guys with a strained relationship with their fathers. And that right there is something I can relate to, since apparently my own father is a mix of both Jamie and Arty's fathers. That means I pretty much had a knot in my throat the entire time I was reading this.
I loved the fact that fathers and sons in this story got to an understanding in the end and to know that love was always there, even if as typical men, communication and emotions were almost non existent between them.
The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue, it was too good to be true, almost fairytale-ish... I know it's a book and a HEA, but I don't know... it felt like all of a sudden the universe decided to shower them all in good fortune and everything was peachy and they lived HEA riding their perfect unicorns into the sunset.
But anyway, it's a beautiful story and I certainly recommend it, specially to other people like me with father issues.
I've been reading most of Andrew Grey's books for a while now, and he's one of my favorite authors. This book didn't disappoint.
I know jack-shit about fishing, and I have a deep ocean phobia to boot, and I know even less about Broadway and theater. But this story was so much more than both those topics.
It was all about a budding romance between two guys with a strained relationship with their fathers. And that right there is something I can relate to, since apparently my own father is a mix of both Jamie and Arty's fathers. That means I pretty much had a knot in my throat the entire time I was reading this.
I loved the fact that fathers and sons in this story got to an understanding in the end and to know that love was always there, even if as typical men, communication and emotions were almost non existent between them.
The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue, it was too good to be true, almost fairytale-ish... I know it's a book and a HEA, but I don't know... it felt like all of a sudden the universe decided to shower them all in good fortune and everything was peachy and they lived HEA riding their perfect unicorns into the sunset.
But anyway, it's a beautiful story and I certainly recommend it, specially to other people like me with father issues.
February 7, 2023
My first read from Andrew Grey and I'll definitely be reading more!
This sweet, contemporary tale centers around two men dealing with father issues. One man attempts to strike out on his own and create a life and self-identity, and the other returns home in order to assist an ailing father. The story takes place on the gulf coast of Florida (somewhere I know well).
The story revolves heavily around Arty (R.T.) as he returns home to help out his ailing father who runs a fishing boat. Arty has to leave his New York city life and budding acting career, and step in as the captain of the boat in order to get his father back on his feet, both literally, and figuratively.
By happenstance, he meets Jaimie, who has left the family farm in Iowa and nets a job as part of the fishing crew on Arty's father's boat.
The two meet, and are instantly attracted to each other, but cannot do anything about it on the small vessel with others around.
A tale well told. Completely enjoyed it. It was an easy read and took me on an unexpected journey.
This sweet, contemporary tale centers around two men dealing with father issues. One man attempts to strike out on his own and create a life and self-identity, and the other returns home in order to assist an ailing father. The story takes place on the gulf coast of Florida (somewhere I know well).
The story revolves heavily around Arty (R.T.) as he returns home to help out his ailing father who runs a fishing boat. Arty has to leave his New York city life and budding acting career, and step in as the captain of the boat in order to get his father back on his feet, both literally, and figuratively.
By happenstance, he meets Jaimie, who has left the family farm in Iowa and nets a job as part of the fishing crew on Arty's father's boat.
The two meet, and are instantly attracted to each other, but cannot do anything about it on the small vessel with others around.
A tale well told. Completely enjoyed it. It was an easy read and took me on an unexpected journey.
April 19, 2020
Pleasant Cruise With Some Choppy Waters
As usual, Andrew Grey comes up with a completely different scenario and two compelling characters to grab you at the start and keep you going so that you don't go back to any of the other books you are currently reading.
In this one he brings together two men in their mid twenties, Arty and Jamie, both with daddy issues that tend to overwhelm their lives--you can get all you want as a preview of what these issues are by reading the blurb.
What I particularly liked about this story is that even though neither Arty nor Jamie are quite sure when they meet that the other guy is gay, author Grey slips them into situations where the obvious becomes apparent on a scale of six to ten, and then it's over-the-top.
Their relationship is dogged by doubts about their fathers, but from completely different perspectives. Arty just wants his hobbled dad to show him some love, or even like, when Arty leaves a good paying career as a model and actor in New York City to rescue his father's fishing business. Jamie just keeps building more distance between him and his father as his dad comes down harder and harder on him to come back home and work the farm.
How the two manage to get their romance kindled and heated up is complicated, of course, but you know this is an Andrew Grey book so you expect a HEA. You might be surprised, however, how this one comes about and that puts this into category. Ahoy!
As usual, Andrew Grey comes up with a completely different scenario and two compelling characters to grab you at the start and keep you going so that you don't go back to any of the other books you are currently reading.
In this one he brings together two men in their mid twenties, Arty and Jamie, both with daddy issues that tend to overwhelm their lives--you can get all you want as a preview of what these issues are by reading the blurb.
What I particularly liked about this story is that even though neither Arty nor Jamie are quite sure when they meet that the other guy is gay, author Grey slips them into situations where the obvious becomes apparent on a scale of six to ten, and then it's over-the-top.
Their relationship is dogged by doubts about their fathers, but from completely different perspectives. Arty just wants his hobbled dad to show him some love, or even like, when Arty leaves a good paying career as a model and actor in New York City to rescue his father's fishing business. Jamie just keeps building more distance between him and his father as his dad comes down harder and harder on him to come back home and work the farm.
How the two manage to get their romance kindled and heated up is complicated, of course, but you know this is an Andrew Grey book so you expect a HEA. You might be surprised, however, how this one comes about and that puts this into category. Ahoy!
April 12, 2020
It’s no secret that I love Andrew Grey’s stories.
Catch of a Lifetime is another winner. Arty, after struggling in New York to become an actor, returns home to help out his ailing father, he meets Jaimie and sparks fly. Both men are dealing with some major “father issues”.
This book is sweet, yet heartbreaking at times. The characters are all very well written and you can feel their emotions as the story unfolds.
You really can’t go wrong with an Andrew Grey book
Catch of a Lifetime is another winner. Arty, after struggling in New York to become an actor, returns home to help out his ailing father, he meets Jaimie and sparks fly. Both men are dealing with some major “father issues”.
This book is sweet, yet heartbreaking at times. The characters are all very well written and you can feel their emotions as the story unfolds.
You really can’t go wrong with an Andrew Grey book
May 13, 2021
Arty, which I hate as a nickname, and Jamie were too cute. I liked that they both had their struggles but neither overpowered the other. I especially enjoyed seeing the relationships between fathers and sons mend, though it didn’t happen over night. Overall it was a fairly good book but there was nothing wowing about it.
May 8, 2025
3.5 rounded up
The story of two young gay men, sons of a farmer and a fisherman respectively, who navigate how to maintain a relationship with their dads while choosing career paths of their own.
Vivid scenes of working on a fishing boat and the harsh reality that many fishermen face life and death situations at sea while getting swindled by the company store back of land.
The story of two young gay men, sons of a farmer and a fisherman respectively, who navigate how to maintain a relationship with their dads while choosing career paths of their own.
Vivid scenes of working on a fishing boat and the harsh reality that many fishermen face life and death situations at sea while getting swindled by the company store back of land.
April 28, 2020
I liked the story, but thought an ending was too neatly packaged. I know it's a romance but most of the book was so realistic that ending went into a fairy tail category and felt a bit disjointed to me.
Lovely writing, as usual.
Lovely writing, as usual.
July 14, 2020
Great read
This was a great read. The father son relationships depicted in this story were phenomenal. That dynamic is always portrayed as adversarial, but underneath they both want the other to be happy.
This was a great read. The father son relationships depicted in this story were phenomenal. That dynamic is always portrayed as adversarial, but underneath they both want the other to be happy.
July 15, 2020
Interesting story about relationships between fathers and sons and lack of communication. There was an enjoyable love story mixed in as well, but the real story was about listening and not only listening, but hearing. Enjoyed the book immensely and could see glimpses of my reality in it.
October 21, 2020
Not the Ending I Expected
A well written storyline with good character development and supporting cast. The ending went in a direction I did not anticipate, and I really enjoyed the change in expected direction. Ends with a positive promise for an eventual HEA.
A well written storyline with good character development and supporting cast. The ending went in a direction I did not anticipate, and I really enjoyed the change in expected direction. Ends with a positive promise for an eventual HEA.
December 6, 2020
I thought the ending of the book was pretty unrealistic. The drama felt forced and the ending was just too neat for me. Otherwise, I loved seeing Arty and Jamie together, and I liked the unique setting of a fishing vessel.
May 18, 2020
Andrew Grey writes nice stories.
November 11, 2020
3.5 loved the fishing, ending a little pat but it was a sweet book
December 20, 2020
A bit slow, but a nice story about two young men finding each other, reconciling with their respective fathers, and following their dreams.
December 18, 2021
DNF at 33%.
April 3, 2020
Catch of a Lifetime is a beautiful story of two young men in similar situations.
Arty is living in New York chasing his dream of being a star but reality brings him back to Florida to a small fishing town when his father breaks his leg, nearly losing his business and home. But being a good son Arty puts his dreams on hold to help his dad. Needing another fisherman he hires Jaimie, new in town, trying to find his independence and dreams away fro his dad and the farm in Iowa.
As usual the for an Andrew Grey book the characters are all interesting. The story interesting, the setting charming and the romance sweet with just enough sexy. If you love sweet romance, fast paced romance, dreams, Lots of feels, and off page sex you can never go wrong with an Andrew Grey book.
Arty is living in New York chasing his dream of being a star but reality brings him back to Florida to a small fishing town when his father breaks his leg, nearly losing his business and home. But being a good son Arty puts his dreams on hold to help his dad. Needing another fisherman he hires Jaimie, new in town, trying to find his independence and dreams away fro his dad and the farm in Iowa.
As usual the for an Andrew Grey book the characters are all interesting. The story interesting, the setting charming and the romance sweet with just enough sexy. If you love sweet romance, fast paced romance, dreams, Lots of feels, and off page sex you can never go wrong with an Andrew Grey book.
November 20, 2021
Arty is living in New York, trying to fulfill his dreams of becoming an actor. When his father breaks his leg, and risks losing his livelihood as a fisherman, Arty heads home.
Jamie is running away from a harsh upbringing on the family farm - a legacy he doesn't want. When he signs on to work on Arty's fishing boat, sparks fly between the two men.
Jamie starts to realise his own dreams of wanting to be an actor, and heads to New York to pursue them, while Arty stays behind to help his father.
I really enjoyed this one. It's low-stakes in a way - both Arty and Jamie know exactly what they want, and work together to navigate it so they can build a life together. I don't mean low-stakes in a bad way - I mean it in the way of low angst, two men who choose to point their lives in the same direction, and figure out how to make it work.
It's a sweet romance, and almost cosy in a way? It feels like a blanket, cat and cup of tea on a cold day.
Jamie is running away from a harsh upbringing on the family farm - a legacy he doesn't want. When he signs on to work on Arty's fishing boat, sparks fly between the two men.
Jamie starts to realise his own dreams of wanting to be an actor, and heads to New York to pursue them, while Arty stays behind to help his father.
I really enjoyed this one. It's low-stakes in a way - both Arty and Jamie know exactly what they want, and work together to navigate it so they can build a life together. I don't mean low-stakes in a bad way - I mean it in the way of low angst, two men who choose to point their lives in the same direction, and figure out how to make it work.
It's a sweet romance, and almost cosy in a way? It feels like a blanket, cat and cup of tea on a cold day.
March 1, 2021
Entah kenapa kurang dapat koneksi aja dengan buku ini, jadi bacanya lompat-lompat deh. Buku ini terlalu menekankan tentang bagaimana Arty menjadi fisherman membantu ayahnya dan menurutku kurang dpt chemistry antara kedua MCnya. Intinya, aku sangat tidak menikmati so 2 bintang!
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