HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!! ~ Baited (Bering Sea Crabbers Book 1) by Jessica Buss

Title: Baited
Series: Bering Sea Crabbers Book 1
Author: Jessica Buss
Release: April 14, 2025
Genre/Tropes: Small Town, Blue Collar, Alpha Male. Grumpy MC, Curvy FC, Past Trauma, Long time Crush, Sister’s Best Friend
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223501483-baited
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/baited-sister-s-best-friend-bering-sea-crabbers-book-1-by-jessica-buss
Cover Designer: Karen Hulseman at Feed Your Dreams Designs

Blurb:

When you’re crab fishing in the Bering Sea, one misstep can have devastating, even deadly, consequences.

Henrik, a grumpy crab fisherman living on Kodiak Island, has never been swayed by anything—not until Carina, a curvy, sweet-tempered marine biologist, catches his eye. He’s drawn to her by an unquestionable attraction that he can’t shake.

A former resident of the island, Carina returns home because the rapidly declining population of crabs in the Bering Sea troubles her. And although years have gone by, she’s still incredibly attracted to the brooding object of her teenage fantasies. And now he’s the captain of a crabber, and determined to protect the crabs too.

But getting to know him means she must face the childhood trauma that made her fearful of her first true love—the ocean. Will she be able to conquer the anxiety she’s held for so long? Can she once again entrust someone she loves to the sea?

Quotes:

Henrik-

Lord, this woman. The adjectives in my limited vocabulary don’t do her justice.

From the moment she opened her front door, I was completely captivated and mesmerized. And that fascination never wavered. It only grew stronger, reaching epic heights I’ve never experienced before.

Carina-

After years of harboring my fears, I’ve realized each one has made a delicate slice in my fragile heart, leaving it in ruins. But his words are sincere, honest, and full of love. The perfect salve to my anxiety.

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

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

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