Release & Review for Released (Bering Sea Crabbers) by Jessica Buss

Title: Released

Series: Bering Sea Crabbers Book 3

Author: Jessica Buss

Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance; Small Town; Blue Collar; Secrets; Opposites Attract; Age Gap/Cougar; Artist vs. Curator; Deadliest Catch Vibes

Release Date: November 10, 2025

Cover Design: Karen Hulseman at Feed Your Dreams Designs

Secrets have a way of revealing themselves. Sometimes they lead to heartache, but other times they surprise you and give you everything you need.

Edgar is the youngest in a generations-old crabbing family. He’s always known who and what he’d grow up to be. Until everything changes.

From the moment he picks up a welding torch, he knows his life will never be the same. Curiosity about what he can create leads him down the road to producing something truly magical. But how does he tell his family where his heart lies? And what happens when, because of his secret art, he meets an incredible woman who entices him in every way?

Simone, a sought-after art curator from New York City, has spent most of her adult life building connections and establishing an impressive reputation. Unexpectedly, she’s introduced to a new artist whose work stirs up intense emotions within her.

He wants to remain anonymous, but she needs to know more about this mystery man. She travels to his hometown of Kodiak, Alaska, to see what inspires his extraordinary art. While there, she meets a crab fisherman who captivates her, leaving her tied up in knots. The connection they share is intense and life-changing, much like the works of the secretive artist. Only, she can’t answer why. Nor can she figure out what, if anything, happens next with the small-town crabber. Because getting involved with a younger man who lives on the other side of the country seems impractical and foolish.

But could they make it work if all their secrets and fears were released?

This is a heartwarming and entertaining story about Alaskan crab fisherman, Edgar, and art curator Simone. It is the third book in the Bering Sea Crabbers Series and my favorite so far. Edgar, who risks his life on the Bering Sea, has a hidden artistic side. When Simone, a Seattle art expert, displays his sculptures, she becomes intrigued by the man behind the art. The characters were great, lovable, interesting, and the friendships were beautiful. We adored every aspect of this slow-burning romance. The characters were endearing, captivating, and engaging, and the love that blossomed between a couple who initially seemed so different yet shared many commonalities was heartwarming. Simone, a sweet woman, and Edgar, an easy-going and talented man, were a perfect match. Their love and chemistry were beautiful and passionate. We found ourselves rooting for this couple despite the challenges of their long-distance relationship, and we admired how effortlessly Simone integrated into the small town and Edgar's family. Both led busy lives, but their love was worth the obstacles they faced. The author skillfully portrayed the life of a fisherman, highlighting the dangers, distances, and the beauty and camaraderie at sea. The narrative delved into the intricacies of their daily lives and the responsibilities that came with their profession. I enjoyed this well-written and engaging story. The unexpected love story between them was captivating. We laughed and cried as it was a beautiful and touching love story.

“You have a jacuzzi?” I ask, spotting it in the corner of his deck.

“I do. After hours of welding, a soak helps relax my tight muscles. It’s also good after a long season of fishing. Do you like them?”

I nod. “I do. I wish I’d brought my suit.”

He waggles his eyebrows. “You don’t need a suit. There aren’t any nearby neighbors, and the woods around my house are so dense, you’d be hidden from any peeping Toms.”

Smirking, I elbow him. “Wouldn’t you be a peeping Tom?”

He shakes his head. “No, I’d be an appreciative Adam.”

Laughing, I choke out, “I’ve never heard of him. What’s he like?”

Edgar grins. “Unlike Tom, he’s not creepy at all.” He licks his lips and adds, “From the moment his eyes are on your unbelievable body, you feel beautiful, seen, cherished, and adored.”

Damn. If he didn’t already have my heart, he would now. “You’re a smooth talker.”

“Only for you, Simone.” Taking my hand, he threads our fingers together and leads me toward the shed.

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