Paradise Cove

4.5 stars I wanted Jake's story pretty much from the minute I met him in Mermaid Inn. I knew that his book wouldn't be a light read due to his tragic past, but I loved how Jenny Holiday wove humor and steam into it as well. This friends to lovers small town romance hooked me right in from the start and took my emotions on quite the ride. As one of my fellow book friends stated, if fixer men is your thing, Jake is your man. I pretty much fell in love with this gruff hermit right away. His meet cute with Nora at the hair salon was adorably unique and their chemistry was amazing and jumped off the page. I loved seeing their friendship develop and grow into more. They just clicked in this way that quieted the demons and ghosts of their pasts, but also put them on a path to face them once and for all. I will admit that I wasn't a fan of his history with "Mrs. Robinson" (I felt it detracted from the story more than anything) and the twist towards the end wasn't my favorite. The decisions and actions both characters made because of it made the conclusion feel a little rushed. The ending and so very sweet epilogue felt true to our characters, but I personally would have loved a bit more groveling. Jenny Holiday's writing really shined in Paradise Cove and she tackled grief and guilt in such an honest and sincere way. My heart broke for Jake as he struggled to heal and come to terms with his feelings and pain. His scenes with Kerrie were particularly moving. Grief was prevalent through the entire novel and was almost a character itself. Speaking of characters, I love the residents of Moonflower Bay! They meddle and gossip and you can't keep anything a secret, but they are always there when you need them and always have your back. Nora's friendship with Eve and Maya was wonderful and no one writes strong female friendships like Jenny Holiday. I can't wait to read Maya and Law's story next! CW: grief, death of a child and grandparent, cancer *I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

Paradise Cove is Jenny Holiday's best book to date! It was awesome and it deserves more than the 5 stars I can give it! Nora Walsh has moved to Moonflower Bay to take over the doctor's office. Her plan is to stay for two years and then move back to Toronto to be closer to her family. She's just come out of a five year long relationship and she's looking to reset her life and to take a break from relationships. She's independent, and being a city girl, she's not sure that this small town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone's business, is going to be great beyond the two years she's promised. Jake Ramsey has a construction business with his friend, but he is also one of the most generous people in Moonflowr Bay. He's always there to help when anyone needs it, however he's also withdrawn and is still dealing with one of the most painful losses than anyone can endure, the loss of his young son. He's one of those guys that doesn't speak much and he tends to keep to himself at his secluded cabin. He doesn't have a phone and he isn't into all of the social events that go on around town. Nora and Jake continue to run into one another around town and when Jake realizes she needs help with some things around her house, he's more than happy to help fix them up. The two enter into a comfortable friendship, one that allows both of them to open up to one another, which darn near never happens with anyone else. Eventually the enter into a friends-with-benefits agreement, but the question is how long can they keep it quiet in a small town like Moonflower Bay?! Are they really going to be able to keep feelings from entering the equation? And, will Nora really be able to leave all of these people in town she's come to care for? This book was wonderful on so many levels. The friendship that Nora and Jake formed, the intimacy they shared in general was second to none and I loved the exploration of Jake's grief and how he handled it. The addition of the other characters helped to enrich the story as well, including Nora's grandma. Without question this is one of my favorite books so far of the year. Do yourself a favor and pick it up. Now I just have to be patient in waiting for book three!

Sometimes you just pick a book, not because you are familiar with the author or the series, but because the title and the blurb peeks your curiosity. That was the case with this book and I am so very glad I gave this author a try. I absolutely loved it. Dr. Nora Walsh needs a fresh start after being dumped by her fiancee for “a new model”. So she leaves the ER of a big Toronto hospital, for a family practice in the small town of Matchmaker Bay. A practice she plans to lease for two years and then return to Toronto after that time. Not realizing that the town would worm itself into her heart. On her first day she meets the quiet, “aquaman” and ever supportive Jake Ramsey. A man that has isolated himself after the death of his baby boy four years ago. A loss he has never recovered from and even though he’s the “quiet man” in town, the community supports him and know he is always available when needed. When these two broken souls meet, a special friendship ensues . But what happens when feelings develop and the unexpected happens? This engaging and touching story was at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. A story about family, loss, hope , new beginnings, taking a chance as well as second chances in life and love. This is definitely an author I will continue to follow . Can’t wait for the next book in the series. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever/Hachette Book Group. The opinions expressed are solely my own.