Saturday, April 23, 2011

Review -- Summer At Seaside Cove

Summer at Seaside Cove
by Jacquie D’Alessandro
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: May 3, 2011








“Nick dashed into the waves, jumping over several before making a shallow dive beneath the third. Several seconds later he stood and Jamie nearly swallowed her tongue at the sight of him, rising from the foamy waves like a modern-day Adonis, sun glinting off his glistening skin, his board shorts clinging to him in a way that totally proved the big-feet premise, and totally disproved the whole cold water shrinkage supposition.”




Jamie Newnan has had it! The stress of running the family’s Manhattan restaurant after her father died a few years ago and dealing with a very dependent family would be enough to send any sane woman running for the state line. But when you add the disappointment, hurt and humiliation over the betrayal of her sister with her boyfriend, well heck any warm-blooded woman would want to put a few hundred miles between herself and her problems. And that’s exactly what Jamie Newman did. Deciding to take a couple months off during the summer to rediscover herself and her life dreams, Jamie travels to the small North Carolina coastal town of Seaside Cove. Jamie’s first night in her rented beach bungalow, named Paradise Lost, is a disaster. First, the so-called “cheerful, cozy, inviting” beach bungalow is in a state of dilapidated ruin. Once inside, the image is not any better with sparse furniture and appliances from the 1950s, especially when the stench of dead clams permeates the entire house. After removing the offending clams from the house, a coastal storm arrives and the roof begins to leak. Definitely not a great start to a vacation. Determined to make her stay in Seaside Cove as pleasurable as possible, Jamie arrives at the doorstep of the owner of her little bungalow early the next morning. Luckily the owner, Nick Trent, lives right next door.

Nick Trent has only lived in the small town of Seaside Cove for a few months. The small community has embraced their newest resident as a nice young man with a winning smile who is always ready and willing to help out around the town doing home repairs and handy man jobs. The town folk do wonder why Nick leaves town for days at a time. Rumor has it he goes on alcoholic benders. No one here knows about Nick’s past and he would prefer to keep it that way. After returning from one of his many trips, Nick is awaken at the God-awful hour of 7:25 a.m. to the pounding on his door and the simultaneous ringing of his door bell along with the barking of his sweet-loving chocolate lab, Godiva. With a growl of impatience, Nick quickly opens the door and finds a woman he has never met before.

“It’s about time you answered the door,” she said.

His scowl deepened. He didn’t know who she was or what she was selling, but all that banging and now her attitude had definitely gotten him up on the wrong side of the bed. “I was asleep.”
Her gaze skimmed over him and he could almost hear her cataloging as she went: bad case of bed head, bleary eyes, three-day stubble, no shirt, wrinkled jeans, missing shoes. He did notice that she lingered for several seconds on his unbuttoned Levi’s. When her gaze again met his, pink stained her cheeks. “Wow, you really were on a bender?”

What the hell? “Really? Well, you don’t look so hot, either, whoever you are.” Actually, that wasn’t precisely true. In fact, she looked pretty damn good. Sure her honey-colored hair sported a finger-in-the-light-socket look, and her white tank top and tan pants that hit her midcalf looked as if she’d slept in them — something he could hardly throw stones at – but her eyes were gorgeous. They reminded him of caramel sprinkled with dark chocolate. Probably they’d be even prettier if they weren’t filled with an expression that made it clear she’d like to thump him upside the head.
"

What a first meeting!!! Unforgettable first meetings seem to blossom into unforgettable relationships and this is definitely the case with Jamie and Nick. After some much needed repairs and improvements are made to Paradise Lost, Jamie and Nick fall into a fun, flirty relationship. They genuinely enjoy each other’s company, whether walking on the beach, playing in the ocean, or eating a fabulous meal cooked by Jamie. Soon, the stress of family and business seem to be lifted from Jamie and she can just breathe again. That is until her mother arrives on the doorstep with news she is pregnant. Before long Jamie’s young niece arrives and then Jamie’s back-stabbing sister appears. Instead of running from her problems it seems as Jamie’s problems have just followed her to North Carolina. Will all this family drama prove to be too much for Nick? Can Nick help Jamie through the drama or will his past add more?

This book is a treasure! It had me at the very first sentence. “The decapitated, plastic flamingo, standing ass-feathers deep in what looked like poison ivy was Jamie Newman’s first clue that doom had followed her from New York.” Something about a decapitated flamingo had me giggling. Maybe because I could hear Jacquie’s voice in my head speaking this sentence as if she is beginning to tell me a story. And what a story it is!

Jamie and Nick is one fabulous couple. Both are ready for a once-in-lifetime relationship and seem to put everything on the line to pursue it. Each of them is a kind, loving individual with a huge heart. The sexual tension between Jamie and Nick is so charged that a single glance between the two can start a 4-alarm fire!! There are not many authors that write sexual tension as well as Jacquie D’Alessandro.

But this book is about more than just the relationship between Jamie and Nick. It is about following one’s desire and passion for life. It is about stepping outside the box and taking chances. It is about loving and forgiving. It is about family and how to love them without letting them rule your life.

The cast of secondary characters from Jamie’s family to the lovable pets to the eccentric residents of Seaside Cove adds so much flavor to this story. Each character is unique and lovable, yet in no way overshadows the focus of the story.

I believe this book is the best book Jacquie D’Alessandro has ever written. The flow of the story is just flawless. Flawless, I tell you. There are no lulls in the story. Not once did my mind wonder from the story. In fact, every word captivates and draws the reader deeper into the story of new found love and the drama of families. Jacquie is known for her sexy, witty romances and this is Jacquie at her absolute best!

I loved this book so much that I am giving away a copy to one random commenter.


~ Buffie

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49 comments:

  1. Sounds good. I'm more familiar with Jacquie's historical romances. I did read a contemporary novella she did for a Harlequin anthology.

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  2. If you loved it then yes please. That was a glowing endorsement.

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  3. I love Jacquie D’Alessandro's historical romances...so if you say this is the best book that she has written, it needs to be on my TBR list!

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  4. Wow! I've never read one of her books but after this review, I will definitely be on the lookout. I want to read that book NOW!!!! Fantastic review Buffie!

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  5. Jane, when I first started reading Jacquie's books all I read were the historicals as historicals really are my favorite. But soon I began to branch out. Her Harlequins are always a hot read!! You really should give her other contemps a try. And I would recommend you start with this one.

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  6. Thanks, Karyn! If you love her historicals you are really going to enjoy her contemps as they are fabulous. You sure don't want to miss out those!

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  7. Hi Marybelle. I'm glad the review came off as glowing :-) Guess you could tell I loved it.

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  8. Dtchycat, have you tried any of her contemps? If not, you really should give them a try.

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  9. Oh Jennifer, you have never read a Jacquie D book? Girl (said in a slow, southern drawl), you need to get thyself to the bookstore and stock up. Jacquie is a wonderful writer and her books are always a good read. She writes historical and contemps. She has a wonderful backlist that could keep you in books for a while.

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  10. Another of my fav authors! I lean toward the historicals as well but I have read a few of her contemporaries.

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  11. Dianna, you really need to read this one. It is such a fabulous book. I really do think it is Jacquie's best yet.

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  12. Oh yes, you've sold me on this book. I just have to read it now!

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  13. Hi! :) I'm another who is definitely familiar with her historicals, but do pick up the Blazes when I hit on them. I also finally picked up Kiss The Cook a couple of years ago, and I reread that one every once in a while. Just as fun and witty too. :) So, definitely looking forward to this one! :)

    Lois

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  14. Wonderful review. Thanks for this great giveaway.

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  15. Great review! I've been waiting for this book for such a long time. It looks like it won't disappoint!

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  16. Thanks for the review and giveaway. This is so my kind of book & will have to add it to my tumbling wish list.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  17. I was already looking forward to reading this book, but after reading this review, I can't wait to get my hands on it! Thanks for the wonderful review, Buffie! :)

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  18. Sounds like a fantastic read. I have not read her books before but would love to read this one. Will be looking for it.

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  19. All I can say is oh my goodness! I just finished reading the review and I'm stammering and blushing and flattered and honored and delighted! As soon as I finished reading it I turned to my husband.
    Me--Well, looks like we're going to have to have another kid.
    DH--(sputtering coffee) Huh?
    Me--Us. Kid. And we're going to have to name it The Romance Dish.
    DH--(semi-recovered) That's a hell of a name for a little kid.
    Me--Yeah, well it was a hell of a review--in the very best of ways.

    Thank you all so much for your kind words, and thank you for the fabulous review. I can't wait to post it on my website--right after I tell my mom!
    xox and happy reading,
    JacquieD

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  20. Hello,

    I have not had an opportunity to read Jacquie D'Alessandro, yet. What a great review - it sounds like a book I would enjoy reading very much. Thanks.

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  21. Terrific review, Buffie!! If I wasn't already looking forward to reading it, this review would have sealed it. Instead, it makes me want to read it now. Right. Now. *g*

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  22. Jacquie D said: --right after I tell my mom!

    Of course!! *vbg*

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  23. Cheryl, I'm so glad you are sold on this book. You won't regret it!

    Hey Lois! Don't you just love KISS THE COOK? Such a great book too. You will definitely enjoy this one.

    Thank, Petite!

    Oh, Antonia, you will NOT be disappointed at all. It's one fabulous book!

    Hi Pamela! This book needs to be at the very top of that tumbling pile :-)

    Hey there, Trisha! This is a definite keeper-shelf book. Jacquie is at the top of her game with this book and you are going to just love it!

    Jennifer D, you really, REALLY need to read JacquieD book. She is just a super fantastic author and you are bound to love her.

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  24. Andrea, you are going to LOVE this book!! I know I have already said it, but it is Jacquie's best book yet. You are going to devour it, believe me!

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  25. All I can say is oh my goodness! I just finished reading the review and I'm stammering and blushing and flattered and honored and delighted!

    LOL, Jacquie! What can I say, you wrote a fabulous book and I just wanted everyone to know about it!!

    Please tell Joe the kids will be coming home next week (wink wink).

    Hope your mom likes the review too!!

    I can't wait for the next book, Jacquie. I know it is going to be great!!!

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  26. Wow! What a great review and thank you for the heads-up about this book. After reading your review I really can't wait to read this book and try this author out.

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  27. Jacqie is a new to me author but her book sounds pretty great. I'm going to have to add it to my wishlist. Thanks for the tip!

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  28. This, sounds like my kind of book...I will have to look for it when it comes out...

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  29. Fabulous review, Buffie! I just know I'm going to love this one....even more since Jacquie wrote it. *g*

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  30. I've never read a book by this author, but I enjoyed your review so much, I'm adding "Seaside Cove" to my TBR list. Thanks!

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  31. Buffie said...
    Dianna, you really need to read this one. It is such a fabulous book. I really do think it is Jacquie's best yet.

    Already have it pre-ordered, my usual MO, get the knowledge from Romance Dish then over to Amazon to order the book.

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  32. Thanks, Amber! Glad I was able to put Jacquie on your radar :-)

    You are welcom, Kirsten, boy are you lucky to have all of Jacquie's books to read. She has so many wonderful books.

    doedeer69, Be sure to keep your eyes out for this one. I think you will really enjoy it.

    Thanks Gannon! I just know you will love this one.

    LSUReader, I can't believe you haven't read a Jacquie D book yet? Girl, you are in for a treat!

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  33. Already have it pre-ordered, my usual MO, get the knowledge from Romance Dish then over to Amazon to order the book.

    Dianna, I'm so glad we help you with your TBR pile ;-)

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  34. I do so love Jacquie's historicals and have them all but as yet have not read any of her contempories but I will be getting this one. Thanks for a great review Buffie

    Have Fun
    Happy Easter to All

    Helen

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  35. This cover looks SO inviting! Loved your review....AND a new to me author, which I always love! Will definitely be adding this to my TBR list. :-)

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  36. I'm always looking for fun reads and this sounds right up my alley! Gonna get it for sure!

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  37. I recently read the book summary and review in the RT Book Review magazine and immediately put it on my wish list. Looks like the perfect summer read!

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  38. Happy Easter to you too, Helen!!! I can't believe you haven't read any of Jacquie's contemps. Oh Helen, you are really missing out. You will have to add them to your TBB list. :-)

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  39. Thanks, Kelly! Isn't the cover just great? A perfect beach read!! Glad I was able to introduce you to a fabulous author. Be sure to give Jacquie a try!

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  40. Diana, I'm so glad you liked the review and happy that you will be getting the book. Enjoy!

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  41. Susied, it is a perfect summer read. Of course, I can read any Jacquie D book anytime during the year - LOL!!

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  42. Sounds great! I've never read anything by Jacquie D'Alessandro - definitely putting it on the wishlist!

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  43. Oh Maria, you REALLY need to change that!! LOL!

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  44. As I read your blog, I was more and more interested. Every word reached out to me. And then I read your last line: "Jacquie is known for her sexy, witty romances and this is Jacquie at her absolute best!" How could I say no now???
    Thanks for sharing!

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  45. Great review, Buffie! I love Jacquie's books,both historicals and contemporaries. Can't wait to read this new one!

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  46. Aww, thanks Laney4!! I hope you pick up this book and enjoy

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  47. You are going to love this one, PJ!

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  48. I haven't read much contemporary romance lately. Actually the last one was joy Nash's A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC. Come to think of it, that book had a dilapidated house in a beach community and an overwhelming family, but a very different mix than in SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE. Your review makes it certain I will be looking for this one.

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  49. Great review. Can't wait to read this book.

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