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A Love Story #6
Vacancy
If only life were as simple as filling a vacancy.
Hollis Jeffries is a “dynamo” as her father likes to say. She’s the youngest vice president at Dobbins Capital. She wows investors, runs marathons, and speaks three languages. As the oldest, Hollis is always first to try and first to succeed. According to the other Jeffries sisters, she’s practically perfect. . . until she’s not.
Matthew Locke grew up in the shadow of his brother’s death and with the added pressure of his parents’ expectations. They want him to take over the family coffee shops someday, but Matt has other plans. Despite the grumblings of his working-class parents, he has found success in Silicon Valley even after dropping out of Stanford a semester shy of graduation. Matt has spent most of his life under the radar and there’s not much he’s willing to rock the boat for. . . until there is.
Hollis and Matt met on Tomales Bay the summer they both turned twelve and during the summers that followed, they grew up and fell in love. One night, after an unexpected test, they fell apart.
Now, twelve years later, Hollis, who seeks refuge at her uncle’s seaside cottages to ride out a storm of her own making and Matt, weighed down by obligation to his parents, both return to Tomales Bay. Forced to share another summer in the small town that brought them together, will Hollis and Matt be able to move beyond the echo of their past and into a future filled with ever after?
Note: Each Love Story is a standalone. There are some shared characters throughout the books (siblings, friends, etc.) Closely related books are often distinguishable by the similar covers. The book order so far is as follows:
-Premiere
-Candidate
-Taste
-Reserved
-Stirred
-Vacancy
-Playbook
-Exposure
-Brew
-Smooth
-Tap
-Blow
Hollis Jeffries is a “dynamo” as her father likes to say. She’s the youngest vice president at Dobbins Capital. She wows investors, runs marathons, and speaks three languages. As the oldest, Hollis is always first to try and first to succeed. According to the other Jeffries sisters, she’s practically perfect. . . until she’s not.
Matthew Locke grew up in the shadow of his brother’s death and with the added pressure of his parents’ expectations. They want him to take over the family coffee shops someday, but Matt has other plans. Despite the grumblings of his working-class parents, he has found success in Silicon Valley even after dropping out of Stanford a semester shy of graduation. Matt has spent most of his life under the radar and there’s not much he’s willing to rock the boat for. . . until there is.
Hollis and Matt met on Tomales Bay the summer they both turned twelve and during the summers that followed, they grew up and fell in love. One night, after an unexpected test, they fell apart.
Now, twelve years later, Hollis, who seeks refuge at her uncle’s seaside cottages to ride out a storm of her own making and Matt, weighed down by obligation to his parents, both return to Tomales Bay. Forced to share another summer in the small town that brought them together, will Hollis and Matt be able to move beyond the echo of their past and into a future filled with ever after?
Note: Each Love Story is a standalone. There are some shared characters throughout the books (siblings, friends, etc.) Closely related books are often distinguishable by the similar covers. The book order so far is as follows:
-Premiere
-Candidate
-Taste
-Reserved
-Stirred
-Vacancy
-Playbook
-Exposure
-Brew
-Smooth
-Tap
-Blow
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
33 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Ewens
15 books190 followersTracy Ewens is the contemporary romance author of fifteen Love Story books.
She lives and writes in Arizona, has a dog named Jack, and takes her tea with almond milk.
Stop by www.tracyewens.com to sign up for updates and news.
She lives and writes in Arizona, has a dog named Jack, and takes her tea with almond milk.
Stop by www.tracyewens.com to sign up for updates and news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 7, 2016
This sixth book in the Love Story series continues the pull at the heartstrings writing that Ms Ewens established beginning with in the first book. Matt and Hollis' story is emotional and self reflective, yet riddled with witty banter, and sharp, smart dialogue, all encompassing a story that centers around love and family. Ms Ewens writes about strong women who have so much depth and dimension, their personalities are genuine and not simply contrived...they each are unique and have a life all their own.
That the author continues to incorporate the characters from the previous books into her current story is genius in that it reminds the reader just how much of the emotional attachment that was created with those characters...and to the extent they still affect us. All the secondary characters played such a pivotal part in the rhythm and flow of the story, the bond between Hollis and her sisters was poignant and humorous at the same time. Uncle Matt is a gem, oh that we all could have a relative who understood us so well...and the culmination of Sage and Garrett's story from Stirred with their wedding, was quite touching. I continue to look for more books by this author as I know I'll never be disappointed and always entertained with the getting lost in a good story.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
That the author continues to incorporate the characters from the previous books into her current story is genius in that it reminds the reader just how much of the emotional attachment that was created with those characters...and to the extent they still affect us. All the secondary characters played such a pivotal part in the rhythm and flow of the story, the bond between Hollis and her sisters was poignant and humorous at the same time. Uncle Matt is a gem, oh that we all could have a relative who understood us so well...and the culmination of Sage and Garrett's story from Stirred with their wedding, was quite touching. I continue to look for more books by this author as I know I'll never be disappointed and always entertained with the getting lost in a good story.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
August 16, 2016
For more reviews like this, see my blog: Musings of Madjy
In this latest book in the Love Story series (I have read almost all of them so far), we get to know Hollis, a driven, workaholic who is having a breakdown of some sort and staying at her uncle's beachside vacation rentals. Often, when a heroine is too career-oriented and too "Type A," I have a hard time relating to her. This wasn't at all the case with Hollis. She, like so many of Ewens's characters, is incredibly well-written and easily relatable. Even when you want to smack her for overreacting. :)
Her ex-boyfriend, Matt, who is also back in the beachside town, is also a great character. He is almost as stubborn as Hollis, but throughout the story is able to get over himself quite a bit and be honest... and hang back when he sees he is pushing too far. I especially loved that he got emotional about things, which is not often the way of romance heroes.
There are several slow reveals in this, which helps you get to know the characters more and you actually care about the reveals more as a result. Flashbacks are partially used to explain how the characters got where they are, and why they belong together, and they were used in a way that worked. The issue that drove these two apart in college is well-handled, and, having gone through similar myself, I really appreciated that and the fact that it was included. The other problems are also very real life.
Something else I really liked about this, and the series as a whole, is how we see siblings and how their various roles and family dynamics affect them and have molded them into who they are. Hollis is the eldest sister of four, daughter of very driven people and has a unique perspective as a result. Her perspective being very different than her sister's the book before makes this standalone, but creates a nice connecting thread.
This story is a well-blended one with some serious topics and a lot of fun and humor as well. You can't help but love these characters and be rooting for them to figure their sh- irttails out (little joke there ;) ).
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
In this latest book in the Love Story series (I have read almost all of them so far), we get to know Hollis, a driven, workaholic who is having a breakdown of some sort and staying at her uncle's beachside vacation rentals. Often, when a heroine is too career-oriented and too "Type A," I have a hard time relating to her. This wasn't at all the case with Hollis. She, like so many of Ewens's characters, is incredibly well-written and easily relatable. Even when you want to smack her for overreacting. :)
Her ex-boyfriend, Matt, who is also back in the beachside town, is also a great character. He is almost as stubborn as Hollis, but throughout the story is able to get over himself quite a bit and be honest... and hang back when he sees he is pushing too far. I especially loved that he got emotional about things, which is not often the way of romance heroes.
There are several slow reveals in this, which helps you get to know the characters more and you actually care about the reveals more as a result. Flashbacks are partially used to explain how the characters got where they are, and why they belong together, and they were used in a way that worked. The issue that drove these two apart in college is well-handled, and, having gone through similar myself, I really appreciated that and the fact that it was included. The other problems are also very real life.
Something else I really liked about this, and the series as a whole, is how we see siblings and how their various roles and family dynamics affect them and have molded them into who they are. Hollis is the eldest sister of four, daughter of very driven people and has a unique perspective as a result. Her perspective being very different than her sister's the book before makes this standalone, but creates a nice connecting thread.
This story is a well-blended one with some serious topics and a lot of fun and humor as well. You can't help but love these characters and be rooting for them to figure their sh- irttails out (little joke there ;) ).
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
August 6, 2016
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is my first Tracy Ewens book, and I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It took me a few chapters, to fall for Matt and Hollis, but once I really started getting into the story, I thought the author did a great job with these two characters, so much so that I ended up really liking a second chance romance, which are not my favorite. Somehow this story really engaged me till the end and I was really rooting for Matt and Hollis to get back together. I also loved the dual point of view, and Hollis' uncle, he made me smile with his stories. This is a good rainy day read.
This is my first Tracy Ewens book, and I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It took me a few chapters, to fall for Matt and Hollis, but once I really started getting into the story, I thought the author did a great job with these two characters, so much so that I ended up really liking a second chance romance, which are not my favorite. Somehow this story really engaged me till the end and I was really rooting for Matt and Hollis to get back together. I also loved the dual point of view, and Hollis' uncle, he made me smile with his stories. This is a good rainy day read.
March 20, 2017
Vacancy is the 6th book in the series A Love Story. While the stories are connected by shared characters, each book does quite well as a standalone. If you love reading series in order as much as I do, you might want to consider starting at the beginning but I don’t think you will be sorry either way.
While Vacancy didn’t grab me to the same extent that Stirred did it is still a book that I enjoyed reading very much. The heroine, Hollis Jeffries, isn’t a very likeable character in some respects but I felt for her all the same. Her family, especially her parents, seems to be so perfect and as the oldest she feels a lot of pressure to excel. She’s always been competitive and only recently has she begun to realize the negative aspects of that. She’s made a major mistake at work and runs back to her childhood place of comfort for refuge waiting for the fallout to hit.
Matthew Locke fell in love with Hollis when they were 13 and later he thought they would spend the rest of their lives together until everything fell apart while they were in college. Now a very successful business owner, he’s come back to the place where he and Hollis met to help with the family business while his father recovers from hip surgery. He has his share of family difficulties, too.
When Hollis and Matt meet up again, after 12 years apart, things are awkward but they slowly begin to talk and become friends again.
This story tackled some difficult subjects and I can understand why some reviewers hated Hollis and didn’t think too much of Matt either. However, I am a big sucker for a good second chance love story and I am very glad that I read it. This story didn’t get my emotions going as much as some do but when it grabbed hold, near the end, I was sobbing (that means I really liked it!).
The A Love Story series is one of the best I’ve read in this genre and I’m so glad that I discovered Tracy Ewens on NetGalley. She is now firmly cemented on my growing list of authors whose books I must read. I hope she has more stories planned in this series as I want to read about Hollis’s other sisters, Annabell and Meg.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my review.
While Vacancy didn’t grab me to the same extent that Stirred did it is still a book that I enjoyed reading very much. The heroine, Hollis Jeffries, isn’t a very likeable character in some respects but I felt for her all the same. Her family, especially her parents, seems to be so perfect and as the oldest she feels a lot of pressure to excel. She’s always been competitive and only recently has she begun to realize the negative aspects of that. She’s made a major mistake at work and runs back to her childhood place of comfort for refuge waiting for the fallout to hit.
Matthew Locke fell in love with Hollis when they were 13 and later he thought they would spend the rest of their lives together until everything fell apart while they were in college. Now a very successful business owner, he’s come back to the place where he and Hollis met to help with the family business while his father recovers from hip surgery. He has his share of family difficulties, too.
When Hollis and Matt meet up again, after 12 years apart, things are awkward but they slowly begin to talk and become friends again.
This story tackled some difficult subjects and I can understand why some reviewers hated Hollis and didn’t think too much of Matt either. However, I am a big sucker for a good second chance love story and I am very glad that I read it. This story didn’t get my emotions going as much as some do but when it grabbed hold, near the end, I was sobbing (that means I really liked it!).
The A Love Story series is one of the best I’ve read in this genre and I’m so glad that I discovered Tracy Ewens on NetGalley. She is now firmly cemented on my growing list of authors whose books I must read. I hope she has more stories planned in this series as I want to read about Hollis’s other sisters, Annabell and Meg.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my review.
December 17, 2016
A Tracy Ewens book is a book I know that I will enjoy. I have read all but the first in her A Love Story series and each one gets better. Vacancy is no different. I think I am particularly found of this one as it took me out of a months long reading slump and I read it in one sitting. Hollis Jeffries is a bad ass business chick with a vice presidency and a corner office at a high end investment firm. Then one bad business move makes her question everything and she heads to her uncle's small town to try to figure it all out. There she runs into her old love Matthew Locke. Their parting was not sweet and seeing him again is the last thing Hollis needs.
Tracy Ewens can turn a lot of emotion with little effort. Her writing is full of depth and Vacancy shows this very well. I actually connected with Matt more than Hollis and he was a fantastic character. It is nice to see a male lead written with heart, and he has it in spades.
I will always recommend Tracy Ewens books, as they just resonate with me. Yes, they are all contemporary romances, so you know the two main characters will get together in the end, but it is the path she takes them on that makes me love reading them. Unique and nuanced, each of her books is special.
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Tracy Ewens can turn a lot of emotion with little effort. Her writing is full of depth and Vacancy shows this very well. I actually connected with Matt more than Hollis and he was a fantastic character. It is nice to see a male lead written with heart, and he has it in spades.
I will always recommend Tracy Ewens books, as they just resonate with me. Yes, they are all contemporary romances, so you know the two main characters will get together in the end, but it is the path she takes them on that makes me love reading them. Unique and nuanced, each of her books is special.
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 6, 2023
#6 in the Love Story romance series
I didn't love this as much as some others in this series, mostly because of the main female character. We've met Hollis before since she's Sage's older sister (from the previous book). She's tough and capable, but I had a hard time warming up to her because of her standoffish and extremely strong-willed personality. She's like a bulldozer--she's right and everyone else is wrong. So when an epic fail happens at work, she loses her cool and runs home to Mitchell's Cove to regroup. Of course, Matt (her first love) is there helping out his parents, so they meet again, despite both their misgivings. Matt is a great hero. He's loved Hollis all his life and her understands her and what she wants/needs from him, even if she doesn't know it herself. They make a good pair, but it was exhausting to watch Hollis self-sabotage over and over. Give it a rest already and enjoy your life! Despite this frustration, I did enjoy the banter between them and watch the slow-moving progress of their rekindling relationship. Loved Uncle Mitch and his "quick story" with a moral that always helps. There was some interaction with previous members of this series, but not overwhelmingly so. I look forward to continuing.
I didn't love this as much as some others in this series, mostly because of the main female character. We've met Hollis before since she's Sage's older sister (from the previous book). She's tough and capable, but I had a hard time warming up to her because of her standoffish and extremely strong-willed personality. She's like a bulldozer--she's right and everyone else is wrong. So when an epic fail happens at work, she loses her cool and runs home to Mitchell's Cove to regroup. Of course, Matt (her first love) is there helping out his parents, so they meet again, despite both their misgivings. Matt is a great hero. He's loved Hollis all his life and her understands her and what she wants/needs from him, even if she doesn't know it herself. They make a good pair, but it was exhausting to watch Hollis self-sabotage over and over. Give it a rest already and enjoy your life! Despite this frustration, I did enjoy the banter between them and watch the slow-moving progress of their rekindling relationship. Loved Uncle Mitch and his "quick story" with a moral that always helps. There was some interaction with previous members of this series, but not overwhelmingly so. I look forward to continuing.
September 13, 2016
4 STARS
I decided to read this book because I've read the others in this series and I loved them, so I hoped this one would be just as good. Well, my hopes and wishes were fulfilled -- this was, indeed, a great book with many laughs and some tears, heartwarming conversations, and characters that could be actual real life people.
The perfect book for those looking for a believable love story with an HEA.
I definitely recommend it!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I decided to read this book because I've read the others in this series and I loved them, so I hoped this one would be just as good. Well, my hopes and wishes were fulfilled -- this was, indeed, a great book with many laughs and some tears, heartwarming conversations, and characters that could be actual real life people.
The perfect book for those looking for a believable love story with an HEA.
I definitely recommend it!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2020
This one is for of a 2.5-ish. I was annoyed by Hollis and Matthew. They used to date and then things ended. Years later they both are still bitter about it. They fought a lot throughout the book. That was what annoyed me the most. Thankfully in the end they get their happy ending.
September 21, 2016
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a standard Romance.
Not much to dislike about the story although the characters are a bit shallow.
This is a standard Romance.
Not much to dislike about the story although the characters are a bit shallow.
August 6, 2016
Having rated “A Love Story” series book 3 and 4 four stars, while book 5 three stars, this author, Tracy Ewens, always catches this NetGalley reviewer’s attention when her books are posted there. Unfortunately, book 6, Vacancy, had me vacantly staring at my Kindle in disappointment, disbelief, and downright boredom, at least through a vast majority of it.
At 30% into it, I found I disliked the heroine immensely. Were we really supposed to care about a “boo hoo is me” heroine, who is drinking herself stupid every day and binge eating junk food, all because one of her clients had issues? Well, so much for being a fighter. Seriously, you get more than just a little vibe this gal has got a drinking problem. Fortunately, she puts the booze down and tries to get her act together. She also has an “I have to be right about everything” complex, so came back to her hometown to sulk and try to figure out a way to keep this account.
We are also supposed to believe it’s perfectly natural for her employer to want her head on a pike, due to this guy’s reluctance to deliver his product. Of course, she is already beating herself up, because of her “I’m never wrong” complex. No, I just couldn’t see anything particularly endearing about this woman, especially after learning she did actually do something impulsively stupid that should have got herself fired. I know...I know, it seems I’m talking in circles so probably frustrating you. Well, welcome to the club. That’s precisely how I felt after reading this book...frustrated.
Then there is our handsome hero, who isn’t much better. He falls in my “didn’t fight for his girl” when they parted 12 years ago. He just let her walk away. Want more proof? He married another woman two years later. How did our temporarily sucking her thumb/twisting her hair heroine find out? She read it in a newspaper. Oddly enough, when she asked him how married life was treating him, he said good. But he wasn’t, folks. We soon learn he’s divorced now, because his mom asks him later on when he’s going to get married again and give her grandchildren. So, your guess is as good as mine as to what’s up with that. Yeah, he gave a flimsy excuse. Again, I just didn’t buy it.
Now throw in the barrage of sub-characters and non-essential flashbacks, which kept creeping in and stealing story time, that eventually lead me to conclude this was going to be an overly drawn out tale. Folks, that’s exactly what happened. You see, at 30% the main couple have barely exchanged words. At 40%, the feisty, sassy heroine did emerge and the back and forth confrontational banter began to appear. But, just as I feared, I had to keep fast-forwarding trying to find the romantic plot. The end result was I still didn’t particularly care for either of the main characters.
Yes, there is a HEA, resulting from a very predictable chain of events, with some emotional sharing. But, again, it’s hard to care one way or another when you aren’t overly fond of the main couple.
Here’s to hoping others enjoy it. I still highly recommend Taste and Reserved, but this book has me mentally putting out a “vacancy” sign, since this romantic read didn’t fit the bill.
Title: Vacancy, Series: A Love Story (Book 6), Author: Tracy Ewens, stand-alone, forced myself to finish, annoying heroine, not overly impressive hero, a frustrating/drawn out read, unexpected pregnancy, would of had an abortion anyway, mildly steamy with fade to black endings, slept with a client who likely did it to manipulate them.
Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 4 - Reserved
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 5 - Stirred
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 6 - Vacancy
(This review is based on ARC ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was made. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher.)
At 30% into it, I found I disliked the heroine immensely. Were we really supposed to care about a “boo hoo is me” heroine, who is drinking herself stupid every day and binge eating junk food, all because one of her clients had issues? Well, so much for being a fighter. Seriously, you get more than just a little vibe this gal has got a drinking problem. Fortunately, she puts the booze down and tries to get her act together. She also has an “I have to be right about everything” complex, so came back to her hometown to sulk and try to figure out a way to keep this account.
We are also supposed to believe it’s perfectly natural for her employer to want her head on a pike, due to this guy’s reluctance to deliver his product. Of course, she is already beating herself up, because of her “I’m never wrong” complex. No, I just couldn’t see anything particularly endearing about this woman, especially after learning she did actually do something impulsively stupid that should have got herself fired. I know...I know, it seems I’m talking in circles so probably frustrating you. Well, welcome to the club. That’s precisely how I felt after reading this book...frustrated.
Then there is our handsome hero, who isn’t much better. He falls in my “didn’t fight for his girl” when they parted 12 years ago. He just let her walk away. Want more proof? He married another woman two years later. How did our temporarily sucking her thumb/twisting her hair heroine find out? She read it in a newspaper. Oddly enough, when she asked him how married life was treating him, he said good. But he wasn’t, folks. We soon learn he’s divorced now, because his mom asks him later on when he’s going to get married again and give her grandchildren. So, your guess is as good as mine as to what’s up with that. Yeah, he gave a flimsy excuse. Again, I just didn’t buy it.
Now throw in the barrage of sub-characters and non-essential flashbacks, which kept creeping in and stealing story time, that eventually lead me to conclude this was going to be an overly drawn out tale. Folks, that’s exactly what happened. You see, at 30% the main couple have barely exchanged words. At 40%, the feisty, sassy heroine did emerge and the back and forth confrontational banter began to appear. But, just as I feared, I had to keep fast-forwarding trying to find the romantic plot. The end result was I still didn’t particularly care for either of the main characters.
Yes, there is a HEA, resulting from a very predictable chain of events, with some emotional sharing. But, again, it’s hard to care one way or another when you aren’t overly fond of the main couple.
Here’s to hoping others enjoy it. I still highly recommend Taste and Reserved, but this book has me mentally putting out a “vacancy” sign, since this romantic read didn’t fit the bill.
Title: Vacancy, Series: A Love Story (Book 6), Author: Tracy Ewens, stand-alone, forced myself to finish, annoying heroine, not overly impressive hero, a frustrating/drawn out read, unexpected pregnancy, would of had an abortion anyway, mildly steamy with fade to black endings, slept with a client who likely did it to manipulate them.
Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 4 - Reserved
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 5 - Stirred
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 6 - Vacancy
(This review is based on ARC ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was made. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2016
Thank You NetGalley for the ARC!
I remembered the author because of the distinctive cover and one-word title. I loved Candidate. Things have slowly gone downhill for me from there. On it's own this story was bogged down in adolescent/YA flashbacks and there was not much substance. Hollis was a bratty first-born always trying to be the best/the first/the winner. I didn't feel like she learned much at all from her trials in the 12 year gap between her and Matt breaking up and reuniting. He was an okay character--his relationship with his dad seemed to have no place at all in the story. His convenient business partner's ultimate connection to saving Hollis' career was obvious from the start. Nothing about Hollis suggested she should be a mother or had motherly feelings--so the "typical" epilogue was annoying to me. Hollis only seemed to care what those who had nothing personal to do with her thought of her. The mother who scolded her for her language got a lot of play as did the annoying words she made up in order to stop using swear words. the romance was dull and inevitable. The other thing that bothered me was the convenient circle of friends/family from other books that make a quick guest appearance. I think this series has gone on for maybe a few too many books. For some reason I really want to like the author based on what she did in Candidate and hope that she can write something new and fresh outside of this series.
I remembered the author because of the distinctive cover and one-word title. I loved Candidate. Things have slowly gone downhill for me from there. On it's own this story was bogged down in adolescent/YA flashbacks and there was not much substance. Hollis was a bratty first-born always trying to be the best/the first/the winner. I didn't feel like she learned much at all from her trials in the 12 year gap between her and Matt breaking up and reuniting. He was an okay character--his relationship with his dad seemed to have no place at all in the story. His convenient business partner's ultimate connection to saving Hollis' career was obvious from the start. Nothing about Hollis suggested she should be a mother or had motherly feelings--so the "typical" epilogue was annoying to me. Hollis only seemed to care what those who had nothing personal to do with her thought of her. The mother who scolded her for her language got a lot of play as did the annoying words she made up in order to stop using swear words. the romance was dull and inevitable. The other thing that bothered me was the convenient circle of friends/family from other books that make a quick guest appearance. I think this series has gone on for maybe a few too many books. For some reason I really want to like the author based on what she did in Candidate and hope that she can write something new and fresh outside of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
3.5* ARC Review – Second Chance to Find the Other Half
I have become a fan of Tracy Ewens through the Hidden Gems ARC program and have even bought one of the books on my own. I like her stories and characters and since I did not read them in order, I had been waiting for Hollis and Matt’s story, but not sure I was looking forward to it?!? As I had read the stories of her sisters, I found Hollis to be challenging to like.
As the book opens, we are introduced to Hollis, who has taken a break from her high-powered job with a venture capital firm in San Francisco, with her uncle where she spent summers as a child. This resort area is also where she first met Matt, who was her college boyfriend. Their story plays in flashbacks throughout the book from age eleven to their college days, which was twelve years ago. As they become reacquainted it is clear that as much as some things have changed, some are the very same and that they understand each other better than anyone else.
As much as I like this author, I have to say, that the story was readable, but I had issues with this book. Other than growing up some, I felt like Hollis and Matt didn’t resolve some of their issues. Also, I think that my main issue was that I could not connect with Hollis. She was difficult and Matt was a nice guy who seemed to be rolled over by her.
I have become a fan of Tracy Ewens through the Hidden Gems ARC program and have even bought one of the books on my own. I like her stories and characters and since I did not read them in order, I had been waiting for Hollis and Matt’s story, but not sure I was looking forward to it?!? As I had read the stories of her sisters, I found Hollis to be challenging to like.
As the book opens, we are introduced to Hollis, who has taken a break from her high-powered job with a venture capital firm in San Francisco, with her uncle where she spent summers as a child. This resort area is also where she first met Matt, who was her college boyfriend. Their story plays in flashbacks throughout the book from age eleven to their college days, which was twelve years ago. As they become reacquainted it is clear that as much as some things have changed, some are the very same and that they understand each other better than anyone else.
As much as I like this author, I have to say, that the story was readable, but I had issues with this book. Other than growing up some, I felt like Hollis and Matt didn’t resolve some of their issues. Also, I think that my main issue was that I could not connect with Hollis. She was difficult and Matt was a nice guy who seemed to be rolled over by her.
August 24, 2016
Vacancy is a well-written story of two people who found each other as children, fell apart as a result of one action, and found each other again as adults in the same setting that brought them together as children.
Hollis is a strong, independent woman, who has always been the best at whatever she does (her fierce competitiveness, drive, and type A personality make sure of that). Matt is more laid back and mostly content to follow Hollis' lead, yet he is driven and successful in his own way. Matt cannot forget Hollis, but he is not quite sure how to fight for her - especially since at the moment, she seems so lost.
Hollis has made a significant mistake at work. We are privy to part of the mistake but not all of it until much later in the novel. Not knowing all of the details makes it hard to understand Hollis' over the top reaction and fear that she will be fired. I also struggled with how much Hollis was away from work (an extended vacation) and that that never seemed to be cause for dismissal but this mistake, which seemed understandable based on what I knew was grounds for firing.
As with all Ms. Ewen's novels, there is witty dialogue, funny minor characters (loved Uncle Mitch), and a happy ending! It is certainly worth a read.
Hollis is a strong, independent woman, who has always been the best at whatever she does (her fierce competitiveness, drive, and type A personality make sure of that). Matt is more laid back and mostly content to follow Hollis' lead, yet he is driven and successful in his own way. Matt cannot forget Hollis, but he is not quite sure how to fight for her - especially since at the moment, she seems so lost.
Hollis has made a significant mistake at work. We are privy to part of the mistake but not all of it until much later in the novel. Not knowing all of the details makes it hard to understand Hollis' over the top reaction and fear that she will be fired. I also struggled with how much Hollis was away from work (an extended vacation) and that that never seemed to be cause for dismissal but this mistake, which seemed understandable based on what I knew was grounds for firing.
As with all Ms. Ewen's novels, there is witty dialogue, funny minor characters (loved Uncle Mitch), and a happy ending! It is certainly worth a read.
November 22, 2016
You know when you read a book and you want to be friends with the character? Hollis is the complete opposite. This book is part of a series simply title A Love Story. I started with this series mid book with Stirred and I love it so much I had to find out what happens next. Well, it was ok. The writing was good although a little long winded at times but no amount of writing could make me like Hollis as a character. She was just a witch, although the other adjective would fit nicely here as well. The excuse for her funky attitude was her being the oldest and having all these expectations placed on her. But, she was too much maintenance for my taste and I almost wished that Matthew would have let her wallow in her own self pity because she was not worth it. Matthew was great and really too good for Hollis. I understand that opposite attract but a funky attitude does not. I have read books about feisty and demanding women before but this was character gave me the blues. I may give the next in the series a try or even the previous but I don't like books that leave me drained and this one did just that.
April 27, 2020
Couldn’t Really Get Into It; Pacing Off
I have read a few other books by this author, and I enjoyed them. Her books often seem to be set, or at least the ones I've read, in some of my old stomping grounds. I was intrigued that this one was set in Tomales Bay, which is not a generally well-known place, and I like the idea of two people coming back together who had fallen in love when they were children. But I feel like the author threw us into the story with little preamble and just started throwing random info about the heroine in. I felt unmoored, so to speak, with all this stuff happening quickly at the start when I didn’t know the characters or had context. Therefore, I struggled with any emotional connection to the story, which is important for me in the novel like this. The pacing also felt off to me. The first part of the book took time to explore some deep backstory of the couple, but this field did not continue throughout the book. The ending felt a bit rushed to me. All in all, this was an unsatisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I have read a few other books by this author, and I enjoyed them. Her books often seem to be set, or at least the ones I've read, in some of my old stomping grounds. I was intrigued that this one was set in Tomales Bay, which is not a generally well-known place, and I like the idea of two people coming back together who had fallen in love when they were children. But I feel like the author threw us into the story with little preamble and just started throwing random info about the heroine in. I felt unmoored, so to speak, with all this stuff happening quickly at the start when I didn’t know the characters or had context. Therefore, I struggled with any emotional connection to the story, which is important for me in the novel like this. The pacing also felt off to me. The first part of the book took time to explore some deep backstory of the couple, but this field did not continue throughout the book. The ending felt a bit rushed to me. All in all, this was an unsatisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
July 15, 2020
Vacancy is the story of Hollis and Matt, and I loved it! Hollis is stubborn, driven, full of pride and has an inability to ask for help. Matt is more laid back, but equally successful, compassionate, caring, and kind. There's been a push-pull relationship between them for half of their lives. In many ways it's a simple, sweet love that they shared, yet it has a variety of underlying complexities. Fast forward twelve years and the issues are more complex, stakes higher.
Hollis has worked her way to the top. She eats, sleeps, and breathes her job. Unfortunately, she's hit a pretty substantial snag and isn't sure she'll be able to fix it. So, what does she do? She takes an extended leave from the city and returns to the Cove of her family vacations past. In Mitchell's Cove she's reunited with her split apart, Matt. Twelve years have passed since they've seen one another. Hollis left him without a backward glance, but never got over him. Has Matt moved on and forgotten their past? Or will they have a second chance? You should definitely give this a read to find out.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Hollis has worked her way to the top. She eats, sleeps, and breathes her job. Unfortunately, she's hit a pretty substantial snag and isn't sure she'll be able to fix it. So, what does she do? She takes an extended leave from the city and returns to the Cove of her family vacations past. In Mitchell's Cove she's reunited with her split apart, Matt. Twelve years have passed since they've seen one another. Hollis left him without a backward glance, but never got over him. Has Matt moved on and forgotten their past? Or will they have a second chance? You should definitely give this a read to find out.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 16, 2020
I received a copy from Hidden Gems; this is my honest review.
-Every book I read in this series had me going on a roller-coaster of emotions. This one only made me angry and more angry as I went reading the rest of the book.
-It started being interesting at about 93% but the book finished, really fast I must say, at 95%.
-I did not like Hollis. Didn't like her attitude, her way of thinking, the stupidity, the self-centered soul, the running away, the tantrums, the pushing away really hard, the "always right", knows better than anyone, which was all Hollis, child, teenager or adult. I'm not sure she had time to change by the time she married Matthew.
-I can understand Matthew not going after her. What was the point? She didn't want him to follow, or save her, or help her in any way he wanted so desperately. She doesn't deserve him at all.
-Uncle Mitch was a great uncle, with his stories that resembled Aesop's fables - always with a point to learn at the end. It's too bad we didn't get to know him in his past better. He's in pain too but doesn't show it.
-Every book I read in this series had me going on a roller-coaster of emotions. This one only made me angry and more angry as I went reading the rest of the book.
-It started being interesting at about 93% but the book finished, really fast I must say, at 95%.
-I did not like Hollis. Didn't like her attitude, her way of thinking, the stupidity, the self-centered soul, the running away, the tantrums, the pushing away really hard, the "always right", knows better than anyone, which was all Hollis, child, teenager or adult. I'm not sure she had time to change by the time she married Matthew.
-I can understand Matthew not going after her. What was the point? She didn't want him to follow, or save her, or help her in any way he wanted so desperately. She doesn't deserve him at all.
-Uncle Mitch was a great uncle, with his stories that resembled Aesop's fables - always with a point to learn at the end. It's too bad we didn't get to know him in his past better. He's in pain too but doesn't show it.
September 4, 2016
A sweet love story about childhood friends
I enjoyed this book, I felt like the ending was a little disjointed and rushed somehow but still satisfying. All in all a relaxing read with likeable and kinetic characters wholesome from their mistakes. I wish it had been longer and taken a little more time. The first half took its time telling the story and helping you really know and love the characters. But around the point where everything was starting to fall into place for everyone it felt disjointed. Right around where they flew off to Napa it felt like things were being thrown into the story vaguely, like more of an outline to finish the story and fill in plot holes and characters, but with less depth of emotion. I still feel glad I read it, happy with where everyone landed. Wish the last half had taken its time somehow...but to each his own,if it was the way I would have liked I bet some would have complained it was too slow!
I enjoyed this book, I felt like the ending was a little disjointed and rushed somehow but still satisfying. All in all a relaxing read with likeable and kinetic characters wholesome from their mistakes. I wish it had been longer and taken a little more time. The first half took its time telling the story and helping you really know and love the characters. But around the point where everything was starting to fall into place for everyone it felt disjointed. Right around where they flew off to Napa it felt like things were being thrown into the story vaguely, like more of an outline to finish the story and fill in plot holes and characters, but with less depth of emotion. I still feel glad I read it, happy with where everyone landed. Wish the last half had taken its time somehow...but to each his own,if it was the way I would have liked I bet some would have complained it was too slow!
June 20, 2022
Ah I don't know why I enjoyed this book when I hated the main character so much! Hollis has this must always be right/the best/do everything herself and not let anyone help her ever thing going on which was super annoying. I have no idea why Matt wants to be with her when she never considered him in her decision or in her life back in the day (and barely is now). I just...you can be a strong, independent woman and still let people help you. Still think of others. Still care for them. I got so angry with her so often, even at the end, and...yet I still enjoyed the story more than I should. After reading this I thought I don't actually think this will work out as Hollis hasn't really changed, but I guess if Matt wants to keep trying I will try and be happy for him? Both of them have issues and it was kind of a mess. Not my favorite in the series, but by the end I didn't hate it as much as I should have.
October 3, 2016
Definitely not up to the same standard as the previous books in this series. I loved those books and really didn't like this one.
Almost everyone in the book is mean and unhappy. Matt and Hollis drone on and on about how miserable their lives are. They do nothing but snipe at each other and say mean, hurtful things. Halfway thru the book, they finally kiss but are still miserable.
There's very little character interaction and mostly boring introspection about unimportant tidbits about their past. At one point, Hollis spends three pages thinking about her high school hockey coach! Snore!.
I had read half the book and still had no idea why Hollis came back home!
I was just so disappointed with this book. I didn't feel the usual emotion that I've come to know. I guess they can't all be winners.
Almost everyone in the book is mean and unhappy. Matt and Hollis drone on and on about how miserable their lives are. They do nothing but snipe at each other and say mean, hurtful things. Halfway thru the book, they finally kiss but are still miserable.
There's very little character interaction and mostly boring introspection about unimportant tidbits about their past. At one point, Hollis spends three pages thinking about her high school hockey coach! Snore!.
I had read half the book and still had no idea why Hollis came back home!
I was just so disappointed with this book. I didn't feel the usual emotion that I've come to know. I guess they can't all be winners.
August 17, 2016
Hmm
I think I hate Hollis... especially hearing her inner monologue I just found her hard to like. I didn't hate Matt but I definitely didn't like some of his choices. Unlike Hollis he at least seemed to grow since this story compares the characters as 20ish year olds to 30 somethings he grew a bit of a backbone and corrected some of his flaws whereas Hollis would recognize that she had a problem and then dismiss it. I get that sometimes people aren't meant to be together at certain points in their life but I always hate when people part for stupid reasons like just being stubborn. I also didn't like that Hollis decided that Matt should fight for them but gave herself a pass on that front.
I think I hate Hollis... especially hearing her inner monologue I just found her hard to like. I didn't hate Matt but I definitely didn't like some of his choices. Unlike Hollis he at least seemed to grow since this story compares the characters as 20ish year olds to 30 somethings he grew a bit of a backbone and corrected some of his flaws whereas Hollis would recognize that she had a problem and then dismiss it. I get that sometimes people aren't meant to be together at certain points in their life but I always hate when people part for stupid reasons like just being stubborn. I also didn't like that Hollis decided that Matt should fight for them but gave herself a pass on that front.
October 30, 2020
This is a sweet second chance romance story with very little drama. Hollis and Matthew grew up together and were childhood sweethearts, up until they weren't. Twelve years later, Hollis finds herself at a crossroads and comes back home. Matthew finds himself back in town helping out his parents. Both of have moved on to create success for themselves, but have they really moved on? This was a sweet story and I loved the banter between Hollis and Matthew. At times I felt it was a little long and found myself skimming through the childhood memories. Overall it was a good story with some great characters.
April 17, 2020
Sometimes an author can blow a hole in your heart as the story they wrote unfolds...Vacancy is one of those stories. The storyline is painfully dramatic; the characters are a heart-wrenching study in life with all its ups and downs; and oftentimes tragedy seems to be the color of the day. I wasn’t at all sure this book was going to turn around and leave us with a HEA. Thank goodness we were saved by the HEA! I have to say, I needed the Epilogue to finally bring it home. This one will stick with you... (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was pleasantly surprised.)
April 21, 2020
A second chance at love
Initially I really didn’t find Hollis all that likeable; however, as the story went on she became more human without all the pressure to excel. She made a mistake at work and runs back to her uncle’s beachside resort as a refuge. While there she and Matt “pick up” from where they left off before she left. What will happen with her job and with Matt, as they seem to be mutually exclusive? You’ll enjoy finding out in this well written read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Initially I really didn’t find Hollis all that likeable; however, as the story went on she became more human without all the pressure to excel. She made a mistake at work and runs back to her uncle’s beachside resort as a refuge. While there she and Matt “pick up” from where they left off before she left. What will happen with her job and with Matt, as they seem to be mutually exclusive? You’ll enjoy finding out in this well written read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 15, 2020
A powerful love story about second chances and forever love. Hollie and Matt has been friends since they were eleven. They shared their first kiss when they were thirteen. They loved together while attending college. But then, they parted ways and have been separated for twelve years. Can they reconnect in the coast town that brought them together apart from their present lives and have a future together?
January 26, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this book but to be honest, when I started it I was not aware that it was the 6th book in a series. I’m sure if I had started reading from the beginning of the series it would have been much easier to become acquainted with the characters and settings.
This was a good read with well, defined characters. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
This was a good read with well, defined characters. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
June 7, 2019
Love This Author
I love reading stories of people, without extreme sex, without mystery or murder, and with happy endings. I don't want reality since I am living, and life is hard. I want escape and a happy ending, with a few twists and turns. Thanks Tracy.
I love reading stories of people, without extreme sex, without mystery or murder, and with happy endings. I don't want reality since I am living, and life is hard. I want escape and a happy ending, with a few twists and turns. Thanks Tracy.
April 17, 2020
A second chance for Hollis Jeffries and Matthew Locke who have been friends since they where eleven. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a copy through Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
September 29, 2020
This read like a Nicholas Sparks novel. It was decent, fairly entertaining, but entirely too predictable. A fun beach read if you're looking for that, but not very surprising and didn't really get me feeling too much for the characters.
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