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Tanlines #2
The Real Deal
Skye
When my parents told me that Dad’s cancer diagnosis was terminal, I knew my time at UC Santa Cruz—my dream school—was up. So, I returned to the island of St. Croix to be with my family and help with our hotel, The Frangipani.
Months have passed, time is moving on, but I’m stuck. Overwhelmed with grief. The Frangipani, and all that comes with it, has become the life raft that keeps me afloat. But clinging to that sense of duty means letting go of all of the things I truly want. Even love…
How many ways can a heart break?
Xavier
As a successful associate at my grandfather’s private equity firm in Atlanta, I’m used to getting what I want. My sister’s destination wedding in the Caribbean provides the perfect opportunity to scout a few properties, including the cozy beach hotel serving as venue. What I don't expect is the feisty, gorgeous young woman at the front desk, who’s as protective of her heart as she is of her hotel.
But she doesn’t trust me, doesn’t see that there’s a lot more to life than the postcard view in front of her. I need to prove to her that in a world of acquisitions she’s what I want most...
That what we have is the real deal.
When my parents told me that Dad’s cancer diagnosis was terminal, I knew my time at UC Santa Cruz—my dream school—was up. So, I returned to the island of St. Croix to be with my family and help with our hotel, The Frangipani.
Months have passed, time is moving on, but I’m stuck. Overwhelmed with grief. The Frangipani, and all that comes with it, has become the life raft that keeps me afloat. But clinging to that sense of duty means letting go of all of the things I truly want. Even love…
How many ways can a heart break?
Xavier
As a successful associate at my grandfather’s private equity firm in Atlanta, I’m used to getting what I want. My sister’s destination wedding in the Caribbean provides the perfect opportunity to scout a few properties, including the cozy beach hotel serving as venue. What I don't expect is the feisty, gorgeous young woman at the front desk, who’s as protective of her heart as she is of her hotel.
But she doesn’t trust me, doesn’t see that there’s a lot more to life than the postcard view in front of her. I need to prove to her that in a world of acquisitions she’s what I want most...
That what we have is the real deal.
ebook
First published April 25, 2023
12 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Allison
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***
Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
Subscribe to her newsletter - be the first to know about new releases, sales, early chapters & free short stories!
Sign up for my newsletter-
https://rochelleallison.myflodesk.com...
Follow me on Bookbub -
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/roche...
And on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/author/rochell...
And on Facebook - www.facebook.com/rochelleallisonwrites
***
Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
Subscribe to her newsletter - be the first to know about new releases, sales, early chapters & free short stories!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 25, 2023
This book felt like being home and being surrounded by beaches, which I miss ‘cause I now live in a small town in the mountains.
I liked the story of Xavier and Skye, at first Skye thought that Xavi was a jerk (with reason) but then the tension between them grows, they become almost friends and then something else but with an expiration date because it's practically a "holiday love". I liked seeing their evolution. I identify a bit with Skye because I'm the eldest daughter too, and everyone thinks that one is the one who should do everything with a smile.
Although they are separated for a while, due to things that happen and although Skye is somewhat right, I am on Xavier's side here, the final chapters were spectacular for me.
A good read that reminds you of sitting on the beach drinking coconut water 🌴
ps: I really liked the "Grateful for" at the beginning of the chapters from Skye's point of view, I think we should all do it ❤️🩹
🫂 thanks to Rochelle Allison and Wordsmith Publicity for give me the arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
___________________________
Este libro se sintió como estar en casa y estar rodeada de las playas, cosa que extraño porque ahora vivo en un pueblito en las montañas.
La historia de Xavier y Skye me gusto, al principio Skye creía que Xavi era un cretino (con razón) pero ya luego va creciendo esa tensión entre ellos, se vuelven casi amigos y ya luego algo más pero con fecha de caducidad porque es prácticamente un amor de vacaciones. Me gusto ver la evolución de ellos, me identifico un poco con Skye porque soy la hija mayor también, y todos piensan que uno es el que debe de hacer todo con una sonrisa.
Si bien se separan por un tiempo, por cosas que pasan y aunque Skye tiene un poco de razón estoy del lado de Xavier acá, ya los capítulos finales fueron espectaculares para mi.
Una buena lectura que te recuerda a estar sentada en la playa tomando agua de coco 🌴
pd: me gusto mucho los “Grateful for” al inicio de los capítulos desde el punto de vista de Skye, creo que todos deberíamos hacerlo ❤️🩹
I liked the story of Xavier and Skye, at first Skye thought that Xavi was a jerk (with reason) but then the tension between them grows, they become almost friends and then something else but with an expiration date because it's practically a "holiday love". I liked seeing their evolution. I identify a bit with Skye because I'm the eldest daughter too, and everyone thinks that one is the one who should do everything with a smile.
Although they are separated for a while, due to things that happen and although Skye is somewhat right, I am on Xavier's side here, the final chapters were spectacular for me.
A good read that reminds you of sitting on the beach drinking coconut water 🌴
ps: I really liked the "Grateful for" at the beginning of the chapters from Skye's point of view, I think we should all do it ❤️🩹
🫂 thanks to Rochelle Allison and Wordsmith Publicity for give me the arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
___________________________
Este libro se sintió como estar en casa y estar rodeada de las playas, cosa que extraño porque ahora vivo en un pueblito en las montañas.
La historia de Xavier y Skye me gusto, al principio Skye creía que Xavi era un cretino (con razón) pero ya luego va creciendo esa tensión entre ellos, se vuelven casi amigos y ya luego algo más pero con fecha de caducidad porque es prácticamente un amor de vacaciones. Me gusto ver la evolución de ellos, me identifico un poco con Skye porque soy la hija mayor también, y todos piensan que uno es el que debe de hacer todo con una sonrisa.
Si bien se separan por un tiempo, por cosas que pasan y aunque Skye tiene un poco de razón estoy del lado de Xavier acá, ya los capítulos finales fueron espectaculares para mi.
Una buena lectura que te recuerda a estar sentada en la playa tomando agua de coco 🌴
pd: me gusto mucho los “Grateful for” al inicio de los capítulos desde el punto de vista de Skye, creo que todos deberíamos hacerlo ❤️🩹
April 25, 2023
Loved this Island Romance!!
Skye grew up on St. Croix at her family’s resort, Frangipani. When her dad dies from cancer, she leaves college and returns to help her remaining family. Her younger sister Alani also helps, but is more focused on her boyfriend Sammy and her upcoming turn at college.
Xavier arrives to attend his sister’s wedding. But he is also doing research; his company acquires hotels that are struggling and revamps them. Xavier is asked not to mention the sale, which leaves him in a tough position as he and Skye connect, and sparks fly.
Is it a family heritage, or a failing anchor? My first read from this author, and I was truly impressed. All the relationships; sisters, mother-daughter, best friends and romance. All are natural, comfortable, sizzling and relatable. I lived in Hawaii for a bit, and the descriptions of the mangos and bougainvillea brought the island to life for me. Thoroughly enjoyable!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Skye grew up on St. Croix at her family’s resort, Frangipani. When her dad dies from cancer, she leaves college and returns to help her remaining family. Her younger sister Alani also helps, but is more focused on her boyfriend Sammy and her upcoming turn at college.
Xavier arrives to attend his sister’s wedding. But he is also doing research; his company acquires hotels that are struggling and revamps them. Xavier is asked not to mention the sale, which leaves him in a tough position as he and Skye connect, and sparks fly.
Is it a family heritage, or a failing anchor? My first read from this author, and I was truly impressed. All the relationships; sisters, mother-daughter, best friends and romance. All are natural, comfortable, sizzling and relatable. I lived in Hawaii for a bit, and the descriptions of the mangos and bougainvillea brought the island to life for me. Thoroughly enjoyable!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
April 27, 2023
Xavier meets Skye when he attends his sister’s wedding. He is drawn to her and she to him. The conundrum is that Xavier is not just visiting for pleasure. He works for the company that is interested in purchasing the hotel from Skye’s family. Xavier and Skye have this deep connection that’s severed when the secret is revealed. Xavier has to earn Skye’s trust again. He eventually does that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Skye and Xavier were so good together. Their chemistry was palpable. I was glad they worked things out. I thought the ending was a tad abrupt but I understand. Skye and Xavier are young and their journey is just starting. The ending allows me to use my imagination. Great book. 4.5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Skye and Xavier were so good together. Their chemistry was palpable. I was glad they worked things out. I thought the ending was a tad abrupt but I understand. Skye and Xavier are young and their journey is just starting. The ending allows me to use my imagination. Great book. 4.5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2023
Thanks so much to Rochelle and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC- I enjoyed every second of Skye’s story in St. Croix with Xavier.
When Skye moves back home to help with her family’s hotel after her father passes, she doesn’t expect to hit it off with a wedding guest. Xavier is visiting for his sister’s wedding, but his company is looking into buying Skye’s family’s hotel. When him and Skye first meet, they don’t exactly like each other, but over the course of Xavier’s visit, they grow closer. This book kept me hooked the entire time and I loved Skye and Xavier together (also him trying to win her back was epic). I now want to go to the beach in the hopes of finding a love story like theirs. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
When Skye moves back home to help with her family’s hotel after her father passes, she doesn’t expect to hit it off with a wedding guest. Xavier is visiting for his sister’s wedding, but his company is looking into buying Skye’s family’s hotel. When him and Skye first meet, they don’t exactly like each other, but over the course of Xavier’s visit, they grow closer. This book kept me hooked the entire time and I loved Skye and Xavier together (also him trying to win her back was epic). I now want to go to the beach in the hopes of finding a love story like theirs. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
April 30, 2023
Rochelle Allison has made the second book in the Tanlines series even better than the first! Enjoy the trip to St Croix and fall in love with the town and characters. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
April 28, 2023
This book was so good! It was the 2nd book in this series. This is Xavier and Skye’s story. Xavier headed to St. Croix for his sister’s wedding. His trip however wasn’t all pleasure. While he was there his company was interested in purchasing Skye’s family hotel. That is how they meet. At first they really don’t like each other. But, will things change and will they begin to like each other?! You will have to read the book to find out! I promise you won’t be disappointed
April 30, 2023
Loved this small town book. The characters felt relatable. I enjoyed the story and it kept me attention, couldn't put it down. Loved the beginning of each chapter.
April 27, 2023
This was a good book. I enjoyed the characters and how they reacted to situations seemed very realistic. I was glad to have the chance to read another of the books in this series.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
April 17, 2023
The Real Deal is the second book in the series and I was happy to read Skye's book.
These characters are relatable and down to earth for the most part.
Xavier and Skye meet and have a vacation fling, and sparks fly.
Business and pleasure don't always mix well...
This story will keep you interested and you will want to know how it ends.
These characters are relatable and down to earth for the most part.
Xavier and Skye meet and have a vacation fling, and sparks fly.
Business and pleasure don't always mix well...
This story will keep you interested and you will want to know how it ends.
April 26, 2023
This is the second book in Rochelle Allison's "Tanlines" series - although it can easily be read as a stand alone. Just like the first book in the series, "The Sweet Spot", the author's greatest gift is her ability to pull the reader into the world of her characters! In "The Sweet Spot" it was the California Bay area and, especially, Santa Cruz.
In "The Real Deal" we get to spend time in St. Croix and the descriptions of the island, the food and the locals of St. Croix helped me experience it all. Then there are the characters! Skye, a smart, independent young woman who left college in Santa Cruz to go back home to St. Croix due to her father's illness and who stays on to help her family run their hotel, The Frangipani.
The Frangipani is where she meets Xavier, and it might be the reason he loses her. Xavier is another great character: successful, smooth, and confident. He's come for his sisters wedding at The Frangipani but finds much more. Both these characters have a lot of love and loyalty for their families and it's the push and pull of those family ties that really steer this story. It's a wonderful story that allows you to have a little vacation in St. Croix in the quirky Frangipani hotel where you'll root for an HEA for Skye and Xavier!
In "The Real Deal" we get to spend time in St. Croix and the descriptions of the island, the food and the locals of St. Croix helped me experience it all. Then there are the characters! Skye, a smart, independent young woman who left college in Santa Cruz to go back home to St. Croix due to her father's illness and who stays on to help her family run their hotel, The Frangipani.
The Frangipani is where she meets Xavier, and it might be the reason he loses her. Xavier is another great character: successful, smooth, and confident. He's come for his sisters wedding at The Frangipani but finds much more. Both these characters have a lot of love and loyalty for their families and it's the push and pull of those family ties that really steer this story. It's a wonderful story that allows you to have a little vacation in St. Croix in the quirky Frangipani hotel where you'll root for an HEA for Skye and Xavier!
May 9, 2023
4.5 STARS
I loved this Island romance so much. The atmosphere is set so beautifully, I felt like I had visited St. Croix, it made for such a wonderful setting for this romance.
The architecture, culture and beauty of the Island played as a secondary character in this story.
Skye is an Island girl who has big dreams that got put on hold when she came back to her family’s hotel to help when tragedy struck.
Xavier is a hotel guest there for a family wedding and on the Island to do business that is connected to Skye’s family.
It’s a really well paced story, though the characters are younger adults, they’re mature and their interactions reflect that. It was refreshing and enjoyable. I love this author’s style very much. The story moves at a moderate pace, I felt I got time to understand the characters and I loved their connection.
Different kinds of relationships and love are shown with subtly and beauty. I loved the main characters and secondary very much.
The author allows for the romance to take its time and for the characters to grow.
I am loving this series, I’m happy to have found this authors books. I find the intelligent, thoughtful and beautifully written books to be such a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
I loved this Island romance so much. The atmosphere is set so beautifully, I felt like I had visited St. Croix, it made for such a wonderful setting for this romance.
The architecture, culture and beauty of the Island played as a secondary character in this story.
Skye is an Island girl who has big dreams that got put on hold when she came back to her family’s hotel to help when tragedy struck.
Xavier is a hotel guest there for a family wedding and on the Island to do business that is connected to Skye’s family.
It’s a really well paced story, though the characters are younger adults, they’re mature and their interactions reflect that. It was refreshing and enjoyable. I love this author’s style very much. The story moves at a moderate pace, I felt I got time to understand the characters and I loved their connection.
Different kinds of relationships and love are shown with subtly and beauty. I loved the main characters and secondary very much.
The author allows for the romance to take its time and for the characters to grow.
I am loving this series, I’m happy to have found this authors books. I find the intelligent, thoughtful and beautifully written books to be such a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
May 1, 2023
THE REAL DEAL by Rochelle Allison
This was such a good story. I’m still fairly new to this author but I’m really enjoying her writing. This was Xavier and Skye’s story. It was heartbreaking that Skye had to leave her dream job and returns home to help her mom and sister run the family’s hotel. However it is what needs to be done when her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Xavier is a successful associate in his grandfather’s equity firm. He is heading to the Caribbean for his sister’s destination wedding. When he gets there he decides to and scout for properties. The cozy looking hotel catches his interest, and there he meets the feisty receptionist, who happens to set off an attraction and makes sparks fly. This was an emotional read. I loved it all the tension, love and all of the challenges they faced it was a great story and I highly recommend it.
This was such a good story. I’m still fairly new to this author but I’m really enjoying her writing. This was Xavier and Skye’s story. It was heartbreaking that Skye had to leave her dream job and returns home to help her mom and sister run the family’s hotel. However it is what needs to be done when her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Xavier is a successful associate in his grandfather’s equity firm. He is heading to the Caribbean for his sister’s destination wedding. When he gets there he decides to and scout for properties. The cozy looking hotel catches his interest, and there he meets the feisty receptionist, who happens to set off an attraction and makes sparks fly. This was an emotional read. I loved it all the tension, love and all of the challenges they faced it was a great story and I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2023
This is the second book in this series, and this is Xavier and Skye’s story. Skye leaver her dream job and returns home to help her mom and sister run the family’s hotel, when her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Xavier is a successful associate in his grandfather’s equity firm, and heads to the Caribbean for his sister’s destination wedding, and he decides to mix business and pleasure, and scout for properties and the cosy looking hotel has his interest, and when he meets the feisty receptionist, the sparks fly. This is a well written emotional roller coaster story which has family, friendships, tension, challenges, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 8, 2023
ended too soon
This is my first time reading this author and it won’t be my last. We meet Skye who works at her family’s hotel in St. Croix and then we meet with Xavier whose company may be buying the hotel. And in the process they fall for each other. But the course of true love is never smooth so they will have some bumps. But good book and just steamy enough. Enjoyed this book!
This is my first time reading this author and it won’t be my last. We meet Skye who works at her family’s hotel in St. Croix and then we meet with Xavier whose company may be buying the hotel. And in the process they fall for each other. But the course of true love is never smooth so they will have some bumps. But good book and just steamy enough. Enjoyed this book!
April 27, 2023
Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice - 🔥🔥🔥
-
Skye and Xavier were so cute throughout the book.I enjoyed their story so much.Honestly,I loved the setting of the story more.St.Croix was such an amazing place to read about. I haven't read about cute in such a long time that I forgot how good they feel.The connection between them as well as with other characters of the book was so interesting.Moreover, I felt giddy while ready many of their conversations.Xavier and Skye most definitely have made their way to my favourite cute couple list.I also loved how the story started and developed.In short,I almost loved everything about this book.
Spice - 🔥🔥🔥
-
Skye and Xavier were so cute throughout the book.I enjoyed their story so much.Honestly,I loved the setting of the story more.St.Croix was such an amazing place to read about. I haven't read about cute in such a long time that I forgot how good they feel.The connection between them as well as with other characters of the book was so interesting.Moreover, I felt giddy while ready many of their conversations.Xavier and Skye most definitely have made their way to my favourite cute couple list.I also loved how the story started and developed.In short,I almost loved everything about this book.
May 15, 2023
Another great new adult fiction from Rochelle! A great beach read for the summer - The setting of St Croix with a story of grief, love found lost and found, the difficulty with keeping promises and importance of family. It has it all and you won't be able to put it down. And as always a HEA! I love when a second in a series is as good if not better than the first! Can't wait for the next
May 10, 2023
Super sweet island romance. I loved Xavier and Skye's chemistry and connection. Secrets are revealed and Xavier has to work hard to earn Skye's trust back. Loved every page of The Real Deal.
added-it
August 2, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/2/2023)! 🎁
April 30, 2023
Xavier is a business man on an island for his sisters wedding. He is a go getter so there is nothing wrong with mixing business with pleasure. Skye meets Xavier while working the front desk of her family’s island resort. Skye is torn between family obligations and living her best life…right now she’s helping her family. Xavier and Skye have an instant connection and share some fun times together on the island but what happens when it’s time for him to leave? Is he the right guy for her or was this just a fling? This was a great addition to the Tanlines series. I really enjoyed Xavier a lot. I liked Skye in the beginning of the book, she got a little immature and messy in the middle and then redeemed herself at the end. Both these characters had strong relationships with their families and were very supportive of their siblings. The story was enjoyable and at times a little emotional. I have been really enjoying this series and I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 15, 2023
I'm a native Crucian (born and raised on St. Croix, U.S Virgin Islands where the book is based). I was happy to read and support a fellow Crucian native. There was a lot I liked about the book - the descriptions of our island and culture felt nostalgic and being able to have home be the background of a romance was wonderful. I think there are some portions of the book that I didn't enjoy too much such as some incorrect usages of our dialect. It also felt very long for a romance, but otherwise enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews