Kissing on the Dotted Line

by Erica Penrod

Remi Greenwood is all business, especially when it comes to running the landscaping business her grandparents built from the ground up. She’d do anything to protect their legacy, including ignoring attractive merger offers from national corporations like Knight and Day industries.

Remi’s dating life is non-existent, a concern keeping her grandma up at night. But what her grandma doesn’t know is that Remi’s got a secret—she’s in an online romance with the witty William101.

Creed Knightly has one shot left to prove himself to his father by securing a merger with Forever Green Landscaping, and he’s not about to let anyone stand in his way—especially Remi Greenwood. He’ll do whatever it takes to get her to sign the papers, including playing intern. At least the position allows him time to chat online with smart and sassy Elaine82.

Before long, however, Remi and Creed discover the true identities of their online romances. They have been chatting with each other this whole time. Will their virtual connection be enough for these real-life enemies? Or will the Secret Seven finally have met their match?

Welcome back to Diamond Cove, a beach community full of hilarious situations, meddling grandparents, and romance. From Erica Penrod, author of the Cowboy Reality Romance series, comes this sweet rom com about a family centered CEO and a hunky playboy turned reluctant intern, whose lives become entwined at Diamond Cove.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good to be back in Diamond Cove, Florida with the Secret Seven (S7), a group of grandparents who are conspiring together to help their grandchildren find true love. Their hilarious schemes in this book made me smile but despite all odds, Polly's granddaughter, Remi, and Harry's friend's son, Creed, were meant to be. This "enemies to in love" story had a touch of the classic movie, You've Got Mail. I loved the antics of the S7 and the chemistry between Remi and Creed. It was fun!

[Connie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

A great story and series. A fun fast read always a few giggles and sighs in this series and this one is no exception. A few obvious scenarios that you just have to smile over but a very sweet and fun story.

[Lucy McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Could I love Erica Penrod anymore? I didn't think so and then I read this book.

[Holly Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun installment of the Diamond Cove series! I love this author's use of humor and the swoon-worthy relationship kept me turning pages. Can't wait to read more from her!

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Seven are on a mission to find a mate for Polly’s granddaughter Remi. A friend of Harry’s has a grandson coming to Diamond Cove. So, they decide on Creed. However Creed’s father is trying to acquire Remi’s business and she is having none of it. Loved the closet incident and the other bits of humor. Wonderful storyline, another great book by Erica Pernod.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secret seven are at it again but this time it looks like they are not going to make a match or does it? Remi and Creed have some very humorous times together. I liked seeing Creed take responsibility for himself. The closest scene is one of my favorites. These two just can't seem to stay away from each other but how do William101 and Elaine82 come into play in their relationship? Loved being back in Diamond Cove. One witty romance.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

The story was fantastic. It features a trope I've never grown tired of and is also a well-written, enjoyable sweet story.

Both main characters were charming and sweet. They experienced a splash of sadness and a bit of frustration, but their growth and their HEA were satisfying.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gives me Hallmark vibes with better kissing! I love the beach vibes in this sweet romcom!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now that I'm done with the book, I wished I liked it more because the "it was always you" trope is one of my favorites. Parts of the dialogue were too cut and paste from You've Got Mail. Remi was also kind of a jerk. Her character was too hot/cold for me to really like her. I do like this series, though, but this book wasn't my favorite.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to be back in Diamond Cove and meet up with the fabulous, and often bumbling Secret Seven. And I 'm glad to know there are even more books coming. So fun. I'm still in matchmaker trope mode and the Secret Seven make a great group of matchmakers. They are always successful but getting to that success is always a fun ride. I loved the craziness of each 'mission'.

I liked Remi though Creed took me a little longer to enjoy. I'm not into the playboy type which he seemed to play quite well. But he was much better playing himself. I was happy to see them get their HEA.

Some of my favorite parts of this and all the other books are the group text messages of the SS. They are generally a bit comical though they seem to be improving in their texting abilities as the books go on. Practice makes perfect.

I kinda missed seeing Bear & Sweetie though. They were mentioned once but that is it. I would have liked to have spent at least a little time with them. A blind gator with a seeing eye dog is just too hysterical.

This was a fun read and easy to breeze through and enjoy.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book represents family value and legacy as an important part of everyone lives. I loved how Remi values her family legacy, valued her family and honored their wishes, as well as how determined and passionate she was in maintaining what her grandparents started. Remi reluctantly agrees to accept an intern from Knight and Day Industries in hopes they stop harassing her family business, she didn’t count on Creed. Creed is a pampered, spoiled, lost adonis who is given an ultimatum that will change his life, he wasn’t expecting Remi to put a wrench in his plans. I loved the instant chemistry and banter; how stern and dedicated Remi was and how brave Creed was. I loved LOVED the S7 with their antics and laugh out loud moments. I also loved reading about the others and getting updates on their lives. My favorites will always be updates on Bear, Sweetie and the Beatles. I loved this series, and of course the hilarious s7.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ve Got Mail

I think I will always associate secret pen pal romances with the movie You’ve Got Mail. Remi and Creed have the odds stacked against them. He needs to prove himself to his father by getting Remi to agree to a merger. She doesn’t want to let her family run company go. She thinks he’s the enemy, despite his adorable dimples. He wants to get to know her better if she’ll only take down her walls.
Good thing the Secret Seven are here to help. They’ll orchestrate meet ups and force the conversations that need to occur. Or maybe they’ll just lock you in a closet and let chemistry take control…You never know with these lovable senior citizens!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that Remi, a no-nonsense workaholic, and Creed, with a reputation as a playboy, had already established a relationship online prior to the S7 intervention. The S7 are so cute in their matchmaking escapades, and I love how their characters develop over the series. It's so much fun catching up to the entire community of characters. I feel like I know them and they're my friends. Remi and Creed are amazing together, and while each of them are out to prove something, they finally see eye to eye. I couldn't put this book down.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh sigh, I absolutely love Remi and Creed and this darling funny story… it was so much fun to read. Remi is the CEO of her family landscaping company and has no time for dating. She also has a secret identity on a dating app that she keeps under tight wrap. Her grandma Polly and her cohorts in the Secret Seven have set Remi as their next target to help find love.
Creed is sent to Diamond Cove on a mission from his father. He is to sign Remi’s coming as part of Creed’s family national company. It would benefit his father’s company and help Creed get back in his good graces. Easy enough right? Well Creed hadn’t counted on becoming a landscaping intern, the stubbornness of Remi Greenwood, or how much the S7 would manipulate his plans.
I loved every minute of this fun and clean romance! I Love the S7 and their escapades!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh! I loved seeing Paxton get his Happily Ever After, so I was more than a little excited to see what it would take to find one for his sister, Remi, and who it would be. This story brings us another spin on feuding families with love interest Creed, whose father’s company is looking to buy out Remi’s family landscaping company. The sparks fly from the moment we first see these two on the page. And even though it’s a while before they are each other’s number one fan, they go together like fire and gasoline. I really hate letting go of these two now that their book is over.

[Sara Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read, and one that showed how important family values are. When Remi begrudgingly takes on an intern at her family business, it's made even worse by who that intern is. Not only that, but the intern is kind of attractive. How is she going to survive a month putting up with this? While this is part of a series, it certainly could be read on its own. The only part of the story you might miss out on is having a better understanding of the Secret Seven. All and all, this is a cute series, and I look forward to continuing to read it!

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her grandmother is determined to get her married
She goes for a visit — after a dental appointment and a super swollen mouth, She stays with her, and is introduced to a friend of her grandmother. She wants to meet a man she knows on line . . . . and life gets very interesting indeed. LOVED THIS BOOK. GREAT STORY. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remi and Creed are business enemies – his father wanting to buy out her family business – and due to a misunderstanding he starts work as an intern landscaper. I liked the attraction between them and liked the Secret Seven's intervention tactics. I liked how both characters worked through their various feelings and doubts. This is an enjoyable and fun romance.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it isn't great having loving grandparents, especially when they try to find your perfect match. Polly's grand daughter, Remi, can't seem to go anywhere without running into Creed, a man interested in taking over her business. He is the match the Secret Seven found for her but is he the right person. These stories are always fun and they always have a happy ending.

[jyweniverel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites. Too much like “You’ve Got Mail”. I still like this series and hope I can read them all before the end of the year.
“He immediately felt the absence of her in his arms and in his heart, followed by a sinking sense of disappointment in himself for feeling the way he did. The reality was, no matter how much he wanted to, Remi Greenwood wouldn’t be that easy to forget.”

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remi is set in keeping the family business and not sell to a big company. Creed needs convince Remi to sell to gain his father approval again. Can they fight their attraction and the matchmaking of the Secret Seven or will they fall in love?

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Humor

I enjoyed this next book in a beloved series. The romance and antics of the grandparents were fun and I enjoyed seeing an earlier romance progress as well.

[Maria Hoagland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!! Laughs and love--and a fresh take on "You've Got Mail."

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed. Love the Secret 7 and how their plans work out, almost like it was already meant to be. Clean romance with fun twists. Always a joy to read.